bringbackHalifax

I think you will find if we start afresh with those pay rates speedway will find a level it can operate at. Saying a rider won't ride for those figures is not true. I accept that some superstars won't hang around, but we cannot afford them, so let them go. The alternative is that the so called names who are unwittingly bleeding the sport dry will hang around until the pot is empty then clear off anyway, leaving nothing for the none superstars. The top riders in the prem would have to move up to the elite. those professional national league riders would step up to the prem and the national league would be for the novices. The top to bottom gap in rider skill and ability would be closer, racing closer, entertainment better. I know of some, (can think of a dozen ) riders who have not had a job outside speedway all winter and they are racing in the premier league, so let's not kid ourselves, that all riders are skint. The premier league was never meant for the pro to make enough to money to race 8 months a yr and then 4 months off. I do know how much engines cost ( just paid for 2 ). But if we take out the top end and the rest of the riders find a level the sport can be entertaining, create new names and engage the public which may create the attachment that people need to keep coming back. Or we can do nothing............ But hope

Don't post too often but here goes 47 years old - going to speedway since 2 yr old. I am one of the anoraks.To get kids - and others engaged they need to be involved and feel attached. Have a timetable in programme for each heat Have a 2 min countdown clock on centre green All meetings start on time Track grading built into timetable All meetings completed in two hours Use planned track grading gaps to interview riders. Scrap the interval Compulsory lap of honour for race winner 7 riders in a team - bottom 2 reserves - top 5 any order. ht 15 at team manager discretion - no restrictions fixed pay per point for everyone in each league. elite 100 quid prem 55 quid national 30 quid Don't like it don't ride as need to cut the cloth accordingly If you need more money get a day job as well. This will lead to riders of similar standard earning equally and racing should be closer = entertainment. Offer average discount to riders staying with club for the next year. 2nd consecutive year -5%, 3rd consecutive year 6%, 4th year 7%. This will create " local names " which will drive attachment with the teams and therefore the fans. Let the stars chase the dollar elsewhere as a gp rider racing a prem league number 7 in the elite ( look back it happens in a lot of meetings ) is not going to be spectacular even for us anoraks.

Don't give up just yet. It's been a long season and despite the blips against Somerset, the lads have all worked hard, come up with the goods to finish top, maybe, just maybe they can hold out on Saturday for a chance to take on ipswich

I reckon that as the meetings have started the precedent this season is Belle Vue v Birmingham. At the time of abandoning the second meeting the current score was used and Birmingham went through. Peterboro v Swindon never got to race so they drew it out of a hat. Based on this the BSPA, if consistent, should allow Ipswich to progress to the final. Would also favour the team who can win the first leg of the final in case the second leg gets rained off, whilst historically everyone wanted the second leg at home.

Who is guesting tonight ?