Ray Stadia

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.

And yet, bangers and stock cars are running at Arlington. It's a shame a few open meetings can't be staged, to 'test the water' if interest is still there to run speedway? Or it be used as a nursery/training track, especially with the Dugard's experience?

I think Archerfield is closing this year?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmH8msZXdGg This link will lighten things!

With the many great memories of cycle speedway and the fact it's a relatively cheap sport, motorised speedway is missing a trick, by not being more supportive towards the sport, as it's a great introduction to methanol speedway, from so many angles. From little acorns!

Mick Doohan Raceway - 96 Raubers Road, Banyo, Brisbane. Probably not the venue you are referring to, but there is a meeting here on the 11th March, from 1pm. Darcy Ward seems to be attached to the promotion. I won't be going!

Woke views, could also be global warming views and there could be an objection based on 4 internal combustion engines, poluting the atmosphere!

Somersham Cycle Speedway track, June 2021

Oh, it's Great Blakenham, I said it was affiliated to Ipswich in an earlier post. I did think it was another club in Ipswich.

It was in use last year. Have a look at their Facebook page, the track looks great!

Kesgrave and Somersham. Somersham is the 4th track I mentioned and I think it's still going and is affiliated to Ipswich Cycle Speedway.

Ipswich has 3 cycle speedway teams and 4 tracks! (I think the 4th track is still going?)

On the 12th November, 2023, Bradford has an event listed as 'Grasstrack Demonstration'. Would this be Grasstrack as we understand it?