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Iain's comments were very fair I would suggest, and given his opinion is based on facts, very relevant, and should be seen as constructive, especially given so many tracks seem to have lost the Quality Control that Phil Morris brought in.. To be honest, he came in and made changes that were, for me, quite embarrassing in their basic nature... Why Promoters needed some Quality Control checklist which included starting meetings on time, having the centre green tidied with the sponsors prominent, and riders ready for the next race as soon as the last one ended, was as low level as it could be... Never mind "grabbing the low hanging fruit" he was picking it up off the floor!!! Yet, this season, without him, we are seeing some of the "old ways" coming back.. Given the nature of the sport, incidents can easily happen which elongate the evening, therefore, starting on time has to be a given to ensure punters get home at a reasonable time... A new venture in particular should strive for excellence in everything it does, and all adverse feedback is often what it needs for longer term growth..

Despite a very very good offer from "elsewhere" JJ chose to stick with the club where he has revived his career......

why the criticism for a new venture in Northampton is beyond me....Lets look at some of the facts. The stadium is mainly built around cars, no cars equals no speedway, now if that means there are times when the track isn't up to it then that's the nature of the beast I'm afraid, far from ideal but unless you have a purpose built speedway facility then that's what the Foxes have too work with. The promoters were late to the party in terms of team building, it's not rocket science that the team isn't strong enough, take a look at the other side of the coin if the Foxes weren't in the league. Instead of fans getting on the backs of a new organisation who are willing to take a financial risk why not try and get behind them...then again if you listen to some on here speedway is already in the final throngs of existence and appear to thrive on that negative mentality.

Even the basics of conducting interviews in front of the sponsorship board has lapsed, saw an interview with Klindt on Fox's socials last week with tractors in the background... unless they've picked up a vintage tractor sponsorship recently it's to hell with the league sponsors, who needs 'em! You'll often see many riders when being interviewed go and reach for their cap first before doing so, it's the first thing on their mind, for many British promoters it doesn't even seem to be in their minds at all. It's pretty basic stuff really 🤷‍♂️

The Northampton track has been prepared in 4 different ways so far, 1st meeting it was prepped, but had 2 hours practice on it, so not much we can do after, that. 2nd meeting we were asked to make it grippy, we did and they didnt like it. Different again for the 3rd meeting, it was better! 4th meeting similar, not bad. 5th meeting not enough water in early enough admittedly, but could of been controlled. Starts have been Different every meeting, on request, It's all experimental, to try and find the best possible track. It will happen,

The Foxes have no divine right to exist and no right to expect fans to back them just because they are there. After many years without a team, I am happy to have one nearby but am long past falling for the "use it or lose it" argument. If a track is well run, even within the confines of British speedway's current overseers, it will attract a strong core audience. It was clear from the off that the team was not good enough. However, you can't just expect fans to pay £25 a go to support any old rubbish. The speed with which Belle Vue signed Doyle to replace Bewley showed that there was no need for the Foxes to feed off scraps (ironically), and more thought should have been put into an exciting, winning team, rather than a collection of veterans and two promising youngsters. We all know why the Foxes were created but that doesn't have to be the reason they exist. There's no point in being a team to make up the numbers to stop your league looking like an embarrassment if your makeweight isn't going to be able to stand on its own two feet. Home defeat after home defeat may inflate the points totals of the other five teams, but it will kill a promotion quicker than any late start, uneven track, or even bad chips (the chips are good, though). We're not halfway through the season yet so there is a chance to make this succeed. But it needs the full weight of the BSPL behind it. Or, if that is already happening, please stop because it's not working.

I hate to be critical of such a new venture, I really do, but there are some basics that need to be addressed and soon... The whole show seems a bit slap dash, they haven't yet once started on time! Craig Saul, as good and informative as he is at interviews etc. is no hype man! The team manager, the less said about him the better... but the track! The promotion may not be able to control many things, such as rider performances etc. but they can control the track and last night was the worst yet... yes there'll be the usual excuses, couldn't get on the track in time, the bowser broke down etc. but on each and every occasion it has been too dry and dusty to generate any grip for the riders and last night they had the added bonus of giant stones and rocks hitting them. BSN were towing the usual Speedway line last night in that we must be grateful that they have come to the tapes... NO! They are (or should be) a professional outfit operating in the top tier of British Speedway and what they're putting out, especially with the track, is just not up to muster and the "fans" are already voting with their feet.

Well some of you don’t like football but many of us do. I attend over 40 Premier League games a season plus a dozen or so lower league matches, plus several non league fixtures. Next season it could possibly be over 50 top flight and European matches with trips to the continent. I love my speedway and football as do many, who also like their cricket. There’s no point saying speedway should run against England in a World Cup. Unless you want to commit financial suicide.

Thanks for the detailed honest resoonse.. All you need to do for next week is prepare a track that let's Brady Kurtz win his first four races from the back... And has him then just failing to pass Jaimon Lidsey on the line in Ht15, as Jaimon secures a 46-44 victory for the Foxes... Shouldn't be too difficult to do that should it??... We'll leave it with you...

Track was rough after the stock cars, several grades in the first few heats, not enough water down. Finally sorted after the interval and some decent races in the later heats Presentation is pretty dull as mentioned elsewhere which is a shame as they have the chance to do something new. The tannoy is also pretty quiet in certain areas. More importantly though they need a couple of changes in the team, presumably Zagar will be back plus 1 other needed. A decent crowd (I'd say approx 1k?) but they really need some home wins or people will get fed up

Mate, credit for messaging me with your number, although the message was a bit passive aggressive, so I will not be calling you, especially now you've made your private message public (classy), maybe I should make your mobile number public should others wish to call you? As far as I'm concerned you can save your breath, I've heard it all before, I've just been going to Speedway for far too long. There were obvious concerns with the track last night. Maybe you should share the "facts" with everybody, many people won't come on here to point out the obvious basics that need sorting, they will just stop going... but as usual it's my fault for pointing this stuff out and not the management's for getting the basics right. I went to Aldi last night to pick some coleslaw up... they didn't have any! Basic, coleslaw... I went to a different shop who did have some! I await the facts.

Nice to hear the so called big clubs can't always buy success by splashing the cash. Well done Berwick and jj

Track prep, you are correct about a bowser braking down, not an excuse, its the big one the stock cars own and use, a fitter came out at 7am on Monday morning, couldn't fix it and was unable to get the parts.We had to fetch a second crop sprayer from kings lynn as a emergency. Crop sprayer are great for getting an even water all over the track, but not so good for flooding first thing in the morning. Baring this all happened in the morning, when we really needed to be getting on with the track. Issue will be hopefully resolved for the next meeting. Stones! Yes not good at all !! Unfortunately they are all in the material that has been provided. Have asked for the material to be screened, or new material. Only problem the riders had with the track was that it was a little deep coming off the bends, causing them to much grip, would of gone straight out after ht1, but ref called ht2 to the start line, so acted as soon as we were allowed. Track grading after ht4, was also going to water, but were told not to. Ht7 and ht11 we did do both, as we wanted to.

So it's confirmed Jenkins in, Fredriksen out, Battye back.

Jenkins replace Fredriksen

you will be seeing him a lot more that just this week

Excellent Post... From exactly the type of person that Northampton need to 100% listen to... A keen, glad to have Speedway back on his doorstep, passionate fan... If the track was poor then the club tell everyone why, not via a PM to individuals, and, more importantly, what they will do to resolve the issue... Yours and Iain's feedback should be "Gold" to any new business wanting to succeed... I used to spend the first three months of any new store I opened receiving as much criticism as I could get, as I could then review it and, if accurate, make positive changes.. The danger is they go down the route of many others who simply haven't listened (refused to listen?) to an ever disenfranchised fanbase, a fanbase which many of still closely following the sport, and even attend individual and overseas meetings, but don't see UK Speedway as being relevant enough for them to attend.. One of the big advantages they have is to NOT do what so many others have done, and use the obvious mistakes of others to guide them in their decision making.. The whole "we should be glad Northampton exists" attitude is complete nonsense, as that is as low a level of expectation as it is conceivably possible to have, (and almost then gives justification for things not going to plan).. If the sport ever wants to be taken seriously then its the professionalism of it, and its off and on track infrastructure, which will determine its success, not whether it just exists.... Hope you and a seemingly decent number of others who attend can keep interested enough to make the season overall a success, and also keep constructively criticising where required.. They seem to have done a lot of things well to get themselves open, so now need that feedback from you and others to improve their "night at the Speedway".. Looking forward to going to watch the Aces there to tick another track off the list...

I am part of the track curator team at Northampton, i have sent ianb a msg to call me, I will give him all the true facts!! Regarding the track prep, ect, sponsor boards, but as of yet he has not called? I will give him time to respond, but clearly if he doesn't, then he really isn't interested in facts, then it will show he doesn't want the truth, just wants to have a dig at a brand new club, who's staff are going well above and beyond to try and make it a success.

Those within the Speedway Bubble are often a part of the problem... They become "Three Monkeys" like, and, worse, make excuses on behalf of those they volunteer for, or work alongside... I have been impressed with the Speedway Star over the last 12 months or so, as they have constructively challenged much of the nonsense those within "The Bubble" believe to be acceptable and fit for purpose.... From what you say, the danger is, (once again)... "Any Speedway, is better than nothing".... Which is then seen as acceptable, and almost a measure of success.. As we know, crowds have dropped significantly over the last two decades or so, on the back of that "Mission Statement"..

Bit of a stupid comment.IMO

Especially changing Fixture to Semi Final of Cup. IMO they thought they would trounce Berwick in their Home Leg,but Lawson’s mystery injury threw a spanner in the works and it backfired on them.

https://ipswichwitches.co/witches-season-ticket-holders-entered-into-free-draw-to-win-leicester-ko-cup-final-tickets/ This is something new, and again, I like it.

It's the way you come across with what you say, quote tracks the worst its been, actually it wasnt, I have said it on this forum many times,I would rather someone ask a genuine question as to why something was like it was on a particular night. That way you will get the best answers. I believe now we have a general agreement on how the starts will be prepared, also on how the track will be set up. It's nearly impossible to have it exactly the same every week. So many factors involved that can change it, many beyond our control, eg, weather, even a few degrees difference in temperature. This is an open invite to anyone who has genuine questions to msg on here,or see me at a track.

I appreciate this but it costs nothing to be kind As big a part of the club you and the rest of the supporters club are and as much you do, it probably wouldn’t go amiss with lasse to be a little appreciative. What happened to once a bandit always a Bandit? I do believe he tried his best.

I would not have Batch in any team but I appreciate he has been good for Workington.

Don't telll Buster but there has just been a short light shower in Ipswich and there's a possibility it's heading Morth as I type Everyone Shhhhh!!

I think a lot will depend on who owns Fox's in 2027 if its the current promoters I would expect things to look similar to 2026 but Flagrag did also hint there was another interested party with serious resources if they came in the whole outlook would shift. The one positive is there does seem to be a hardcore crowd already established and the track is the right shape if someone sorts it out and clears the house bricks off it.

I understand Plymouth's Bar Bandits travelled up 35-strong by this train to the league match late last season. Said it was a great trip -- the buffet car ran out of beer before Derby! It seems a train trip for the Cup Final might be the way to do it ....

Oh but you don’t, do you Iain? You have serious issues. “Liked” by your doppleganger Mike, who’d have thunk it? You two would light up any party. Absolutely exhausting the pair of you try and suck any joy out of anything and everything 🙄

Who wants to watch football anyway - not me, it's as dull as.

Can they not just keep Jenkins till Battye is fit, then Battye replaces Fedriksen as he has a lower average than him?

What a pro 😂

As he said in his interview, there’s certain A list clubs that you want to ride for, and Ipswich is one of them. A happy Musielak at a good club is a fine rider. It’s when he’s at a club that isn’t particularly well run that he loses interest pretty quickly.

Fair play to Musielak there, rode his nuts off. Track very difficult to pass on but he made one, and nearly a couple of others.

And it was probably the best ride of Mickies life so far

Heard he gave up his ride to the young Mickie Simpson to give him track time

Another cracking Vlog from Dan T.... You really see the unconventional lifestyle these lads lead.. And the costs involved, especially when your van blows up!!!. Interesting he mentioned the need to lose weight, especially for Poland.. He must weigh the size of one of my legs.. Just needs a season of no injuries and he could become a true top level rider, as he definitely has a capability level higher than most... If you haven't seen his Vlogs on YouTube yet, then give them a go... He did say others are now doing the same?... The more exposure for the sport the better....

Glasgow and Edinburgh will have no such decisions to make.🤔😂

Meeting off tomorrow at kings Lynn. With the recent hot weather they are concerned that the wooden spoons in the trophy room may catch light causing significant improvements to the stadium 😉

Would be better just taking a chance on a new face four pointer, Simon is a tryer but an end of career and Fredricksen seems to always be in crashes and can't really see any improvement in him far better to try and get a young dane or swede in if the budget allows.

If you live within striking distance of Brandon Stadium here’s a date for your diaries. 28th July 8pm. Carl Stonehewer, Ricky Ashworth and Paul Ackroyd will be at the NSSC for a special Ben’ Fund evening. Ricky last came to the NSSC in 2018. He joined Garry Stead and Adam Roynon on that occasion. Everyone who was there that night will remember what an emotional and enjoyable evening it was. Everyone is welcome to attend.. All money raised will go to the Ben’ Fund. Only £4 entry, raffle and donations. All details here; https://www.nuneatonspeedwaysupportersclub.co.uk

Juhl Pedersen booked for Lynn away on Thursday. Gets another opportunity.

Next year will be different for them imo. Like Ipswich, They were left behind with Team Building, Difference is Ipswich had a couple of loyal riders who were willing to wait for them as a starting point, Then they snapped up the best two riders available in Musielak and Lawson. Northampton had to start from scratch entirely, Kye Thomson has been a top signing for them and I think young Luke Harrison is starting to find his feet so that's a couple of positives and a starting point for 2027.

Just read it after I posted. Correct call.

If the Promotion have ambitions which they claim it’s pretty obvious what needs to be done on that matter .IMO

His confidence is shot to pieces hence why I was very vocal on here after the Belle Vue defeat. I feel for Tom and I'll 100% stick by him throughout this rut no matter how bad it gets because I know full well that this isn't the real Tom Brennan. The club also has to stick by him as well imo because Tom waited all winter to re-sign for Ipswich knowing that he'd have to ride @ No.1.

Don't know how the crowds are holding up, but surely they won't last forever if the Foxes don't start winning and putting a better track on

I never watched one Scotland game with Steve Clarke in charge, he.would struggle to motivate an illegal migrant to apply for benefits such was his lack off motivational skills.

Considering Poole were up North at Berwick the next night I would agree.

If you show the first running of this heat you can see cooper clearly kicks his leg out to stop jye getting over him into the corner, before riding into the side of him and crashing the ref asked to see it a couple of time and maybe gave coopet the benefit of doubt in that one and maybe thought about that when making the decision about the rerun