Grand Central

999 numbers (less just the few taken) and HE has taken my favourite of 40 years. I have changed my favourite number. It clearly is not as 'lucky' as I thought.

Indeed we are. This illustrates one of the things that elevates Mr Rising's own contributions here above so many others. I don't think he has ever resorted to 'defending' the Star, or it's editorial stance, by reference to anything so demeaning as that we should 'just be grateful' for what we get. I find it amusing that others choose to do so. .

I think a pause for you to gain persepective may be needed. We are talking about a TV deal with Sky. Not all out-war with the Nazis. Chill pill for the man in Black and White. I feel.

Your answer is to confuse the role of a journalist in these matters It is not the job of Speedway Star to 'announce' anything. They can and will 'report' anything as important as an 'announcement' by the BSPA, GoSpeed or Sky. And they should investigate and question anything they wish concerning the background of any story. Whether the participants are ready to 'announce' or not. I think that the Belle Vue v Poole issue of 2013 is the one that festers with me the most. In years to come the de facto journal of record will show nothing at all untoward relating to that Monday of shame. No journalist should be happy with the Star's position on that night. Brian Burford can 'unearth' material on events of thirty plus years past. But wo betide anyone talking with candour about the present.

Thank you for adding a degree of levity to the thread which many feel to be boring. It is always amusing to be reminded of what SHOULD happen. And then to contrast it with what ACTUALLY happens.

Riders do, indeed, face the difficulty of having no evidence of a TV deal in place when approaching or negotiating with sponsors. And it is, as you say, no secret at all that such a deal is in place. So what would be the problem in running a news piece along exactly those lines in the Star? The lack of official confirmation could be mentioned and, indeed, may deserve a little editorial comment. A page two or three lead with the fact that there is a deal would help those riders immeasurably. The boring detail of the deal would be of no interest to their potential sponsors.

.Clearly. In post 517 he states categorically that the IS a deal for TV coverage. And that it is with Sky. But he CAN'T announce it in Speedway Star yet. Even though he just did, here! .

Which, funnily enough, is the strapline of the North Korean Daily News.

. That's catchy. There are exciting weeks ahead as we hear of each fascinating choice of number. My favourite integer is 37. I do hope it Is chosen by someone. .

I was just wondering which of the participants had got that weirdo Charles Saatchi to do their PR? GoSpeed, BSPA or Sky.? Our sport is bedevilled with a long history for ballsing things up. But it really takes a genius of 'cock up' to waste all the 'Good News' vibe of a long term TV deal quite as perfectly as this. The publicicity-shy MrFord, the ever-cryptic Mr Rising and the SGP guy here all profess to have enough inside knowledge to tease us so that the eventual announcement will be a total damp squib. Meanwhile no one has been able to utilise the advertising potential of a TV deal for sponsorship. All winter. But next week we will apparently be told ... with accompanying fanfare ... That Sky will be televising the Belle Vue v Swindon match on April 7. Whether that turns out to be the case or not. I shall stifle my yawn.

But are Speedway Riders really that thick? Do they really think that the reason they are not making any money at all from personal merchandise is down to having the wrong number? If you look at the examples online of the lamentable type of merchandise being offered by them it is pretty obvious that getting their preferred number will not change the bottom line. Poor choice, poor design and ridiculous high pricing policies all need to have attention paid rather than bleating about numbers. Just look at the awful 2014 cap being offered by Greg Hancock for just under £20. http://www.shop.greghancock.org/viewcategory.php?groupid=2 I mean ... who in their right mind would want that monstrosity on their head?

Has there ever been a thread that has generated so much hot air about such a piffling subject? As a measure of just how bored we all must be this winter this thread should be viewed as our collective 'cry for help'.

Some people campaign against miscarriages of justice.Others to save endangered species. Or raise awareness of impending environmental catastrophe. Speedway riders 'campaign' for the 'right' to have their favourite number on their bib. Nelson Mandela's legacy of fighting for true freedom in the world is in safe hands. .

QED

In any discussion it is perfectly possible for someone to prattle on to their heart's content. Anyone is entitled to spout gibberish if they wish. I merely put my fingers in my ears. And shout. SHUT UP. Unfortunately, you often find that the daftest of the lot, still don't.

And as the person who actually started this thread. I am delighted that other Polls have been featured here. Please allow me to say, joyfully. Well done, Tai. And. SHUT UP, Gustix.

You have to laugh at the BSPA statement, though. Promoters are often said to look upon the BSF as a haven of nutters who just want to rant among themselves. The BSPA feel that they would be above listening to any of these idiots. Then a 'Mr A Harkess of Edinburgh' writes a letter to the BBC where he rants in a similar fashion. Perhaps in green Crayon. If he were being quoted on 'Points of View' I bet they'd get Rab C Nesbitt to 'do' his voice. Oh, the irony.

So, I shall say again. All true.

All true. But I don't think the 'panel' will be sitting today in order to change what the One Show people are already geared up for tonight. If Tai is on the list BSI - at least - will already know as the BBC would have to get their video/ pictures sorted in advance.

I hope you are not right . Unfortunately, not true.The short list is being decided on by a 'panel' of worthies. The voting does not start until that list is named and only those 10 can be voted for.

The short list of 10 contenders for this year's award is being announced tonight, November 26, on 'The One Show' on BBC1 between 7pm and 7.30pm. Fingers crossed for Tai!

I agree to a point.But the Black and white ones did not look good on the newstand in Smiths. And surely there is just one photo available of Peter Craven that is a little different than the one on the cover that has been seen time and time again.

What a wonderfully direct answer. No sugar coating there. All that spin on the 'fountain of youth' coming to the Top Division next year. When this is the view of some really committed followers of the sport. A top league with two 'Junior' races included may have limited appeal.

They also employ a whole load of young people on minimum wage in dead end jobs. The Job Centre will have told them that it will offer them valuable 'experience in the workplace' which will be so useful in their future careers. They will be putting in long hours or split shifts doing the most menial of work with no future prospects whatsoever. But they do keep costs down. Obviously this has no correlation with any moves being made in British Speedway. .

I think you will be hard pressed to find a definitive answer to this question. Best answer I can come up with is that up to until 1976 all the meetings I checked show helmet colours going with gate positions.. After 1990 I cannot find any that use this method and all helmet colours are fixed for the team. In between 1976 and 1990 you would have to go back and check each programme individually as there is no consistency.