CrystalCastles

Really sad news. Nothing positive about this. When i think about Ipswich, as a kid. When Newport reopened and getting into Speedway, watching the Elite League at Swindon. I remember the Ipswich team of 1998 as having a special aura and Ipswich being a special club. Chris and the team have done so much to rebuild Ipswich back up to be that well run professional club in the last 4/5 years because they have been ambitious, invested, obtained sponsors and wanted to grow. As a neutral it's one of the things i have most enjoyed. I think dropping down leagues and that model for Ipswich, didn't really work in the past. So i can see why he will have made this decision. If Chris is not involved in club speedway that is a massive loss for the Sport.

I wouldn't have thought Chelsea's aim was to be historically accurate about the history of Speedway. It is purely going to be about selling Merchandise. Positives for me, is at least the idea of the range has been inspired by Speedway, Stamford Bridge's history and is a reminder of that connection to the sport, which lots of people have absolutely no idea about.

I'd like to see Promoters and the sport as a whole introduce some more flexible ticketing options in the future. I have a Glamorgan membership for 8 days play+ a free ticket for a guest for 1 day & free entrance at other county grounds (When Glamorgan aren't playing). This encourages me and commits me to going. Next year is £100, based on current season prices it would be £120 on the day. I've failed to use it to it's full potential every season (Think i've typically done 6 days play, never used it anywhere else). So they probably make a small upside on me. I think with modern fans being more likely to pick and choose, more could be done to get people to go maybe not to a full season but to a significant part of it. And i think for fans who travel away. There's a lot of fans who have lost there team, who still go and typically travel around to different tracks. I think the sport could be doing so much more in this area.

I think it's also worth noting that a lot of weekly meetings during the season probably don't cover the rent. A shorter calendar would be better in my opinion. A more professional and structured calendar would mean that they could actually get a season completed before the play off cut off date, more flexibility for rain offs. I think fans already pick and choose what to attend, for lots of reasons.

Disagree. I don't think limiting an 8 point rider would achieve anything.

Have they not always done this since the SGP started? If it wasn't Morris, then it'd just be somebody else doing exactly the same role.

I haven't been since Swindon/Somerset shut. I have mixed feelings about the Ticket pricing, business wise dynamic pricing is becoming a 'norm' so it doesn't really surprise me that they try and cash in on Play Offs. Other comments really highlight why fans have many reasons for giving it a miss. That tends to lead to lots of businesses increasing prices to attempt to recover lost some of the revenue from smaller crowds. Long term i think it is damaging. Especially as Promotions never seem to do anything to make it more of an event or spectacle. At some point in the next years, Speedway will hit a ceiling point where it prices itself out of fans.

Some very easy and workable solutions based on lots of other sports. But they are as ever miles behind the curve. Football decided to do something with price capping for away fans Cricket counties let away members get in for free, to some games. Too much self interest in promotions, but what they should be looking to do is centralising & discounting tickets. It took them years to realise that streaming was a good idea. Play offs are only really appealing when the result has a degree of uncertainty on it. As you say can't really blame fans if they don't go, changeable weather, a team you see multiple times & the result is going to predictable. Whole competition needs radical change.

The GP Series, has been getting worse every year for the last 10 years, it is no longer genuinely competitive. The changes to the series, including copying other scoring systems, copying the idea of Qualifying and Sprint races, and the reformat to have the top 2 straight through to the final & LCQ hasn't added anything. I'd almost go as far to say it's been predictably boring this year. Kurtz getting into the GP's and doing so well has really been the only positive.

Puk was universally loved at Newport and I'm sure that the Newport Team has been announced last because Puk's been working hard on trying to make it competitive but also keep a strong same connection. Given who Puk has been able to attract and the construction of other Teams. I think it would be a nice touch if Mads was involved. Regarding Mads - I know he dipped of a bit before he retired, mainly due to confidence and a dip in form/consistency. At the same time, i think he'd come out and give 100% and could mix it. That is the way he rode. That being said i would be surprised if he was in the team. Hopefully it will be an amazing Day for Puk and it's genuinely great to see some of the names involved.

Puks managed to have a strong connection to Wolves & Peterborough I'd there is a good chance that he will get Doyle Puk Doyle The other 2 will be interesting Nilsson? Sedgmen? Brady Kurtz? Kornelisussen?

I think Belle Vue (Manchester) will do a fine job weather permitting. I think 2 GP's in 2 days is probably a reflection sadly of how to make the event more viable, as the reality is the Sport only appeals to Speedway Fans. It also provides a backup plan should it rain. Undoubtedly the track is conducive to Racing and therefore you know it will be an entertaining GP if it is dry. Personally think it will be interesting to see what happens in the future.

It will be interesting to see how WSX does in London in October 2025, following Cardiff in 22, Villa Park in 23.

Think they'll have had relatively cheap use of the Stadium on long term contracts. I personally think the Stadium want more money and the reality is that Gigs draw in full capacity stadiums and more economic benefit to Cardiff and Wales now. With declining Rugby crowds that will be a major factor.

Certainly around Lynn, there is just as much chance that he will be come back and improve on last season especially without that pressure. He didn't have the speed in his bike, spent most of his time in a struggling team and wasn't at his best. He seemed to have found a lot more from his bikes in the last 6 weeks of the season. Also think that this is an exciting team that Kings Lynn have put together, with riders who will be fully committed.

Indeed it is, thanks for replying. It is really interesting that you have no issue. I don't know whether location makes any difference. Using a different browser is a potential interim solution if people want to be able to like posts. People could also try clearing there Browsing Data/Cookies/Cache and check there advert settings as they can be common causes of issues. My inability to like a post on Chrome could potentially be to do with the connection not being fully secure i know from experience in work that chrome uses security certificates for websites that are updated on a regular basis (90 days) and sometimes they fail to properly update and on Chrome then you can't do things, but on Edge you still can. I think the way Chrome operates is different to other browsers but that's when it all starts to get a bit to Technical for me.

There can be limits imposed on Forum sites, reading the help guides about Forums online. Typically i use Google Chrome as a browser (Android Phone & Chromebook) I've seen comments on a few threads, from a number of people who use the Forum regularly. Initially, i had an intermittent problem for a couple of days. However for the last week i haven't been able to like a post, just get an error message. If i log in/out of the Forum on Chrome it advises that it is submitting information that is not secure. I also use Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge in work. Chrome as a browser has regular updates and has recently had a large update This typically causes a lot of problems for people who use Chrome as their default browser. As a result I have just tried downloading Microsoft Edge on my phone & Chromebook. Using Edge i am able to like a post, so seemingly it may be Browser related. Should someone read this with more Technical IT knowledge then they may be able to elaborate further.

I think it's a very bold decision given the number of fixtures that need to be run. However it is an idea that nobody has the guts to try but could work. British Speedway's inability to ensure that all teams end up completing the same number of fixtures before the cut off is poor, the number of rain off and number of fixtures that end up being crammed into the end of the year or becoming meaningless is poor. However i also think that it's achievable for Oxford to run that number of fixtures, if they are run professionally and they have an approach of getting meetings on rather than calling meetings off. It is understandable to see comments saying that it is going to be hard to see fans spending that amount of money to support 2 teams on a week to week basis because of the cost of admission prices. However every year you see a significant proportion of Speedway fans saying that they want a regular weekly meeting because speedway should be every week and that a Stadium should be in use. I think it's a reality that fans don't travel as much as they used to, following a Team Home and Away in really large numbers is a reality for Speedway Fans anymore. However watching attendances at Newport dwindle and subsequently becoming an irregular fan at Swindon and Somerset also gave me a much more realistic perspective around attendances. When an attendance figure is mentioned regarding a Break Even point i do wonder what that point would realistically be, if clubs didn't have other income streams Attendance wise a lot of tracks struggle when the weather is poor and other events are on, do well during the summer months and school holidays, and there is a benefit to successfully hosting major meetings are on e.g. Pairs/Fours/Rider Championships. And it's always noticeable during Playoffs that attendances are up However, I think Speedway's viability is entirely contingent on other income sources whether that be Sponsorship, TV Revenue, revenue generated from other businesses or owners who bankroll the sport. That being said, regarding Oxford. They have had good crowds by all accounts, they have been run professionally. Oxford has a sizeable population & people support successful teams. Most tracks have also seen the benefit of Emil joining Ipswich, which did have an impact in increased attendances. It's helped show that more Premiership clubs from a Club/Rider perspective are being run more professionally, and i think that has played a large part in other riders wanting to return to racing in Britain. The other thing with attracting more top level riders back. It has the potential to appeal to more casual fans, TV fans, Fans of defunct Tracks. I applaud Oxford for having the guts to try something different.

I think it should be quite easy to get in as long as everybody is prepared. Went to the Stereophonics and it was so easy to get in. There are but it really wont be anywhere near as bad as they make out in the media. Even with multiple events including football and cricket and the rail situation. Ed Sheeran caused traffic chaos on the M4 with tailbacks, but I had friends in Cardiff on one of the nights and it wasn't that bad. Unfortunately over time people lose interest, Cost ultimately is what drives attendances and for me once you've been a few times... They get out what they put in and its succesful and a worthwhile event for Cardiff. I dont think speedway offers anything to attract non speedway fans. It's too expensive for what it is. I think the UK could host another event. I think lots of people in England would prefer an event in England because of travel and cost (hotels). The thing is that even if it had an additional round or a round instead of Cardiff the same problems would arise over time Regarding using speedway venues think ultimately revenue is probably a key factor in the decision. I can't imagine that revenue from speedway venues would make it particulalry worthwhile compared to big stadiums, hospitality, sponsorship and subsidies.

Use of Social Media has drastically changed in the last 15 years. I can remember a time pre Facebook, and pre it being a dominant media platform (MySpace and Bebo) but times change. Facebook is used by a lot of people and obviously with a fairly active and popular Facebook page is a good thing, however it could be argued that it points to interaction and use by a certain age of people. I've seen the use from Bebo/Myspace to Facebook to Twitter, to Instagram & Snapchat etc You could argue that Facebook's use as an effective media platform could die out. As for Club Websites some feel very dated, given how often OS & platforms are updated. Social media content is consumed is actually changing. I still read a lot of news articles mainly sport but a hell of a lot of it is through Social Media, rather than newspapers, magazines or even websites. But i have to say Glasgow's signing videos are miles ahead of a lot of other clubs and far more professional. Every video they have done to introduce a new signing i've watched without fail and i think for a modern consumer it is probably better. There may will be a point in time when people are more interested in seeing who has been signed by video rather than a full blown article, and Social Media content needs to change with that I'd imagine word of mouth isn't really as relevant to my generation and certainly not to future ones. Personally if somebody said to me through word of mouth these days go and check anything out (and i had no idea what it was) the first thing i'd probably check is some form of Social Media platform & that would be more influential than somebody saying something. I have to say i have been to Ice Hockey because of the influence of Social Media. Younger Generations than mine, are far more influenced by Social Media than me. Only need to see how bloggers, and youtubers are becoming millionaires and massive Social Influencers.

Todd's been fantastic at home wherever he has ridden at Championship level (Newport, Plymouth, Somerset & Sheffield) When he first came over and entered Newport's team - i never would have thought he'd have gone on to ride the OTA and Owlerton anywhere near as well - as he rode Newport & Plymouth. I think he's shown a lot of application and determination to do that & certain other tracks (Peterborough) springs to mind - where he's been fantastic in the last few seasons. Lack of racing and predominantly riding at number 2 for most of his career in 2nd division hasn't helped. As everyone knows he's likely to struggle away, simply because that is what his weakness has always been since riding over here and for that reason probably not going to achieve his converted average. But at home, i think he is certainly capable of beating a number of riders on his home track in the Premiership. I think it's great that (whatever the reasons behind it) Simon has decided to have a bit of continuity & that Sheffield have given him a chance at this level.

Think it's obviously a team built to a budget.It has positives, riders who have history with Lynn, continuity, Iversen coming back at number 1 is what most Lynn fans want which looks very likely now. As a neutral the signing 4 riders of similar ability makes the mid order look really weak. Individually none of them are bad signings, but collectively it doesn't look great on paper compared to other teams. Should have a strong reserve though, and also i think will be solid at home and after last year that is going to be important. However away from home will be tough again, as it's hard to see improvement from any of the main body. Overall though given some of the riders that Lynn have had or been linked with in the last 5-6 years, the statements made by the promotion, i think i'd be disappointed with the team, i don't really think it looks to be an exciting line up. It's important to give the team a chance and they could surprise most people.

Plymouth look solid, potential improvement in a few riders, got a bit of continuity in the team and retained all of the riders that they needed to keep. Think Gjedde could surprise a few people. Can't see fitness or equipment being an issue for him. The biggest factor will be confidence. Whilst it's a long time out and a few things have changed and he's got a bit older. You can say that the Plymouth track at home will suit him & once he gets dialled in I am sure he will be dominant at home Additionally he's in a team with a few familiar faces and both Holder and Newman both have the ability to be a number one next season, so that could take the pressure of him. Think it could be a very good year for Plymouth.

Not sure it it has been mentioned but it is also Tafwyl Fair (Festival starts on 12th) is on in the Castle grounds on Saturday. http://www.tafwyl.org/en/

Wasn't overly impressed with the crowd, looked down on my visits in recent years. Brady was as good as i expected him to be. Pulled of some brilliant moves that demonstrated that he was really thinking about when and where to pass. Paul Starke's performance was superb, he's progressed so much since i last saw him. Both Brady & Paul's performances ensured that it was an entertaining meeting despite the scoreline. If everybody fires Somerset have a strong team.