THE promotion company bringing stock car racing back to Bradford has raised more than £13,000 to help transform Odsal Stadium into the "Wembley of the North".

Startrax has been working since the start of this year to prepare the famous bowl for the return of the much-loved sport.

When the official reopening rolls around on May 22 - pandemic depending - it will be the first time stock cars have taken to the track since 1997.

Steve Rees, who runs Startrax and is passionate about the sport, has pumped in a lot of his own money to make the vision a reality.

But some of the budget has also come from donations and the firm launched a fundraising drive in February to help towards the costs of repainting the stadium and bringing it back to life.

A Go Fund Me page was set-up for the effort, but people also sent money via other methods too.

The Go Fund Me Page said: "This fundraiser is to help with the cost of paint and other materials needed to help bring the stadium back to life.

"We have the volunteers, we now need the materials.

"Odsal is the North's most iconic stadium for Stockcar Racing, Rugby League and Speedway.

"With help from the fans and supporters of all sports it is our aim to make it the Wembley of the North."

In return, those who donated at least £15 would have their name immortalised at the ground on a "Friends of Odsal" board.

The total reached more than £6,000 in just three days.

Startrax has now revealed the total amount raised is £13,102 (after commission), after the fundraiser ended at midnight between Wednesday and Thursday.

The total includes £11,700 from the Go Fund Me page for the fundraiser and £1,865 sent via PayPal.

There are more than 500 names on the "Friends of Odsal" board.