The Promoters and Directors of Plymouth Gladiators Speedway have reluctantly decided to cancel the proposed Challenge Match v Leicester Cubs Select on Tuesday 28th September, but remain cautiously hopeful that further Fixtures scheduled for October may be able to take place.

The Club explained the reasons for their decision:

"Following the statement by Boris Johnson to the House of Commons at 12.30pm on Tuesday 22nd September, we were initially instructed to postpone that evening's Fixture v GB Young Lions Select.

There was naturally a lot of confusion in the immediate aftermath; and only the intervention by our local MP Gary Streeter, who was able to clarify that our DCMS (Department of Culture, Media and Sport) and Council and Sport Regulatory permissions would remain at that time unaffected; were we able to finally confirm that we could legally and ethically go ahead at about 4.00pm that afternoon, an hour before the Gates opened. 

We were delighted with every aspect of the Match on Tuesday night and thank everyone involved for their support, cooperation, and positive feedback.

We have subsequently confirmed with Gary and the DCMS that as of today; that those approvals are still in place. However, we have been made aware that there can be a time delay of up to a week, between an announcement being made by Government Ministers and the specific and often complex details being passed even to the Statutory Department (like the DCMS) for final publication and implementation.

We do not wish to therefore commit to a Fixture; book Riders; sell Tickets and spend considerable Meeting set up costs, until the situation is 100% clear.

We hope that everyone will understand both the stress that we went through on Tuesday afternoon fearful of letting everyone down, even if outside of our control, by not therefore rushing to potentially have the same scenario next Tuesday.

We feel that our 2 recent Meetings have left a very positive impression locally and nationally, and we don't wish to tarnish that perception.

Once we have the final confirmation that our status to continue is intact; we will seek to confirm our October Fixtures, if our status to stage Fixtures under our current Covid 19 Regulations and approvals change we will of course inform you of that too.

We are very concerned about the rise in the rate of Covid infections nationally, even if locally the South West seems to be less adversely affected at this time, and the local and national rate and public perception of that rate, will very much drive our decision making for October. 

We would anticipate giving a further update no later than Friday 2nd October.

Please stay safe and abide by Government and Local Guidelines in the meantime and we hope to see you all at The Coliseum again in a few weeks time and remember the safety guidelines and objectives HANDS, FACE, SPACE, RACE..  

Mark Phillips - Promoter/Director

Mattie Bates - Co Promoter

Ian Jordan - Director

Image Credit: westcountryseen

For the second successive meeting, West country speedway fans witnessed a thrilling meeting at the Coliseum as the home side defeated a Great Britain Young Lions side that contained some of the most promising young riders in the country.

On yet another superbly prepared racing surface, the meeting came to life in Heat 4 when Henry Atkins swooped around the outside of Tom Brennan. This was to set the tone for Atkins’ evening as he showed stunning speed, being unbeaten in all of his six rides to secure his first ever maximum.

Home skipper Alfie Bowtell was also unbeaten by an opponent and the duo were ably supported by Jason Edwards and Richard Andrews.

For the Young Lions, Dan Thompson, one half of the ‘Thompson Twins’ was impressive in top scoring for the Lions.

The Gladiators gradually extended their lead as the meeting progressed although the final score did not do justice to the efforts of the Young Lions team.

Lions boss, Neil Vatcher was not too disheartened by the defeat. ‘We obviously came here to win’ he said, ‘but it was more valuable experience for our young riders on a technical circuit. I was very impressed with our two young reserves, Harry McGurk and Archie Freeman and they both rode well above my expectations on their first visit to the track’.

For an understandably overjoyed Atkins, it was reward for the hard work he has put in off the track over the past few months.

‘I have worked really hard on my fitness and nutrition over the summer’ said the Exeter based rider. ‘Plus, the closed practices that I have attended at Plymouth really helped to get the bike dialled into the track perfectly and it all came good tonight.

I had a good meeting at Scunthorpe on Sunday in the British under 19 final (finishing fifth) and that also boosted my confidence’.  

Scorers:

Plymouth:

Henry Atkins 18 pts (from 6 rides), Alfie Bowtell 13 + 2 bonus (5), Jason Edwards 8 + 1 (4), Richard Andrews 7 + 1 (4), Arran Butcher 4 (6), Sheldon Davies 1 (5), Chad Wirtzfeld rider replacement.

Young Lions:

Dan Thompson 10 (5), Tom Brennan 9 (5), Alex Spooner 5 + 2 (4), Joe Thompson 4 + 1 (4), Harry McGurk 4 + 1 (4), Jordan Palin 4 (4), Archie Freeman 3 + 2 (4).

Meeting Report: Andy Riddle -Plymouth Speedway Press Officer

Image Credit: Westcountryseen Photography

In the light of the news of further Covid 19 Restrictions announced by the Government on Tuesday 22nd September, most of which come in to place on Thursday 24th September, we will consult with The BSPL/SCB/Local Authority and the DCMS (Department of Culture Media and Sport) in the next 24-48 hours to seek official guidance as to whether we can stage any further Fixtures in 2020.

We would like to thank all Riders, Officials; Supporters and Sponsors for their assistance in completing the match between the Gladiators and Young Lions last night and especially the BSPL / SCB / Local Authority and our local MP Gary Streeter for their assistance in interpreting the announcements made at 12.30pm on the day of the Event by the Prime Minister; to ensure that we could make an informed decision as to whether we were able to race last night or not.

We will update everyone as soon as we have clear concise and accurate information about the possibility and legality of further planned Fixtures in 2020 taking place".

Image Credit: Westcountryseen Photography

Update: Tuesday 22nd - 12.15pm - Tickets for tonight's meeting have now sold out. Thank you for all of your support. Please note due to covid restrictions, entry is via advance tickets only, and tickets cannot be purchased on the gate tonight.

A big thank you to everyone who has purchased a ticket for tomorrow's match between Plymouth Gladiators and a GB Young Lions Select.

Your support is very much appreciated, and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow. 

We have a small number of Tickets available and they will only remain ON SALE until all are purchased, or to 12 noon tomorrow, whichever is the case.  Click here to purchase.

The Match is Strictly ALL TICKET and they must be purchased in advance with No Cash or Card Sales on the night.

The Stadium is fully Covid 19 authorised and regulated; allowing the Match to go on as planned despite some new restrictions being introduced since the last Match.

The "Rule of 6" introduced since the last Meeting means that you should leave space between yourself and your Group (maximum 6) and other Groups, please seek the assistance of a Steward, if you have any concerns about this. There is plenty of space allowing everyone to feel safe within the allowed maximum Crowd.

The weather forecast is for a DRY but cloudy day and Evening, but it may get a bit chilly later on as Autumn encroaches, so we suggest you dress accordingly.

Gates Open at 5.00pm - Tapes Up at 7.00pm prompt - Parade at 6.50pm

The FREE Coypool Road Park and Ride is OPEN. Please note this Car Park CLOSES at around 10.00pm on Speedway nights (ignore signs on Car Park saying earlier on normal days).

If Parking within the Stadium; please Park in the designated area on the Football Pitch applying social distancing to nearest vehicle. There will be a Parking charge of £2.

It is important that you sit / stand in the area your Ticket designated, (Home Straight side / Back Straight side / Disabled Area)

Entry and Exit and Flow markers will be clearly visible to all Areas. Food and Drink and Toilet Areas should be used within "social distancing rules and as guided".

The PITS AREA will be closed to all but essential Staff before and after the Event (ACU / SCB / BSPL protocols)

There will be NO CARD payment facilities within the Stadium (Covid Regulations) Cash only in Bars / Food with exact change preferred.

There is an 8-page Programme for the meeting including the Race Card which will be issued FREE to all on Arrival. We are launching our new and exciting ONLINE MERCHANDISE Store with full details in the Free Programme.

We have installed 40 new LED lights to cover ALL Spectator Areas to enhance Spectator safety and visibility since the last Meeting following constructive feedback and this is part of further ongoing enhancements to the Stadium. 

We also plan to upgrade all Track Lighting during the winter and the first 10 of 30 new more powerful LED lights, which use a lot less electricity, but offer increased luminosity; and which are more environmentally friendly, will be switched on for the first time tomorrow night.

This is all part of our programme of continuous improvement to The Coliseum Stadium as part of our hopes of moving up the Speedway League pyramid as soon as we are allowed to do so.

Masks must be shown and worn on Entry and when in an inside or confined place. They can be worn or not in other outside areas of the Stadium at your own discretion.

Please take note of any Covid 19 announcements during the Event. 

We are delighted to be able to stage LIVE and COMPETITIVE Speedway but are very much under the microscope, so your cooperation in abiding by the strict Covid 19 Guidelines will be very much appreciated as any issues could cause the loss of forthcoming Fixtures.

We hope that you have a great and safe evening, and if you haven't got your Tickets yet, please Don't Delay and buy them today.

It promises to be a great night with some of the top young British Speedway talent on display. 

None of us can be sure if further restrictions may be implemented later in the week, so hopefully we can all enjoy some LIVE SPEEDWAY while we can.

Regards

Plymouth Gladiators Speedway

Image Credit: Westcountryseen Photography

Plymouth Gladiators Speedway będzie gospodarzem kolejnego meczu
żużlowego już we wtorek 22 września. Na terenie stadionu będzie dostępna
autentyczna POLSKA PIECZONA KIEŁBASA!

Grill zapewnia nasz dobry przyjaciel i kibic żużlowy Grzegorz Starzec.

Speedway Plymouth Gladiators zmierzą się z Team GB Young Team, w której to zawodnikiem jest największy brytyjski talent do lat 21.

Ze względu na ograniczenia Covid-19, na spotkanie to, bilety można
zakupić tylko ONLINE pod tym linkiem:

Chcielibyśmy zobaczyć na stadionie jak najwięcej naszych polskich
przyjaciół!

Plymouth Speedway will host another authentic POLISH BBQ at their next Home Meeting on Tuesday 22nd September.

The BBQ is provided by our good friend and Speedway supporter Gregorsz Starzec. 

The Speedway will see the Plymouth Gladiators take on a team including the best of British Under 21 Talent - Team GB Young Lions

Because of Covid 19 Restrictions the Match is TICKET ONLY via Online ticketing.

We'd love to see as many of our Polish Friends there as possible. Tickets can be purchased here.

Once again, thank you for supporting our first 2020 Meeting at Plymouth last Tuesday.

If you have already purchased your Tickets for the next Match on Tuesday 22nd September - v GB Young Lions, thank you very much for your support again, it is much appreciated.

At the time of writing there are just less than 100 Tickets remaining for the Meeting on the 22nd September, so if you want to come to Speedway again to see some of the top youngsters of the future pit their skills against The Gladiators, please don't delay too long as we hope for another "SELL OUT" Crowd a week on Tuesday.

There are no plans currently to Live Stream this Meeting, so tickets must be bought in advance via the Gladiators Ticket portal here.

We have spoken to both Plymouth City Council and the SCB/BSPL (British Speedway Regulators) since the new Covid 19 measures were bought in late last week, and both have confirmed that we will be perfectly able and authorised to continue Speedway under the current Regulations provided we remain within the Crowd restraints imposed, and provided we continue to implement the Covid 19 safety procedures, that you saw last Tuesday.

We have fine tuned one or two Covid 19 measures, based on your feedback and suggestions and can also confirm that 20 additional powerful LED lights will be in place around the Stadium, specifically to improve lighting in The Stands and gangways, The Disabled Stand and in the general Entry and Exit points. 

We will continue to monitor the situation and are pleased to see that the long range weather forecast for next week looks very promising at the moment. As ever, the safety of everyone will remain our prime concern.

We hope to see you all again next Tuesday.

Plymouth Gladiators Speedway

Tickets are now on sale for our next match on Tuesday 22nd September 2020, a Challenge match between Plymouth Gladiators and a GB Young Lions U21 Select.

The GB Young Lions Select Team will be: Tom Brennan (Capt), Jordan Palin, Dan Thompson, Joe Thompson, Alex Spooner, Harry McGurk and Archie Freeman - Team Manager Neil Vatcher.

Plymouth Gladiators have confirmed that the fixture can proceed following the revised Covid 19 Regulations advised by Government yesterday, as it falls in the criteria of permissible Team Sports with an attendance of 1000 or less, with all of the necessary Covid 19 Safety assessments in place.

We would advise all Supporters purchasing Tickets to read The Terms and very transparent and detailed Conditions of Purchase carefully before purchasing.

We look forward to seeing another excellent Crowd and some great Racing at The Coliseum with some of the brightest young talents in British Speedway on show.

The Event is strictly ALL TICKET via advance purchase only. Click here to purchase your tickets.

The Management and Directors of Plymouth Speedway would like to say a big THANK YOU to all Supporters who travelled to The Coliseum from far and wide last night to see a thrilling Meeting on an excellent Track surface.

The Meeting was a great advert for Speedway and we hope that you all enjoyed it.

We would also like to thank Gerry; Shane and Andy for some outstanding and professional work and a great Live Streaming Show that has won massive praise, which is well deserved.

We will await clarification from The BSPL as to whether we can repeat this in the future, as we were granted approval on a Meeting by Meeting basis. Streaming will not be available to us at ALL Meetings but it was nice to prove that it can work successfully at our venue.

A big thank you too therefore to all of those who purchased Live Streaming on the night.

We learned a lot about Covid 19 and it's restrictions and the measures that we put in place.

We have received a lot of favourable comment about Covid 19 issues specifically, but there are a few things we know that we can do better, so we will be having a debrief and will fine tune things and hopefully further improve our Meeting Presentation in respect of Covid 19

All feedback and comments are welcomed please mail us at admin@plymouth-speedway.com 

Our next scheduled Fixture is on TUESDAY 22nd September v GB Young Lions - Tapes up 7.00pm

We don't currently have plans to Stream this Meeting so to ensure that you can watch some more great Racing with The Gladiators in action against some of the cream of the Team GB Academy Programme (The Young Lions) please make sure that you purchase your Ticket as soon as the go ON SALE to avoid disappointment.

We are aware as you may all be that a major announcement is due later today about Covid 19 measures and possibly new restrictions.

It is our understanding that any measures WILL NOT impact on the type of Events that we are Staging.

However, we think that the professional and sensible thing to do is to wait for 24 hours and see, rather than put Event Tickets ON SALE, and have to change those plans later today.

We will update further and we hope and expect to put Tickets ON SALE from 9.00am tomorrow morning.

Under strict Covid-19 regulations, Plymouth Gladiators staged a highly successful first meeting of the ‘season’ on Tuesday evening in front of a sell-out crowd at The Coliseum.

The main event was a three team tournament featuring quartets representing the Gladiators, the Isle of Wight Warriors and the Eastbourne Eagles.

On a superbly prepared track, an exciting meeting culminated in a final heat when any of the three teams could have emerged as victors. However, it was the Eagles who were triumphant with a score of 31 points, narrowly followed by the Warriors with 30 and Plymouth on 28.

For most of the riders, it was their first competitive rides for almost 12 months but the adrenalin was soon flowing as Gladiators’ new signing, Alfie Bowtell raced to a first heat win. Indeed, aside from a tape’s exclusion in heat 4, Bowtell was unbeaten for the Gladiators.

He was ably supported by fans’ favourite, Henry Atkins, whose superb gating skills helped him to 11 points. Warriors’ Ben Morley showed his usual liking for the Plymouth track and was the top scorer on the evening with 13 points whilst the Eastbourne side featured the highly rated Tom Brennan who, on the previous weekend, had been part of the bronze medal winning Great Britain under 21 side in the under 21 World Cup final in Denmark.

The meeting concluded with a race featuring the four top scorers from the evening. Unfortunately for Morley, he had a nasty looking crash coming out of bend 2 and required some medical treatment on the track before hobbling back to the pits.

In the re-run, Atkins’ gating ability again came to the fore as he made a superb start from the outside gate and never looked troubled to gain the win which carried a healthy cash prize. With Bowtell in second place, it rounded off a superb evening of entertainment.

Gladiators’ promoter and team manager, Mattie Bates was delighted with both the quality of racing and the overall success of the event.

‘A great deal of planning has gone into the meeting and I’d like to thank the riders, fellow promoters, our wonderful group of volunteers and not least the fans who provided a great atmosphere tonight and made everyone’s life a bit easier by adhering to the Covid guidelines that we had laid down.

The track was excellent and Mark (Phillips) has put a massive amount of work in to prepare a great racing surface. We saw some great racing out there tonight and bring on the next one!’

Meeting result:

Eastbourne Eagles 31; Tom Brennan 10 points, Jason Edwards 10, Jake Knight 9+2 bonus, Connor King 2+1.

Isle of Wight Warriors 30; Ben Morley 13, Connor Coles 11+1, Tom Woolley 4, Chad Wirtzfeld 2

Plymouth Gladiators 28; Alfie Bowtell 12, Henry Atkins 11, Richard Andrews 4+1, Arran Butcher 1, Kris Andrews 0.

Andy Riddle - Plymouth Speedway Press Officer

Image credit: Speedway Chat Show

UPDATE. Please note that tickets for the Three Team Tournament have now sold out. Thank you for your support. Please note that this is an online ticket event only. No card or cash admission on the night.  You can register for the wait list, should any purchased tickets be released.

Supporters wishing to travel to Plymouth on Tuesday night for the 3 Team Tournament between the Plymouth Gladiators, Isle of Wight Warriors and an Eastbourne HG Aerospace NDL Select Team are advised that only a small number of tickets remain.

It is expected that the "House Full Signs" will go up after the weekend, so if you wish to attend the exciting opening Meeting of the season at Plymouth on Tuesday 8th September at 7.00pm, the advice is to purchase your Ticket today by clicking here.

Live stream will be available

The Directors and Management of Plymouth Speedway have announced that the match will also be available for LIVE STREAMING for those unable to attend in person on the night.

Plymouth Speedway media consultant Gerry Sims, via his Blumonkey Media Company creation The Speedway Chat Show, will Live Stream the event on Tuesday night featuring all 15 heats, plus a specially sponsored "Dash for The Cash" 16th heat sponsored by Danish based GP Speedway Spares supplier, KL Support.

Sims co-hosts The Speedway Chatshow on Facebook with Aussie legend "The Sydney Lip”, Shane Childs,

Plymouth Gladiators Speedway are delighted to launch this exciting innovation for the three-team tournament and Speedway supporters from around the globe can find out more and enrol to watch the racing in full by visiting “The Speedway Chat Show" on Facebook here and clicking on the events tab and following the simple booking Instructions.

A small fee of less than £4.00 will give access to all 16 races (Live and available to watch at any time after the event) and also interviews and further features during the evening.

Plymouth Managing Director and Promoter Mark Phillips said: "We can't wait for Tuesday night.

“Fingers crossed the weather looks set fair, with a capacity crowd under Covid-19 regulations expected.

“We have some outstanding NDL and young British talent on show, and to cap it all a real game changer, with the Live Streaming courtesy of The Speedway Chat Show.

“We have bold ambitions for the future of Speedway and our stadium facilities to showcase Devon and the South West.

“We look forward to putting our marker down on Tuesday night.”