LesR

For those that can't open link. 25 th July, 2023 OXFORD STADIUM STATEMENT To whom it may concern, The support we have received for speedway since reopening Oxford Stadium has been truly overwhelming. Promotional work within our local community coupled with persistent media relations and heavy fan engagement has successfully connected the ‘lost generation’ and former supporters with the sport. In our regeneration season (2022), crowds were well above the levels we budgeted for and demonstrated to us a clear demand for speedway locally. It prompted our team to expand our initial audience capacity from 2,000 to 3,500 following the completion of works to restore Oxford Stadium to its previous glory following almost a decade of neglect under lock and key. Remarkably, Oxford Speedway attendances this season have been even stronger. We are consistently attracting over two-and-a-half times the number of people through our doors compared to when the club initially closed in 2007 with many supporters taking advantage of our U16s go free offer which has inspired a new generation of speedway fans locally. It is bewildering to us that this space of extraordinary potential was earmarked for housing when its existing provisions served a key purpose to the local community. Not only that, the return of greyhound racing and speedway plus the installation of a new mental health and wellbeing centre managed by the Frank Bruno Foundation has been a much-needed source of employment locally. The reopening of Oxford Stadium is a living example of what’s possible when key decision makers see sense in the potential of reinstalling much-needed community assets to existing derelict sites. I would urge Rugby Borough Council to follow in the footsteps of colleagues at Oxford City Council - whose actions were critical in the reopening of Oxford Stadium – by exploring every avenue possible to return Coventry Stadium into the hands of its local and wider communities. Many thanks, Kevin Boothby, Oxford Stadium Managing Director

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Have to agree with SS, the whole package has been excellent value for money. The only thing I would like is for the full scores from each team at the end of the meeting, maybe as opposed to the scores half way through the meeting.

I would imagine that all regular GP riders will have at least one spare suit with them, not least because of tearing them in the event of an accident. Riders will often change suits before the presentation after a wet meeting. Strange situation yesterday, but would of made no difference if they disqualified him from the meeting.

Sad news for someone still relatively young, great rider and a pleasure to watch. RIP Gordon, and condolences to all the family and friends.

So the red light came on after they lapped Douglas?

Once the red light comes on the race is stopped, it doesn't matter that two riders hadn't seen it, or continued to race against each other. It depends on the situation of Douglas at the time the red light went on, was he under power?

No doubt, very heroic, very courageous man with that injury.

Two clear number plates boned together with graphics in between, not even 1st, 2nd and 3rd on them!

I see no expense spared on the throphies for the meeting, the supposed premier GP! Had better trophies at the national kids BMX meetings in the late 80's.

Then why no adopt the FIM regulation, 2 minutes and up to the tapes ready to race. Not 2 minutes to get onto the track and then however long preparing your starting place.

Apologies for the error, must be getting old.....

As far as I can remember, not in my time up to '78, but with the mist's of time I may be wrong....lol

At Canterbury, back in the 70's and 80's, there was a 2 hour curfew as part of the planning permission and most meetings were completed in that time. This included. 7.00pm - Introduction of riders and one lap parade. 13 Heat match, including 4 track grades often. Interval. Junior race. Reserves race - 2 home reserves and 2 best juniors. Heats 1 - 4 of second half final qualification, heat winners to final. Junior race. Second Half Final - One the hardest races of the night - even though the points were normally split ( race points 6 /4 = one and a half points each in your pay), nobody wanted to be beaten by a team mate or opposition rider, and wanted that all important trophy...lol. The home promoter often hated them for fear of losing one of his top riders through some over zealous riding to win the race. Total 21 races and the 2 minutes didn't get used all the time, because bikes were brought out onto the track as soon as the riders were returning to the pits. No returning to the pits after a restart by the ref. Happy days and fans not complaining of drawn out meetings.

R.I.P. Mervyn, condolences to all Mervyns family and friends.