FIREWORKS erupted high above Blunsdon as the Swindon Robins paid a stirring tribute to the shining history of the Abbey Stadium.

Rubber burned at the Abbey for the final time as the Robins handed their home a send-off at the Abbey Farewell meeting, tipping their hats to the past, present and future of speedway in Swindon.

Some of the most famous names to grace the Robins’ track, including Barry Briggs and Mike Broadbanks, returned to their spiritual home to salute 66 years of history, whilst a host of Elite League stars and potential speedsters of the future were all also in action on an evening of celebration.

Before the racing, Swindon, who are set to move to a new £5m stadium next year, also displayed the names of deceased former riders such as Lee Richardson, Bob Kilby and David Ashby on their scoreboard.

Casting his eye over a bumper crowd, Robins owner Terry Russell was delighted with his club’s Abbey send-off.

“It was a good crowd and I hope we did it proud,” said Russell.

“We got all of the legends in that we could, including the legendary Barry Briggs, and I think we did quite an emotional farewell to the riders that are no longer with us – I think that was emotive and quite nice.

“It’s a difficult time of year to get riders because they’re pretty worn down and tired now and they’re looking to wind down but fair play to the boys for coming along.

“(Grzegorz) Zengota flew in from Poland to do it, which is great.

“He loves the place and it was nice to see him win that award because he’s a lovely guy.

“We’ve been planning it for a long time.

“We spent a long time trying to get all of the legends along and I don’t think we’ve really forgotten anybody and I certainly hope we didn’t forget anybody on the board.

“We had a really lovely souvenir programme and I’m definitely pleased with it all.”

To mark the final outing at the Abbey, both tracks were graced for one last time, with youngster Leon Flint firstly reigning supreme in the 150cc British Youth Final.

Then on the main track, a Robins exhibition team featuring the likes of Troy Batchelor, Swindon Advertiser rider of the year Zengota and Danish youngster Peter Karger, the son of former Robins favourite Brian, put on a show by taking on an Elite League Select side.

The Swindon side ran out 43-35 winners against their opposite numbers, who boasted the likes of British Grand Prix star Chris Harris and World Cup rider Danny King among their ranks, as the final chapter in the Abbey Stadium story was written.