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Potential banana skin for the gladiators no room for complacency.

What red blooded male doesn’t ! Oops..just checked the Japanese spelling…move on.

Speaking as a neutral; some of the racing last nite was brilliant, the likes of Douglas, Allen, Worrall, Lawson & King (late on) gave terrific entertainment, loved it. A meeting where you could've dragged non-fans 'kicking & screaming' (!) to watch and they would've said "that was great, I can understand why you enjoy speedway". Good stuff ....

Chris Louis has changed the track, and banking as much as he can making alterations 4/5 times in the last few winters. it’s unfair saying there was a “lack of preparation” it was clear to see how hard Chris and bob had been working all day to get moisture into the track and produce some grip, this week has been horrendous weather hotter and hotter with a drying wind every day. I work on a local golf course and it’s gone from green to toast in just a few days. my question would be, if the material they currently use is just so so difficult to produce an outside line with when it’s so hot and dry, is there a better material that could be sourced to suit the climate and track here at Foxhall? I agree that the stock cars running all over it between meetings really don’t help.

The (tens) of thousands who make up the "silent majority" and have walked away... Cardiff will have approx 100% more British Speedway fans in attendance than will colllectively attend all UK meetings on any week.. Passionate fans of the sport who, in many cases, have "given up" watching Mickey Mouse nonsense like Bomber riding for heaven knows how many teams, with those who run the sport allowing it and thinking "that's ok that, makes perfect sense".. (At the current rate of guesting, Bomber is going to get "Rider of the Season" at several clubs' end of season awards nights).. Not enough riders of a certain level? Then have less clubs at that level, or less team places per team, thus creating a surplus of riders to replace injured riders or poor performance.. Make the supply exceed the demand by making changes to your infrastructure.. In other words. "Basic business practice"... Run the sport "properly", thus making the competitions actually worth winning, and who knows, maybe many of the thousands of fans who have walked away, but still love watching the sport either via TV, or in person at "proper events", will come back to domestic Speedway? And who knows also, if the competitions became worth winning, the league's themselves may attract headline sponsors happy to be associated with them..? Something that would be a "hard sell" under the current way of running things I would imagine..

The structure used to be there but the short sighted promotors ditched it. I well remember the national League running with no guests they were banned. My team Ipswich suffered Dave Norris was out injured and it cost us the chance of the league title. However in every sport injury & luck plays a part. You may disagree and think doubling up & the guest fest is ok but for every one Trees who accepts it there are 1000s who don't. I want to see this sport become successful I want to see it survive & I want to support it again. However in its current guise it does nothing for me and thousands like me.

Surprised to hear that however am not on any social media like Twatter or Facebuik so wasn't aware? If either do post anything stick it on here so we oldies get a chance to read what they say and then moan about it (or... go on al say it... praise and agree with it) Everyone has an opinion right or wrong... Regards THJ

Ar e you Rob Grant ?

The biggest problem with all uk tracks these days over what was available in days gone by are the materials available and what the environmental police will allow you to do. the reason most tracks are clay based is simple. It's available and it's cheap. traditional red shale is still available but it is horrendously expensive. the second is that many things used to be added to the track surfaces in the past to get the shale to bind together and provide grip. the surface now just turns to powder and dust and doesn't bind, hence you go to very slick dusty conditions much more quickly these days. I know in the past from talking to old track curators. The old waste oil used to be mixed into track dressing, to get it to bind. obviously this is no longer allowed. What you have now on most tracks amounts to no more that mud and dirt with some clay mixed in. Add water and this is what you get. Obviously the idea of allowing oil to be put into the ground (from where it came) is a bad one apparently. the tracks of yesteryear are impossible to re create because of that.

I have never read such crap come out of a keyboard warrior as I have reading all these comments. You are all just total nasty people. Nothing Newcastle speedway does is good enough for anyone on this forum. They could be the best but they would still not be good enough for you all. If your not slagging the track it’s the management or it’s the riders or it’s the day they ride and even the volunteer staff have been called. Just pure nastiness. It’s not even freedom of speech or entitled to your opinion chat it’s just pure slagging then off for the fun of it Well I’ve had my rant and I’m sure I’ll get nasty comments back but as you all say I’m entitled to my opinion and that’s mine

We now know 10 of the finalists- Hopefully English comms will be available for the 4 final rounds. Michelsen Madsen Dudek Bewley Piotr Pawlicki- injury replacement likely to be named Lebedevs Smektala Jensen Berge Ellis

ah, work permits - the Brexit bonus

there must be Czech, German, Danish boys who don't ride in Poland

Think the kid and his family are a bit more dignified than that as has George Congreve been... and fair play to them as well... the problem is much more complex and won't be resolved by swapping out a couple of reserves... Regards THJ

A cold October/ November midweek night in front of 2 men and their dug no doubt

The "Polish commitments" comment when dropping Smith, was obviously an attempt to be kind to the rider. Rather than saying "he was so bad, we had to drop him after one meeting". Racing in the U24 league wouldn't stop him racing in the Champ. A more honest announcement would probably be, "we don't like to drop a rider after only ONE match, but when the opportunity arose to strengthen up by signing Bickley we couldn't afford to miss out. Thanks to Jack for his efforts etc"

What the PZM are doing is no different to anyone else offering a contract of employment. they are imposing conditions on that employment that no one is forced to sign, but they do. It's no different to you getting a builder round to build an extension and agreeing to pay them a large fee if they only work on your job and one other at the same time to minimise problems that other jobs they do could take them away from your contract. the builder can either sign the contract with the big bucks or not and go work elsewhere. The PZM are only doing what's right for them (why would they not?) The riders if they stuck together would have huge power, but they never will as they are all trying to get one over on each other anyway. they are competitors for jobs at the end of the day. If you pay peanuts you'll end up with scraps

Thank you, we are trying to save a great club in the South East of England that has been tarnished by a previous management structure We have the support of the stadium owners, the BSPL, investors and sponsors but we are looking for more to get it off the ground, we will work on this...

Plymouth can still use Bomber to guest at 1 at home (8.39 +5%)

Never disputed that, but when you look at the hype when they were all 14/15 compared to now then it's fair to say all of them have been underwhelming in differing levels.

agree you can only do it once .take the chance when you can

But then you risk the opportunity being lost and losing the meeting by a point Poole's top three can beat anyone anywhere IMO so there shouldn't ever be a reason not to use a TS as soon as you can.

You are a card mind... But don't give up the day job because you'll never be a comedian that is for sure... it would take more than a 5 year apprenticeship IMHO... but keep at it God loves a tryer... BTW if I had a pound for every time you have been told that I could buy an Armarni suit to go with those quality shirts... I will use the crystall ball routine aka Septic Meg style for the next little gem... coming to a post near you very soon... Regards THJ

This is the part clubs & riders fail to mention when complaining about the restrictive Polish contracts!

Kemp is averaging almost 2 points above his starting average, while Bickley has fallen slightly he's much the same standard as last year. Palin definitely fallen more than the others.

Bike cleaner

They are not banning them - they ask them to make a choice All these riders are free to choose to ride in the UK. It is their free will to sign the contracts in Poland with the restrictions on participating in other leagues and which additional teams they join British Speedway is simply the least attractive option for most at the moment for a variety of reasons - money , travel , the tracks , number and timing of fixtures

Don't know how anyone would prefer Congreave 0.67 (0.67) over Bickley 3.20 (4.56). While Newcastle are still the weakest team in the league, at least they're slowly getting stronger.

I have no issue with Mildenhall using a guest, if that's what the rules allow. Otherwise as soon as one team gets "special dispensation" then everyone else would want it. Like Glasgow getting an awarded victory after 9 heats, so Redcar expect the same & it's not allowed. Sticking to the rules saves loads of hassle imo

MILDENHALL --- SUNDAY 19th JUNE AT 2PM The Danny Ayres Memorial meeting at Mildenhall on Sunday June 19th ---first race 2pm with gates open 12.30 – has attracted a good line-up of riders willing to take part in memory of speedway’s No. 1 showman. Danny’s day, as the meeting has been dubbed, will have 29 races split into the main meeting of 16 riders over 20 heats with a semi final and a Grand Final plus a mini-meeting of two teams of 4 rides racing over 6 heats then a Grand Final for the top two scorers from each side. Confirmed riders are : Danny King, Richard Lawson, James Shanes, Ben Barker, Ben Morley, Max Clegg, Alfie Bowtell, Connor Coles, Connor Mountain, Cam Heeps, Zaine Kennedy, Jacob Hook, Kye Thomsen, James Wright, George Congreve in the main meeting. In the mini meeting confirmed are Nathan Stoneman , Sam Beebee, Alex Spooner, Luke Muff, Jack Kingston, Connor King, Jack Kingston and Nick Laurence. There will be children’s entertainment including face painting, cartoon characters and mascots plus a magician with sweet stalls from gate opening time. The pits are open to the public from 12.30 until 1.20 with a track walk with the riders and referee at 1.15 with a £10 charge to join in with this. The bikes will be warmed up at 1.30 and the parade of riders with mascots ( available for £40 ) at 1.45 then heat 1 at 2pm. There will be centre green experience groups throughout the meeting allowing participants to witness racing from the middle and the cost of this is £ 10 . The main meeting is kindly sponsored by Glasgow Tigers Speedway and Allied Vehicles. Teng Tools have donated a tool kit worth £300 which will be presented to the rider chosen as the most entertaining of the meeting with other prizes awarded to the best wheelie and best doughnut ! It is aimed at being a family fun day and local radio station GenX Radio have confirmed as the media partners for Danny’s Day and will have a presence at the meeting giving out stickers and producing their show that afternoon from the stadium and promoting mental awareness. There is the chance for one fan to be the referee’s assistant for the day and start a race. Bids for this can be sent in to the e-mail addresses and the highest bidder will take the prize. The race jackets worn by each rider in both parts of the meeting will be signed and auctioned off after the meeting raising funds towards the futures of Danny’s two children. There will also be other speedway items in the auction , some donated by riders unable to make the meeting to ride…..so fans bring your piggy banks with you !! Well known ex-riders are being invited to be in attendance and will be interviewed during the meeting and be available for photos and autographs. Admission is £20 adults, £15 concessions with under 16’s free and can be paid n cash at the turnstiles. Advanced tickets can be ordered on trybooking under the ref: https://www.trybooking.co.uk/BPDD A 44 page souvenir programme is being produced for the event and will be on sale at £5 inside the stadium. All in all this should be a meeting not to miss and a great day out whilst remembering Danny and raising funds for the futures of his two girls .

I am keeping very well thank you but my 4 wheels these days is a mobility scooter as I no longer have a car. Even if I did I dont think I would bother though. Sad but I couldn't cope with all the hanging around these days.

National league would seem the most sensible option Be good to see the Eagles back

Sweden made me look stupid by winning today- full result to follow. Unofficial result Sweden 42 Latvia 29 Germany 24 Norway 21

The phrase lack of preparation implies lack of effort to produce a better racetrack with more lines on it…? That’s was the point I took issue with and defended Chris and bob. also if Ipswich never produced an outside line Danny king wouldn’t have scored any points at all in the past umpteen years he’s riding for the club this season for whatever reason the tracks been slicker than normal and dirt line less prevalent but as mentioned was fairly decent and grippy in the belle vue meeting. certainly think the materials now available just don’t suit the modern bikes to produce as good a racing on the tighter tracks we have here in the uk.

It was on Saturday 2nd July not a Sunday!! But prob to do with racing in Poland anyway!

Thanks for posting the video, The Grandstand is to far gone now, not much work to bring the Pits back to life, the far side stand would be the main stand maybe with the starting gate over on that side, without seeing inside its difficult to gauge what other buildings could be saved from demolition, but I personally cant see the landowners selling this for Sports use, especially if they have paid development prices for it, RIP Brandon.

There are many things contributing to the general decline of speedway and the time wasting shenanigans at the start of races is one of them. Why did the riders not do this in the 50's 60's 70's and maybe most of the 80's? Possibly because the riders didn't have the power they seem to have now. It's pointless pleading for sanity and a return to the days when spectators seemed to actually matter because nothing will ever change and the sport will continue on it's inevitable course to oblivion.

Chance for those Eastbourne fans who have been so critical of the way things were done at Arlington by the last promotion and its predecessors over 30 years or more to come forward and help run and finance the club in the way they would like. Can’t remember such an opportunity, at least in the south east, where changes in promoting rights have in the past been dealt with in private. Hope those email inboxes have been filling up since the announcement came. Good luck Eagles.

1) Apparently they put 46,000 gallons of water on it?! As mentioned elsewhere, there must be a problem with the loose material being used. 2) Not sure about the SF, but Sheffield definitely chose 2&4 in the Final. 3) Agree 100% ... BSN presentation far superior to Eurosport.

Only three devils riders got pass marks and not one was a Scot. Foot and A**e come to mind for the other three. Is the Team Manager too soft, one of the problems?

To be fair, Newcastle do have some riders that can go very well round Plymouth, but the home team really should have more than enough to win comfortably at home. Can't remember the last time I saw a Garry May team complacent.

Effectively they are banning riders from racing where they want though because they probably pay them more than the other leagues put together! They know very well riders won't jack Poland in.

Hopefully he gets going again. If nothing else him and Masters battling it out home and away is usually entertaining. I do think Glasgow probably need Cook scoring to challenge for the title.

I've always been of the opinion that you use it at the first opportunity.

Well, many a good rider has utilized the extra technical skills needed at Newcastle to improve they're game. As for the lottery mate,(its too random) would you not be better off chancing your arm/taking a punt on something you could have some influence over/knowledge about? Btw, if a had a pound for every time you used the 'lottery chestnut', a could buy you that pint or even a decent shirt. (ye must just ask for a lucky dip when buy one of them, eh?)

Honestly I wish I could predict the lottery numbers as easy... I would have retired years ago... Anyway Good Luck Kyle and stay safe... a trick track like Newcastle could be the making of you... Regards THJ

Went regularly when it opened, could walk from home. Racing could be pretty good on occasions, but track was never as good as possibly could of been. Although Pete Seaton tried his best. Went one weekend to help out giving the place a spruce up, as well as going after work one night to help out with track preparation. back ached after picking out so many stones!! As already said, vandalism didn't help, but nor did the nimbyism of one or two local estates. Always happy to put up with the noise for 2-3 days, of a concert. As well as the disruption of road closures and thousands of milling souls. But not Speedway for 2 hours every week. Admittedly it was a school night. Even when Terry turned to the Speedway family(!!??), for help, he wanted to move race night to Saturdays, to try and encourage a few more through the turnstiles, to hopefully at least break even. Elfield was such major venue and draw(mmmmmm), that obviously feeling threatened by the move, Coventry vetoed it!! And so it died a death. And look where British Speedway is now!!!

Polish commitments, what as?

When they're racing for your team who cares that they race elsewhere? Not me .... Riders have been racing for numerous teams for years .....

You can't read too much into the Green Sheets. The starting set were based on last 20 matches (or minimum 4 home, 4 away). For June, they are based on the last 18 matches (or minimum requirement). As an extreme, two very good or bad scores could have been dropped from the overall figures - and BSPA confirmed it's last 18 matches, i.e. not necessarily 9 home and 9 away. For July it's down to 16, August 14, September 12, and the Final averages will be based on the last 10 matches. Some figures could well change dramatically over the next 3-4months.