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It is a strange buisness plan isn't it? With the ultimate result of course being that not many people actually really care who wins a Speedway title in Britain, as a) the sports following is very small, and b) given the often contrived way the comps are ran there is very little kudos in 'winning'.. Yet promoters, in their own bubble, seem to take things very seriously and expect riders to have the best kit available to help their teams win the leagues... Kit that costs many thousands of pounds... Which means many more thousands of pounds need to be paid to the riders to pay for the kit and then maintain it... Kit they all buy from pretty much the same place, and then buy upgraded parts from pretty much the same places, and get their bikes tuned often using the same tuners.. Meaning very little advantage for anyone as they are mostly doing exactly the same thing.. Hundreds of thousands of pounds each paid out by riders and promoters.. With all effectively running to stand still... All to win something hardly anyone gets excited about, and hardly anyone outside the sport will even notice.. A true race to the bottom isn't it?

A couple of seasons ago BMR put on a motocross demonstration at Rye House during the interval of a speedway meeting. Everyone cleared off to the bar. Speedway fans are different from fans of other motorsports, maybe that is the problem.

Two points. 1. If we are considering all Aussies and not just the five Sidney randomly chose in the op, you would certainly have to also include Frank Arthur, Vic Huxley, Max Grosskreutz, Bluey Wilkinson, Lionel Van Praag, Vic Duggan, Graham Warren amongst others. 2. As for Aub Lawson, he would most certainly have to be considered for a top five place. He had an amazing career, being a leading rider from 1939 to 1960. One of the longest careers as a top class rider of anyone in the history of the sport, along with riders like Jack Parker, Ronnie Moore and Greg Hancock and even though his best years were probably just after the War, he was still, towards the end of his career, able to mix it with the likes of the "Big Five". In fact he was one of only three riders to break the World Championship Podium monopoly of the "Big Five" between 1955 and 1963, when he came third in 1958. (The other two by the way were Arthur Forrest and Gote Nordin.)

My old man used to be a container repairer down the docks and ride speedway tho he was self employed so could down tools to do the northern tour over a few days. He earned good money in both back in the day What he didnt have was a band of sponsors as with the now digital world it was harder to get in touch with sponsors back then as no internet lol easier to approach businesses now with the level of access available One bike as well all stuffed into a citroen estate. No van

2010 was one of those seasons when the team who finished top of the table was declared Champions (and rightly so). However, there were also promotion / relegation play-offs, which Newcastle won (as mentioned in my earlier post). I think 2009 was also run the same way (KL finished top = Champions but Monarchs won the play-offs before losing to Belle Vue). Golden Heats were 2009. One of the tensest evenings ever at sunny Armadale. Good old Matthew Wethers! And I'm fine Sir. Just keeping my head down. Stay safe

everybody can have their own kiosk which could isolate the fans from each other in case another virus is exported from China

I think I may have mentioned this in a previous post but I remember coming across a stat that said that Vic Huxley had the best start/win ratio of any rider in the history of the sport. Of course it’s difficult to compare riders of a bygone era with those of modern times but a record like that is hard to argue with.

We (as Aussie) rode at Diedenbergen...fabulous place...and the whole afternoon was pure entertainment...you could stand on teh back straight and see Frankfurt airport. The problem was once described by my old mate Dave Lanning....he said "The problem with speedway is that it considers itself "Daily telegraph"..when in truth its "The sun" and you can eat chips out of it as well. says everything.

Really? Speedway fans still get their 75-90mins fix of the sport, so too do fans of the other sports. Are you not coming back because other sports are taking place around your sport? Some you might like, some you may not. Would people really cut off their nose to spite their face? Speedway's big problem is that it is stuck in the 1970s, unwilling to change with an ever dwindling hard core of ageing fans who don't like change. It is a crumbling pub struggling badly because it is trying to please the old blokes who prop up the bar every week. It needs to freshen up, broaden its reach and offer real value to more people.

And not turn up next time.

I agree that the presentation of your average speedway meeting is something out of the 1970s. However, would you go and see supercross every week? That's the fundamental problem club promoters face. Putting on a one-off meeting and charging £45+ a ticket is perfectly possible - the GP does it every year. I don't see how that translates into 20 meetings per season though.

Thinking of King's Lynn - I believe that they could pull 2.000 on a Saturday night with the right kind of team format and visiting team variety to make the proposed scheme viable. Providing that the quality of racing on track makes it a VFM night out for the supporters. Riders have a major part to play in making the racing worth watching and rebuilding the sport in 2021.

Uunfortunately, talent and potential doesn't equal greatness. We have three supremely talented individuals there who mustered just a single world title between them.

Was actually there great meeting hope your next choice is one of a Berwick win lol

When it came to rider control he always said I'm Free

Hmm. I think you've added 2 and 2 and got five there Rob. I understand it's practically difficult to alternate sports on the track. I'm talking about 60-90mins slots per sport, then the next sport. Have your pint, have a look, maybe see what other entertainments kicking about and enjoy the atmosphere with a bigger weekend crowd. Of course, I very much doubt any of this will happen, nor even be attempted. Much more likely - almost certain - is we continue to carry on as normal with our 50-80yr old hardcore and keep the likes of The Third Man happy, serving up the same old midweek speedway model and sleepwalk into oblivion.

Slough Speedway have just opened their new kiosk ready for when the season starts. . It's the future...

Whilst team speedway all over the UK attracts a few hundred 50, 60 and 70 something year olds rattling around in a four fifths empty stadium... Its working so well it's probably best we just carry on doing the same thing.... Over and over and over and over again..

Federation of Incontinent Marshals. We'e affiliated to them via the Stealthy Composed Bureaucrats. (How much longer is lockdown?)

To be honest I want to watch speedway, so the Thursday night option at Sheffield appeals much more to me, so much so that I wouldn't attend the Sunday afternoon event

Alphabetical

It is, of course, really impossible to talk about pre-War from a first hand knowledge of having seen the riders and then comparing them with more recent riders and those still around today, but going purely on the record books and discussions I have had in the past with those who were around at that time, I think the two outstanding Aussies from that period were Vic Huxley, the dominant rider (all nationalities) of the late 20s and early 30s and Bluey Wilkinson, the dominant rider (all nationalities) of the late 1930s. In fact, again, just purely from records and talking, I would place them as one and two in the all time Aussie list. I would also certainly put Vic Duggan above Leigh Adams.

Great! They can spend time and money in the bar then. And while the speedway is on, fans of motocross, flat track or whatever can clear off to the bar. Win win. Of course if an additional element such as motocross is delivered within a simple speedway meeting, then of course it is going to get a lukewarm reception from a traditional speedway crowd. But if an event is marketed as a "track racing spectacular" or "bikefest" or the like, you are going to get a broader demographic..more footfall, more eyeballs, more income.

I think Speedway (in this country) needs to get itself an identity.. Every single meeting should be a stand alone event, and promoted as such... There is too much Speedway that just unfortunately, blandly 'goes through the motions'.. The Supercross event I attended had loads of off track add ons to keep the fans engaged, many of which had minimal costs involved, yet targeted the younger element of the fanbase (which in turn pester the parents!).. Fan zones, meet and greets, up to date music, lights, colour, noise, an enthusiastic mike man, making personalities of the riders etc etc all can be replicated at a Speedway meeting.. The evening should be geared up with one simple objective. . And that's to get at least the same amount of people to go again... And if that gets delivered regularly, the next stage is to grow the attendance organically through the show it puts on... It can't deliver a 'team sport' in its purest form in the UK so, given the hiatus, maybe it's time to sell the 'spectacle' instead. A spectacle that can reach levels very few stadium sports can match. . High octane, adreneline fuelled action with an off track dynamic aimed at a demographic (at least) 20 years lower than the current average of regular follower.. However, instead of asking "How will we wow the punters tonight?" and put together an overall "great nights entertainment package at the Speedway" for its fans, it does often appear that some promoters spend more time, energy and emotion checking, double checking and treble checking whether the oppositions "guest" is eligible to ride against them or not.... All in the name of trying to win a match that often only a few hundred actually care enough about to bother attending..

If we extend that period to 1965, Igor Plechanov (twice runner -up) comes into the picture. It’s generally accepted that the “Big Five” – were in a class of their own during the early - mid '60's but who was the best rider outside that elite club? Ron How, Ken McKinley, Peter Moore and Gote Nordin come to mind but Plechanov edges it for me. Many people (me included) consider him possibly the best rider never to win the world title.

I think - unfortunately - that the race to the bottom is already well into the last lap for speedway. Carrying on as normal is not an option if the sport wants long-term survival. I think both you and Mike have some valid points. I agree with you that team-based speedway works better than individually, which is pretty much born out across the rest of Europe. But I also think Mike is bang on when he uses the Supercross event as a model that can "cut through" with the average punter. I've advocated this before, but I think a model that is worth experimenting with is a multi-sport model that would consist of a Saturday/Sunday 4-5 hour event including speedway, sidecars, quads, flat track, stock cars, greyhounds....whatever a venue can handle. Once a month, drawing in families and supporters from all disciplines, providing them with a real value for money experience. With a larger crowd, there is also greater appeal for fair rides, face painters, climbing walls, caterers, inflatables and other operators to attend and add to the atmosphere/experience. I get that not all the sports on offer appeal to all...so pick and choose! I used to go the Ace of Aces grasstrack every year in the late 80s, early 90s and i was never a big fan of the "chairs", so instead I went on the fair, had a burger, got my pic taken with a page 3 girl (I was a teenager, it was the 80s, happy days! ). I think the sport has to collaborate with other similarly struggling sports to offer a richer, fuller experience to draw in more fans. Who, let's be honest, will be counting their pennies and considering their spend even more than ever when this all ends. Ask yourself if a family of four are more likely to attend a Thursday night at Foxhall for £36 or a full Sunday afternoon for £50?

Also on the Speedwaygb website. Good to see other clubs than Poole keeping the publicity going!

I attended a three hour indoor supercross event at the Manchester Arena a couple of years ago that got a 7000 full house at £45 for me and £15 for my then 14 year old lad.. Didn't have a clue who any of the riders were, (and still dont).. Lots of local marketing, using billboards, flyers given out in the very busy city centre by 'quite attractive' young ladies, riders doing wheelies in the city centre in front of the local TV cameras and newspapers, and a three minute interview on the local news programme explaining what was on offer.. Paid £60, plus won a T shirt fired from an air gun into the crowd, my lad got a free poster signed by 'whoever', I spent a bomb on Coke and Hot Dogs, plus I spent £5 on texting my name to a number to try (unsuccessfully) to win a kids MX bike suspended from the ceiling. Me and about 3500 other Dad's looking at the amount of mobile phones that were taken out when the competition was announced. (The bike was worth around £1500 so they made a hell of pile of cash on this competiton).. Loads of merchandise stalls for the riders to sell their own gear and an autograph/selfie area where riders signed free posters of themselves... Loads of interviews of riders between racers to get an insight into their personality, with the local lads being the prime interviewees to illicit some local partisanship from us fans who didn't know them from Adam. Meaning we watched out for them more closely.. Three hours of noise, music, lights, colour, racing and a mike man who kept the whole thing moving at a break neck pace which befits a high octane, adreneline fuelled sport, and your attention never wavered... Do all that for a Saturday night at a Speedway meeting and you may just have a success on your hands...

Edinburgh finished top of the table that year Sir. We were only 16 pts ahead of Newcastle though! That was the year when Sheffield dumped us out of the play-offs with one of the most embarrassing / remarkable 2-legged comebacks of all time. From memory, I think you guys won the PL play-off final but lost the promotion one to Ipswich?

Wow! ... but what did he call him at the 19 second mark?

No, I don't think they would. That's a play-off finals size crowd, but without any prestige or club loyalty in the mix. I honestly don't think tinkering with the format or race nights will make a material difference. The problem is promotion or lack thereof. I can walk around Swindon and not see a single indication of the speedway season about to start, even though Swindon's first meeting was theoretically last week. I can walk around Swindon's largest employers and not see a single sign that a speedway team exists in the town. People aren't going to magically appear about of thin air at the gates.

We used to run three engines and replace one every year and sell the oldest one off ,the real problem started when our main sponsored rider insisted we buy weslakes and abandon two all but new 4 valve Jawas( 3k worth in late 70's) and a Street conversion . It was the beginning of the end for us ,you put up with changing handle bars .mudguards,seats ,carbs, wheels ,twist grips,and 6 stud instead from 4 stud clutches ,don't forget in those days you could use as many tyres as you liked (2 every meeting sometimes ) it just went mental !. The rider in question did not improve his average did not win more races and ironicly I don't think he ever broke many if any track records again which was his forte ,as I said plain and utter insanity led by I must have attitude .

and she is his mum as well

Many riders were more than happy to ride Speedway whilst holding down another job.. Riders could earn a weeks money (and even more) from their other job in just one night of Speedway.. Ride for just four nights and you had the same as your months salary from your other job, and many rode four or five nights a week.. But then again, back then, not many spent fortunes on engine tuming, the latest carbs, clutches, etc etc etc, like so many seem to do now for their ever growing stable of bikes that they use in various countries... The costs seem to have grown year on year whilst the income to pay the riders to pay these costs has eroded away almost annually... Higher salary costs to help riders cover their costs, often results in admission cost increases which then means less fans attending, which then results in more admission cost increases to cover the shortfall, which then results in less fans attending, and on and on it goes.. The tipping point can't be far away, (If it hasn't already happened)..

Wtf,,,

I only see Ronnie ride 4/5 times yet like yourself he left an impression on me a superb stylist who didn't look the quickest but boy his track craft was second to none.To think he had the six year lay off until 1969 yet came back to ride at a really high level.And really his time was the mid 50s both Briggo/Ivan said he was a better rider than both of them and really that says it all.On you tube the DVD of Wimbledon shows Ronnie beating Ivan at Plough lane never tire of watching that race Ronnie totally controlling it .

I think there will be one league and semi pro at least till the world settles down again ,what ever happens I think there will be many riders retiring if for no other reason than 18mths inactivity .Those the wrong side of 35yrs old will find it hard to pick up from where they left off ,once a rider stops after a certain age it is hard to get back to where they were and somehow the danger of the sport becomes more apparent .

Hi folks, had this from ‘Gornal Wolf’. Thought this was worth putting up for others to have a go at. Speedway Anagrams: All of these have been Wolves heat leaders: 1: enough regret 2: alison designes 3: prevented banger 4: ended girlfriend 5: lone sloe 6: Korean moslem 7: wet mom amnesty 8: dominika racks 9: enrico ornery 10: hyde anagram And some easier ones for any Cradley fans looking in. 1: Pruce Benhall 2: Bvor Irown 3: Toy Rigg 4: Polin Cratt 5: Hilly Bamill Enjoy

I'm the first to admit that there is a lot of dull stuff but when one witneses a race of the calibre one has seen on this thread it emphasises that there is no sport like speedway when conditions are right...whatever the era.

Here is the all colour version:

Don't forget the "sugar-in-the-tank" episode at the 78 British Final... That could have been four on the bounce.

Peter Collins could quite easily have won three titles on the trot if some idiot hadn't let loose with the hose pipe in 1975 and his cruel injury picked up just prior to the 1977 Final. We would now be contemplating Peter being perhaps England's greatest rider? Funny how fate can turn a cruel hand!

Dan Thompson was taken to Hospital on Thursday 26th of March with appendicitis. He had the operation to remove his appendix on Friday and is already back home and recovering well! His family wish to pass on their gratitude to the Hospital staff, who they say, "were brilliant" in looking after Dan.

All right Old Ace - I may be the only one who wonders. Which ticket kiosks , Where?

Hey, The challenges for a club such as ours are many - for example we have already spent for 40 AIr fence banners, plus A frame and trackside banners, we have invested in new media equipment, track equipment, we have undertaken Ferry TV and Newpapers marketing campaigns (although these are suspended), and there are many other expenses associated with the season starting insurances, pbs, machinery hire contracts and more... its pretty tricky right now. Luckily, we havent processed any season tickets and not all sponsorship agreements, but the worry is that if our sponsors pull out or reduce their sponsorship it could provide a much greater challenge moving forward for the sustainability of the club (as you know speedway is not my main work). I am sure that our club is not alone when I say that we have already had contact from sponsors raising such questions about the seaon ahead and what's happening and how that might reflect their sponsorship contribution. Nothing said in a bad way... just enquiring because for sure, they will also be hurting too and worried about their bottom line. It is a heartbraking situation for us all and even more so for anyone who has to make considerable financial investment to bring speedway to the public in the first place.. Riders, Promoters, Management, and I am sure our govening bodies too. But all this really does not compare in the effort of our nation(s) right now to protect us all against Covid 19 and I wish you all well and keep healthy and safe. As to the question of if we can all survive this... I am always very positive about the future and what lays ahead but it will take an effort from everyone involved in speedway from our fans to our governing bodies to ensure that we succeed. Promoters and riders cannot do it alone... never could, but even more so after this. Keep safe, check in with your elderly relatives and if you need a chat reach out to me anytime. No need to be lonely.

Indeed might keep a few people sane in the coming months hoping things like speedway may start at somepoint.

I like Bewley and before his injury Bewley was doing nicely in Poland. Lidsey for me is a rider i really like he will progress Dan this will be a big year for him ( if it starts).He needs to improve his away form and consistency, though he is capable of borderlining on world class in the near future.