SPEEDWAY fans are being encouraged to share lifts ahead of Coventry Bees’ latest ‘Challenge Series’ fixture against Poole next Wednesday.
The Bees will travel down to Dorset for the club’s third fixture this season despite still being homeless after their traditional Coventry Stadium home became unavailable this year following a bitter off-season dispute between multiple parties.
Bees were axed from the SGB Premiership just weeks before the 2017 season was due to start, leaving supporters old and new devastated by the club’s absence.
However in an attempt to keep the Bees name in the public eye, campaigners have arranged a series of challenge fixtures with SGB Premiership teams.
Many of Coventry’s initial team members – including British Champion Danny King, British Under 21 Champion Josh Bates, promising youngster James Sarjeant and former Grand Prix star Kenneth Bjerre – were left without a job in the sport’s top British tier.
Though many now have either full-time or temporary places in other teams, all riders – with the exception of Kenneth Bjerre who now races for Belle Vue – have remained committed to riding for the Bees, meaning fans have a team to support on the road.
And fans are being encouraged to share lifts with supporters to enable as many supporters possible to support the Bees.
It is hoped by sharing lifts new friendships will be made, cost of travel will be reduced and a sense of community can be created.
Wednesday’s meeting at Poole Stadium starts at 7.30pm, with travel down to Poole taking between two-and-a-half to three hours – and petrol for a return trip costing approximately £45.
The Bees slipped to a 14 point loss against Wolverhampton on Monday night, slightly denting confidence ahead of next Wednesday’s meeting in Dorset.
Many memorable moments have happened at Poole Stadium, home to Bees’ fierce on track rivals the Poole Pirates.
In 2010 Coventry defied odds to beat the Pirates home and away to lift the 2010 Elite League Playoff Championship, despite losing their opening seven Elite League fixtures.
The Pirates got revenge in 2014 though, winning both legs of the Grand Final.
