After an absence of 47 years it is hoped that motorcycle speedway will be returning to Norwich in the not too distant future.

Plans are to be submitted to South Norfolk District Council by Lanpro Services, the company that hopes to construct a new track at the Royal Norfolk Showground.  It is to be called ‘The Firs’ after the old track on Aylsham Road that was demolished in the 60s and turned into a housing estate.

A new team of young riders is to be called the ‘Norwich Stars’ in memory of the successful team of that name that finished racing in Norwich in 1965.  They will be based at the new track and will be Norwich’s home team.

The Norfolk Showground management are very supportive having concluded that the site is ideal for a new speedway venue – noise will not be a problem for residents, there is good access and there will be plenty of room for parking.

Philip Atkinson, a director of Lanpro Services, said: “It took 64 years for the Olympics to return to England so we’re delighted to be making a planning application to finally bring speedway back to Norwich inside the half century.”