Sings4Speedway

Does seem that preview threads are on the decline across all teams although some have their own local centred facebook pages and happy clapping forums which they preview locally. Its a funny team that Cradley have built this year as they look to have enough at home but will often be run close and also look a side that will go close away without often getting a result. The days of dominance have passed perhaps as the club enthusiasm fades?

Spot on. If there is an issue anywhere its the way promotions have chosen to build the teams. Rather than raising the overall limit the lowest required average should be higher. That would mean the top averaged riders in each team would be lower and the gap between reserve and heat leaders would be closer and therefore the racing would be closer.

The problem with any football comparison is that football is the leading sport even at primary school level, everyone can play it and everyone has actually heard of it. There is no doubt the rules of the sport are far too complex and disjointed but also they are kept secret. When tactical rides come into play why not offer up a fanfare to that rider, make a big deal of it rather than a mumbled mention from the announcer that a "tac sub" is occurring. When again football players transfer there are wide ranging big announcements, publicised speculation and grand unveiling. As for average manipulation that can and will always happen all the while there are promotions making money out of it, if riders needed every point they could get that would be taken away immediately. Its been mooted many times before that changes don't need to be wholesale but the sport is on a decline at present with only self interests driving it, sadly its being driven into the ground.

Whilst i agree with the sentiment that you are saying the number of serious supporters is waning whilst the number of short attention fans as you call them are growing. Only got to look at the roots of the sport to see its in trouble, youth, amateur & development leagues have all seen a drop in numbers and standard. Continuing on with a 90 year old model will see the same fate as high streets that have failed to move with the times, low foot fall, run down and what is there isn't worth looking at.

Assuming the track rent is similar to private hires the its 50 less paying public required to cover that off, i suspect as a second team there are perks with regards to registrations, bonds etc. Probably even a cross over of helpers too. One thing that is for certain is that as a track that can run 7 days a week its definitely a huge plus to have teams running in separate divisions and long may it continue.

Not sure if the lower seating is utilised very much during dog events either? But if not perhaps it would be better to create adverting space across the lower seating areas? Drape large banners over the seats so they appear in the action shots rather than the appearance of any empty stadium.

Im sure someone better connected than me will know real numbers but its generally 600+ at most meetings and can clear 1000 on bank holidays which is exceptional for any NL club. There is a big debate regarding if a change of race day would be beneficial or not? (Personally im on the not side plus gives me greater freedom to attend both South East clubs). The other issue is that Kent already charge CL entry fees so what would it go up to if they stepped up?

Personally i think its an excellent proposition as there are far too many riders who are gaters only rather than all round speedway racers. However for the sport to survive in any format in the future i fear it will be as exhibition style events with a lot more razzle dazzle included. Other sports have branched into things like X games, arena cross etc and that is where speedway could ultimately head. Staggered starts, even machines, even riders, big tracks, small tracks all could be included. All riders competing for points monies only? Anything new and bold has to be considered if the sport we know remotely as Speedway has any chance of survival.

Difficult as he is no longer NL eligible so that would suggest 4.00 but dual nationality might squeak him in on a 2.00? However he had quite a deal supplied by Eastbourne and i suspect that would need matching for him to consider coming over and in reality it would be far too much sensibly for a reserve to receive.

Actually a decent length piece of coverage, some rider interviews with some coming across better than others. Showed some of the action but didn't show it all in the best light with repeated shots of a strung out race and the lower tier of the stands which are always empty. However all coverage is good coverage and id be surprised if it doesn't add 100+ to the next couple of home crowds.

Why wouldn't Kemp escape criticism? If there is any blame to be levied its against the promotion who knew his average would rise but failed to build a team to keep him in the reserve berths and utilise the treat rather than nullify it in the main team. Kemp is also still learning his way in the sport and competing in his first full season at Champ level. Auty has wasted his chances and career. He was a very hot talent at the same age as Drew and has developed into an inconsistent heat leader that as become reliant on Scunthorpe keeping him employed as many others would / have see through him. If Kemp doesn't eclipse Auty's achievements it will only be because the sport no longer exists.

Certainly an interesting number and shows the diversity of the NL as some clubs would be quite happy with that number and others would be deeply alarmed. Not sure of the overheads to determine if that number is sustainable for the cubs or not?

Sheffield have built teams on the last couple of seasons on gambles and lost however its exactly how leagues are also won. There was never a chance that King & Howarth would hit big enough every week to carry the side so its into the gamble riders. Proctor is hot and cold (head and riding), 3 x assessed riders doing alright but not setting the world alight and Kemp, one of the brightest talents in British speedway being flogged hard in the main team in his first Champ level season. The major issue with the Tigers side is that confidence throughout is lower than it needs to be. Don't forget that nobody was forced to include 2.00 riders into their sides. Promotors chose this route to include a bigger hitting top 5, although why this on the Sheffield thread who were a team who bucked that trend im not sure? Even if it was still 3 pointers many would still be in teams as promotions love to gamble on the next big thing.

Did anybody travel out to this one? What is the best suggested routes fly to Zagreb then hire a car? How are the border crossings etc

Madsen looking like he will be in the mix most rounds but title is Polish bound with Dudek & Zmarzlik battling it out (providing both stay fit). Last year Zagar & Lindback will feature and Magic could be joining them unless things turn around.

Fair play to Kent best team on paper and best team on the night. 6 of IOW gave their best and its credit to them that they were in with a chance of winning although actually ended up finishing 3rd in the table. The Kent Kings have won a 4 team tournament however now the the trophy hoodoo is off their back maybe they will push on and win some bigger titles.

Whilst everyone can read and determine the press release differently (i read it as a journalist comment rather than from Redcar re Barker getting another team place) JJ was still fishing for gossip. Its not a secret that Barker can fall out with someone when he is the only person in the room but digging for private details or hoping that others will commit rumour about someones private life to text is just plain wrong.

Reading the release it also said Redcar were going to respect his privacy. Im not going to pretend i like or respect Barker because i don't but as he has stepped away from speedway he is entitled to have his private life left private and not be subject of fishing exercises by those who know little but assume much.

Widman has been riding all season and will be tonight i expect.....its racing that he hasn't been doing.

I think Central Park would be torn down by the crowds bare hands if that happened. Was purely in jest i 100% hope that it will be a cracker and really wish i could make tonight. Think it could be a track that Wirtzfeld goes well on, think King is a gating tart so will see which one turns up. Much more will depend if Widman turns up or not because currently IOW look stronger without him.

Wasn't in attendance but still loving Ayres Force One proving he can still do a very good job at higher levels and providing pure entertainment as ever. Best Wishes to Kyle and the Bickley Family never easy to lose someone close.

Hopefully not however a 7-8 point rider won't come cheap and options are currently limited. Obviously BWD is the standout name on the list the others in the mix like Becker or Sedgeman would require the sponsor paperwork, costs etc and its well known Rogers filing systems are questionable so might be a one rider option but can Brum afford him?

Very pleasing to see that even though the trophy finals have been done away with this has come down to a one leg shoot out between the Kent galacticos and the peoples champions Warriors. Whilst the strong performers have all been discussed it will come down to the lesser lights to settle this one plus who can keep the most relaxed and enjoy the experience as there are young riders throughout and the pressure levels will be high. Had just a win be needed on the night it could be a real cracker but needing a margin of 7 makes the Islanders chances that bit harder. Keeping my fingers crossed for all square after 12 heats, 5-1 to Warriors in 13, 3-3 heat 14 and then curfew (joking) then see what happens in 15.......

No expense spared from Kent then as Andrews is a long distance traveller but certainly in good form and often good around Central Park. I have to admit i was expecting Jason Edwards (although he may be examming also) or guest of the moment Connor Coles however Richard is likely to do a good job for the home side.

The point could well be crucial as it looks a bigger task for the Warriors needing to win by 7+ rather than any win will do.