Ray Stadia

The word is simply a shortened version of Pakistani, as Aussie is a shortened version of Australian, therefore, they are similar. But, society and certainly the Asian community has decided it's a derogatory term. I watched a film on Netflix the other day, it was a 15 film and the 'C' word was used. I was surprised and a bit dumb struck that the 'C' word is acceptable for 15 year olds. Obviously 15 year olds know the word and many may use it, but is it acceptable to be used in a 15 film? Words can be sensitised and desensitised.

I've never heard anyone called the 'P' word and I have moved in some 'dubious' circles in the past. As I've said, when talking about Asians collectively, yes I have and I have used it myself in private. I am surprised that in the cricket fraternity, it has been used, in direct reference to an individual or individuals! I did think the game was better than that. Regarding speedway, we have had a few 'dark skinned' riders and I can't say if they suffered racism. Therefore, speedway is not a good example of racism. But some riders, especially 'up and coming' riders, may have experienced various bullying. We all know that promoters can be 'hard nosed', therefore, I can imagine some riders have had an unpleasant time.

I don't see why not? Maybe there are institutional problems in speedway that need to be aired. Speedway is a sport just like other sports under the spotlight.

I have never heard anyone address an Asian person directly with the 'P' word, nor have I used it directly to an Asian person. However, when discussing Asians in general and not within earshot of Asians, I have heard Asians being referred to as 'Ps' and in private, so have I. But many of us do it when referring to other nationalities. Nicknames for the French, Chinese, Irish, Germans, Australians etc etc. I live in Suffolk and have been called a few times, 'carrot cruncher'. Am I upset, not at all.

I wonder how many retired speedway riders there are, who have been mentally scarred, by being called a 'bad name' by the rest of the team, management or promoter?

What is a shame, is all the effort that happened to get speedway in Birmingham again and to get speedway into the Sittingbourne dog track, for it all to suddenly collapse. Add in the mix Eastbourne, a track owned by a speedway dynasty, one can only feel 'the end is nigh'!

I wonder why the inside kerb is being taken out? Surely it hasn't rotted?

I think I'm right in saying, Gary Havelock used Mobil 1, at some point. Trouble is, you are starving the fans of the perfume!

That's the problem with speedway, riders expecting to make a living. It needs to be an amateur sport, with the chance of some prize money as the 'icing on the cake'. And teams are skint now!

Very sad. Only ever saw him on TV and have some videos from 'The World of Sport' days, with Alan riding. RIP

I have never met the man, but a big name in the speedway world. Very sad. RIP

New developments usually have to have an element of social housing, so maybe that is where they are located?

Fortunately!

Another string to their bow?

A lot of thought has gone into your solution!

Or something on your door mat!

Or wire up the van to the mains, to give the thief a nice hefty belt!

Auto-racing doesn't solve the noise and non-electric issues. The bikes I have seen are twins, similar to a Triumph twin. Whether the Japanese will adopt electric bikes for this activity, possibly!

Maybe a tarmac type surface would be more forgiving?

With electric bikes, maybe there is an opportunity to have a temporary track, put into a football stadium, maybe with a non shale surface, but a surface that is rideable. When I say a temporary track, I mean a track that can be laid and removed in sections. I can hear the wags lining up to suggest a Scalextric track! It could be a serious thought?

In sheds or the back of the garage!

It took a little boy to say 'the emperor's wearing no clothes!'.

Formula E (battery racing cars) happened in London a couple of weekends ago. The track was part indoor and outdoor, using the ExCel centre. I watched a bit, but soon tired of it, but then, I can't watch formula one these days. Interestingly, Custom House is nearby, which was the home of West Ham Speedway.

The smell is from the castor oil, not much smell from methanol. However, many are using synthetic oil, so the smell is disappearing. Funnily enough, burger vans, smell a bit like burning castor oil!

One of the drawbacks of having all that sign writing on your van! A plain colour van would seem a safer option to me!