Latest Update...
The newly-constituted Mildenhall Speedway Supporters Trust (a Community Interest Company, with close to 100 signed up members now) have issued an update regarding the campaign to raise funds and get the Fen Tigers back on track for the 2025 season.
Speaking on behalf of the Trust, Steve Ribbons commented,
"Firstly we, the Steering Committee, would like to thank the support and generosity shown by the fans. Without you we wouldn't have been able to even consider going back to tapes.
"After the track inspection by the Speedway Control Board's track inspector Mr M. Bates it was established that the existing air fence belonging to the club was no longer fit for purpose and that the new style foam block safety barrier would be needed - it's the type of safety fence used successfully at King's Lynn, Glasgow, Berwick and Scunthorpe Speedway tracks. We have also put forward a design to the block manufacturers to make a ‘foam tea cosy’ to cover the uprights whilst our existing board safety fence on the straights will have an extension to the kick board to raise it up level with the top of the stock car fence. This then, we trust, will make the track as safe as it can possibly be - whilst understanding that NO Speedway track is entirely safe, such is the nature of the sport. These proposed safety enhancements then should satisfy all these unfounded rumours floating about on the internet."
Co-facilitator Kieran Phillips further updated,
“We have approached the British Speedway Promoters Ltd [BSPL] today (Monday 3/3) to pay our track bond as a sign of both good faith and our intent. The BSPL have advised that this bond payment will be taken on receipt of the necessary paperwork and a business plan - once that's all done, this then gives us a foot in the door.
"It is another step forward of what must feel to fans like a slow process, given what we have encountered even this early in the process of getting bikes back on track. However, these fence works come at a significant cost, with rough estimates that it will be more than £40,000.
"Now while this fence should last almost forever (Berwick have had theirs for ten years now), that does not help with the initial purchase price. If we are going to get this much-valued club going again we need everyone to pull together and any funds from the wider Speedway community are welcome. We have even had a pledge from a rider - such is the determination across the sport to get this club back on track.
Air Fence Improvement Required Following Track Inspection
In line with the application to take part in this season's National Development Trophy competition Mr Mick Bates, the Speedway Control Bureau track inspector came to Mildenhall Stadium on Friday 21st February to meet with members of the Steering Committee and view the new Stock Car safety fence. This new barrier erected for the car racing at the refurbished West Row venue turned out to be more substantial that most people on the Speedway side imagined.
Club facilitator Steve Ribbons explained,
"As we had not been to the stadium for a month, we were slightly taken aback at the solidity of the new Stock Car fence. Supporters may well have seen the pictures that were posted of this new fence on various Stock Car/Bangers forums online. Mick Bates was with us for two hours on Friday discussing things and, in his opinion, Speedway will only be able to return to Mildenhall Stadium if the following were put in place.
"Firstly, as the current air fence is now no longer robust enough to cover the safety aspects on the bends, a revised air barrier arrangement will be needed. Next, the steel RSJ’s - H section uprights would have to be cushioned. And lastly, a protective foam matting would have to be laid along the top of the concrete wall should a rider go over the fence”. Ribbons went on to update supporters,
Read more: Air Fence Improvement Required Following Track Inspection