Bojangles

I don't think that means Belle Vue isn't a good track. It's probably an even better known fact that it's one - if not the - best in the country.

As much as I agree it was very good racing, you can't just gloss over the fact the levels of dust were totally unacceptable. I love Oxford and it's not going to stop me going, but any new fans attending that and getting literally covered from head to toe in dirt, aren't going to be coming back. I was standing on the fourth bend and knew it was going to be a long night when the dust was being kicked up in the warm up before the first heat had even started. By about heat 10, I literally couldn't see through the levels of dust to know what was happening on the first and second bends, and spent most of the races looking away as it was bordering on painful to the eyes.

It was glossed over better than Dulux.

I really don't get what all the moaning is about. It's surely up to Poole how they prepare their track isn't it? If it's boring for everybody else, what do they care? A home track should have home advantage, if it doesn't, that club is missing a trick. The racing might not usually be great at Poole, but they get good crowds for most home meetings and win more than most - surely what every promotion strives for. Same story for Oxford. Track wasn't great last night, but bet there aren't too many Oxford fans that are bothered today. The racing was dull, but the atmosphere inside the stadium was superb. It hasn't been that noisy (in a good way) for a while.

Given the current circumstances surrounding Oxford, I think getting the meeting on was the top priority. A rain-off could have been disastrous. Yes, the track was pretty awful, but let's just be glad Oxford are actually coming to the tapes at the moment. Some perspective is needed I feel.

Sedgmen is a good replacement for Riss at Oxford? Sigh.... your propaganda has started a bit early this season hasn't it?

Even more amazing when it wasn't actually raining! Haha. Just goes to show weather reports aren't all that accurate doesn't it? Oh well, I'm sure the crowd will benefit from not having the likes of you there. 🤡

So, you're going home after driving to Oxfordshire..... or?

That's the spirit!

Yeah, very good. I've always been impressed whenever I've bought it.

He does, yes, and he probably owes a chunk to SIS. Although not sure we'll get the full story from either of them. Arc seems unlikely I think, best options would probably be.. 1) PGR come on board and it continues under Boothby. They've already issued a statement saying they are "assessing all options", although don't think they have the best of relations with Boothby. 2) Change of leaseholder. Someone like Ben Keith coming on board would make sense, but it's a big risk for him. Mike Davis at Towcester would be another option.

It doesn't look like that's the case on this occasion (although certainly won't have helped). It's a consequence of bad business decisions when the lease was signed. Looks like Boothby signed up for a lease he couldn't afford on his own, knowing he was getting financial assistance from SIS. Now SIS themselves are in financial trouble and have pulled the plug on giving Boothby any cash - meaning he can no longer afford to run the greyhounds.

This is awful news. Miracle needed!

Not sure what I'm more excited for. The start of the new season, or you having a meltdown and leaving the forum again.

Chargers team for 2026... Jody Scott (c) Darryl Ritchings Senna Summers Aston Vale Mason Watson Harry Fletcher Max Broadhurst

Buxton Edinburgh King's Lynn Leicester Middlesbrough Oxford Points limit confirmed at 42 No playoffs

Why would Arc take over at Oxford? Oxford and Mildenhall have different owners, and Boothby has a 10-year lease at Oxford. Boothby clearly didn't want to lose the licence at Mildenhall, so he won't want to give up Oxford.

And there definitely won't be a future if everybody stops going.

Because those that are getting excited, just love speedway. I don't think it's wrong that people are excited for a new season. I - personally - would still be getting excited if there were just two teams left as I always miss speedway over the winter. Yes, the current situation is far from ideal and there's plenty that could be done in the future to improve things, but it's not going to stop me from going to meetings and enjoying myself. Boycotting the sport is not going to save it.

The Spires won't be back... ...although I do keep hearing rumours of other teams trying to run at Sandy Lane. Madness if you ask me, but stranger things have happened.

What makes you both think that? On pure 2025 averages (across all meetings) alone, Mitch was higher... 6.18 - Mitchell McDiarmid 5.68 - Fraser Bowes Do you think Bowes will improve more than McDiarmid in 2026 - at a new home track, whereas Mitch is at the same track as in 2025? I can't it even see it being close in Mitch's favour. Each to their own though.

Indeed. If he's capable of producing this in the Premiership, he's an absolute steal on his average in the Championship. A real trump card (as long as he's healthy).

It's a typical Oxford Mail sensationalist headline. The £2m debt mentioned is actually £2m in creditors and the figure used is from 2023. Direct quote "...the last update on Companies House stating it had creditors worth £2,005,715 at the end of 2023." Speedway at Oxford is in no danger.

In all seriousness, I heard Ritchings and Summers - although Perry wouldn't surprise me.

Oxford to announce Cooper Rushen a first reserve on Tuesday.