STORIES in the T&A have been known to lead to fierce debate and difference of opinion on the letters pages and the comments section of our website.

But the issue of stock car racing returning to Odsal stadium seems to have bucked that trend, with an overwhelmingly positive response.

In recent weeks, the T&A has published a string of stories about Startrax’s plan to bring stock car racing back to Bradford for the first time since 1997, and work has been ongoing to install the safety fence around the outside of the oval track.

Many readers expressed their excitement at the news, with some saying they had already snapped up advance tickets for the planned opening events in April this year.

On Friday, the T&A ran a readers poll asking ‘Are you looking forward to the return of stock car racing at Odsal?’

It attracted 587 votes, with 96 per cent answering ‘yes’.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Stock cars.

Among the Facebook users welcoming the plan was Anthony Brown, who wrote: “Great news. Odsal stadium was the Mecca of stock car racing in the north! Will bring lots of interest and money to the area I’m sure.”

On the T&A comments section, an observer with the user name ‘The Only Way Is....’ wrote: “It has been a few decades since I saw stock cars at Odsal and speedway was always a larger attraction then but anything that can help to make it viable for the Bulls to come back to central Bradford is extremely encouraging.”

A reader with the user named ‘Dores’ agreed, writing: “Good to have this potential heading back and hopefully speedway too.

“Could turn out to be a good asset to the city that few places have which will bring visitors from miles around. It should also generate new found fortune for The Bulls, win-win all round.”

Others said they hoped it marked the “dawn of a new era” for the historic stadium.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Referring the well-known Silsden stock car family, bobs7764 wrote: “Cannot wait to get to see the Wainmans back at Odsal, plus a few new ones. Wish I had a ticket.”

Another T&A reader with the user name Till wrote: “As someone who has missed so many Stock Car meeting over the last few years due to work and the distance needed to travel.

“I am absolutely delighted to have a Saturday night venue within an hours drive, so many great memories of Odsal, the area and Oakenshaw Fisheries? chippy on the way home. Reignited my passion for the sport.”

The plan also found favour with those less interested in stock cars, with one commenter saying: “Not a coulda shoulda woulda bloke, but one actually making things happen in Bradford! I’ve zero interest in speedway or stock cars but I’ll happily buy tickets to support this blokes efforts.”

Some people raised questions about the scheme, with one critic calling the claims that it would bring an awful lot of business “epic spin”.

However, Startrax were quick to respond to the criticism, saying: “Being a positive person myself and having operated Odsal previously, I can 100% assure Bradford, some planned events at Odsal will bring significant tourism – hotel business to the city and add ons."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

“People are already requesting hotel details. one major event planned attracts around 3,000 visitors alone from Mainland Europe – these major events when announced from experience see hotels booked up often 12 months in advance - and that’s without outside food / drink - fast food outlets etc.

“We WANT businesses in Bradford to benefit from the re opening of Odsal together with the employment the stadium will create locally in terms of event stewarding, catering staff etc,etc, many posts will genuinely be created. We all need some positivity in life, for myself, a 23 year journey to make this happen! Let’s be positive. Nearer the time I will provide substance and proof of what it will generate.”