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Showing content with the highest reputation on 06/02/2019 in all areas

  1. Tut tut should have waved him past
    8 points
  2. There's a Special Offer for this one.. You get to travel for over 400 miles to get there and back from Ipswich Spending lots on fuel and lots of hours on the road.. And then get an opportunity to pay full price upon entry.. "ROLL UP! ROLL UP! FORM AN ORDERLY QUEUE PLEASE"! Maybe offering away fans a discount would be worthwhile, even if not the home fans? Could have flogged £10 tickets at all the Ippo home matches this season, or from when it was announced.. (ex BV meeting in case any Aces fans in attendance that night take up the offer)... In fact Speedway should do a reduced ticket for all away fans, sold from their own circuit.. Maybe more would go? And the current 'morgue like' atmosphere at tracks would improve..
    5 points
  3. Am I the only person who remembers when we had the majority of top riders in the British League and people were saying "why should BSI be allowed to basically hijack Saturday nights... if it wasn't for league racing there would be no riders to race in the GP, and yet they steal the riders away in precedence to the leagues"...? now people are saying the Polish league should be told they are not allowed to run on the Friday as well as the Saturday...?
    4 points
  4. I wouldn't say easy,they have a few riders that have had good meetings around our place. One thing is for sure though,i can actually make this one.2nd home match this season,but is only June though
    2 points
  5. Boring boring boring blaming the track . It was smooth as a baby's bottom. The track was worse when you won earlier in season
    2 points
  6. All the doom-mongers get can back down off their highhorse now....
    2 points
  7. Stick at it Zach there is a good rider in there hope he comes back even stronger.
    2 points
  8. For the future it is great to see Anders Rowe progressing by the week 17 points scored today.
    2 points
  9. What you say about the lifespan of both is probably on the money. The age of these stadia 1937 Reds; 1950 Town without adequate maintenance means replacement is long overdue so replacement is probably the right option at this time but they need to make provision for speedway somewhere regardless of whether or not the previous promotion have the necessary finance. Its only right in my eyes that they make it attractive for any potentially interested parties who have the vision and determination to bring the Comets back.
    2 points
  10. Hopefully having Cook in the team will generate friendly rivalry with Ruthless for the no 1 spot and see him start to show his 2018 league form which has been hit and miss thus far
    2 points
  11. Just shows the folly of all of this? Allerdale spending hundreds of thousands in taxpayers cash to reseed DP in order to bring it up to standard for both football and rugby, exactly the same job will be done on the new stadium, if and when it gets the go ahead, millions to be spent on the project in general which begs the question... if Allerdale had just spent a "few" million bringing "both" existing grounds up to an acceptable standard then the speedway track could easily have been retained and kept for future re use when required, instead, they chose to build one new stadium for two crap outfits and condemn the most successful sport we had into the realms of obscurity? I was told that, during the recent local election canvassing, that both grounds had a finite lifespan (within 5yrs) in their present condition which would have seen the H&S executive declare both to be unfit for public use therefore the new stadium was essential for the survival of both Reds and Town, I asked about the Comets and why they were not included in this and he replied, with a cheap smile on his face that, DP was there for them to use but she (Laura) had no money to invest so....goodnight Vienna? Cant see anyone crazy enough now to try and bring speedway back in the context of having to find a completely new home/track/team/support services/access etc for possibly a couple of seasons depending on the level of support as it's just not now looking a viable proposition, with DP still on the cards then yes, a chance but, in my opinion, not even a slim one especially on viewing those pix of the current state of affairs? Happy memories from the Comets, we just wont be making any more of those!!
    2 points
  12. i think in the short term nothing, longer term i don't know. If financial problems hadn't precluded Comets running in 2019 then in the absence of any other current option it would have been their home certainly for the next 2 years and probably longer. Bearing this in mind then, the extent of damage that has subsequently been done to the track is way different to what would have happened if Comets had been running in 2019. The question is then, what has/ or is going on for Town to change the scope of work to the extent where they have probably precluded speedway ever being run there again ???. Town are the ones with least to lose here because even if the Community Stadium doesn't happen then they have got a brand new pitch costing circa £100K and got rid of Speedway . On the face of it that is very poor form indeed and unless there is another plan (i'm dreaming on THJ) then its nothing short of dispicable by all parties concerned.
    2 points
  13. While you continue to have a good deal of talent coming through the ranks from a wide range of European nations who can travel to the likes of Poland with relative ease, the Polish authorities will not give a fig what the rest of the speedway world thinks. Britain has no chance of ever getting back the status it once had as the place for riders to hone their skills in one of the best league sets ups that use to exist. That may have happened by default and largely due to the relative ease of access that riders had to the U.K. compared to Eastern Bloc countries many many years back. The FIM don’t seem to be the controlling force they once were and all in all the sport has become fragmented with different factions seeking to take care of ‘number one’ As for the U.K. they should start to plough their own furrow. Afterall Poland says it is their way or no way so why not bite the bullet in the U.K. and start from scratch. Build leagues with what you can afford with riders who will commit to ride here and also improve the ‘employment terms’ so that riders are not dumped at the drop of a hat. Build some loyalty to the team and work with them rather than treat them as commodities and most of all the clubs in the U.K. should unite to promote the sport as a whole and not occasionally at local level. When it gets to a position of strength it might then be able to stick two fingers up at the Poles and the FIM. Until then it remains a lap dog.
    2 points
  14. Lambert had as much speed as anyone else when in front and looked no worse than anyone other than the winner when behind. Not sure why you are singling him out. Changing lines for most last night resulted in losing ground, and don’t forget he was out after every track grade and watering. Two semis out of two is pretty decent going for him, all he lacks really is the experience and a bit of nous at times round the first two bends. For me parts of the GP series are a bit tired and need freshening up, Krsko and Prague are of little interest due to the racing and there are too many riders knocking around who have been in and out for years but will never win it ie Lindback, Iversen, Kolodziej, Zagar, Sayfutdinov etc and it’s all a bit samey.
    2 points
  15. THE SON is in effect the World Team Cup but with a different format.
    2 points
  16. He spent a year away from Poole because he was a bit of a brat with the Poole management
    2 points
  17. British speedway should have come out of the FIM years ago and done their own thing. The FIM have never been interested in the sport this side of the channel
    2 points
  18. Dont think it helps selling tickets in advance on line as it makes it impossible to drop the price at the drop of a hat ! People who had bought tickets way in advance would be up in arms if the price dropped on race day. And if tickets were sold way in advance at £10. because it was on telly THEN B.T. changed there planned televised meeting the Aces would lose out so they`re a bit stuck with it.
    1 point
  19. Talk about a closed shop and Robert Lambert in the same breath !!! What is the answer then stop the best riders getting in so we have some new faces who aren’t good enough just for the sake of it? Do we ask Liverpool and Real Madrid to put out their reserves next year so they don’t do well and lesser teams qualify ..,..
    1 point
  20. Newcastle could only use a rider from the NL who isn't riding for a Champioship side, maybe Wallinger is the best option. Who knows a decent performance tonight might tempt Newcastle to make a change to their NO7 position, I know that would please some on here.
    1 point
  21. 1 point
  22. That'll have the creative thinkers mulling over how to deceive the paying public again, in another attempt to make them believe that "nothing's the matter". I wonder what they will come up with this time? Well we've had the "run out of electricity" excuse, so can't use that one again...what else will they come up with? A burst water main? It almost worked for Belle Vue, but you never know, learn some lessons from it and do it properly next time. A bomb scare? Could be serious consequences if they get found out pulling off that hoax, so it's doubtful Staff Shortages? What would happen if there wasn't a Clerk of the Course, or a Start Marshall because they got "held up in traffic" or something? A Food Hygiene issue causing the whole stadium to be quarantined? A localised suspected Smallpox outbreak again causing the whole stadium to be quarantined? Suspected Rabies found in one of the greyhounds causing the whole stadium to be quarantined? Take your pick, any of them will be as ridiculous as the next. Well, would you put it past them try it on again?
    1 point
  23. I hope so. He seems like a good lad. Whilst there are differences ultimately he is a motorcyclist in this type of environment so should find a way, in time, of adapting better.
    1 point
  24. I don’t think that’s Contrary at all! On the grass Zach is immense, but speedway is a different art and style of riding, and it is hard to change between the two, hence IMO why his speedway development has been slow and almost stagnant? I’m sure he will continue to excel on grass and hopefully come back to the shale when he has learnt to adapt his riding style accordingly?
    1 point
  25. Traditional common sense in business suggests you 'open your doors' when your customers want you to... That way they can buy what you sell.. British Speedway has a 'better' idea... They don't 'open their doors' when their customers want them to.. But instead when their employees tell them they can... And as we all accept.. Promoters know best...
    1 point
  26. Have to say it will be very odd seeing Craig lining up for another top league team. He likes the place though so will do well. Wish him all the best. Can see comfortable home win here. Lambert and cook to go unbeaten.
    1 point
  27. So now, on paper at least, we have swapped a 4pt rider for a 3.5pt rider but are using a 2pt rider in his place
    1 point
  28. Well, they could've, but Lamberts ave. has dropped below 4, so he wouldn't have fitted.
    1 point
  29. A few good races but overall the expected poor fare that you come to expect from this venue, the Champions league final was also a poor game so looking forward to two big sporting events in one day both disappointed.
    1 point
  30. Riders seem to have certain tracks that they will never master. Danni and Jye both struggle at Brough for some reason, if they both just scored 4/5 pts. would make a heleful difference. Last night had the pleasure of Rob Grant with us on the 3rd bend, and he hated Exeter track yet one year he went and scored double figures so it can be done . But we have already won there so something similar would be appreciated. Happiness would be 47-43.
    1 point
  31. Very true... we need to believe/ hope we’re gonna get double figures from Aaron, NBJ and hopefully Starke and if Coty can get close to replicating his form from the Shield match I’d like to think that will be enough to balance out Dany’s already expected score!
    1 point
  32. A plan currently exists by the management to get Peterborough back as an FIM track
    1 point
  33. Was anybody at the match in April when Diamonds took a 12 point win over Bandits as English stated on match report from last nights meeting
    1 point
  34. Looks a cracking meeting..with Wood and Morley ,now getting good back up from Verge .this could be close, But over all,,i think Kent will win the trophy
    1 point
  35. As I said , time will tell. Zach has quit https://m.facebook.com/story/graphql_permalink/?graphql_id=UzpfSTE1NTc5NDg0OTQ0NDU5MDc6MjMyOTIyMjk0NzMxODQ1NA%3D%3D
    1 point
  36. Sir Shoutalot at his very loudest last night His screaming every time there's an exciting race is getting more and more childlike by each meeting Is there not a decent professional commentator available for UK TV coverage?
    1 point
  37. PRAGUE has improved drastically since the younger Ondrasik took charge. But, to repeat myself yet again, you cannot always blame the actual track for a lack of passing. Lonigo, thankfully, is but a distant memory but had some great times staying by Lake Garda.
    1 point
  38. Belle Vue is a decent track but can also be "one line" e.g nearest fence and too determined by guy with fastest bike Simple fact Belle Vue was built with a lack of vision that will stop it being a GP Track. They needed to have built it with scope to hold 20-25,000 in comfort and it will never be able to do that without further massive investment. It is an economic folly as it is now, new investment never likely. Cardiff is ideal and other than Birmingham Commonwealth Games venue (which is an existing Athletics venue being upgraded) nothing else in the UK remotely available or affordable.
    1 point
  39. The qualifying time trials are in essence “practice”. It gives riders a chance to “guage” the track and, determine if their set ups are right for the track.
    1 point
  40. 1st of the following month with all other rolling average recalculations
    1 point
  41. Wtf are you on about? Dan is and always has been an aces rider. He never agreed to ride for you or any other CL team in 2019.
    1 point
  42. That was mainly because the " Haves " refused to help the "have nots" with riders making it a really unbalanced league.- The promoters talked a good game but failed to implement it properly !!!!
    1 point
  43. And it was such a disaster in the mid 90's that the then PL have to be created to keep clubs in business.
    1 point
  44. AUSTRALIA ? With no EU law restricting You in the future, You can call on the Aussie boys, who are eager to come over, and unliek many of the Europeans they are loyal to British speedway, not having to ride in their home country every other week durign the European season
    1 point
  45. WHATEVER you may think of the SON, it is a World Championship and certainly seen as such by the riders, especially those that collect a gold medal.
    1 point
  46. Traditional Race Sheet for 2019 Slovenian GP :- https://www.keepandshare.com/doc16/23358/gp-2019-2-pdf-434k?da=y
    1 point
  47. ... And we all know how transparent they are! I'm still waiting for the publication of the inquiry into the cancellation of the televised ELRC from Coventry some 6 or 7 years ago before even a race had been run Don't hold your breath
    1 point
  48. Well, by SS and J poking away with a rather sharp stick in his general direction THJ has put together a coherent, honest, and fairly concise (for him) explanation as to why we no longer have speedway at DP. I don't really believe we needed it to be 'honest', but thank you THJ anyway. All that was needed was to do a head count (and you could do it between heats) of the number of patrons who frequented last year (our most successful season ever) to watch a sport that all those that were there love but one which everyone knows is dying on its a**e in this country. Sad, but inevitable unfortunately, with or without the new stadium plans. PS To any North Cumbrian, speedway loving multi -millionaire, there's plenty of room at the Enterprise Zone at Kingmoor Park, here in Carlisle. Cumbria's premier business park. Just saying like.
    1 point
  49. SS you're not wrong and everyone who is/was passionate about the Comets is hurting, however I am not sure any of the former promotion who quite rightly should be applauded for their success in 2018 will want to disclose their role in the demise of the club and its ultimate failure to come to the tapes in 2019 or to give any details on what has actually gone on with the track or stadium. I would also add to that (non-disclosure) list any discussions that went on with third parties; the council; or the other sporting clubs involved. What I can add is; that there was a genuine intention to run this year however finances dictated otherwise before the track/ground issues were even considered. For me and as close as I was to the promotion they did try their best but the path they ultimately chose (or were led down) was not sustainable and unless you have a vibrant club (support wise) and in the Comets case that would have been around 750 adults paying around an average of £15:00 each per meeting the whole thing financially was not viable; then of course you could always look to a benefactor who has cash to spare and loves Speedway however KD a very competent businessman sank thousands into the spot before seeing the light and bailing out and of course we all know what has happened to LM and the position she now finds herself in with regards to losing her businesses and the club she loved dearly. Also this isn't a new phenomena to the Comets as previous owners of the club Eddie Thornborrow and Ron Bagley went through similar pain in the early 80's though not dissimilar it was finances that were the main influence in folding the club. However this is all water under the bridge and everyone (including Jenga) has a view on what the real reason was then as to why the spot folded. So you may only have some of the truth as to what has gone on and some sensible suggestions on here that are very near to the truth (and some a mile off) but I doubt you will get all of the real reasons, however it is hurting everyone who is/was passionate about their speedway in West Cumbria and those loyal fans who followed the team through thick and thin up and down the country let alone home meetings. The Supporters Trust and the Friends of Workington Speedway who in two seasons sank over £20k into the club setting up direct debits and paying in additional cash all to no avail; these people need answers for sure and no doubt if it ever came back these supporters again would be at the forefront of supporting the club. However I doubt it will ever come back now and I am normally a "pot half full" type of guy but in this case the pot is definitely half empty. Regards THJ Oh!!! got called away from me desk and see you have been at it again so I will stick this one on here as well to respond to. (have you retired; are you on holiday or do you just have time on your hands?) It would be nice to hear the "Clarion Call" and have something positive to look forward to but where will that come from? who will put up the cash or take the risk to run a business that has seen off Keith Denham and Laura Morgan in recent times and has (as pointed out above) a history of being a major financial risk and a gamble business wise over the years. As you state "Something along the lines of this would be nice and something we could all get behind": 'Due to the fact that the Workington Comets have had to be displaced from their home at Derwent Park in order to facilitate construction of the new Community Stadium the Council is giving the club its full backing in developing a new home on the site of the training track at Northside. (They weren't displaced? the club run out of money and folded before the ground issues started? if they came back they would now not have a viable home granted; so I would suggest this request is made to the council as you have directed it toward them and see what they say as it is not in any promotions gift to give to the fans) Such a move would reduce the costs of running the sport whilst allowing the club to directly benefit from income generated through food and drink sales. (Why should/would the council be concerned with this (making a private individual money?) and I would suggest it would be a hard sell as the speedway in general does not generate a vast amount of jobs in the community or support any cause that the council can get behind for them (the council) to garner any kudos from the process) There will be great opportunity for local businesses to get involved in the creation of this exciting new facility which see the continuation of what is a great family sport that has been embedded in local sporting heritage and culture over the last 50 years'. (what benefit is there at present to any local business, we (my company) have supported Speedway for the last 10 years and not one job has been earned from this advertising, not one new client has banged on our door saying here is a contract mate as you support the Speedway; and we are not alone in this as speaking to Alan Hedley of Sapphire Engineering a few years back with regards to business opportunity and speedway advertising he said that even as a main sponsor of a club he had not reaped one benefit business wise in all the years he sponsored the Diamonds; not one return for all that investment; again another sensible businessman with no axe to grind being honest) What the Comets needs first is a Promoter before there is any shouting about where a track can go, then the promoter will need to know what support the council will give him/her. Then a rational business decision will be made as to whether it is viable for the club to run, but again the big issue is support as 450 fans paying on average £15;00 per meeting does not pay for a championship team without secondary income, so where is all this money coming from? sponsorship? because again and what seems only prevalent in speedway is businesses would rather give money to the riders than the club! its crazy as surely no club; no riders! or am I missing something here? maybe the sponsors should pay the riders and save the clubs money that way! Look at what is successful in the Championship; Glasgow Model: Joking apart we know how they survive; they are losing money hand over fist however they have the support of a very successful company (and family) who back (financially) the Tigers along with some very generous sponsorship, it isn't a problem and it is working for them at present and long may it last, however if this support was racked back then things could be different. Scunthorpe Model: Rob Godfrey has a great set up at Scunny but he will be the first to tell you Speedway costs him money but it is what he loves, Rob owns and runs his venue and has other revenue streams which subsidise the Speedway and Rob runs a tight ship financially and I believe this is the way to go but it is difficult; Redcar and the motor park set up would fit at Northside however Redcar have not been without their own financial problems; and not looking for an argument from any of the clubs mentioned but the woes of speedway in general have been well debated on here with some very pragmatic and sensible arguments (by the likes of mikebv; halifaxtiger; bruv and others) and have been well put and debated to the "nth degree" but will they ever influence the "Powers that be"? I very much doubt it I hope I am wrong but I think it will be difficult for the sport to return to West Cumbria not withstanding the following 1. A Promoter willing to invest and run it as a business (a hobby or a charity) 2. A Promoter with the financial clout to front up all the costs required to join the BSPA 3. Support from the Council (land; infrastructure and financially) 4. A venue to run the sport from! as the DP option now I feel is dead 5. Other revenue streams (Scunny Model at a Motor Park type venue) 6. A fan base that at least exceeds 750 people paying on average £15:00 7. A viable business plan 8. BSPA support (or 9. A mug like me to win the Euro Lottery) I have just scratched the surface here and look forward to being picked apart by all and sundry but I think you had your response from the council with regard to the stadium some time back pre local elections; however what they have said and what they have done have been a total contradiction. As Private James Frazer said on many an occasion "we're doomed! SS "we're doomed! Apologies in advance Regards THJ
    1 point
  50. In this case neither can I as Jedd's average remains unchanged. however you could have the scenario where you sign a rider on a (not assessed) average of 6.5. for whatever reason his average drops to 4.00. you the release him just before his new GS average kicks in and replace him with another 6.00 rider. Then one month later reintroduce him to your side by replacing a 4.00 rider with him. Tho and behold he averages 6.00 again and you've strengthened up without strengthening up.
    1 point
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