The Direction That Speedway Needs To Take In The U.k..

[Bee 1]

]I posted this on the Way ahead board as well....some old timers may well have some thoughts as well.

 

 

The direction that Speedway needs to take in the U.K.

 

There have been numerous times, especially in the 90's onwards when the BSPA have realised that 'changes' were needed to rekindle interest on the terraces, and attempt to bring Speedway up to date, and more media friendly.

 

But, nothing really major has happened to the sport since the divides of the old National League and Provincial League came to a head in 1964, resulting in the foundation of the British League as was, with the two leagues joining together.

 

Those early years in the British League worked wonders. A single strong League featuring around 19 teams. 13 heats, Tactical Substitutes, Reserve rides, and yes! Even set guidelines for 'guests' and rider replacement.

 

The was no points limit. Instead we had the SCB and BSPA allocate certain moves of riders between teams in the winters, to try and make it a 'level playing field' for every team come March. ( Not always by any means a popular method of team strength's, with it flaws. But, then again the current system is just as unpopular, and flawed.)

 

We experienced a boom then from 65 through until the end of the 80's I'd say.

 

We had 19 teams and a second half where most tracks had a host of youngsters every year trying to make a break through into the main team.

 

So much so, that the boom continued in 1968 when the British League formed a second division. Mainly consisting of teams from existing clubs juniors, and a few new tracks that wanted racing. The Second Division had its problems eventually as well, with teams wanting their independence, and not acting as a organised training field for other teams youngsters. Understandable to a degree. Although I always felt it was good to see these teams take on and bring through the riders that were to become stars! - Always seemed to be more waiting in the wings to follow through as well.

 

Put your thinking caps on! Many British League Stars of the 70's came through the Second Division in those formalitive years of the Second Division. Coventry had the likes of Lomas, Harrhy, Bailey, Carter, all of which made the top league in those first couple of years of the British League Division Two. There were many other names as well....Wyer, Reg Wilson, Jessup, Kennett, Davis, Collins, Lee, Barry Thomas.....

 

I think that the old adage 'you have never had it so good' comes to mind. As well as 'If it ain't broke don't fix it.'

 

It was definitely a boom period for the sport. However, as I said some of the 'new' tracks with 'new promotions' wanted independence, and wanted rights on contracts with the riders they had. Again, understandable from a business prospective.

 

So the British League Division Two formed its own Management Committee, and the NEW National League came into force as a competition. Took a couple of years for them to finally drop the 'NEW' part and just be the National League

 

Eventually after a long period the sport was in decline again. The SCB and BSPA formed the Elite League and Premier League from the clubs remaining. It gave the sport a short boost.

 

Further changes took place in the last 15 years or so. The race formula of 13 heats was scrapped. Points Limits were applied. They even tried 6 man teams, amalgamating into just one league at one point. Some teams folded, some teams dropped down, one or two moved up etc. We lost some of the real 'showmen' on the promotion side of the sport over those years as well. (But, that is another subject almost) -

 

The fun went out of the sport, and everyone became too serious! - I remember hundreds of on and off track incidents, and characters in the sport, that nowadays would be fined, and banned for bring the sport into disrepute. Instead of allowing the odd 'handbags at five paces' scuffles that added to the entertainment value! (Another topic maybe)

 

The tactical substitute rules were changed and tampered with. Eventually bringing in the almost child like ('its a knockout") Golden Double, and now with a 15m handicap as well.

 

Far to restrictive compared to the tried and tested, and workable system of replacing any out of form rider, with another, on one occasion per rider, when you were 6 points or more down after heat 4....Why on earth did they change that?

 

The rules kept being changed, adjusted, and tweaked. We the paying fans were told that it was to make Speedway more entertaining and matches more competitive. Bah! Humbug.....It just made things worse, and harder for 'new' fans to understand what the hell was going on....

 

(Yes, it makes me angry to think about the mess the SCB and BSPA have made of the Sport)

 

The problems of rising costs, and falling crowds though have continued. Only the other day I learnt from an interview on archive with Chris Harris prior to the 2007 season that he had invested 70k in equipment and had EIGHT bikes!!! 5 for Europe, and 3 for the UK.

 

 

That is some very serious money. I recall times when riders were lucky to have two bikes, and a spare engine or two. I'd hate to think what would have happened to the sport if riders of the 60's/70's had to have EIGHT BIKES and spend the equivalent amount of money to start a season. It is little wonder then that the sport is struggling financially.

 

I know also that we have ECC regulations.

 

However, add in the factor that there are more overseas riders than ever in the UK with flights, accommodation, and transportation bills that have to be met by the club, and again that adds to the financial mess.

 

The National League was originally open to British Riders only. (That included commonwealth Countries like Australia and New Zealand) Now, the flood gates are open as such, and the Premier League is full of riders from all Nations.

 

I would not say 'ban' the foreign riders. I would though say that clubs should make it a clear requirement that the rider is paid a contract fee, that includes a signing on fee, commission based wages, as is. With pay for number of rides, and pay per point scored. Basic travel expenses can be covered as well but only from his UK Club base to the track he is racing at! No airfares! No additional payments. A salary cap if you like.

 

This may well reduce costs, and in doing so reduce the 'quality of the product' on show. But, factor in anyway, that the points limit has been reducing the 'quality' for some years now.

 

That way you could say, your welcome to come and ride in the UK for (insert your team here) but you are going to have to reside in the area during the season. Or! Cover your own additional transportation, and flights.

 

Probably impossible to consider. But, there you go.

 

I think we need to edge away from a 'professional' sport a little and get back to basics, and bring back the 'amateur' ways, where riders were usually local. Did Speedway more as a hobby, and for the fun, with an outside job as well. Riders can still get sponsorship of course.

 

Maybe it would be too much of a backward step.

 

The way ahead.

 

We may very well be at a big transitional stage again with the sport. We need all the promoters from both Leagues to come together again as they did in '64/65. I don't see any other way of survival.

 

I don't think we should 'amalgamate' the two Leagues in 2010. Use the whole winter, and 2010 to come up with a clear and defined product, and rules and regulations. Have maybe a independent body govern the sport once everything is set in place.

 

Elite League. - Continue with an Elite League for those that want that, and the TV audiences etc. Raise any points limit restrictions, or rider control to a more realistic level. I often feel like the limit should be set to the strength of the previous seasons champions, so at least they have the chance to defend the title with the same team, and the other clubs will get a bigger crowd when the champions are in town. The other clubs will then be in a position to try to match the Champions.

 

No mid season changes of the points limits. Teams can only bring in another rider up to, but not above the rider he is replacing average. Add to that maybe the riders he is replacing starting average in March.

 

The Elite League to be staged over 1 home and 1 away match not the two against each team as it is now. Thus reducing costs, and freeing up riders to concentrate on their other commitments overseas to. ( Grand Prix or Leagues) We in the UK could still then see the 'superstars' even if it were to be less often.

 

The play-off's would take place mid August, to it's conclusion in mid September. Along with an Elite League KO cup that would be a minimum of 9 home meetings and 9 away meetings a season. With progress via the play-off's or Cup adding up to maybe 4 additional home and away matches.

 

The Premier League. All Elite League Teams would have a Premier League side as well. Clearly they would not be able to use their 'star' names and the team would consist of their Elite League riders #4-7 with three juniors.

 

Some form of calculation would have to be set to allow the EL riders averages to take into account the moved down. But, as an example the Coventry Premier League team may look something like this....

 

EG - Coventry Premier League

 

Olly Allen

Ben Barker

Jordan Frampton

Filip Sitera

Ricky Wells

Josh Auty

A.N.Other

A.N. Other

 

Too me that would be about the level to work to. The #7 and #8 would be about the 3.00 average standard.

 

The 14 current Premier League Teams would merge with the 9 Elite League Teams. Making a total of 23 clubs. Add 1 for a new team if there could be found one from the National/Conference League like Weymouth, Plymouth or Mildenhall for example.

 

With 23 or 24 clubs the Premier League could be split into either :

 

Premier League Division One featuring the 9 Elite League teams squads and with the top three from the Current Premier League. Belle Vue, Coventry, Swindon, Eastbourne, Peterborough,Wolverhampton, Lakeside, Poole, Ipswich, and the top three from the Premier League at the end of season 2010.

 

(Remember we are looking at the powers that be, take the whole of this winter and 2010 to get everything set up and ready.)

 

Premier League Division Two would feature the remaining 11 or 12 teams.

 

Again each team would face each other ONCE home and away. With a Cup competition, and the Craven/Parker Shields as well. -

 

In addition at the end of the season the top 4 from each division could go into a play-off system, with promotion and relegation between the two divisions. ( Additional bonus of elevation or play off for promotion to the Elite League status if an non Elite League team wins the Division One title.

 

Two leagues would then involve a minimum of 12 home matches including the Cup and 1 additional (minimum) for the Craven/Parker Shield.

 

Any open dates can be filled if not in Elite League action by regional cup competitions or open invitation meetings and of course the BSPA shared events super seven series.

 

Alternatively :

 

The 23/24 teams could go into two REGIONAL DIVISIONS (North & South) with play offs between the top teams in the North and South at the end of the season.

 

Again, this is just an example and a look at direction the sport could go in.....Not that it will. Just some ideas.

Of course there would be issues of equaling out the riders averages so everyone is set at same standard and then what, and how any team average limits or rider control would work, and be enforced.

 

An independent governing body would settle all issues regards to the rules, protests and disputes. They would also have some authority to 'help' or give clubs 'special dispensation' should they find themselves cripple with injuries, as happens on occasions. Guests though not great idea, should be allowed until a signing up to or equal to that of the injured rider is found for the club.

 

Wonder if their are other ideas out there

Edited June 22, 2009 by Bee

[mervjankefanclub 48]

Are Glasgow and Edinburgh allowed to take part in any future plans for ENGLISH speedway, or should they just shut up shop come the end of the season

[BOBBATH 467]

Bee, couldn't agree more-1965 was a wonderful year-agree also with the tactical sub rule when 6 pts. down-also think the old 13 heat formula was the best.Also the old second halves with the juniors. A lot has been lost with the constant changes.

[AndyM 1]

Yes, and this isn't just nostalgia - this illustrates how everyone involved in speedway has lost all perspective. Change is not necessarily for the better, but the decline happened because the vision and determination was never there to sustain speedway through the golden years. An element of complacency was definitely around, that the crowds would stay, the production line of fine riders would continue, clubs would stay in business and everything would be hunky dory.

[asturmer 0]

I think you should limit the number of Australians entering the Premier League in order to develop further home grown (British)riders!

Many Australians coming to the Premier League have British Passports as their parents came to Australia as children themselves, and so the handing on will continue over the coming generations allowing easy access to the Uk.

I am convinced some British riders have missed out this year! I am a hypocrite in a sense as I recommend up and coming riders from W.A. to British Team Managers and will continue to do so until the system changes!!!!!

If the situation was reversed I am 100% convinced that Motorcycling Australia(MA) would not allow English riders to come here, opting instead to develop home based Aussie riders !

My family paid thousands to get a permanent residency here in Australia, followed by Citizenship(from the UK) and that was with verbal sponsorship from the Education Department and a place as a teacher in a school for one family member! Make it harder for people to enter the UK, though that,s another topic altogether!

[DavyH 164]

Is england that small insignificant bit below Scotland that makes up a part of the BSPA?

[Bee 1]

Are Glasgow and Edinburgh allowed to take part in any future plans for ENGLISH speedway, or should they just shut up shop come the end of the season

 

Sorry I don't see what your point is.

 

Glasgow and Edinburgh would be still there of course.

[Bee 1]

Bee, couldn't agree more-1965 was a wonderful year-agree also with the tactical sub rule when 6 pts. down-also think the old 13 heat formula was the best.Also the old second halves with the juniors. A lot has been lost with the constant changes.

 

the 13 heat formula was great. But, I'm not against the current 15 heat formula either. Think we could still put on around four races afterwards for juniors/reserves etc.

 

would like however in the current 15 heat formula to see the 'interval' maybe after heat 8, and not so late in the match with only three heats remaining.

 

Bob I have read many of your posts, and they bring back great memories. Thanks you for that

[DavyH 164]

Sorry I don't see what your point is.

 

Glasgow and Edinburgh would be still there of course.

 

 

Well READ your first post again???? perhaps amend to British?

[Bee 1]

Yes, and this isn't just nostalgia - this illustrates how everyone involved in speedway has lost all perspective. Change is not necessarily for the better, but the decline happened because the vision and determination was never there to sustain speedway through the golden years. An element of complacency was definitely around, that the crowds would stay, the production line of fine riders would continue, clubs would stay in business and everything would be hunky dory.

 

Hi Andy....yes isn't all just about nostalgia at all. I agree with your comments completely

[Bee 1]

Well READ your first post again???? perhaps amend to British?

 

 

Ahh see where now.....I apologise totally.

[DavyH 164]

Ahh see where now.....I apologise totally.

 

A common schoolboy error from our southern neighbours! They forget the brains of any country is at the top (present prime ministers excepted?)

[Bee 1]

I think you should limit the number of Australians entering the Premier League in order to develop further home grown (British)riders!

Many Australians coming to the Premier League have British Passports as their parents came to Australia as children themselves, and so the handing on will continue over the coming generations allowing easy access to the Uk.

I am convinced some British riders have missed out this year! I am a hypocrite in a sense as I recommend up and coming riders from W.A. to British Team Managers and will continue to do so until the system changes!!!!!

If the situation was reversed I am 100% convinced that Motorcycling Australia(MA) would not allow English riders to come here, opting instead to develop home based Aussie riders !

My family paid thousands to get a permanent residency here in Australia, followed by Citizenship(from the UK) and that was with verbal sponsorship from the Education Department and a place as a teacher in a school for one family member! Make it harder for people to enter the UK, though that,s another topic altogether!

 

I think it is important that we should encourage and develop British riders in the UK. But, as I said I would not ban any overseas riders at all. Just make the terms of employment clear on residing in UK, or covering their own flights etc from their pay here. (Which many wouldn't do)

 

After all if I went as a brick layer to Germany ala Auf Weidersehen Pet. They would not pay for my flights back an forth to the UK every weekend would they

 

You make some good points though and interesting to read.

[BOBBATH 467]

Thanx Bee-this former Brit (part of the British diaspora in Canada) greatly appreciates it-remember all the 41-37 or even better 40-38 scores under the old formula-you may even recall that in 1965 the Wasps almost beat the Bees at Coventry-if they had what a major upset it would have been -my favourite Bee of that time would have to be Ron Mountford-always put on a show-those days should not be forgotten.

[Bee 1]

Thanx Bee-this former Brit (part of the British diaspora in Canada) greatly appreciates it-remember all the 41-37 or even better 40-38 scores under the old formula-you may even recall that in 1965 the Wasps almost beat the Bees at Coventry-if they had what a major upset it would have been -my favourite Bee of that time would have to be Ron Mountford-always put on a show-those days should not be forgotten.

 

That would be in the days when you had Biggs (Joined you from Bees) and Vandenburg (class rider) Alby Golden, Geoff Penniket, Bob Hughes, Jon Erskine and Dick Bradley ex Saints, wasn't it?

 

Not a bad line up, and good at Somerton I recall.

 

Ron didn't like the place though! Crashed there and broke his thigh ....'69 wasn't it.

 

I think Newport if I remember correctly as well is where Les Owen was originally allocated (not Biggs) but he refused to leave Coventry, or he'd quit. Other arrangememts were made (think Biggs) and Owen eventually was allowed to stay at Brandon.....Ahhhh memories.

 

I really liked Vandenburg as a rider, I only remember him though at Wasps and later Wolves, not his Saints days.

 

Alby Golden was past his best I think. As was Bradley.

 

Biggs was one of my favourites at Brandon as a kid.