SPEEDWAY world champion Greg Hancock has thrown his support behind Cradley’s quest for a new stadium.

The Heathens Supporters Trust last week announced it had submitted a planning application to Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council in the hope of finally replacing the Dudley Wood stadium lost more than 20 years ago.

American ace Hancock, who claimed his fourth world crown at the age of 46 last season, was a firm favourite during the club’s halcyon days, representing Cradley for seven years from 1989.

Now established as the sport’s global icon, Hancock held night with fans prior to the sixth round of the Grand Prix series in Cardiff on Saturday.

Hancock said: “I am fascinated by the motivation of people like Will Pottinger and the supporters’ group.

“That they can still find the desire to keep it alive after all these years just shows you Cradley, that’s the power of the Heathens and I would like nothing more than to see these guys get a track at some point.

“I really hope they get it because to show the kind of support they have for so long, they deserve it and I look forward to that day.”

On the track, Cradley eventually galloped away with a 54-35 win over Stoke on Monday but it was hard earned and came at a price.

Dan Greenwood withdrew after injuring his left shoulder with fears he may have damaged a collarbone that contains a metal plate from a past problem.

The Motor Market Heathens finished with three 5-1s to add gloss to the score. Top dogs Danny Ayres and Tom Perry completed five-ride full and paid maximums respectively.

Cradley travel to Kent in the National League on Monday (6.30) and then host Isle of Wight in a rare outing at Birmingham's Perry Barr headquarters on Wednesday August 9 (7.30).