The following statement has been issued by Swindon Speedway.

It is with great sadness that the Directors of Swindon Speedway and Stadia UK are announcing permanent closure of Speedway Racing at the Abbey Stadium.

We together made extensive investigations with a view of keeping Speedway racing at the Abbey Stadium. These discussions have involved the current management and promotion of the club and has extended to a number of possible investors.

The club has concluded that with the prevailing financial climate, the uncertainty over the long-term future of Greyhound racing and the inability to operate additional events, Speedway racing cannot achieve anything like a break-even financial position, short or long term. Sadly, this means that Swindon Speedway will not be able to compete in the coming 2023 season.

However, these recent discussions have revealed a keenness from a number of potential investors to create a new motor sport stadium within the environs of greater Swindon.

It is the intention that the site would be a new build, in an environment which would allow regular use of a stadium specifically for Motorsports. Speedway would form an integral part of this plan.

Consequently, a new company Swindon Motorsports Limited has been formed with the intention of identifying a suitable site and achieving planning permission. It is hoped that this option will bring about the swift return of speedway to Swindon.

Club Chairman Terry Russell said: “I am disappointed that my 17-year involvement with the club has ended. However, I am very excited about the new venture and bringing a new facility built especially for motorsports.”

Council leader David Renard said: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Swindon Robins speedway team will be unable to compete in the 2023 season. Speedway has been an integral part of the Swindon sports scene for so long at the Abbey Stadium, this is the end of an era."

"We wish them every success with their plans to find a new home in the area that is financially viable and will support them with their endeavours if there is the possibility to do so."

“In planning terms, we have remained steadfast in supporting the ongoing use of the stadium and planning conditions are in place for an adjacent housing development which require a number of actions from the stadium owners including acoustic barriers, a stadium building and a range of other conditions before that can go ahead. There are no applications for any alternative use of the stadium site.”

Robins fan Darren Hayward told the Swindon Advertiser: “We all kinda knew this was coming but still so sad. Sure hope that a venue can be found but guess we shouldn't hold our breath. Thank you for some magical nights.”