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perhaps with the wolves link schlein/heeps could persuade masters to come on a 28 day to begin with and then if danny is fit can return or maybe sam would stay on if not

Very entertaining meeting against the Tigers with all the ingredients that can make speedway such a great sport worthy of a much bigger audience. No lack of effort by any rider from either team . Harris tried his nuts off but just couldn't find a win against a very resolute home side . Richie Worrall had a couple of great scraps with Rene Bach with honours even. Claus was solid again, nearly had Ty Proctor tasting the paint on the fence in heat 15 in a very hard move which resulted in handbags after the race. Starky kept plugging away, was also on the end of a hard racing move by Nicolai in heat 7 and expressed his displeasure after the race.. Was also involved in the first half point score i've ever entered on a speedway programme in heat 11 after hunting down Mason over the four laps, we actually thought he nicked it on the line. James Sarjeant again won the reserves race after Mason was just spinning up off the line and unable to reel him in. For the Comets the boys were solid throughout but it was the performance of Rene on a reportedly new engine that gave most satisfaction, he will be much happier with that i'm sure. It was good to see Ty return with no obvious ill effects and 3 good wins to boot. He wasn't happy with the referee in heat 5 when it looked as though the Tigers pair got a flier and he ended up biting the dust on turns 3 & 4 playing catch up. The home 5-1 and two 4-2's in heats 8 through 10 turned a 2 point deficit into a 6 point lead which the Comets never relinquished. It will be great to see the full seven back in action and disappointing Nicolai and Rene won't be available for the Fours. Thanks to all the Tigers fans who made the journey, must have been very disappointing to not get something from the meeting.

I never ever ever thought I would say this but I'm on the verge of giving up on league speedway altogether. The sheer stupidness of those promoting the sport is staggering. After 20+ years of speedway on TV they STILL haven't managed to grasp the basic concept that it's vital to make it look like a place to be. £10 entrance should be a mandatory requirement. Before long TV matches would become looked forward too, not dreaded by those attending. Why? Not just the reduced entrance, but a bigger crowd means a better atmosphere which in turn means an average race seems like a good one, a good one a great one and so on. Then of course those watching will get a much better impression. But no, show it in front of sparse crowds which drills the message home to the sheep... nothing to see here.

Was good to see craig cook in the pits with kyle and offering advice after match with kyle having a practice , he is well on the pace just needs one win and he will be lifted.

I would see the difference is clear from the meeting listings I have posted. After all, its the same engines at all the above tracks isn't it ? If that's the case, why is it that those engines cause 3 or 4 fallers and no injuries in 15 heats at almost every NL track and then 13 fallers and 3 injuries in 10 heats at Stoke ? Do they suddenly disastrously misbehave when they get to Staffordshire ? Or is it quite simply that the track is in such dreadful condition there that even the best and most experienced riders in the NL can't stay on ? Bluntly, its insulting, unsubstantiated and unjustifiable to claim that the carnage at Stoke the other night was caused by rider incompetence and, worse, it attempts to deflect the blame away from a club absolutely notorious for their shoddy practices.

We have a new angry aussie the last one was mal in the 70s welcome ty the new angry aussie.he was well stuffed in the last heat where as nic and harris both rode hard but left room for for others to ease off or give it a go .

Shouldn't they be questioning people who DON'T go?

Slightly concerned that Poole might get a point out of this??? so I’ll go for 89-1.

No what I’m saying is if different engines and to a point tyres were used then even inexperienced riders would cope no matter what the track was like , the modern engine just isn’t fit for the purpose, as I said in an earlier post if you put NL riders out at Cardiff after 10 heats when the ruts apear it would be carnage, unless it’s smooth and dry they are a pig to handle ,speedway needs to address this problem which is far bigger than one track which you clearly have issues with

Are Poole fans really that fickle? One poor season and everyone stops going? Swindon didn’t win the league for 45 years but we’re still going. Stop sounding like a load of spoilt brats, and support your riders. Kurtz and Grajczonek will come good, even if you don’t win it this year.

Nothing to do with 2010. I took a break two years ago due to too much work and the forum was an unnecessary distraction. Wasn’t posting the year Pirates beat Belle Vue in the final.

You could always arrange a challenge against Glasgow not as though were down much and keeps your eye in .

so apparently the bspa are not happy that our season has been poor so far due to the fixture list we were told last night Workington and other clubs have been asked or told to try and rearrange some fixtures dispite 1 or 2 clubs been already offered dates to reschedule which they have turned down looks like Workington gonna struggle again to fit in fixtures I wonder if some of the fixtures the bspa want rearranged don't suit certain teams and they want a date that does suit them when Workington have riders missing now come on bspa and all other teams start to play fair whats wrong are you now scared Workington are a force to be reconed with as apposed to the team that most wrote off and slagged off as no hopers pre season

I'm sure everyone in speedway has issues with Stoke I'd they have any sense, their promotion have been a shambles for years and the track problems have come to a very dangerous head now. They should have their licence revoked until such a time that the BSPA / SCB are satisfied that the place is safe enough for racing. I'm sure your views on modern bikes hold water but in this particular case they are of very little consequence otherwise Stoke wouldn't be the only track with their problems.

Pretty much the point I was making... Your crowds are very good (up against a pretty poor Sport average admittedly)... (And obviously when you are winning). The problem you have though I would suggest is Matt will budget his income on a certain base crowd level which he would guestimate being linked to success... The success he would have expected to be delivered given the team he put together.... I would suspect therefore his calculations were based on an expected better set of results, hence no 'breaking the bank' to bring in any World Class rider or any up and coming young 'four point superstar' which he has done so many times successfully in the past.... To Matt it has always been a business.. And quite rightly he cuts his cloth accordingly.. Those fickle fans staying away (which given their crowd numbers, Poole clearly have more than most), therefore cannot moan if he doesn't put his hand in his pocket and take risks with the overall business. .

Remember one in the seventies, 34.5 to 43.5, Scunthorpe I think it was back in the day's of 13hts and Ken McKinley's famous JAP!! There's an old throwback to ponder!!

Slamdunk home win. Lions are carrying too much baggage at the moment.

I thought it was a very decent meeting indeed Some cracking racing - proving once again that passing isn't absolutely necessary, only knowledge that a rider can pass - with a close score line and some handbags thrown in. Vissing left Proctor with nowhere to go, Klindt shunting Starke on to the fence being almost as hard. Improved performance from Bach and Jensen and I thought Bickley was more on the pace.

or a poole win or P.P. or match abandoned.....now all bases are covered

I really didn't get that either. Ok we probably weren't fantastic away from home but as you said we won at Kings Lynn who hadn't lost at home. Last time I checked we were in the top 3.

Good to read Pearson waxing lyrical in the local paper today regarding the TV match at Wolves this week. " The raw noise of the bikes ,the smell of the methanol , and it always looks better with busy terraces, and Monmore always delivers that. In fact Monmore consistently delivers some of the best action on BT sport. While Belle Vue is my favourite Monmore is right up there. All accompanied with a picture of about 12 fans on the home straight. Obviously Nigel has not been to Monmore for a while. In the real world, there is no raw noise anymore, its more of a hum, there is absolutely no smell of methanol, and the terraces are less busy now than they have been in all of the last 90 years. .And as for saying Monmore is "right up there with Belle Vue he is really having a laugh, like comparing apples with pears. Belle Vue is outstanding Monmore is average, occasionally at that.

I don't agree that bad control is a bigger issue than track surfaces. Looking at the most recent meetings at all NL tracks on updates : Belle Vue 2 falls, no injuries, 15 heats. Birmingham 4 falls, no injuries, 15 heats. Buxton, 4 falls, no injuries, 15 heats. Coventry 3 falls, no injuries, 15 heats. Cradley no falls, no injuries, 15 heats. Eastbourne, 4 falls, no injuries, 15 heats. IOW, 3 falls, 1 injury, 15 heats. Mildenhall, 4 falls, no injuries, 15 heats. Plymouth, 8 falls, no injuries 15 heats. The one injury was Adam Roynon, - one of the best and most experienced riders - whose throttle stuck open. Plymouth's track surface was described as 'inconsistent'. And then we have Stoke. 13 falls, 3 injuries, 10 heats. Meeting abandoned due to the state of the track, following meeting cancelled a day before hand due to track issues. The above very much suggests to me that the issue here is not about poor throttle control at all, but a dangerous track surface in which all riders - and not just the young and inexperienced ones(I repeat, Ben Morley fell twice) - were unable to cope.

You mean Ben Morley, one of the NL's top riders ? He fell twice in three races on Saturday. Word I got from IOW was that it was so bad they did not want to send their riders out. Trying to pass the buck and blame riders is not just a cop out, its a sham - and it could be seen as an attempt to get promoters whose tracks are dangerous off the hook. If this were happening everywhere and there were multiple fallers and unacceptable levels of riders leaving stadiums injured as a result of the track surface you might have a point. It isn't, though, and no other track in Britain has a reputation for such incompetence as Stoke - and that's by a long chalk. The sooner the SCB get involved, the better.

Well in the last couple of weeks, 2 Kamikazi rides by 2 riders in about third place, deciding to do a full blast in a straight line have tried it and got hurt. Nowt to do with the track which you might be implying, just stupid tactics at the wrong time. There are 4 laps to each race, but some want it over during the first lap and in the last two weeks 2 riders have learned to think a bit more next time. I could ask how many riders have been badly hurt on the second bend at Owlerton. Incidentally I talked to one of the Sheffield riders tonight after the meeting, and he absolutely loved it.(note to oneself of his name for next year I think)

Ha ha, cheers mate..

As far as I'm aware fixtures were agreed at the start of the season for Workington to run mostly Friday nites July/August, now mid way through the season bspa say that is not possible, IMO speedway in this country is f###d if that's the opinion of the controling body !!!

What happened was that crowds increased significantly in 2016 and 2017. Last year the management said that the average was 1500, which is not enough but compares well against what I would estimate at about 1000 at the dog track. It looks as if the figures are going to be down this year but I think you can put that down to the change of race night. Monday is about the worst night of the week to get people to come out. The main problem is that despite radio and print media advertising most people in the Manchester conurbation are still unaware of its existence. The social media presence has been improved and I'm sure that the are many other things that the promotion can try but the reality is that the type of advertising that would significantly improve the visibility of the club costs far more than is affordable.

1st round on Friday in Daugavpils is scheduled to be shown live on Polish TV on Eleven Sport 1 start time 4.45pm UK time. there is a chance that like last year one sport will be showing the meeting live on the internet with the English commentary team of messrs Rowe and Ermolenko this is TBC

Great away win for Lublin today- they are one serious team this season !!

You have a point. Unfortunately speedway has moved on and left speedway in GB behind. Gone are the days of the 80's when we had all the top stars , who made Britain their first priority, and able to race on the day the home promoter prefers, be that the weekend or in the week. We now have far stronger leagues in Sweden and particularly Poland who now choose when they ride and their riders make it their number 1 priority. Also the modern speedway machine has outgrown the traditional British tracks. Since upright engines and particularly new silencers came in , the size, shape and material used in British tracks is not conducive to provide good close speedway on todays rocket ships. Unfortunately nothing can be done , what we need is about 20 purpose built Belle Vue's , but we all know that's not going to happen. Unfortunately it will probably be a slow , lingering death.

Did notice that Bewley was on Craig Cook bike in Rybnik the other week

What sticks in my craw is that you are attempting to say that this is down to riders, not the track and I'd say that it is difficult to see how that is not a defence of Stoke (as is quoting that rider). You're certainly not condemning a club that had a meeting abandoned due to the surface and who then cancelled their next meeting 24 hours before hand for the same reason and without any adverse weather (unlike everyone else on this thread). Care to do so now? I think we can both agree that as bad a position as speedway is in it would be far worse if such circumstances were a regular occurrence. The rider quote I saw in respect of this meeting described Stoke as a 'sh*thole' (his words, not mine), I know Isle of Wight asked for the track inspection because they did not want to send their riders out and its clear the referee thought the meeting had to be abandoned. That (taking also into account the number of falls and injuries) sounds like the track was not merely rough, but dangerous. There's a difference.

King's Lynn meetings 1400 approx

Definitely a head scratcher. Achilles heal all year has been a lack of punch at both ends of the team. JS returning to some kind of form gives a glimmer of hope, but one heat win from our top 2 over 2 away matches is not going to cut it. Staring down the barrel of just 5 more Tigers meetings at Ashfield this year, surreal.

Correct Incorrect. What do Lakeside do to promote speedway? I live and until recently worked in Swindon. You can go the whole season without see any signs that speedway even exists in the town. Don't get me wrong, the product is now very poor, but don't think it isn't completely within the gift of promoters to address both the quality and attractiveness issues.

I wonder if his sponsor has anything to do with that?

Have to agree. Good entertaining meeting with determined riding from both sides. Great to see Rene looking sharper. When the team all fire together they can beat anyone.

Some, not all have Fords win at all costs atitude.Theres only so many riders to piss of before they say, idiot Ford..

Some good hard racing from both teams tonight. I certainly didn't notice a lack of effort from any Tigers it was just that the Comets were better on the night and in fact are not a bad team on the quiet. It was a shame neither team had their full complement, but it was good to see some actual speedway. Throw in a bit of controversy and a couple of pretend fights complete with handbags and dummies and surely there must have been something there for everyone tonight. Finally, on a night where all the Comets contributed it was good to see Rene back on form with heat 13 being a particular highlight.

And in all fairness he did also say the track was getting better and that it's not always going to be smooth. Interesting that he also said May was right in the whole Wright situation.

didnt see sarj beat mason for the dust .ha ha

Total pie in the sky talk, completely unproven. Take out a further 8-12 top class riders that have ridden here in the past 2 seasons and yet again that mythical list of riders that will fill all team spots is further far from reality. why would you want to exclude ANY rider(s) that want to ride here and have been loyal to British speedway?? Just to weaken the sport here to save it??? That will really work, NOT. By doing that you are ensuring there is not a level somewhere between the Premiership and the Championship because you have totally wiped out the top tier by excluding the bigger names so another flaw pointed out in that idea previously mentioned. No doubt some won’t be happy until we have wiped out the top tier and the lower class is king. Sadly it isn’t. And you will as good as kill it dead by dumbing down the standard. so many reasons as to why a one big league won’t work or isn’t viable. Not enough quality riders, no stars, no crowds. I just hope it isn’t even under consideration unless it’s moving to something like the Danish league of 6 man teams.

Aren't they all Lisa-colette... Aren't they all...

Not riding too well? Are you on about the same team who is undefeated at home and won their last away match at Kings Lynn?

It's not all doom and gloom at Stars meetings, but it's close to it. The problem is apart from R Lambert there hasn't been much to get excited about. The racing isn't great the atmosphere is flat and I have my doubts it will get any better. Speedway is on a slippery slope. Hardly anyone in the village where I live know what speedway is. Years ago 99 people out off 100 in my village knew who Mike Lee was. Now 99 out of 100 don't know who Rob Lambert is.

Yet more impressive scoring from Leon Flint, this time its 16pts in his sides 50-40 win at Belle Vue, I think I`m right in saying that in the next week or so Leon moves from reserve to be the No1 which is quite an achievement when you look at the riders in the Birmingham team who ride regularly in higher leagues.

If Brady and Josh ride like they did last wednesday no chance.

Interesting to hear that Charles Wright’s brother James who has acted as his mechanic this year thought that Charles was “totally out of order” towards Garry May.

The self fulfilling prophecy of what we have today is clearly not down to the fans... Any failing business simply cannot blame the general public for not purchasing it's products.. For the past 20 years or so promoters of Speedway (British Speedway), have been given some fantastic constructive feedback from fans (and more importantly possibly) ex fans who still care.. 24/7 Social media has replaced the way a few fans moaned to each other at trackside, getting more and more disillusioned. Or writing the odd letter to the various magazines that do/did cover the sport airing their frustrations at what they were being served up.. As an example, on this thread 'guests' were mentioned as being in the sport for 40 years plus.. Now domestic League Speedway is shown regularly on National TV and Social Media is rife, you simply cannot get away with such nonsense if you are truly serious in trying to attract a wider audience and to entice them to a 'proper sport'.. Many fans, and ex fans, have said this for many years yet (as is their right), British Speedway Promoters have ignored such comments and continued with this policy.. It is irrefutable that the operating and business models of the past 15 to 20 years or so are not fit for purpose as year on year operating costs rise and income dwindles... And let's be honest, it 100% isn't the fans decision to run with these models... Nor is it their fault when they highlight, via their opinions, 'the bleedin' obvious'...

I am very sorry to hear the news. When I wrote my history of Rye House, I spoke to many people involved with the club from promoters and managers to riders and fans. All of them had nothing but praise for Kelvin. He was an absolute hero to many and was undoubtedly Mr Rye House to them. This is a passage from my book that summed up his contribution to Rye House: "On 16 September [1990], in the home match against Glasgow, Mullarkey fell and never again returned to the track. It was a sad end for the Rockets’ most loyal servant. Nevertheless his fifteen year career as a Rye House rider had been a wonderful example to other riders. His exuberant never-say-die attitude had been an outstanding feature of the team for ten years. He had been a heat leader for seven years, captain of the team that won the cup in 1979 and the league in 1980 and was responsible for holding the team together in the potentially disastrous 1981 season. His commitment to the team was second to none as his massive tally of bonus points in 1979 and 1980 in particular showed. From September 1975 until he left for Canterbury on loan at the start of the 1983 season, he did not miss a single match for Rye House, racking up a total of 295 consecutive league appearances. In 1989, at the age of 38, he made himself available to answer the call of the club when they were in desperate trouble and did the same again in 1990. There is no doubt that Mullarkey has written himself in to the Rye House record books as the most popular rider ever to wear the Rockets’ colours." Because of this I featured him on the front cover of the book and everyone I spoke to afterwards agreed he was definitely the right choice for the cover. R.I.P. Kelvin and sincere condolences to family and friends.