Gresham

I didn't go this year, as the incessant mindless noise of airhorns and vuvuzelas just does my head in. Is there anyway of avoiding it?

Ah right...chewing tobacco...I knew what it was, but got it mixed up with Snuff because of the word Snus. Just to point out...I didn't mean to imply he smoked. Just to say that imo, promoting Monster and Redbull is no different to Tobacco companies. Like I've said...I've seen Chewing tobacco used by riders, especially Scandies, and by Ski Racers. It stimulates you by releasing Glucose from the liver and adrenalin from gland....but also has the effect of relaxing you as well. With a side effect of increasing your metabolism, which will keep your weight down. Can see why a rider would use it...as do the Ski Racers.

Do you mean snuff? Seen that a lot with riders, especially Scandies.

Whilst we have all eaten some fast food without thinking about the issues... especially Mcdonalds, by and large, I agree about the Professionalism that Speedway riders need to adhere to if they want to succeed. And I think he does make some good points. However...What gets my Goat, is the hypocrisy when waving about, drinking and promoting the likes of Redbull and Monster energy drinks. It happens in other sports too. Yes, they provide the money...but imo, it's no different to Woffie holding and smoking a cigarette and promoting a tobacco brand like they did in the 60's and 70's. Actions speak louder than words...especially if they are lining your pockets with ££££££. Catch 22 some may say... http://www.nhs.uk/news/2014/10October/Pages/Warnings-issued-over-energy-drink-risks.aspx http://healthycures.org/hamburger-chef-jamie-oliver-proves-mcdonalds-burgers-unfit-for-human-consumption

Oh for sure, I agree...but it is probably one of the less tight tracks in the UK...that was my point, which I didn't put across very well.

I agree, the whole of bends 1&2 seem to be ridden completely differently to years past. Perhaps it's the bikes and not the track? It was interesting to read Toby's comments about Swindon being a 'tight track'...god help him at smaller tracks then. Saying you have to ride the middle of the track as the dirt moves outside. Which as you have noted...there doesn't seem to be any advantage anymore going round the outside...perhaps only on bends 3 and 4.

Are you going by Riders ability who rode for Swindon then? I wouldn't call Scott Autrey a Swindon 'Legend'...definitely an Exeter Legend....or Zagar, Doyle, and Petersen. I'd agree with Briggs, Phil Crump, Lee Adams, Martin Ashby, Bob Kilby, Mike Broadbanks...but would add to that, Geoff Bouchard, Malcolm Holloway, Brian Karger, Jimmy Nilsen, Ian Williams, Neil Street...and even Andrew Silver over the three I mentioned. 'Legend' to me, means riders who have ridden for a team for a longer period of time, but also have achieved respect amongst all speedway fans. I don't think Doyle even has that at Poole or Somerset where he's ridden just as much as he has for Swindon. Perhaps I'm in a minority in feeling that, but from other Speedway fans I've spoken too, I've not heard the love and respect for Doyle as you do other Speedway 'Legends'.

Have they reduced the banking on the corners at Blunsdon?...it certainly looks like it. It was noticeable how much the riders can really attack bends 3 and 4 and try to make passing moves...but the opposite on bends 1 and 2. I know it's downhill on the home straight....and it was with a breeze behind...but I've never witnessed riders at Blunsdon struggle around bends 1 and 2 so much. A dip into bend 1 also seems to have formed. Leading to many of the riders drifting wide, having to lock up or even get out of shape. I agree with what was said before about the track preparation...it was excellent. It occurred to me how important it was to get a decent start at Blunsdon...I can't recall seeing so many restarts before there. Enjoyed watching the new Pole adapt...reminded me a little of Renat Gaforov. As for Doyle...obviously got fast machinery, but imo, shouldn't be in the same sentence as Leigh Adams, who was different class in many ways. ;-)

I'm sure it used to be 6.30...oh well never mind, less revenue in Swindon's pockets. First meeting for me at Blunsdon this season. It was nice to go back, as I have fond memory's of the place...however, I'm looking forward to seeing Swindon with a new track. Tonight's stand out impressions... The place looks more like a scrapyard these days. I've never seen so much wiring, fencing, tyres, metal, plastic sheeting, bits of wood etc between spectators and the race track...it's a right state. Tbh...the racing wasn't much better either...what a bore fest. Is it like that every week? I left after heat 12 I was that bored. It doesn't help that riders are hanging on for dear life through bends 1 and 2...that downhill home straight seems to have got steeper lol And what's with the MI5 security and parking attendants? It was like an Airport at times...lol Think I've been spoilt watching Somerset of late... ;-) Oh...and well done Swindon on winning :-) Some nice people there too...

What clown thought it would be a good idea to open the turnstiles at 6.30pm ffs? What clown thought it would be a good idea to open the turnstiles at 6.30pm ffs?

According to Speedway GB, Somerset have acquired covers for this meeting...Not sure whether it's just for this meeting or in general. Would be good if they have for any future meetings. Forecast looks awful though, with rain to continue through evening as well as day. Such a shame. Will decide on the day...although, not looking forward to the traffic on the day the Schools break up...Eeeeek...it's bad enough as it is on a Friday night.

Think I'll make the trip for this, looks like a good meeting in prospect. Some decent riders on show. I was going to go to the pairs tomorrow, but it looks like it's going to be a wash out. And really not bothered with the GP at Cardiff anymore. You know when you're getting old...I like to hear the engines and the roar of the crowd...not incessant airhorns and manic calls to 'make some noise' lol...does my noggin in... Looking forward to watching the new Pole on show...and BWD up against Tungate

I think the introduction of air fences has also created a different problem. Whilst they undeniably reduce injury when crashing into...I can't remember so many riders in the past, crashing into the corner safety fence as much as they do today. It's almost caused a 'safety net', where riders are more willing to ride aggressively in the corners and take more risks. Some of the crash's we've seen into these air fences in recent years, would have led to far worse injuries if it were a solid fence. The one at Leicester this past week would have been far worse. Also the introduction of full body armour underneath the kevlars, leads to a feeling of invincibility to some. If riders just wore leathers and a back protector...then I'm sure it would be different again. Make a cauldron pot of air fences, full body armour and neck protectors, high revving bikes that are unpredictable, tracks that sometimes aren't suitable for these modern engines, and the invincible attitude and feeling of the riders, then I'm surprised there aren't more injuries. I'm involved in Ski Racing and it's had the same problems. Technology, body protection, greater speed and G forces...all take their toll on the human skeleton. Yet Racers feel more protected and take more risks.

If the new track does get built, is there a link or any info as to what size, design it's going to be?

Aussies don't like riding in the wet it seems... they all seem wet themselves these days. The likes of Phil Crump, son Jason, Leigh Adams etc, must despair at the wetness of some of their countryman these days. They don't even like driving in it...let alone racing in it. I remember when travelling around OZ and staying at Coolangatta. It poured with rain one day, and there were all these cars parked up under a bridge off the road. I asked my Aussie mate what was going on...it was all the drivers that didn't know or like driving in the rain lol

Whilst I understand Handicap racing, with Standardised sealed engines, drawn by lots each meeting, that would help with balancing out the difference between those who have money and can afford the set ups they have, with those who don't. Imo...at a certain level, the riders ability is much the same. It basically comes down to a fast engine and set up that makes the difference. I've seen this so often with 'middle order' type riders, who when they have a fast engine and set up, perform just as well, if not better than the so called better one's. Examples of Late...Rohan Tungate...when he's got the equipment he beats many 'better' riders. A very recent example...BWD...on poor machinery and borrowed equipment scores poorly and struggles. Yet had a recent new engine that performed well and scored a paid maximum last week up at Belle Vue. Speedway imo, at Prem level is all about engines and who can afford the tuning and best set ups each week. Speedway in many ways has become like F1. Fine at Individual meetings...fill your boots. But at Club level? 7 men riding for a team all providing their own engines? It just doesn't make sense to me...never has. It has been allowed to evolve like this in Club Speedway over the years, and is what imo, is the number 1 downfall to how Speedway has lost it's way.

I'm living in a world of make believe, because none of my thoughts will ever come into fruition. But in a perfect world for me... 1. There would be two codes...Individual Speedway and Club Speedway. 2. Riders who rode Club speedway, would be provided with an engine at each meeting. These Engines would be sealed and owned by the BSPA/Clubs. The riders would provide their own rolling chassis and draw lots for the engines at each meeting. Riders would be paid a wage by the Club, and only ride for one Club in this country. If they have another job or ride abroad, then that can't interfere with Club speedway. Here comes first. Take it or leave it. 3. A Team average is set for the whole season. Riders can only be replaced with riders of the same average to when they leave. EG if said rider starts with an average of 9.00 and drops to 7.00. He can only be replaced by a rider on a 7.00 average. To stop fixing of averages. 4. There would be one league and a national league for development riders. 5. Meetings every week. 6. Covers for tracks made compulsory as they did with air fences. 7. International Test series re introduced with full 7 man teams. 8. Ignoring 5 issues and finding more ;-) For me, the problems in Speedway stem from not having enough restrictions on the development of engines and silencers and tyres. And allowing Individual events such as the GP series to become the priority over Club meetings.

Whilst I agree Doyle is a fine rider...I put him in the same category as I do Rory Mcilroy in Golf. Great...when conditions suit them. I'm yet to be convinced on Doyle always using the 'track unsafe' vote. I think imo, he's used that 'theory' when a track hasn't suited him. Often when he has said this, other riders have proved him wrong, and the track is raceable....Some riders can adapt better than others. Some whinge more than others, especially when it doesn't suit their them or their set up on the day. As he said in a recent interview...'sometimes you have to lie when the situation doesn't suit you'...or words to that affect. I think he and others pull the 'unsafe' theory way too much, especially when conditions don't suit them.

What I've noticed over recent years, is that riders have become accustomed to riding and racing their bikes in a certain way, and don't particularly adapt very well to different conditions and shapes like they used to be able to do in the past. I look at Riders like Doyle and Holder for example...who imo, are great riders when it suits them. But they get found out when it's not to their liking. Same can be said of other 'Greats' in other sports...some prefer certain race circuits in F1 and Moto GP. Some Tennis players prefer and play better on different surfaces. Certain Golfers like American 'Park like' courses but can't play in the wind and layout of a Links course etc. From witnessing last nights racing...it became apparent that there was one racing line. If you tried to go out wide and stay in the dirt the whole time, you got into a lot of trouble or hit traffic in front of you that was locking up and leaving no space. The only time it looked like someone had achieved it was when BWD almost took Reiss around the outside, only to get elbowed out the way lol For me, a great rider, is one that can ride in all conditions, on all shapes of tracks and can adapt. They might not become World Champions...but they are very often the unsung hero's of Speedway. Mark Loram, Chris Morton, Chris Harris come to mind. Even Andrew Silver....most never had the best set up's, but boy could they ride all tracks and conditions. For me...that makes a great ;-)

Well tbh, I don't think the Leicester track looks conducive to good racing. I've not witnessed good racing there. The riders were going flat out into the corners, they just lock up so much going into bends 2 and 4, that it wipes out any speed they have, almost coming to a standstill, which they then straighten out and just fly down the straights again. When a track is like this, you can't pick a line so well to make a move. Didn't witness much throttle control, the only time was when riders were trying to avoid hitting one another or running out of room. The combination of track shape and high revving engines isn't conducive to flowing racing with various line imo.

Tbh, it's something I've actually considered doing. The drive down to Somerset on a Friday evening is an absolute ball ache. What should take 50 mins normally, takes me the best part of 2 hrs. I have to leave at 4pm to get there for 6.15 ish. That's on a good day. If I leave any latter than it can take far longer. The traffic is gridlock. I looked into taking the train with my bike. The train station is only 1.5 miles from the track. A 6 min cycle ride. The train journey is one change and takes 1hr 24 mins. Swings and roundabouts I suppose...but something to consider for anyone who doesn't drive and is coming from Bristol. Last trains back are 9.45 and 10.45...so plenty of time to get back as well. I'm going to try it on a sunny day ;-)

I haven't read any of the comments in this thread, but after watching this meeting, I can't but help think, that it is a combination of the bikes and shape of the track that combined to the conditions created. The shape of the track doesn't flow...riders run out of room on bends 2 and 4, having to square up, lose speed and almost lock up. There seems to be one line going into the corners, this creates a very slick riding line, which then creates a mass of dirt built up on the outside of it. You go from extremely slick to extremely deep within a few feet. Last night you witnessed riders falling off because of the slick riding line, the back wheel completely loosing grip and spinning (BWD) and then other riders losing control of the bike when they hit the deep stuff and got too much grip and traction. The track shape is almost like a sling shot, if you get my drift. I'm not sure what they can do, apart from rip it up and design it again...it needs to be more oval. At the moment the straights are too long for the corners, which need more radius.

A bit before my time...but my father remembers them well. My time was with the likes of Phil Crump, Steve Gresham, Tormod Langli, Nigel Boocock, Henny Koeze, Henk Steman, Tom Ledbetter, Phil Herne, Neil Farnish, Derek Hole, Soren Sjosten, Bruce Cribb, Bob Coles...to name a few that come to mind...we almost signed Egon Muller as well. Good times...my life back then as a small lad revolved around Friday nights and Speedway at Eastville. Fingers crossed the Bulldogs return, although if the new Promotor is dealing with Bristol City Council, he has no chance imho.

You can promote Speedway as much as you like, it won't make any difference, as the problems with the sport lay far deeper than that. Hardened fans are starting to walk away, and if that's happening, how are you going to attract new people to a Sport that doesn't provide the basics? The very basics... fans want to watch close exciting racing, on a well prepared track, on a regular weekly basis, with a team of riders that doesn't consist of Guests or RR each meeting. That isn't happening. People want to feel connected to a Club....and watch and support that team on a weekly basis. I'd much rather watch a team of riders, who were presently considered middle order Championship riders, than a team that had riders considered GP quality, missing all the time for Individual and 'International' commitments....if they aren't going to be there each week. There aren't enough fixtures, and that also doesn't take into account rain offs. Fans are finding other things to do on a regular basis. Combine the Championship and Premiership...fill it with riders who will commit to riding for you each week. If it meant the best riders in your team were of the same standard of the likes of say BWD, Shames, Bewley, Wright, Stark, then great...seen some fantastic racing by these types of lads. At least you have something to support on a regular basis and commitment. If it means you're a Labourer like Wright and ride Speedway as well...then brilliant. Why not? Fill British Speedway with this type of rider...phase in Standardised equipment, with someone like JAWA sponsoring it, take away the costs of servicing a speedway bike just to compete, and pay the riders a set wage. If it means they have a part time day job...so what! In fact I could see a lot more British riders taking up the sport if this was the case. MX and Grasstrack riders I've spoken to have all said they would give Speedway a go, if the costs were lower. The likes of Woffie, Doyle, Holder etc...the whole GP circus...British Speedway doesn't need them.

Whilst I respect your opinion, you can hardly compare the golden era to today when looking for a new Speedway track. I remember going to watch Bristol Bulldogs and travelling by car for each home Friday night meeting, which was 9 miles. As did many of the 8-10,000 fans at that time. The address for this site is still considered Bristol... Tormarton MX, Tolldown Farm Dyrham, Bristol SN14 8HZ And is only 12 miles away from where the Bulldogs last rode. In fact it's roughly the same distance away as what the last proposed site was in Avonmouth. Imo, you'd have more chance getting permission to build a track at such a site, that already has motor sport, and good links to the motorway, than you would with a piece of land on the inner city...as much as we would all like that. I look at Somerset Speedway and the catchment area there...it's nothing compared to here, yet they have done very well considering. Nearly everyone travels by car to watch them, plus they have a similar link in distance to the Motorway. As for public transport...the nearest train station and bus station is at Yate, 6 miles away. Anyway...this is purely a suggestion on my part, and nothing to do with what the OP was about ;-)