Mylor

There was a time, not long ago, when I longed to see speedway on the tele every week. I didn't think that would happen either. From my first post:- Once again, the need for a strong governing body is paramount but that's for another thread. I take your point about attracting riders to Scotland ML but apart from making it cheaper for all teams to run in the EL I'm afraid I don't have a solution short of chartering a team plane, painting it in your club and Scotland Tourist Board colours and using it for publicity...........perhaps the footie teams could use it as well and................off topic again Mylor, pack it in, Ok. :roll:

Methinks you were too hasty with your reply Dekker. 1) Read my third paragraph again. As things stand no PL team would be 'hammering' at the door. The incentives aren't there yet. We already know that the costs of running in the EL must come down if it's to survive and encourage growth. 2) The cash isn't there yet but as I said above you shouldn't need so much of it in future to run in the EL. See wolfcrazy's Speedway, The Future thread. http://www.speedway-forum.co.uk/forum/view...der=asc&start=0 and the links from it. 3) Having read the thread above Dekker you'll see where we're coming from. The question is how do we get from where we are now to where we want to be. A much bigger, more prosperous and respected sport, One rider-One team throughout europe, more variety, more money, more exposure. There's absolutely no reason why Edinburgh couldn't represent Scotland in the European Club Championship and attract the best riders. After all, they'd be spread much more thinly making the EL much cheaper to compete in, and I mean compete. 4) If the fans wanted it, if the financial incentives were there and a strong governing body were there to see fair play I don't see why they would refuse. It's unheard of in any other respectable sport. Having said that I don't see any reason why they shouldn't give up their place to the next highest team but as the costs shouldn't be much higher and as the rewards would be greater I think it would be a 'courageous' decision to go against the fans and not to try at least one season in the higher division. I'm sure Scotland could support at least one EL team in the new environment. It's a five year plan.....................it ain't gonna happen in March but we do need as much support as possible. Have a good read in 'The Way Ahead', think it through and make your feelings known. We know that some influential people read the threads in there. These same people are formulating their ideas for next year as I write. It's probably the only way us fans can make a difference. We're asking for big changes, in Europe as well as in the UK, but nothing that can't be achieved in this sort of timeframe. We have a superb product, and as we all agree, given the right leadership and promotion the sky's the limit. Keep posting.

Half way there Mark!! I'm trying to cover all the topics raised but I've had to draw the line at the one's that tinker with the present way of working, points limits, the banning or handicapping of GP riders etc. I think we can consider them either as fine tuning or not required in the brave new world. It's taking a while 'cos I've come across over 50 relevant points that have been raised. I need to collate them and put 'em in a readable form without boring the pants off the members by the time they get to the 2nd paragraph. Promotion and Relegation is a biggy of course. I've started another thread on that as the forum can't seem to make up it's mind whether to go that way or not. Gettin there!!

.Will you allow me to add a few shades of grey to a topic that's been painted black an white for some time now? To those wishing for the sport to be taken seriously it's been deemed an essential ingredient, however past failed attempts have left a bad taste in supporter's mouths and, no doubt, polarised opinions amongst the promoters. Promotion and relegation is a sore point but I'm slowly coming round to the idea that it would only come about when teams in the 'lower' division(s) start hammering at the door of the 'higher' division to be let in. The incentives must be lucrative enough to make this come about. These incentives would be the fan's expectations as well as money. This having come about, to be allowed to compete in the 'higher' division would mean accepting the rules, one of which would be acceptance of the conditions under which a team can be relegated. Having built up this head of steam from the 'lower' division(s) refusal to be relegated would not be an option. Unlike previous attempts, having accepted the rules, the whole of British Speedway would expect them to be obeyed. It may even be deemed desirable to withhold some or all of the rights and other money until the following season to act as both a 'parachute payment' and as a deterrent to those tempted to refuse to be relegated. Once again, the need for a strong governing body is paramount but that's for another thread. Any more constructive shades of grey you'd like to add?

Can you expand on this Bryce? If my team is doing quite nicely in the 'lower' division where's the incentive to go the extra mile to gain promotion? After all, this means they'd face tougher opposition next year, have to ride harder and take more risks just to keep their pay at the same level. I am, of course assuming that riders pay rates would still be based on the points gained. Also assuming that attendances in the 'higher' division would be, in most cases, higher and that TV and other money was available I can't help feeling that the riders would want some of it. Promotion and relegation is a bit of a sore point but I'm slowly coming round to the idea that it would only come about when teams in the 'lower' division(s) start hammering at the door of the 'higher' division to be let in. The incentives must be lucrative enough to make this come about. These incentives would be the fan's expectations as well as money. This having come about, to be allowed to compete in the 'higher' division would mean accepting the rules, one of which would be acceptance of the conditions under which a team can be relegated. Having built up this head of steam from the 'lower' division(s) refusal to be relegated would not be an option. Unlike previous attempts, having accepted the rules, the whole of British Speedway would expect them to be obeyed. It may even be deemed desirable to withhold some or all of the rights and other money until the following season to act as both a 'parachute payment' and as a deterrent to those tempted to refuse to be relegated. Once again, the need for a strong governing body is paramount. Time for tiffin............. ;-)

The perils of an 'every man for himself' culture I'm afraid Witchnut. Welcome aboard. Glad to see your first post was in 'The Way Ahead', shows you're a forward thinker(?). Us mere mortals are making some progress. Phil's set us up with this section and we know that influential people are reading it. You'll find several references to a proper controlling body here amongst other tasty morsels. Keep posting

Now correct me if I'm wrong but aren't noise, traffic and parking the main objections raised when promoters seek to open a new track? Just as Trelawny hardly has a noise problem, being in a quarry, and as Imerys, who are up to their ears in 'em, are trying to find them another, couldn't the same apply to other potential venues ? I would think just about every area, and indeed city, would have an unused sandpit, gravel pit, clay pit, stone quarry or open cast mine or a site not suitable for landfill due to drainage or other problems. They don't need to be very big, in fact small would be beautiful as, often being somewhat bowl shaped you get instant 'grandstands'. Car parking shouldn't be a problem and the trucks would have made a usable access road. Success and stability should start to bring with it some permanent structures, shelter, toilet blocks, stands etc but Portacabins do a grand job at Trelawny, are quick and easy to install and, as temporary structures, should be fairly easy to get past the planning and building regs. Natural ampitheatres these..........................the way to go?? How about venues that are already noisy, under-used during the week, and already have ample car parking and catering facilities? The country is dotted with motor racing circuits struggling to make ends meet. I'm not talking about the Silverstone's & Brands Hatches but the smaller ones used for club, banger and stock cars........... Any of these near you? http://www.bmrc.co.uk/ Ok, the stands may be in the wrong place etc, or more likely, the facilities may have seen better days and the club may welcome some help in remodelling them. They may even be trying to fund a new stand which could be double sided, race track one side, speedway the other with catering and toilets underneath. Converting the site for multi-sport use may make them eligible for regional funding etc Of course this would be more costly but could produce permanent tracks of a very high quality with excellent facilities in quite a short timeframe. What do you think?

Sorry Mr Cox, sir. The wheels came off me network on Monday (not my fault!!). By Wednesday me boss was on Radio Cornwall explaining why no-one could call in. Been sweeping up the mess since then. Still have much to do but I'll get on the case................drekley! ;-)

I nominate............... Italy, For being motorsport mad, putting together an SWC team at short notice and being the home of GM. Japan, For being motorsport mad (huge crowds for F1) and being the home of Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha. It'd show them a motorcycle sport where they aren't dominant. Any others?

Well said Mark. Now if someone in the BSPA were brave enough to propose they send a delegate to the Swedish and Polish promoters associations meetings with a view to suggesting all or at least some of the above we may start to resolve some of the problems and expand the sport's profile. Hopefully they would then agree to meet with the bodies you mentioned plus, say marketing companies (BSI etc) with a view to setting up an independent body to promote and control the sport at a European level. Fraid it gets a bit heavy now folks so mind your feet, we're getting into detail.................... :? It’s primary functions should include the promotion of the sport at all levels, the organisation of European competitions including Internationals and Test Series, broadcasting rights (European competitions), refereeing quality, coaching quality, track and stadia licensing (for European events), track materials & techniques (for temporary tracks, as this isn’t controlled by anyone else), marketing, sponsorship, media relations, ticket distribution and legal issues. These responsibilities seem to cover a lot of the issues raised by forum members over recent months. As happens in other sports, licenced stadia, being granted an event, or club championship tracks, would be allowed access to funds raised from broadcasting rights etc. to improve facilities. Ok...as the Independent Controlling Body this would be a prestige body with a prestige remit set up initially to tackle the problems being experienced at the top end of the sport, however, the whole sport would benefit from the extra exposure, sponsorship, media and coaching elements although these may take a while to filter down. Ok...it got very heavy but if you got this far, have one on me!! ;-) If you know of a brave promoter who'd be willing to take the first step, have two on me!! ;-) Grief, I need a lie down after that. Right, I've pressed Preview a dozen times....................dare I press Submit......................ah well, as I said, no risk, no gain here we go...........click..........over to you!!

. Folks, this came about as we drifted off topic in the 'One Off World Final' thread under Speedway General Discussions. http://www.speedway-forum.co.uk/forum/view...78&start=30 Thanks Mark. Looks like you bit the bullet and said where we could be in a few years time. It wasn't that long ago when I dreamt of live speedway on telly every week. I ain't finished dreamin' yet!! Look at the EL...........it's destroying itself trying to pay for the riders travelling, machinery and support costs. It'd be cheaper to pay them two to three times the points money. Look at the injury list.............more matches, more injuries, more disappointed fans, more guest riders, more confusion for newcomers. One rider, one club would cut this by two thirds. Look at the hours the riders put in.......................riding an average of 5(?) times a week in 3 countries. No wonder they're accused sometimes of not putting on their best performances. Now look at the possibilities............. One rider, one club across Europe Fewer top riders per team reduces costs which encourages other teams to enter the EL. More teams in the EL, more variety which encourages broadcasters to put on more matches and put more money into the sport and increase it's popularity. (Yes, we do need more openness from the authorities as to where the money goes but that's for a little later on) A European Club Championship........even more variety, coverage, popularity, money, sponsorship, corporate awareness. You can see from that that the riders will be kept busy enough to earn probably more than they do now. There may be some pain in the first season or two but just look at what we'd all gain. You've probably heard it before..........no pain, no gain!

Extract from my post under Scandinavian GP off: Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2003 9:01 pm 'I too feel sorry for the travelling fans. They should at least be given free tickets to a GP of their choice for next year's series in addition to what is on offer already.' 27-08-03 FIM SCANDINAVIAN GP OVERSEAS FANS OFFER “In addition to the full refund of their ticket from Saturday night, I’d like to offer the overseas fans a free grandstand ticket and programme to a Grand Prix of their choice in 2004.” Anyone see the similarity? Does this mean Benfield browse the forum? Sorry for cross posting this folks but I think this thread is where it actually belongs.

Extract from my post under Scandinavian GP off: Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2003 9:01 pm 'I too feel sorry for the travelling fans. They should at least be given free tickets to a GP of their choice for next year's series in addition to what is on offer already.' 27-08-03 FIM SCANDINAVIAN GP OVERSEAS FANS OFFER “In addition to the full refund of their ticket from Saturday night, I’d like to offer the overseas fans a free grandstand ticket and programme to a Grand Prix of their choice in 2004.” Anyone see the similarity? Does this mean Benfield browse the forum?

A GP that isn't run on a man made track! The shortage of natural speedway tracks means that you may have to settle for one though. :roll:

excuse me Jason Crump was born in Bristol how much more British can you get :evil: I prefer my brits to ride for Team GB, be proud to wear the union jack, hold a British passport and look glum when the Aussies win. Nope..........he don't pass the test.............an Aussie he is, and proud of it.

Am I telling the truth or am I winding everybody up? Be careful 'Informer'. Unless what you've announced comes to pass few here will take you seriously unless you can back up what you post. If it's your opinion, say so.

I agree with most of what has been said above. G the Bee makes a very valid point. As we don't have a squad system every rider is, in effect, self employed. Like any successful self employed person, they are driven to maximise their earnings. The GP riders are winners. They want to compete with and beat the best and win titles. In order to do this they must compete in the GP's. In order to compete in the GP's they must maximise their income from other sources to buy the best gear and employ the best backroom staff. In other words, they aren't really EL, Polish league nor Swedish league club assets being 'loaned' to the FIM. For many of them, having got there, it's the only reason they ride at all!! They, the riders, are loaning their services to the leagues so I can't see how we can blame BSI, the FIM nor anyone else for this situation. However, the solution is in the league's hands. If they don't employ them, or restrict them to riding in only one league, the spiralling cost and excessive injury problem is, as far as the paying public are concerned, solved at a stroke.

Maybe because it's the Bank Holiday cs. Methinks those who will make the decisions and those they need to speak to won't be back at work till tomorrow. All's not lost........................yet!!

I don't think JP had any choice. As I understand it, Ole Olsen is the FIM's 'Speedway Grand Prix Race Director'. JP is in no position to hand the job to anyone else. Olsen's position is in the hands of the FIM. If he was responsible for the state of the track for the SWC final and tonight's track methinks he shouldn't wait for the FIM decision. It was good to see the rider's sticking together though. Surely they should be represented on the FIM Jury when discussing matters related to safety? I too feel sorry for the travelling fans. They should at least be given free tickets to a GP of their choice for next year's series in addition to what is on offer already. A sad day. A very sad day.

Looks like they don't have a league but you can find fixtures here....... http://world.speedway.org/slo/

Cutting edge stuff from Laser......... Excellent post with a lot good ideas. My only worry was whether the lower order would be able to earn a living as they wouldn't take part in some of these competitions. Good stuff all the same.

Thanks TM.

It could be argued that some EL promoters are taking the easy option of using the PL as an unlimited supply of very short term contract labour. Who can blame them? They don't have to negotiate terms & conditions nor even worry too much about whether they too get injured.........there are others just a phone call away. Now if they had to name their squad for the season by the end of March...............and stick to it!............... A variation of this could be based on one month loans. A guest couldn't be brought in for a single meeting but a loan period could be negotiated.

Hi Mylor On the front of the Rule Book it gives it as " The Speedway Control Board Ltd" yet inside under NOMENCLATURE it says SCB---The speedway Control Bureau.......confused...we should be Hi Team Man, I think we're looking at different documents. The 'Handbook' is downloadable from http://www.acu.org.uk/DyIndex.asp Is the 'Rule Book' a document sent to members?

Even better with EL cost reduction thrown in for good measure............ http://www.speedway-forum.co.uk/forum/view...opic.php?t=3294