FENLAND'S newest sports club, the Fenland Grass Track Club, is racing into top gear after a hugely successful inaugural meeting. The meeting, at the Station Hotel, March, attracted more than 30 people interested in joining the club, which aims to bring mo

FENLAND'S newest sports club, the Fenland Grass Track Club, is racing into top gear after a hugely successful inaugural meeting.The meeting, at the Station Hotel, March, attracted more than 30 people interested in joining the club, which aims to bring motorcycle grass track racing back to Fenland.The sport was once hugely popular in the area but a shortage of racing sites and the popularity and development of other sports resulted in its decline.One of the club's founding members and a former racer, Gary Southgate, from Ramsey, said: "It was a very successful meeting and extremely encouraging. The club is now officially formed and we can now set up a committee and organise membership fees."The meeting attracted adults and children interested in competing and officiating at races as well as offering general support to the club.Among them were Phil Taylor, from Wisbech, and his three children, Amy, 14, Joshua, 12, and Jacob, nine, all of whom compete in the sport.Also present was 10-year-old Adam Portwood, from March, who is hoping that grass track racing acts as a stepping stone to becoming a speedway star of the future.All Fenland-based riders are forced to travel long distances to compete but with a local club now established, the next step will be to find suitable venues where races can be staged.Mr Southgate said: "We have a number of leads to follow up and hopefully we can find a farmer or landowner who is looking to generate extra income from his land."Fenland Grass Track Club has obtained equipment from other racing clubs and is currently organising affiliation with the sport's national governing body, the Auto Cycle Union (ACU).INFORMATION: Further details are available from Phil Taylor on 01945 589613 or 07795 118866.