HGould Posted 5 hours ago Report Share Posted 5 hours ago 15 hours ago, Teromaafan said: And just how many people do you think are prepared to spend this amount of time travelling to watch speedway on a regular basis? exactly! Weekend has definite possibilities Monday / Thursday YUK The other elephant in the Room BRANDON! Brandon reopens, that surely kills Northampton stone dead! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted 5 hours ago Report Share Posted 5 hours ago 7 hours ago, Bagpuss said: Plymouth? Whatever Mark Philips is doing down there, others need to follow suit. Running on a Saturday and not a Tuesday is a major improvement..... Plenty of young kids (and obviously those who pay for them), now in attendance that wouldn't be there on a Tuesday... When they are there you can engage them so they pester their parents and guardians to return... Difficult to do that when they are at home getting ready for school/nursery on Wednesday morning... I presume Stox don't run on normal Mondays and Thursdays for a reason...? Around a quarter of a million people live in and around Northampton so a pretty big target market for a completely new venture to try and attract... Getting around "1 in 200" (0.5%), or so, to attend regularly will be the aim I would imagine, with visitors from surrounding tracks, and ex tracks, an hour or so away being some added extra income to chase.... Surprised tbough at the secrecy to be honest given, ordinarily in business, you would want "the world to know" who you are, what you are doing, and when you will be open.. Difficult to build hype when no one knows about you... (Just like can be said for the sport in general isn't it?)... Best of Luck to All involved.. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phannan Posted 5 hours ago Report Share Posted 5 hours ago Let’s hope it’s a huge success for Northampton if they do indeed run. Maybe that will have some sort of knock on effect for the powers that be at the likes of Swindon, Coventry , Wolverhampton etc , to solve the ongoing problems they face in returning. A success story to relate to can only help in their causes in some way. What will never help though is the powers that be that run our sport and the atrocious way they treat their customers. Just expecting them to turn up when they decide to inform them when and where it’s happening . When these clubs see the amateurish way that the sport is run , they surely get nothing but bad vibes about being a part of it. A sport that is only going one way due to the ones that lay the rules and certain clubs that dictate when and what league they will only race in and are allowed to . But that’s another story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spidvej Posted 5 hours ago Report Share Posted 5 hours ago On 2/15/2026 at 7:48 AM, THE DEAN MACHINE said: I was told it’s the same company as taking over Ipswich, could it be a case of they are putting the money up and getting someone else in to run it and maybe the money on offer to run it isn’t a good enough deal to attract a potential management team, with his MotoGP team the GPs and 1 or potentially 2 teams there is no way they could run it themselves, they have been in the GP series 5 minutes and have already cut the riders salaries, it has got to be a case of finances somewhere as both Northampton and the potential buyers both want it, I can’t see anything but failure written all over this, it was going to be a tough sell to the public if it was done back in November but a month before the season and not even the location has been announced, this whole thing smacks of desperation because imo they know they should of tried to make one big league but they dug their heels in for their own self reasons and have now gone too far to back down, I just hope this doesn’t have ramifications for speedway itself if it does backfire Problem is, and it's a big problem for not only Ipswich and / or Northampton, but British Speedway as a whole, especially at this extremely late stage, is that Richard Coleman does not have money at his disposal, he always uses other people's money. The guy wants to be Christian Horner, but is very much a "pound shop" version, playing with other's money. A google search regarding the new owners / investors of the "Tech3" MotoGP team reveals the following: Tech3 MotoGP Investors Pierre Gasly and David Blitzer are part of a broader investor group acquiring Tech3 MotoGP, led by Günther Steiner and IKON Capital. Additional investors include Main Street Advisors (led by Paul Wachter), Bolt Ventures (David Blitzer's firm), SLAM/TRAIL (Gasly's group), and others such as ALK Capital, Penman Holdings’ Barry English, Tom Stafford, Charles de Carvalho, and Dolphin Capital’s Richard Cook. Notice the absence of Richard Coleman as an investor? He may be the team principal, but he is basically "just" an employee as things stand. David Blitzer holds stakes across major leagues as co-managing partner of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), owning the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) and New Jersey Devils (NHL). He has minority ownership in the Cleveland Guardians (MLB, 25% with option for control), Washington Commanders (NFL), and previously Real Salt Lake/Utah Royals (MLS, sold majority in 2025 but retains stake). Blitzer also owns stakes in international soccer clubs via Global Football Holdings, including Crystal Palace (Premier League), FC Augsburg (Bundesliga), Brøndby IF (Denmark), and others like Estoril Praia (Portugal) and ADO Den Haag (Netherlands); additional investments cover Joe Gibbs Racing (NASCAR) and more. Tech3 MotoGP is based in Bormes-les-Mimosas, 65 miles from Marseille, in Provence in the south of France. Also, In the Speedway Star magazine interview dated September 27, 2025, Coleman discussed his new role as FIM Speedway Grand Prix (SGP) promoter from 2026, stating that the budget for the series would be cut compared to previous years, which we now know has cut prize money by around 25% - 30%, with racesuits also falling by the wayside in favour of a return to old style race jackets.. In the article, Coleman highlighted his involvement with the South of France-based Tech3 MotoGP team as Team Principal, noting he would attend some SGP events but not committing to all, amid Mayfield's growing Formula 1 engagements in addition to MotoGP with "Tech3"... While Mayfield Sports Events are viewed by some as saviors for Ipswich Speedway, given the extensive commitments outlined above, how will Coleman manage to fit everything in? He wont - Coleman will rely on SGP hosting tracks and loyal Ipswich staff to operate SGP events and league racing, while prioritising MotoGP. For example, the day after the two SGP events at Belle Vue, there is a round of MotoGP in Hungary, with MotoGP practice happening whilst the SGP is in full flow in Manchester. Wonder where Coleman will be that weekend, and other such clashing weekends? The probable hold up to Mayfield's heavily rumoured takeover at Ipswich? A lack of investment, other's investment funds, as Coleman himself hasnt got the money. The sport will find out he is a Walter Mitty character, who spins a good yarn, but who has as much financial substance as Arthur Daley & Del Boy Trotter ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Irving Posted 4 hours ago Report Share Posted 4 hours ago (edited) 1 hour ago, Spidvej said: Problem is, and it's a big problem for not only Ipswich and / or Northampton, but British Speedway as a whole, especially at this extremely late stage, is that Richard Coleman does not have money at his disposal, he always uses other people's money. The guy wants to be Christian Horner, but is very much a "pound shop" version, playing with other's money. A google search regarding the new owners / investors of the "Tech3" MotoGP team reveals the following: Tech3 MotoGP Investors Pierre Gasly and David Blitzer are part of a broader investor group acquiring Tech3 MotoGP, led by Günther Steiner and IKON Capital. Additional investors include Main Street Advisors (led by Paul Wachter), Bolt Ventures (David Blitzer's firm), SLAM/TRAIL (Gasly's group), and others such as ALK Capital, Penman Holdings’ Barry English, Tom Stafford, Charles de Carvalho, and Dolphin Capital’s Richard Cook. Notice the absence of Richard Coleman as an investor? He may be the team principal, but he is basically "just" an employee as things stand. David Blitzer holds stakes across major leagues as co-managing partner of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), owning the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) and New Jersey Devils (NHL). He has minority ownership in the Cleveland Guardians (MLB, 25% with option for control), Washington Commanders (NFL), and previously Real Salt Lake/Utah Royals (MLS, sold majority in 2025 but retains stake). Blitzer also owns stakes in international soccer clubs via Global Football Holdings, including Crystal Palace (Premier League), FC Augsburg (Bundesliga), Brøndby IF (Denmark), and others like Estoril Praia (Portugal) and ADO Den Haag (Netherlands); additional investments cover Joe Gibbs Racing (NASCAR) and more. Tech3 MotoGP is based in Bormes-les-Mimosas, 65 miles from Marseille, in Provence in the south of France. Also, In the Speedway Star magazine interview dated September 27, 2025, Coleman discussed his new role as FIM Speedway Grand Prix (SGP) promoter from 2026, stating that the budget for the series would be cut compared to previous years, which we now know has cut prize money by around 25% - 30%, with racesuits also falling by the wayside in favour of a return to old style race jackets.. In the article, Coleman highlighted his involvement with the South of France-based Tech3 MotoGP team as Team Principal, noting he would attend some SGP events but not committing to all, amid Mayfield's growing Formula 1 engagements in addition to MotoGP with "Tech3"... While Mayfield Sports Events are viewed by some as saviors for Ipswich Speedway, given the extensive commitments outlined above, how will Coleman manage to fit everything in? He wont - Coleman will rely on SGP hosting tracks and loyal Ipswich staff to operate SGP events and league racing, while prioritising MotoGP. For example, the day after the two SGP events at Belle Vue, there is a round of MotoGP in Hungary, with MotoGP practice happening whilst the SGP is in full flow in Manchester. Wonder where Coleman will be that weekend, and other such clashing weekends? The probable hold up to Mayfield's heavily rumoured takeover at Ipswich? A lack of investment, other's investment funds, as Coleman himself hasnt got the money. The sport will find out he is a Walter Mitty character, who spins a good yarn, but who has as much financial substance as Arthur Daley & Del Boy Trotter ! And here he is again regurgitating the same old crap on various threads. You have a clear agenda here against Richard Coleman for reasons only you know. It’s blatantly personal. Edited 4 hours ago by Steve Irving 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainB Posted 3 hours ago Report Share Posted 3 hours ago 1 hour ago, Spidvej said: The sport will find out he is a Walter Mitty character, who spins a good yarn, but who has as much financial substance as Arthur Daley & Del Boy Trotter ! He seems a perfect fit with British Speedway in its current form then 😁 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted 3 hours ago Report Share Posted 3 hours ago 1 minute ago, IainB said: He seems a perfect fit with British Speedway in its current form then 😁 At least Arthur And Del understood how to sell their products to the public...... There is a new Speedway track opening this year... I believe.... Or so I have read and heard.... Obviously it might be just a rumour... But, it might not... But, then again, it might be... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowboy cookie returns? Posted 3 hours ago Report Share Posted 3 hours ago 1 hour ago, Spidvej said: The probable hold up to Mayfield's heavily rumoured takeover at Ipswich? The hold up was the signing of the lease with spedeworth. That came from 1 official & another unofficial source. The lease Louis had didn’t transfer over to the new owners. No idea what’s going on at Northampton, firstly it’s a massive financial commitment for anyone secondly the promotion would need to have a lease with spedeworth so maybe the same sort of hold up here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aries Posted 2 hours ago Report Share Posted 2 hours ago I don’t really understand people using the fact Mayfield have made cuts at GP level as a stick to beat them with. The product was haemorrhaging money left right and centre. There was hardly a queue of people lining up to take over Warner/Discovery who wanted nothing more to do with it all. Any businessman worth his salt would be making monetary cuts to stem the flow of losses. That’s just common sense isn’t it? Really don’t understand the criticism there at all. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FAST GATER Posted 2 hours ago Report Share Posted 2 hours ago (edited) 14 minutes ago, cowboy cookie returns? said: The hold up was the signing of the lease with spedeworth. That came from 1 official & another unofficial source. The lease Louis had didn’t transfer over to the new owners. These issue are extremely common in commercial leases when a tenant wishes to sell a business the landlord can insist on robust and onerous conditions in simple terms guarantees .This may also include financial remuneration for allowing transfer or a complete new lease . Even the simplest commercial lease depending on the detail can cost a minimum of 3-5 K each party ,I would imagine in this case the costs could be significantly more . Edited 2 hours ago by FAST GATER Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aries Posted 2 hours ago Report Share Posted 2 hours ago 12 minutes ago, cowboy cookie returns? said: The hold up was the signing of the lease with spedeworth. That came from 1 official & another unofficial source. The lease Louis had didn’t transfer over to the new owners. Correct. Not everything has to be a conspiracy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainB Posted 2 hours ago Report Share Posted 2 hours ago 6 minutes ago, Aries said: I don’t really understand people using the fact Mayfield have made cuts at GP level as a stick to beat them with. The product was haemorrhaging money left right and centre. There was hardly a queue of people lining up to take over Warner/Discovery who wanted nothing more to do with it all. Any businessman worth his salt would be making monetary cuts to stem the flow of losses. That’s just common sense isn’t it? Really don’t understand the criticism there at all. As I've said elsewhere if the current crop of riders aren't putting the bums on the seats they can hardly complain if the prize money goes down while competing in half empty (and sometimes completely empty, SWC) stadiums. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainB Posted 2 hours ago Report Share Posted 2 hours ago Just saw this in Northampton town centre... 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WookieboyDon Posted 2 hours ago Report Share Posted 2 hours ago 2 hours ago, Spidvej said: Problem is, and it's a big problem for not only Ipswich and / or Northampton, but British Speedway as a whole, especially at this extremely late stage, is that Richard Coleman does not have money at his disposal, he always uses other people's money. The guy wants to be Christian Horner, but is very much a "pound shop" version, playing with other's money. A google search regarding the new owners / investors of the "Tech3" MotoGP team reveals the following: Tech3 MotoGP Investors Pierre Gasly and David Blitzer are part of a broader investor group acquiring Tech3 MotoGP, led by Günther Steiner and IKON Capital. Additional investors include Main Street Advisors (led by Paul Wachter), Bolt Ventures (David Blitzer's firm), SLAM/TRAIL (Gasly's group), and others such as ALK Capital, Penman Holdings’ Barry English, Tom Stafford, Charles de Carvalho, and Dolphin Capital’s Richard Cook. Notice the absence of Richard Coleman as an investor? He may be the team principal, but he is basically "just" an employee as things stand. David Blitzer holds stakes across major leagues as co-managing partner of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), owning the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) and New Jersey Devils (NHL). He has minority ownership in the Cleveland Guardians (MLB, 25% with option for control), Washington Commanders (NFL), and previously Real Salt Lake/Utah Royals (MLS, sold majority in 2025 but retains stake). Blitzer also owns stakes in international soccer clubs via Global Football Holdings, including Crystal Palace (Premier League), FC Augsburg (Bundesliga), Brøndby IF (Denmark), and others like Estoril Praia (Portugal) and ADO Den Haag (Netherlands); additional investments cover Joe Gibbs Racing (NASCAR) and more. Tech3 MotoGP is based in Bormes-les-Mimosas, 65 miles from Marseille, in Provence in the south of France. Also, In the Speedway Star magazine interview dated September 27, 2025, Coleman discussed his new role as FIM Speedway Grand Prix (SGP) promoter from 2026, stating that the budget for the series would be cut compared to previous years, which we now know has cut prize money by around 25% - 30%, with racesuits also falling by the wayside in favour of a return to old style race jackets.. In the article, Coleman highlighted his involvement with the South of France-based Tech3 MotoGP team as Team Principal, noting he would attend some SGP events but not committing to all, amid Mayfield's growing Formula 1 engagements in addition to MotoGP with "Tech3"... While Mayfield Sports Events are viewed by some as saviors for Ipswich Speedway, given the extensive commitments outlined above, how will Coleman manage to fit everything in? He wont - Coleman will rely on SGP hosting tracks and loyal Ipswich staff to operate SGP events and league racing, while prioritising MotoGP. For example, the day after the two SGP events at Belle Vue, there is a round of MotoGP in Hungary, with MotoGP practice happening whilst the SGP is in full flow in Manchester. Wonder where Coleman will be that weekend, and other such clashing weekends? The probable hold up to Mayfield's heavily rumoured takeover at Ipswich? A lack of investment, other's investment funds, as Coleman himself hasnt got the money. The sport will find out he is a Walter Mitty character, who spins a good yarn, but who has as much financial substance as Arthur Daley & Del Boy Trotter ! Can I ask what bank you work for, to know that "Coleman himself hasn't got the money"???!!! And do they know you are divulging confidential information? I'm sure they won't be too happy. Best get your CV updated...😉 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YeOldPitGate Posted 2 hours ago Report Share Posted 2 hours ago 10 hours ago, Bagpuss said: Plymouth? Whatever Mark Philips is doing down there, others need to follow suit. British based riders and running on a night to suit the fans are probably the two biggest drivers. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted 2 hours ago Report Share Posted 2 hours ago 26 minutes ago, IainB said: Just saw this in Northampton town centre... This isn't an officlal poster... If it was, it would have also said... "And Bring a Friend!".. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted 2 hours ago Report Share Posted 2 hours ago 6 minutes ago, YeOldPitGate said: British based riders and running on a night to suit the fans are probably the two biggest drivers. Who knew that this could work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aries Posted 2 hours ago Report Share Posted 2 hours ago 1 minute ago, mikebv said: This isn't an officlal poster... If it was, it would have also said... "And Bring a Friend!".. And if they followed Sheffield’s lead, “you buy 10 and get NONE free!!” 😁 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted 2 hours ago Report Share Posted 2 hours ago 1 minute ago, Aries said: And if they followed Sheffield’s lead, “you buy 10 and get NONE free!!” 😁 At least they didn't charge for Eleven.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE DEAN MACHINE Posted 1 hour ago Report Share Posted 1 hour ago 1 hour ago, Aries said: I don’t really understand people using the fact Mayfield have made cuts at GP level as a stick to beat them with. The product was haemorrhaging money left right and centre. There was hardly a queue of people lining up to take over Warner/Discovery who wanted nothing more to do with it all. Any businessman worth his salt would be making monetary cuts to stem the flow of losses. That’s just common sense isn’t it? Really don’t understand the criticism there at all. You are describing British premier league speedway there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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