Express & Star

Wolverhampton Wolves go flat out for big return to Monmore

Wolverhampton owner Chris Van Straaten is stepping up preparation for the return of the sport at Monmore this Monday.

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He’s confirmed the initial spectator limit will be below 1,000 and there is a big demand with the ‘Thank You NHS’ Trophy an all-ticket event.

All Parrys International Wolves riders will appear in the meeting to allow them valuable track time before the big Premiership meeting with Belle Vue the following Monday. Bikes haven’t been on the Monmore track in 20 months.

Chris Harris, always a popular visiting rider at Monmore because of his spectacular racing, has accepted an invite alongside his fellow Peterborough racer Michael Palm Toft.

And Wolves asset Ashley Morris, currently on loan to Championship Birmingham, will also appear in the individual event.

Van Straaten said: “I’ve been flat out putting this together after getting the green light for speedway to return to Monmore Green.

“The phone was ringing non-stop on Tuesday morning, clearly a lot of people are desperate to get back watching this magnificent sport that has been do badly missed.

“We want to give our riders important track time.

“We don’t want them going straight into a league meeting with Belle Vue having not ridden their own track in 20 months.

“There will be a few nerves I’m sure but we are all excited about the sport returning and ticket sales are extremely busy.”

On the reduced crowd numbers, Van Straaten said: “It is what it is, we have to work with it in the genuine hope and belief it will increase from June 21.

“I cannot thank our stadium landlords Ladbrokes and representatives of Wolverhampton City Council for all their help and support enough.

“Without them the sport would be lost to the city.

“We look forward to welcoming back our wonderful fans and apologise in advance to those who are left disappointed by not getting a ticket.”

n Tickets are available at wolverhampton-speedway.com/_mobile/boxoffice but fans are urged to move fast.