Richard Weston

Speedway is not in motorsports-- the government list mentions which motorsports will get the money

Here's the link to the Eastbourne Speedway magazine, Flying High -- https://www.eastbourne-speedway.com/flying-high-magazine-your-first-edition/

Real quality again from Eastbourne Speedway this morning. They have just published an online magazine for supporters which is free to download. Lots to read, some great photographs and a really, really, really good comment column from . . . me!!!! Hugely surprised to be asked to contribute but a real pleasure to have a small part to play in something like this. A free magazine for supporters is a great idea. It just shows what can be done for fans and Eastbourne have done it.

Easter is right at the start of the month.

You are quite right. I have started a new Poultec thread so the Apprenticeship scheme can get proper publicity and is not tainted by JG

Poultec are doing a great job with their apprenticeship scheme for young British riders. They learn so much. It is more than speedway that is taught. The Poultec apprenticeship helps makes them better people, better able to handle the pressures and better people all round. They are learning loads of skills. Well done Poultec. For information I started this thread because it was pointed out praise of Poultec was getting lost in a thread about a rider who is now in jail.

Thank you. Looks like an excellent programme for the apprentices - including running your business.

Wonder if such advice comes from the Poultec apprenticeships? Anyone know.

I have seen and been told about the drugs tester visiting Arlington. Apparently, he was a former police officer, now working for the testing organisation. He turned up out of the blue. Apparently, I was told, the riders to be tested were chosen at random. The test is – again this is what I was told - is analysed at the track before racing starts. Anyone testing positive is out of the meeting. My memory says that random tester has twice been to Eastbourne in recent years. I'm not sure reports of testing get routinely publicised but I have seen the tester in the pits myself so it does happen. Speedway is a close knit group of people and maybe word gets out to riders when the tester turns up. Fans may not see the tester at other tracks especially where they are prohibited from the pits. Eastbourne allows fans in pits from time turnstiles open until about 45 mins before meeting starts. Lots of Eagles fans arrive early and go to the pits every meeting so we know when a 'stranger' turns up, especially with a briefcase etc and takes riders off to to do test in private.

Yes Spedeworth had a meeting last week (I think) and have one scheduled for tonight and the big finale on 31st. They have been leading the way in getting stadium set up for dealing with fans in Covid era. I'm told Spedeworth have done a great job. Lots learned by stock cars which will help speedway next year, I would imagine. Speedway couldn't really find dates, especially as it has to be 'amateur' = NDL. Eagles youngsters had fixtures on or around potential dates when speedway might have run and then here are always concerns about the October weather.

That's excellent news

I think @JohnHyam he is referring to greyhound racing which is going on in Covid secure stadiums without spectators. The thought is that stadium owners will not want to let crowds in and risk closure when things tick along with the dogs.

Good Friday is April 2 next year and the start of Easter bank holiday weekend. Speedway should put a laser focus on that date to get the leagues going. Who knows how bad Covid-19 will be then but Good Friday should be the target.

I think you are right. I have managed to see 1 speedway this meeting this year so keeping up my record of watching speedway for the last 50+ years. I've not lost interest at all in the sport and have my fingers crossed for April 2021 and seeing speedway again. Pretty certain there will be some restrictions but sport seems to be singled out over fear of crowds. In contrast, it was mayhem in my local Asda on Tuesday this week. The shop was crowded, no social distancing, the store's home delivery pickers out in force, some people without masks and one lowering the mask to sneeze. Would fancy my chances far more on the terraces at Arlington or any other speedway stadium.

Good point – but football is football and gets special treatment from the government and we are poor old speedway.