Speedway is to continue at Arena Essex next year, and well into the future, says a new consortium promoting the sport there -- Arena Speedway 2000 Ltd.

Chick Woodroffe, owner of the motor-sport complex and co-promoter of speedway since its launch there in 1984, has stepped down and a new three-man consortium will be co-promoting with Peter Thorogood, who remains as manager and co-promoter.

Colin Brine -- who has long-time links with the track as a sponsor of rider Troy Pratt -- heads up the new trio along with Adrian Kearney and Alan Sargent, all of whom are based in Kent.

At a press conference at the track yesterday (Thursday) Chick Woodroffe said that at the age of 75 "the time has come to reduce my workload".

He said: "I have enjoyed every minute of my involvement with speedway and I shall be watching as avidly as ever."

Heading up the consortium is Colin Brine -- who first saw the sport at Canterbury in the 1970s.

He said: "I felt, from the moment I sat down with Chick, that speedway will continue here. I could have signed the deal there and then. It is nice to do business with a gentleman who takes your word."

He added: "This is not a case of speedway supporters turning promoter. We have gone into this in great depth. We want speedway to continue here long into the future."

Mr Thorogood said Arena Essex Hammers would remain the club name and that he expected to announce the first signings for next season in a few weeks.

In a statement issued at the press conference the consortium said: "We would like to pay tribute to Chick Woodroffe and the tremendous work he has done in keeping speedway here since he first introduced it.

"We are sure his assistance will continue in the years to come and we do, of course, have on board Peter Thorogood who has a wealth of experience behind him.

"Our aim is to build on the foundations laid by Chick and Peter, to bring success to Arena Essex in terms of trophies and to provide the paying public, our loyal fans, with entertainment from start to finish on race nights."

Mr Woodroffe said that he would be continuing to promote other motor sports at the racing complex.

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