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Zenon was a legend at Hackney and I am devastating by this news. He was fearless on a bike and a gentleman off it. One minute on the line the next up on the fence. Amazing rider. I got to know him well during the run up to the Hackney reunion in 205 when I had the absolute privilege of him staying with me for a week. How many sports top riders integrate with fans (at least from that era) to that extent as speedway. More recently I was a guest at his meeting in Gdansk and was privilege to be invited to the after party where we once again regaled tails of the good old days. The last time I saw him was the day I flew home from that meeting where I delivered a letter to him from his old mate Barry Thomas. His smile whilst reading it lit up the room and it is that picture that I will remember. RIP Zenon and thanks for all the excitement you gave a 9 year in 1976.

When I was running Team Australia in 1980's we always met up and raced with Zenon. It was Communist times and never easy in Polska but Zenon always helped me and teh boys. he was great fun as well as being a superb racer. Every time we rocked up in the "new" Poland he was always around, always with a smile, and warm handshake. This is a sad sad loss to the sport, to his family and all those of us who were fortunate enough to know him. ...It's been a pleasure old friend..rest in peace..

Looks like Championship will be U.K. + Commonwealth only. Not necessarily a bad thing from a cost point of view. As long as team strengths can be kept relatively equal then the quality of the actual racing need not diminish. I’ll be there at meeting #1 2021

So sad to hear this. Zenon was one of my first speedway heroes as a kid at Waterden Rd. A spectacular rider and such a nice guy. I still have the yellow NGK Spark plugs cap he handed to me through the bars of the Hackney pits..A treasured possession. RIP Zenon, you will always be Poland's number 1 in my eyes.

Four and twenty of them were baked in a pie.

Copied and Pasted off Facebook: Newcastle Speedway Supporters Group It's been a year to the day since Rob Grant, put pen to paper and signed on the dotted line and successfully took over the reigns at Newcastle Speedway. Not many, if anybody, would have been able to predict the difficulties the year ahead would hold in store for Rob and his team. Under his first year as Newcastle promoter Rob has had to deal with and rectify some pretty serious financial issues, that could have seen Newcastle Diamonds lost forever. He's also had to make sure we have a stadium to still call home next year, whilst also dealing with a global pandemic that hasn't just affected his new speedway business but also his very successful Butchers and catering business as well, and whilst all of this has been going on, Rob hasn't even managed to get a wheel turned under his new management, which very well may be the very harsh salt in to the even bigger wounds. Now all of this may have been enough to make some people to walk away from the role, but not Rob. If anything, it has made him even more determined to make sure that when we do eventually get the green light on British Speedway again, that 2021 is going to be a season to remember! He has assured the Supporters Group during a conversation today, that he is "raring more than ever to get going" and get the "new era at Newcastle Speedway firmly underway". That enthusiasm that he so keenly demonstrated at the beginning of his takeover is obviously still very much alive and he promises to "put all his blood, sweat and tears in to making sure Newcastle Diamonds Speedway once again shines brightly in the forefront of people's minds". He would also like to sincerely thank everyone that has stood by him during these very testing times and he is extremely grateful for the support he has, and is continuing, to receive. We here at the Supporters group are firmly behind Rob and we can't wait to get the 2021 season going under a new promotion who has nothing but Newcastle Speedway's best interests at the forefront of his mind. There are some very truly exciting times ahead Diamonds Fans and we will see you all trackside very very soon!!

That is, indeed, sad news. Some lovely memories of Zenon here...

I would be thinking that flights, or many flights in and out of the country won't come cheap. So, along with any other regulations, UK based riders might be the best option.

Funnily enough I don't get hung over as I try and drink a pint of water before I go to bed and that usually does the trick... and Ruff wishes he lived in Longbenton with the big lads instead of the posh end of NE12 in Forest Hall (Don't you know)(all fur coat and no knickers) Regards THJ

Hard to take in that four of the top five in the historic 1979 World Final, on that hot Sunday afternoon in Katowice, have now gone.

Well here we go (where's Dandelion) it's another Newsflash Scoop... Get your ridiculous suggestions at the ready as I have just been advised this morning I am saving myself some sponsorship monies this year as Ondrej Smetana has now been told he wont be coming to Newcastle in 2021... I would suggest that this decision is due to the fall out from Nick Skorja racing in Poland and is also now not coming to Newcastle. I imagine the promotion have a "Plan B" but talk about tough decisions... It would appear wheels are in motion behind the scenes and it is going to be very interesting to see what comes out of this total "Cluster Flock" that Covid; Brexit and the Poles have caused and I am now thinking British Speedway will be absolutely FUBAR once all these issues are ironed out... hopefully they will come out the other end stronger and more fit for purpose... (Hopefully) and with a product that people will be able to get behind and support... Pleased I bailed out when I did... Good Luck to Rob Grant and his team and I will still be one of the first in the queue when we get going again... Regards THJ

Royal Mail is like all other delivery companies these days, they are all under extreme pressure due to increased volume due to the lockdown. Many delivery businesses have increased demand, which in one way is a positive, but they all have staff who are human and suffer from this pandemic same as the rest of the population. Some workers will belong to families who have a vulnerable member, so isolation kicks in. Some will have fallen foul to COVID itself. I been waiting for a relatively small parcel to be delivered for about 10 days now, haven’t got a clue who is delivering it, but there is not a lot I can do but be patient and wait. Not having the Speedway Star for a few days is not anything to throw the dummy out of the pram about. Bigger crisis in many lives going on. Get over it.

All I can say is that if the team performance is anywhere near as good as your story passionate write up come Easter 2021 diamonds fans will be in for a treat !! Just hope it's at least settled sort of by then ( covid ) & we all can look forward to a great & exciting season ahead & many more beyond

Think THJ been back in Cumbria and a trip to jam buttie mines at Whitehaven

Yi on the stella already or the JAM butties

Ipswich had crowds in excess of 5k for the play off and Cup finals in recent seasons and I seem to remember a couple of good Friday meetings vs Lynn in the early 90s attracting crowds in access of 5k. However getting those numbers regularly mid 80s I would guess.

A super rider and, by all accounts, a smashing fella. RIP.

definitely one of the all time greats

Correct. That picture was taken in Heat 6 at Oxford on July 1st, 1973, in that summer's fabulous International Tournament. The other rider is John Titman. Zenon had finished behind Jim Airey in his first ride in Heat 4.

Think we could see a season where not many(if any) foreign riders ride in the Championship. I’m only guessing of course but maybe only people who hold a UK passport or have been resident in UK a while. I also doubt every team that were due to come to tapes in 2020 will do so in 2021.

Don't be using that word CELL on here as some may start to get worried but just as well you put brain in front of it rather than the other 1 that means going to work for our Lizzie lol... You got any left ( cells ) or are yours still try'n to tell your NAPPA that hang overs don't exist...

Sad to hear this news, especially so as he was only 67, much too young to go. A great entertainer, always looked forward to see him ride.

Think you will find you whinging Makem clown I was sponsoring the same bloke and have posted as such on the Newcastle 2020 thread before you stuck this slight on here you "schlepper"... what a tool... better start believing smeghead because 90% of "what I give"; you can take to the bank numbnuts... that is for sure... Yes and it is entirely feasible that the new guy has a lesser average than the bloke he is replacing is it not? Regards THJ

Only thing is Len says Chris Hunt has somebody lined up/in mind?

That strikes a devastating chord...so sad.

Think you will find that there will be a reduction in the build limit for 2021... Ergo the teams will not be the same... Unless your team was two three or four points under the original build limit of 41... As an educated guess the new build limit could be anything from as low as 34/35 to 38/39 depending on rider availability... Regards THJ

Oh Brough.... right... Paul Daniels Ken Dodd!!! you need to take the methanol out the back of the vehicle mate the fumes are "puggling" your brain cells all one of them; and I know you only have one brain cell as Ruff Diamond told me if you had one less brain cell than you have now you would not have any at all... Good lad that Ruff... knows his stuff does Ruff... Regards THJ

HADN'T heard this ... devastating news. Had known Zenon since 1972, helped Ivan and Briggo acquire his visas to race in Australia, New Zealand and America and, of course throughout his time in the UK. Always enjoyed a catch up when we met at SGPs. So sad ...

Sorry not me; I have never been to the bar at Brought.... in fact I have never been to Brought? I once refereed a rugby match at Broughton Park and got exceedingly drunk after it; due to some fantastic hospitality and I cant remember seeing you there? Your recollection of events must be dimmed by your predilection to liking a pint or two of meth's as you advised earlier, which is also confirmed by your statement that the late Paul Daniels was great... you need to stop drinking mate Regards THJ

Depends what the points limit is surely? Lots seem to think it's going to be slashed, some significantly. Len'll have lots of NDL riders to use who know the track very well and who'll be known to him. Just be a case of whatever he has to play with if points limit is a less than now. Unlikely to be like for like average wise therefore.

If you would have taken a short drive from Lynn to say Brancaster to Salthose, just stunning. For me, North Norfolk is one of the finest coast lines in England

If Eastie keep six of this years 7 and the points limit is reduced I'll be relatively happy and think they'll be in a good position for next year, the fact we went for an all British team this year should be a great help for next season either way.

So good to see that Scott has got involved with improving track and hopefully we will see better racing. Be interesting to see who comes in for Covatti. My first post for a while....in a very strange year!!!!

Due to the lack of available riders there will be a cut in the team build points level next year for sure... probably in both leagues but definitely in the Championship. This will mean every team loses at least one rider from last years selected seven in the resulting reshuffle and depending on how deep the cut is in the point build level it could be more than one change. Then on Jan 1 because of Brexit all overseas riders will require a tier 2 Visa which will be an extra cost for clubs to cough up which will be an issue for many clubs (maybe not Glasgow) but at around 1500 quid for an initial 3 year Visa it's a other cost for hard up clubs to stump up... Finally the way Poland are making demands on the riders riding in their leagues it will totally screw the leagues in the UK unfortunately reducing rider availability for selection in UK teams. Only my humble opinion but we will see how accurate my predictions are in the coming weeks (maybe sooner) Regards THJ

Nice to see a bit of humour on BSF for a change!!

At least that’s been flagged up

That should make things a Hole lot better.

Think they got it because its a fair way to the stadium from the car park

That should sort things down to a tee..

They could speak with Fore other Clubs to help Iron out the problems. Wood ent it be good to see.

And all done to try and win competitions that, by the very contrived nature the sport is ran, are rendered pretty much worthless.. Imagine changing clubs' fixture lists during the season because there won't be enough 'guest riders' available, and expecting anyone to actually take the sport seriously?

Cheers mate if you get down to us let me know I,ll buy you a beer

The problem with the buggy was that it is very small & if there were a lot of people trying to get on to go up to the stadium it became a bit of a Wedge. Perhaps they could arrange to" putter nother " one on

Wembley tickets England v Scotland 18th June 2021 A close mate of mine has two tickets in a corporate box for this match. He paid £300 each, but he didn't know when he bought them that it was going to be the same day as his Covid-19 postponed wedding. If you are interested, he is looking for someone to take his place. It's at Hamilton Registry Office, at 2.30pm. The bride's name is Moira, she's 5'4", about 8 stone, quite pretty, has her own income and is a really good cook.

An obvious opportunity that should have been taken the year it became clear Poland was THE priority for the very best riders.. Instead we have had well over a decade, of moving around fixtures and guestfests to accommodate and replace, by far, the most expensive riders, who, if they knocked on the doors of the houses on the streets adjacent to the tracks, no one would recognise.. Covid 19 has given those who run it an ideal opportunity for a 100% needed complete reset.... Fans desperate for any Speedway will turn up next year in strong numbers I would say, regardless of team strengths.. Will this opportunity be taken? We already know the answer don't we?...

if all these riders want to drop the British League, then let them without argument, if the (almost) impossible actually happens and the promoters stick together, it could be the ideal time to have speedway's very own great reset. i used to love the National League (80s version) and a league like that now without the Poland bound riders in my opinion would create a great starting point to move forward and let the BL create it's own stars.

I would question that. I think if you are new it does matter to know you are seeing a "someone" who is known to be established and good at a sport. I would say the appeal of a former World Champion is much greater than a journeymen NL rider. As a general rule people aren't silly (this forum though.....) people do know what "good" looks like when it comes to sport, attendances typically reflect that, the better participants do attract the better crowds. In a world where you took a group of people to a game of football who had never attended football before, what appeals more to more "that guy is Leo Messi, he has been pretty much regarded as one of the best players in the world the last 10 years" or "that is Mike he isn't that good really" - while the fame of Doyle is clearly less than Messi that general rule does still apply. RE the general point of creating balance being touched on here. The rule changes speedway has made to build crowds, create balance in teams, water down the product etc hasn't worked because there is an element of false and BS to it and most see through it. Sport is generally about becoming and creating the best to then shot that participant or team down, speedway has spent 20 years trying to remove its self from that, the sport has created a false economy and it is failed one, there is no good, bad, balance in sides and clubs just a really mixed bag of crap with no one knowing what they actually are. There is little wrong with "big clubs" and "small clubs" a club size should generally reflect the local area and population, if the sport had walked that path it would have been OK. Speedway does little to create club mentality, club ethos, club identity I would argue these things offer a greater assistance to attendance than "oh jeez get the clacker and air horn out we just got pumped but what a smashing race, pass me my Wulf Sport jacket I am away for a Bovril",

I'm not sure that's entirely true - The crowds were definetly up in my eyes. Whether they were up ENOUGH is a different debate all together.

People go to watch the better names before anything else .. if the racing good its a bonus . its just common sense just like would be it any other sport

There is clearly though very, very few true fans who simply invest in the idea of great racing regardless of the level of rider . That has always been a comfort blanket fantasy grasped to by some on this forum. If you put a GP on tomorrow at Belle Vue and then a National League Riders Championship the next night..... one of them is getting a much bigger crowd than the other (in circumstance when people could attend sport clearly) "Ahhh but Isle of Wight went NL and ahhh Eastbourne" Clearly there will be exceptions to the rule, but more often than not people have wanted to see and paid to see the better standard of individual as the better individuals do produce better racing. It is racing of a higher quality than for instance 4 guys at NL level going around "close" to each other, most don't equate that to a high standard of racing they want to pay to watch, it is years and years and years and years of evidence now that support this.