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E-mail message from SCS Campaign. EIGHT years after speedway bikes and Formula 1 stock cars last raced at Brandon, our efforts to have the venue reinstated back to its established use as a leading motorsports stadium continue. During those eight years there have been numerous hurdles to overcome and battles to win, and a lengthy process was always likely in a situation where the site owners have their own different aspirations. Matters came to a head over the last two years when a planning application was unanimously refused by the committee members of Rugby Borough Council, and then even more significantly when that refusal was upheld on Appeal by a government-appointed Inspector. Despite the attempts of the applicants to circumvent both local and national planning policy and the clear ongoing need for the site as a motorsports venue, the outcome of the Appeal was that there is no prospect of the site having housing potential, regardless of whether or not a 3G football pitch is added. However, given that the decision was taken nearly a year ago, and there has been little apparent activity since then, many observers have quite reasonably been asking what happens next? In our previous communication over the summer, we made reference to the changing political landscape in the area, and in particular the fact that Rugby Borough Council is now led by Labour, with support from the Liberal Democrats, and with Councillor Michael Moran taking over as Leader. A reminder that the Rugby Labour manifesto states: “By 2035 a Labour-led council would ensure that health services meet population needs and that Rugby and the villages have thriving commercial centres where key buildings and venues, such as St Andrews Church and Brandon Stadium, are maintained with pride.” It’s important to note that on the specific matter of Brandon there is cross-party support, and with the formal planning process now exhausted there is a natural window to determine a route forward. So with the Council clearly of the view that Brandon Stadium should exist as exactly that – a stadium – we are pleased to confirm that we have entered into talks with Cllr Moran and the new administration, with the aim being to demonstrate how a viable and sustainable future for the stadium could be delivered. It is already public knowledge that there is significant interest from those who would wish to operate the venue, both for speedway and stock car racing, and several individuals spoke powerfully on this matter at the Appeal. The need for the sports to run at Brandon, and the desire to make it happen, is not in question. What we are currently working on is establishing a clear route to delivery, and an indication of the organisational structure once the venue is operational, and the viability of both of those strands. After eight years it seems almost perverse to ask supporters for patience, but both ourselves as a Campaign Group and the Council are in agreement that it is in nobody’s interest for matters to drag on for any longer than they have to, and substantial work continues to take place in a bid to accelerate matters. We have also been delighted to read confirmation of the plans for the commercial development of British Speedway, and the increase in television viewing and streaming figures, along with the highly impressive social media activity. With the increasing number of top riders competing in the UK, it all enhances the view that British Speedway is in an improving position, and the one thing that would turbo-charge that improvement would be the return of venues which should never have been taken away from the sport in the first place. It has also been most encouraging to follow another successful season of stock car racing, a sport which would receive another boost from the return of one of its most prominent venues. We urge everyone to remain positive and thank you for all the support you have given to help get to this stage, and we will report further as soon as we can.

Crump and Adams you dumped after a year after bringing them over. Doyle and Chris holder both started at I.O.W before Poole and Jack holder started at Plymouth before Poole. As lewy has also pointed out Zack cook started at Plymouth also. So not really invested in the Aussies either, oh dear. So your point is utter nonsense.

League table: 1. Ipswich 2. Belle Vue 3. King's Lynn 4. Sheffield 5. Leicester 6. Birmingham 7. Oxford Play-offs (As selected by Phil Morris in April) Ipswich v Birmingham Belle Vue v Newport Winners: Newport

The decision itself is not a huge surprise. I went to every Cardiff GP from 2001 to this year's, and 2024 did have the feel of a final visit. However, the way it's been handled stinks. If they had doubts about viability, then drop Cardiff when they set the calendar. To put it in, allow fans to arrange (expensive) accommodation etc, then move the goalposts three months later is a huge own goal.

Whoever signed Brennan last year we’re always going to get the improvement as he was improving year on year and he was on the up. Nothing to do with who he signed for.

Agree with a lot of that. Shouldn't have been on the calendar. BUT...what I strongly suspect is that organisers have to get the calendar out early and Cardiff was dependent upon funding from Welsh Govt. I expect that has been pulled, after all, if it's not attracting numbers and doing good business, then why would you invest tax payer money in it? Once that went, it's not viable. As for Poland, well, that's the reality of where the sport is. It's the only lucrative market for speedway on the planet. He who pays the piper calls the tune. Let's not forget there was a time when the World Final was held in the UK every year and riders qualified for that direct from the British Final. Same situation, different country. I think the best way to process this is to be grateful for the 20 odd years we had at Cardiff. Few of us imagined speedway ever getting back into a major UK stadium after Wembley. It did and it was a joyful experience - particularly 2007.

Breaking news,Poole's first match of the season at championship level is July 2nd 2025.

Yeah, and that’s half of the problem with speedway these days….too expensive for youngsters to get into. Everything’s got to be top notch from day one…..equipment and glamour wise. Gone are the days of picking up an old secondhand machine, strapping it to the back of a car and trying to get second half rides around the country. No mechanics, sponsors or fancy vans in them days and more people were able to have a go.

And sadly that is true! With my Poole hat on Brennan is replaced by Lewi, Brennan is the much better rider, Ben Cook is replaced by Zach or Anders, Ben is a much better rider than those. Poole had to lose 7 points which I don't dispute that is the rules made by all clubs at the AGM. Admission will increase again in 2025 I'm sure for all clubs as costs have increased. But anyone that tells me the team coming to tapes in 2025 and the one that finished 2024 at Poole is a better product are living in a different universe. It is a weaker product on offer, I will still go but please don't tell me its the same or better as it isn't! Back to Glasgow if the team is as predicted, they will start as favourites for 2025. Entertaining team that will put a show on for the fans on a great race track. Good luck in 2025

Not a high bar set there.

Sad day, really sad. The 3 home wins were as good as atmosphere as I can ever remember at any sports event Ive been to, Bomber in 2007 in particular. With regards to this being 'inevitable' I understand that but why was it ever put on the calendar? Its inexcusable really is. This lot keep making bold promises they do not keep and we now have a series in sub par stadiums with the only 2 riders that have a chance of beating BZ not allowed in the series its been a shambles. The business model is be propped up by Polish money and therefore they dictate what goes on. There will be a minimum 3 permanent Polish riders from 2026 onwards, will be 3-5 Polish GPs minimum, the PMZ will block Artem and Emil ever getting back into the series and unless a very wealthy individual decides they want to stage a GP in another country we will see no new venues. WBD have delivered on pretty much zero that they promised and its not a great surprise as I would assume none of them had even heard of speedway pre 2021...

I can't help but feel sorry for Cardiff, especially all of those good folk who have already booked up accomodation, transport etc. Bit of a kick in the teeth really. As a Belle Vue fan, I am, of course, very pleased a Grand Prix has been given to Belle Vue, but Cardiff has really done very well for Speedway over the years. We should be very grateful to them. A very sad decision for me.

Not a word about the thousands who have booked hotel rooms/travel etc If there was any doubt about the viability of the event why announce the date? Shambolic

A massive hat tip to the Bandits promotion and to Mr Dickson for getting us out of a sticky situation after it appeared Rory was unable to return. Cook and Kildemand are rivals to any top 2 in the league and in Borke, Hagon and Kemp we have some exciting talent which is sure to improve. An exciting season to look forward to for sure and I for one think this team is the business.

Panic stations at Wimborne Road since Glasgow announced their line-up.

He moved to Paisley.

He's gonna say that though isn't he? It's a very generic thing to say when you've signed for a team. He's not gonna say 'despite the team looking sh ite I decided to sign anyway'

Rubbish... I am 82 and can use computers as well as the next vheytrsndhfg....

Never any surprise in Poole not supporting youth development but happy to cherry pick the work of others.

poor post .

Regarding Jye, Berwick’s loss is most certainly Workingtons gain and he is a far better rider than his 4.98 average suggests. I’d fancy him to put at least a point on that and prove any doubters wrong. Those who “bagged” on Jye at Berwick were a vocal minority and I know that the large majority of Bandits faithful are disappointed he has left and will be sure to give him a rousing reception on his return to Sheilfield Park, I have no doubt he will “haunt” Berwick with a number of strong scores against not only us but every team in the league. He was a fantastic servant to the club and I can only wish him well for his season at Workington.

Probably not a popular opinion but I've thought for a while now that the speeds of the modern speedway bike are no longer suited to Cardiff and any of the other indoor tracks. The circuits are just too small and tight. I'm sure Hancock said in an interview this year that you have to have a separate bike set up just for these tracks. The indoor stadium tracks are all about prestige and putting speedway in the limelight I suppose but just stick to proper circuits. I've been to Cardiff a couple of times and it was more about the atmosphere than the racing. Had some good times but I think the time is right to move the GP elsewhere though I do think a double header at Belle Vue is stupid.

Sorry, that's ludicrous. Harris' win in 2007 and Rickardsson's wall of death in 2005 are among the most iconic moments in GP history

Great to mark and the volunteer team widening the back straight track between bends 2 and 3. also agreed a 5 year lease with the land owners so really good news for Plymouth speedway. no matter what anyone says mark deserves huge credit for keeping Plymouth speedway alive and improving on the track. Along with I believe a new 500 club package for hospitality members on bend one.

For those moaning that Poole don’t have an NDL team. Contact Matt or Danny Ford, tell them you are willing to put together a NDL team at Wimborne Road. Tell them you are prepared to cover all expenses, from stadium rental to paying the riders and getting the programs printed, to paying the BSPA for officials, to the advertising of the meetings. You keep all the gate money. And pay for the shortfall. If there’s a profit it’s happy days! If it’s a loss, you dig into your savings. What’s not to like? Go for it!

Worst kept secret in Speedway William going to Poole, must be very exciting for the Poole fans to have secured such a precocious young talent. Do find it a bit contrived that a club that appears to do very little to develop young speedway talent professes that William feels Poole is the best place for him to develop and improve with a focus on providing him with the support , guidance, and environment he needs to thrive without undue pressure. Wonder how Max Perry views this.

Happy birthday to Dennis McCleary who`s service to Berwick Speedway and Berwick Rangers over the decades has been incredible.

It's this kind of sensible forward thinking that this forum isn't used to.

Always knew a Ben Basso average reduction to a 5 was on the cards.

Could call it Cinder. I'll get me coat . 😀

Perhaps a change of name to the Poole Parasites?

What a knobhead

Was just scanning through Oxfords site.... Schroek won manager of the year? That has to be a wind up? Cami must be a certainty next year 🤣

Honestly, I'm probably gonna eat my words in years to come, but I don't get all the hype behind Ashton. Yeah he's extremely talented on a bike for his age, but his attitude and the way he rides... I just can't see him developing into anything too crazy. Yeah he might eventually be a heatleader at Championship level, but I just honestly can't see past that. He reminds me a lot of Lewis Bridger. Bags of talent at a young age, but I just don't see him hitting full potential. I really like Glasgow and I hope it pays off for them, and it probably will, but he's not the next Bewley, Lambert, Woffinden in my eyes. I know it sounds stupid saying this already at his stage in his career, and I do hope I'm wrong... I just don't feel it with him, like I did when I first saw Robert Lambert and Dan Bewley ride, and I just can't explain why...

Not seen it advertised by the club yet, but seen on Niels Instagram that his testimonial will be the season opener at Lynn on 16/03 (3pm start). Well deserved for a Stars legend. Hopefully the weather is kind and I imagine he’ll assemble a good field considering his standing in the sport. Sure they will be plenty of GP boys looking for track time at the start of the season.

Increased his CMA by 2.81 this year, super enthusiastic personality, interacts well with fans especially youngsters, captains the side again in 2025, presents himself well in tv media interviews e.g. BSN et al, and now asked back for his fourth year such is his perceived value to the club. A very positive character is Paco whose influence is bound to rub off on younger riders. If Paco is an example of an overrated rider by some, then others may say we need more Pacos in the sport.

On that rationale the GP's would be the best racing you can watch but in reality how often is that the case? No doubting that the track craft of world class riders on a decent track can produce brilliant racing but any riders of similar ability can produce that, i certainly don't buy that higher levels is required to produce excitement, in fact lower grades can add to unpredictability which brings anticipation in different ways.

I come down from newport many times in a year to devon, this track is my fix for live speedway so I can't complain about anything I'm glad I can see speedway hope they do well

You can’t say that you’ll have the tigers Mafia after you now. Nobody goes there for that reason apparently.

That looks a right entertaining side from Berwick, hopefully they can have a injury free season they deserve a bit of luck.

I'd argue at this point Berwick need to do what's best for them. You've got Hodder who let's be honest, there was plenty of times where he could've been dropped, but Berwick stayed loyal and kept him in the side, and for what? For him to jump ship to Glasgow the following year. And again, offered Ablitt a place and he's shot them down because it's too far to travel. I don't think Dayle is the best signing. But at the same loyalty goes a long way. If he can score above a two point average and show some commitment to the cause then it's a much better move for them than to have a rider to leave after a year.

Glasgow's heat leaders = 23.70 Poole's heat leaders = 23.16 Not that much difference 🥴

Oh get over yourself you miserable git

Crikey, there won't be a better 1-5 in the league that's for sure. Some job by the Glasgow promotion, if that team won't excite fans up and down the country in the Championship this season then none of them will. Fair play to the team up there, exciting times for Tigers fans

Just announced Magic back for spires

This miserable post receiving one, never mind three likes, is wild.😂 It’s a natural emotion. People feel excitement at the prospect of something they enjoy or find rewarding. Wait only adds to the excitement. Don’t get me wrong, I’m exaggerating with the daily “Announce Boughen” posts, but the day I feel no excitement at the prospect of Glasgow’s line-up being announced is the day I stop going to the speedway. It’s a tremendous aspect of the sport, team building. In any sport, for that matter. Regardless of whether we know who the seven will be too. For example, I know my wife’s making turkey dinosaurs and alphabetti spaghetti for dinner tonight and have done all week, but I’m still excited.

Glasgow will be running a NDL level Glasgow select team in 2025 with the focus being entering the League in 2026. Andrew Meredith & Gordon Mcdonald will be the team managers, and will be running 'friendlies', individuals & challenge events. After each event all riders from both teams will be given track time after the meeting to allow them to work on things that they may have struggled with while racing. Glasgow will be looking at running on a Sunday for NDL level racing ,with Glasgows track staff running practise days to help with the team funding. Where Glasgow has fallen behind in youth development, 2025 should see a significant change to that.

It is a strange one,I guess some fans are fans of winning, and some are fans of speedway.

And why does this concern you what he gets. Or is it because it’s Glasgow that you have to make comment about something that is A. Nothing to do with you. B. Nothing to do with you. C. Still nothing to do with you. I just love that this annoys you .