marko 956 Posted March 26, 2018 I noticed at Arena on Friday they only had a single piece of tape on the starting gate, and that was not exactly very taught, is this something new for the 2018 season or was this a one off where maybe they forgot to order some tape and only had one bit to hand? Starting gate tape has always been two lengths of tape joined by droppers at various points. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cityrebel 2,960 Posted March 26, 2018 The tapes were the standard type at Peterborough last night. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aces51 2,778 Posted March 26, 2018 And at Belle Vue. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dontforgetthefueltapsbruv 10,706 Posted March 26, 2018 Perhaps Nillsson has taken them as down payment 1 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stainlesssteelride 106 Posted March 26, 2018 Plenty of tracks use 3 tapes too Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icicle 896 Posted March 26, 2018 Some even have yellow sticky tape!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alan_Jones 1,005 Posted March 27, 2018 9.3 A Starting Gate, operated solely by the Referee, shall support easily breakable 2 or 3 cotton tapes (not rayon, nylon, plastic or other material that may cause injury to a rider colliding with them) that are tightly stretched across the track and directly above the Start / Finish line, which must be clearly marked at all times. The lowermost tape must be between 50cm and 60cm above ground level when in the down position. The tapes shall be attached with rubber bands as loose metal hooks are not permitted. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
macinter 158 Posted March 27, 2018 (edited) Personally I would like to see some thought given to an alternative to the tapes for starting races. With one televised race last season taking four attempts to get started it doesn't really help much towards attracting new fans to our sport. I wonder how many potential newcomers to speedway might have been watching that race, got fed up waiting for it to start and just switched off watching on TV or left the stadium. But I would be surprised if many fans would vote to change the starting method as speedway is a bit set in its ways sometimes, as per the hullabaloo when the world championship changed to a GP system. Edited March 27, 2018 by macinter Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
E I Addio 15,845 Posted March 27, 2018 3 hours ago, macinter said: Personally I would like to see some thought given to an alternative to the tapes for starting races. With one televised race last season taking four attempts to get started it doesn't really help much towards attracting new fans to our sport. I wonder how many potential newcomers to speedway might have been watching that race, got fed up waiting for it to start and just switched off watching on TV or left the stadium. But I would be surprised if many fans would vote to change the starting method as speedway is a bit set in its ways sometimes, as per the hullabaloo when the world championship changed to a GP system. Most of the problems at the start are nothing to do with the tapes, they are invariably caused by the riders trying to jump the start. Whatever method of starting you have, there will always be a few problems as long as riders try to jump the start. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve roberts 9,246 Posted March 27, 2018 3 hours ago, E I Addio said: Most of the problems at the start are nothing to do with the tapes, they are invariably caused by the riders trying to jump the start. Whatever method of starting you have, there will always be a few problems as long as riders try to jump the start. ...I remember when the tape touching rule was introduced there were those who complained about slipping clutches drawing riders into the tapes until Pete Adams commented (tongue in cheek) that by replacing the tapes with barbed wire one would soon see how often riders would suffer with that particular problem! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
workyboy 96 Posted March 27, 2018 7 hours ago, macinter said: Personally I would like to see some thought given to an alternative to the tapes for starting races. With one televised race last season taking four attempts to get started it doesn't really help much towards attracting new fans to our sport. I wonder how many potential newcomers to speedway might have been watching that race, got fed up waiting for it to start and just switched off watching on TV or left the stadium. But I would be surprised if many fans would vote to change the starting method as speedway is a bit set in its ways sometimes, as per the hullabaloo when the world championship changed to a GP system. Why not put them in traps, just like greyhounds. Then no need for tapes, therefore no false starts!!!! For the more serious amongst you out there .................... I JEST!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stainlesssteelride 106 Posted March 27, 2018 Of course you jest, you clearly know horse racing stools would be far better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gambo 1,340 Posted March 27, 2018 I don't think you can beat Chris Durno and his elastic band with a spanner tied on the end! Nobody ever jumps the start then! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
A ORLOV 8,628 Posted March 28, 2018 16 hours ago, Stainlesssteelride said: Of course you jest, you clearly know horse racing stools would be far better. With horse crap being thrown up behind the rider the start marshall will not be very popular 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BangerBoy 47 Posted March 28, 2018 On 27/03/2018 at 2:43 PM, E I Addio said: Most of the problems at the start are nothing to do with the tapes, they are invariably caused by the riders trying to jump the start. Whatever method of starting you have, there will always be a few problems as long as riders try to jump the start. Is a jump start a perfect start ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites