A GROUP of speedway enthusiasts hoping to get the Reading Racers back on track will meet this Saturday.

Mark Robinson – a member of the Cradley Heathens Supporters Trust – will be the guest speaker as fans discuss the possibility of a Reading equivalent, ultimately bringing speedway back to the town.

Racers were formed in 1968 and went on to win four British League titles during their history, along with a British Cup success.

The club – which attracted crowds in excess of 7,000 during its peak – eventually closed in October 2008 after the lease on Smallmead Stadium in Whitley expired and the site was demolished.

Emma Pike, 34, is the force behind the 'Bring Racers Back' campaign and she has already received support from former riders including ex-World Champion Per Johansson, Phil Morris and Todd Wiltshire.

“The aim of Saturday's meeting is to see how much genuine support is out there for speedway in Reading,” said mum-of-three Emma.

“We are starting from the very bottom. We have no track, no team and no stadium.

“But you have to start from somewhere and we are determined to see this through.”

The initiative is quickly gathering momentum on social media and organisers are due to meet representatives of Supporters Direct with a view to setting up a trust fund.

“They mainly deal with football and rugby but they have agreed to help us set up an official trust and to explore what land in Reading is available,” explained Emma, who lives in Newbury.

“This won't happen overnight. We've got to find sponsors and all sorts of things.

“But once the trust is set up, we can start fundraising towards acquiring some land and putting a team together.”

Quality manager Emma added: “The support has already been overwhelming.
“From the age of six my dad took me to Smallmead every Monday night and it's a great shame that I can't take my own children now that it's gone.

“But we really mean business in terms of bringing the Racers back. This isn't just talk, we're in it for the long haul.”

It is though a team of ex-Reading Racers are now being assembled for a meeting in Plymouth on April 8.

The movement has also gained support from speedway clubs all over the country who are eager to see Reading Racers back in action.

Racers supporter Dan Green posted on the 'Bring Back Reading Racers facebook page: “Its doesn't matter which era you grew up watching, it doesn't matter if you watched speedway at Tilehurst or Smallmead Stadium, it doesn't matter if Anders Michanek or Per Jonsson was your hero, what matters is getting speedway back at Reading and the Racers back on track.”

Meanwhile, this Saturday's open meeting will take place at The Holiday Inn, Basingstoke Road, and starts at 2pm. Anyone is welcome to attend.

For more details check out the website at www.readingspeedway.com or facebook page 'Bring Back Reading Racers' or Twitter @Reading_Racers