CLUB NEWS: Birmingham track work takes centre stage

The Birmingham Monarchs Cycle Speedway club are turning to all things track related ahead of our opening meeting of the season in two weeks time, with the 4th and final round of the Spring Cup.

Members of the club turned out to continue the hard work needed to get the track and surroundings ready for what will be a busy season for the Perry Barr club over the weekend.

The corners are being painted in the trademark red and white colours of the club, whilst others members tidied up the track by removing weeds and moss.

Track manager Paul Timms was a little ‘frustrated’ at the slow progress: “If we had a dozen volunteers getting jobs done we might make progress quicker so the turn out of volunteers was disappointing and also frustrating.”

“With the financial support of the WMPCC we have started to put into action some of those plans. Shale has been purchased, small junior bikes are being sourced whilst we expect to be in position of taking purchase of a brand new diesel generator in the coming weeks. The new generator was high on the club’s priority list so it will be much quieter and effective.”

The funding from the Active Citizens Fund has enabled all this to be possible with the next phase of money is expected to be released later in the summer when other changes can be put into place, with toilets high on the agenda.

The club now have put in an application for full planning permission for the lighting, which looked at one stage it was likely to be a formality. Club secretary Tracy Arkinstall added: “It’s disappointing as we are a small community based club that is trying to offer youngsters of the area the chance to train and race.

“The lights aren’t permanent fixtures so we believed it wouldn’t need full planning permission. We are taking advice from British Cycling and a solicitor to make sure we meet all requirements”.

The third round of the Spring Cup, which was postponed last Sunday, will now take place at Ashmore Park in Wednesfield on Thursday 30th March 7.30pm. Birmingham host the 4th and final round Sunday 9th April 2pm.

Training commences every Tuesday and Thursday from 4th April with a British Cycling approved coach.