The family behind Somerset Rebels Speedway Club has announced its closure with a 'heavy heart' in an emotional tribute to staff and fans.

Weston Mercury: Somerset Rebels versus Redcar Rebels action, Rory Schlein (R) Michael Palm Toft (W) Todd Kurtz (B) and Nathan Greaves (Y) arrive at the first turn four abreast in Heat 6 at a meeting in 2019.Somerset Rebels versus Redcar Rebels action, Rory Schlein (R) Michael Palm Toft (W) Todd Kurtz (B) and Nathan Greaves (Y) arrive at the first turn four abreast in Heat 6 at a meeting in 2019. (Image: CBMXI.co.uk)

The Hancock family said that the Covid-19 pandemic and its restrictions hit the club at the Oaktree Arena, off Bristol Road in Edithmead, financially and thanked current and retired staff, sponsors, team partners and more for their years of service in a statement on Tuesday.

Weston Mercury: Somerset Rebels versus Eastbourne action and Nico Covatti (B) gets the better of Lewis Kerr (W) at a meeting in 2019.Somerset Rebels versus Eastbourne action and Nico Covatti (B) gets the better of Lewis Kerr (W) at a meeting in 2019. (Image: CBMXI.co.uk)

Announcing the decision to close the club with a ‘heavy heart’, Debbie Hancock hopes supporters will live with ‘all the great memories’ spanning across 20 years of Somerset speedway, which attracted fans from all across the world who revelled in the high-adrenaline motorcycle sport at the Oaktree.

Weston Mercury: Valentin Grobauer (red) leads Lewis Kerr (white) during the Cases Somerset Rebels win over Eastbourne Eagles at a meeting in 2019.Valentin Grobauer (red) leads Lewis Kerr (white) during the Cases Somerset Rebels win over Eastbourne Eagles at a meeting in 2019. (Image: CBMXI.co.uk)

Superfan, Neil Phipps, aged 32, has fond memories of the home of the Somerset Rebels, where he watched the Speedway team ride at meetings as a child with his dad.

Weston Mercury: Todd Kurtz (blue) and Rory Schlein (red) lead out Ben Morley (yellow) during the Cases Somerset Rebels win over Eastbourne Eagles at a meeting in 2019.Todd Kurtz (blue) and Rory Schlein (red) lead out Ben Morley (yellow) during the Cases Somerset Rebels win over Eastbourne Eagles at a meeting in 2019. (Image: CBMXI.co.uk)

He said: “From the age of 11, walking through the gate for the first time I was hooked. The smell, the sound, the excitement, I’ll never forget it.

Weston Mercury: Somerset Rebels rider Valentin Grobauer takes his first UK win from a charging Ulrich Østergaard in the meeting with Birmingham at a meeting in 2019.Somerset Rebels rider Valentin Grobauer takes his first UK win from a charging Ulrich Østergaard in the meeting with Birmingham at a meeting in 2019. (Image: CBMXI.co.uk)

“I’ll cherish the memories of 20 years of fun and joy, as well as all the friends I’ve met along the way.

Weston Mercury: A sign at the entrance to the Oaktree Arena.A sign at the entrance to the Oaktree Arena. (Image: Lily Newton-Browne)

“More importantly, I’ll cherish every night spent there with my dad. Speedway is and always will be our thing and for giving us that, I think we’ll both always love that field."