Swindon Speedway fans have launched a petition to get Gaming International to finish work on the Abbey Stadium to see the sport return to the town.

Fan action group “Swindon Needs Speedway” have launched the petition to get Gaming International and Taylor Wimpey to complete all necessary work at the site of the Swindon Robins’ former ground to comply with regulations and make it possible for the team to return.

Swindon haven’t competed in Speedway since 2019 due to a mix of the Covid-19 pandemic and the redevelopment of the Abbey Stadium.

Gaming International and Swindon Speedway Ltd, who announced that through their new company Swindon Motorsports Ltd they planned to build a new stadium and motorsports complex at a site near Royal Wootton Bassett, still own the ground and the petition hopes to get them to commit to completing its redevelopment.

The petition says: “The Swindon Speedway Fans action group known as "Swindon Needs Speedway" are seeking to ensure that Gaming International / Taylor Wimpey complete all necessary works including conditions 1 to 15 at Blunsdon Stadium so the facility is in an appropriate condition to host speedway racing in accordance with Speedway Control Board Regulations 2024.

“This is to enable a new prospective speedway promotion at Abbey Stadium. The action group will work collaboratively with Gaming International, Taylor Wimpey and DPP Planning to enable the return of the sport. This will enable continuation at the Abbey Stadium until an alternative site is identified. The new Local Plan 2036 should provide for operational speedway racing within the town of Swindon.”

The petition, which was launched on September 10, is being driven by Swindon Needs Speedway, a group of fans working to see the club back, with many sharing their stories of what the club and sport has meant to them.

You can find the petition here: https://ww5.swindon.gov.uk/moderngov/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?id=64

Chairman Andy Freegard wrote on their website: “Swindon Speedway and the sport in general has been a big part of my life for 50 years.

“From early days in the mid-70's going to Blunsdon on the bus with my late Dad, trips home and away with my mates from the early 80's, to an entire Speedway Star collection, thousands of programmes and running a speedway history website - the sport has been a bit of an obsession. I'm a right anorak!

“Great memories throughout the years, regardless of how well the team were doing. Each one firmly imprinted in my mind and remembered fondly.”