topsoil

I would argue that speedway at grass roots isn't in a dire situation. In the past few years the junior championship has grown in numbers thanks to a lot of effort from volunteers. There are now several clubs, albeit mainly in the north, who have a pathway all the way from National Junior League (125 / 250 and 500cc), to National League, to Premier League, Eastbourne has exactly the same, while Kent has both a National and Premier League setup. The Premier League is also setting up a new junior league this season. You have to wait to see how that pans out before commenting. There is also a thriving amateur scene at both Redcar and Scunthorpe. I get the feeling the promotion at Isle of Wight will be supportive of the breakaway league, since they withdrew from the National League. But if they couldn't sell the National league product to sponsors, how are they going to sell an amateur product?

I knew I had read that they were to be made mandatory, just couldn't remember when

Do any Polish tracks own covers?

It would be interesting to hear if speedway clubs in other countries would face the opposition that clubs in this country face when they look to open up anywhere new. It would be great to have speedway specific sites, even if it is in rural areas, like many of the tracks in Denmark and Sweden are, but there is just too much hurdles put up by residents and councils. As for getting speedway specific sites in town centres like Poland, dream on.

Six weeks Col, don't want you peaking too soon!

Maybe not showing as much this year because of poor viewing figures? After all that is how TV programming is driven. If numbers were good, I couldn't imagine they would drop the shows.

only in speedway could this happen

But now thats why we have a National Stadium

You often see on here the quote "speedway should be a £10 sport". I paid £199 for my 2020 season pass, which is carried over to 2021. The e-mail I received says this gets me into 12 Championship matches and 7 National League matches. Right there is your £10 (okay £10.50) sport.

Will they not drop down to reserve if their averages fall? Or are the reserves set for the season?

Is there attendance figures for the three quoted sports? Business accounts are abailable from Companies House. Some clubs will have Fixed Assets e.g. machinery.

There was always a decent amount stayed behind for NJL matches. I would think crowds would be down compared to Championship meetings. Might depend on the weather, holiday season etc. Hopefully it will be well supported with the young local riders.

I don't imagine the ethos is all about winning with the Berwick National League team. If they can develop young riders like Mason Watson and Keiron Douglas, while giving extra track time to Kyle Bickley and Leon Flint, maybe find the odd gem here or there, the team will have served it's purpose.

Isn't this what is now in place at Berwick, Edinburgh and Newcastle, where riders can move up from 125cc in the NJL all the way to the Championship? And to a certain extent with Kent, Eastbourne and Leicester, although I'm not sure how things stand with the SJL / MJL.

Only my opinion, but I think the reason that Keiron Douglas' progress may have been hampered is because of his lack of track time and competitive action, only having NJL matches to ride in and no National League matches. If he's included in the Bullets team we will soon see if he, hopefully, progresses this year.

In theory now the club has a set up which provides a stepping stone for any riders starting out in the NJL from a very young age, to the National League, then the full team in the Championship, so creating their own asset base from within. Hopefully the new project will be backed by the fans, I know the NJL racing was. Gives fans more racing, whether as part of a double header, or filling in blank Saturdays. All round win for the club.

Second that

So you know more about Kings Lynn than Dale Allitt? And who charges £20?

Two of my favourite articles in the Speedway Star this winter were on the Ipswich and Mildenhall teams of the late 70s. Both made up almost entirely from homegrown riders. If speedway wants to re-generate interest in the fans, that's a big way of going about it, producing local talent. Also sponsors are more likely to come on board for a local lad.

So do several other teams, but don't let paranoia stop you :-)

I think there has to be two divisions for several reasons:- 1) there is too big a gap in the standards between the top riders in the Premiership and the reserves in the Championship to compete in a single league. 2) I'm still to be convinced there are enough riders to do away with doubling up / down for a single league. 3) What average would you give to riders currently riding in both leagues? 4) In this shortened season is there enough room for fixtures for a single league?

So, for those whinging about the announcement, what would you have introduced? Lets have some ideas.

Leaving aside any COVID issues, I've always thought that any playoffs or cup finals taking place in mid to late October are a bit of a lottery. Too many times meeting take place on deep, heavy tracks, because preparing tracks at that time of the year are a nightmare unless you get an unseasonable spell of weather.

Impossible to say right now, things can change quickly. Even if it doesn't start on time, there's every chance of a shortened season.