Earls Barton Stadium
Earls Barton Stadium (locally known as the pioneer sportsground) was a greyhound racing and speedway stadium on Station Road, south of Earls Barton and east of Northampton, Northamptonshire
| Location | Station Road, Earls Barton, Northamptonshire |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 52°15′05″N 0°44′37″W |
| Opened | 1940s |
| Closed | 1970s |
Origins
The stadium was constructed in the 1940s on the east side of Station Road and north of a gravel pit and the River Nene[1]
Greyhound racing
The greyhound racing was independent (not affiliated to the sports governing body the National Greyhound Racing Club). It was known as a flapping track which was the nickname given to independent tracks.[2]
Racing took place on Monday and Thursday evenings on an all-grass circuit and race distances of 280, 470 and 680 yards behind an 'Inside Sumner' hare system. Facilities included a licensed club and bar and on course bookmakers.[3]
Other Uses
The stadium was used for Speedway 1949–1957, Go Karting and Banger racing.Recently, it has been used as earls Barton United’s home ground and is now used as a child’s holiday football camp.[4][5]
Closure
The stadium closed during the 1970s and the site is now football pitches called the Earls Barton Pioneer Sports Ground ( locally known ) mainly used by Earls Barton United FC. With 3 overlapping pitches.
References
- "OS Plan 1966-1970". old-maps.co.uk.
- Barnes, Julia (1988). Daily Mirror Greyhound Fact File. Ringpress Books. ISBN 0-948955-15-5.
- Furby, R (1968). Independent Greyhound Racing. New Dominion House. p. 54.
- "Earls Barton Speedway". Defunct Speedway Tracks.
- "the pioneer sportsground and its Speedway track". National Speedway Museum.