Hawk127

A bit late to the meeting but it seems that despite the initial conditions the riders got on with it and that in itself should be a lesson to all who participate, it is an attitude of mind if a track is something you can ride. Well done to these guys who went out and were not phased by the conditions.

The stock cars and bangers are always well supported at Foxhall and the speed weekend and the bonfire bonanza are sell outs and have the stadia packed with crowds that speedway can only dream of these days. Speedway and Spedeworth seem to get on well. In both sports the participants are approachable and many a banger driver or stock car driver is happy to talk with kids and let them look over the cars. Speedway riders are also generally good value when meeting Joe public and that is a credit to them. Apart from entry fees and who gets what from the catering etc is probably the main difference when looking at revenue streams. However the banger meetings are well oiled events and last a lot longer than a speedway meeting so followers probably feel it is better value from an entertainment perspective. I am happy to watch both.

The stock cars and bangers are always well supported at Foxhall and the speed weekend and the bonfire bonanza are sell outs and have the stadia packed with crowds that speedway can only dream of these days. Speedway and Spedeworth seem to get on well. In both sports the participants are approachable and many a banger driver or stock car driver is happy to talk with kids and let them look over the cars. Speedway riders are also generally good value when meeting Joe public and that is a credit to them. Apart from entry fees and who gets what from the catering etc is probably the main difference when looking at revenue streams. However the banger meetings are well oiled events and last a lot longer than a speedway meeting so followers probably feel it is better value from an entertainment perspective. I am happy to watch both.

That will not give them the flexibility of self employment and the opportunity to take on the mechanics etc that they need but I do not disagree with what you are saying. It would solve many problems but given the fact that they ride for different teams, tax, NI and other issues would make it problem for most with them riding under different tax regimes.

One issue is that it is no longer a team sport in this country despite what is promoted. Riders are self employed throttle jockeys who make a living riding a motorcycle for whoever will pay them but ultimately they all seek the top prize and that in itself can in part be prejudiced by who pays what. Poland pays its riders top dollar and so the financial penalties of not complying are quite high. If you are a GP rider you are torn between league and world ranking and the play off arrangements perhaps distort the aspirations of clubs versus individuals hopes at top level and hence the system may need reviewing to accommodate the status of those who ply their trade on a speedway bike. It is not easy to find a balance but something needs to give.

Agree but at least the meeting on Saturday will have an element of a challenge for those in contention rather than it being a foregone conclusion so let’s just wait and see how events evolve. Good luck to all who have a chance to be crowned and end up as part of the one to three in the world.

I followed the meeting on the updates so could not comment on the racing or the track conditions but whole heartedly agree, Brady and Dan have to look at the bigger picture and possibly the pinnacle of each one’s career and anyone in their position would chase the dream. Good luck to both this weekend and let’s hope both have a successful evening.

I don’t disagree with your comments but the financial stakes seem to be much bigger these days and with Poland seemingly calling the tune it is a big financial risk for riders. In all fairness who would blame Brady for not taking too many risks given the biggest prize of his career possibly up for grabs. As much as I like Bartosz I would like to see Brady take the honours this year as the guy deserves it.

Another issue is, it is now the business end of the season in Poland and the GPs so no rider is going to possibly jeopardise either becoming potential world champion or risk not winning the league or retaining a place in the upper league in Poland. They pay the riders top dollar and can make demands on them to protect the Polish product and t v rights with t v companies seemingly contributing handsomely to the coffers of Polish speedway across the board. Not sure what the answer is but UK speedway is not in a position to exploit an event to the detriment of the punters attending who are at odds with what is on offer and now pick and choose the meetings they attend because the product has become tired and in some cases boring. Those who want to exploit the punter are not looking at the bigger picture and are possibly driving the sport into oblivion.

Certainly some up and coming talent on show at this meeting. Good to see these lads giving it everything.

Agree but the way it works, Poland calls the tune and if you are a rider in both leagues and Poland is paying top dollar, one you will not ride in the UK or be allowed to ride by your Polish team and two you will not take any risks if the Polish team can claw back money. The answer to achieve what you suggest is to ride these matches in October but then you are at the mercy of the weather. It is what it is and the UK version has capitulated to Poland and it is unlikely that the sport will get back to what it used to be to be in the foreseeable future. Poland dominates and that is it and until the UK presents a professional package with top quality sponsors, a t v deal that promotes the sport to a wider audience and the promoters get off the backsides and promote so that the spectators who can create an atmosphere turn up in the numbers that you see in Poland, it will continue to be the poor relation. Sadly U K speedway does not create any interest amongst Joe Public.

Zmarzlik rightly not taking too many chances tonight.

Agree with others, when will these people learn that it is second rate sport that does not command premium pricing and screwing the loyal punter who has graced the terraces to support the team do not deserved to be ripped off nor do the away fans.

Agree. Barmy pricing in Manchester and Why do those in charge think it is a premium priced event. It is a run of the mill speedway meeting that comes nowhere near a Polish meeting. No wonder it is never considered as a serious contender in the UK to speedway entertainment. Take a leaf out of the Polish speedway set up. Just look at the ekstraliga.pl website to see how it should be done.

If only Dudek would agree to ride in the UK. Thanks to both teams for a good nights entertainment and on to the final round. Now can the UK match this in the semi finals?

What a race that was heat 13 out of the top draw. Well done to both sets of riders. If only those filming this meeting could teach TNT or whatever they are called to show UK speedway in its true light as a sport. Polish speedway has it all and can teach other broadcasters a thing or two.

Why?

Another decent meeting and Emil is flying but fair and Bewley gave him a run for his money. That sort of race is what makes the sport so good.

Great meeting a fair result and a superb advert for speedway.

Great racing thus far and the crowd is amazing. Terrific atmosphere.

Maybe and all have to move on but he was a fine servant in the UK and many a fond memory of him giving everything to the witches and entertaining around the UK tracks that he graced. My stepson went for the first time to Ipswich and Jarek sticks with him in those days as one who entertained. I really wish him well and offer a big thank you to one of the nice guys of the sport of speedway.

Jarek retiring is a great loss. I really hoped he would give one more showing at Ipswich. All you can say is that he was a great asset to Ipswich, a fine servant and alongside Gollob one of the good guys who wore the witches jacket with pride. Jarek, thanks for the memories.

Given the possibility of inclement weather, this is how to run a meeting. Fingers crossed it concludes before the heavens open

Jack is riding well and carrying on from where he left off at Ipswich last night.