If and when Buxton Ductair Bulls are given the BSPL go-ahead to return at third tier level, the first meeting at the hillside circuit in nearly eight years will be the Regina Chain-sponsored four-team tournament on Easter Sunday, April 5.
Words and Image by Buxton Speedway
Meanwhile, weekly refurbishment activity at the picturesque Derbyshire Peak District venue continues. This includes the installation of a new drainage system by former Stoke rider Shaun Tedham, who has a groundworks company.
Track work has been delayed in recent days and weeks by heavy rain, snow and frost but John Roberts and Ritchie Cawthorne have already levelled out both bends and more work will continue before the track is tested. Fence posts have all been renewed and secured with tyres in readiness for the air fence to be attached. Once that is done, the track will be inspected and then practice sessions and training schools will commence.
The old changing rooms and bar have been demolished and levelled, allowing for new changing rooms and a shower block.
A caravan overlooking the first turn will become a sponsors’ lounge, where backers can watch racing and be entertained, as well as a media area.
New covered stands are almost erected, although the roofs will not being added until just before the season starts. In between the two stands, located either side of the referee’s box, will be a designated area for wheelchair-users.
Retaining a popular option from the club’s previous stint, fans will still be able to watch racing from their cars on the back straight.
Buxton are on the front foot in terms of gaining sponsorship support, having secured backing from locally-based Critchlow Plant Ltd, who have provided the necessary piping and stones. Critchlow have come on board as associate team sponsors after Dave Critchlow contacted the club in response to the club’s proactive social media output.
Another new sponsor is Peter Haymes at Codeck Ltd, who is coming on board to rebuild the existing pits, extending them, and also building the new junior pits for the Midland Development League riders.
Percy Mycock is helping towards concreting the pits as well through Breedon and his own company, R.T. Mycock & Sons Ltd of Buxton. This is a big help to the club, Percy having already helped source a bowser, roller and the changing rooms.
