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But to convince one to come over here for half a season ain't easy. If they don't have everything set up in the uk, they need to get 2 more bikes, engines to suit, van, mechanic, somewhere to stay etc. A complete new set up. which they can't use anywhere else during the season. Riding the the UK is a big commitment ££ for the first time for the rider. But a Dane, Czech, or German lad can easily pick up extra meetings in Europe using the same kit they have at the moment. That's the biggest issue before you even start getting into Visas etc

Right up north?! Manchester isn’t right up north… Newcastle northwards is right up north! you say holding it at a neutral venue wouldn’t attract many locals… there was never a problem with crowds when Peterborough have held 4TT’s at their track… Poole will have mainly locals filling up their stadium but it’s still a poor choice when you consider the fans from the real north… Edinburgh, Berwick, Glasgow, Redcar etc… teams that have fans that normally come out in good amounts for the tournaments!

You’ve got a national speedway stadium which is slap bang in the middle of the country. Bosh!!!!!!!!! Job done , all supporters don’t have as far to travel and invest the gate monies or profits back into British speedway. not rocket science is it

If Glasgow didn't host it their wouldn't be one!!! It's put on by the promotion at their cost. The plrc is supposed to be a "shared event" put on with aim supporters of all clubs being able to attend and bspl takes up the slack and the costs. Surely even you can see the difference!!! And in what world is Scunthorpe northern?!?!

Geography not yer strong point . From Glasgow or Edinburgh to Poole check out what is slap bang in the middle. Main motorway travel and decent rail links. You need to get out more

It needs a lot of co-operation between promoters in the BSPL but it doesn’t generally happen does it which is why we still have big problems. We need the three leagues to work together for the good of U.K. speedway but the facts shows that doesn’t happen, they cannot even have the same rules on how they operate or run competitions, until they start to work together Poland will be allowed to dictate things. For British riders to benefit from ACU allocations, ride for the GB team, ride in the British Championships, SON, SEC etc they should be required to ride in the U.K. and hold British Licences. I have absolutely no problem with British riders riding in Poland, Sweden or Elsewhere but they do need to ride in the U.K. if they want the benefits above.

I think both Leagues would collapse if Bomber got injured.

People can't afford to travel. You won't attract travelling fans who are not already aware of the sport (only die hards will travel a distance to, e.g. Poole, Belle Vue or Glasgow) so a stream is an additional source of publicity, as well as potential income. As mentioned elsewhere, it can be limited in terms of geography - thus the hosting track can focus on more localised marketing.

He is certainly giving the impression of late that his best years are behind him. Still, you can’t fault his record and it may be many years before we have another 3-time world champion.

Only been to 4 aways this year and everytime the journey home turned into a nightmare, with petrol prices etc it certainly makes you wonder if it's worth it. Monmore Green is only up the road for me, don't think I'd travel great distances for home meetings

Welcome to speedway.

When I used to go to White City on a Wednesday/Tuesday night travelling from Oxford was always a pleasure driving back along the M40 after the meeting. Visits to Wolves/Cradley was never an issue and trips to Eastbourne meant an evening walking along the prom after the meeting. Wouldn't wish to take those sort of journeys now with the increase in traffic however!

Hasn't someone clever with too much time on their hands worked out the the geographical centre of Great Britain (England, Scotland & Wales) is Blackburn. Which, incidentally apparently has the same number of holes as the Poole track Money is money right. It doesn't matter where it comes from. What would you prefer to receive, £20,000 from 1,000 spectators paying £20 at the gate or £30,000 from 3,000 people paying £10 for the live stream? The answer is both because we're all greedy capitalists. The truth is spectators are costly. From a promoter perspective you'd save quite a bit of money by excluding any attendees and only making the event available via subscription, however dystopian that might sound. Luckily there's a couple of factors stopping that from happening, the impact on the local economy from attendees, in particular travelling supporters and event atmosphere. An easy conclusion from watching pandemic events behind closed doors is that spectators should actually be paid to attend as they clearly enhance the TV product, until someone develops a digital crowd experience to rival it. That's the profit driven glimpse of the future. Virtual Reality viewing where everyone stays at home but experience being in the crowd with other viewers you can interact with. You'll get constant pop up reminders to place a bet or order junk food via deliveroo, unless you've paid a premium subscription to avoid adverts. There'd only need to be one track and maybe only 14 riders with both digitally altered to represent different stadiums and competitors. Hell why not just do the whole event digitally generated by computer programme, with 14 Chris Harris' guesting. Grim.

To be fair, Sweden and Denmark have a different business model base on much fewer fixtures, so require fewer dates. when all is said and done, the Poles haven't said you can only ride in Poland, and therefore the UK is competing against Denmark and Sweden, not Poland. The UK needs to be an attractive place to ride speedway if you want the best riders. If you ask the current riders what the UK has going for it, you'll find the responses are normally: plus points: Lots of meetings No Squads Variation of tracks UK income Minus points: Less money extra costs, equipment, bikes, mechanics etc Poor tracks (quality of preparation) More paperwork If you want to attract the better riders, work on the Minus points, but not all riders want extra meetings and travel. Of the three GP riders over here now, they all have their reasons for choosing the UK over essentially Sweden. Many Danes have to ride Denmark to satisfy sponsors. What they don't seem to understand is we are not competing with Poland. If we want better riders we are competing with Sweden, or Denmark

Okay for Glasgow to hold the GB test match though! No thought for Oxford, Poole, Plymouth fans there that might want to go. Seems a bit hypocritical to me for Glasgow fans to moan about it. Although if it had to go up north at a Championship club then I would say Scunthorpe or Redcar.

Just don't understand why we have a National Speedway Stadium if we don't use it for National Speedway Events. What's the point? It's like playing the FA Cup final at different club grounds every year just for hoots

Tbh with team kevlars it feels a bit like that anyway lol Yes some riders' styles you can pick out but not all, especially away riders!

I am keeping very well thank you but my 4 wheels these days is a mobility scooter as I no longer have a car. Even if I did I dont think I would bother though. Sad but I couldn't cope with all the hanging around these days.

Not a dig i promise but why hold it at Poole surely limits the numbers that can attend as its so far away from the majority of other clubs

MILDENHALL --- SUNDAY 19th JUNE AT 2PM The Danny Ayres Memorial meeting at Mildenhall on Sunday June 19th ---first race 2pm with gates open 12.30 – has attracted a good line-up of riders willing to take part in memory of speedway’s No. 1 showman. Danny’s day, as the meeting has been dubbed, will have 29 races split into the main meeting of 16 riders over 20 heats with a semi final and a Grand Final plus a mini-meeting of two teams of 4 rides racing over 6 heats then a Grand Final for the top two scorers from each side. Confirmed riders are : Danny King, Richard Lawson, James Shanes, Ben Barker, Ben Morley, Max Clegg, Alfie Bowtell, Connor Coles, Connor Mountain, Cam Heeps, Zaine Kennedy, Jacob Hook, Kye Thomsen, James Wright, George Congreve in the main meeting. In the mini meeting confirmed are Nathan Stoneman , Sam Beebee, Alex Spooner, Luke Muff, Jack Kingston, Connor King, Jack Kingston and Nick Laurence. There will be children’s entertainment including face painting, cartoon characters and mascots plus a magician with sweet stalls from gate opening time. The pits are open to the public from 12.30 until 1.20 with a track walk with the riders and referee at 1.15 with a £10 charge to join in with this. The bikes will be warmed up at 1.30 and the parade of riders with mascots ( available for £40 ) at 1.45 then heat 1 at 2pm. There will be centre green experience groups throughout the meeting allowing participants to witness racing from the middle and the cost of this is £ 10 . The main meeting is kindly sponsored by Glasgow Tigers Speedway and Allied Vehicles. Teng Tools have donated a tool kit worth £300 which will be presented to the rider chosen as the most entertaining of the meeting with other prizes awarded to the best wheelie and best doughnut ! It is aimed at being a family fun day and local radio station GenX Radio have confirmed as the media partners for Danny’s Day and will have a presence at the meeting giving out stickers and producing their show that afternoon from the stadium and promoting mental awareness. There is the chance for one fan to be the referee’s assistant for the day and start a race. Bids for this can be sent in to the e-mail addresses and the highest bidder will take the prize. The race jackets worn by each rider in both parts of the meeting will be signed and auctioned off after the meeting raising funds towards the futures of Danny’s two children. There will also be other speedway items in the auction , some donated by riders unable to make the meeting to ride…..so fans bring your piggy banks with you !! Well known ex-riders are being invited to be in attendance and will be interviewed during the meeting and be available for photos and autographs. Admission is £20 adults, £15 concessions with under 16’s free and can be paid n cash at the turnstiles. Advanced tickets can be ordered on trybooking under the ref: https://www.trybooking.co.uk/BPDD A 44 page souvenir programme is being produced for the event and will be on sale at £5 inside the stadium. All in all this should be a meeting not to miss and a great day out whilst remembering Danny and raising funds for the futures of his two girls .

It's the National Speedway Stadium in name only, B.S.P. Ltd. don't own it. It was given the name to attract grants.

You are probably right though there has been some odd goings on in other leagues around Europe.

Woffy definitely lost that edge you need... Could have driven a bus through the gap he left then... Didnt move over to block the move one iota...

Him and Wiktor Przyjemski yes

1st bend bunching for me we beg to differ lol

Will Newcastle be able to use a guest for BWD average lol

Bob Humphreys training track is a vivid memory the old house used as a changing room (use at your own risk). I remember one weekend getting stuck in there as there was a concert on at the bowl & the police wouldn't let us out so we were allowed backstage to watch U2

World Cups and test matches aren’t compatible to an event where fans would travel to support their (predominantly northern based) team either.

His problem is when there is 3 other riders in the race of the same standard or better.

I think Glasgow are looking pretty strong throughout, there will always be ups and downs with the top 4 but they are a pretty strong unit. The tail I think will look after itself. You will probably have one of them struggling in the main body of the team, but will always have two strong reserves to counter that, so they can cover. If any one of those three goes into the main body and steps up, then you look a VERY strong team. It's a lot of pressure on Tom Brennan, but that's how you find out how good you are and so far he's going the right way. the engine room terrifies every other team, because I don't know any rider who wants to go up against Ulle and Basso. Neither of them know where they'll be riding on the track so the opposition will always be wary Glasgow, Poole and Leicester are the stand out teams for me. Poole's top 3 have to perform every week as their tail is longer, Leicester and Glasgow are pretty even strength for me. It's going to be fun watching

Like I’ve said before some of his times last night would win heats in the main body. Strange one like

Again it never bothered me as I regarded it as a full night out and was in no hurry to get back home (I only lived round the corner) Used to groan when Frank Ebdon was on the button as one never had time to digest and discuss the previous/forthcoming race action!

Strange one ain’t it? He clearly can do it though which is frustrating!

Surely the most beneficial thing to do would be copy what Edinburgh do and only allow fans who are so many miles away from the stadium to buy the stream?

The best option for who? At the end of the day, this -- and every other meeting -- has to attract a paying turnstile attendance to pay its way, and hopefully turn a profit. If we start designing meetings to run for streaming, rather than the live audience, we wont last long as a public sporting entertaiment.

I think it was an away match at Swindon. Douglas Underwood plus six guests in the mid 70s.

Guessing the guys simply don't want the hassle, the majority just aren't bothered about racing here anyway. Look at all the young aussies going straight to Poland, sad for us but we do need to push our youngsters on somehow. At last have read what Mark Lemon has said in the Star, that the Championship promoters need to embrace the rising star scheme again, to weaken Championship teams so there isn't the need for so much doubling up of riders but the encouragement/improvement of youngsters. He thinks at some point in the very near future that GB will be bereft of riders because we haven't trained them up basically. He thinks all promoters need to look to the future instead of today .....

I believe the land was bought for less than 3 Million. Hardly a development price, and I'm also led to believe that the site was never actually put on the open market! They have been offered a substantial profit by those interested in bringing Stock Car & Speedway back to the stadium, but as yet have not even acknowledged the offer.

Wow... Is Chris Harris not available?

The "Polish commitments" comment when dropping Smith, was obviously an attempt to be kind to the rider. Rather than saying "he was so bad, we had to drop him after one meeting". Racing in the U24 league wouldn't stop him racing in the Champ. A more honest announcement would probably be, "we don't like to drop a rider after only ONE match, but when the opportunity arose to strengthen up by signing Bickley we couldn't afford to miss out. Thanks to Jack for his efforts etc"

1: 57, 2: 57.67, 3: 57.24, 4: 57.38, 5: 58.11, 6: 58.36, 7: 58.66, 8: 58.93, 9: 58.75, 10: 59.01, 11: 58.44, 12: 59.35, 13: 58.43, 14: 59.58, 15: 58.67

Bike cleaner

With Glasgow guaranteed a play-off spot, there's no reason why they can't experiment with the riding order. Got nothing to lose!

Ostergaard hasn't ridden at 5 this year, so can't say he wasn't cutting it there!

I have never read such crap come out of a keyboard warrior as I have reading all these comments. You are all just total nasty people. Nothing Newcastle speedway does is good enough for anyone on this forum. They could be the best but they would still not be good enough for you all. If your not slagging the track it’s the management or it’s the riders or it’s the day they ride and even the volunteer staff have been called. Just pure nastiness. It’s not even freedom of speech or entitled to your opinion chat it’s just pure slagging then off for the fun of it Well I’ve had my rant and I’m sure I’ll get nasty comments back but as you all say I’m entitled to my opinion and that’s mine

Don't think a dispensation is needed. 12.4 states: If a rider is representing their FMN in an FIM/FIME Speedway Championship, irrespective of the rider’s MA, a choice of G or RR facility is available. That's the same wording as the rule in the Championship section that allowed a guest for Harris when on long track duty. So my reading is that it is an application of the rules NOT a dispensation.

The NDL has an excellent rule -- "any eligible rider in the NDL can only guest twice at the same track during a season" That would be for home or away teams.

It’s a shame they are in it full stop - would be good if this was seen as more of a 2nd division to the GPs

We move on to round 10 on Wednesday June 29th- all start times 5.30pm UK time Esbjerg v Vojens- Premier Sport 1 Slangerup v Region Varde Holsted v Brovst start time Grindsted v Fjelsted

Don't at all see the relevance I'm afraid - unless perhaps the Championship fixture (some 100+ milea away) would be impacted through rider selection, and there's been no indication of this. Why not applaud Glasgow's ambition and reward for backing the national team?