Ray Stadia

I think this is a perfect example of how the current speedway model isn't working. This is a club which is in the 3rd, in other words, an amateur stepping stone division. Why should the riders expect payment and have their tyres bought for them. What other motorcycle dirt sport pays the riders to ride! It's a crazy way to operate speedway, certainly in the 3rd division. I feel so sorry for this poor chap and his family. Reminds me of the situation the Newport promoter found himself in and was working day and night to keep the club going! Tim (I forget his surname).

I thought the oil is recirculated these days?

'Just Stop Oil' is nothing new! It started in speedway decades ago, when oil catchers became compulsory!

Before each 'race', the Gerry & The Pacemakers record is played 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.

Maersk, the container logistics company, have several ships running on methanol, as methanol is classed as a green fuel. Speedway should be shouting the fact from the rooftops, in this world of concern for global warming etc. Many non-speedway supporters would be happy to accuse speedway as being a contributor to global warming, when it isn't! The stakeholders of speedway, need to let the world know!

I have read John's book, but a number of years ago now. I will have to dig the book out.....if I can find it! But of course, you would expect there to be promoter rivalry, but the fans not liking Mervyn?

Looks like poor old Mervyn Stewkesbury isn't very popular. I never met the chap, but certainly a big name I remember from the past. Just shows you either of 2 things. This forum has hardly any active members now and/or people don't remember the guy, as the forum members are too young. I think sadly it is the former, rather than the latter. RIP Mervyn

You really are 'Mr Negative'. Or Mr ...., join the the dots!

Google Brandon capacity. It refers to the biggest crowd speedway had there. Maybe it's not possible now?

I recall Brandon Stadium successfully staging one of the British GP's years ago. Perhaps speedway should get behind speedway returning to Brandon, which has a capacity of 24,000 and could be the new Wembley for British speedway!

Ok, take the p155! But I can only speak as I found. Also, when you leave the stadium, you have to walk through the town centre! So, for me, poke Cardiff where the sun don't shine! Should your nickname be 'Fatface' or 'Fat ****'!

And Greyhound Racing!

I think there is potential for a big crowd to attend a Wembley GP, on the following basis: 1. London is easier to get to for most people than Cardiff 2. International fans can easily fly into London. Cardiff airport, surely, has limited destinations 3. London has more tourist appeal (in my opinion) than Cardiff 4. I have only attended Cardiff once, the first, and when I left the stadium, walking through Cardiff, some Welsh men seemed quite hostile. I was with my wife and felt a bit threatened, although nothing happened. Yes, that could happen in Wembley, but in my opinion, unlikely 5. Wembley stadium must carry more prestige than Cardiff's 6. I'm sure the riders would love to be able to say, they have ridden in Wembley stadium 7. With good marketing, I reckon it could at least equal 1981's gate. I won't be going to Cardiff again, but I would definitely go to Wembley!

I'm not sure what you mean. If a temporary track can be laid in Cardiff, why not Wembley? I know people say the Cardiff track is not a proper racers track, as it is temporary, but that would be the same for Wembley. It would be an opportunity to have speedway staged in the most prestigeous stadium in the UK!

And we have to say 'travellers' now!

This is a Belgium track! www.speedwayclubhelzold.be

Perhaps they want to go back to the future?

Or your wotsits for gaters!

What about a hybrid? With a quieter 100cc menthanol burning engine and maybe one or two riders using castor oil?

Yes, we should be helping our own, in my opinion. I really think, speedway should ditch its professional/paid image, it should now be an amateur sport, which would make it cheaper for promoters, hopefully, cheaper for supporters and probably many riders. That way you can rebuild speedway from the bottom up. In my opinion, it will then be more attractive for promoters to open tracks. They may start as a 'track in a field', but it would be a start. Let's face it, it definitely won't survive as it stands.

Speedway bikes are basically a stripped down version of the road bikes in the 1920s and 30s. Hardtail rear ends, single cylinder 4 stroke engine, separate gearbox (single speed countershaft, used in speedway) and a single seat (saddle). Due to the riding style, a modern road going bike of any type, will not work going left round an oval track, drifting on the corners!

Also, electric speedway, could have the opportunity to shake off the 'greasy rockers' image, which still exists with some people. It could attract a fresh cohort of spectators, especially those who are conscious about global warming etc

The smell has virtually gone now, as many of the boys use synthetic oil. Probably due to the tuners saying it's best! But forgetting about the marketing aspect of 'the smell'. Regarding noise, well, it's noise which has contributed to killing speedway over the years. Football and Rugby only has the noise of the crowd, the spectators could replace the noise of the engines. With proper development and people being open minded, I think it could work.

There have been other videos showing electric bikes, which presently, don't seem to work the same as the 4 strokes. However, I'm sure they will develop.

There is a disused track in Great Wakering, near Southend on Sea. Lovely track, such a shame.