Leaderboard

If there was a single reason for Uncle Lens decision then it would be easy to argue against but its a perfect storm of multiple things against vs very few positives that have clearly strained the patience of the most stubborn of men. Kent have been afforded the luxury of a very supportive landlord previously and some hefty sponsorships, Len has said that Kent made a profit each year, if that is no longer the case he isn't going to continue throwing good money after bad. Rent increases, track access, an expensive CL team that failed to make the play offs, rider retirements, rider grumblings, an under performing NDL team, a set of rules imposed upon the NDL making it a lesser attractive product (Len was the NDL spokesman and wasn't even consulted), throw a fine in at the end and you can see why there are plenty of reasons to walk away. The gesture to donate the air fence and some track equipment to Iwade though is an act of pure gold. To enable and benefit a local training track rather than seek a few personal pounds back speaks volumes about the man and how he has been a life long benefit to the sport of speedway.

Thousands of people, politicians, their security, their entourage, plus journalists from around the globe, and protesters from all points, all flying into Glasgow to discuss how we can reduce emissions... As Homer may have said... "Doh!"

On our way! Talk about an early start!

I would just like to wish Len and his family a well earned, long, healthy and happy retirement. He has been an ever present during my time as a speedway supporter. He must surely rank amongst the true icons of British Speedway promoters, and I was delighted to see him inducted into the Speedway Hall of Fame this season at Central Park. At 89 years young, he is a truly remarkable man, and I am forever indebted to him for the speedway entertainment he has provided to me over the years. Thank you Len.

The title of this thread becomes ever more relevant as the 2021 season draws to a close. We have 6 clubs in the Premier League left standing. Of those 6 :- Wolves have announced they will not run unless there are more than 6 clubs next year P/boro have huge question marks over the Showground development ... although this has been ongoing for years. Kings Lynn have a reluctant speedway promoter who would rather run Stock Cars only. No sign of new victims to commit to the PL in 2022. Will Wolves pull out ? We have 9 clubs in the Championship League left standing ( Kent and Birmingham both without promoters) Of those 9 :- Newcastle seem to have effected a rescue package for 2022 ? Poole's landlords seem reluctant for speedway to continue running at Wimborne Road On the bright side :- Oxford may be ready to join in 2022 Eastbourne may rejoin in 2023 We have 5 clubs in the National Development League left standing Of those 5:- one standalone club Mildenhall will surely struggle to run a meaningful fixture list in a league of 5 teams. (The other 4 teams run the NDL as filler fixtures.) A pretty appalling situation for the BSPL to sort out. Are they up to the task of sorting out this mess ? I hope the weather is good wherever they choose to hold their jolly.

On the bus into Glasgow. All quick. Some interesting planes in the airport inc the million pound paint job on the uk plane. Plus india, Japan etc. weather is good no issues.

How can you reconcile those two statements? How can you claim to know more about the Rye House campaign than those running it? Our 'optimism' is based on simple fact, not blind faith. There HAVE been new, important discussions and a new attitude towards possibly incorporating speedway in the redevelopment. These are facts. Now I clearly stated that a door had been opened, not that we already have success. You sit on the sidelines offering your pitifully ill-informed comments. All it does is steadily destroy your credibility, not ours. Yes we could fail but certainly if we took your approach we would, It would be appreciated if people like you could keep their damaging opinions to themselves rather than try to pass yourself off as some all-knowing authority. It's hard enough dealing with the authorities and new landlord without having tom deal with those supposed speedway supporters undermining it. It would be easy to suspect that you actually want it to fail.

Absolutely agree. I have been fortunate enough to witness leaping Len at Hackney, Rayleigh and Rye House and he is the old school always wanting to put on a show whatever the circumstances or conditions. Many a time the sawdust came into play at Rayleigh to get a meeting on and riders gave it a go unlike today’s crop. Also very sad the way the south east has lost so many clubs over the years. Whatever the reason this loyal servant to the sport and it’s fans, riders and officials really does deserve a relaxing and healthy retirement and if many of us could be as enthusiastic about speedway as Len has been over the years then perhaps things may not be quite so dire. Mr Silver you are a legend and deserve some official recognition for your contribution to the sport. Thank you for all that you have done.

Can someone beam me up?.......As ur in Scotland can u ask Scotty please

You would think that Speedway GB would stream both legs as a collective... Share the costs and share out the profits..? May have been able then to do it cheaper together and get many more "neutrals" logging in...? Especially given it's been a fair while since any Speedway to watch on TV, and most of the riders on show will have 'another club'whose fans may wish to watch.. They could do so much collectively re marketing yet all seem to work in splendid isolation... A strange business model..

Doubt it mike they will be too busy fighting over the riders that are now available

Hopefully he asked Matt how to put a decent team together

Spot on.. And when/(if), someone like Len Silver decides that "time is up" you should really take heed if you are one of the other promoters... Still... I am sure many of those left know best..

Case in point being Workington situation, I believe arena Essex 2 days in a row, first day won league play offs, 2nd day match called off midway through due to frost, 3k fine as it was an outstanding league match. Understand the frustration but 2 separate things. As I've said before we got fine in 2014 that nearly finished us

Len has given the air fence and track equipment to Iwade. Seems pretty final to me.

Not for the first time I have upset “ Rob McCaffery” and his gallant attempts to resurrect Rye House Speedway. I doubt anyone except “Rob McCaffery” treats my comments as anything but an opinion of a retired long time speedway supporter. Let’s see whether any of these meetings which you report as being positive bear fruit. I agree nothing ventured, nothing gained and wish you success in getting a speedway track reinstated at Hoddesdon.

He didn't forget his riders and the ones that had ridden for him. Pre season he organised Skiing groups and took them as a party to his resort. I know riders enjoyed these trips and were grateful to be allowed to be included even though they didn't ride for him at that time. He cared for other promotions as well. When Newcastle left Somerset on our southern tour we used to travel on to a hotel in Swindon on the Friday night. If the weather or track was dodgy for their Saturday night, he always agreed to let us know straightaway early on the Saturday morning, so we could go up the road home and not have the wasted journey across London. In addition it meant the mechanics and riders could just drive straight home without prepping the bikes in less than favourable hotel carparks. It is this sort of consideration that is now very rare between promotions in the sport at present.

Only missed one meeting at the wheels (well 2 as it was a double header) the night before the Bradford world final. I remember the first few meetings in 1984, I didn't drive at the time so I had to find my way to the stadium from the train station. Honestly it was like some kind of assault course off of the krypton factor, lucky I was a lot younger and fitter back then.

Well last time we won the league in 2018 (I think?) they went to Abu Dhabi F1 GP, was supposed to be Vegas but Freddie Jakobsen wasn't 21 then! lol. I'm sure Richie will remind Stevie of this fact! But I think most of it was arranged and paid for by sponsor/s.

Averages are now pointless in a shrinking sport where allocation of riders to teams is more important not a restrictive outdated practise.

On oddshot speedway and grass track. Iwade speedway thanking Kent kings for their airfence

They were actually wanting him banned, he was that wild...

By aeroplane.

Yes brilliant programme and I saw the stage show too .Fallen Madonna with the big boobies!!

Not the full package? Only Jack Holder, Dan Bewley and Sam Masters managed the higher average last season. 50% of all his rides for Sheffield were either winning races or paid wins. He is British and qualifies for a reduction on his average. He is on record as wanting to comeback to the club next season He will do for me.