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It's all about the money !! In 1997, both Stock Cars and Speedway were kicked out of Odsal by the Bulls as the Super League had recently come into existence and Sky were throwing money at it, so they no longer needed the rental income. Plans for a fully enclosed 'Superdome' were published, which obviously would have made motorsports unfeasible. From 2012 to 2017, the Bulls went into administration 3 times, also dropping out of the Super League in 2014, and the 3rd one ended in liquidation. The Bulls that exist now are a completely new entity formed in 2017. During that first period of administration the RFL had to step in and purchase the leasehold on the stadium to help keep the club afloat. At the end of the 2019 season, they were still struggling financially and could no longer afford the rent so they moved out to Dewsbury for 2 seasons, leaving the RFL with an empty stadium. During the winter of 2020, the last Stock Car promotion to run at Odsal (Startrax), negotiated a return to Odsal with the RFL and made agreement with the Bulls to come back in with them. Allegedly, this was very beneficial to the Bulls, as rumour is that they had fallen out with the Dewsbury chairman and were going to be homeless in 2021. Since the return, the pitch has never met the minimum size specified in the rule book, but the RFL seemed happy to overlook this. However, now they have been 'promoted' back to the Super League, it has become more of an issue. Unfortunately for Stock Car racing, this promotion means the Bulls will be far better off financially, and it also coincides with the Bulls taking over the leasehold on the stadium from the RFL, giving them far more control over what happens. Despite the Stock Car promoters still having several years on the lease agreement, they are no longer welcome at Odsal, and I believe legal proceedings have taken place, but the rumour is that this was more about compensation than any possible return. The fact is, that without Startrax reopening Odsal in 2021 (a massive gamble as we were still under Covid restrictions at the time), the Bulls would not be playing there now, and would certainly not have been in the position to be rejoining the Super League. Then their fans wonder why all stock car fans are wishing for them to get relegated, go bust, or both !!

Mayfield are not the prospective promoters at Northampton. Foam fence ordered. Plenty of work to be done.

It also surely isn’t really practical to run NDL meetings on the busiest night for the Championship, as so many riders will be unavailable, it’s possible that 8 of the 9 sides could be racing at the same time. In other news, Jody Scott on the Bears Facebook Live tomorrow night and also revealing the date for the U21 Final. Monday 7pm

Because the new stand on the pits turn has supporting legs that are very close to the outer edge of the track. The likelihood of a stock car going over the fence is far less than that of a speedway rider, and even if they did they would be protected by the car they were in. I know that riders clearing fences doesn't happen often, but it does happen, and therefore the risk could not be taken.

I think there should be a march organised around Rugby next weekend, to protest for the release of the Premiership fixture lists. Get Amnesty International involved, surely this illegal detention must be drawn to the national attention!!

Apparently Bradford bulls kicked out the stock car people because the rugby league said for them to be a super League club, the pitch had to be, and remain a certain size at all times, they would not allow them to lift the corners in any circumstances. This dispite the stock cars bringing in upto 10k people into odsal every 4 weeks or so spring summer and autumn, , and the rugby club benefiting from food sales and rent

Sounds like Hayley Stadium Newport, don't want anyone else to run it, set it on fire !

Probably won't be the ex Reds ones, as l believe they won't be leaving borugh park until the football season finishes, as surprise surprise the I has not been dotted and the t has not been crossed by the council for the new stadium to be built 😧

Personally I don't think it was ever going to happen, my opinion is them in charge kept talking about or dropping hints about Northampton to divert most people attention from the bigger issues of a 4 or 5 ? team premiership and now 4 weeks before the official start of the season (klindt testimonial) NO fixtures have yet been released

Floodlights are going in within the 6 weeks. Dont worry

I believe Wolverhampton could be persuaded if they had the right person to talk to entain on speedways behalf, you know like someone on the board of the greyhound association, I wonder who is on that board that could possibly help speedway out ? https://www.gbgb.org.uk/sir-philip-davies-appointed-next-chair-of-gbgb/

Ah that makes sense Poole did training day around the Stock car track 20+ years ago. A short distance out of town.

Matcham's Park.

Can you say where the track was? ex ringwood boy from the 50`s

The current machinery requires the finest tuning, and very regular upkeep to keep it functioning at its peak level. There needs to be a reset of the engines, allowed components, etc. British league racing has to become more affordable for everyone, and the riders have as big a part to play as anyone else. In that way, reaching the GP could be akin to Formula One, with riders progressing through the levels.

It is a shame that Eastbourne is not available having just watched a video of a recent banger meeting at Arlington. I am sure you have many detractors from the idea that a former track could run temporarily if the funds are guaranteed and the covenant is good even if it is for one year while someone develops Northampton. Money speaks volumes if the right figure is on the table and it could be that Swindon, Newcastle and even Wolverhampton could be an option as along as it is temporary. I am sure that more contributors on this forum could come up with other options. Even Iwade or Kent could be thrown into the mix as a short term solution. I just feel that in the case of Northampton a fool and their money will be soon parted if they dive in to the league at this late stage in the preparation for the new season.

Know where there's a set of lights still available.

Such rules are usually suggested by someone who has lined up a rider who would benefit fhe most by its inception... The promoter convinces their peers that it is good for the sport and then pulls the rabbit from the hat.. Der Derrrrrrrrr....

Bonkers isn't it and certainly in the UK there's not the money coming in to warrant that kind of expense hence promoters regularly doing anything between 50-100k losses most seasons.

Thats my worry if true Dean taking on two tracks at the same time one of which has no speedway heritage is a massive risk. I really hope if its true they make an outstanding success of it as we would all on here be happy to have eggs on our faces this time next year. I just think whoever it is could end up doing a 100k-200k loss, lose interest and if it is Mayfield Ipswich are back in the melting pot next year and Northampton ends up being never touched again. You read about Leicester who have heritage, had Fricke, but still by all counts losing bucket loads of money (all be it racing on a night that suits the riders not the public doesn't help).

Makes you wonder how the 8% figure was arrived at and by whom.

Remember Ian nothing happens with speedway until the building is on fire and the roof your standing under is at the point of collapsing on your head.

It's obvious that anyone considering running Northampton should have spoken to the Forum members here before throwing their money away. They would have put them straight.

I think that is the less risky route if you can guarantee the rental for even one year. If that was/is the case then a number of former tracks that are idle could become a temporary home for the ‘Nomads’. I am not saying that these are possible or viable but I guess if money talks and the covenant is good, you could have Newcastle, Swindon, Kent and possibly one or two others. Shame about Eastbourne having just watched a banger video featuring racing from Arlington, but it is what it is. Not sure if Iwade could be a possibility. Many others on here would know what if other defunct tracks could be brought back to life with the right incentive and I know Dean has said Wolverhampton is a non starter but with the right offer could they have a re-think. Anyone’s guess but Northampton seems like a a case of a fool and his money will soon be parted.

As Jamie has stated speedway is very , very different now and with only nine teams, four of which run on a Friday then there are bound to be gaps in Friday night fixtures. The NDL fixtures would have been the gap fillers but it seems they only want to run on weekends now so Middlesbrough have become a Saturday night fixture. I agree about strange decisions but thats the state speedway has got itself in, we all yern for the good old days but thats gone and we just have to accept it. Better occasional, inconsistent speedway than non at all.