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Stinks of desperation . Opening a new track with no fanbase and slinging them into the top flight. Whoever is fronting this will lose a fortune.

Personally I think a possible new track at Northampton is just spin, by BSPL,to deflect how bad a state the premiership is in .the season is just around the corner, it would take a massive amount of money to get the stadium ready for speedway, which as we all know, theirs not a lot of money in speedway. As it stands now nothing has been sorted out at Ipswich, other tracked require fixtures released, so they can sell season tickets and get sponsorship, and they are still talking about a new track

Can’t praise BSN enough; they’re almost single-handedly keeping the sport in the UK visible and accessible. I hadn’t attended Ashfield for many years until I heard about BSN and tuned in. Two years later, I’m a track regular again; all because of BSN. As such, I cannot get on-board with any criticism of them. I’ve been a season pass holder for two years now and I think they’re adapting to each venue and improving the product every year. I don’t think you can ask for any more. They’re good people too. They’re authentic. I think Ian and Greg (Brennan and Blair, if I recall) are great.

Only just read this, RIP Bob, he spent something of an Indian summer with the Heathens he came as someone who could pick up an odd point or two having suffered from injuries which affected his points scoring, by the end of the 1977 season he was again capable of beating anyone except the very top riders and was a vital cog in a very good Cradley Heath team, he retired from British speedway at the end of the season, from everyone at Cradley Heath we send our condolences to family and friends.

I certainly can’t see how there can be any criticism of BSN , you bought a package your were watching do roughly £ 5 a meeting. Race coverage was generally 1st Class and the Presentation Package on the night was excellent,unlike some Presenters on Discovery( no names) who hadn’t a clue on what to ask a rider.

If a business had stores closing hand over fist in locations where some people have an appetite for their product it would be absolutely idiotic for them to then open a new store in a location where nobody has ever expressed an interest in their goods. That's what's happening here. Should have worked harder to keep tracks open where people wanted them in the first place.

I really don't understand why people keep talking about Oxford - it is so obviously a non-starter. Who will go? Northampton fans? That must be about 3 people Floating neutrals - 75 to 100 Visiting fans 50 - 75 Oxford fans - well there was never much enthusiasm for the Spires even before their poor results, so call the team Northampton and interest will be near zero. Did Stoke fans flock to Cradley at Stoke or Glasgow fans embrace the Scottish Monarchs? No. And in this case 'home' fans can still watch the Cheetahs and Chargers so unless they are well off and/or ultra keen I don't see them attending, certainly not on a regular basis. So with an expected crowd of 3-400 the supposed benefactor must be Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk (perish the thought)

Think how much he could have increased it by if he'd scored in those 12 heats! And Speedway is not all about averages, it's about ability, attitude and machinery as much as anything else, he certainly has the ability, machinery questionable, attitude... terrible at times.

Loads of merits here, extra track time for the riders, extra value for money for spectators (or chance to nip to the loo etc if they don't want to watch) cost reductions for entry riders, reduced travel the list goes on..... Negatives and probably the biggest is the risk of delay/abandonment to the main meeting due to an accident in the match races. Also the standard of rider tracked needs to be looked at, there was a point when riders found their own level and progressed up accordingly but in more recent years there have been some development league riders who are incredibly wobbly and a risk to themselves and others. An "easy" fix would be an assessment of rider standard at a track post meeting. Can the rider circulate within x time of the main meeting, can they slide the bike, do they look in control? If not then its back to practice days until they can meet the level. Setting the bar lower continually for the benefit of inclusion isn't doing the sport any good.

But apparently the management of said company continue to supply speedway tracks. I believe Mildenhall found an alternative supplier and that was allegedly why the BSPL/BSPA refused to licence the club. Another closed shop operation from those in charge of the sport. What is the matter with the morons who run the sport in this country. Time for more clubs to jump ship, join NORA and break the stranglehold of those who are determined to take the sport to its nadir.

It's on youtube, new episodes every Friday morning 11am. It's the best speedway Podcast/Video show by far IMHO.

No they wouldn't whatever some on here may say.

Thank you. I don’t always agree with your views but this time I do. The NDL used to work much better but the arrival of one team who looked on it as a cash cow spoiled it for everyone. Riders who were happy at £10 a point and 10p a mile discovered a team paying £25 a point and 20p a mile and everyone wanted parity. The stand alone teams, like the Moss’s at Buxton, were driven out. And now, with Poland taking the best riders and, from next year, imposing a restriction on where they can ride, why should promoters invest in a future that won’t benefit them?

Done, reason for my vote, unbeaten last season lol.

Although I usually understand your bilious attacks on Poole, though not why you make them, this one has me foxed. Garritty’s Coventry “legend” was being caught hot boxing, allegedly, in his van before a meeting and being sent home. And care homes??? I doubt the Fords would want anything to do with him

Garrity would be a perfect fit for Poo le, ex Coventry legend, questionable morals, care homes all fits.

Things are now that desperate that Vatcher is ringing recently ‘retired’ riders ( one’s that have simply given up through lack of opportunities and rising costs ) to see if they would make a comeback ! When will they realise that they need to start at the basics by having open days with free ‘ Try it ‘ experiences to try and entice kids to come and have a go. The pool of riders is fast running out so where is the future plan ?

Not sure what I'm more excited for. The start of the new season, or you having a meltdown and leaving the forum again.

Thug

I suggested on another thread that the old SJL three rider teams could be used... But during the main meeting... After every four heats, two NDL level races.. Track should be therefore slickened off, not too grippy, but not bare like a second half would bring... Tractors then come out and reset the track for the main meeting.. Six heats in total, and four rides per rider, no subs allowed.. I remember the 4 team tournaments running a couple, maybe three?, reserve race(s) during the meeting that didn't count to the result but gave the No 7's in the team track time.. If EVERY meeting did this in BOTH leagues there would be plenty of track time for the developing riders.. No need for contracts as riders could ride for anyone at any meeting subject to their availability, (who just said "just like the top two tiers do"?)... Expenses only, or even "pay to play", but something desperately needs doing to increase the amount of UK riders in teams, and giving developing riders track time, and plenty of it, is the only way to do it... On YT there is coverage of some Youth finals from the last few years, and several riders now breaking through are riding with, a good few of them, from 125 to 500cc "straight legging" into the turns and opening the throttle as they came three quarters the way around the bend, thus making the bike "broadside".. Just a few years later, these same lads now go full throttle into every turn... Which shows. Practice really does, make perfect.... Therefore, the promoters really need to create this practice time...

Would like to know what his idea that sets him apart is. He was part of the leadership team that screwed over Birmingham and Oxford. Come and join os and we will share top riders, then sign them all up and leave them both without established number 1’s. He was part of the group that wrongly stopped Freddie’s debut at Brum ironically against Ipswich, screwing over Tolley again. As far as I can see he has been a part of the problem.

Chargers team for 2026... Jody Scott (c) Darryl Ritchings Senna Summers Aston Vale Mason Watson Harry Fletcher Max Broadhurst

if hes not at scunny id say thats a good shout wouldnt mind him at reserve but not sure about no 2 hes a great servant to speedway and on his day can score well maybe the change will do him good

A nice 4 page interview with Matt Ford in the Speedway Star this week

No Lambet at Scunny this year, 360 podcast.

Point proven, cry more.

Just do one.🤡

No idea, however... I would think it is perfectly fair to charge a hire fee for the track, and facilities, that the riders are using... You take up MX, Autograss, Club Motorsports, and even Grass track and you basically "pay to play".. Speedway shouldn't be any different at entry level.. And, of course, if you are any good, you actually get paid to race, something which many in other motorsports never get to experience...

Yes and ultimately it has led to a culture of entitlement, where you get mum and dads crowing that’s it’s costing them a fortune to set their kids up in the sport, yet if they chose motox or enduro or road racing then it would cost them 5x as much and unless that kid is something special and wins things they won’t get a penny back

Outstanding work

You’re the one that gets upset & cries to teacher 💦

I think the major issue of another team/promotion running out of Oxford is the impact on the existing promotion. Especially financial impact as the same pool of punters would have to potentially pick and choose meetings between the teams / promotions. However it might appeal to the stadium owners the additional income. Floating punters tend to support the most successful team at the impact of the other teams operating. If it was for a few meetings only while Northampton infrastructure was finished off then Oxford would seem the logical place as it hasn’t a premiership side. Equally KL or Leicester could temporally host but they have existing Premiership sides.

What's all that got to do with Poole

True but with 2 BSPL members making up part of the SCB its hardly independent.....

100%... For me, it doesn't really matter if its just the top 30 or so NDL lads riding for any team, on any given day... No team kevlars, just team race jackets with numbers 1, 2 and 3, with whoever is available taking one of them... It gives those already of a "decent level of competence" more opportunity to ride... Track days under tutelage of professional riders should be also part of the BSP plans whereby complete novices with "some competence" can develop and improve with an eye on reaching, initially, NDL level... And if the odd Dan Bewley is found then fasttrack them through... The NSS is lying empty for many weekends with no Colts, so a perfect opportunity to have weekly training sessions..

License’s are issued by the Speedway Control Board (SCB) not BSPL.

Even I've done it

Stinks of desperation . Opening a new track with no fanbase and slinging them into the top flight. Whoever is fronting this will lose a fortune.

No idea why Havvy would get involved but if Garrity rode at Poole it certainly would not help the crowd levels.

Could be worse it could be big boy, well it definitely isn’t me even though I am by far the best qualified for the job 🤣

If it's the "Woffy" fence, you can keep it!

The thing is it’s frustrating with late deliveries but there a fair difference in the price between Supermarkets and Subscriptions.You know most of the up to date news online anyway,I accept it as just a good read for GB Articles but I like the Foreign content now as it is a lot more interesting these days.Keep up the good work SS.

Last GSA in 2024 was 5.51 or 6.29 incl BP. (so he fits) Still only 20 and will ride in POL U24 and in POL Lge 2 in 2026, Better rider imo than Bowes or Hook and still improving. Smart move if the Fords could convince him and Middlo can offer him a place to stay. His POL Exl side gave him a 5 year contract when he first went there which is saying something.

Redcar…..you heard wrong. When they did actually ride on the proper race night they got a very good crowd but running at different times ( 6pm, 3pm , 12 noon ! ) on different days did affect the crowd, but it was still decent for NDL.

Done and submitted Mick.

I thought all the presenters were poor on the night and certainly did not persuade me to pay for any future streams with BSN.

I notice you're always quick to jump in when someone criticises BSN Ian - you're welcome to your opinion however! I'll say this though - your reply states that the free stream was a lesser quality because it was free? Not exactly a great idea from a business perspective is it?

Sad news very decent rider.

Very fondly remembered by Cradley fans as well. Spent his final British season at Dudley Wood in 1977 and was a very popular and successful cog in the first Dan McCormick team. RIP