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A bit like Swindon?

Blimey - bet there ain't many petitions that get pulled so easily. So because they said it wasn't gonna change, that satisfied you ? Each to their own, but that wouldn't satisfy me. I realise you weren't speaking to whoever it was on behalf of folk on an official basis, but blimey.

Despite not being a GP rider Nicki had the 12th highest average in the Polish top flight last year. He is still one of the best riders in the world.

This meeting may have to be put back until March 2021 in order for Peterborough to complete there team building. They are in talks via carrier pidgeons with various riders as it cheaper than using the phone.

Pedersen has always used hard riding to get past riders ever since he made his UK debut in 98. Very good gater but also a terrific racer , whether that’s using force or not. Have seen him make some absolutely breath taking passes during his time.

I think it's great that Crump is back. Ok, he and Nicki may not be the riders they were but these guys have an aura about them which no other rider here - with the possible exception of Doyle - has. Their signings will surely improve crowd levels at Ipswich and Sheffield, and hopefully at away tracks when they visit..I'll certainly be paying a visit to both tracks this year for the first time in yonks.

Everybody has access to podcast, Facebook, Twitter etc. To be on here you need access to the Internet. It's not the clubs fault but your personal choice to not venture to these other outlets that has information

Hope Peterborough are not putting a team together for this, or the league wont start until next year

The truth is out there. The Prem clubs step in to save the day (after the destruction of the current development league) by running a second half division for "local young riders" to enable them to develop and hone their skills before finding there is no team place for them as they are all filled with overseas riders and fading GP stars.

Very true AF. Since Peter, George and I set up the new Diamonds in 1997, Peter, Me, Darryl, Alan and Dalbers have made considerable financial inputs into the club. Sorry to see George go, as his speedway knowledge and his connections will be missed. I hope he enjoys his retirement, but I wonder what the situation is now with him fronting the BSPA shared events, a post he has only just been appointed to. We'll see shortly I think. Interesting that there has always been an English in Newcastle Speedway since 1961 when both George Snr, Joan and myself were members of the new Supporter's Club. Since then the English's have either represented the Supporters Club or been a Promoter of the Diamonds. That's a long time for anybody. I wish Rob well with his revamped Diamonds, and look forward to it being a big success.

Look I know my comments here are not going to make me any friends but here we go. The bottom line I think is that the BSPA has finally lost patience with "Ghost Teams" popping up year after year in the junior leagues and now that Cradley have folded, the thorn in the side of that argument has finally been removed. I've sat on the fence over the last few years and watched the MDL/MDSL with interest and In my honest opinion for what it's worth it has started to look a bit silly with all these old names being used. One or two like we had a few years ago is fine but when the league is made up of more defunct teams than actual junior teams of the promotion it starts to look a bit of a joke. Do the speedway star still run a fantasy league for people wanting to use such team names? I know the people running these teams are helping juniors get track time and that has to be applauded. But, I do believe that people running the likes of Reading, Weymouth, Crayford, New Cross, Wembley, etc, etc, have a very different agenda to those running the junior teams at Birmingham, I.O.W or Belle Vue. I could be very wrong of cause. I do sympathise with the people running the ghost teams. I know it takes a lot of hard work and enthusiasm, but if you are genuine about giving young lads track time and helping them develop then just swallow the bullet and call your teams Swindon juniors, Plymouth reserves, etc. After all if you are genuine then you will not care about team names, trophies and so on as long as the lads (and girls) are benefiting from a meaningful team competition. I know the objective of such enthusiast's it to find land and build a new track to revive them, but please, please, please wake up and smell the coffee. Unless you have endless pockets of cash, and are even lucky to get a patch of land when councils are after more land for homes, then you are just living in a romantic fantasy land. Cradley have failed and given up. Take lessons from that. The other thing you have to take into account is the 2 men now running the BSPA have no time what so ever for the junior leagues I will just finish on this. The language used in recent weeks on social media by the organisers of such teams to describe the powers that be has been very unsavoury when you are "promoting" yourselves as a family sport on the other side of the coin. It makes you look childish and like you are throwing your toys out of the pram. Sorry if my comments are a bit harsh but there's no point sugarcoating the truth.

Once Managed one... won one... lost none... 43 47 away to Ipswich... Regards THJ

If only XR would capitulate so easily!!

Yet. Could well be Peterborough’s last two signings

It looks like maybe you jumped the gun then started a thread with an accusation without first trying to ascertain the facts? I don’t have any answers to your questions but how many is the “plenty of riders”? Is it more than the 28 team places available? Then I could see some would be anxious. If it’s less than 28, then I’d have thought they’d all be excited at the possibility of being part of a top league set up? Because of the enthusiasm of supporters and other hard working individuals, we have moved from a time when there were very few young British riders coming through to a vibrant scene. You just need to look at how many young riders attended the GB Team training camp at the weekend and how many are at the Young Lions course in the Isle of Wight this week. Individuals have stepped in to make this development happen and the often maligned Neil Vatcher deserves great credit for what he’s done, as do those involved with the NJL and, after it was tidied up 3 or 4 years ago by the SCB, the MDL and the newly re-formed SDL. Now we get to 2020 and, at long last, the powers that be in the BSPA rather than individual promoters have picked this up and hopefully will move things even further along.

Time to get those applications in guys

I bet some of the Sheffield riders are dreading being given the No 2 'race jacket' ...

The truth is out, MSDL crushed by Prem clubs to run a second half league for a season or so until they get bored. Promoting local riders to each club despite the vast majority of riders being spread far and wide and unlikely to even be remotely local. Enter teams in the league great, maybe even split the M & SDL's back up, no problem with that as more rides and more competition will always benefit the sport but don't hail yourself heroes BSPA when you have directly replaced an established product and cast good honest hard working volunteers side without so much of an acknowledgement.

Not sure if it's been mentioned on the forum but I came across a 5 part Free Speedway Podcast on Audible by Jennie Gow. An interesting listen about how speedway started her love of motor racing and about the sports heyday in the UK to where we are at now. Interesting hearing what Barry Hearn thinks in contrast to Buster Chapman's all is rosy view. Well worth a listen. It's interesting that they say about people drift out from the sport often due to starting families and work progression and then coming back to the sport at a later point. This is where I am. Since 2009 I drifted away from Rye House attending sporadically but back in 2018 with the kids older showing more interest we tried to attend but the midweek meetings put a stop to that with school and their after school commitments. Since the Rockets disappeared I've been itching to get back to speedway. Over the past year I have bumped into many old faces from Rye at some very random places none of them at speedway. In the years I was a regular week in week out I had an amazing time with some great people travelling up and down the country. It's sad how many tracks I had visited are no more in a relatively short space of time. Fingers crossed the Rockets get back on track and if it's a weekend race night/afternoon then me and my Johnson clan will be there.

Peter Oaks was on the talk speedway podcast this week and he says panthers have a proper no1 that should be announced this week

Forget exactly how many matches Egon rode for Hull 1976 but know he averaged 8.75 so none too shabby, he was a more than decent speedway rider but think he was strongly 'encouraged' to ride speedway in order for his permission to ride to ride longtrack be processed quicker & more hassle free, long / sand / grass track being his first love. I have the official VHS video of 1983 Final with Barry Briggs translating Egon's German commentary, recall the start marshall, who got skittled by an Engine Failed rider (Hans Nielsen) - how often did that happen in a World Final, was at school with Egon. As well as 'road developing' his bike, he took just the one machine - how's that for confidence, Egon later admitted to practising all he wanted on the Norden track prior to the final. He also appeared to 'advise' on track watering / grading during the actual meeting. It's true Hull ran R/R for Egon in 1977, Ian Thomas said Hull fans would be required to pay adult entrance (75p ?) + £2.50 each to meet Egon's demands, so maybe today's entrance + £30 ? Also, anyone who saw Egon ride will recall Egon's super-wide, 'cow horn'-style handlbars. He wasn't a cheap rider but when the mood struck he was dynamite, had speedway been his main thing reckon he would have been unstoppable....

Are we allowed to boo Nikki straight away for all his dirty riding in the past, or do we have to wait for some more?

I suppose you need to take my comments in the knowledge I have never been a Crump fan - indeed he once scored an 18 point max guesting for the Witches and I didnt cheer at all Even in his prime I wouldn't have been too fussed about him becoming a Witch such is my indifference to him - I just have just never warmed to him (admittedly this is partly due to him being the arch rival No1 who scored countless points against us) Now that's not to say I didnt or dont appreciate his talent. Infact despite my general view I would class him in the top 5-10 riders of all time However after 8 years retired following what was significant injury I dont see that he will be anywhere near the level some are predicting He looked decent in the WA matches and will through his natural talent and undoubted professionalism hold his own in this years PL but somewhere around 6 points will be it IMO His influence on others could be a great positive for the team and cant be underestimated. His commentary and punditry is excellent and insightful. His experience and knowledge is 2nd to none His signing is probably bigger for the league as a whole than it is for the Witches in particular and will generate significant interest which is much needed It will be strange and initially difficult for me to cheer him but at the end of the day he is now a Witch and therefore he will get my unreserved support. You never know I may even learn to like him

Jason Crump's return, at whatever age, is exciting. He was one of speedway's last superstars (in my eyes). Luckily for British speedway, the other - Nicki Pedersen - is also showing his face again. These names mean more with their presence than the points they will score. The sport just doesn't have bums-on-seaters anymore. I'd disregard their tallies and just be thankful they've chosen to bless these shores again. Your team winning isn't always as important as the sport itself. And British speedway has received a boost with these two returning. All the best to both.

Is it 2006 again This Ostergaard fascination is weird

I’d say a winning team will draw in bigger crowds than a struggling team with a big name number 1 well off his best.

Would be happy with that.

Your Grandad was a legend Ben. Len was involved helping the promotion in 2000 when they had the temporary track to lay every week. He took on the stadium lease the same year but didn't take on sole promotion until 2001.....I think. Others would now better than me.

A no that man Dave,,, that's why a said. Think he'd be a better option than Steve 'good game, good game' Bruce.

That won't be hard, neither of them are in the top league

They are very skinny pigeons ...

I'm very sceptical that this proposed new Premiership Development League will even happen, and if it starts I doubt it will see the season out. People underestimate the amount of work voluteers running MDSL teams put in. (e.g. Carmarthen at Stoke the last few years). Organising to get 4 riders around the country, for no money, for every fixture takes considerable dedication, and I can't imagine Premiership promoters being willing to put in that level of work to make it happen. Will Ipswich be able to find 4 young kids to travel up to Belle Vue, for no money, on a Monday night? Will Sheffield be able to find 4 young kids to travel down to Swindon, for no money, on a Thursday night? The Premiership promoters will feel they have enough to worry about with the Belle Vue v Ipswich, and Swindon v Sheffield PL matches, without having to worry about finding riders for a 2nd half junior league. The second half leagues we've had with the MDL and MDSL over the past 10 years or so have produced numerous young British riders. We need these competitions if we are to develop young British talent, but I fear the BSPA "Bull in a China Shop" approach for 2020 is a huge mistake. Their killing of the MDSL will deprive kids of track time. Of course if the new league does succeed, then young British kids attached to the PL teams will have got good track time from 12 matches (6 home, 6 away). But will that happen??? Check back in October.

Disappointed to get the email earlier saying the petition was being pulled after your discussion. Bearing in mind how passionate you were, are you able to furnish any more info on what was said ? Not a personal dig honestly, but the pulling of the petition seems like a bit of a back down, and i can't help thinking that you've been told to do so.. I hope that's not the case.

I had a discussion with one of the management team from Peterborough Speedway today. I have been advised that there will be no change to the new arrangements outlined in the Club press release of 28th January (http://www.peterborough-speedway.com/news.php?extend.3747). Thank you to all who signed the petition. I will be arranging for the petition to be removed from change.org shortly.

Yes but you didnt really get my point on this.

Be interesting to see what entry / level qualification is for Riders. Going to be interesting with no PL Club north of Sheffield or South of Swindon and a cluster in East Anglia. Monday and Thursday not exactly great for kids either with school and traveling! Seems the door may have been left open to CL/NDL to run but not with use of dormant Club names?

Pedersens gating was always his biggest asset and since that's declined a bit his only way past other riders is to take them out. Hence the reason he gets a lot of gyp from fans ! He may put a few bums on seats but his dirty riding style (polite version) is what generally makes him disliked by everyone whose team he doesn't ride for.

Funnily enough Ben the way I found out the Rockets were back in 2000 was by a couple of big signs stuck on the roundabout at the Tesco A414/A1 interchange in Hatfield and then a few weeks later there was a display outside the Howard Centre in Welwyn Garden City. Can't remember which riders were there but guessing Russell Paine being local at the time, may have been there. After the 2000 season I never saw anything round my area (Welwyn/Hatfield) again.

It doesnt hammer down with rain in the Sweet City we have liquid sunshine

I hope it works well for both Crump & Ipswich but after a couple of months I feel Jason will remember why he retired in the first place

What you think

Don’t have to ride for Poole (or anyone else ) to be an asset.Poole still own him as Belle Vue never paid the transfer fee to buy him from them in about 2008. He last rode for Poole in 2007.

He has 2 new Ashtech engines waiting. But as you say, age, inactivity, and fitness maybe against him. It will affect him to some extent, but I guess we will have to wait and see how much. Gating could be the key for him. After 8 years he will be trying to find all the setups again as quick as he can. Might hinder him away from Foxhall. I was surprised with the high average he was given. 7-7.5 would of been fair I think. Great for British speedway that he's back, and I wish him the best, but I would rather NKI if I had a choice out of the two..

Words fail me

Jason Crump is a person who will throw everything in to his racing there is no such thing as half hearted in his vocabulary... he may need a little time to settle back in. he was a delight to have in the team when he rode for the aces

For the first decade of this century there were four outstanding riders, head and shoulders above the rest, and that included Hancock, who had to wait till they had retired or declined before he came back into prominence. They were Rickardsson, Pedersen, Gollob and Crump, with Crump probably second best of that lot. Yes, Crump has been out of the sport for a longish time, but he was in a different league to all but about three or four current PL riders. I can't see him being anything other than a major asset for Ipswich. Good on you, Chris, for signing up one of the all-time greats of speedway.

Non. But that’s my point in that it’s a changing dynamic. Jason has come back. Niki is still going. Greg would still be going if not for personal reasons. Being fit is the key. If you stay clear of imjury I see no reason why riders can’t go on into their mid forties/fifty.

My view, for what it’s worth, is the Reading SDL volunteers are the ones who deserve to find a way to resuscitate the Racers. Exeter were on borrowed time (for a long while) and there is still a possibility of them finding somewhere, but the Reading supporters were made promises that weren’t kept. It is also my view that those calling themselves Crayford or New Cross or Milton Keynes know they are using an historic name that is unlikely ever to stage Speedway again. And perhaps they then tarnish the name of teams that might have a chance of resuscitation? I’m I do think that, no matter how well intentioned, one team running out of another team’s stadium, and this applies in other sports too, should only ever be a temporary measure. The original supporters will soon fade away. MK Dons, anyone?

Having done some research, I gather it’s only the teams with nomad names that are involved. The rules on this have been clear for a very long time - only people actively looking for new premises, and with a realistic chance of success could use the name of a defunct team. I’ve never looked into this but would guess that it’s something to do with protecting the intellectual property behind the name so if someone is able to open a track at the named places, they would have the right to use the name. The rules were loosened for SDL/MDL but maybe some people were abusing the privilege? Anyway, what is there to stop the so called nomad teams coming to an arrangement with whatever track they are using to run under their name? It’s been done plenty of times before.

I hope I do after being a fan for coming up 50 years and directly involved in two bids to revive Rye House. Sadly last year's wasn't successful. I leave it to others to make silly speculations. I don't hide behind a false name so I put what remains of my reputation behind what I post ;-) If what I post is wrong then I am misinformed. It happens, but what I post is what I genuinely know is true, or is an honest deduction from what's in the public domain. It's interesting to see the debt has been raised to Jolly when I was assured that the bid I was briefly involved in last year that the BSPA were happy to receive an application without any requirement to pay others' debts. It's funny., if a business goes bust and another takes over its operations it normally has no liability for the previous business's debts. If this was a case of BMR walking away from their debts only to form a 'phoenix' company to carry on, debtless I could understand but not when it's a new business. I wonder if the BSPA simply use it to deter applications that they don't like the look of? I expect there to be a queue to promote there IF, and IF the kart business rebuild the place rather than just demolish it. Forget BMR. There is nothing that can be done to rewrite history this time and speedway has to move on. Soon we could see a modern stadium, available to stage speedway, within easy access of millions of people including the nation's capital with good road access, to Hoddesdon at least and a direct frequent rail service to central London. Isn't that exactly what the sport in London is crying out for? It would be insane to block it over debts that no sensible business would accept responsibility for? I can't see speedway ever recovering BMR's debt, yet who really is being punished here? Certainly not BMR. Prospective promtions, yes. But in the twisted short-sightedness of speedway there is one apparently forgoten group that suffers the most. THE FANS. Speedway owes those people, not just of Rye House but all of the lost London area tracks one last place to enjoy their sport. Until someone wins Euromillions,there is only one place. Rye House.