Belle Vue chief hits back at criticism

SPEEDWAY: FURIOUS Belle Vue chief executive officer David Gordon has hit back at criticism over the disastrous abandonment of Saturday’s inaugural meeting at the new National Stadium.

He and Chris Morton had to tell a sell-out crowd that the Peter Craven Memorial Trophy meeting had been called off after riders denounced the track as unsafe after a practice session.

They were locked in an emergency meeting early yesterday with the Manchester City Council project team and stadium builders ISG.

Gordon said all aspects of the stadium construction - including the laying of the track - had been done under the stadium build contract. Belle Vue’s only responsibility was the erection of a track safety fence.

Gordon said: “There was a problem with the sub base of the track around the third and fourth bends which was recently completed. There were contractors’ workmen and machines out there first thing on Monday working to correct the problems.

“We tried our best to get this meeting on, but were let down by circumstances beyond our control. We are now in serious dialogue with all concerned. Belle Vue Speedway is not to blame for Saturday’s disaster. Other parties need to accept their responsibility and deal with the consequences.”