Derby Phoenix have today announced they will not be running their own club championship next season as dwindling entries have forced the board of directors to call it a day.
The club released a statement today, which says:
It is with much regret, that the Derby Phoenix Motorcycle Club has to announce that we will not be running a championship for the 2015 season. However, we hope to retain our ‘Derby Phoenix’ Pi and Steel Frame 600’s Championship, and take them to other Clubs meetings, which would allow us to retain that Championship Title (if this was feasible).
The Board of Directors have no alternative at this moment in time, to consider any future meetings until we have cleared all outstanding obligations.
We have over the years provided events at many of the top circuits and always put you the riders first, particularly on your safety by having plenty of medical staff and marshals. (We even cancelled one Anglesey due to lack of medical staff). This all comes with a price tag, which over the seasons was covered by your entry fees and full grids which produced a safety net of capital.
Since the start of the recession, the grids have been steadily falling for the past 4-5 years, therefore with dwindling grids came a fall in revenue. This was our only means of receiving the majority of our income; a small percentage came from sponsors. This too began to dwindle.
Our paddock social side has become legendary over the years with many riders commenting on what a friendly helpful club we have been. Apart from the racing, the social scene brought everyone together.
Throughout the 66 years of the club (founded 1947), the club has had a colourful history. We have over the years, had many a top rider cut their teeth through racing with our club prior to becoming national and international stars in their own rights.
From 30th November 2014, our Road Race director, Jim Hinchliff will no longer hold that position as it is no longer tenable. The club will continue to run in name only, until a suitable solution is sought for the future running of the club and any future events it may organise.
