THE sudden closure of Rye House will reduce Premiership numbers to seven teams for the rest of the season.
The ailing Rockets, who unexpectedly called off their home match against Swindon at 24 hours’ notice last week, have been the subject of much speculation that they were in financial trouble. And the worst fears of Rockets fans have now been confirmed in a statement issued by the Speedway Control Bureau on Wednesday, which read:
‘It is with deep regret that Rye House Speedway Promoters have today been annulled by the Speedway Control Bureau. This is a sad day for the sport as the Rockets will now be unable to take their place in the Premiership for the remainder of the season. BMR Speedway Ltd, the club owners, and riders made the British Speedway Promoters’ Association aware of debts building and every opportunity was given for these to be reduced and finally settled. However, it has become apparent this is now not possible. We sincerely hope this is not the end of the sport at the Hoddesdon Raceway and that a way can be found for the club to return to racing next season.’
Rockets promoter Steve Jenson (pictured) had admitted that crowd levels on the new fixed race-night of Wednesday had given the club serious cause for concern, but owners Team BMR had been working hard to find a solution in order for the Hoddesdon outfit to remain in business. Rye House had fulfilled 11 of their scheduled 28 league matches, which will be expunged from the league table. The remaining seven clubs will complete a curtailed 24-match programme, with the top four progressing to the play-offs.
