The future of Burnham-On-Sea’s speedway club has been secured after the team’s promoter, Dave Pavitt, shocked fans by saying he could not continue to financially support it.
The long-term future of the Somerset Rebels had been put in jeopardy, but has been secured after what team bosses said were “two frantic hours.”
The long term future of the club has been secured by a consortium of well established local businessmen, including Oak Tree Arena landlord Bill Hancock.
Landlord Bill Hancock’s daughter, Debbie, will take over as promoter at the club with the approval of the BSPA and ex-Rebel rider Steve Bishop, who will take over the position of team manager.
Spokesman Ian Belcher told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “All those involved have been Rebel supporters for a number of years, and had no qualms in supporting Mr Hancock with his long term development plans.”
“The Oak Tree Arena has over its short history of ten years grown from a speedway track in a farmer’s field to what is widely regarded as one of the best purpose built speedway arenas in the country, being voted ‘Best Prepared Track’ by the Speedway Riders’ Association at the end of last season.”
“Only last week saw further investment of over £20,000 on tarmacing the car park roadways and internal Arena walkways.”
After the meeting last Friday against Rye House, the new Management structure was explained to a packed clubhouse of supporters, with pledges to continue the development of the stadium facilities for the benefit of both the supporters and riders.
