Always on
This project successfully funded on 10th June 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
This project successfully funded on 10th June 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Relive the roar! Explore the high-octane history of Wimbledon Speedway 1928–2005. Support the new documentary film to keep the legend alive.
For 77 years, Thursday nights in Wimbledon were all about the roar of engines and the smell of methanol. The Wimbledon Dons weren't just a speedway team; they were a British institution. At their peak, they drew crowds of over 30,000 to Plough Lane, fuelled by the legendary "Pit Bend Loonies" and a family atmosphere that made Wimbledon Stadium such a special place.
From the post-war "Golden Era" to the final chequered flag in 2005, the Dons hosted the icons of the sport: Ronnie Moore, Barry Briggs, and Reg Luckhurst. Yet, despite this rich 77-year history, the records are fading.
Our arts and oral history charity—with 40 years of experience uncovering London’s hidden stories—is producing “Tape’s Up.” This moving documentary will weave together rare archive footage with the firsthand accounts of the riders, mechanics, and fans who lived for the thrill of the track.
We aren't just making a film; we are building a digital archive. Your support will fund:
We have already secured £16,000 in support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (via the London Borough of Merton), WiSH (Wimbledon in Sporting History), and other generous donors.
We are now seeking a final £2,000 to cross the finish line.
By contributing today, you aren't just funding a film—you are ensuring that the roar of the Dons is never silenced. Be part of the team that brings this history home.
Any funds raised beyond the target and the subsequent costs incurred will be donated to the World Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made