Opener is at risk after Belle Vue debacle

Bosses at Wolverhampton Wolves speedway are waiting to hear whether Friday afternoon's Elite League opener at Belle Vue will get the go-ahead or not.

Saturday's curtain-raising meeting at Belle Vue's new National Stadium had to be abandoned because of the concerns of top stars – including double world champion Tai Woffinden – about the state of the newly-laid surface.

And the knock-on effect could be that Wolves' Good Friday trip to Belle Vue is postponed – although no decision has yet been taken.

British Speedway Promoters' Association chairman Keith Chapman said: "This is a massive setback to the sport in this country and it can have a negative impact on every other club throughout the UK.

"It wasn't even a BSPA event, it was down to the Belle Vue promotion to ensure the meeting went ahead under the supervision of the Speedway Control Bureau referee – and they failed.

"It is the promoter's responsibility and not the BSPA as an association to ensure a 'domestic' fixture – which is what this was – goes ahead.

"It's an embarrassment and the rest of the sport in this country could be hit

by it. A thorough investigation has already started."