OveFundinFan

You said "With the amount of money they borrowed it would be hard to put a foot wrong regarding the whole stadium and track, but of course they did". Mort and Gordon did not borrow money to fund the stadium - MCCouncil built the stadium, the promotors were renting the stadium from MCC, as now. As I understand, M&G could not be involved with the building of the stadium, including the track. Not allowed by MCC, who worked through its sub contractor, not M&G. I dont know what went on for them to be behind with the rent, probably you dont either. However the cancellation of the first meeting, caused by MCC/Sub contractors would have been a heavy loss for M&G (star field needing paying etc). Perhaps they were having a tussle with MCC for compensation, and at the same time having to sort out paying the stars, and trying to run the club - difficult I would imagine. As I said "I want to read the book". More then likely someone like MCC will have gagging orders. but may be in years to come we will know the truth. Its all been said before on this forum.

How much did they borrow? I thought it was MCCouncil that invested in the stadium, a sports stadium in what is a planned development of sport in that area of Manchester, a sports area in the 3rd largest city in the UK. The council, as I read, had the contract with the sub contractors, Mort/Gordon didn’t have much input, I understand, in the construction of the project, design of the track Yes,construction No. The bends 3/4 were the last to be completed by the sub contractor, and in a rush as the first meeting was imminent. They were working out of the stadium. Seems in the rush anything was dumped on those corners - why was that ? I don’t know, perhaps the subby hadn’t ordered the right stuff in time for a delivery, or was just dumping rubbish from another job, we don’t know, and won’t know officially because the council hasn’t released deaptail, and probably won’t. When the test riders said it was spongy wasn’t it thought it because it was freshly laid track that needed to settle? Bit like some have said about Swindon’s freshly laid corners right on top of the season start. As I have said before, there is likely a lot “we” don’t know, and not likely to for a few years yet the true facts, if ever. I will read the book with interest if ever released. still, the UK has got a brand new stadium, excellent race track, good facilities, built right amongst a housing area, not in the middle of a field, a track that produces racing relating to the original Hyde Road which is historical and world renowned, and yet there are knockers. Seems some cant be satisfied.

Thats how I understood it too. MCCouncil took control of track building via their sub- contractors. If that was so, how could the blame be on Morton/Gordon. And if they were told to keep their nose out, they probably were no where near when the mistakes were made. No doubt the haters will have a different spin to suit there own agenda.

Amazing how Plechanov mastered Wembley very quickly when other eastern bloc riders couldnt. Boris Samaodov was another who did well, but not to Igors level, A mention must go to Sverre Harfeldt - a nearly champion, but not quiet. He would have been popular. And I have sympathies for Dave Jessup, again, so nearly but too many opportunities missed.

As I have said on other threads in the past, orion, I would love to know the truth behind all the things that went on a BV, someone will write a book some day, I be buying it. Maybe the rot set in when the first meeting, Peter Craven Memorial Trophy, was called off. Must have cost a packet, it was star studded meeting, and all the riders were there., and the track problem was the work of Manchester Council and their sub-contractor.

How was Gregory Laguna coping?.

You would have to contact Manchester City Council, they were managing the track build. Along with their sub-contractor they made a right pigs ear of it. Fortunately Chris Morton had a big say in the design of the track which has turned out perfect.

Its one thing riders taking 2 minutes to get to the tape area, its another thing if they all get their early then start digging. Anyway, this has got off the original post.

Problem solved, riders have 2 minutes to get the bike, with rider on it, to within 2 metres of the tapes, last one there triggers all riders have 15 seconds to be at the tapes ready to race.

Could be a long tedious season if every race takes as long to get the riders lined up ready to start.

Might have been a good racer, but as a good human being he fell short.

Re your first paragraph. I hardly know anything about BV since the move away from Hyde Road cause I never liked speedway on the inside of dog tracks, but when the problems at BV NSS hit the headlines I always thought there were underlying problems that never got out to the general speedway supporters. BUT, I also always thought maybe jealousy of some sort would be at its roots. The very idea that, when speedway was struggling, someone had the audacity to actually get a council to pump a large amount of money into a stadium project that actually put speedway at the centre of it, and what a superb track was the result of it. Also, I still think that the opening meeting fiasco, there was more to that then is generally known. Sure, the track wasn’t good, and now we all know why. But for riders to refuse to ride it when they all had ridden worse tracks may times before, and many times since, I find difficult to understand. Then Buster steps in. Chairman of the BSPA, owner of a track, wanting to take over BV. Seemed a nice gesture, but then I heard what type of Buster was thought to be. Maybe in time someone will write a book and come clean and clear about the details....... unless there are gagging orders. Certainly I would buy a book to find the truth. Re your second paragraph. If that is true, it is very sad to read. The two families were very, very close, I know because I came from the same small village of Partington, knew Bill and Eileen Collins, George and Hilary Morton perhaps more then the kids at that time, I am 7 years older then Peter so had a different circle of friends. The relationship between the Collins family and the Morton family was close and strong, that was obvious. So to hear there has potentially been a break down is really sad.

Bring back the Mort.

A lot of press coverage there........ will it bring in the expertise, money and vision to breathe life into speedway that is much needed.

Well, I must admit I never thought I would see work on the track. I thought it was a gonner. What is the smaller track used for?

It’s a fine line, but sometimes no they are not the same, timing of a run is ultra critical.

But F1 track conditions can also change, Phil. today in Aussie, 20 cars start careering round very fast more rubber was laid on the track, therefore more grip, so they went faster. also, track temperatures can rise or fall during qualifying, which affects “stickiness” for the better or worse.

Just a couple of paragraphs then.

Of those I saw at BV 1958-1982 Ivan Mauger Ove Fundin Peter Craven Peter Collins Soren Sjoston Chris Morton Gote Nordin

Just checked on the go website, the senior concession has gone up to £20. I think that is a bargain for a go, never mind a go at a great stadium. Don’t think you get a seat on the start gate area, but I was always a 3rd bend Belle Vue fan. There is lots of choice and I used to phone to book my seats and ask for end of row seats so ease of getting out to go to loo. Mind, I used to book very early so had that choice available. re the lift, they not going to stick seniors up on the 3rd tier without easy access. As I said, the lift was their, but we could make the stairs, I appreciate others can’t. you could always phone to book your ticket and make an enquiry.

Wife and I went 3 years running 2013-2015 and sat in £19 seats, yes they were in the 3rd tier on the 3rd bend, got a splendid view. We did the stairs, but there is a lift.

For those looking for rooms in Cardiff for the Speedway GP, Premier Inn have just announced the launch of low cost rooms and Cardiff if the first place to offer them. Called ZIP rooms and from £19 per night for 2 persons. The Cardiff Zip hotel is on the east of the city centre, probably 30 min walk from the stadium. https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/zip.html?rid=2783715&mid=123685200&CID=EMC_MKT_BAU_getmore_NULL_NULL_20190307_DM6847

Does'nt really matter which has the largest capacity........ sadly none are going to be anywhere near filled - except BV for the SON

Did he really say "thinking", or did he mean "stinking"

I would love to see a GP held at NSS but would 9k crowd make a meeting profitable for all concerned? Personally, I wouldn’t even attempt to go, and I live just 30-35 mile away. I would imagine there would need to be in place a big Tv contract, and I would expect to pay extra, on top of my current BT subscription. World championship boxing matches charge for one off fights, so why not speedway for the big ones.