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I went to a British Basketball League match today.... Plymouth Raiders v London Lions. It's not my favourite sport, but it was a good afternoon's entertainment. What's really striking about it compared to speedway is that not a single minute is wasted. Even when it is time-outs or the end of quarters, there are dancers, the mascot is up to something, kids competitions, lights, music..it is a full show. In short, it's light years ahead of speedway. And surprise, surprise, it is packed with families and the sort of demographic everyone on this forum would love to see at the speedway. I've said it before and I'll say it again...and again and again. Speedway's problem is not that it isn't what it used to be. IT'S THAT IT HASN'T CHANGED ENOUGH!

This years team suits did not cost the northern club any money they are sponsored same as last year

Press and Practice will herald the return of the Witches to the top table Looking forward to some outstanding action and pictures that will make all around the country take note

Although I reckon everyone was freezing cold it was a good day and a good meeting best bit of the day - cheering Ricky Ashworth on his 2 laps of the track on a tandem - well done Ricky reckon he deserves a track record mention for that ride.

Sad to see the grestest ever british rider who likes to talk isnt riding in this one as for late withdrawals hope for good reasons lol

When team racesuits are made for each rider, all their individual sponsors go on to that individuals racesuit.

I wasn't there yesterday, geographical reasons rather than the weather. If you look at some of the previous ben fund line ups, it seems obvious that the 'top' riders have been giving this meeting a miss for years. You might get the odd one turn up, but most can't be bothered. The riders could have a lot to gain and should be supporting such a worthy cause.

Best of luck to all teams, and fans, in 2019......ENJOY...

just shortening the track so more houses can be built on bends 1/2 and car park !! where is the pre-built new grandstand ? shortening track = shortening life at the abbey sadly !!

...and we are back where we started. Doing anything well is not easy. The plodding on-same as last year-don't change too much-too much hard work attitude is why league speedway finds itself where it is. Scratching its head and scratching its bum.

Peter Craven isn't with us any more so who are you talking about (the greatest British rider?)

The difference is once you signal to the ref that you are happy, drop you arms but now you don't walk away from the tapes until the ref puts the green light on. Before you walked as soon as you dropped your hands then the ref put the green light on.

But only if you stay to long, apparently you’ll be pulling out ya hair, drowning in despair.

Think you are wrong, & typify what is wrong with a lot of speedway fans. We need to make the sport more professional, & racesuits are very important to improve the image of the sport.

Ah nice to note such optimism!!

Enjoyed the meeting. Well-organised, professionally run and would have finished a lot quicker had certain riders not ploughed through the elastic on a distressing number of occasions early on. I know it’s an early-season one, but some good racing too. Pleased to see some far-flung supporters from Redcar, Berwick, Eastbourne and doubtless other places too. Hope the organisers have raised a hefty sum.

Some of his moves last year were up there with Betts, Lee and Henka

Didn’t think for a moment I’d get a sensible answer but for what it’s worth that’s a very negative way of looking at it. How about trying to look as professional as possible to gain more sponsorship? Speculating a bit to accumulate? Even some National League teams have them. Why would a team want their collective photo in the paper on online with everyone in different gear? Looks so amateurish. Unfortunately too many people in speedway are like you and have a can’t do attitude rather than trying to drive the sport forward.

Well done Sir, Very well done. I take my hat off to you for finding that one. I bet you got a little stiffie when you came across that page and had to sneak into the kitchen for a crafty pocket shuffle. £2 a year - what was I thinking??

Lidsey back on a bike in Poland. Panic over on that front. Any update on Bewley??

Anyone with half a brain knows Ford is behind the Poole success, who do you think was texting Middlo during the matches.

Just received my latest edition...and as usual a great read. Was particularly impressed with Martin Rogers' honest opinions when answering questions put to him (my own included) A great column and I only hope that others make the efffort getting in touch. Such a breath of fresh air reading a Promoter's point of view when discussing speedway's last 'Golden Era'. I used to enjoy reading the late John Berry's comments in said magazine and Martin has filled that roll admirably.

Poolebolton doesnt have a clue as usual. Just continue to ignore him.

Not sure the work on the track changes the new stadium position one iota. Internal work within the existing stadium doesn't prove Gaming International's commitment to build anything.

I've always looked back on speedway with such affection. It seems to be an enjoyment that was always there. In my late teens a gang of us would first go to the meeting before hitting the drinks and dance floor, we use to plan our holiday around fixtures away, we even interrupted our honeymoon not to miss a meeting. When our 2 kiddies came along they joined in and went to most meetings, it just seemed the natural thing to do. Time moved on and your circumstances change, your children get married and the grand children arrive. They in turn are doctored into our beliefs in the hope they will continue our love for the sport. Its a wonderful experience seeing the complete family of 3 generations at places Cardiff and other big meetings. but it is unfortunate that the younger element don't appear to have the same enthusiasm as us old ones do. Please to report our son accompanies his ole man regularly, and both can be seen at most of the Stars meetings, Our grandson picks and chooses his meetings, but it gets harder to persuade the others to attend.... It appears the best days of the sport have long gone. The spectacle of seeing 4 men racing bike with no brakes is still the same but the environment has completely changed. Where once the terraces were packed enjoying a full nights entertainment, now there are just a few die-hard fans watching processional races that are over in no time at all.. I look back with envy of those wonderful times and am so pleased I was privileged to have been there...….