BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Brummies, one of the UK’s longest-standing speedway teams, has announced it will cease operations at the end of the 2025 season due to the impending redevelopment of its home, Perry Barr Stadium.
Co-owner Nigel Tolley confirmed on Friday that the Brummies, founded in 1928, will not continue beyond this year, marking the end of nearly a century of motorsport heritage in the city.
“It’s something I never wanted to say, but this will be the last year of speedway in Birmingham,” Tolley said in an emotional statement. “Every possibility of remaining at the Perry Barr site has been discussed and all other options have been exhausted.”
The club’s lease at Perry Barr is due to expire in September, while the stadium’s greyhound racing operations are also set to wind down by the end of summer.
Plans submitted in 2023 detail a new housing development for the site, including 338 apartments and 89 town houses, which would transform the longstanding sports venue into a residential village.
Though Mr Tolley had previously floated the idea of relocating the club to the nearby Alexander Stadium in March 2024, he acknowledged that no viable alternative had emerged.
“I think everyone will be aware of the approaching redevelopment works planned for the site at Perry Barr and work will begin shortly after the lodging of the planning application, which is imminent,” he added. “I know the news won’t come as a major surprise to the majority — but it doesn’t mean it won’t hurt any less.”
The announcement triggered a wave of reaction from fans on social media, with a Facebook post by the club drawing more than 350 comments. Supporters described themselves as “devastated” and “heartbroken,” while others called for government intervention to save the sport.
“This is such sad news for British speedway in general and also for the Midlands,” one fan wrote. “This government needs to help our wonderful sport out and stop this happening.”
The Brummies are set to face league leaders Ipswich on Monday in a highly anticipated Premiership clash. Tolley urged fans to cherish the remaining moments at the stadium: “Savour each and every race night us Brummies have got left at Perry Barr and make some lasting memories.”
The closure of the Birmingham Brummies adds to a growing list of speedway casualties in the West Midlands. Wolverhampton Speedway lost its venue at Monmore Green at the end of the 2023 season after failing to secure a renewed tenancy agreement.
The Cradley Heathens, once based at Dudley Wood, ceased operations in 1995, only to be briefly revived in 2010 before ultimately folding again.
Meanwhile, the Coventry Bees have remained inactive since 2016, with their former home, Brandon Stadium, now derelict. In a potential lifeline, Rugby Borough Council submitted a proposal in April to restore the Brandon site for motorsports and community use. A public consultation on that plan remains open until 19 May.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
