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Signing a rider +6 weeks ago, promoting a ‘marquee signing’, selling season tickets, then release the rider in order to cut costs. That’s a Pi$$ poor business model.

I'm not a diehard, but I am gutted about the Comets closing. I live about 150 miles away from Workington and attended more meetings because of my friendship with announcer Dave Hoggart. I went about every other Saturday, and that consisted of travelling over to Dave's and then a superb run over the North Pennines and the Lake District (this included much debate, laughing and piss taking ) . Into the Henry Bessemer for a pint or 3 and a huge mixed grill, then on to the track. The racing was usually pretty good and then there was another pint and a natter with the locals in the bar afterwards. It was almost always a belter of day and while it was usually £50 a pop, I'll miss it hugely.

PROBABLY because neither KL nor Ipswich also have Andersen and Cook on their books. Have no idea of what sort of money is involved but, leaving personalities aside, better for Peterborough to cut their cloth accordingly and run in 2020 than go bust during 2019.

Very strange. Do not believe Harris would have taken this lying down if there was not something else behind it

For all we know Ged had control of team building and Buster seemingly giving him a budget to work too.Couldn't Ged have gone over his budget and Buster then said no you have to release someone.Just looking at the other side of the coin.

It absolutely stinks if Harris ends up at either Lynn or Ipswich if he does this is the precise reason why one man shouldn’t effectively own 3 clubs in a 7 team league . If he was was to end up at either club it’s another nail in Speedway’s credibility coffin .

It's not the lies it's the untold truths that are being withheld from supporters . Speedway promoters are like a cross between politicians and dodgy secondhand car dealers .

IF, and it's a big IF, Buster is trying to bring down some pay scales across the board then surely that's a good thing for the future of the sport? it's not a good business model to be paying out more than comes in, no matter who the rider is

You have to remember what was rumoured weeks ago (rubbished by Watson). All rider's were made aware that team changes may have to be made if the club ISN'T sold. With it announced that Buster is officially the new owner then the club HASN'T been sold as such so rider's have to go, so to fit the budget Buster set from the start.

Wouldn’t take either. I’d prefer a couple of riders with hunger and fire in their belly, busting a gut to impress and move up the Speedway ladder. Not riders who are looking for one last Payday to top up their retirement fund.

There must be a communications and diplomacy post going at the BSPA. You must be looking for working examples to copy into your CV

Bus loads! We tried to hunt him in May but couldnt find a replacement. Infuriating watching his lack of effort for us then pull off heroics for Poole.

Of course Steve but had he not offered to help, the Comets would have gone on ice in November. Oops have I let a cat out? Sorry

I suppose my memories of Preben Rosenkilde and Bent Norregard at West Ham are a bit coloured by comparison with the great Sverre Harrfeldt at his imperial best sweeping round the boards, beating all-comers at Custom House. I think for sheer spectacle and excitement he was the best rider I've ever seen. Quite apart from the dash and exhilaration he showed, he could mix it with the best - riders of the calibre of Briggo and Fundin, as his second place in the 1966 World Championship showed. I'm afraid the memory of Rosenkilde and Norregard pale in comparison.

I think that’s a bit unfair - Chris Harris has been nothing but 100% full commitment wherever and whoever he’s ridden for his whole career. You will not find a more committed rider that never gives up in a race, never knows when he’s beaten

Steve, I reckon a lot of it is cosmetic. The track needs a few grasstrack bikes going around on it to rip up the weeds, and the terracing could be sorted by a gang of fans. The only areas where a lot of cash might be required are the complex interior (which would be preferable, but not essential, in terms of speedway) and the speedway pits, which are a bit dilapidated.

Nicholls over Harris any day of the week.... Nicholls cares about this town and club for Harris it would just be a pay cheque.

At this moment in time, Peter has not been approached yet about being inducted into the Hall of Fame. If and when he is asked it is his decision whether he accepts.

dry, as in very few fixtures in the U.K. speedway scene ? i think its time to run the speedway fixtures like the football did . once a fortnight @ home and the following week away . that way the season will seem longer ! fans will keep an interest in the sport and look forward to the next home fixture . eh ..

Tungate is a better rider than Harris anyway.

I understand your point. But I no longer attend because I saw the gradual demise of team speedway and of riders putting clubs second behind what was actually the best night for them to ride. The few fans remaining now only reiterates that not all are bothered about who rides for their team. It is about winning. Poole last year proved that. It is more important to win now than anything, and faces are introduced to a club just to appease fans who have lost a few matches. These riders have no attachment to the club, fans are happy so long as it's successful. You use the argument of me not attending as me not having a grasp of current day speedway. But I stopped attending because I didn't like how speedway was going. I have enough nouse of the sport now to realise it's a case of riders' names thrown in the air at the start of each season, where they land is where they ride. You defend speedway because you still attend. You'd be silly not to, and layout £20 for something you no longer believe in. You mention Workington. Didn't they close because they weren't getting the fans to warrant them continuing? More terrace spaces, fewer fans, no speedway. You are neutral, which highlights my point. You would watch any speedway and switch clubs when your track ceases. You weren't really supporting a team (Halifax) but just liking the racing. The testimonial argument is flawed. Twenty riders in 10 years is a decent amount. You don't mention how many riders did six or seven years at clubs. As for Craig Cook riding for Belle Vue for six years - but how many of those did he spend doubling down and riding for another club? Instead of trying to prove me wrong, just look at speedway as a product. Take me out of the equation, and I bet there are so many others who lost the love of speedway because there was no real team ethic in the sport anymore. When riders can ride in the same team one night and be dicing in opposition the other (for another team), don't you find that silly? If not, try explaining it to someone you're trying to introduce to the sport. If you think this is how team sport should model itself, then it is no wonder teams, clubs, tracks are fighting to keep afloat. I didn't attach myself to an individual sport when I fell in love with speedway, but that's what it's become. I don't think speedway in 1975 was a perfect model, but you expect things to be improved over the years. But they haven't. If you really feel I don't have a point, then I just expect it to reach your way of thinking when your local track folds, which it no doubt will. But, as you didn't when the Shay closed, you'll travel elsewhere to watch the racing. And that, in a sentence, shows why you are more the follower of speedway than any one team. And, sadly, there aren't enough of you left. Team speedway is speedway's lifeblood.

It's all coming from the same big pot of money effectively though so it's not a case of can't afford it - that would be a case of needing a no.1 at Ipswich so I've transferred him across to Ipswich wouldn't it?

Isn't this what most fans wanted,a cheaper sport?It seems that in a small way it could start with the Harris debacle but certain fans which want a cheaper sport will still have moan about it.

For me many of the posts reacting to this are reading far too much into it re 'corruption' and 'control' Just because it is only announced now it doesnt mean its just blown up in the last few days It may now look like Buster is trying to move the pieces due to Ipswich not having found a top end when infact the issue was known right from the outset and unrelated

From a reliable source within BSSC, Peter has never been asked so could not have turned down the offer. If you are to make a statement, please get your facts right first please

So Buster says On the money he is getting at Boro is too expensive. Now he has Harris by the short and curlies. This is what is on the table for Harris, take it or leave it. This is Speedway nearest thing to price fixing. Harris has a choice to make. Take it or leave it. His call. Get the feeling Buster is using Harris as an example.

Not much room left in the lid of that coffin

Maybe that's whats behind the 'BSPA Ltd' plan mentioned at the AGM? ie 'own' every rider..? Then do what's needed to spread them about around the teams to try and make it competitive? Efffectively rider control but without the name, (and stigma)..? And all teams under one central commander controlling budgets and spending to ensure continuation of the sport?

No doubt after this latest fiasco he would be happy to stand down , he's been used in my opinion.

nail on head.

The way it looks to me is.. Martin Dugard and Jon Cook now lease the stadium from the Dugard family, they both have control over the venue and can promote what they want having payed the lease on the venue to the owners. Eastbourne Speedway have moved up to the championship under the management of Jon Cook and Ian Jordan. I would think that Dugard/Cook are going to promote the stadium, stock cars, speedway and what ever they want to do so they can fund speedway, which at this present time is not really sustainable.

With the right replacement Panthers could quite conceivably be stronger. It still stinks how this has been done though.

PUK over Harris 7 days a week

Either that or Diane Abbott is doing the accounts and Stanley Unwin the PR: "Now, as eve on his deep approach, his eye on the moon. Alltime sometime deept joy of a full moon scintyladen dangly in the heavenly bode. But now only half! So, gathering all behind him the hintermost, he ploddy-ploddy forward into the deep complicadent fundermold of the forry to sort this one out.”

And they've only just realised that now? After Harris signed a contract and was announced? After the whole team was announced? Something stinks about this, the reasons given don't add up at all.

Can anyone fly a plane?

In today’s Times and Star Kyle is quoted as feeling sorry for the fans and local community. As everyone knows he’s a great prospect, I think he’ll have another team before long. It’s Mason I feel most sorry for, bad news for all of them though.

Back then there were characters in the sport and they were allowed to show it. I remember Simmo having a right go at someone (forget who) by the pit gate after a race because he took the mick . We all loved to hate Olle Nygren (until he became one of ours of course). The banter when Tipswich turned up and the riders played up to the crowd (Shane Parker was a master at it). Sadly the powers that be have stifled all of that. I'm not advocating full blown fights between riders but spats that get the crowd going and involved all added to the atmosphere. If a rider tried anything like it nowadays they would be landed with a fine of a few hundred quid.

Back in the early days at Lynn the racing was always enjoyable. We never won much, but we could just about hold our own at home. The average gate was around 5K and the atmosphere was amazing. I agree there were some processional races and some were well spaced out, but most races would have a angle to then that made them important. Our strength was usually our heat leaders, who would have to pull the rabbit out of the bag to attain a win. But it was so important not to lose... After the meeting the environment moved to the bars where riders mixed with fans drinking way into the night... How things have changed..... Back then the sport was priced at a cost the fans could afford, the VFM was never questioned, and it was always night out at a weekend . For our sport to stand any sort of chance of surviving, we have to re-create along those lines. ( minus the late drinking)

And what do you want me to talk about the company I was employed by is no more 2018 cost over 30k I have invested 10k for 2019 already and you want me to talk about fans

Today's bad news that Workington have withdrawn from the 2019 Championship (second tier), despite winning the treble last season, should provoke the BSPA into a crisis meeting. In our last issue of Backtrack (No.89) we listed 56 British league venues that have closed since 1970. Since the edition came out, the loss of Rye House, Buxton and now Workington has seen the death toll rise to 59. It is doubtful if any will ever resume league status. If the Comets, a track that opened in 1970, cannot sustain second division speedway after winning three trophies, what chance does the sport in this country have of survival? Glasgow have arguably the best PR machine in the sport behind them right now, earning lots of national coverage in Scotland and beyond. They have invested heavily in riders. But where has it got them? Their owner's recent statement should be taken as another warning shot. No-one can be surprised if the Tigers' management don't decide to cut their losses and come to the conclusion that they've given it their best shot but enough is enough. The odds on them coming to the tapes for 2020 must already be slim, or lengthening. Leicester, Rye House in recent times have found to their cost that chucking good money at top riders is no recipe for success and, more likely, a quick path to financial disaster. I was especially alarmed by the recent announcement that Buxton, the archetypal third division venue where many a young Brit was discovered, has pulled out of the National league due to unsustainable rising costs. They have been around for years but, sadly, have been betrayed by their own peers - the third division glory-hunters who ignored the ethos of what was meant to be a training, development league for young British riders in pursuit of silverware. Buxton's withdrawal should have served as a neon warning sign to the sport's governing body but their story seems to have been glossed over, ignored, outside Derbyshire. What are experienced 'old hands' doing nicking a living from a league meant for novices trying to learn the game? If there isn't already an age or experience limit, the Nl should impose one so that only one rider per team is over, say, 25. And NO-ONE who has any real experience of top flight or Div 2 racing should be occupying a team place. So what should happen to stem the tide? BRITISH SPEEDWAY has to become amateur, riders must go part-time and return to the days of the old BL1 and BL2/NL of the 60s, 70s & 80s, when many racers had a day job to supplement their speedway earnings, or vice-versa. If today's riders are performing in front of mere hundreds of spectators, rather than thousands, then they are really operating in an amateur sport and should not be paid as professionals. Speedway needs to take a long, hard look at itself and reality must finally kick in. Most non-league football teams are part-time. Players train Tuesdays and Thursdays and play Saturdays and midweek. They fit it in around their 9-to-5 job. Speedway riders must accept how small what they do really is in terms of spectator sports. As former Ellesmere Port middle order rider Duncan Meredith says: "Most of us back in my day had a job and my job subsidised my racing. We loved racing - the money was just a bonus." It's time to go back to those days. A backward step? Not if it stabilises the sport in the immediate short-term and enables it to survive and weather the current UK economic storm. Promoters need protecting from themselves and stop burying their heads in the sand. They must stop 'thinking big' - look where that got Leicester, Rye House and Glasgow, among others, in recent times and by propping up the Premiership Buster Chapman is merely applying a tiny sticking plaster to a large, gaping wound requiring major surgery. The BSPA has to start thinking SMALL and apply self-imposed reality checks that are long overdue. Scale down budgets to realistic levels and don't pay out more than you take at the turnstiles and sponsorship. It's simple economics of life. There is a chronic rider shortage across the board, the use of guests and R/R has escalated out of all proportion. I'd love to see a study of how many DIFFERENT riders appeared in each of the 3 divisions last season, and another list showing how many appeared for multiple clubs. The result would be eye-bulgingly horrific. So come up with a revised race format for six or even five-men teams. Six-men teams were used in the 60s and in the top flight in 1998. If there aren't enough riders to fill 7-men teams, then change the format. Doubling-up is killing what little credibility British speedway has left. If, in 10 years, British speedway has unearthed a new wave of young talent, then a return to 7-men teams can be considered. Until then, the BSPA must immediately go into crisis-survival mode, cut its cloth accordingly and stop paying out money to riders that it simply cannot afford, before more tracks are lost forever. Of course, reducing team members and changing race formats won't bring many, if any, new fans through the turnstiles. But what it will definitely help to do is RETAIN the current, rapidly declining fan base. Promoters should stop thinking of ways to try and lure a new, younger supporters (if any do), because 98% of teenagers will never be interested in speedway, and focus fully on keeping their existing customers.

Yep, saw them at New Cross in 1963 and Jimmy Squib was also riding.

1 big pot maybe... but each have their own budget. Think of it as a dad takes his kids shopping and has £30 to spend on them. So £10 each Child "I" picks a book for £5 Child "P" picks a doll for 12 Child "KL" picks a dvd for £10 When he gets to the cash desk he has enough money. But "I" wants to purchase something else from shop next door for the rest of their £5. So what does he do... The only logical answer is for "P" to pick something that costs their share so that "I" can goto the other shop. Simple.

Maybe PUK wants to be at Peterborough not Lynn

3 separate clubs 3 separate pots Its not like the Dingles on Emmerdale where theres a pot on the mantlepiece with everyone putting tenners in and out!

No ...

But, although as you say the racing wasn't always tapes-to-flag in the past, it was more interesting. For starters, we are missing characters. Then we are missing the importance of supporters cheering on someone they have become accustomed to wearing their team colours. I remember in the past how my heart was in my mouth when my favourites came to the line to race for my side. I may as well have been riding the blinking bike, I was that apprehensive. You need the pull of wanting to attend matches to support riders within your team. The riders and the team become part of you. You then don't want to miss it everytime it races. The love of your team then transfers over to when members of it race in individual meetings, like the GPs for example. But when you lose the love of your team, you also lose interest in what are merely then only individuals racing for themselves in the likes of GPs. The racing is probably better now than in the past. But if you, as a fan, haven't got anybody you can associate with through teams not being teams anymore, you lose part of the thing that attracted you in the first place. A good race is a good race. But when you aren't really bothered who wins it, that is the problem. You need to be tribalistic. Otherwise, why bother? In my opinion, fans have become unattached from the importance of team speedway. Teams in speedway nowadays are just like tribute acts for a pop band. They are a novel way of entertainment but only pretend to be the real thing. I used to think it impossible to miss a Belle Vue home match. But then riders began being signed who I knew weren't really Bele Vue. Slowly, as other riders appear who you think the same about, you gradually lose that connection. Hence that is why I can't be attracted to it anymore. The sport could be so great. Me, as a former supporter just clinging on, would love to be able to identify a team as my own, something that makes you look forward to leaving the house to watch, to feel part of every individual in it. I want to see visiting teams with an identity. I want to see two sides who want to win, every rider in them. It isn't the racing.

With all due respect those figures are meaningless without any supplied context. 2018 cost 30k but how much income did you receive, how much was your signing on figure? How much was covered by the mega sponsorship deals you have? 10k has been ploughed into 2019 already on what? and by who? Be very careful how you react to things even if you feel provoked as fans of the sport have long memories and outbursts however cheesed off you are will always bite you back.

Don't get me wrong i know team speedway is very well loved in this country and when done well its an excellent sight to behold but its clear it is struggling. But as my business vision would be to have a touring series of individual meetings (possibly pairs & 4TT too?) would that actually provide enough to keep a lot of tracks open? Probably not as the rough thought process in my head is to hire the venue and promote independently but the likelihood is that rents would be increased year on year as the series success took off. There are a lot of riders who pay pretty high fees to ride at amateur level and likewise grasstrack has the same approach but can still draw good crowds. Whilst not always a hit with the purists a mixture of solo and sidecar speedway at an event would double the spectator draw and entertainment value.

Fans through the gates aren't enough to pay the riders, who in turn want to take their money out of the sport by spending on tuners etc. Time to cut costs and at the same time restructuring the whole league set-up. It is speedway's lifeblood.