Garry1603

Generally, I'd agree, but it could be an option if somebody wanted it. I was thinking more of rider interviews, updates, scores from round the country, even in race commentary, just something to keep the customer engaged and feeling part of the occasion rather than as an inconvenience as it sometimes feels.

I agree with all of that - maybe have a 'speedway app' that could enhance the experience for the watching fans as well (and the ones who can't be present at the meeting). The bikes don't have to be tuned up thoroughbreds, a good race is four riders closely racing, not follow your leader at high speed.

As others have said, it looks like there's virtually no chance to have any meaningful team meetings this season, all we can hope for is to be allowed to run some open meetings. If, and it's a big 'if', we get the go ahead (say in August / September), how about each track hosting a 'Festival of Speedway' round for the British based riders (of any division) - maybe with a 'final' at the NSS on tv for the top scorers? Maybe even have under 15s in their own category and / or sidecar racing if it were feasible. As has been said though - any costs would have to be outweighed by the revenue generated. People will be desperate to get out and about again and if it were marketed properly it might just attract a few new fans / sponsors for next season. Some say that I'm a dreamer...………...

Probably by about 13 years!

That's really interesting, so basically he regarded Rickardsson as the best 'all rounder' in that respect. Personally I'd have given Mauger a 10 for mental strength as well, which would have put him (slightly) clear at the top. Collins and Gundersen would have got a 9.5 for skill for me as well, but otherwise I think that's a very good impartial assessment - and he should know!

I'm sure you're right, I wonder if he had 'caught' him early enough though it might have made a difference. A free spirit sums him up perfectly

You're absolutely right, I just took it that we were talking about British riders, but if not Crumpie senior is definitely in there.

A little bit of 'reflected glory' as well no doubt

I would certainly agree with that - might have Dave Morton in there instead of Davis, but to be fair injuries prevented him from achieving his true potential. Might also swap Lee and Louis over as well, but that's nit picking!

Fair enough. Gundersen was also an Elite rider (to put it mildly!), just think Neilsen was a little bit more consistent and wouldn't have any 'poor' meetings which might have ultimately cost him. We'll never know, both were superstars!

Yes, I totally except that and Leigh Adams should have benefited from the GP format, but with the greatest of respect to him, I don't think that he was ever quite the world's best rider, he always had a Pedersen or Crump to face who over the course of a season had slightly too much for him. Can I just add that I loved Leigh Adams as well ! Rickardsson was always an Elite rider, but he had the ability to raise his game still further for the GPs. I think the point I was trying to make is that was that if you are already an 'Elite' rider and can also bring your 'A game' to each GP, over the course of a season you should prevail - that's why I think the Maugers and Neilsens would benefit most.

Would certainly agree with that. I also think Michael Lee (and most of the Americans) would have struggled in the GPs because consistency over a few months was a problem for them. Neilsen in the 80s / 90s and Mauger in the 60s / 70s would have won even more titles because of their ability to perform every time.

I'm sure that I speak for everyone in hoping you are right.

Never knew that - I'm sure he would have been of immense personal benefit to Kelly. Wilkie was the ultimate captain for me. Just coming into his prime as well when the terrible crash happened...……….. so sad. Can't believe that he's 71 in a couple of weeks.

Always a great read, I lock myself away for a couple of ours when it comes! What a life that Kelly Moran had - frustrating, talented and lived his life to the full. I'm sure that he wouldn't have changed much.

Truly awful news, but not unexpected I'm afraid. Buildings of all types tend to get vandalised when they are left unoccupied for long periods. Really hope that this can be repaired and protected, had many of my best speedway moments at Brandon

I agree, it's impossible to compare different eras in pretty much all sports (the perennial who was better Pele or Messi, Sampras or Federer, Bradman or Richards etc etc). You actually CAN'T compare as they were the best they could be in their own era and that comes down to ability, mentality, coaching, support, fitness and motivation. If Bradman were around today, would he be any good?..... yes of course he would because he had the mentality and the other attributes to MAKE himself good.

PC could certainly gate when it came down to it - the World Final in 1977 when he rode with a broken leg and couldn't get on and off his bike, and also many times at Coventry in the British Final (where common perception was that it wouldn't suit PC as it was primarily a gaters paradise)

1976 for me. I had just left school and started my job and (of course) the long hot summer came along soon afterwards! Watching PC dominate the league season and go on to take the title in Katowice - priceless. It was also the year that Alan Wilkinson took another step forward to become a true heat leader. Great racing at Hyde Road with brilliant visitors such as Jessup, D Morton, Simmons, Betts, Wyer and Olsen. Happy days!

I would imagine it will be given as a 'credit' towards next season.

You would hope that future generations / Governments would learn from what's happening now, but time tends to erode the lessons learned. Sadly the World Wars prove this.

With the invention of Zoom, Teams, Skype and other conference facilities, surely you would think that there's plenty of time for promoters (and riders for that matter) to have some meaningful discussions, not just about how the sport survives the current pandemic but also how to develop the sport for the future. Sitting back and waiting for this to 'blow over' and for everything to go back to the way it was before isn't a business plan. This could be a perfect opportunity to make some meaningful long term changes. Even in a few short weeks, I've become a little nervous at the thought of being in crowds again, and I'm sure that there are many other who will feel the same way (at least initially). The sport needs a real rethink, and there's never been a better time to do it with ALL clubs at risk rather than the ones who make losses each year and are bailed out by 'benevolent' promoters

Wouldn't it be great for the sport if Sky or BT showed old GPs? It would cost the channels very little to show it (presumably little in the way of ongoing fees to the sport) and might just attract the odd new fan as we're all locked at home watching stuff that we never would have bothered with in the past.

I've read a lot about that incident - it just seems to be so out of character for Mort, who was / is a genuinely nice guy ( I know him quite well). Was there any 'previous' between them or something happen earlier in the meeting? Not making excuses for what seemed pretty nasty, just interested in the background.

Tai looks value for money there (and Jason Doyle each way would be a decent bet)