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As far as an app is concerned, the possibilities are endless. For example, how about each rider carries a helmet cam which fans can link to through the app, therefore experiencing the action first hand? Riders could also have a small digital display mounted on their handlebars on which supporters could send them messages during a race, such as "get your finger out", "how about team riding for a change", he's behind you", or "are you trying to artificially lower your average again so you can go back to Poole?!" Just a couple of ideas .

Why are people talking about an app like it’s just something to use on race night? As an example consider the Premier League and Moto GP apps, they are packed with stuff to keep people interested in between matches / race weekend so that when the next event comes around people are champing at the bit to be there or watch it however they can. Interviews, gossip, facts and figures, fantasy league etc etc. There is so much that technology can offer people when they aren’t at a speedway meeting, with perhaps a scorecard and a little bit of interaction on race night. People can still buy a paper programme if they want but why not offer a digital version too? Like it or not we are in a digital / smartphone age and if speedway wants to even begin to think about having a future then embracing that is absolutely vital.

if admission prices don't go down to a reasonable level then i'm concerned people will forego speedway. so many have been furloughed or lost their jobs in the last year, i think it may be asking a bit much to still be near £20 each

I don't mind Rory and tbh he used to be one of my favourite riders who have never rode for Poole in his new to the UK days. But like Holder and Batch if they track isn't exactly how he likes it he can get stressed about it and his points tally suffers. That is as diplomatic as I can put it! That would be my only issue..

only time will tell I,m under no illusions as to what could happen at least I,m safe in the knowledge that we wont have to go to edinburgh or plymouth . until riders accept that the lower levels of speedway in the uk are a paid hobby we will continue to struggle. Also riders do not have to accept the equal set money deals they can if the decide to drop out of the scheme and do there own deals and in fairness as you will see from my posts i say it as i see it so if its crap i will say so

So, everyone’s going to stand around looking at their mobile and thinking, this speedway’s great, I’ll keep coming back over and over, and bring all my mates with me so they can stand around looking at their mobiles - they’ll need their headphones (or whatever they’re called these days) though to drown the sound of those wretched motorbikes. This is the way forward, folks, the saviour of our great sport.

For me, it was two instances that eventually "broke the camels back".. One was the 'Aces' beating Swindon in an away meeting where they had to use Brady Kurtz instead of Craig Cook as Craig had to ride for Glasgow due to (I think) it being a rearranged match. Glasgow being the side he signed for just a couple of weeks earlier mid season... The fact that Brady top scored in 'our' win made it seem even more ridiculous given Poole, Swindon and the Aces were vying for the play offs at the time, and left me with no satisfaction whatsoever.. The other instance was the "swapping of guests at half time" plan rolled out initially for the Poole v KL play off final.. Even though someone at the 'top table' eventually came out and changed it, for me the damage was done as obviously someone else at the 'top table' had initially decreed this nonsense as "perfectly acceptable". (And having two Swindon riders there in the first place was ridiculous in itself).. The bottom line for me was simply if those who run the sport dont take their own flagship competition seriously (as clearly demonstrated by their actions in those two cases), then how can they seriously expect me too..? And also then seriously expect me to part with circa £40 for me and my lad to watch it...? They do though inadvertently help me (through the money I save) to fund my Cardiff, SON, World U21 and other GP trips, so I do thank them for that..

Exactly.. There shouldn't be time to look at your phone because "something" is going on.. Attend a Speedway event in the US and there is always "something" happening between races.. Got to a Supercross event and there is always "something" happening between races.. Its "full on" interaction with the fans.. No time to get bored when "something" is going on to prick your interest..

No the point is that certain teams namely Eastbourne and Glasgow insisted that teams were ever possible should remain the same so the starting point was that . So with Eastbourne having a 3 and 4 star riders already in for 2020 they could remain for 2021 .Newcastle and Redcar had to make changes anyway because of riders not coming back Riss was known well before the announcement the two foreigners at Newcastle had said weeks before so not in the equation for team changes under rising star programme. As previously said poole had to change due to 2 Aussie riders at reserve and Edinburgh because of not having a British rider who met the criteria. I don't understand why people are concerned about 2021 as it is just an expansion of 2020. Let's see what 2022 brings . the list is finalised for this year as teams were picked 20 months ago ps all promoters vote for this not just the directors

I don't think an App on a phone would attract a younger person to attend a speedway meeting if they don't already do so. If you like speedway, you're already there, you don't need it. If you don't like speedway, you wouldn't have it on your phone in the first place, and if you've never heard of speedway, it wouldn't be on the phone either. I stand by the guy who sells the programmes at King's Lynn, and he sells them by the box load at £3 a time, so there is still a big demand for the printed matter, as a lot of peple like a keepsake, and hopefully that will always be the case. I'm sorry, but modern technology is killing this world. You've only got to look at the amount of shops that are going out of business (forgetting the pandemic) because people buy on-line, thus putting shop workers out of work. The same goes for a lot of factories, which are maned by robots these days, and I think the council workers are already out of work looking at all the pot holes in the roads. I really do fear for the generation that are entering this world now, because by the time they leave school, there will be no jobs out there for them, which will just lead to more and more crime. Just my opinion.

Just been picking up stuff on this forum about the Rising Star plan and my immediate reaction to all I have read is that this plan seems far too complicated for old fans like me to understand. Lots of criticism from folk who seem to understand it all. What no one has answered is the question...what does the plan set out to achieve that is not being achieved already ? To find more good young Brits ? Or is the idea to simply rid the sport of all the riders over 25 ? I am a natural sceptic of complicated plans...I wish I understood this one fully.

Interesting comment. Usually folks in speedway give the BSPL a lot of flack for not planning ahead. Now they are planning ahead and trying to get a decent riders pool for future years, "folks' are once again criticising them for trying to have a plan. Nothing funnier than 'folks'.

When are you going to realise that there aren’t enough riders for one big league?

Won't happen, speedway riders have always wanted to ride where they want to. Asset system, meant nothing if the rider didn't want to ride for the parent club, can't see this being any different.

fun is the main thing its a journey we are enjoying and if it happens it happens and if it dosent then so be it . its only speedway at the end of the day

Ah got you so whilst its not entirely arm behind the back hypothetically if those were the only options its either accept the mileage or turn down and leave the rising star scheme making the route into the higher leagues much harder. TBH i just hope you and the boy have fun in the youth rounds and NL for a long as possible and then what will be will be. Just many talented youngsters fail to make the next steps successfully and are quickly forgotten about. Not saying one way or another about Luke as his destiny rests in his/your hands for now.

Who said there was a draft??? I'm sure there isn't. Newcastle finished near the bottom of the 2019 table. I'm sure they'd have picked a Flint or a Kemp or a Palin ahead of an Alcock. I'm certain any club can approach any rider on the list and offer them a place. That rider might accept or reject that offer.

Some might say modern technology is actually saving the world as part of the green agenda. I'm not sure. I think you're saying that technology is killing society. I might agree. What I am sure of is that the world/society changes, always has always will. Even speedway changes. Mostly defined by the competitive nature of the sport. You can decide that you'd prefer if everything was like the old days and resist change but you can't stop change, it is inevitable. As a business if you'd don't embrace change you will fail. There are many examples. I don't think for one minute that having a speedway app will on its own attract thousands of young people to flock to their nearest track but just look at what other successful sports, businesses or even celebrities are doing. They're providing exclusive online content, discounts, access to merchandise and writing their own narrative, not letting the journalists define how they are perceived. Now you and I might see through this as propaganda but alas the vast majority lap it up. As we've seen very dangerous when the politicians apply the same but if you're waiting for the tide to change you're going to get wet.

Your point about promoters votes is not true. The mafia re instated the no votes for new promoters for 3 years at the 2018/19 AGM so that’s Berwick, Birmingham, Redcar , Newcastle , and now Poole and probably Plymouth. That’s half the division !

Comedy gold yes but interaction and feedback in real time could be a way of adding a real connect between teams and fans. Rider of the night votes, heat 15 rider votes (even if they are just opinion polls), heat result predictions to play along with whilst the next heat comes out. The options are vast even for such a niche sport. If someone takes it and drives it forward the commercial scale is actually quite large.

In some cases probably both. This is not a criticism of the Promotion who do a fine job.It just fact that most modern day speedway youngsters don’t have the technical skills required to ride Armadale correctly.Even experienced riders have difficulty with modern day machinery.

Absolutely. I'm seriously considering cutting down and it hasn't even started yet!

Don't think he's missed the point at all. This scheme is introduced for 2021 but main implementation for 2022. Some Clubs with riders like Bailey; Edwards ; Flint; Gilkes ; Jenkins; Palin; Thomas; Thompson etc had a young British No 7 selected and CONFIRMED for 2020. Why on earth would you move those out or change them, or un-confirm someone already confirmed? Some Clubs have more than one off the scheme but in 2021 the only issue is No 7, so why would those with a couple have to give up one when there are dozens to choose from? The questions are more about 2022.

The journey or the track

Scunthorpe's Rising Star was confirmed to be included in the team in 2019 and was presented to a fan's forum before he was even old enough to ride for them.

Think a lot of the decision could come down to that Zane and Ben will become Pirates assets were as Josh would only be a loan would it not?

How much should that be? I think £20 for two adults and as many kids as they want to bring would be around where it's reasonable... Kids like to go around in groups so let as many in as possible under adult supervision... Most families will be two adults and two kids so £20 to get in seems a price that may attract those looking for a night out that won't break the bank, and could appeal to parents where maybe at least one of them used to attend.. As I know all too well, that £20 will be doubled with food and drink for a family of four so the admission cost will be very important to someone with kids, and for a "night out", if you get away with forty quid or so you have done well.. The Aces for example let U12's in for free, but after the adults have already paid £36 to enter it could still mount up to an expensive night.. Two adults and two kids still at school (so up to 16 years old), for £20 would entice a few that probably wouldn't pay the circa £40 for a family ticket now... And if they are not paying to go now, then that £20 price point won't be a loss to the club but a gain.. And if you own the food and drink establishment then it's a double gain..

The first riders have got their visa's for Russia. Hutla posted on facebook that he is expected to be in Prague next monday (to receive his visa). So it will be quite a rush for him to get to Togliatti in time (3600km, via Narva russian border).

It's like a metaphor for Lockdown isn't it!!! Maybe Godfrey suggested the Scotch Egg As you say we should wait for the full details. Ultimately, what ever they decide won't be the reason I'd decide not to attend but might be for some. Just like the offside rule, that many laws to make it 'fairer' to the extent that everyones forgotten what the rule is for. Hopefully the promoters remember what the reason for developing British talent is and don't ruin it with red tape and regulations.

He had to quarantine but under FA rules had permission to join Chelsea's bubble as he tested negative before flying into the country. So basically he was allowed into the training ground and stadium but nowhere else

The general point is that speedway crowds used to be larger. They're decreasing because the sport isn't providing everything the customer base wants or there's more choice elsewhere providing more of what the customer base wants. Football, via Sky Sports, did a massive rebranding exercise. After years of violence and under investment in stadia football was only a domain for die hearts and those looking for trouble. Sounds familiar (apart from the violence bit). The tragedy of Hillsborough and Valley Parade provided a unique opportunity to totally reset the whole industry. Interestingly, speaking to fellow football supporters who can now watch every game (home and away) from the comfort of our own homes for considerably less than it costs to go to the actual game, can't wait to get back to actually attending the matches. It's the overall matchday experience that is perceived to be worth spending more on. Not sure how attainable that is outside of football.

Because speedway was of course of attracting thousands of young people, or indeed thousands of people of any age before apps came along. The argument that technology is ruining things reminds me when football refused to show matches on television - far less live - on the grounds that no-one would turn up to the grounds. The irony was that attendances actually increased once the sport entered the 20th century...

And half of the other half are Directors !

interpretation of what's been said here is that would not be a problem. Problem would be the kid could not ride at 6 or 7 s would have to be on Rising Star Programme but would have to ride in top 5? May be I've misunderstood but that's my interpretation

Don't think that's correct Phil... ask ya man... not so much as a vote but rather a "here you go" Regards THJ

Just noticed that Connor Bailey has a 3 star rating, is this due to him being considered a good future star above several riders with 2 stars who have been around a long time? Seems like several riders like Jamie Halder and a few others don't appear on the list. Any particular reasons?

Plus providing many free admission tickets for U15’s, so looks like Eastbourne embracing both concepts being discussed on this thread. Details here - https://www.eastbourne-speedway.com/eagles-plan-digital-transformation/

I can't see an 'app' replacing the programme any time soon given the demographic of the fan base.. The same demographic who are by far and away the main sector who still purchase magazines and newspapers.. Although sales of those two kinds of publication have dropped circa 50% over the past ten years with many media companies now doing an on line version of their paper product to balance the loss of hard copy sales and hopefully attract the younger demographic who are more tech savvy.. If an 'app' is the "future" in attracting young people to watch the sport then it truly does have a problem.. Letting all kids still at school in for free, as long as supervised, and see if they like watching the sport enough to pay when they are older, would be my first move. Get into the nurseries and schools and give out free tickets to the kids to take home with a couple of £10 tickets for the parents/relatives to use. Give the person in charge of the facility plenty of free tickets for their staff as a sweetener and start to build relationships with them which could include donating to fund raising, buying sports kits, etc.etc.. Getting emotional loyalty from facilities within the local community who can influence literally thousands of young people and their guardians would deliver far more return than any 'app' could...

This * system is just madness ( my opinion ) what's wrong with the old style system ( 2nd half races ) where there could be 3 races & riders day based in the south etc could go to kent Poole etc have rides & are told that if they want to be in the team next week & then the rider could accept or decline & that's less pressure on the rider to perform to ( & that could be the top 2 riders in the 2nd half ) wonder if would work....

You’ve missed the point - if the list isn’t confirmed and it’s still being worked as has been said on this thread, surely that needs to be finalised before riders can confirmed? Orrrrrrr maybe the list is confirmed and sorted and is just being kept a big secret until the mere minions that follow the sport need to know?

Well having spent some time reading thro this, IMO the bspa ( or whatever they call themselves these days ) have made a relatively simple idea into a mind boggling minefield leaving all sorts of questions to be answered. Maybe the official release may make things clearer ??

I haven’t stopped reading, but thanks for being patronising. Thanks for also confirming... team places and riders are being signed before the list has been finalised by the powers that be. So the rules have been bent and created to suit certain teams? Because Newcastle, Poole, Redcar and Edinburgh are going to have to make changes to their teams. Funny enough Scunthorpe don’t and have even confirmed their ‘rising star’ before the list as Tsunami has said has even been sorted or confirmed.... it does make you wonder!

Lol... Well spotted... some anomaly there then... it looks like it's geared towards the top league to me and the Prem is getting dragged along for the ride... It looks a complete pile of Pony but that's just a personal opinion of course... Regards THJ

Oh Dave you been on the obnoxious pills tonight or is the Covid jab kicking in... I don't need to come up with an earth shattering scheme as I just put my money in and expect people to run the thing properly... but when I stop enjoying it because the powers that be have twonked around the edges so much that it impacts my enjoyment or I feel that the sport is being diluted to such an extent that I walk away... so be it... I will become just another statistic... but read this thread from the start I think I have made my views well enough known by now... Regards THJ

Never mind old fans trying to understand it EEF... try and explain it to any new fans coming into the sport... Uncle Len once said it's quite a simple sport really 4 blokes racing round a circuit on bikes for 4 laps going as fast as they can... It's over complicating the sport unfortunately and as much as the old timers like us are important it needs the young kids and families through the door... I don't think this brave new world is the way forward unfortunately Regards THJ

The last draft scheme was supposed to be sorted by teams picking who they wanted, & £10 per point. I can assure everybody that neither rule was implemented.

First, I hope clubs NEVER do away with a payable programme, but if they did, I'd just print a score sheet and keep it that way, with the collections of programmes that I have from down the years. At the moment, and have done for years, printed a score sheet to fill in at the meeting, but have ALWAYS bought a programme too, to fill in the next day.

Yes, a certain Mr. Gerhard has it in a Swiss bank account and is laughing , literally, all the way to the bank!

Was notified the other day that I can get an ATA boomerang carnet for £175. As for the checks considering the number of stolen bikes leaving the UK I'm all for it. Way more than half the people I know with off road bikes have had one or more stolen. Its a massive international business and anything that makes it more difficult can only be good. The past few years driving a van full of bikes across Europe has been easy. Unfortunately just as easy for criminals as racers.

I am sure I have read somewhere that the Carnet lasts for 12months ? Could be wrong, but if true that wouldn't be so bad a cost for a rider over a season { Tax deductable as well ? } Riders from UK have been doing Continental meetings since the 1950s { before EU was invented } so I am sure they can find a way , if they want to I am an optimist, I think when cross-channel traffic get back to normal { after Covid } , a lot of things will be smoothed out , compromises made etc. { it is in both sides interest } Plus some people will find loopholes & ways of bending rules if necessary