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Christmas Statement from the Save Coventry Speedway group. WE would like to extend our Season’s Greetings to all supporters of Speedway and Stock Car Racing at Coventry. Our thanks to all who have supported the Campaign Group efforts over the course of the year, and also to everyone who helped organise and supported the Challenge matches run in 2017 with Coventry Bees not running as part of the official league structure. It has been the worst year imaginable for everyone with a love for the sports at Brandon; from the shattering news that ‘agreements’ for future racing were not to be fulfilled, to the eventual omission of Coventry from the 2017 Premiership, to the deterioration in condition of the stadium throughout the year arising from the lack of security on-site by the owners. Brandon Estates bought the stadium for their own purposes, but in doing so they have shown zero regard for the 89-year history and heritage of the iconic venue, nor the fact that regular visits to Brandon to watch these family sports remained a way of life for many thousands of people throughout the season, right up until the end of 2016. In addition, the intransigence of the owners to engage in reasonable communication is a further indication of their motives, along with the material included within their official representations and public exhibition material – much of which is open to serious question. At the Exhibition in October, comments from the public were invited by planning consultants Framptons. We have seen a number of these responses, and the local reaction is clear - but as with the 2014 Exhibition arising from the initial plans, they appear to be a closely-guarded secret at this time. The display boards also indicated that an outline planning application would be submitted in Autumn 2017. At the time of writing, this has not taken place. We do not know the reason for that, but we can assure Brandon Estates – and their front-man, Monaco-based businessman John Downer – that as soon as their planning application is submitted, we will be ready with strong opposition. They must understand that they cannot simply take two major sports away from the region – sports which were both perfectly viable running in tandem at the stadium – merely on an outrageous speculative bid for development on land which had not been earmarked for that purpose, and expect everyone to sit back and let it happen. Our Campaign Group came together in its present form in the immediate aftermath of Coventry’s exclusion from the 2017 SGB Premiership, and our primary aim was to bring about a return to racing at the stadium for 2018 as well as establishing plans for the long-term continuation of both sports in the area. In those respects, we have regrettably been unsuccessful. The sheer depth of issues to be considered and resolved arising from the activities of recent years has been eye-opening in the extreme, and we have to respect the fact that the timescales of official business are sometimes longer than we would wish for. We believe there is tremendous momentum behind our campaign and overwhelming opposition to Brandon Estates' proposals. So our work will go on into 2018, and there are various events and hearings in the early part of the New Year which will play a vital part in matters going forward. Finally, we must emphasise to all who pass comment on the situation, often on social media, that the status of Brandon Stadium remains absolutely fundamental to the entire argument, and an acceptance that it has been lost to sport permanently is simply not an option. We wish every supporter of Speedway and Stock Car Racing a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and we hope 2018 provides some encouragement to everyone who wishes to see our two famous sports restored to their rightful place.

This means absolutely jack! A few years ago, Swindon were looking to use Miedzinski and he went to Poole. Swindon demanded that this was a full transfer and Poole said no - a loan only. It went to arbitration and on loan he went - turning a valuable asset on a really low average into a worthless asset on a much higher average. So Poole can demand a fee but the precedence has been set and the boot is on the other foot now!

In the New Year, 'Arena Cross' hits Manchester... Indoor Motocross.. I would urge any Speedway Promoters who can do, to attend... I went three years ago with my lad and so much of the total evening 'entertainment package' on view could easily be translated over to Speedway.. From an autograph, selfie opportuniy meet and greet with the riders, completed 60 mins before racing so plenty of time to browse the merchandice stalls and get a drink and food.. . (Each rider had his own posters and photos for sale too). Riders coming out in darkness doing a lap of honour under a spot light. Could tracks do something similar to create atmosphere?. A 'centre green' announcer who was loud (he had to be over the bikes and music), brash (well, the Promoters were American!) and informative, detailing background information about each individual rider and commentating on the action as it happened. (That last bit maybe not needed in Speedway?).. Before racing and during gaps in between for track maintenance, (all tractors were working by the way), their Promotion team fired their own T Shirts into the crowd via an 'pump action air gun'... Many were, it appeared, Small and Medium meaning many adults caught them as you would expect but many of the kids ended up with the T Shirt.. (My lad got one from someone five rows back who passed it on when he saw it was an 'S').... There were no gaps where 'nothing happened' between races, so the crowd was kept interested.. The interval took place half way during the evenings racing and was 30 minutes prompt.. Before the interval they told us about the 'mini moto' they had suspended from the ceiling. Just text your name to etc etc and you could be taking this bike home. Texts cost £5... There was a 7500 full house and I would suggest well over half of 'the dads' were texting away during that interval. That bike certainly paid for itself and more! (Certainly I contributed a tenner towards it)! Now maybe Speedway couldn't do the same but they could do something around winning Season Tickets, VIP evenings etc.. The winner was announced prior to the Final and came down and received his bike... The cost for me and my lad was over £70 but I am going again next time as it was fantastic value for money... How did I know they were coming back to Manchester? I got an email from them in October telling me so with a nice book early 15% saving... Three years they have had my email address and now have used it knowing I had previously attended. My own Speedway team still doesn't have my email address... How did it advertise itself? Lots of Social Media and it played on how "awesome" (as I said they are Yanks!) it must be to watch 'dirt bike racing' in the middle of a City Centre.. And let's be honest as a concept it is 'pretty unique' isn't it? Apart from obviously it already happens many nights of the week around the Country from March to October..!! It was a 'one off' so you could argue that it is 'different' from Speedway, however maybe if Speedway promoted EVERY meeting as if it was a 'one off' they would be delivering many, many more through their turnstiles.. Watching 'dirt bike racing' in a City Centre is "awesome" don't forget, so says the guys who play to full houses and make money out of doing so... NB: No mention of it being a 'family sport' but plenty about 'speed', 'danger' and being 'gnarly'! (Whatever that means....) In fact the only downside to the night was that I, as a 47 year old at the time, felt 'very old' when I looked around the rest of the crowd.. At Speedway, at least I still feel like a 'spring chicken'!!

To be fair, Neil, you are a regular and, in my opinion, much valued poster. Dale, Laurence and Gordon comment very rarely and Tsunami is a former promoter with no official position, although I know that he makes a huge difference to Newcastle and his perspective as a former promoter is often sobering. The point stands : there are 28 clubs in British Speedway and the overwhelming majority of clubs make absolutely no contribution here whatsoever, despite the fact that it is easily the biggest online speedway forum in this country. My view of the way the BSF is viewed also stands, and it is indicative of how the sport treats its fans that so few of those running teams seek to engage on here in the way that you do and Barry has. You often do not get the credit you deserve, but the number of likes that Barry has attracted shows just how much members appreciate someone coming on and telling us how it is. I believe there is a recognition by most members of this forum that information can be confidential and cannot be disclosed publicly. That does not prevent explanations being given on many, many other matters that concern the individual speedway fan.

The only way the rule should be changed is if all Championship clubs vote to amend it, if only one opposes it then it should not be changed, imo. My reasoning for this is that majority of clubs have built their teams based on rules which were agreed (whether the rule is good/bad is irrelevant) and if it is changed now it potentially puts some clubs at a disadvantage, as they may have had thoughts on who to use previously, but were not allowed - and puts others clubs at an advantage of giving them riders available who weren't previously. It is almost like deciding halfway through season to change points to 5 for a win away from home, but saying to the 4 clubs who have ridden more away matches, tough you've missed out!! As I said if all clubs are happy with this, then fine - but it shouldn't be a majority vote to win it needs to be unanimous.

we have a National Stadium for such events - neutral, central and good racing

Can only ditto that. Am hoping for a full recovery and improved health for him in 2018 and onwards.

That will be handy for when he wants to ride for Eastbourne

Jason Edwards has more growth in him than Kemp, both are going too be very good riders and yes haven't seen anyone get a set up right for a track as quick as Kemp did other than Dan Bewley. But you have too remember Jason had not ridden competitively on a 500cc bike until he came in to the league. Which Kemp did have in the youth Championships. But everyone talks about those two as the two expected best 3 pointers which surprises me as Leon Flint will be just as good even better than both of them.

Thanks for that BA, saved my blushes

Williamson is a shrewd signing, get him dialled in at home and his average will only go one way.

you do have a point, but IMO 2 stand out reserves who are both young and hungry, barring bad injury will deffo make it big in the sport are Dan Bewley and Zach Wajtknecht, another who will be big in the sport and hasn't ridden in the Prem yet is 15 year old Kyle Bickley.

They would only have to be lowered by a pound to be in line with most championship clubs

I also would like to wish CVS a speedy recovery, I know he sometimes gets some criticism as all Promoters do, but is recorded at Wolves is nothing short of miraculous, you never hear a rider complaining about not being payed on time, or Track preparation, I would go so far as to say it’s the most Professional run club in Britain

Some great posts on here, I remember seeing some people who were at a golf tournament for the first time and wanted to know all the rules ..when I told about the two length club l rule when you take a drop they just laughed and left the course saying they would. never come back .

Thanks ray and I m sure that all Forum fans will join me in wishing him as full and speedy a recovery as possible.

Transferred from the Somerset thread!! 'The 'deal' was done ('no issues with money') but CH had other stuff to sort out!! The Echo story does just call it a 'delay'!! The ball is in Holder's court but Matt will have the upper hand if Chris signs and doesn't start riding to his true capabilities - he'll just replace him with a.n.other. (probably one of a few former GP riders).'

just stating the situation with other income. too many people these days seem to have digs about the management at Kings Lynn or lack of communication, but if there's no news what's the point of putting out a press release to say there's no news? i'm one to say it as i see it, and sometimes people go well over the top demanding what's not there

I think the poole track does actually produce good racing when it's in good condition....a good track should be the minimum a club should aim for every season.

The reality is quite the opposite. Speedway fans might fill out programmes but in terms of knowledge of statistics for the most part they haven't a clue. You're way, way out of date if you think it's somehow uncool to be interested in statistics. Stats are everywhere now and the masses are into them. It is an area that speedway fails to capitalise on.

What a mess. A stadium that could host speedway and stox just rusting away. A heritage compatible with any club in the World. A fan base comparable (in numbers) with many currently successful clubs. A fan base with few equals in terms of loyalty. A club in the hands of Mick Horton, Avtar Sandhu (?) and Brandon Estates. A club destined to run in the 3rd division in a different city. But..... We have a bunch of people with heart, faith and dedication who might yet wrench this club from the jaws of oblivion and give us back something we recognise as a force to be reckoned with in British Speedway. Say a prayer, write to Rugby Borough Council, let the committee know you haven't given up, despite all the crap (sorry). Do everything you can to keep the dream alive. You never know.

No way should rules be changed when some teams are complete on the originally agreed basis! Obviously something to do with Poole not being able to get anyone decent.

Probably because he was riding with a broken foot for most of the season. When he was needed to ride in Heat 15 - he was there!

Incidentally, sales at the end of June had reached 22,011 (and still rising).

Personally I would nominate Henny Kroeze. If I recall he was the first rider to score a 21 point maximum whist riding for Halifax.