Gemini

I have always wondered why the 1981 World Final was looked upon as the best ever. Playing back the video (yes remember them?) confirms to me that apart from 3 or 4 races it was as boring and processional as all the rest.

I don't think you are wrong. Stock Cars used to be held roughly once a month at Coventry and had big attendances. If that's how Speedway was run I bet the crowd would increase. Of course get a bit of rain 24 hours before and the meeting would be called off and that would be it for another month.

Tell you what Neil I aren't half learning some new words on here lately so I'm really grateful for your posts.

Surely they know who their fan base is Dean? SCB has told us enough on here. Old people sitting in a fold up chair, eating cucumber sandwiches and drinking tea from their flask, complete In my case with a dog or two asleep on a blanket. Sorted ~ pander to them.

I am not really liking your predictions.

Oh god no.

Wording wrong and mixing up the promoter with the 'Save Coventry Speedway' Group which he has nothing to do with. Riding at Leicester is not saving Coventry Bees.

Not really understanding that. What help and support do we want?

From here. http://retro-speedway.com/homepage Sorry I haven't replied earlier but only just logged on.

I didn't actually say he wouldn't go ahead but I didn't realise when I wrote the post that there needed to be two promoters so if he has someone else involved, which looks like possibly being Lawrence Rogers now he's left Plymouth and who was with Coventry before, then he probably will. As long as those arcane thingies are sorted out of course. I don't understand the money side of it either but if you believe the conspiracy stories it sounds like even if less than a hundred people turn up and the whole season is a failure it won't really matter.

I agree. I don't think the racing is any better or worse than it was years ago but the biggest thing that annoys me is all the hanging around watching tractors go round. I'm sure it's done so often so the meeting is longer and we think we've had our monies worth........ and don't get me started on sun breaks waiting for 45 minutes or more.

Okay fair enough. I'm not really into statistics but understand what you mean. Still think if you can get a good number one ~ Scott Nicholls ~ it will be a decent enough team. Peterborough did okay this year so the riders don't necessarily have to improve their average just keep the same?

It's a funny old sport. On the one hand you have fans hoping for a bit of continuity and keeping riders from the previous year, how it used to be, but then you have others who aren't keen on old faces reappearing. Can't please everyone I suppose.

In my case everything is. No idea why I've gone upstairs or out to the garage until I start from the beginning again. I must spend ages aimlessly walking about.

It certainly wasn't £4 extra. I seem to remember the entrance for adults was dropped by one pound from £18 to £17 and OAP's had paid £14 in 2015 so perhaps the difference was £3? No doubt someone with a better memory than me will give the correct figures.

Mick Horton tried something similar at Coventry last season to encourage more families to attend. Senior Citizen's lower admission price was removed so they had to pay the full adult price and it was cheaper for students and children. Result ~ they lost lots of OAP's who refused to pay another £2 because they had always paid less. Sad isn't it? Who would be a promoter.

Thanks Neil. I'm off now to google what arcane means.

I meant perhaps the promoters were already aware Mr Watson was not attending as a co-promoter with Mick Horton. He would therefore need a 2nd one before he would be able to go ahead, hence Coventry's admission to the NL is subject to confirmation.

How do you know they weren't aware? Perhaps that's why it is subject to confirmation.

Mr Bates is not a promoter at Leicester though. He is the owner. The 2 promoters are Dave Darcy and Neil Machin.

So if they talk funny, like with a Brummie or Geordie accent they're telling lies?

I can recommend the 'Memories of Coventry Speedway' DVD if anyone is thinking of getting it. Great value at £16 for 3 DVD's. I have sort of watched part one, with difficulty, and will be watching two and three when Lucy isn't around. What a strange dog she is as she always goes to sleep at meetings yet on TV suddenly finds it really interesting and blocks my view.

Ah okay I misunderstood. How do they know they aren't just holidaymakers though, unless they make it obvious by turning up with a bucket and spade.

Better idea is to do what they have done this season and have a few matches containing ex Coventry riders at PL/CL level. I went to the Peterborough and Leicester ones and really enjoyed them and it was also a chance to catch up with some friends.

Listen to the podcast and you might have a better idea why the majority of Bees fans feel like they do. I only live about 5 miles away but will just continue to support Leicester this season and Peterborough Sunday meetings.