Doubt has been cast on the return of speedway to Bradford after the lease owners of Odsal Stadium said they knew nothing of the proposal.

The Rugby Football League, which bought the long-term lease of the Bradford Bulls’ home last year, told of its surprise that an application has been made to bring speedway racing back to the city.

Tony Mole, president of the British Speedway Promoters’ Association, has submitted a planning application to Bradford Council to reinstate the sport at Odsal, 16 years after it disappeared.

But an RFL spokesman said: “The RFL would like to express surprise at the news that speedway promoter Tony Mole has submitted a planning application to Bradford Council to stage speedway meets at Odsal Stadium.

“The governing body has had no contact from Mr Mole or any other party about restoring a speedway track at the stadium, which the RFL purchased in January 2012 to safeguard its continued use as a rugby league venue.

“The RFL will continue to work closely with the owners of Bradford Bulls to enable them to build on the considerable progress seen since their purchase of the club in August last year.”

Mr Mole, who has been a speedway promoter for more than 25 years, told the Telegraph & Argus on Wednesday of a “need and demand” for a speedway team in Bradford.

When told of the RFL’s comments, Mr Mole said he had left the matter of telling the organisation with Bradford Bulls owners OK Bulls, and specifically Gerry Sutcliffe.

He said: “I wanted to write to them confirming this but I didn’t have an address for them.

“I did write to Gerry Sutcliffe asking him to confirm it with the RFL, but that was done in January “It was up to the Bulls to make the contact with the RFL. Gerry Sutcliffe was made aware of my main concern that the RFL be kept in the picture. I will write to them if I can get an address.”

Gerry Sutcliffe was unavailable for comment last night.

Yesterday’s story stated that any re-established speedway club in Bradford would be the only one in West Yorkshire. We are happy to point out that the Castleford Kings amateur speedway team competes in the Midland Development League.