Ray Stadia

I have tried Google, but can't see anything on there.....Is Assen not going to hold any more ice speedway or is it just the big events?

Maybe the answer is, to leave speedway as it stands, to it's own destiny. If speedway dies, it will eventually be resurrected and perhaps the resurrected version will be without the current failings. Unfortunately though, I would predict a resurrected version would be amateur and likely to be individual meetings and probably held on 'tracks in a field'. At least it would be relatively cheap for all concerned.

I know Sommelier has answered, but there is a Wikipedia under Desaxe. I hadn't heard of it either, the Wiki is very descriptive. However, not sure I fully understand it after reading it!

All that work is bound to be expensive, if you have a tuner do the work. The trouble with speedway engines is there is a mystery about how to work on them and the reason is, if you obtain a so called manual for a speedway engine and I have a JAP, Weslake and Jawa manual, they tell you nothing, apart from setting the points and the tappets! And yet, they are very very simple. They are no more complicated than a lawnmower engine, but the tuning industry wants riders to believe they are. Any rider could pull their engine apart and put it back together, especially if they are shown once. Much of what is mentioned above by Humphrey, could be handled by most riders with a bit of confidence.

Things may have changed today, but I do remember years ago, that it was a big deal if a rider bought 1 or 2 new engines. Also, very often, early season poor performance was blamed on a new engine and the rider would switch back to an older engine. At the end of the day, it has been said for many seasons that rider costs needs to come down for the long term survival of the sport, but like most things in life, it is kicked around and booted into the long grass. The only way, in my opinion, is somehow have everyone on board with reducing costs and then gradually introduce change, without causing too much financial loss for all concerned.

Moto X uses petrol and holds more fuel than a speedway bike. I haven't heard of any fire problems in Moto X. I would think a lot of the reason for using methanol is 'we always have'. I believe methanol is more explosive, in terms of power and the pistons are very high compression. I think they have to be high compression to get the stuff to ignite. Using petrol over methanol, surely won't save any money, will it?

I know you haven't the time or the inclination to discuss your post, but cold starting for instance, is not start the engine and then rev the guts out of it, they gradually increase the revs to get the engine warm. And even when warm, I haven't witnessed, personally, full throttle revving in the pits. I agree on the start line, the riders generally give it some wellie, but that is not, usually, for very long. And are there many start line blow ups? Probably, most blow ups are caused because the engine has been so stressed to the limit by the tuner, that is the trade off, unreliability. Which is where a cheaper less stressed alternative would be good for the riders pocket. Whether it would make a big difference, who knows.

I suppose the counter argument to the above, is you are theoretically going from something superior to something inferior.

I am not sure what is meant by a 'standardised engine', but if we assume it is an engine that is governed to a certain power output, either due to being literally governed or the engine's construction, e.g. 'all engines are 2 valves', then surely, an interim solution would be to govern old/pre-standardised engines. I am sure many will say it isn't possible. Assuming it is possible, it will mean all pre-standardised engines can be used, so long as they are compliant with the new power output limit. Just a view!

Surely, if we are talking about UK domestic speedway, those riders, whoever they are, abide by the rules of the new restrictions. Riders riding abroad, abide by their restrictions, whether they be similar or different. As for GPs and the SWC, the riders adhere to their rules, whether similar or different. Unless I am missing something? (Probably am!)

Perhaps if we left the EU it would create an opportunity for a watershed with reference to the above views?

The answer, surely, is on the basis that promoters, if they can get it, want instant results, rather than nurture and grow a rider over time. Perhaps it could mean clubs building a team that supporters can recognise from one season to the next, which supporters have been asking for. Perhaps the product, for some supporters, would be watered down initially, but would thicken up, as time goes by.

With reference to the red highlight - if that is a sarcastic comment, how do you know whether a number of British born riders are not being held back and not given a chance to flourish, due to being usurped by foreign riders? The National League is surely full of British born riders? It would then mean a return to only having foreign riders here who deserve to be here, based on true all round merit. I am not a football fan, but I am sure it would help football too.

Personally, if we come out, I think we should treat all potential immigration the same, i.e. no one is accepted unless they meet certain criteria. It would be good if we could have virtual zero immigration for a period of time, to allow the current inflow to be absorbed. I accept we will need to allow certain people work permits, i.e. sports people and probably seasonal workers for the farmers and no doubt there will be other special situations. But, in my opinion, the top line should be virtual no immigration for a while.

If we still have the freedom of people if we come out, if we negotiate a trade agreement, there is no point in coming out, in my opinion. Surely, freedom of movement is the top issue or one of the top issues, for wanting to leave?

Born in Rayleigh....was proud, until they demolished the speedway stadium!

Very true Gordon. In the autumn, we were told we would be in for a very harsh winter!......so far??

I am wondering whether you are 'Philip Rising' in disguise?

The speedway benefactor TUSK, could it be Donald Tusk, the guy who has been in discussions with our EU in or out? Peter Oakes may know the answer!

Of course, WE are assuming it is THE real Philip Rising....it could be a forum member CALLING himself...Philip Rising!

Sadly, it will always be a fight, for any new motor sport venue and a continuing fight for any existing venue, as illustrated above and of course, the Mildenhall situation.

I know that is the image we think the general public view speedway, but as supporters, we have to be careful we are not carrying a large chip on our shoulder, which is not going to be helpful in any negotiation.

Maybe I misunderstood your post. My understanding of your post, with reference to Labour and Toryshire, I thought you were referring to the general public. I see now, you mean outside of the city, the surrounding areas of Oxford are Tory controlled. Is it a fact that Tory councillors/MPs are less sympathetic to something like speedway than Labour councillors/MPs? I suppose so, if it is universally accepted that speedway is supported by the so called 'working man'.

I would imagine there are just as many NIMBYs who vote Labour, as vote Tory.

You're married? Poor 'Mrs Doctor'!