Workington 2025

[Marksman]

There’s a positive update in the speedway star about the situation, including an interview with Steve Lawson. It’s free to read in the digital version online https://reader.exacteditions.com/issues/129454/spread/2

 

 

Lawson was keen to put some of the rumours to bed and set fans' minds at ease, believing that the matter would be resolved within a few days and racing will be able to resume imminently.

He said: "I had a quick look on the Forum and people were saying 'they've run out of money', this, that and the other, but I can state that it's not financial.

"It's a clerical error at our end, and speaking to Andrew (Bain) it's pulled the rug from under his feet. But it will be resolved, hopefully within the next four days, that's what we're planning.

"We got the message from the BSPL on Friday and there was no time to get things changed round.

 

Lawson added: "It's unfortunate that we had to let Berwick down, and Oxford on Wednesday and Redcar on Friday, that's what has upset Andrew, that we're letting people down.

"I've no doubt it will get sorted, it's just the way it's happened and the timing of it is really awkward. But we want to put people's minds at ease and say it isn't financial, it is nothing to do with that."

[Bomber75]

I'm of the same opinion as a number of you. Racing with 2 leagues of seven and eight teams is crazy and doesnt give the supporters enough variety. The doubling up situation is a major problem as the sense of "My Team" is essentially lost, How can it be right that a Championship heat leader also rides as a heat leader in the Premiership, it used to be that a heat leader would ride as a reserve in the top flight. Taking the star riders out of the equation the standard of riders in Premiership and Championship is pretty similar, has to be there the same bunch of riders so why not go to one league of 15 teams and maybe encourage a couple of NDL  tracks to join to give more meetings, more variety etc. Lets be fair for speedway fans certain teams are a draw Belle Vue for example.

I hope what ever the wat forward is that Workington are involved  and the problems are resolved. It looks as though Birmingham are going at the end of the year which is another nail in the coffin.

[CTD26]

8 hours ago, Marksman said:

There’s a positive update in the speedway star about the situation, including an interview with Steve Lawson. It’s free to read in the digital version online https://reader.exacteditions.com/issues/129454/spread/2

 

 

Lawson was keen to put some of the rumours to bed and set fans' minds at ease, believing that the matter would be resolved within a few days and racing will be able to resume imminently.

He said: "I had a quick look on the Forum and people were saying 'they've run out of money', this, that and the other, but I can state that it's not financial.

"It's a clerical error at our end, and speaking to Andrew (Bain) it's pulled the rug from under his feet. But it will be resolved, hopefully within the next four days, that's what we're planning.

"We got the message from the BSPL on Friday and there was no time to get things changed round.

 

Lawson added: "It's unfortunate that we had to let Berwick down, and Oxford on Wednesday and Redcar on Friday, that's what has upset Andrew, that we're letting people down.

"I've no doubt it will get sorted, it's just the way it's happened and the timing of it is really awkward. But we want to put people's minds at ease and say it isn't financial, it is nothing to do with that."

Might shut some people up and put the doom and gloomers back in there box for a while.

Oh no, then again, according to some, we’ve got at least 2 riders looking for other teams 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[proud panther]

17 hours ago, singy13 said:

Yeah the Town fans I stand with at DP most didn't know Northside was now Comets home......ignorance is bliss?

Surely a poster or two could be put up to make people aware ? The 2 clubs could also try to organise reduced/free tickets both ways.

[proud panther]

9 hours ago, Marksman said:

There’s a positive update in the speedway star about the situation, including an interview with Steve Lawson. It’s free to read in the digital version online https://reader.exacteditions.com/issues/129454/spread/2

 

 

Lawson was keen to put some of the rumours to bed and set fans' minds at ease, believing that the matter would be resolved within a few days and racing will be able to resume imminently.

He said: "I had a quick look on the Forum and people were saying 'they've run out of money', this, that and the other, but I can state that it's not financial.

"It's a clerical error at our end, and speaking to Andrew (Bain) it's pulled the rug from under his feet. But it will be resolved, hopefully within the next four days, that's what we're planning.

"We got the message from the BSPL on Friday and there was no time to get things changed round.

 

Lawson added: "It's unfortunate that we had to let Berwick down, and Oxford on Wednesday and Redcar on Friday, that's what has upset Andrew, that we're letting people down.

"I've no doubt it will get sorted, it's just the way it's happened and the timing of it is really awkward. But we want to put people's minds at ease and say it isn't financial, it is nothing to do with that."

Why couldn't he say that when the problem occurred ?

[tyler42]

On 7/2/2025 at 12:02 PM, JamesHarris said:

Once upon a time a rider would be identified with one club only.

And most would also work. Now we have Junior standard riders turning up with all the kit wanting this and that. Expecting to become professional speedway riders. It's a different world now, but a harsh bit of reality is needed. Could you imagine a junior rider back in the day demanding this and that? He would be showed the door as quick as you like. Its out of control now and the promoters are to blame for letting it get this way. One league and if the riders can't make it pay then they will have to get a job. If not and they think they are good enough, let them try their luck abroad.

[singy13]

2 hours ago, proud panther said:

Surely a poster or two could be put up to make people aware ? The 2 clubs could also try to organise reduced/free tickets both ways.

But for many reasons the '2 clubs' are not friendly enough with each other to organise 'tickets both ways'.

I know some Town RL directors think (ok.thought)that speedway makes an untidy stadium. The rugby pitch was small, at a minimum level, to accomodate the track. And late payment of rent was another hot topic amongst the RL fraternity.......I was told not so long ago that the Comets still owed rent (maybe sorted now?)...

[geoff100]

2 minutes ago, singy13 said:

But for many reasons the '2 clubs' are not friendly enough with each other to organise 'tickets both ways'.

I know some Town RL directors think (ok.thought)that speedway makes an untidy stadium. The rugby pitch was small, at a minimum level, to accomodate the track. And late payment of rent was another hot topic amongst the RL fraternity.......I was told not so long ago that the Comets still owed rent (maybe sorted now?)...

U could say that both clubs would not have lasted without the other,laura was a solo promoter who i know was charged twice on double header nights  ,how many directors on town board pump money into the club?

[truthsayer]

2 hours ago, proud panther said:

Surely a poster or two could be put up to make people aware ? The 2 clubs could also try to organise reduced/free tickets both ways.

Not being funny, but that kind of 'marketing' is the reason speedway is deep in the trouble it is.

Advertising these days involves digital, paid for social media advertising and utilises platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

I'm not saying there's no place for old fashioned promotion, but there needs to be far bigger thinking and a much better product if speedway has any chance to continue as a professional team sport.

 

[singy13]

17 minutes ago, geoff100 said:

U could say that both clubs would not have lasted without the other,laura was a solo promoter who i know was charged twice on double header nights  ,how many directors on town board pump money into the club?

True Geoff both clubs aided each other financially. As I've said I'm a follower of the Town RL and the Comets, mostly involved behind the scenes with Town. I invariably fought verbally on behalf of the Comets - not easy as there was bad feelings to deal with. I know several of the Town board personally, more past than present members of the board to be honest. And these gents/ladies do "pump money into the RL club". At least both clubs do assist each other via fixtures i.e. Comets are Saturday events and Town play on Sundays. I'm fairly sure the speedway will be racing again soon.

[CheCazzo]

56 minutes ago, tyler42 said:

And most would also work. Now we have Junior standard riders turning up with all the kit wanting this and that. Expecting to become professional speedway riders. It's a different world now, but a harsh bit of reality is needed. Could you imagine a junior rider back in the day demanding this and that? He would be showed the door as quick as you like. Its out of control now and the promoters are to blame for letting it get this way. One league and if the riders can't make it pay then they will have to get a job. If not and they think they are good enough, let them try their luck abroad.

I remember when I was involved in the junior speedway scene back in the 2010's and know exactly what you're talking about. Robert Lambert and Max Clegg always turned up with top equipment and looked the part. They could get away with that because they were good. It was obvious Lambert was going to something special. Then we had other kids turn up thinking they were the next Darcy Ward or Tai Woffinden with the attitudes to go with it. You could say all the gear and no idea. One lad who I won't name thought he was gods gift to speedway (apart from he wasn't that good at all and struggles in the MDL) I witnessed him having a right old hissy fit at his dad one time and throwing things around in the pits. I was thinking if I was his dad I'd be giving the little sh*t a good clip round the ear and be selling his equipment the next day. 

[Neila]

First of all fingers crossed that the comets will continue.

On the thoughts of one big league or more meetings, from what I see both personally at tracks, and on various TV broadcasts, most clubs, probably bar Ipswich and Poole seem to struggle for crowds, a lot look very poor, even belle Vue with their 2 superstar GP riders. So if you have more meetings it leads to potentially more losses? Can the clubs afford this, then you have the TV/TNT money to be shared among more clubs, personally I can't see one big league . But something has to change, going weeks without speedway is no good for anyone, the fixtures need to be home one week away the next, then you have 2 or 3 home fixtures a month 

[Sings4Speedway]

18 minutes ago, JamesHarris said:

I remember when I was involved in the junior speedway scene back in the 2010's and know exactly what you're talking about. Robert Lambert and Max Clegg always turned up with top equipment and looked the part. They could get away with that because they were good. It was obvious Lambert was going to something special. Then we had other kids turn up thinking they were the next Darcy Ward or Tai Woffinden with the attitudes to go with it. You could say all the gear and no idea. One lad who I won't name thought he was gods gift to speedway (apart from he wasn't that good at all and struggles in the MDL) I witnessed him having a right old hissy fit at his dad one time and throwing things around in the pits. I was thinking if I was his dad I'd be giving the little sh*t a good clip round the ear and be selling his equipment the next day. 

Could be argued though that a rider who doesn't have a strop now and again is a rider who doesn't care......

Yes there are plenty of "emerging" riders who want to look/play the part but promotions also have to share some of the burden as are they looking for well turned out kit and team in matching gear or a scruffy oik who is quick......lets be honest the scruffy oik is going to have to be twice as quick to get noticed.

There always has and will be riders who also just enjoy the sport, want a team place because thats the next step and any money they get back is a bonus towards their hobby. The opinion that every rider is a ruthless mercenary is something that fans have sensationalised.  

[truthsayer]

20 minutes ago, Neila said:

then you have the TV/TNT money to be shared among more clubs

This assumes TNT are paying for the privilege to show the sport.

I strongly doubt they pay anything. If anything, the sport is probably contributing to the TV costs.

[tyler42]

10 minutes ago, Sings4Speedway said:

es there are plenty of "emerging" riders who want to look/play the part but promotions also have to share some of the burden as are they looking for well turned out kit and team in matching gear or a scruffy oik who is quick......lets be honest the scruffy oik is going to have to be twice as quick to get noticed.

You;ve hit the nail on the head. The days when the bike and leathers were 2nd hand have long gone, but also young riders of today are safe in the knowledge that thier team spots are safe due to the lake of riders. Back in the day, if you had a couple of bad meetings, there was always another rider the club would give a go. btw, You talk about scruffy oiks. A  certain young lad who went on to be one of the best. Started out with an old weslake Tatty pair of 2nd hand leather. He would have been laughed at by all these youngster today with the big vans and 3 bikes and mechanics to boot! His name was Joe Screen!!

[SteelShoe]

1 hour ago, Neila said:

First of all fingers crossed that the comets will continue.

On the thoughts of one big league or more meetings, from what I see both personally at tracks, and on various TV broadcasts, most clubs, probably bar Ipswich and Poole seem to struggle for crowds, a lot look very poor, even belle Vue with their 2 superstar GP riders. So if you have more meetings it leads to potentially more losses? Can the clubs afford this, then you have the TV/TNT money to be shared among more clubs, personally I can't see one big league . But something has to change, going weeks without speedway is no good for anyone, the fixtures need to be home one week away the next, then you have 2 or 3 home fixtures a month 

Most Championship clubs fans want more meetings to reduce weeks of inactivity. If clubs are afraid to run more meetings because of increased losses then the business model ain't working.  Don't see anything wrong with sharing TV money among more clubs. The costs of running a speedway team need a reset to something more coverable by level of attendance at most clubs.

[THE DEAN MACHINE]

1 hour ago, truthsayer said:

This assumes TNT are paying for the privilege to show the sport.

I strongly doubt they pay anything. If anything, the sport is probably contributing to the TV costs.

They are paying the clubs but it isn’t a fraction for what a major company like discovery should be paying for a sport like speedway of which if they did the sport would be in a better financial state that it’s on now 

[truthsayer]

10 minutes ago, SteelShoe said:

Don't see anything wrong with sharing TV money among more clubs

I think it's so cute you guys think there's such a thing as 'TV money'!

[piston197]

1 hour ago, tyler42 said:

You;ve hit the nail on the head. The days when the bike and leathers were 2nd hand have long gone, but also young riders of today are safe in the knowledge that thier team spots are safe due to the lake of riders. Back in the day, if you had a couple of bad meetings, there was always another rider the club would give a go. btw, You talk about scruffy oiks. A  certain young lad who went on to be one of the best. Started out with an old weslake Tatty pair of 2nd hand leather. He would have been laughed at by all these youngster today with the big vans and 3 bikes and mechanics to boot! His name was Joe Screen!!

 Tony Atkin, probably the last of the full time speedway riders to have a full time job throughout his career in both speedway and Grasstrack

Tony Atkin - Speedway-stats.co.uk

Tony Atkin

Born Chester, Cheshire, 8th April 1966

Top Grass-track exponent who was British 350cc champion before having initial shale outings at Stoke in 1986. Returned to the speedway circuits in 1993 at Wolverhampton where he held down a reserve berth for much of the season, and played a similar role when moving to Bradford last term. Made his Owlerton debut on August 18, 1994 when finishing runner-up (12 points) to Peter Scully in the Young Guns Individual meeting. Joined Sheffield on the eve of the season. Off-track he runs an office cleaning business in his home town.

[mikebv]

2 hours ago, Neila said:

First of all fingers crossed that the comets will continue.

On the thoughts of one big league or more meetings, from what I see both personally at tracks, and on various TV broadcasts, most clubs, probably bar Ipswich and Poole seem to struggle for crowds, a lot look very poor, even belle Vue with their 2 superstar GP riders. So if you have more meetings it leads to potentially more losses? Can the clubs afford this, then you have the TV/TNT money to be shared among more clubs, personally I can't see one big league . But something has to change, going weeks without speedway is no good for anyone, the fixtures need to be home one week away the next, then you have 2 or 3 home fixtures a month 

Two matches per monthly salary max for me...

More than that and you are asking maybe too much for many who are currently financially stretched....

To make a significant change in your life it takes 28 days of doing something/not doing something, and this then becomes "normal", and Speedway with all its gaps between meetings certainly isn't helping itself.... 

NB. Which is also why one off "build it and they will come" cheap tickets/free ticket meetings don't work...

You need to entice people for several weeks for it to become "normal" for them to attend...

It is folly from a marketing angle to expect them to suddenly become regulars after a one off visit...

Edited July 3, 2025 by mikebv