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It was. Thank you so much. For everyone else - JJ very kindly asked Daisy if she wanted a spare Brummies cap that he had. She did, and proudly wore it for the rest of the night and all the way home. Thank you mate for that lovely gesture.

No excuse for a poor surface...we've known about it since the start of the season.....it looks like we've given up already!? If it's a week by week situation (as the 'management' have stated...) it appears that we're not bothering spending time or money on the the most important thing...'the track'!

That wouldn't be an issue , Kings Lynn haven't changed their side for a week and a half , so they must be due .

Wouldn't it be in the best interests of the landlords if they improved access to the track for the Brummies in order for them to carry out the track preparation more satisfactorily? Otherwise, they are at risk of losing rental income, and have to incur the time and costs of cleaning up the stadium after a speedway match?

That was my daughter and I. It was her first ever meeting (so she's got nothing to compare it to) and she really enjoyed it and was asking when we can go back. She was tired because her legs were aching and she's normally in bed by half eight. I'll be honest, I'd be more likely to take her to Wolverhampton next time to cheer on whoever Wolves are riding against so at least she can see a meeting on a normal track. Your points are spot on. The track was an utter disgrace. Daisy was struggling to watch after the first 6 or 7 heats as there was so much dust in the air, it was all over my head and needed brushing off when we got back to the car. I felt like I was part of the Afrika Korps. Even she was commenting that the watering and tractor racing was having no effect whatsoever, so a 9 year old at her first ever meeting could see the issue.

I saw someone talking about the Hundred on tv the other day and they said it was brilliant having the teams known by their nicknames - yet Speedway has been doing this for nearly a century. Speedway is a team sport. It needs to come across as a team sport and not just four blokes riding bikes round a track To many people that is all it is. There's not a lot wrong with the actual product, it just needs consistent teams (something that has been wrecked by Doubling up and low points limits) and to be presented in a way that makes you feel that you are watching a team sport. Instead, we just get "...and the winner in heat one, in red, in a time of blah blah blah..." while everyone fills in a programme. I know people don't all agree with me, but have a big scoreboard above the pits with the score on constant display. And show replays on it. It can't be that hard. Swindon used to show regular replays on televisions around the stadium a few years back. Then they had the great idea of stopping it. Make it feel like you are watching a sport between two teams. And encourage riders to have a bit of a barny, rather than banning them if they do. On a side note, I was speaking to a work colleague on Monday and mentioned that I'd watched the Speedway GP over the weekend. "I didn't think they had speedway any more" was his response. So clearly some marketing is needed too! Every cost cutting move they make takes more people off the gate. It has been doing so for years. Yet they keep doing it. We now have a top league of 6 teams with the same riders as in the lower tier. Mental.

Why oh why couldn't Eurosport show one of the three premier League meetings from Monday.The olympic games finished over the weekend,belle Vue/ Peterborough was a very close contest as was tigers win at Ipswich,an ideal opportunity lost.it,s not good enough that we have to wait until the 16 th for the next meeting.does anyone agree?

I can only endorse the other tributes fans have put on here. I disagreed with him on a few things but such was the nature of the man you could have a disagreement in a polite sort of way and then move on with no hard feelings. I cant imagine speedway without him. Very, Very sad news.

I started investigating and found rather to my amazement that of the 301 riders Edinburgh have used, a remarkable 63 have failed to score on their debut. This merry band includes the following: George Hunter Bert Harkins Dave Trownson Rory Schlein Max Fricke Dan Bewley Here are the longest running initial non-scorers prior to this season: Jye Etheridge 9, Sean Courtney 8, Paul Gould 8, Lee Dicken 8, Aaron Fox 8, Dan Bewley 7, Bert Harkins 7, Gary Phelps 7, John Paul 6, Dudley McKean 6, Michael Lowrie 6, Marcel Helfer 6, Tommy Fenwick 6. But there is one other – with more than 10. I’ll tell you who it is once Luke gets his first point, hopefully tomorrow. One thing the investigation shows is that it is often some of the best riders who make a slow start – but are persevered with.

Sorry speedway does not need re-inventing the promotion of the sport needs re-inventing and the blueprint for it is already in place. One has to look no further than Barry Bishop and co of the Wightlink Warriors / Wightlink Wizards speedway club and the way they promote the sport not just on the island but across the board. Speedway GB effectively forced them out of the league with their accept this or pi$$ off attitude and when they did go and they joined another proper recognised organisation they still tried putting obstacles in there way to stop them running. And running they are putting on a show that attracts the crowds that enjoy the show and keep on coming back for more just look at the amount of races / entertainment the crowd get to enjoy for the same few hours that other tracks take to run 15 heats. (I bet the IOW get a bigger crowd to watch the tractor grade the track than some clubs get to watch a match). NO speedway doesn't need re-inventing its just the dinosaurs running this great sport (Directors and Promoters) that need re-educating or removing so someone / some people with a vision and understanding that the way its being run now and has been run for years is way past its sell by date. Speedway is a sport BUT the general public want ENTERTAINMENT for the dosh there spending and that is not just 14 riders over 15 races (and possibly 2 or 3 of the same riders with a different opposition vest on every match) Rant over.

Impressive score from Leon Flint last night, making his home debut for his Swedish club Valsarna he scored 11+1in his sides home win against Smalanningarna.

Guest facility granted until 2025

Congratulations you must be the first person to manage to use the words Swindon, Posher and Middleclass in the same sentence

It’s the Premier that’s weak not the Championship.

What a stupid Post clueless. Have not read a post saying they are track experts, only of fans who were there so they have the right to complain about the track ? And someone asking about the money that was raised for track equipment what as it been used on?

Better late than never. And I will leave it at that. To comment further would be inappropriate. Let's just remember the guy himself and the family he leaves behind.

You're welcome; I was hoping that she would become a Brummies fan, like my sister and myself, 70 years ago! Hopefully, they will have done something about the dust next week ... I case anyone thinks Bad Thoughts, I approached Kester first, not Daisy!

Wonder if Troy will fit after his latest attempt at lowering his average.... I'd take a punt on him

3 rides 3 ducks wonder if he's been told this his last match.

I usually get there for 6.15.I like to get my moneys worth Have a few beers and watch the riders in the pits.

He and Paul Bellamy were very close so I'm sure he would have been waiting to find the right words rather than rush a statement out

Where did it start that I'm his effing mate?...I been on here just as long as you old codgers (formally known as Lukas but my account got deleted)...Don't think we would get on anyway because I happen to think K Starmer is a complete p****.

Ahead of you there im afriad Iain......Programme Boards and Stickers coming next meeting......"Don't tell him Palin" being my fav

When you are as proud as we are, it means it means as much to us, as it does to you Martin Widman, the volunteers, the riders, the sponsors and I, really really love race day and the build up to it. The excitement for us, knowing in just a few hours people will be coming to watch our show, is absolutely exhilarating. The pride we have in ensuring that we have done our best to make Smallbrook Stadium perfect for you is immense. The joy we have seeing you all, hearing your screams, oooo’s, ahhhhh’s, your appreciation, is almost indescribable. The wonder of our presentation - we always strive to improve, be the best we can be, to ensure that from music to toilets, we give fans the best night. The pleasure we get from developing our youth, encouraging our riders, watching their progress and ensuring equality can never be underestimated. So what am I saying… I just want you to know readers - how flipping proud we are of our volunteers, our riders, our sponsors which creates the show we deliver to you, our greatest asset, our fans. We are all so very proud of you. We are so proud of what we do ❤️ Have a lovely evening, enjoy all the facilities, scream and shout, but most of all have fun. Gates open at 5.15pm.

From the horses mouth about 2 weeks ago, it costs Poole roughly one third less per meeting to run Championship compared to Premiership - and we are talking 5 figure sums for each home meeting.

So I've got to start my own TV channel, showing a sport that I've re-invented myself, on a track I've got to prepare myself with riders riding machines that I've built myself... and while I'm at it I'll travel to this meeting on a road network I've built myself driving a car I've designed and built myself... etc. etc. If that's the only reply you can come up with, you may as well not bother

Well if its not good enough,,, tell eurosport,, and maybe the will stop showing it altogether. Or if that doesn't appeal to you,,, start your own broadcasting company, then you can choose what to show and when

And next up heat 10 sponsored by Bobbins dry cleaners

The changing of heats/laps etc is a typical BSPA change... changing something that doesn't need thinking. A completely new governing body full of young, enthusiastic people with visions of making the sport value for money is what is needed to replace that berk Godfrey and his following. Where you find these people I do not know.

Note you did not answer the questions re the bowser, nor expecting paying customers to meekly continue turning up and endure dust clouds. If you were there, were the comments on Live Updates about the track conditions exaggerated or inaccurate?

Barry Briggs, Martin Ashby, Clive Hitch, Geoff Bouchard and Pete Munday

Dave Gifford, Tom Leadbitter, Bill Powell, Ken Eyre, Bruce Cribb. The 'Wolves' riders who put the 'team' into team Speedway. They made the team jacket proud. The engine room behind the stars.

You saved me the trouble

Would you like to change your mind

Does anybody know when there will be a range of "Dad's Army" merchandise available at Peterborough? Who wouldn't want to be seen wearing a t-shirt with "Don't Panic!" written on the front and "They Don't Like it Up 'em!" on the back?

The fundamental issue is that if you decided to 'invent' a team sport, and Speedway was the outcome of your invention, would any one run it in any way shape or form as it is ran (in the UK), today. ? Of course not... If you went on Dragons Den, or went to the bank for a start up loan, with your business plan and operating model, you would be laughed out of the respective rooms... Yet 19 Promoters, you can only presume, must see what they do as totally 'fit for purpose' in the 24/7, multi media, 'wow factor' led world of 2021.... To be allowed to 're-invent' itself there would firstly have to be an acknowledgement from these 19 leaders of the sport that what we have today isn't delivering what a product with such "strong raw materials' should.. And we know that isn't going to happen any time soon.... Best wishes to the IOW this evening, who decided that the current "offering" wasn't for them. and have gone away, been innovative, and are "loud and proud" about how they market and promote their business and (most importantly) the actual sport... As they realise the sport itself underpins, and holds together, all the other attractions they present....

Wheres the money coming from? Both sports are chalk and cheese in alot of aspects

Post saved just in case

we're more into croquet, lacrosse, polo than these noisy motorsports

Agreed!

Lawson is too young…stupid boy.

Just like Lewis Kerr in 2018, Ulrich has been our rider of the season and his points have covered the arses of some of his colleagues who have more than underperformed. Perhaps announcing Ulle's season being over is that a signing is imminent. Its a hard average to fill.

Belatedly there is now a tribute by Paul Bellamy:- https://www.speedwaygp.com/news/article/9156/bellamy-pays-tribute-to-rising Only briefly met him when staying in same hotel in Udine for last Italian GP, and he updated us on what had happened in the UK on the Friday. Although the internet is now widely used for instant news & results, you cannot beat the Speedway Star for quality news & articles which I have always enjoyed reading at my leisure, and PR was at the helm in maintaining it's high standard for our benefit.

Maybe more individuals could get involved running one off meetings? Why is it that only the BSPL should have the authority to run "UK Speedway"...? There are plenty of weeks when stadiums lie idle so couldn't "someone else" rent them and put on an event during some of those weeks? Similar to what the IOW are doing under another organisation? Landlords get more rent, riders get to earn more money, and Speedway (Shalesport?) fans get to see racing under a variety of guises.. As has been said, track cycling have many a combination of races that Speedway (Shalesport) could use... And a few handicap races never go amiss when properly planned.... I have watched Speedway in the United States and it is truly an 'event' where the town it takes place in is acutely aware of when it takes place (due to "proper local promotional work") and many of that town turn up to watch a mixture of ages compete from 'kids' to 'seniors', a mixture of scratch and handicap racing, and a mixture of types of bikes/sidecars being used.. All presented by someone on the centre green and in the stand, who are very comfortable at presenting and keeping the crowds interest during the gaps between races... Gaps that are deliberately kept to a minimum to ensure the momentum of the event remains high. One race finishes, then a lap of honour, and before the lap of honour ends the next bikes are out of the pits.. Team Speedway here in the UK has been around since around 1930 with barely a radical change (except handicap racing for a few years) in those ensuing 91 years... It's tired, it's contrived, it's not got any real meaning, nor has it any kudos, publicity or financial rewards for any of the clubs winning any of the competitions... So why keep carrying on flogging a dying horse? Even if "something different" doesn't work, it will only match what we have now as that doesn't work either.. What's that oft used definition of insanity? Doing exactly the same thing over and over and over again, and each time you do it, expecting a completely different result...? Maybe it needs putting on a very large car park banner at the next AGM venue, so all those attending can see it as they drive in...

Generally speaking I think the 4 riders, 4 laps is pretty good as it is. If you could lessen the time spent between heats and like the GP's grade every 4 or so it should be absolutely perfect for TV. To appeal though the danger aspect needs to be emphasised and the opposing riders not act like mates in front of the cameras even if they are really. Surfaces need to be investigated to prevent TV rain offs while the open mikes and so on would all increase TV appeal and that is the only hope of attracting any real money into the sport in my opinion. The disparity between riders is then heightened by the best riders being able to afford the best kit so it would be good to see some form of handicap racing tried. Then either ensure that as much as possible standard equipment is used or introduce a claiming rule where any race winning bike can be bought by a competitor for a few quid above the price of a new standard bike. The big thing for me is that currently a really dangerous and exciting sport is marketed as family friendly, it might be that but don't tell everybody up front. Stop punishing riders for getting too pumped up and reacting badly when they are convinced another rider tried to kill them. Let the fans see the passion and become involved emotionally (and while you're at it ban anybody apart from another rider who hits a rider from the pits for life). At least try marketing Speedway as the most extreme sport, tell everybody about the horrific injuries and just how battered the riders are half the time and how they have all broken bones in the sport.

I often disagreed with him on here ... In a very enjoyable way. His view was to be respected and I greatly appreciated the numerous times he instigated one to one discussions via personal messenger that greatly enlightened my understanding of the 'real story' that would not be possible to print. My respect for him was greatest just because he did have the balls to come on here and engage in real debate with us. He did so with the passion of someone still in love with the sport but with the deep knowledge of his lifetime of covering it so magnificently in print. A wonderful combination. His biggest legacy is of course Speedway Star, which PR curated for so long, offering Michelin Star coverage of what is often a transport cafe sport. I trust the team will carry his torch well. Farewell Philip.

Yes there are, we tried the lights on the first and second bend a few weeks back and 8 of them even still work!

This is true in the same way that Hartlepool have the same team building opportunities as Manchester City.

Thanks for pointing that out re Aub finishing 3rd was in 1958. A most polite response Norbold, but you don't have to be delicate with me After all "I'm a lumberjack and I'm OK................".

Soren Sjosten was responsible for this 7 year old genuinely believing I would only need to wait a couple of years and I could become a fully fledged Belle Vue Ace, if someone as diminutive as Soren could do it with such style and success then nothing was going to stop me, nothing! I'm 61 in Feb and I've still never sat astride a running speedway bike, yet I still think I could've been a contender, maybe this will be the year I finally make it to a ride n slide day, if only to put my dreams to bed.