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Poole didn't agree it did they? Didn't they just go ahead and do it regardless? its no good anyway as the riders would have to ride for their inferior 2nd league teams because of the tail wagging the dog rules wise. Bit of over reacting negativity wise though. guest wise etc this season all round has been much better. Its a good time to be a lynn fan. Im enjoying speedway more than i have in many years. Come onto the forum and its full of bs. Don't go! Simple! Lots of people clearly are enjoying it because they keep turning up each week and I'm pretty sure your not missed if you don't! I really don't get the over self importance? Its a rubbish situation but lets make the most we can out of it. At least we know in advance so we can make our choices on attending with that in mind.

When I wrote my booklet, Two Wimbledon Legends, I asked a number of riders for their memories of Ronnie. I think this quote from Alf Hagon sums up Ronnie's skill and contribution to Wimbledon and speedway nicely: “I was Ronnie Moore’s partner at Wimbledon. He was by far the best rider I have ever partnered. He could do anything on a bike. They called him Mirac and he was. He could ride full throttle, half throttle, change directions, tootle round slowly, ride the inside line, ride the outside line. He would even shout instructions at me as we were going round."

This season could have been the best we have witnessed for a long time. Eight teams, all of similar strength and each capable of winning matches. It was even suggested each team had a chance of winning the league. It was to be that competitive. The FIM had opened the door, prioritising our race days, giving us the freedom of fixture planning. The ball was firmly in BSPA's court to make this a season to remember. Then WHAM !! at the AGM , the members take a vote that destroys everything. This vote should never have been sanctioned. The BSPA should have been strong enough to implement the FIM guidelines, and instructed teams that the FRN will be Monday and Thursdays. The fixture schedule would be free to use every week to amply plan the fixtures, even giving allowances for cancellations. That vote on Wed or Thurs, although it was seen only as a preferred race night for CL teams, was in actual fact far greater importance than that. It was a vote on not using Danish riders and riding on a night we have no priority. It was obvious from the outset this could only create problems. Talk about a sport shooting it self in the foot. Here we are with less then a 3 weeks to go, and we still have 22 matches to run. That in its self is an utter farce. There is no way all these fixture will be completed. The first of DH's has been arranged for next week, and because of that vote about priority, there will be riders missing.. If teams are unable to fulfil their fixtures, the season loses all creditability. What could have been a monumental season is destined to end in disaster. All because of that mindless VOTE !!!

They attract reasonable numbers but I would suggest 'net' over a season they just about break even... As teams cram in fixtures, particularly if your team is guaranteed a PO place, you tend to find 300 - 500 give a few meetings a miss due to nothing riding on them, and the cost of lots of meetings within two or three weeks of each other... Then you ride a PO in front of an extra 1000 and think the Play Offs are "a winner"... The added irony is that when teams eventually get a big crowd, that delivers a great atmosphere with something riding on it, they then invariably have no meeting for the next six months until the new season starts..! Speedway's Operating and Business Model....

In answer to your missive, the promoters have failed to give the public what they want. Every year supporters come on here hoping for a change to the product. Broadly, most supporters want the same thing, so why do they continually ignore us? I don’t know of any business that has a business model similar to speedway, well Woolworths, BHS and House of Fraser, might have. Speedway in the 70’s and 80’s was no better than speedway today. I have seen excerpts of You Tube from yesteryear. This blinkered understanding that people passed and repassed is not true. Conversely, I have watched various meetings in Poland and Sweden this season that have been absolute pants. What it tells me is that speedway is the same product then as it is now. The odd good meeting in amongst the usual gate and go. I go every week because I am old romantic . The promoters rely on me and others like me but we are an ever decreasing support base. The various promoters in the various leagues have failed to grasp what is required to drive the sport forward. There is no joined up thinking or thought for the supporter. The presentation, the music, the stadia, the inconsistency of the rules applications by referees and the SCB plus the track preparation in this country is damn right embarrassing (that’s a general statement re tracks as there are one or two that would be exempt). I mean at Swindon on Thursday they trotted out the Spice Girls, a sport where 90% of the supporters are men they played that sh*t. Add in Now 1 and 2 and you have the complete music collection of Swindon speedway. The track was again in a poor state, Troy Batchelor is not everyone’s favourite rider but at least he has a pair and says it how it is. The rules and their interpretations vary from week to week depending on the referee or which promoter is asking the favour. There is no long term plan or strategy. They introduced the draft system, they f*cked that up. Fixed race nights, they introduced that, ballsed that up. They had tv exposure and a decent contract, chucked that down the toilet. Play offs apart, I cannot think of anything that has enhanced the sport in recent times. Everything these fools touch turns to dust. If speedway was a horse, we wouldn’t hesitate...

Having watched him weekly for the last two years, I couldn’t disagree more to be honest.

The point that orion makes about the play offs bringing extra support and keeping the season alive is correct. However the extra numbers through the turnstiles for the playoffs mask the major issues speedway has. Because of the way the sport is set up to run with doubling up etc those new comers come to see the event and not to support the local team as there is no longer any bond between the riders and club and the wider local community. The extra numbers don't turn up again until the club reaches the play offs or a cup final again. Take Ipswich last season Foxhall was packed for the play off final v Peterborough the meeting was fantastic and the atmosphere was superb. That was my 2nd meeting of 2017 I and the old gang and several new comers made our group 21 strong. We couldn't explain to the newcomers that Nicholls had ridden for both teams in the final and that half the Ipswich team also rode for Leicester. This season none of the 21 have returned with the exception of myself who went along on Thursday with a work colleague to see Drew Kemp make his debut. After Thursdays going on its quite clear that in 2018 the riders don't give a s##t about the supporters and the clubs they see it just as a pay cheque. Add that to the shambles the BSPA have made of running the sport in the UK the out of control doubling up and guest situation. The whole thing is a recipe for disaster. The opinion of several on here is that the moaners and those wanting to turn the clock back have been watching speedway for 60 or 70 years and just want the old days back. Well I first went to Ipswich at the age of 11had years of following the team all over the country. As I said I attended twice last year and because of the farce of Thursday rain off ( cook and Schlien hold your heads in shame) have yet to see a meeting this year. I want the sport to become a proper team sport with no doubling up eventually no guests but in the mean time tight controls on guests. I want to see the value for money that used to be 22 or more heats at Ipswich every week circa 1989/1990 so turn the clock back a few years maybe. I'm not some old fuddie Duddie but the guy that the sport needs to win back. I'm 40 years old with 3 kids who I could take to speedway every week that's your next generation right there but I don't have the will to attend or part with my money on a regular basis due to the reasons above. Now those with rose tinted specs who think all is well and that the product is good...... Well there must be thousands like me.

nice to see Stefan Nielsen back for Scunthorpe tonight

Rory 3pts from four rides, did someone spill a cup of tea on the track during the track walk

There's the difference - it used to be that they were speedway meetings, an evening's entertainment, never was there a meeting that "didn't matter"

They have seen a different Rory to me then Has made some great passes and against high quality riders not just those you would expect him to breeze past Of course when you average 9.5+ and have the highest figure in the league that usually means you are out front more often than not and dont require to pass too many times Yes there is the odd time he coasts at the back seemingly not to bother but that has been few and far between as a Witch He does have a reputation for being outspoken. Many times that is good as certain things need saying. Sometimes it will see him singled out. Its all opinions as to when this is fair or not Most think he was wrong on Thursday but on balance he has been a superb addition to the team

Thank you so much! I was wondering the exact same thing! Is the quality of racing really that irrelevant now? Is the desire to follow your team through thick and thin irrelevant now? People still go and watch other sports because they enjoy "watching", and because they enjoy being a part of it. Are speedway fans now that shallow that the result - and the quest for a playoff spot - is the only thing that matters? If that really is the case, there is no hope for civilisation in Britain, let alone speedway... Steve

If he scores a point tomorrow it should be a jovial trip

Good result but very poor meeting. All won from the gate. Was more passing in the junior meeting that followed than the main match.

Exactly! And there are people who choose not too. And that’s fair enough. Each to their own but I just wish they would stop bleating on about it as if anybody cares. Wednesday could still be 2 very good speedway meetings and 6 points. Could also be a train wreck but such is life. Such is speedway.

Scotty gets his first max for us and the rest were gash!

Seeing as you are really aware of the money side of things, why now in the years of Play-Off speedway is the sport in the most worrying state it's ever been? There is something keeping the fans away. One forum poster mentioned taking 50% off entrance money, which is not going to happen, but speedway must have suffered a similar reduction in crowd numbers the last 25 years, all in the time PO speedway has mostly been in force. We have had live speedway since 1999, POs since 2002, and yet look at the state of the sport. I am still uncertain that PO speedway is better for a speedway season. It keeps up interest, but at the same time it's sort of begging to the few fans that are still left that their collective attention spans won't be questioned. You keep having a dig at old fans. So, come on Mr Marketing Man, where are the Play-Offs winning the new fans? As the old fans become disillusioned and no longer attend and drift away with each month, there's enough space on the terraces for everyone. If you like the X-Factor type of gimmick shows, the Play-Offs are your bag. Just not for me. And, by the way, Rye House went bust only weeks ago.. and there's more to come.

HT 1 4_2 t.proctor, c.heeps, n klidt, r schlein HT 2 3_3 f.garcia, r.bach kbickley, d.kemp 7_5 HT 3 3_3 m.riss r.jensen m.campton n.covatti 10_8 Ht4 3-3 s.worrall r.bach t.proctor d.kemp 13-11 Just realised the update site is currently updating so check on there.

Absolutely. Every match means something. Sad that we have ended up like this.... Steve

Ask a Belle Vue fan if the play offs have 'watered down' the importance of meetings because, in fact, its quite the opposite. In the first past the post system they almost certainly wouldn't have a prayer and the meetings at Leicester, Somerset and Swindon (for the Aces) wouldn't have mattered one jot. Instead, there was massive disappointment on Monday replaced by something approaching euphoria by Thursday night. Truth is, with only a few weeks to go only Leicester are out of it.

Buxton haven't screwed anyone over. We along with the rest of the league had an email yesterday telling us the date had been changed to 30/9 so we took the opportunity to utilise the 23rd to arrange a rained off meeting. Check your facts before making unfounded comments - I await your apology.

It’s one in the eye for people who said he hasn’t anything about him.....while one swallow doesn’t make a summer scoring double figures away at arguably the hardest away track is an excellent performance.

Well said mate! I am sure you are right, there are many missing regularly like yourself who include the much needed next generation. I am a well turned off fan who has been watching in the previous 7 decades. That makes me an old moaner in the eyes of many who say I want the sport to turn back the clock. The only "turning back" I want is for speedway to give as much excitement on track as it used to do but the way it is run in the UK nowadays the only way is down. Down in interest by many and down in numbers paying to watch regularly as the last 10 years have shown. Av great pity as the sport could still have much to offer that " new generation " of fans. Can't see them finding out what it's all about though.

Last season as a season ticket holder I was proper ripped off and I have a right to be bitter. This season the management has made promise after promise for things they shouldn't be promising. They think they can call the shots on the Dane's own rider's. Who do they really think they are??? They're now reaping what they sow. They were warned but think they knew better. I have NO sympathy for the management of King's Lynn Stars.

??? "Thanks Denmark"? For what? For running their League properly? Or maybe is it for not short changing their fans through the implementation of a poorly planned, ludicrous, unfit for purpose operating model, which delivers missing riders week in and week out? Or is it just because they have the temerity and audacity to actually run on their prioritised night (as was clearly agreed by the BSPA, and Swedish and Polish Leagues)? I would suggest you should look to blame a few of those much nearer to home than Denmark for the nonsense that infests British Speedway..

Ive never swung my leg over a Speedway bike , Rory has had some terrible injuries...…..Keyboard warriors.

Josh or Nicolai to reserve for the playoffs? Can’t be bad.

Rumour was a foot injury maybe broken ankle?

Just hope it's not going to be a repeat of sedgeman last season!

BEWLEY outstanding

As a young boy, it was the noise of the crowd and the smell of the methanol that grabbed my attention in that era. I can’t comment on the speedway per se because I was too young, although, I do remember the names and used to love reading the Star and The Mail. I do remember one match v The Dukes, which had Geoff Pusey and Henny Kroeze in their 7 and were routed 60-18! I have evidenced YouTube to remind me of a bygone era and to see for myself if really it was better times. Support wise it most certainly is, however, I have watched several meetings on this platform including several World Finals and Test Matches. There were many big names of the day but the meetings were broadly similar to today. Incidentally, the track at Swindon hasn’t got any better if the England’s USA match from the mid 80’s is anything to go by. My comment was not aimed at you but it’s an ideal shared by many supporters from that era that it was better speedway but I think that’s just the memories of those individuals, which is why I believe that meetings are not much different today to those from the 70’s, albeit on much faster bikes. To me, the speedway is no better or no worse than it was 40 years ago, so to me it’s not the product itself, however, it’s all the ancillary issues that speedway has failed to understand and adddress.

Sadly I never saw Mirac ride, but Ronnie Moore was a legend for sure. RIP....

Where Buster went wrong was not agreeing that we could use Thursday like Swindon and Poole have....

This proved to be a much more entertaining meeting than had been expected and considering their obvious weaknesses, I thought Buxton put up a decent fight. Danny Ayres was a great choice as guest and although he was beaten in four of his six rides (and had a stroke of good fortune when he won the last heat after Tom Bacon had shed a chain) he was excellent value for entertainment, and Tom Woolley and Connor Coles both worked hard for their points. Their reserve, Corban Pavitt looked fast and confident in winning heat two, but strangely, didn't manage another point after that! Tom Bacon was in awesome form, looked unbeatable and was unlucky to shed a chain when he had the last heat sewn up. James Shanes was his usual spectacular self and both Leon Flint and Danyon Hume picked up from where they left off - Danyon having problems with his bike and having to borrow Callum Walker's for one race. Walker made a steady return, and both Birmingham reserves battled well from the back. Overall, a very enjoyable night's racing and a quite decent crowd.

I was lucky enough that my parents moved to near Wimbledon Stadium in 1957 and immediately started going there for Speedway. Ronnie was very soon my hero and I saw him win the World Final at Wembley in 1959. As many have already said he could team ride superbly and from a 30 yard handicap was regularly in the lead by the back straight in five rider handicap races. After Peter Craven, my mother's favourite rider, was killed and Ronnie broke his leg and retired my family lost our love of Speedway and only went Stock Car racing for a time but we're soon back watching the bikes and when Ronnie returned I was in seventh heaven, even though he was never quite as dominant as he had been before his time away. I got to know him and he was as nice a person as he was a great rider. It is a very sad reflection on the sport in this country that both the BSPA and SCB websites have ignored this news. (Good to see that the BSPA and SCB caught up with the sad news on Monday.) RIP Ronnie, you will not be forgotten.

NICE tribute from Russell Lanning, whose dad Dave had a long and successful association with Eastbourne, for Bob at his funeral yesterday.

Think Doolan is our rep.Thought I heard it announced last Sat.

If you think there isn't a taste of failure just ask the Ipswich fans after the play off final last year. have way through the second leg they were on course to possibly win it then everything changed and Sheffield won the meeting I am certain they were disappointed, I know I would have been if we had lost

Just a falseness about it. There shouldn't be 80-odd per cent of clubs still involved with weeks of the season to go. That's a school sports day ploy where even the losers get medals. In any sport there has to be a taste of failure. Otherwise, you can't enjoy winning.

This is a fact, not some bleating moaner going on and on ( and on, as I have been accused of doing ). When they do get together at the AGM so little seems to be fully thought through and fans with a bit of nous can see where the problems will crop up. So why can't those who are investing in it ( or taking out of it, as some must do when all income streams are taken into account ) see it as well? The death knell has already sounded for UK speedway ( as we know it ).

Play offs have coincided with a downturn in interest in the rest of the domestic season This shows how spectator attitudes have changed, as I alluded to earlier They have also coincided with, and generated, a move away from entertainment for the spectators, replaced by rule-bending, greedy and selfish attitudes of certain individuals, on both sides of the safety fence "Let's get away with 10 heats" seems to be the norm now, rather than provide an evening's entertainment of 20+ races

Regrettably, I have come to the same conclusion. I had the pain of losing "my" team Norwich Stars when they closed down at the Firs. And the joy of opening at King's Lynn where a group of us followed the Stars from Norwich for every match. Even when I went to college in Leicester I supported the Stars from there, when I could, and when I took a job in Northampton I went over to Saddlebow Road very regularly. There were some great times ( home and away ) with heroes like Terry Betts, Tiddler Turner , Michael Lee and even watching Darcy Ward and Tai Woffinden in the NL. Fantastic memories right through until that young lad Robert Lambert arrived ( to give me my latest and perhaps last heroic racer to watch ). Now that he has come of age ( as a rider ) the way that KL is now run ( and UK speedway in general ) does not appeal to me much. Culminating in the latest sin of doubleheaders V the same team which I am sure most fans do not find very appealing. Mind you in the last 70 years it has become so much more watchable on TV ( for me, better than being there now that in stadium atmosphere has almost vanished ) Swings and roundabouts and Ove Fundin remains for me the ultimate speedway rider since I witnessed his arrival at Norwich all those years ago. Now it's nearly died out as you say. Last legs at least! And Yes, Dinosaurs are dying out too.

Weather still looking ok, cloudy but no rain forecast, the track had a good natural water yesterday so will hopefully provide some good racing.

Yep and the first was a damp nasty evening in April with about 800 others. The nothing we can do about it because it's speedway is the fundamental reason its a mess here. No its speedway so let's have guests in Poland they have a successful product moved with the times and run professionally. Regarding the play off final we went for the event rather than select team A or B. It's great that you can over look doubling up and guest fest and the 7 in the green and yellow are your team for the night. The problem is that myself and an ever increasing number can't.

If we had learned from our mistakes at Glasgow do not get into a position where a TS can be used and give e good reserve 7 rides maybe we could have had a great result

How much did you loose due to Buster. Not yourself deciding not to go

I just wish I could understand averages. You have both lost me

Just to add to my own post. If the outcomes of talks this week by the BSPA are embargoed, obviously George and Martin will not be discussing those. The fans meeting that has been called by Newcastle Speedway on Monday night at the South Gosforth Social Club(plug), is to talk mainly about the general running of the club in 2019, and also the celebration of the 90th anniversary of speedway at Brough Park. Everyone is invited, and questions will be taken from the floor to capture and ideas and feelings as to how we run next year. It's a consultation meeting and hopefully a lot of good and change will come out of it.

I remember Joe well from his brief period in British speedway. He had a cheery disposition even though he struggled to make an impression on the track during his time with the Heathens in 1966 and 1967. The highlight of his 1966 season was third place with double figures in the Midland Junior Riders Championship at Brafield on 14th August, although I saw him struggle at the same track a few weeks later when representing Cradley Heath B against the home side. Joe was restricted to second half racing in 1967, but as with so many junior riders the creation of the second division of the British League in 1968 provided an opportunity for regular team outings and a chance to progress. Joe had an unspectacular start with the Racers, but then began to make steady progress, achieving a few double figure scores (some including bonus points) and even taking the number one race jacket for a time. His season and career with Reading was unfortunately curtailed when he was the innocent victim of a heat 7 pile up in a meeting against Canterbury on 9th September. Joe had already notched 5 points plus a bonus from two rides (defeating Barry Crowson, the otherwise unbeaten Canterbury star rider) and was possibly on his way to achieving his best ever score.

I think a little perspective needs to be had with a few fans and about our current promotion. Last season, one of the best for many years as a Sheffield fan. The promotion put together a superb team, drafted in a superb guy in Simon Stead to be team manager, and really gave us fans a season not to forget. This season, unfortunately, has not gone to plan. They obviously had a line up in mind and thought they had Lawson, until he changed his mind and went to Lakeside. Maybe Lasse coming in wasn't the only change they had to make once Lawson decided otherwise? The issue with Josh Bates they obviously got wrong, and I'm sure will hold there hands up too. Gravesen coming in seemed a sensible decision, and he deserved another chance after his great performances last season. Again, unfortunately it didn't work out. Team changes made again and bringing in Broc and Georgie, I thought was a good move. Broc has done ok so far, but unfortunately Georgie struggled. The issue with Bjerre I think has been on the cards for a while! A great rider, but not the easiest guy to manage by the sound of things (I have never met or spoke to the guy so that's just an opinion from the outside looking in). Our performances this past month have not been good enough, and I'm sure the riders & promotion will fully understand the fans frustration. The promotion no doubt will know they have made a fair few mistakes this season, but I have enough faith in these guys that next season they will do what's needed and put together another good side. We have no chance of reaching the play offs, so making team changes is not a bad idea at all. Anderson may surprise a few, who knows, but its worth a shot to see what him and Connor can do now till the end of the season. If they can't show what the promotion are looking for, then they can access that and decide for next season. We do not have squad systems or training etc like most other sports, so the only way to see how a rider is, is the sign him and give him a go in your team! I will be at all meetings for the rest of the season, bar Edinburgh away, and I will once again be there next season no matter what riders we have. I am a Sheffield supporter, not a glory supporter. I will support my club through the good and bad times! Frustrated fans I understand, but fickle fans who cannot accept bad times within a season, are what really grind my gears!