The Start Of The Decline

[THE DEAN MACHINE 4,748]

Me and the misses were just having a debate about the decline of speedway and was there a single thing which started the decline. She said the time when characters started to be repremanded for a bit of playing up, so much so that there are very few characters today. I said bruce penhall retiring, speedway just seem to slowly slide away after he quit. Its not dead just yet but its definatly not thriving. Whats everybody elses single moment?

[Pinny 2,536]

Me and the misses were just having a debate about the decline of speedway and was there a single thing which started the decline. She said the time when characters started to be repremanded for a bit of playing up, so much so that there are very few characters today. I said bruce penhall retiring, speedway just seem to slowly slide away after he quit. Its not dead just yet but its definatly not thriving. Whats everybody elses single moment?

 

I reckon the double points tactical rule has done the sport absolutely no favors at all.

[foamfence 2,917]

The introduction of four valve (and later lay down) engines. I remember the days when even some top riders would arrive with one bike on a rack on the back of the car, you had to slowdown more going into the bends and riders behind always seemed in with a chance.

[Bagpuss 10,781]

I wouldn't necessarily put it down to one particular thing but the introduction of lay down engines in the mid nineties was the most significant factor since I have been watching speedway.

[Bomo1 141]

Increasing costs and increased admission prices over £10.

[orion 7,615]

Pretty easy answer ....when the league's in Poland and Sweden got bigger and better than the uk's and we became 3rd choice to riders .

[THE DEAN MACHINE 4,748]

I wouldn't necessarily put it down to one particular thing but the introduction of lay down engines in the mid nineties was the most significant factor since I have been watching speedway.

I agree its more than one thing but i am looking for what people think was the start of the decline .i also agree the laydowns were a significant factor but i think it started before laydowns

 

Pretty easy answer ....when the league's in Poland and Sweden got bigger and better than the uk's and we became 3rd choice to riders .

My misses said that aswell

[mikebv 10,284]

when times changed and punters' expectations of what a 'value for money good night out' constituted, no one had the vision within the convoluted mish mash of a controlling body to find a way of delivering it..

 

the admission cost thread showing this years prices sum up in a nutshell how far away from reality those who put a 'price' on the sport really are.....

[mickthemuppet 976]

No more World Finals at Wembley and Bruce Pennell retiring

[Starman2006 2,354]

Increasing costs and increased admission prices over £10.

 

Sadly thats is more to the point. In todays climate people now pick and choose their meetings.

Sadly gone have the days where we at poole had 6 deep on the bends in the early 70's, although we still get good crowds for this day and age, and the racing can still be very good, but the crux of it is all round cost.

I still say promoters need to make more of an effort to attract kids through the gates, and a little more of a concession for the OAP's, maybe the same addmision price but chuck them a programme.

What i will say is our riders are very accomodating when it comes to the kids, and sign Autograpghs have photo's taken at will, and talk to the kids, But with rising costs in fuel addmission programmes Speedway Star and food,etc its now sadly out of reach for many fans to attend every week. in a day and age where speedway needs all the fans it can get..

 

Oh, and i nearly forgot. Then there's them rules!!

Edited January 13, 2013 by Starman2006

[25yearfan 476]

The introduction of 4 valve engines!

 

Previously riders would have one-two engine rebuild PER season, now its after every 4-6 meetings. Costs went through the roof for riders and promotors, the quality of racing overall went down (if you don't believe me watch a series of 2 valve races and then watch some 4 valve races), new riders found it harder to get into the sport and rider skill became less of a neccessity!

 

The formula 2 speedway idea instigated by ex rider Pete Seaton is basically what speedway with 2 valvers was like!

[SCB 0]

The entertainment tax in the 50's.

[Blazeaway 1,501]

It's all Matt Fords fault

[Starman2006 2,354]

The entertainment tax in the 50's.

 

You do make me Laugh sometimes...

[The White Knight 9,039]

Clampdown on the 'Characters' of the Sport, the likes of Jack Millen, Frank Auffret, Arthur Browning et al used to raise the roof at some Tracks. Jack Millen needed a Police escort from one Track (might have been Peterborough) when he rode for Sunderland. Tony Childs, Taffy Owen - MOST Teams had a character you just loved to hate. The PASSION has gone these days, from the Crowds as well as on the Track.

 

4-Valve Engines were for me the start of the big decline along with the rise of the Engine Tuner adding Cost on Cost. This drove up Rider demands which in turn drove up Admission Costs which in turn resulted in lower Gates and eventually to where we are now.

 

It's not Rocket Science to pick up on at least some of the reasons for Speedway's decline

Edited January 14, 2013 by The White Knight