Hawk127

Based on the commentary paint drying would be more exciting but at least it is live racing even if the commentator is in some sort of induced comma. Looking at the spars crowds is it time to try a invent the Kerry Packer travelling circus with the best in the world racing in teams in each country and then the next level down is weekly grass roots team racing and then the equivalent of the NDL. The sport needs to do something to attract attention.

KL could pull a surprise I would say 44 - 46 to the Stars. Doyle has been erratic, Emil seems to have bike or set ups not as good as they could be, Danny has had a couple of low scores for Redcar and it will be very much how the top end performs as Klindt will be a spoiler if he gets it right from the start. Not as clear cut as a few may think.

The riders coming out at the end of the meeting to encourage the crowd is to be commended. The enthusiasm is great and I just wish that more UK based spectators got to see how it can be done and channelled some of that to the local teams. It might not have been as spectacular but back in the 70’s good crowds at stadia were the norm and on a Saturday night Rayleigh versus Romford or Canterbury or Eastbourne or Ipswich saw it packed. Sadly the glory days have long gone but the fever you get from Poland is something to behold.

That was a good meeting on what may have been a difficult track but full credit to both teams and that is what speedway is about, well done to both sets of riders.

Challenging heat 14. Still a good chance of an away win.

British riders please take note of what to do when the track is wet - just race

That was a very good manoeuvre by Doyle. Good meeting thus far.

Vintage Pedersen in that race. It is good to see that he can still mix it.

OK thanks. This is a forum and each participant is supposedly allowed to express an opinion but many on here make it an unpleasant experience and should rely on those like you with first hand experience to put the record straight. Let’s leave it at that. Cheers.

OK but it is one opinion and I am sure many may share you view but it is based on what is seen for what it is and I accept your opinion. Something needs to change to recreate the glory days of UK speedway but that is should be open to debate. I respect your view given your experience which is far more valid then many on here.

If you watch the riders in this league and look at the performance in the UK why does U K speedway think it can compete. It has three or possibly four teams who could provide decent opposition at this level but the rest are also rans with riders simply topping up the pension pot. Someone at the governing level needs to take a long hard look at where the racing is in this country. It cannot compete at this time with the likes of Poland so take time out to find at what level Speedway U K sits. Riders who compete in Poland generally go through the motions in the U K and the down side for them is huge if they get injured racing for an U K team. Why would you want to ride in front of sparse crowds in the U K when you have the Polish option of well supported teams in modern stadia unless it is simply to top up the income always assuming you manage the risks. No disrespect but the likes of Birmingham are with limited financial resources and track availability on a hiding to nothing if you are relying on attracting the dream of Polish riders and they would probably be better associated with one overall league. Sad that U K speedway finds itself where it is but the current custodians should shoulder most of 5he blame for years of indecisive management and lack of forethought.

OK Thanks. Seem to be having trouble opening the link but I do not appear to be missing much.

Seems even the obvious on-line streaming who do a great job for those interested in Polish speedway cannot even be bothered with the UK. Last year they showed most of the UK content so says it all. Roll on the next feed from Poland

Unfortunately it is not working at the moment. Technical issue they say.

Watching this takes me back to Friday night at eight at Hackney. Great to see racing and just a shame that those days of Friday, Saturday and Sunday racing have long gone. Thankfully the Polish scene fills the void.

Heat 8 was a good race but I agree Madsen seems off the pace which is a shame as he is a good rider

Perhaps the four strongest teams should join the Polish league and then you get weekend racing and good crowds ‘and then I woke up’ All the teams have a limit to build to but not all are either in a position or willing to pay what it costs for some of the top riders. Yes risks exist in signing them such as the Polish team pulling the plug but to use a draft system as has been mentioned elsewhere to solve the imbalance will not work. Those strongest teams obviously have a reputation for paying for the riders services ‘on time’ and not holding back on what is due hence the riders will want to protect the revenue. If you were a rider you would do your homework and go with the club that will pay. After all how many would want to spend six to seven months travelling around Europe simply to race or as in some cases expected because it is mandatory (and when you think of the costs involved plus if you are in the GPs the cost increase horrendously), take a risk on someone defaulting on what you are due It is not just about being a crowd pleaser on the track it is about running a risky business with only once source of income. The U K is no longer the must go to market for the sport and you only have to look at the stadia in Poland on a Sunday for a top league match and ask yourself as a rider where would you rather race, Poland or the UK in drab stadiums and sparse crowds (by comparison to the Polish following) If it is two tier that is because of the failings of the governing body and promoters over many years to do what is right for the sport.

Enjoyed that individual meeting, wished we had more in the UK rather than just the same old league meetings. How else will British riders develop if they do not have track time in competitive events like this.

Thanks for the feedback, that is really helpful.

Thanks for that, I didn’t realise they have a team. I will try and get along to a meeting.

Where did you go? I am planning to go to Krakow in May and I know that they do not have a local team but can anyone suggest a track to visit within an hour or so from the town. The stadia and support looks amazing for these televised matches and it would be good to experience what those lucky people watch week in, week out.

That is possibly because they know how to put on a show and appeal to punters. If you look at today’s speedway from Poland why on earth would any right minded professional bother with the UK. Presentation is very good, stats are good and commentators know what it is about. Coverage is second to none. Who needs TNT and the expensive option when you have the best on line. U k speedway is a poor relation and does not cut it from an entertainment perspective. As a professional rider what do you really want ride in front of thousands or opt for a few diehard oldies in the UK.

Would love to see him race in the UK again, a very good rider and have a lot of respect for him. The consummate professional.

That was a good result for two entertaining teams.

That electronic board used for the nominated riders in 14 and 15 is impressive. How did UK speedway fall so behind and end up with third world presentations.