Wednesday January 31, 2024
PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak has given his backing to efforts to bring speedway and stock car racing back to Brandon Stadium.

The stadium issue was raised during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday (January 31) by the MP for Rugby, Mark Pawsey.

This follows the recent decision of the inspector, Helen Hockenhull, to dismiss the appeal from stadium owners Brandon Estates against the refusal of planning permission for a proposed development comprising 124 houses and a 3G football pitch.

Mr Pawsey, who has been a firm supporter of the Save Coventry Speedway & Stox Campaign from the outset, said: “The Prime Minister likes to attend live sport, and so I wonder whether he would join me in welcoming the decision of the Planning Inspector in upholding Rugby Council’s rejection of an application for development at Brandon Stadium in my constituency, to keep the doors open for it to remain a sporting venue, so that future generations will enjoy the thrills and spills of motorcycle speedway and stock cars.”

Mr Sunak responded: “I join my honourable friend in paying tribute and being proud of Britain’s rich history in the automotive and motorsport sectors.

“The stadium that he talks about is a historic motorsport venue, and whilst it’s been a shame to see it fall into disrepair, I hope that the decision he refers to enables the possibility of both speedway and stock car racing to return.

“And I know that my honourable friend will rightly continue to champion this cause.”