ouch Posted April 29 Report Share Posted April 29 10 hours ago, mikebv said: 24 years ago... You had Sky Sports coverage, usually a match per week, and around a million quid put into the league a season by them.. Meaning Sky Sports News showed highlights on top of the live action, which was often on SS1.... The largest Sports Channel on the planet even sponsored the league via their Skybet arm... You also had (apart from Mr T Gollob), the worlds best 20 or so riders riding over here... Riding on nights that clubs could engage their largest crowds. which meant Wednesday racing, Friday racing, and Saturday racing in the Elite League... A very different offering than what we have today... So if we get all the above back it will create meaning in meetings? Televised speedway ran along side the sports biggest demise in decades. I’m not saying it’s the reason for it but neither will it be the saviour to have it back. Coming from you, the comment about top stars is confusing given your repeated suggestion that they don’t matter. With regards racenights between then and now, for every Wednesday, Friday or Saturday club there were and are Monday & Thursday clubs. Touting Wednesday as a speedway night again is at odds with your previous thinking where weekends are the goal. As with a lot of stuff on here when suggesting ideas to take the sport forward we get confusion and contradiction when drilling down to the fine detail. “First out of the gate always wins” was the common complaint from folk when speedway was mentioned. As a sport we have leaned into this rather than rail against it making the sport tedious & boring and we have continually charged more for people to “enjoy” it. I’ve more than halved my attendance of the sport due to this but that’s better than most how have reduced theirs by 100%. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted April 29 Report Share Posted April 29 (edited) 1 hour ago, ouch said: So if we get all the above back it will create meaning in meetings? Televised speedway ran along side the sports biggest demise in decades. I’m not saying it’s the reason for it but neither will it be the saviour to have it back. Coming from you, the comment about top stars is confusing given your repeated suggestion that they don’t matter. With regards racenights between then and now, for every Wednesday, Friday or Saturday club there were and are Monday & Thursday clubs. Touting Wednesday as a speedway night again is at odds with your previous thinking where weekends are the goal. As with a lot of stuff on here when suggesting ideas to take the sport forward we get confusion and contradiction when drilling down to the fine detail. “First out of the gate always wins” was the common complaint from folk when speedway was mentioned. As a sport we have leaned into this rather than rail against it making the sport tedious & boring and we have continually charged more for people to “enjoy” it. I’ve more than halved my attendance of the sport due to this but that’s better than most how have reduced theirs by 100%. The top stars do bring in crowds, if the infrastructure around them generates interest. Hence I have paid nearly three hundred quid for two nights of Speedway at the NSS in June.. However, they also need to be (at least) cost neutral, which when Sky gave the sport circa one million a season, they were. (They took most of the money)... Nowadays, with lower crowds, and no TV money, I would question whether having them in the league over here is cost effective, particularly when hardly any marketing budget is then available.. As for the nights to race on, running on Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri and Sat was ideal for those top tier tracks whose long held traditional night wasn't just a weekend... Poole is an example in the UK whose race night is paramount to their business plan, regardless of the infrastructure around which league they are in.... And Plymouth are an example of moving to a weekend and seeing fantastic growth... That flexibility of "my best night to open" looks like it is key to the sports future.. The racing today is, for me, as good as it ever was. I can look back with those rose tinted glasses and remember my all time hero, Peter Collins, 50 years ago, winning every race, on the line, after passing all three opponents around the outside, at Hyde Rd... The reality of course was "PC" won around seven races in ten by half a straight or more, given he was that good, and often rode against two point average make weights... The difference being that there was well over 10,000 other people in the stadium with me, making noise, with, at least, 500 or so from the opposition... 50,000 at a Cardiff GP was a fantastic event to be at, the racing however wasnt ever much above OK.. Somehow the UK version of Speedway needs to generate crowds, (with plenty of away fans), to generate atmosphere. Which then generates engagement and repeat visits.. That would be a game changer and a whole new future... Edited April 29 by mikebv 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulnolan Posted April 29 Report Share Posted April 29 Feels odd to be chipping in here before my club has even raced a meeting but it strikes me that, leaving aside the quality of the racing, regularity is one of the key things to attract and keep a crowd. Let's take Northampton as an example. The beginning of April to the end of September is 6 full months. Let's say they want 12 home meetings, as this season. It would make all the sense in the world to divide the league into 3 Monday tracks and 3 Thursday tracks. If Northampton is a Thursday track, they should run the first and third Thursday of every month. That leaves the second and fourth Thursdays for away at the 2 other Thursday tracks - let's say Ipswich and Sheffield - and rain-offs, with Mondays free to go away to the 3 other tracks. That way the local fans know exactly when there will be speedway at Brafield, and the casuals will know it's the first and third Thursday of the month. The season can extend into October for play-offs if needed, and begin in March for pre-season action if desired. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE DEAN MACHINE Posted May 15 Report Share Posted May 15 This is basically the angle that British speedway needs to adopt, getting the message over that the general social aspect of speedway on both sides of the fence is an asset to society and not pander to the few inconvenienced few Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enotian Posted May 15 Report Share Posted May 15 52 minutes ago, THE DEAN MACHINE said: This is basically the angle that British speedway needs to adopt, getting the message over that the general social aspect of speedway on both sides of the fence is an asset to society and not pander to the few inconvenienced few How is it an asset to society atm though? It get's a few pensioners out for a couple of hours every week or so? Or it allows semi wealthy businessmen to avoid some tax? Of course you're completely correct it absolutely should be but it isn't, How does it become an asset to society? Well how about trying to reduce some of societies woes? There's lots of anti social behaviour involving youths and motorised bikes and/scooters. Why not work with the authorities to give these kids an opportunity to channel their need for speed and danger? You'd probably attract grant funding towards equipment and training costs. Sounds like wokery and to be fair some of these kids just need to be disciplined but maybe just maybe some of these kids just need an opportunity. Teach them bike maintenance, transferable skills, The GB Newsers will scream rewarding bad behaviour and/or training them to be more of a menace etc but if speedway gets some social benefits it makes it so much more difficult to be removed. Hey you might even end up unearthing some talent or at least some future supporters. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teromaafan Posted May 15 Report Share Posted May 15 28 minutes ago, enotian said: How is it an asset to society atm though? It get's a few pensioners out for a couple of hours every week or so? Or it allows semi wealthy businessmen to avoid some tax? Of course you're completely correct it absolutely should be but it isn't, How does it become an asset to society? Well how about trying to reduce some of societies woes? There's lots of anti social behaviour involving youths and motorised bikes and/scooters. Why not work with the authorities to give these kids an opportunity to channel their need for speed and danger? You'd probably attract grant funding towards equipment and training costs. Sounds like wokery and to be fair some of these kids just need to be disciplined but maybe just maybe some of these kids just need an opportunity. Teach them bike maintenance, transferable skills, The GB Newsers will scream rewarding bad behaviour and/or training them to be more of a menace etc but if speedway gets some social benefits it makes it so much more difficult to be removed. Hey you might even end up unearthing some talent or at least some future supporters. Perhaps the next Jason Garrity is out there just waiting for an opportunity? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainB Posted May 16 Report Share Posted May 16 9 hours ago, Teromaafan said: Perhaps the next Jason Garrity is out there just waiting for an opportunity? ... or Jesper B Jensen (Monberg) 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enotian Posted May 16 Report Share Posted May 16 11 hours ago, Teromaafan said: Perhaps the next Jason Garrity is out there just waiting for an opportunity? I deliberately made no reference to him in my post knowing someone would. Inevitably if you engage with people from troubled backgrounds or with mental health issues you'll be witness to unacceptable behaviour as none of these types of programme are 100% successful. Wouldn't it be nice if someone like Garrity (there are others who have also been troubled) could give something back to the sport and society by trying to help some kids who are on the wrong path? I dare say it would be good for him/them, good for the sport, good for the kids, good for society. Or you can just be like GB News and catastrophise the negative. Live in fear or live in hope. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted May 16 Report Share Posted May 16 (edited) 15 minutes ago, enotian said: I deliberately made no reference to him in my post knowing someone would. Inevitably if you engage with people from troubled backgrounds or with mental health issues you'll be witness to unacceptable behaviour as none of these types of programme are 100% successful. Wouldn't it be nice if someone like Garrity (there are others who have also been troubled) could give something back to the sport and society by trying to help some kids who are on the wrong path? I dare say it would be good for him/them, good for the sport, good for the kids, good for society. Or you can just be like GB News and catastrophise the negative. Live in fear or live in hope. Some of those "Ballied Up" lads can really shift on those e-bikes... Especially when I see them with a white Toyota behind them, flashing some blue lights and blaring out some noise... Watched one kid pull a full locker, left turn, and disappear down a passsge, all in a split second at speed... Get him to the NSS!!!! Edited May 16 by mikebv 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE DEAN MACHINE Posted May 16 Report Share Posted May 16 (edited) 13 hours ago, Teromaafan said: Perhaps the next Jason Garrity is out there just waiting for an opportunity? A good example of the system working was Derick Snedden, criminal in his youth taken to Linlithgow track by the police to see if they could rehabilitate him,went on to have a fairly long career in speedway Edited May 16 by THE DEAN MACHINE 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE DEAN MACHINE Posted May 16 Report Share Posted May 16 Sandwell council with government money is planning a new wheels type project like they had at Birmingham wheels which was sucessful in getting kids of the streets for 40years until corporate money got it’s way, anyway they want a motox track and other wheels facility’s along with maybe workshops to learn kids the basics of the bikes/cars or whatever they ride/drive, anyway speedway was not mentioned in the initial plans but now speedway has had some meetings with Sandwell and they are keen to get it involved, what is encouraging is the government and the council finally seem to understand things like wheels project are needed and are keen to see it go ahead, fingers crossed. Just like to add that the governing body of speedway are not involved in any way because quite frankly they are useless 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted May 16 Report Share Posted May 16 32 minutes ago, THE DEAN MACHINE said: Sandwell council with government money is planning a new wheels type project like they had at Birmingham wheels which was sucessful in getting kids of the streets for 40years until corporate money got it’s way, anyway they want a motox track and other wheels facility’s along with maybe workshops to learn kids the basics of the bikes/cars or whatever they ride/drive, anyway speedway was not mentioned in the initial plans but now speedway has had some meetings with Sandwell and they are keen to get it involved, what is encouraging is the government and the council finally seem to understand things like wheels project are needed and are keen to see it go ahead, fingers crossed. Just like to add that the governing body of speedway are not involved in any way because quite frankly they are useless It's because they need to spend, collectively, seven figures on riders.... No money left .. A Hobby can be expensive... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE DEAN MACHINE Posted May 16 Report Share Posted May 16 4 minutes ago, mikebv said: It's because they need to spend, collectively, seven figures on riders.... No money left .. A Hobby can be expensive... Advice and support costs nothing but as cradley showed when they contacted the governing body when asked questions by their planners, not only were there no answers but they were nigh on impossible to get hold of to which the planners who deal with all sorts of governing body’s from various sports were quite taken back and also what is the problem with sport England and speedway ? I understand they prefer participation sports but they will not touch speedway with a barge pole 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted May 16 Report Share Posted May 16 10 minutes ago, THE DEAN MACHINE said: Advice and support costs nothing but as cradley showed when they contacted the governing body when asked questions by their planners, not only were there no answers but they were nigh on impossible to get hold of to which the planners who deal with all sorts of governing body’s from various sports were quite taken back and also what is the problem with sport England and speedway ? I understand they prefer participation sports but they will not touch speedway with a barge pole Imagine being from a major company dealing with fhem? Or a mainstream TV channel? People used to dealing with progressive professionals.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainB Posted 2 hours ago Report Share Posted 2 hours ago I think it's now abundantly clear that unless you're starting in mid May, due to a global pandemic, a 6 team league is pretty 5hite! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawk127 Posted 2 hours ago Report Share Posted 2 hours ago 16 minutes ago, IainB said: I think it's now abundantly clear that unless you're starting in mid May, due to a global pandemic, a 6 team league is pretty 5hite! Sadly even the most loyal supporters have become disillusioned with the offering and if you look at the lapsed supporters and even those who use to contribute on this forum no longer bothering it sums up why no one bothers any more. A few hardy souls will traipse along to the meetings but for what, a contrived league that holds meetings as and when and if someone is pissing in the wind it is called off because of adverse weather. Where did it all go so wrong. Time for a major reset and focus on young up and coming talent and stop pandering to a few who see the UK as a supplementary income to fund overheads without the need to over do anything apart from turn up at the track. The riders are not to blame but those who employ them are. These guys are contracted to overseas clubs paying top dollar and they are not going to jeopardise everything for a tin pot Monday/Thursday night league with six clubs where the teams are made up of the riders doubling up who are screwing the system by trying to make an annual return out of possibly 20 plus meetings. For the bean counters, work out how many evenings/days they actually race in the UK and then you have an idea of the restricted working pattern with individuals seeking an annualised return that does not stack up if compared to the alarm clock worker who in person in this the country has to graft five plus days a week or more to try and make a decent annual living. You then ask why would they attend a meeting simply to line the pockets of part timers. The sport has lost its way with supporters, sponsors and the trust of many. Fingers crossed someone comes along with ideas to turn it around because as a spectacle and Plymouth can prove it, racing and excitement can prevail, it just takes balls to offer the public what they want when they want it as opposed to the riders. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted 1 hour ago Report Share Posted 1 hour ago Up to the end of May, the top two tiers had used 77 Guests.... With so few meetings too!!!! Imagine trying to sell nonsense like that to any major potential league sponsor who isn't already within the UK Speedway Bubble?.. Is there any way forward for UK Speedway?.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawk127 Posted 1 hour ago Report Share Posted 1 hour ago (edited) 36 minutes ago, mikebv said: Up to the end of May, the top two tiers had used 77 Guests.... With so few meetings too!!!! Imagine trying to sell nonsense like that to any major potential league sponsor who isn't already within the UK Speedway Bubble?.. Is there any way forward for UK Speedway?.. Yes there is a way forward but none of the current crop of club owners are prepared to break rank. It would not be pretty compared to Poland but you could have a decent set up if you offer not just speedway but make the meeting an event with speedway and say short track etc. The same old formula in the UK is different to the rest of Europe and the occasional onlookers who probably take a look on YouTube think there is no cohesion and that in itself shows speedway up as a fragmented sport that is difficult to relate to and comparisons then become difficult. You watch Poland with heat 14 and 15 nominated and then the substitutes etc in those heats whereas in the UK heat 14 is a done deal as far as the programme is concerned and heat 15 follows the Polish format but without the changes. Look at the sport as a form of entertainment and play up to the punter not the throttle jockeys who have little character and cannot be protagonist to wind up the crowd like riders did back in the day. With one or two exceptions, it is going through the motions rather than putting entertainment as a top priority. Sad as it is few do but the exception and one providing excitement is Plymouth who for example the match on Saturday came across on the updates and reading the feedback on the forum as something out of the top drawer so it proves it can be done and I wish I had been at the meeting. Brought back memories of a fine Saturday night at Rayleigh with superb crowds and then during the meeting hearing the results coming through from the other Saturday night tracks and how they affected the league standings. Alas it has gone down hill ever since. Edited 1 hour ago by Hawk127 Spelling errors 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.