Speedway MK

After a gap of nearly 20 years, Milton Keynes Knights are set to return to the speedway world in 2011.

With no �home� venue of their own since the closure of Elfield Park in 1992, The MK �Alpine Cooling� Knights will return to track action against Mildenhall Fen Tigers Academy at West Row, Mildenhall on Sunday 14th August 2011.

Former rider, Chris Strong has taken on the role of team manager and Chris will be using a pool of 7-8 talented British juniors looking to take their first steps in to competitive league racing.

�Since the closure of Elfield Park in 1992, speedway in the UK has seen resurgence in interest with British Elite League, the Speedway Grand Prix series and the World Team Cup shown live on SKY Sports� commented project organiser Richard Ward. �Whilst we haven�t got a track we can call home in the area, there is a fan base out there covering Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire & Northants who are crying out for a team they can call their own!�

�Initially we�ll compete at amateur level but our long term aim is to find a new home track and promotion who can return professional speedway to the area�.

�Our meeting against The Mildenhall Academy will follow their senior teams National League fixture against Stoke and will feature two 4-man teams competing over 6 races. This is just the start for the new MK �Alpine Cooling� Knights, with further fixtures against Long Eaton Invaders @ Leicester & Team Viking @ Sheffield being planned for September�

Richard Ward added �our thanks go out to Alpine Cooling UK Ltd who�s involvement as main team sponsor for 2011/12 has helped get us back on track sooner than we initially thought and to Dare 2 Ware Ltd of Milton Keynes who are helping us with official team merchandise, profits from which will go back into the supporters group for event funding or to help riders out with equipment.

As well as looking to keep the team going in 2012, �speedway:MK� are looking at organising a series of events, including a reunion of former riders & officials to mark the 20th anniversary of speedway closing down in the area and all future events or race meetings will be updated in the speedway & local press on a regular basis

More information about �speedway:MK� can be obtained by e-mailing speedway_mk@btinternet.com or visit the new Facebook page speedway_Mk

This article was first published on 14th July 2011