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30% chance of rain forecast around 12/1pm, will the meeting still be on?😉

Sadly even the most loyal supporters have become disillusioned with the offering and if you look at the lapsed supporters and even those who use to contribute on this forum no longer bothering it sums up why no one bothers any more. A few hardy souls will traipse along to the meetings but for what, a contrived league that holds meetings as and when and if someone is pissing in the wind it is called off because of adverse weather. Where did it all go so wrong. Time for a major reset and focus on young up and coming talent and stop pandering to a few who see the UK as a supplementary income to fund overheads without the need to over do anything apart from turn up at the track. The riders are not to blame but those who employ them are. These guys are contracted to overseas clubs paying top dollar and they are not going to jeopardise everything for a tin pot Monday/Thursday night league with six clubs where the teams are made up of the riders doubling up who are screwing the system by trying to make an annual return out of possibly 20 plus meetings. For the bean counters, work out how many evenings/days they actually race in the UK and then you have an idea of the restricted working pattern with individuals seeking an annualised return that does not stack up if compared to the alarm clock worker who in person in this the country has to graft five plus days a week or more to try and make a decent annual living. You then ask why would they attend a meeting simply to line the pockets of part timers. The sport has lost its way with supporters, sponsors and the trust of many. Fingers crossed someone comes along with ideas to turn it around because as a spectacle and Plymouth can prove it, racing and excitement can prevail, it just takes balls to offer the public what they want when they want it as opposed to the riders.

It's currently raining in Leicester... surely this one must be in serious doubt 😁

After the Lord Mayor's show....

What does the crowd look like ? according to Speedway updates the local morgue is busier on Christmas day

I think it's now abundantly clear that unless you're starting in mid May, due to a global pandemic, a 6 team league is pretty 5hite!

I have to say that some of his posts were "interesting" to say the least although he did have some strange theories on some subjects which personally I thought were somewhat questionable but each to their own!

Have a look at the link below https://publicaccess.eastherts.gov.uk/online-applications/appealDetails.do?previousCaseType=Property&keyVal=SD5TKXGL00W00&previousCaseNumber=NHWOPI00DT014&previousCaseUprn=010034516473&activeTab=summary&previousKeyVal=NHWOPI00DT015 Unlawful development has continued at the stadium since this enforcement notice was issued. The public inquiry allows the leaseholders to be seriously questioned in front of the planning inspector.

Yes it's primarily a development league, however when a rider has been around for years such as Arran Butcher and still struggles to score points, what are we actually developing ?, I would think we are developing riders for the future that are supported by riders established in the league these established riders enable others to develop at there own pace, 30+ riders struggling to score points are neither, so it's pointless 😁 (see what i did there)using them.

Tomorrow is also on BSN, so lot of people who have the season pass will watch on there or watch it on there to save money.

I've been fortunate enough to witness several incredible sporting moments, from Argyle beating Liverpool in the FA Cup, Plymouth Albion going to Twickenham in the old Powergen Cup Final, several incredible cricket matches with Somerset... That last night is right up there. But it wasn't just last night, it was 30 heats of speedway, every twist and turn with jeopardy involved. We all hoped the racing would be just as exciting as it was on Friday up in Redcar and the Coliseum delivered. People do enjoy bashing the Plymouth track but the racing across every heat last night was off the charts. Jake Mulford and Jody Scott belying their age and producing fabulous performances. Jason Edwards once again delivering around the Coliseum. Danny King and Scott Nicholls standing up when their club needed it most, Ben Barker leaving everything out there for the cause. Tremendous crowd, fabulous atmosphere and I loved every moment of being on Gladiators TV commentating on that clash. The final will be a brilliant occasion whether it's the Bandits or the old foes the Pirates. Redcar left Devon with nothing but respect last night for playing a huge role in an excellent knockout clash. Fair play to the Bears fans who made the long trip down and added to the crowd noise. The final will be a great reward for Mark, Garry, Barry and everyone involved with Plymouth Speedway for the hard work they are putting in to buck the trend of speedway's popularity in this country. It's alive and kicking in Devon that's for sure but they will not be going for the day out in the final... they want that trophy!

Disagree,you get the nod over klindt

Correct. The best meeting I was at last season was the play-off final second leg at Ashfield and we lost. Do not misinterpret me Steve; speedway in the UK will die without entertaining racing.

You do realise the GP circus has been haemorrhaging money at a rate of knots in recent years Phil? I find it staggering that the likes of you AND others on here, are critical of Mayfield for tightening the budget and making cuts. That’s exactly what’s been needed for years now. It simply couldn’t go on the way it was and we’re fortunate to even have a GP series to watch at the moment reading the articles in the Star the last few months. Richard Coleman knows exactly what he’s doing, its a pity he wasn’t in place a long time ago. As for Ipswich, I also find it staggering he’s already getting criticised there too. People do realise he didn’t actually take over until the arse end of February? Three and a half months ago. What are people expecting? Belle Vue signed Doyle because they have a vacancy, Ipswich don’t. I’m not sure sacking a couple of riders already to fit him back in would be the reputation they’re looking for, especially when they already have a cup final booked! Give them a chance ffs 🙄

Thing is you look at that scorecard and only Bomber can you criticise for his score, the other four did what you'd expect/want really. Tough job when you go down to five riders early on, just have to take the win and move on to the next one.

He's 43.

The Doyle effect is working so far 😁

Despite the scoreline, still some good racing. Dear BSN, do you have to show Kings Lynn next week? Can’t you show another meeting from this track instead 😉

Phillipe Berge?

Yes there is a way forward but none of the current crop of club owners are prepared to break rank. It would not be pretty compared to Poland but you could have a decent set up if you offer not just speedway but make the meeting an event with speedway and say short track etc. The same old formula in the UK is different to the rest of Europe and the occasional onlookers who probably take a look on YouTube think there is no cohesion and that in itself shows speedway up as a fragmented sport that is difficult to relate to and comparisons then become difficult. You watch Poland with heat 14 and 15 nominated and then the substitutes etc in those heats whereas in the UK heat 14 is a done deal as far as the programme is concerned and heat 15 follows the Polish format but without the changes. Look at the sport as a form of entertainment and play up to the punter not the throttle jockeys who have little character and cannot be protagonist to wind up the crowd like riders did back in the day. With one or two exceptions, it is going through the motions rather than putting entertainment as a top priority. Sad as it is few do but the exception and one providing excitement is Plymouth who for example the match on Saturday came across on the updates and reading the feedback on the forum as something out of the top drawer so it proves it can be done and I wish I had been at the meeting. Brought back memories of a fine Saturday night at Rayleigh with superb crowds and then during the meeting hearing the results coming through from the other Saturday night tracks and how they affected the league standings. Alas it has gone down hill ever since.

Karlsson is Swedish

An amazing £2,470 now raised for the Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund through Nick Sharples and Carl ‘Stoney’ Stonehewer’s Skinflint Rally challenge 🙌

After Belle Vue he's lined up to join our sister track Northampton 😀

I am sure he has a bottle or two of Chateauneuf du Pape though!

Jason Garritty ready to go & offering his services 😮🪖🪖

David Bellego

#whogivesaidiot

Have you not just proved their point to some extent? If clubs are spending beyond their means to sign better riders, and presumably winning sides, but still not making a profit, then maybe not as many people are "entertained" by success as you think. Ultimately, 2 or maybe 3 teams will get any success in a given season, from 15(?) clubs. If success is what keeps people coming back then the majority will struggle. I'm not actually even sure great racing (or lack of it) is the real issue. I'm sure most people would rather have it than not, but for me it's the lack of competitiveness or meaning to most matches. When you look at Ekstraliga 2 in Poland, they're all aiming and building for promotion, to get more fans/tickets sold/TV money, etc. It means something. It's like the Championship in football. Where is anything like that in British speedway? It doesn't really matter if you finish top or bottom of the Championship, nobody will remember in 3 months anyway, you can just start again next season.

He’s having plenty of walks thanks

Janowski currently has a higher Polish Extraligue average than 6 of this years regulars. Good choice in my view, given the Extraligue is clearly the Worlds top league and best guide to current form, especially on Polish tracks.

Dean is one of the few who talks sense in this forum!

Hasn't it been called off yet!

How’s the dogging going?

Dirt Track Riders Asscoation the home of Dirt Track racing in the UK Great bunch of people and out of over 50 years competing on bikes the most fun I've ever had was on flat track. All you need to know about Champions Flat Track School - Champions Flat Track School If you want to just try it out for the day Pete Boast is the man to see. Riding CRF125s is great fun on a small track and you never know who you'll bump into as there are a good number of top class bike racers train there at times.

Think i might be too old for Saga now

I’ve seen a lot of people giving stick to the heat leaders. Klindt I think it’s justifiable. however Allen and edwards I think are the sacrificial lambs for having strong reserves that everyone rave about. in any other team Allen and edwards are at most number 3s or 4 and they score what they should. reserves are very very good but the team has been designed that way!

Fair point but after a good heat 2, maybe they didn’t want to risk Anika’s confidence by putting her up against two of Buxtons better performers?

But wasn't Klindt a temporary injury replacement for Wright? If so, and if/when Charles is ready, they can be swapped back, regardless of averages

Death, taxes and Glasgow Tigers fans pontificating about 'entertaining racing'. Gie's peace man.

Hopefully the great racing last weekend might whet the appetite of 'lost fans' who used to go to the sport years ago and might be tempted back. I paid for my GP tickets when they came out a few months ago, so the financial 'pain' was a while ago. Would have thought that there might be a few more there tomorrow to see Doyle's debut though. Early days, I guess, but there shouldn't be any weather issues, so I'd have been hopeful of a good crowd.

It was a no for us last time in ‘24 so I’m not optimistic. However the weakening of the cartel over the winter might see a different outcome.

I'll miss him. I enjoyed his Posts. I hope he is OK and that he will return soon.

Reason I think Poole will be in the final is because I think the team is good enough to see off Berwick over two legs. Of course there could be an upset but I don’t think there will be. If it’s a Plymouth v Poole final it should be a thriller. Plymouth have King and Nicholls who are excellent around Poole, Barker who on his day can beat anyone, a reserve that was magnificent on his first ever visit. They are no pushovers this season. Pirates normally ride Plymouth very well. So I think a close final in front of two packed crowds.

Much of the reason for fewer clubs is due to stadium owners selling off their venues for development rather than lack of interest in the sport itself. OK one could argue that speedway clubs (BSPL) should have invested in their own stadia - but that is so much easier said than done. As for lack of profitability that imo is as much to do with clubs paying out 'big bucks' for 'star' riders rather than operating at a level that is sustainable. Onwards and upwards - with whatever works for our clubs..... (PS. apologies Berwick fans)

Yep, Batchelor, despite getting a lot of hate, has never missed a meeting for us and he travels a long way. He may have his off nights but he's saved us a lot more than he's let us down. True captain. UTC!

I know it's the wrong thread, but I'm currently at the NORA meeting Mildenhall v Norwich. 15 quid to get in and 12 heats completed in just over 1 hour. Around 400 here I reckon and not bad. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but it's not bad and has to be looked at as a way forward.

Can we just take a minute to actually realise it will be around the end of June before any witches fan sees a different team at Foxhall when you realise only Northampton and Kings Lynn have raced here this season. And shock, the next meeting is Kings Lynn. It’s really not that exciting for any Ipswich fans to keep watching the same riders race round.

Since I blocked you and your aliases - no not at all. No need to respond I won't see it, count the hairs on the palm of your hand instead.

I always thought Nigel Crabtree fell into this category whenever he raced against Long Eaton. Good rider, but if he was being beat by anyone, he would spend the race looking down at his bike.

Hampel is a strange one for me, seen some exceptional overtakes from him at League & GP level. If Hampel is included then Hancock would be also wouldn’t he?? For me, the biggest gating slag I'd ever seen was Adam Allott around King's Lynn. Never seen anyone like it.