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I appreciate your views and can understand that connection, but it was a two way thing. Riders rode for a club and belonged solely to that club, they didn't ride for a various others at the same time, so the loyalty was never in question. This belonging feeling that existed was paramount to the connection, the fans had with the club. This is why the terraces were always full. Every race meant something because the riders didn't want to let the fans down... It was as though you were a big family. Many nights after the meetings we stayed on to mix with the riders in the bar. Some nights it was so full you couldn't get in the place. But it all added to that emotional attachment. One of the big difference is now the top riders are free agents and ride for many clubs. They is no belonging to any specific club or their fans, the riders act like mercenaries, milking the situation that the rules have allowed . The powers that govern this sport have destroyed that connection the fans valued so much. the only attraction left is the actual racing on the track, and sadly , that at times is not very good... When I relate to the good times of yesteryear , I am referring to the whole package, the costs, the environment, the excitement, the belonging, the enjoyment, that all added to the actual racing that made it occasions you remembered...

ah "the peckham spring" appears again in wiltshire

I’m convinced someone was employed by Osbourne to keep topping up that puddle in the car park that was there whilst that story was being peddled.

Just seen my first speedway races from Redcar via video and really enjoyed them looks to be a cracking little track you have up there.

Surely speedway is now much easier to promote with the Internet and free social media to get it out on at any time they like. It's more like they don't bother to promote properly or use the tools properly to do so.

How professional do the witches look in them suits ,first class ,love the clubs attitude,not like some

Excellent book from a first class speedway man. I read this from cover to cover without pause. His book on Tom Farndon in collaboration with Norman Jacobs is well recommended. Sad to lose such a well respected man.

Watch as the drainage issues miraculously disappear when the houses are built!

Yet Stadia came up with the excuse, after a history of others, that they could not build the stadium in its original proposed site next to the A419 because of the drainage issues. Well good luck to anyone that buys a house there, still they will be able to grow rice.

Don't you find it odd that speedway was more a team sport when riders wore different leathers to each other but the same race jacket, and yet today we have riders in identical suits and yet it's more an individual sport?

They certainly look the part,, something we do very well.

I think most 'B'ham' supporters will agree that Ostergaard isn't a No.1 rider... but all we can do is back him and the team to do their best!? I seem to recall a post/s on the Peterborough thread, that Ulrich's machinery can at times, resemble a 'lawnmower' ? Being a No.1 rider carries a lot of weight/responsibility...it's going to be a tough season for him, hopefully the fans will be realistic and not expect too much. P.s S4S's comments/observations about James's 'Grasstrack' style is 'spot-on' imo....

AND to Speedway Star for many, many years. Sad news.

Bears now have a youtube channel - a few races from last season on there already. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCArroFXv3grFM29EAjfdUng

Thank you for posting my question to Martin and to him for the excellent, well thought out reply. It's nice to be able to get an honest answer from a man who was at the centre of our sport when it was at it's best. Pity we don't have more promoters like him now.

1st of the new season Saturday`s training match Torun v Ostrow

You just did Gav

Looks ok that. I think that will improve things. Looks like it might be one of those tracks where the bikes never go straight, always slightly sideways down the straight. Not quite as much of a horse power track, which can't be a bad thing.

You look about 85 so you should get in on concession rate

You can’t really mention Middlo in the same breath as Adams

Picture on fb shows that the width of the new bend is the same as bend 3 & 4 so the picture above did show a skewed image.

Adams has 9 titles, 2 at Coventry, 2 at Cradley and 5 at Wolves.

Excellent weekend in Inzell. Looks really popular as well & seems to be getting bigger & better every year. Looked at Hotels for 2020 & the one we had is already sold out. Managed to get an apartment nearby on a free cancellation just in case I have got the dates wrong. Is there going to be a Gunther Bauer meeting in Inzell on the thursday evening prior to the saturday/sunday? Nice to see Conkers & Buxton Tiger.

That's why I posted the link to the Youtube channel - good advert for Redcar speedway and the quality of racing. Keep checking as more videos are being added this week I believe.

Least they are finally getting on with the track work fascinating stuff, just need the 'Lego trucks' to arrive. One thought, would have been a lot easier and quicker if they just raced on the mini track in the centre green . I'm joking of course....

So we start our season against what looks a very strong Wolverhampton side in a challenge/charity match. With funds also being raised for cancer research on the evening.

Would never make it as an MP, answering a question is against their way of life.

1. Max Clegg 8.63 Cradley 2. Rob Ledwith 3.50 Kent 3. Jason Edwards 6.73 Mildenhall 4. Charlie Brooks 4.53 Mildenhall 5. Leon Flint 8.55 Belle Vue 6. Dan Gilkes 2.00 Kent 7. Jordan Palin 2.00 Belle Vue Total: 35.94 Couldn't choose between the Thompson's and didn't want to miss out Gilkes, so just went with Palin instead... Clegg and Flint will both easy be 9 point riders, all the rest will surely ass at least a point? Edit: Can I change my mind... Since a lot of people are going Palin/Gilkes at reserve... I want to put the Thompson twins there instead... So my new team would be 1. Max Clegg 8.63 Cradley 2. Rob Ledwith 3.50 Kent 3. Jason Edwards 6.73 Mildenhall 4. Charlie Brooks 4.53 Mildenhall 5. Leon Flint 8.55 Belle Vue 6. Joe Thompson 2.00 Leicester 7. Dan Thompson 2.00 Leicester

And why should he...........................all i was pointing out was that certain forum members just love to have a pop at Tai when plenty more top line Brits chose not to rode either As an Ipswich fan ive no idea and also it didnt look good not turning up

It is also great to see that the straights have been widened as well, which should improve the racing lines.

It would be wrong to judge everyone like yourself. You probably don't like the sports you mentioned but you cant help but notice all the hype in the national press Social media is good but it does not tick every box. If you are not looking in the right places you will not see the media releases. Years ago we could always read about the Stars in the local rags but them days are long gone. Last year we were on the verge of success and there was not a word in the local press. No body knew anything about it, even the old speedway fans... Sports like Football, Rugby, Horse racing are on the back pages of every national newspaper, whereas Speedway is the biggest secret out there. If this sport has any future then it needs a professional Promotion Team to put it where the public can see it....

But at least they would be trying. Having a YouTube channel is a good way to show what it's all about.

Clegg 8.63 (Heathens) Stoneman 7.61 (Gladiators) Rowe 7.26 (Kings) Priest 4.99 (Potters) Ledwith 3.5 (Kings) D Thompsen 2.0 (Cubs) J Thompsen 2.0 (Cubs) 35.99

Very sad to hear this - John has been a highly valued and dedicated contributor to our Classic Speedway magazine since its inception in 2008. A brief tribute appears here: https://www.retro-speedway.com/homepage

You make a valid point (if I am reading you right?) and you are of course right, not everything is transferrable from the indoor arena to a speedway stadium. Speedway cannot simply replicate basketball in presentation terms, but there is a lot to learn in just the use of music, light and sound effects to add some drama and spectacle to the occasion. There is no dead time at all. It's all high impact music and effective use of spotlights and bright lights to crank up the atmosphere. I think the GPs do this much better than league speedway and I recognise they have much bigger budgets, but there is a lot can be done with a whizz kid at the keyboard and some decent equipment (bought by clubs pooling resources?).

Just read that Dennis McCleary is stepping down as Co promoter and cutting back on his work with Bandits and Football,wish him all the best,his contribution to the Speedway over the years was immense and will be greatly missed.A gentleman IMO.

I feel that if a rider is involved in British league speedway, he should offer to ride in the Bonanza. If, heaven forbid, he is injured in Britain and he's constantly bodyswerved this meeting, how could he have the nerve to ask for their help? As for riders who have been helped financially in the past, yet pulled out on Sunday, well.....

Makes a lot more sense than to run it the day after the fours

That is how I take the GP at Cardiff, the day around the stadium meeting fans from other clubs and countries then time in a couple of good watering holes followed by the atmosphere and noise inside the stadium is often more memorable than the racing.

Recently I "rediscovered" an old recording of a 70's World Final (Briggs Olsen etc). Big crowds, but dreadful boring racing!! Lucky if more than 1 overtake the whole night....yes, felt better at the time, atmosphere & crowd plus youth reason, not the actual racing.

Hate to be "that person" who corrects you but Shanes did plenty of Speedway prior to signing for PL Poole. Starting out in the MDL before limited appearances at Plymouth & Coventry where he didn't pull up a lot of trees to be fair. Even when he signed for Kent he would score well but couldn't gate for toffee. His attacking style suits some CL tracks and thats where he started to gather interest before joining the Pirates. Not going to debate his ability/potential too much but fear his Grass style will continue to hold him back a bit on many more technical tracks and despite very strong sponsorship is still behind with the financial clout that Brennan & Zac Waj have.

Lets hope all 3 teams see regular features on Look East through the season that help boost the crowds and add to the atmosphere - make matches places that people get a buzz from and want to return for

That’s True Baggy who wants to hear about top of the League Norwich, or indeed Tractor boys fans looking forward to welcoming the likes of Accrington Stanley to Portman next season

Trouble is, Tony, there are lots of questions that I wish to put to Martin but I don't want to appear to monopolise the column!

Isn't that the point - Big sponsors more than likely won't sponsor at all with an amatuer look. With a more professional image they are more likely to. I still can't believe more teams (if any now actually) don't try and get sponsorship for fork covers. That is prime spot for every photograph being taken and is cheap to get manufactured. Win-Win!

Delighted to confirm that our FAN FORUM on Weds night (20th March) in the glass grandstand will feature three Promoters, three riders and the Team Manager. Starting at 7.30, we will hear from Matt Ford and his two new Co-Promoters, Anthony Tilley and Dan Ford, in the first half of the presentation. After an interval and opportunity to mingle, we will then be pleased to welcome, 2019 Pirates, Josh Grajczonek, Jack Holder and Richie Worrall along with Neil Middleditch. The event is held on behalf of, and for the benefit of, THE RIDERS EQUIPMENT FUND. Admission on the night is £5 with REF members benefiting from a £1 discount. Doors open 7.00pm

This years team suits did not cost the northern club any money they are sponsored same as last year

Not really the point is it.....for a sport struggling to attract sponsors and punters and drag itself into the twenty first century team suits are a no brainier and should be compulsory in our top two leagues.

I love it when Alex Ferguson's reign is described as being easy as the richest club. The majority of the winning under Ferguson's reign was with players coming through the ranks of the club which is where the club's wealth came from. For me, Middleditch has just been Ford's puppet. Ford says who rides for him, who's sacked, which replacements are needed etc. Middleditch for Poole is exactly the same as a team leader / supervisor in business, powerless in hiring and firing and just there to fire up the staff employed by someone else. Matt Ford is the reason and only reason for Poole's success.

I hope no one is" taken in" by this rubbish.