Garry1603

BLRC nights were the highlight of my year as a kid - incredible atmosphere, a bit of friendly banter between supporters (and it WAS friendly!), and the feeling that you were experiencing something special. Obviously Hyde Road was a great speedway track and there was good racing, but it was the sense of occasion that made it memorable (a bit like Wembley World Finals)

Does he own Domestos as well? Maybe he'll move onto Dyno Rod next!

Doesn't exist according to Mr Trump!

To be fair it was rather good - I know because it was the year I started work and the weather improved (dramatically) as soon as I was appointed so I couldn't enjoy it (!) The following year wasn't too shabby as well. Insert other media.url

Probably most promoters favoured route based on the last thirty years!

I agree wholeheartedly with that, for me team speedway is the best format of the sport. Having riders who stay with teams for 2/3 seasons would certainly help the fans identify with a team better (especially if the rider is relatively local) and whatever can be done to foster friendly rivalry with local teams benefits everyone. As an aside, I wonder if F1 fans generally follow a team or a driver? For example, do people change their 'team' allegiance if a driver moved to a rival?

I think a scoreboard is a nice idea, but there are many other things that clubs need to spend their money on first.

What promoters will have to take into account with 'new speedway'' is the high likelihood that there will be a very big recession after the lockdown ends - many businesses will not open again, jobs will be lost and therefore people's entertainment budget will be really restricted probably for a year or two. Therefore the sport needs to be affordable for families, but obviously sustainable for the promotions as well - not an easy equation I'm afraid. A year of semi professional racing with reduced admissions (or big discounts / free admission for children) might get us through what is going to be a very hard time.

Very sad, RIP Blair

Generally, I'd agree, but it could be an option if somebody wanted it. I was thinking more of rider interviews, updates, scores from round the country, even in race commentary, just something to keep the customer engaged and feeling part of the occasion rather than as an inconvenience as it sometimes feels.

I agree with all of that - maybe have a 'speedway app' that could enhance the experience for the watching fans as well (and the ones who can't be present at the meeting). The bikes don't have to be tuned up thoroughbreds, a good race is four riders closely racing, not follow your leader at high speed.

As others have said, it looks like there's virtually no chance to have any meaningful team meetings this season, all we can hope for is to be allowed to run some open meetings. If, and it's a big 'if', we get the go ahead (say in August / September), how about each track hosting a 'Festival of Speedway' round for the British based riders (of any division) - maybe with a 'final' at the NSS on tv for the top scorers? Maybe even have under 15s in their own category and / or sidecar racing if it were feasible. As has been said though - any costs would have to be outweighed by the revenue generated. People will be desperate to get out and about again and if it were marketed properly it might just attract a few new fans / sponsors for next season. Some say that I'm a dreamer...………...

Probably by about 13 years!

That's really interesting, so basically he regarded Rickardsson as the best 'all rounder' in that respect. Personally I'd have given Mauger a 10 for mental strength as well, which would have put him (slightly) clear at the top. Collins and Gundersen would have got a 9.5 for skill for me as well, but otherwise I think that's a very good impartial assessment - and he should know!

I'm sure you're right, I wonder if he had 'caught' him early enough though it might have made a difference. A free spirit sums him up perfectly

You're absolutely right, I just took it that we were talking about British riders, but if not Crumpie senior is definitely in there.

A little bit of 'reflected glory' as well no doubt

I would certainly agree with that - might have Dave Morton in there instead of Davis, but to be fair injuries prevented him from achieving his true potential. Might also swap Lee and Louis over as well, but that's nit picking!

Fair enough. Gundersen was also an Elite rider (to put it mildly!), just think Neilsen was a little bit more consistent and wouldn't have any 'poor' meetings which might have ultimately cost him. We'll never know, both were superstars!

Yes, I totally except that and Leigh Adams should have benefited from the GP format, but with the greatest of respect to him, I don't think that he was ever quite the world's best rider, he always had a Pedersen or Crump to face who over the course of a season had slightly too much for him. Can I just add that I loved Leigh Adams as well ! Rickardsson was always an Elite rider, but he had the ability to raise his game still further for the GPs. I think the point I was trying to make is that was that if you are already an 'Elite' rider and can also bring your 'A game' to each GP, over the course of a season you should prevail - that's why I think the Maugers and Neilsens would benefit most.

Would certainly agree with that. I also think Michael Lee (and most of the Americans) would have struggled in the GPs because consistency over a few months was a problem for them. Neilsen in the 80s / 90s and Mauger in the 60s / 70s would have won even more titles because of their ability to perform every time.

I'm sure that I speak for everyone in hoping you are right.

Never knew that - I'm sure he would have been of immense personal benefit to Kelly. Wilkie was the ultimate captain for me. Just coming into his prime as well when the terrible crash happened...……….. so sad. Can't believe that he's 71 in a couple of weeks.

Always a great read, I lock myself away for a couple of ours when it comes! What a life that Kelly Moran had - frustrating, talented and lived his life to the full. I'm sure that he wouldn't have changed much.

Truly awful news, but not unexpected I'm afraid. Buildings of all types tend to get vandalised when they are left unoccupied for long periods. Really hope that this can be repaired and protected, had many of my best speedway moments at Brandon