Kings Lynn 2018..

[AlexBrady 94]

A riders remuneration package is usually made up of multiple factors with different rates for each.

 

1. A sign on fee which a rider may use to purchase equipment and get set up for season ahead.

 

2. Contribution towards travel to each meeting, including flight costs.

 

3. Contribution to accomodation costs ( sometimes required by the home office to obtain a work visa).

 

4. Guaranteed minimum earnings per match.

 

5. Tyre, oil and insurance costs

 

6. Contribution towards or supply of a mechanic

 

7. A fixed rate per point scored (including bonus points) which may increase or decrease based on team position. It may also have a step up in rate if the rider scores more than his average points.

 

When all this is combined and spread out across the whole team it is fair to say that based on 50 points being scored each meeting (including bonus points) the average cost per point was around £200 when I was running the team in the elite league. Since I left this has increased significantly and I would estimate it is around £300 per point.

 

This means each home meeting requires £30k of income (after VAT) to cover rider costs plus another £5k to cover rent and auxiliary costs such as paramedics.

 

The sky money (which ceases to exist after this season) would probably cover 30% of that and gate receipts another 30-40%. Each club then needs to rely on sponsorship and generous beneficiaries to make up the short fall.

 

That ladies and gentlemen is unfortunately why the sport is in the doo doos and I do not see how it can survive next year without a major revamp including cost cutting. Believe me the fixed race nights are the least of its problems.

Incredibly interesting and insightful, and as other posters have alluded too - perhaps a little scary.

 

There's no doubt that these riders deserve the very best pay for the job they produce, it is a skilled profession that with the added risk element, means there are very few who can fill the role - but at these numbers, the question is how long is this sustainable for?

 

Keeping it related to the Stars, I sincerely hope that the fans will continue to back the club, even with the 'rough' couple of years we have had following them, and allow the current/potential new promotion to learn from their mistakes, most notably communication.

 

Finally, a question to Jon - I recall a meeting which I believe was in the premier trophy in March 2007, where Kings Lynn Beat Sheffield 75-15, one of the most surreal things I've seen in this sport. Based on the above numbers, does there ever become a point where the promotion is hoping that their riders don't win races, to keep costs down? I'm sure I know the answer, but I would be interested to know your views.

 

Alex

[Skidder1 7,636]

If JC's summary of current finances is accurate - and I have no reason to think it isn't - why is there all this strong talk of an expanded senior league of 10-12 clubs, on fixed nights which might attract back some top riders?!

 

It seems to me that those clubs in the 'doo-doo' (with some suggesting possible closure) are all in the Championship - so maybe its there that costs need to be reduced even further to a realistic level.

Edited October 27, 2017 by Skidder1

[mrss 691]

Never mind worrying about next season. I still haven't had a refund from this years rain off v Rye House.

[racers and royals 8,723]

Never mind worrying about next season. I still haven't had a refund from this years rain off v Rye House.

I would send them a recorded delivery letter- giving them 14 days to respond with payment.

If you hear nothing https://www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money/after-you-make-your-claim

[kingbee 510]

I think the riders have to start getting realistic about costs and return to one bike on a trailer instead of three in a big van with all mod cons.And the promotion keep a track spare maintained by them

[dontforgetthefueltapsbruv 10,706]

Im sure there are a number of promotions that effectively have 'a track spare'

 

It may be broken down into its component parts rather that fully built but its still there.

[Theboss 727]

I would send them a recorded delivery letter- giving them 14 days to respond with payment.

If you hear nothing https://www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money/after-you-make-your-claim

Again additional costs will be occured by the innocent party. Great shame it has come to this.

[PHILIPRISING 7,298]

VERY few tracks try to raise significant funds outside of gate revenue and sponsorship. Many small football clubs only exist by staging a host of extra activities which bring in significant sums of money. To borrow a phrase from a well known supermarket ... every little bit helps.

[kingbee 510]

Im sure there are a number of promotions that effectively have 'a track spare'

It may be broken down into its component parts rather that fully built but its still there.

I don't think so with the amount of bikes in the pits they wouldn't need one

[Theboss 727]

 

So now we know - Thank You jchapman - in the PL riders are currently well paid for their efforts. As it should be but without the Sky cash, where is the rest coming from? Essential cost cutting, more sponsors or what?

The main expense is professional riders and they will not want to cut their costs as they need to ride the best machines and compete at the highest level, just as they do in every other country

 

The reality is british speedway can no longer afford these riders and therefore needs to focus on semi professional riders.... Just like we had in our successful premier league days.

 

However there are not enough of these to go around and their packages have reached a level far higher than it should be due to them trying to buy equipment that can match the top riders.

 

An attempt was made to remedy the problem with double up riders but this has backfired and created its own monster, with many now deciding to become full time professionals rather than semi pros.

 

The best days are behind the sport and now it needs to go backwards to try and rebuild with a long term plan rather than living hand to mouth every year.

 

I would personally have only two leagues of 12 teams (one semi pro and one amateur). In the top league restrict teams from building with any riders over a 6 point average, no GP riders and no riders who ride in more than one other country. Put in place a total team spend of £5k per match and riders pay terms have to be registered with BSPA. Any clubs trying to get smart and work a way around it will be fined £10k.

 

Riders will then have to cut their cloth accordingly but clubs will be able to survive and start to invest money into marketing which will drive growth for the future.

[Halifaxtiger 5,318]

great post JC very interesting- so 30-40 % comes from the fans paying there £17 so it beggars belief as to why fans are not treated like VIPs by clubs and also why some effort isnt put into attracting new fans I cant get my head around why in my opinion fans are taken for granted in such a way .

 

And therein lies one of speedway's worst failings. Many still believe they are doing us a favour rather than the other way around (or at least it is mutual).

 

That simply has to change.

 

 

I think the riders have to start getting realistic about costs and return to one bike on a trailer instead of three in a big van with all mod cons.And the promotion keep a track spare maintained by them

 

Absolutely Sometimes I think the sport is run entirely for their benefit (and I think they think so too).

 

They have to get real. Speedway is not and, aside from the top boys, never has been a full time occupation.

 

 

I don't like to keep banging on about Isle of Wight but they really have set a standard. A huge amount of effort goes into promoting the club, attracting sponsors and seeking revenue streams outside the ordinary. Then when people actually go, even more effort is put into creating exactly the right sort of experience and atmosphere on race nights because it isn't just about the racing. The attitude of the promotion is - for speedway - a truly remarkable one : they listen and respond without hostility or aggression.

 

This has attracted credit from almost every person that attends (try and find an adverse comment anywhere) including from the likes of Bob C & Arnie G, two respected, long term and well travelled speedway fans and gates - based upon the previous promotion - are up spectacularly. This season, they broke even with a team that is likely to finish bottom of the NL.

 

The promotion are not fools nor do they regard speedway as a plaything. Good money will not be chucked after bad, unreasonable demands are refused and the business has to pay for itself.

 

So what we have is a promotion that puts everything into attracting and retaining fans and giving the best night out possible but at the same time remains entirely financially responsible. If that's not a blueprint for other clubs, I really don't know what is and if they can do it, why can't everyone else ?

Edited October 28, 2017 by Halifaxtiger

[g13webb 4,254]

The main expense is professional riders and they will not want to cut their costs as they need to ride the best machines and compete at the highest level, just as they do in every other country

 

The reality is british speedway can no longer afford these riders and therefore needs to focus on semi professional riders.... Just like we had in our successful premier league days.

 

However there are not enough of these to go around and their packages have reached a level far higher than it should be due to them trying to buy equipment that can match the top riders.

 

An attempt was made to remedy the problem with double up riders but this has backfired and created its own monster, with many now deciding to become full time professionals rather than semi pros.

 

The best days are behind the sport and now it needs to go backwards to try and rebuild with a long term plan rather than living hand to mouth every year.

 

I would personally have only two leagues of 12 teams (one semi pro and one amateur). In the top league restrict teams from building with any riders over a 6 point average, no GP riders and no riders who ride in more than one other country. Put in place a total team spend of £5k per match and riders pay terms have to be registered with BSPA. Any clubs trying to get smart and work a way around it will be fined £10k.

 

Riders will then have to cut their cloth accordingly but clubs will be able to survive and start to invest money into marketing which will drive growth for the future.

 

Sure is a big reality check John !! , but something like this has been coming for some time. Most meetings I go to, I look round and see barely a few hundred people, wondering how the hell does this pay, when in fact it doesn't. The situation is, we have promoters like Buster, doing everything possible to make the track rideable,to get the meeting on, and riders finding any excuse not to race, a scenario built purely on the financial burden. Riders today want way too much for little in return. they have no respect for their team, their team mates, or the fans. All they think about is themselves and how much they can get, without one thought of the sport, of the future... or who is going to pay for it...

 

I like your idea John, It makes perfect sense to take control costs, and for riders to get back to reality. But most of all its a sustainable program, one that can prosper in the years ahead. What we have now is just a recipe of disaster .

 

The BSPA cant continue to bury their heads in the sand....

 

NB.. It would be interesting to find out what the Clubs 'Breakeven Figures' of attendance are, and how many of our clubs achieved that....

[waytogo28 2,054]

GRW123 wrote " NB.. It would be interesting to find out what the Clubs 'Breakeven Figures' of attendance are, and how many of our clubs achieved that.."

 

In the search for transparency in speedway - at the point where it's continuity is in question - the figures for a Break Even paid attendance figure for every club would be a revelation. Can it be possible and will someone at a club be the first to offer up their own figure?

 

jchapman wrote " The best days are behind the sport and now it needs to go backwards to try and rebuild with a long term plan rather than living hand to mouth every year.

I would personally have only two leagues of 12 teams (one semi pro and one amateur). In the top league restrict teams from building with any riders over a 6 point average, no GP riders and no riders who ride in more than one other country. Put in place a total team spend of £5k per match and riders pay terms have to be registered with BSPA. Any clubs trying to get smart and work a way around it will be fined £10k."

 

​I do hope that something like that is firmly on the agenda at the BSPA AGM. If not it should be. But sadly we all feel sure that it is not and Nero will continue to fiddle ( musically ) while "Rome" burns down and only the embers of the fire can be stood around for the next few years. The Centenary of 2028 is far out of reach it seems ( perhaps it really is 2021?).

Edited October 28, 2017 by waytogo28

[dontforgetthefueltapsbruv 10,706]

I don't think so with the amount of bikes in the pits they wouldn't need one

Thats why Im saying in its component parts.

 

An engine here a frame there etc rather than a physical whole bike.

 

Ive seen it with my own eyes at Ipswich this year.....

[Theboss 727]

 

NB.. It would be interesting to find out what the Clubs 'Breakeven Figures' of attendance are, and how many of our clubs achieved that....

Working on the basis that there is no £1million plus TV contract and reduced sponsorship due to the reduction in crowds (which have been reported across the country), I would estimate that 80% of all costs will need to be covered by ticket sales (ie paying public).

 

So the reality is that if their is no reduction in costs in 2018 then to break even the top league promoters will need to double the ticket prices or hope to double their attendences overnight.

 

Knowing the promoters as well as I do I wouldn't be surprised if they hedged their bets 50/50 and increased their ticket prices by 50% and expected the crowds to grow by 50%.

 

And if a club goes bust don't forgot, the promoter will blame the fans for staying away.