IainB

It's all about the start

That was when Lynn was a pretty regular trip for me even from Leicester on a Saturday or Sunday you'd be guaranteed an entertaining afternoon or evening of Speedway... how times have changed, they are currently back on my banned list due to ask the shenanigans over recent years and I really can't see me returning unless there's a drastic improvement in the track because we all know how it can be.

Looking at guest usage over the last 10 years or so and it's remarkably consistent with 2017 being a particularly bad year, not that any of it makes for good reading. But I think the reasoning for the usage of guests is being abused far more in recent seasons than in the past when generally it was for injuries and international duties. Season Estimated league & play-off matches Guest appearances Guests per 100 matches 2016 ~350 350 100 2017 ~270 340 126 2018 ~240 255 106 2019 ~235 250 106 2020 0 0 – 2021 ~190 225 118 2022 ~180 205 114 2023 ~185 215 116 2024 ~185 220 119 2025 ~170 198 116 What it shows 2016: ~100 guest bookings per 100 matches. 2025: ~116 guest bookings per 100 matches. So despite there being fewer clubs and fewer fixtures, the rate of guest use has actually increased by about 16% compared with 2016. Another way to express it: 2016: roughly 1 guest booking every match. 2025: roughly 1.16 guest bookings every match. I think this is the strongest statistic because it compares like with like instead of just counting total guests.

When you consider the drop in NDL level meetings in the last 10 years or so it's no surprise we are where we are and we're on for another 30ish meeting season this year, if all the fixtures are completed: Year Total staged 2016 171 2017 157 2018 156 2019 91 2020 0 2021 37 2022 70 2023 63 2024 33 2025 52 Total 830

If you don't come we'll close down 👍🏻

MARK LORAM! [Insert Name of Rider Here] goes marching on...

Err erm err

Another Dave Lanning classic while commentating on Michael Lee... "he looks like a flying paper clip" 😂 ... and the 1985 Bradford World Final... "here comes Gundersen", today's screamers should take note that sometimes less is more 👍

That was 100 years ago! Turkey to Turkiye, Czech Republic to Czechia, Peking to Bejing, Titter to X. Opal Fruits to Starburst... Marathon to Snickers At a time in the sports history where few people have heard of Speedway outside of its circle maybe the time is right for a relaunch. It may have been 100 years ago but they obviously found a reason/need to change its name back then. The sport is pretty much at its lowest ebb globally at the moment with only Poland succeeding, so maybe the time is now?

I don't know why you guys keep taking the bait @R87 is clearly a parody account 🤷‍♂️

We'll also need to know which tracks aren't playing the obligatory "Final Countdown" before heat 15!

Difficult innit... I've asked Gemini and here's what it suggests: Rebranding a sport as unique and historic as speedway is a fascinating challenge. The current name, "Speedway," is classic, but for a modern, casual audience, it doesn't quite scream "500cc bikes with no brakes sliding sideways on dirt." To capture the raw, adrenaline-fueled chaos of the sport while making it sound fresh and futuristic in 2026, here are a few naming angles depending on the vibe you'd want to go for: ### 1. The High-Octane & Extreme Route *If you want to position it alongside extreme sports like X-Games or Red Bull events to pull in a younger crowd:* * **Dirt SPRINT** – Short, punchy, and describes the explosive nature of a 4-lap heat perfectly. * **Apex Slide** – Focuses on the defining, jaw-dropping skill of the sport: backing a bike into a corner sideways at full throttle. * **MotoGrit** or **GritMoto** – A nod to the shale/dirt track surface and the sheer physical toughness required of the riders. ### 2. The Raw & Mechanical Route *Leaning into the unique, stripped-back nature of the machines (no brakes, fixed gear, pure engine):* * **Raw Moto** – Simple, clean, and highlights that this isn't over-engineered Formula 1 or MotoGP; it's just a rider, an engine, and two wheels. * **Brakeless** (or **The Brakeless Series**) – Instantly hooks people who don't know the sport. The absolute first fact anyone learns about speedway that blows their mind is that the bikes have no brakes. Making it the name is a massive marketing tool. * **Oval Shifters** – Sounds mechanical, sleek, and defines the battleground. ### 3. The Futuristic & Corporate Route *If you were trying to completely slick it up for a massive global TV or streaming package:* * **Velocita Oval** – Giving it a European, high-end motorsport flair. * **ShaleX Championship** – Mixing the traditional track surface with a modern "X" factor branding element. * **SGP: Velocity League** – Building on the current Grand Prix initials but making it sound faster and more dynamic. > **The Verdict:** If I were the marketing consultant holding the pen, I'd go with **The Brakeless Series** or **Dirt SPRINT**. They are instant hooks for people scrolling through TV channels or social media feeds who have never seen a meeting before I quite like MotoGrit

Official! https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1NPRhdA8bh/

What does it mean? Who came up with the name? In an age where even countries and cities change their name... If you were rebranding it in 2026 what would you call it? All suggestions (serious or not) considered 🤔

Wow! I hope you got a programme? Get it framed it could be a collectors item!

At least he's paid to get in, even though it is as a concession... probably topped that up paying for a pit pass... where can I get one of those from? 🤔

I wonder in what official capacity Dick Barrie is in attendance tonight 🤔

I wonder if there's actually any chance Mitch McDiarmid may turn out for Oxford once in a while 🤔

Did you not see the chip pan fire? What more do you want? 🔥

And the other 10% will leave 🤔

The Paco love-in has started on BSN 🥰😍❤️😂

They literally had the choice to make an offer to every/any Speedway rider on the planet except for the 35 that were already signed up!

Just hype for the cup final... nobody really gives a toss about the league until the pay offs

Chris Adams "unlucky" streak as team manager continues... now P40 W4 D1 L35 Yet again his reserves outscore other riders and no substitutions are made!