https://youtu.be/Xan5iwLFvVs?si=yKTRrxnMQ8gg5fI2
Three iconic names from the world of banger racing and stock cars have been immortalised on a jaw-dropping motorsport mural at the Adrian Flux Arena.
Multiple world champion Mat Newson and regular title-winner Nicky ‘Spud’ Young take centre stage on the graffiti-styled piece at the King’s Lynn venue. In a touching tribute, so does the name of Trackstar Racing co-promoter Paul Butler who sadly died last year.
The trio received countless nominations to appear after Adrian Flux asked for suggestions from fans about who should be included.
Newson, 39 and from Aylsham, said: “The first I knew about it was when Graham (Robinson), a stock car promoter at Lynn who I have worked with on promoting events, checked if I was ok to be on it.
“He never said where it was going to be, or how big it was going to be, so I was like: ‘Yeah mate, no problem, do what you’ve got to do’. I didn’t expect it to be this big or on the back of the stand and it’s really cool to be a part of it.
“I haven’t seen it yet but endless people have sent me pictures. They’re typical mates who are making light-hearted jokes and think it’s funny but of course it still makes me feel very proud. They could have chosen one of a thousand other stock car racers or drivers over the years but they chose me.”
Well-known figures from the world of speedway are also included in the piece that champions all forms of motorsport that feature in Lynn.
Street art company MurWalls designed and produced the showcase mural, and another closer to the road that proudly displays the Adrian Flux logo. They have gained widespread praise for a number of headline-grabbing pieces of work, including a tribute to Liverpool football player Diogo Jota, who died alongside his brother in a car accident, and a piece on musician Ed Sheeran who supports Ipswich Town Football Club.
Wisbech-based Spud, aged 41, said: “Matt Black from the stock cars checked I was ok having my picture on it and I just said ‘sure, that’s great’. But that was it.
“I haven’t seen it yet but I’ve been sent a picture and I didn’t realise it would be that big. It’s massive. I’m definitely going to go and have a look before I’m racing at Lynn again.
“Of course lots of people I work with have given me some stick about it but my mum likes it. She said I’m the face of Trackstar (Racing, promoters of the sport at Lynn). It’s pretty special really isn’t it? To be chosen out of hundreds of other drivers. It’s a pretty big thing.”
The project was commissioned to celebrate 10 years of the insurance broker sponsoring Norfolk’s premier motorsport venue, formerly known as the Norfolk Arena. It took roughly two days to complete the artwork with staff at the Arena having helped prep the walls before Murwalls arrived in West Norfolk.
Gerry Bucke, the Adrian Flux general manager, said: “The mural looks incredible and we couldn’t be happier with how the project went. The detail really has to be seen in person to be appreciated.
“Our name is intrinsically linked to the venue now but we still know what matters most – the names and faces of those people who have played a huge part in providing sporting entertainment to thousands of people over the years. It’s fitting that seven of the most important figures have been honoured now and forever more.”
Visit the Adrian Flux website to watch a video - which includes footage from the Stars’ memorable 46-44 home win against Ipswich in July - of the work taking place
ENDS