RogH.

A quick answer, no the Hull track is not in place, you can not tell there ever was a track at Craven Park.

Exactly which defunct tracks have you in mind to re-open ? I can't think of one that either still exists or would be available to stage speedway. If there was one, who would pay the rent, and the cost of re-instating the track, pits etc ?

The dogs were unlicensed anyway. As part of the regeneration of the area, the stadium was scheduled for demolition within a couple of years, but last week the Council announced that they hoped to carry this work out before the end of this year. Much of the stadium is now derelict and vandalism has become a problem.

Deano, the dogs have just folded, and the rugby club left 4 years ago for the new KC Stadium. Certainly no room for speedway there.

We've looked at Hedon, the site is too small as much greater car parking is needed now compared to the 1940s, also the houses are creepping ever closer. I think planning would be a problem. Re Craven Park, the rugby club have widened their pitch, if you installed a speedway track over the former dog track, there would be lack of visibility issue from the main stand because of the stadium design. As I mentioned, I fear it's going to require a culture change from supporters regarding the distances they will need to travel as speedway in urban areas is definitely under threat. fair play to Scunthorpe, they've found the ideal spot, I hope they realise how lucky they are !

The traditional 16 rider 20 heats format might work for the GPs if the order of the heats is rearranged. Number the riders 1-14 based on the previous GP results with the wild cards 15 and 16 and switch what are now heats 1-4 to 16-20 as follows: Heat 17 - 15,14,16,13 Heat 18 - 10,11,9,12 Heat 19 - 5,7,6,8 Heat 20 - 1,2,3,4 This way you stand a better chance of keeping the meeting alive until the end, whether or not you have semis and a final. These seem pointless in a meeting where everyone rides each other once.

Bobby Beaton, Frank Auffre and I think Graham Drury failed to arrive at Wimbledon. Broke down en route was cited as the reason. I don't know about Exeter but Joe Owen did not make the match at Swindon for the same reason. The points dropped at these matches cost Hull the title.

"Homes of British Speedway" is a good book to get to find out what you want to know.