WORLD Speedway Champion Greg Hancock has described Coventry Stadium as one of the ‘most successful’ venues in the world amid ongoing off-track political issues which have prevented Bees taking part in this year’s SGB Premiership.
The 46-year-old, who has won the World Championship in 1997, 2011, 2014, and 2016, raced for the Bees from 1997 until 2001.
During his time at Brandon, Hancock helped Bees win the prestigious Craven Shield on two occasions, while continuing with his track commitments in Sweden, Poland and Denmark.
Regarded by many as Speedway’s Mr Nice Guy, Hancock pleaded for stadium owners Brandon Estates to reconsider any actions before potentially selling the land for property – which many Bees fans fear is a possibility.
Hancock said: “I was a key player for the Coventry Bees at Coventry Stadium for a number of years.
“I’m well aware of the history, heritage, and the background with regards to stock car racing, greyhound racing and other events.
“It saddens me to hear this situation. The purchasing of the stadium and the possible removals of the stadium and what that’s going to do to the surrounding area.
“I really hope there will be an alternative to this and there will be some serious consideration.
“This club is one of the longest-lasting, most successful venues in the speedway and stock car world, it’s brought a lot of good times and emotion as well as tourism and many other things to the area.
“Removing the sporting heritage that’s happened there for a long time is going to be a big disappointment, and will take away the excitement for a lot of families.”
Hancock last raced at Brandon in the 2012 Brandonapolis, an event watched by thousands of speedway fans from across the country to open to 2012 speedway racing season.
But his memories go back as far as the early 1990s during his Cradley days.
Hancock said: “Speedway is a family sport. It attracts people of all ages, there aren’t many active stadium’s left and coventry has so much to offer.
“Please don’t take away another stadium.
“Brandon is one stadium that has been there for ever and provided some fantastic entertainment for people.
“Please. I send my deepest wishes that you will reconsider and keep this stadium alive and active.”
