Mildenhall Fen Tigers face uncertain future after promoter Greg Palmer puts club up for sale

Outgoing Mildenhall Fen Tigers promoter Greg Palmer has admitted that he is ‘heartbroken’ at not being able to fulfil his dream of running the team in the 2025 Cab Direct Championship after putting the club up for sale ahead of its 50th anniversary.

In a statement released on Friday, Lakenheath-based Palmer announced that he would not be taking the West Row outfit – which was founded in 1975 – into speedway’s second tier next year.

Following the conclusion of the 2023 British Speedway Promoters Ltd (BSPL) AGM, it was revealed that the club would be ‘put on ice’ for a year to allow Palmer time to assess his options ahead of the 2025 campaign.

However, having failed to secure the necessary sponsorship to take the club up from the National Development League (NDL), Palmer has decided to draw stumps on his proposed project due to the significant financial risks attached to the scheme.

Palmer said: “I am gutted that I have not been able to go through with this. I am genuinely heartbroken and very upset as it was my dream to run the team in the Championship.

“Since Danny’s Day (memorial meeting for Danny Ayres) back in 2022, and watching riders like Richard Lawson go around the track, I thought it would be great if we could have that calibre of rider here every meeting.

“Rob Godfrey (BSPL chairman) was keen for a decision by September 1 in order to start talking about point limits for next season. I didn’t want to say yes and then get further down the road only to pull out and mess things up for the league.

“I had a few meetings with potential sponsors, but unfortunately I didn’t get the support I needed and personally it would have been a big financial ask to back it myself and rely on money coming through the turnstiles.

“As many will be aware there was a fire at the Mildenhall Stadium recently, but this did not alter the reason for this decision as Deane (Wood, stadium owner) assured me the track would be ready to race on by April.

“I feel like I’m letting people down, but hopefully everyone will understand my decision and see that I have tried my hardest to make it work.”

While gutted at not being able to take the team to the tapes next season, Palmer insisted he has enjoyed his time at the club, from his first involvement as a sponsor through to his latest position.

He added: “I never thought I would get to do this when we sponsored the Palmer Trophy back in 2015, but Kevin Jolly (former Fen Tigers promoter) said I would get there one day, which I did, and it has been brilliant.

“Before going into it alone it was great working with the management team of Lee Chipchase, Phil Kirk and Phil Haylock, who all stepped down at the end of last year.

“There would be times when you would be kicking that air fence into place with all sorts of things going through your mind, but then when the meeting started and you saw someone like Alfie Bowtell rip around there you knew it was worth it.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time with the club. Winning the NDL in 2021 was great, as was winning the National Trophy last season.

“I just want to thank all those that have helped me, and every fan for getting behind us and those involved at the stadium for keeping it going.”

Details of how much the club is up for sale for remains undisclosed, but Palmer has stressed that he would assist any potential buyer as much as he can.

Palmer added: “If someone comes along and wants to buy the club I just want to make sure I cover my costs. I will help around the edges to get them going.

“I think running a club is a real eye-opener as there is lots that goes on behind the scenes that many people don’t realise.

“If someone comes along and decides that they want to run the team in the NDL then great, and I get that, but for me I wanted the calibre of rider to be better than that division.

“As I can’t make that happen then I feel it is right that I must step aside.”