Joyous Selco Birmingham Brummies riders, management and supporters joined forces to celebrate their remarkable season – just hours before booking their place in British speedway’s Grand Final for the first time.
Star riders Martin Smolinski and Nico Covatti attended a special celebration event staged by the Brummies title sponsors Selco Builders Warehouse to mark the Brummies topping the Elite League table at the end of the regular season and booking their place in the play-offs.
The pair, along with team manager Phil Morris, readily chatted with delighted fans basking in their team’s success this season, signed autographs and had pictures taken with supporters and the coveted Elite League Trophy in the event held at the Selco branch in Perry Barr, on Walsall Road.
At the conclusion of the event, Martin and Nico made the short journey to the Perry Barr stadium to join their five team-mates for one of the biggest meetings in the history of the Birmingham Brummies.
They defeated Wolves 55-38 on the night having also won the away leg by two points to set up a final meeting with Poole.
“It’s been a magical season for us and we were delighted to have the opportunity to meet the fans at the special event organised by our sponsors Selco Builders Warehouse,” said Brummies team manager Phil Morris.
“Myself, Martin and Nico all thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the supporters and, while we were careful not to touch it because it is bad luck, it was nice to see the trophy that everyone at the club is so desperate to win.
“We very much appreciate the support Selco Builders Warehouse have given us with their sponsorship throughout the season and were delighted to attend the special event at their Perry Barr branch.”
Chris Cunliffe, Selco Builders Warehouse managing director, said: “The Birmingham Brummies have had a magnificent season and full credit to everyone involved with the club.
“We were delighted to host Phil, Martin and Nico in recognition of what they have already achieved and very much appreciate them making themselves available less than three hours before such a crucial meeting.”
Branch manager at Perry Barr, Paul Smith, added: “Hopefully the Brummies can go on and win the Grand Final now and everyone at Selco Builders Warehouse is certainly backing them all the way.”
Birmingham travel to Poole for the first leg on Monday, before staging the decisive return meeting at Perry Barr on Monday, October 14.
Selco has 34 branches in England and Wales, including five in and around the Birmingham area at Perry Barr, Stirchley, Tyburn, Tyseley and Dudley.
A short video, shot during the Brummies’ welcome to the Seclo Perry Barr branch, is now available on YouTube: http://youtu.be/e1T1FQC3uWg