BFMDan

Yup 'AlanF', that's how I took it, as well. Via the web site - not much actual information there, as of yet, and couldn't find them on social media (Facebook) . . . so, being as how I'm from The States (but NOT in 'Speedway Territories') I'll sit tight, watch & listen to see what comes of this. HB

Would be nice to see if something comes of it . . . HB

I watched Saturday's and Tuesday's events (via delayed stream). As an American, I enjoyed Saturday's match - even though I've been more entertained as a fan via other events (please don't hate us just 'cause we're Americans). As a speedway fan, I absolutely ate up Tuesday's match!! That was so fun to watch! More than a handful of times I was literally shouting out loud and leaning so far sideways on my couch (trying to help the riders - LOL) that my S.O. reached out and grabbed me thinking I was going to topple right over! Man, that was fun! Two big "Thumbs Up" from this guy! HB

I think because they know/understand that speedway here in "The Good Ol' U.S.ofA." is almost non-existent. 3 or 4 tracks in southern California - one in the Midwest - that's about it. It's like Ice Hockey in Africa or something And coming from this non-existent culture, we're trying (TRYING) to re-grow the sport here in America. For us to even be there is a huge success - and then to get points, another step - and then to actually beat some of the competition . . . well, ya gotta start somewhere. HB

Quick question about online viewing. At the SpeedwayGP web site, they have their GPTV (or whatever they call it) - basically a live youtube stream. I watched that all in years past; now this year it always says it hasn't been made available for viewing in my country (USA). So, in which countries is that stream available? HB

Apologies up front - I didn't mean to come across too aggressively with my comment about "0 input". Any way, here are a couple photos which kind of show Greg's rim style. I thought I knew all about rims, but now I'm embarrassed to admit that I've never (ever) seen a rim like this in my entire life. Guess I live a sheltered life - LOL. (sorry, don't know whom to credit for this photo . . . 'Gazeta Pomorska'?) (credit in lower right of photo) HB

What's the brand/maker of Hancock's front wheel? I like the way the spokes hook to the rim itself; Rather than through the rim & held in place by traditional nipple ... It's more like a pinch-pin style. Interesting. HB

255 views . . . 0 input. I'm over here in the states, so can't ask anyone nearer to the situation. Any of you folks have connections (if, for nothing more than simple proximity) that would allow you to inquire? Many thanks, HB

This is what they do in the US for Supercross. They have a traveling 'track crew' ("Dirt Works") which is split into three groups (If I recall correctly). Two groups 'leap frog' each other through the schedule and create the track - giving the rider/performers a bit of an assurance that the tracks week in and week out (while being different in design and substance) are still predictable. The third crew is simply the 'tear down' crew each week. HB

Sorry for being late to the party here - had other matters on the 13th and, being over here across the pond, had to wait for an English version to show up on the YouTube. WOW, what an event! This one took my excitement level back many years - literally sitting on the edge of my seat, shouting to the TV with my arms thrashing in the air. LOL I was thoroughly entertained! Couldn't be happier for Freddie with the win. Obviously, I've never met the guy, but he comes across as a decent dude - is this a fair characterization? Side question, any one know where to find the official attendance number from this event? Crowd looked huge! HB

Great shots! Thanks for sharing! HB

Ugh, can't find any live coverage.

Just saw this topic come up on my Facebook feed - LOL. I'm interested in watching the live stream over here in "The Colonies". Anyone know if the commentators will be English language . . . or will I be lost via all of the back-to-back consonants?! HB

Over here in The States (and coming from the Flat Track discipline) Leathers are regaining their place as the norm. Some riders on short (really short tracks) or TT's wear MX gear; but, anything over 3/8-Mile and you'll see the Leathers unpacked. Many of the "old School" riders (age, mostly - ) wear their leathers regardless of track configuration or size. I, my self, have made the switch, as a matter of fact, to "all leathers all the time" for 2017 (although, I'm just a regional amateur). LOL. The current Professional Flat Track series (now called American Flat Track) actually mandates leathers this year. I think (and this is just my opinion) that they're mandating the leathers in an effort to establish product identity. As for Speedway . . . all I can watch are the GPs, and I see riders go down and stand up showing skin - their kevlars seem inadequately thin - and wondered why they don't wear leathers. HB

I think that I look at this topic from a slightly different angle; as I have, and do, wear many different hats in the world of Motorsports. 1) Track Employee / Marketing: ANY (and I mean ANY) chance I have to enhance the experience of a business owner and potential supporter of the track or the sport in general - I'll take it and use it. I don't care if it's free tickets, Free meals/snacks/drinks in the VIP Suites, Introductions to the audience via the event Announcer or (gasp) entry to the pit area. The more that the potential (or active) supporter can experience - the better. And the feeling of "behind the scenes action" is a HUGE hook. How many of you when you were younger dreamt of a "back stage pass" at a Rock Concert. It give an individual a feeling of specialty - but also a look at what their support dollars are actually supporting. 2) Business Owner: When I put forth my hard earned business funds to support a racer . . . I want (need) to see what my investment is getting. No different than seeing the TV commercial I've purchased, or the print ad for which I've paid. 3.) Competitor: If I can give my sponsor a "behind the scenes" look at my operation . . . it increases the potential that I'll be able to sign them in a sponsorship agreement next season as well. That's why they're welcome to my race shop too. Again, I'm not implying that anyone on this forum is wrong . . . just putting forth my thoughts and opinions on this subject. Also, I have no relations to "Monster Joe" (LOL) and am in no way financially related to Monster Energy Drinks. HB

Steve Evans is putting forth a Yeoman's effort to take Speedway in the U.S.A. to the next level. He's not alone, there are others, obviously, helping . . . but, Steve seems to have lit a spark, via social media, spreading 'The Good Word' of Speedway. It's all baby-steps at this point . . . but, the effort, the drive & the enthusiasm is obvious and exactly what the sport needs over here. Admittedly, it's a relatively small sport - in a literally small physical area - within a physically gigantic nation. So, it's sometimes difficult to see the progress . . . but, progress IS there. No where NEAR what you folks enjoy in G.B. / Europe . . . but, at least it's not gone completely. In my mind, that is GOOD NEWS. Flattrack racing (the sport in which I'm involved) is enjoying a bit of a resurgence right now. It's still nowhere near other 'main stream' stick and ball sports (American Football, Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, etc.) or even Supercross; however, the crowds at some of the Nationals (Springfield Mile, for example) are downright huge! And now, a bit of revitalized Factory involvement with Indian, Harley, Yamaha, etc. is bringing with it some much needed media coverage. And, while all of this is happening, Speedway can (and, to a certain extent, is) being swept right along with this renewed enthusiasm. I tend to be a cautious optimist . . . but, even I'm feeling downright giddy over here in The States. HB

Hope ya'all don't mind a "Yankee" jumping in here with my thoughts. Some of this is based on recent performance, and some of it (admittedly so) is based on nothing more than a whim & a guess. 1.) Bartosz Zmarzlik 2.) Greg Hancock 3.) Tai Woffinden 4.) Antonio Lindback (if he can keep consistent) 5.) Jason Doyle HB

I see riders with other major sponsors - some businesses represented by multiple riders. Are you all suggesting that Marketing representatives from those businesses should also not be allowed in the pits? Are you suggesting that NO marketing representatives should be allowed in the pits? HB

I think what they're trying to do is allow the riders a bit of marketing "Branding" of themselves. I know their name is a straight forward enough brand (LOL), but a stylized version of their number becomes a very quick and visual representation of them as well. We see it over here in The States all the time. Started in Stock Car racing and has become a bit of the norm on two wheels, now, as well. HB

Being from "The States" all of this talk is, well, foreign to me - LOL! Sorry, bad pun. Anyway, would love to hear the why's as to this concern? Is Poland/Russia currently analogous to the "1860's Wild West" here in America? Or closer to "Mafia" of 1930's here in US . . . or L.A.'s gangs and thugs of today? Thanx, HB

Some GREAT photos at that site. Perty cool. HB

Forgive this idiotic, but honest, question . . . um, who is "Monster Joe"? HB

I don't know anything about GB Speedway . . . but, I do work for a local stock car track and am associated with a few Flat Track promoters here in America. I can tell you that, aside from land/facilities/tractors/etc., a couple of the major expenses are actually: Insurance Ambulance/Medical You have to pay quite a bit for both . . . and always hope and pray that you NEVER utilize that for which you've paid a pretty penny. HB

Thanks 'AlanF' . . . MUCH appreciated! HB

I'm from the U.S. . . . so, all I really know about Speedway is watching Speedway GP. So, I'm trying to get a grasp of the status/level of Speedway as compared to other sports (for my understanding - US related). Over here in the states, we don't have the leagues like you folks do in G.B./EU. We have a community that keeps the sport of speedway alive over on the west coast . . . but, that's about it. I'm wondering about income level - I s'pose . . . So, are Speedway racers (and, I guess, the tracks/organizations) more similar to - on the same level as: 1) Professional top line sports (National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, NASCAR) 2) Professional lower level sports (US Soccer, Womens National Basketball Association, Supercross) 3) Minor league professional sports (major league baseball farm teams, arena football) 4) US Flat track Pro racers (90%+ of these "Pro" riders still have regular full time jobs, except for maybe the top 3 or 4) 5) AMA regional MX pro racers (race for a couple hundred $$ per event, then go to work 9-5 during the week) 6) Local stock car racers (basically an expensive hobby - LOL) Sorry if this has been asked before . . . HB