suppose that depends on whether we rent the stadium year round or just on matchdays?. we have use of coral stand (which I believe is still a bulls asset?) and offices/shop year round but maybe we only get use of rest on the specific matchdays?. If thats correct then would explain why sutcliffe seems slightly unenthusiastic in article. Presumably if speedway did come back we'd make money from them using coral stand facilities but all other concessions and gate receipts would go to the speedway organiser, which could tie in with him making the planning application.

Perhaps it could just be incorporated into the OSV mkIII plans which should be available soon.


The days of Speedway at Odsal are long gone. Too many (very expensive) structural changes would need to be made.

That was my first thought too. Especially, as Gerry pretty much pooh poohed the idea at the recent forum, giving reasons why it wasn't really feasible. As the RFL have the primary lease and we have the secondary, I can't see how or who is going to OK this, even if some kind of outline planning agreement was given. Though, that said, I would have to think they wouldn't even apply without being sure they could get agreement from the leaseholder[s], so who knows what's going on in the background?

As someone who really enjoyed speedway in the past, at Odsal and and Halifax, I suppose I might be expected to be supportive, but in truth, I find the track a negative when watching rugby and, as far as Odsal is concerned, I'd prefer less space between the fans and the match, not more.

I'd love to see the Speedway back at Odsal. All seems to be a bit of mixed message coming out regarding this though. I think there is definitely an appetite for Speedway in West Yorkshire.

Seems like the guy putting application in hasn't bothered talking to RFL at least.
rlhttps://www.sportinglife.com/rugby-league/news/article/480/8649211/rfl-in-dark-over-speedwayrl

Seems a very strange carry on. Sutcliffe talking it down, RFL not consulted yet he puts a planning application in?

BRADFORD RETURN UPDATE

Thursday April 18, 2013
TONY Mole, the man responsible for opening and rescuing a number of Speedway clubs down the years, is continuing his plans to take the sport back to Bradford.

And Mole, based in Kidderminster, has revealed how he plans to revive a great name from the past should he be successful.

The sport was last staged at the world famous Odsal Stadium in 1997 when the Dukes, under sporting brothers Allan and Bobby Ham, swept to the Elite League title.

Odsal hosted two stunning World Finals in 1985 and 1990 when thousands flocked to the West Yorkshire venue.

Now Mole wants to bring the Dukes back - under the name of Bradford and Halifax.

He told speedwaygb.co: "I can confirm I have met Speedway Control Bureau officials at the stadium and it is possible to meet all their requirements for a new track.

"I have written to Bradford MBC with an application for certification of established use as the sport was held there previously with no known objections.

"I have exchanged drafts of licence agreements with Bradford Bulls Rugby League club although these are subjects to solicitors finalising them.

"The freehold is leased by Bradford MBC but when the Rugby League club hit problems this was taken on by the Rugby Football League Council. We would need their approval but we cannot discuss the matter further with them until we have planning confirmed.

"Not only can I confirm we can meet SCB requirements, but we can have a potential FIM track which would give is the option of major events once again.

"There is still a big demand for the sport in West Yorkshire. The Bradford and Halifax Dukes would attract plenty of interest.

"And I'd like to thank Allan Ham, the previous promoter at Bradford, for all his help and advice."

So doesn't look like the Coral Stand is a problem. Obviously some pits would be needed but they don't have to be as big as we use to have.

Anyone can apply for planning permission on anyone else's land. Even your own back garden and that's old hat

[i"I have exchanged drafts of licence agreements with Bradford Bulls Rugby League club although these are subjects to solicitors finalising them."[/i

This is something new

On sky text the RFL don't know anything about this

Do we all expect the RFL drag their feet giving their permission

SKY TV return this season showing Elite and Premier league Speedway on Sky Sports

FIM Sppedway GP at Odsal would be something!

Where have you been? Thatcher shut them all down.

This bit sounds a little like the "exchange of licence agreements" was with the 'old' management?