Scottish motorsport organisations have given thanks after Scottish Government funding helped to secure their long term future.
Four motorsport organisations have now received their £400,000 share of a Scottish Government funding package to help spectator sports through the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The funding has been distributed by the national agency for sport, sportscotland. It will help clubs across Scotland survive the impact of lost ticket revenue caused by the pandemic.
The investment has been made in the form of grants to Edinburgh Monarchs (£20k), Glasgow Tigers (£30k), Driftland (£20k) and Knockhill Racing Circuit (£330k). It is part of a £55million emergency sports funding package from the Scottish Government.
The investment will mean the organisations will be ready to welcome spectators back as soon as it is safe to do so.
Edinburgh Monarchs co-promoter, John Campbell, said: “It’s incredible to think that a year ago at this time we were putting the final touches to our plans for a season starting just a fortnight later and then nothing.
“It’s been a challenging twelve months to get to the position we are in at the moment, and with this investment from the Scottish Government we’ll be ready to go just as soon as we get the green light.
"Our fans can’t wait to see some speedway action in 2021.”
Managing Director of Knockhill Racing Circuit, Jillian Shedden, said: “Knockhill Racing Circuit is deeply indebted to the Scottish Government and sportscotland for this grant in recognition of the devastating impact the pandemic has had on our business. In particular the loss of all spectator attendance at 46 event days throughout 2020.
“Last year’s lockdown came into effect just seven days before the start of our motor racing season. The majority of our events were cancelled or postponed, any events that did run took place behind closed doors.
“The grant will allow us to safeguard the livelihoods of our employees and allow us to continue to plan ahead for the resumption of motorsport events in Scotland, that fans can hopefully attend in the not too distant future.”
Stuart McLellan, Driftland Track Manager, said: "The grant received will help bridge the gap until such time that events can resume with spectators. I look forward to working closely with sportscotland in the future whilst working together to further enhance the reputation of Driftland and continuing to grow the sport. From all the team at Driftland, a sincere thank you."
Glasgow Tigers Owner, Gerry Facenna, said: “This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Glasgow Tigers. We have been providing a high-octane sporting spectacle since the 1940s in Glasgow.
“The support from sportscotland and the Scottish Government will help towards funding and securing the future of the club for generations to come."
Find out more
About the spectator sport funding.
