Eyejay

Totally agree re Alfie - and good to see as he is a lovely guy. Is there any truth in the rumours that Trigger has had the same bike for 20 years...17 new frames and 14 new engines....but the same bike. I’ll get my coat....

I totally understand your comments but, as a Hammers fan who was present yesterday, it was an enjoyable day. Dont get me wrong, the meeting went on for a long time , longer than I had ever known previously. But, it was good to see The Hammers represented again and to be at a meeting, for the first time since we rode those few meetings at Rye House in 2018. In addition, seeing some of the guys I stood with for years for the first time since then was tremendous. I am not sure it was totally down to the referee for the duration of the meeting. Hammers operating R/R didn’t help , neither did the regular spills and I was told there was an issue with riders seeing the green light, how true that is I don’t know. And the air fence also deflating was again something that can’t be helped. As for Iwade as a venue, it is basic facilities wise but the racing was good and we were close to the action. Possibly too close judging by the amount of track that found its way onto me during the meeting! The upshot from yesterday was that I got the bug for Speedway back through being there and can see me going to more meetings , certainly at Iwade as I loved the venue despite its limitations and the fact I live well into Essex , and the welcome was friendly. I really wish the Kent promotion well in this venture - having lost so many tracks in recent times including my beloved Arena Essex, the fact that Iwade is staging competitive speedway again is a huge bonus.

I am totally with you on this one. I have been to watch the Hammers once at Rye and that was the double header with Peterborough. To me, it was not The Hammers. The Hammers are (Were) Arena Essex, and it really was not the same. Add to that the mess the sport is in and the muppets running it doing their best to ruin it, i have not missed it. I too have found other things to do - thanks for the memories.

You should be a comedian... I am struggling to understand how Lakeside can be held accountable for the weather.....

Despite the change in start time I would be amazed if this goes ahead. I will leave it until as late a possible before deciding.

They must have read your mind... or your post! Start put back to 5pm. On Hammers site....

Trust me, I think it is unlikely. As you put it we are suckers, and I am fed up with being taken for granted. I have been disillusioned with the sport for a while but this year it really has hit a low. I think The shenanigans in the Poole v Kings Lynn play off final where the rule book was openly broken to allow an over the points limit guest beggars belief. That to me is the straw that broke the camels back.

Totally agree re the playoffs. Poole have been declared Premiership Champions despite finishing mid table. Farce. I would love to see a new body take over the running of the sport. Currently it is dictated due to certain persons vested interests and the rule book may just as well not exist. If it is to remain run by the current lot, it would be good to have half a dozen or so supporters voted on, to vote for things from a supporters perspective. Not everything, but things like race nights, competition formats etc would benefit from a supporter input. As things stand, I am not sure if I will bother next year. I have become very disillusioned with the sport especially with the antics of certain influential people.

Which Christmas ?......

That is interesting ? Do they not run greyhounds on a Saturday night anymore ? Would have thought it was a very lucrative night for the dogs....

Really pleased with the result, however complacency could be Hammers biggest problem in the return. This is far from over, if Panthers get the ‘right’ guests then it could be interesting.

I agree about a one off on breakfast time, but SPOTY reaches a bigger audience. A mention plus a look at how he achieved his title, ie some clips may just do the trick. Maybe breakfast time and SPOTY?

Totally agree with everything you say Steve. It is a shame because a British World Champion being given publicity in mainstream TV could just be what introduces a new generation of followers to our sport.

Absolutely, he showed real class there, as did the Polish crowd . Delighted Tai has done it, but The Poles and Bartosz Zmarzlik showed fantastic sportsmanship, real quality.

That is true, you make a good point. I recall the Dryml disappearing acts, to the point one of them admitted they did not like Arena but were always prepared to race, but were advised not too by their teams management.

The early curtailment last night for me was a surprise and the reasons given obvious nonsense, bearing in mind the previous week went beyond that apparently, although I was not there. At the time, I was not too fussed; I had seen 28 heats and I was COLD, VERY COLD! On reflection though, I agree it sets a bad precedent. The contest was beyond Hammers, but there were points to be won and money to be earned by riders, so maybe that was the reason. However, the worst thing for me about last night was the quality of racing, or rather lack of it. Opposing supporters loved to slaughter Arena for its lack of racing, what any of them would have made of last night I really have no idea. In 28 heats there was little passing all night, FTG was the order of the day. There were a couple of exceptions, but with the riders on display I would have expected much more. This was my first home meeting away from Arena, and I cannot recall a worse meeting than this at our old home. If The Hammers are to continue at Rye next season and this is the type of fare offered, then I will pass, thank you very much. Re this afternoon, it disappoints me that Hammers have gone down this route, however, it is within the rules, and it is a rulebook that has been manipulated many times by many others over the years. Does anyone else see it changing ?

If the rain does not intervene then Panthers will go through at a canter.

Us diehards I guess ?

Not sure what can be done. If people are not willing to come forward then it creates a problem.

Blimey, that will be four weekends in a row that hammers have hosted Panthers !

Some fascinating points of view on here and a lot of food for thought. One of the biggest gripes I have had with the sport is the lack of publicity locally. My team, Lakeside, have never really publicised the fixtures that well locally. I lived in Grays for a long time and NEVER saw posters advertising meetings. The local paper carried a small report in its sports pages every week tucked away amongst the local Rugby etc. In comparison, the local non league football teams, Grays Athletic, Aveley and Tilbury all had far better coverage despite playing to COMBINED crowds that were significantly smaller than Hammers. As for the TV coverage, it is great the meetings are televised, however, I am not convinced they do anything to get people through the door nowadays. It was TV that got me into the sport in 2006, the coverage then was different. There was more action and far less interviews, and , the racing in general was a lot better. Too many times this year watching televised meetings I have switched off through boredom. A wat forward I think would be to have supporter representation on the BSPA, maybe half a dozen or so supporters to sit and be able to make suggestions and cast votes from our perspective. I can’t see it happening but it would be worth a go.

I can only endorse what has already been written. I had the privilege to see Robbo ride for Lakeside and he was always Mr Entertainment, as well as being a top rider. To cap it all a really nice chap too, always had time for the fans and a proper chat no matter what. He was one of those riders that when he rode for the opposition, I actually did not mind him winning races! Have a good and long retirement Robbo, and please if possible, stay involved if you can. Your sport needs you!

I only discovered speedway and Arena Essex in 2006 but was hooked straight away. In that time I have been privileged to watch the likes of Andreas Jonson, Adam Shields, PK, Davy Watt, Richard Lawson, Lewis Bridger and of course the Late but great Lee Richardson wear the hammers colours. Add to that Darcy, Chris Holder, Crumpy, Nikki P, Tai, Scott Nichols, and other greats riders for the opponents. Far too many Hammers and opponents to mention them all. My main memories, where do I start. First is probably the meeting with Swindon just 5 days after Lee Richardson died. The immense sadness of the occasion was obvious but the way the club pulled together was incredible. The memorial meeting to Lee at the seasons end with a packed Arena and a line up to do the man proud is another. Swindon again in 2008, and our only home league defeat of the season when a young unheard of Croatian by the name Jurica Pavlic turned up and having never seen the place before promptly banged in a 7 ride max that had the Hammers fans applauding. Any meeting involving Darcy and Chris Holder together was always memorable, and the meeting where Coventry beat us (2011?) and their fans were gloating on the way out, only for the meeting to be awarded to Hammers as Eddie Kennet had tampered with his silencers.... And then of course Friday, v Glasgow. Pulling up in that great big car park for the last time it finally dawned on me, this IS the last time. Going to the same window at the ticket office and paying my money to the same lady, Buying my last coffee and cake from the ever smiling Rose in the diner, and then taking my position on the stock car track and chewing the fat with the same faces who have become good friends for those years. Debating what artefacts we could nick from the stadium, ( I eventually decided against a urinal - Mrs E would not be impressed) and then having watched another great meeting, doing the track walk a scooping up some shale which now forms part of my garden. It was then goodbyes and promises to keep in touch (We live far and wide) and to try to get to Rye House when we can. The drive home was a sad one, having driven down the long drive to the roundabout by the services and then a feeling of sadness as I left. I will miss the old girl. She was never the most attractive of venues but she has given plenty of pleasure to many people, and she was rough around the edges but had a certain charm. ( Sounds like a few women I have known over the years). She provided great entertainment, and she will be missed. Thanks for the memories.

Or flog some to Uncle Len......;)

No idea what you have been drinking, but I suggest you stop swiftly. I have read some myopic comments on all kinds of forums but yours really are utter tosh. As stated above Craig Cook wiped Morris out totally, and it was a very generous all four back, as for rolling other than Ellis (When he was rightly pulled up) I don’t recall any.