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PC and ourselves at Retro Speedway are in very advanced discussions about us publishing his autobiography and we look forward to working with him on this and another exciting project. Watch this space...

You might well ask, but I doubt that the BSPL will view favourably someone attempting to run speedway outside their control - it could, after all, lead to more clubs breaking away. Moreover they have a nasty reputation for being vindictive. You are absolutely right about success or failure, but at least the Warriors promotion will have the satisfaction of being able to control their own destiny rather than being dictated to by others who have no financial involvement in the NL whatsoever.

I tend to agree here. Unfortunately for this season at least the Warriors don't have any choice and, given the circumstances, I suspect the overwhelming majority will understand - if not totally agree - with their decision to pull out of the NL. Couple of points, though. First of all, freed from the - in my view, stifling - control of the BSPL, they are expanding the content of the meeting to embrace other forms of on track racing so that the speedway becomes the major part (rather than the whole) of the evening. Secondly, they won't be hampered by a 35pt limit (they will use 41.5 I understand) so the teams will be much stronger than standard NL fare. Thirdly, the handicap meetings are anything but the usual individual and are brilliant (particularly with the 6 rider final) and well worth a go. Finally, you get the Warriors experience (not to be underestimated) - the remarkable degree of customer care being very clearly shown by Barry Bishop's continual engagement with fans on the pages of this forum. As I said, I do agree with your point but Isle of Wight are very much the exception.

RIP Maurice

Surely a change of normal rules for a less than normal season?! Maybe for TV meetings as the last thing TV would want is to see a couple of 'wobblers' (no disrespect to NL riders) in addition to the rising stars.

I believe the breakaway league was having to be called "The Kicking An Air Filled Spherical Object Around A Desgnated Marked Out Field European Super League"...

They do apparently. Its why Isle of Wight have referred to their season as 'shale track racing'. Humph has mentioned that an attempt to ban riders - no matter how it is dressed up - will be a restraint of trade and that is contrary to common law. I have looked into this a bit - see the IOW 2020 thread - and he's almost certainly right.

Best of luck in all your endeavours this season Barry. I am sure a good many on here appreciate your updates and honesty, not to mention the way you and the team down there actually go about promoting your sport and business.. Many could do a lot worse than learning from what you all do down there..

I'm just picking up the formation of a new breakaway league with Sittingbourne, Isle of Wight and trackless Weymouth. Not before time, the sport in the UK needs a new direction particularly at grass roots. Well done for those involved a brave move.

2 Glasgow and Poole i think.

And should the BSPL ever actually ban any riders for riding at the IOW, then who would ride for the teams in their leagues? Most riders seem to have two teams as it is, so banning any of them would create some big holes to be filled.. And as the IOW seem to be trying to run their 'Speedw', (er I mean 'Shale Sport" Meetings) at a level more akin to the 'old' NL strength it will therefore include a number of 'decent level riders', which would mean a fair few NDL heat leaders and Championship Reserves would need finding to replace them from a pool of lesser talent.. To be honest. I can't really see the BSPL being too bothered what happens on the island, (hope so anyway), and if they are, they really need to focus on the much more important matters.. Such as promoting their sport aggressively as we leave the various lockdown rules behind..

I picked BT as my smart benefit too on EE, but I also pay an extra fiver a month for the large screen access to airplay it to my main tv. Picture quality is superb

I have a feeling that Chris Widman has retired to concentrate on his Butchers business and personally I am not sure about Mickie Simpson from what I have seen in British Youth series he seems to crash a lot and also his equipment looks like needs investment although he is quite an accomplished Grasstrack rider

But why would they need to ban anyone at all? Let's face it only riders not already racing on a Thursday night and prepared to haul their asses down to the Isle of Wight would possibly be involved. See the attraction for those living in the area who don't want to venture north for rides in the NDL. Time will tell whether it's a revolution - the proof will come not from the number of keystrokes supporting the venture/management but the numbers paying on the gate or joining membership schemes. Time will tell.

Just to let everyone know the CHiPs episodes with Bruce Penhall are being shown on ForcesTV Channel at either 6:00PM or 2:30AM and repeated at weekends. Sky Channel 181, or Freeview 96. From what I recall there weren't many episodes which featured speedway; one called Speedway Fever, and there isn't much and the one centered around the 1982 World Final, it isn't that great and is pretty 1980's cheesy and possibly a bit of a wasted opportunity but are worth watching from historical interest. Shame Bruce left Cradley Heath & speedway itself, but you cant really blame him; vis a vis the queues of hopefulls waiting in all weathers to audition for 'Britain's Doesn't Have Any Talent Nor The X-Factor' - type shows in the quest for fame & fortune Stardom. Looking forward to the speedway bikes, meantime gotta love those Kawasaki Z900 & Z1000's which are worth a small fortune these days. Think I need to get out more....

Personally hope Mickie Simpson gets a chance probably best of the never tried riders without a team place

I know. It's frustrating isn't it. I get BT sport and also watch the MotoGP and will watch the GP this year when it comes on. I do watch football, rugby and boxing, but it's only a passing interest and not one that would justify getting Bt Sport just for that, so the same would apply to Sky Sports so I've no interest in adding that just to get the Eurosport. I'm not sure yet if I'll get Eurosport player this year. Swindon aren't riding and Eurosport coverage tends to not be great (although that is based on watching it a few years ago so it might have improved). If I get it, I'll probably get a monthly subscription to the player and see how I get on, although I used to record it and skip quite a lot which won't be an option with that. If Eurosport have the GP next year then maybe I'm more likely to get it (although if it does what it's looking like it might do and becomes a Zmarzlik one-man show I might not bother!) On BT Sport I'd watch it always, but for me, personally, moving it to Eurosport is not a good thing.

Having decided to buy the book I can honestly say that I'm enjoying reading it. There are even listed what riders were earning per ride during the World Championship Meetings early 1980's.

We have always done relatively well from Challenge matches crowd and sponsor wise. Our view is to make them as relative as possible so by challenging clubs looking to keep their teams alive and continue to be part of shale track racing having the likes of Oxford, Cradley, Weymouth, and will I hope give the buzz of a league match, certainly all of these challenge types before have Stay safe one and all and thanks for your support in this challenging of times.

The Wightlink Warriors Shale Track Racing Club have announced their NORA Motorsport race programme for 2021 and what a bumper action-packed season it promises to be with eleven consecutive weekly meetings from late June featuring something for every shale track racing follower. Co-owner Martin Widman said, “Barry (Bishop) and I have worked really hard trying to develop what we think will be the most entertaining night out we possibly can. We have listed what we plan to run right now but we are also working to include more Formula 2 speedway, fun and games with the ‘Chicken Chasers’ and hopefully riders demonstrating the well-established Flat Track racing discipline. Spectators can be sure that every night will be packed with family entertainment from start to finish. We will be unveiling our Warrior team members shortly. They will be operating at a level slightly above the 2019 National League standard. The Warrior riders that have been chosen can’t wait to get started. Our attention now turns to the Wizards team and we fully expect to name some familiar and popular faces that we will coach, guide and provide with plenty of track time to aid with their racing technique. We also can’t wait to welcome our Smallbrook regulars as well as the many visitors from around the country who have been so encouraging and supportive of our new venture. Our media colleagues, social media platforms and website will be updated with all the breaking news as it happens and so I would ask all supporters to keep a close eye out for the latest information and as always we will be happy to hear from those with any questions via email to speedwayontheisland@yahoo.co.uk ”. Fixtures: 24th June Island Master Round 1 (Individual Meeting) Plus Wizards Team Challenge (opposition to be confirmed) Plus Pee Wee bike and Youth Development races (bikes up to 160 cc) 1st July Warriors Team Challenge v Reading Plus Motors Challenge (Jawa v GM) Plus Pee Wee bike and Youth Development races (bikes up to 160 cc) 8th July US Style ‘Handicap’ Individual Meeting Plus Sidecars and Formula 2 speedway Plus Pee Wee bike and Youth Development races (bikes up to 160 cc) 15th July Best Pairs Plus Wizards Team Challenge (opposition to be confirmed) Plus Formula 2 speedway Plus Pee Wee bike and Youth Development races (bikes up to 160 cc) 22nd July Warriors Team Challenge v Weymouth Plus Motors Challenge (GM v Weslake) Plus Pee Wee bike and Youth Development races (bikes up to160 cc) 29th July Warriors Team Challenge v Oxford Plus Wizards Team Challenge (opposition to be confirmed) Plus Pee Wee bike and Youth Development races (bikes up to 160 cc) 5th Aug Island Master Round 2 (Individual Meeting) Plus Wizards Team Challenge (opposition to be confirmed) Plus Pee Wee bike and YouthDevelopment races (bikes up to 160 cc) 12th Aug Warrior Team Challenge v Cradley Plus Motors Challenge (Jawa v Weslake) Plus Pee Wee bike and Youth Development (bikes up to 160 cc) 19th Aug US Style ‘Handicap’ Individual Meeting Plus ‘Yesteryears’ On Track Plus Formula 2 speedway Plus Pee Wee bike and Youth Development races (bikes up to 160 cc) 24th Aug Warriors Team Challenge (opposition to be confirmed) Plus Wizards Team Challenge (opposition to be confirmed) Plus Pee Wee bike and Youth Development races (bikes up to 160cc) 2nd Sept Island Master Round 3 (Individual Meeting) Plus Wizards Team Challenge (opposition to be confirmed) Plus Pee Wee bike and Youth Development races (bikes up to 160 cc)

We're not living in the 1960s anymore. The MSA (now Motorsports UK) gave up the fight on this years ago on the grounds of restraint of trade. Both drivers and officials can participate in events not under their control without consequence to their own licensing.

I would argue that speedway at grass roots isn't in a dire situation. In the past few years the junior championship has grown in numbers thanks to a lot of effort from volunteers. There are now several clubs, albeit mainly in the north, who have a pathway all the way from National Junior League (125 / 250 and 500cc), to National League, to Premier League, Eastbourne has exactly the same, while Kent has both a National and Premier League setup. The Premier League is also setting up a new junior league this season. You have to wait to see how that pans out before commenting. There is also a thriving amateur scene at both Redcar and Scunthorpe. I get the feeling the promotion at Isle of Wight will be supportive of the breakaway league, since they withdrew from the National League. But if they couldn't sell the National league product to sponsors, how are they going to sell an amateur product?

Enjoyed reading the interview with Brian Larner...tells a slightly different story to Ian Thomas as regards their parting of ways.

Haven't read it and sorry to say, but I don't think I'll be buying it. Good rider, but not one who ever really got the juices flowing. The obvious gaps in speedway autobiographies are Ole Olsen and Peter Collins. They would be must-reads.

So it's about time Swindon, Somerset and Poole stop messing about and say we are History.