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Loads of great pics on the Gladiators facebook page showing progress with all the track work. Lights are back up, airfence up and tested, etc etc

They’re starting early to ensure that all of those blank weeks in the middle of the summer when it’s lovely weather outside and prime conditions for speedway, everybody can sit round and do nothing to allow for 3 matches in a week and double headers in September and October. All part of the plan!

One big league for me, with rider numbers in each team to suit rider availability, 6 rider teams or whatever. Clubs to run on the night of their choosing. The 7 team PL is a joke and the CL is fast approaching the same quantity so the time is right for OBL imo

But the vast majority have been closed down due to landlords accepting the big bucks from people who want to build houses. How many of those defunct tracks have now got houses on them or will have very soon. Very few close down due to lack of support. i actually think Speedway is on the way up actually. The crowds at meetings last year, granted in the Premiership, were fantastic most of the time and the enthusiasm from fans (apart from the usual moaners) was second to none.

A 15 team league for me every time. The doubling up monster will prevent that from happening though. This would be a big reduction in meetings/income for current double uppers (of which there are far too many), which leaves them in a dilemma. Can’t see any of them taking a financial hit (may need to think about going part time) and some will consider quitting the sport. It will no doubt be possible to find the additional riders needed from somewhere, but your opinion that the overall standard would be above that of the current Championship appears to be over optimistic.

Interview with one of the bravest of the brave. Incredible details I wasn't aware of. If it doesn't make you cry then I doubt you have any emotion. Ultimately though a story of incredible bravery, hope, determination and fortitude over the most awful injuries. Respect for all concerned.

Could be Brum’s best hope if the Aces turn up on the Sunday instead!

Looks like one big league has 100% of the vote at the moment! Think most would prefer a slightly lower standard, closer racing, a greater variety of teams visiting and to visit, not be s**t on by the Polish leagues and able to race on a night of the clubs choosing. If enough rides can be offered to riders to make a living think they'll be enough to go round, certainly for 6 man teams probably 7. Obviously never happen though as the fans are never listened to and a few promoters will 'veto' any thought of the idea......

There may of course be a relaxation in planning laws at some point by a future government if BE want to/can play the long game

I love how you dig up these old articles!

Not sign CVS just get some good advice ..

Well-organized A.C.U.-sanctioned team racing greeted Jack and Cordy upon their arrival in Great Britain after a six-week sea voyage. Eight teams, enthusiasticaly cheered on by “supporters’ clubs” from the towns they represented (Wembley, West Ham, Wimbledon, New Cross, Hackney Wick, Manchester, Bristol and South-hampton) vied for national honors. Riders received team assignments from the governing body itself, and rider swapping or purchasing was allowed, much like present-day ball club bargaining. American competitors, however, were exempt from purchase and could only change teams at season’s end. Jack was assigned to the New Cross team, while Cordy joined forces with the Hackney Wick riders. As Jack says, “If you waited for good weather in England, you’d NEVER race.” Riding styles of the ’30’s and ’40’s were, as in present-day racing, varied. But few spectators at current closed-course meets are aware of the fact that Jack Milne pioneered the now-accepted cornering technique of placing the left foot firmly forward upon entering each turn. Until Milne proved the advantages of this method, both in slowing a brakeless machine and “squaring the corners,” most riders depended primarily upon balance (as did Lammy), or relied upon the spectacular but now-obsolete practice of “drag-legging” a leatherpadded knee, as did “Sprouts” Elder. https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1962/04/01/night-speedway-racing and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1962/03/01/night-speedway-racing

Interview with the Comets new Australian rider Tate Zischke who is now in Workington: LISTEN: John Walsh in conversation with Tate Zischke - cumbriacrack.com

You're easily pleased lol

Unless more tracks open & any more close (obv hope not) this may be the only option, add KOC, maybe 4's & pairs.....

Surely any potential future applications would have to take into account the inspectors reasons for refusal which were heavily weighted around the loss of the stadium with its established use not being surplus to requirements, and that the ‘benefits’ of the alternative provision do not outweigh its loss. With that in mind any alternative provision would have to be “better” than a 3G pitch and invariably cost BE even more money.

They missed out "to end speedway at Peterborough"

CVS runs his own show, I'd be amazed if he'd consider working for anyone else

Just get Edward Kennett to,do half a lap again ,so you can use a guest all season

Agreed, seems way too quiet but hopefully everything is in hand. Really hoping they have a better season. We’ve lost too many tracks in the South recently

Not awful, turned up every week, gave it his best, A for effort just very much out of his depth which in turn hit his confidence too. Season or two too soon that’s all, and when guesting late season he’d been winning races in the lower leagues, confidence was back and was closer to pace with a couple of big points to help win the cup. Will be one of the weaker reserves at the start of the season but the potential is there.

Absolutely. This is just another episode in the Clark Oborne Takes The Piss Out Of Speedway box set.