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At least the Casey family have got an apology, which is something. However it does seem to be a begrudging apology forced by his book publisher, perhaps out of fear of being left with a shed full of unsold books. And as others have said, the apology does beg more questions. 1. Collins claims not to know that Steve Casey was ill, yet he has been fighting the disease for several years. Collins' wife knew he was ill. Members of Collins' inner circle of friends knew. Steve Casey was a well-known figure. It's hard to believe Collins didn't know. Maybe it just slipped his mind in that moment of incandescent rage? 2. Collins says his feud with the promotion has gone on 35 years. That takes us back to 1988 when he himself was the BV promoter. Did he have a feud with himself? It's well-documented that Collins had a falling-out with John Perrin not long after they took over BV. And Perrin was a rough type who could fall out with anyone (despite also having his good side), so I wouldn't totally blame Collins for having a feud with him. But surely that would only last until the end of the Perrin era? The BV promotion has changed hands at least three times since then, and there have also been changes of personnel within the promotion during those times. So how has the feud managed to continue against people who had no connection with the actual feud? The only common connection is Collins - and in particular his list of 100+ people who he thinks should have a free pass to every Belle Vue match. (This list contains some former Aces riders, some former Aces juniors, some former non-Aces riders, some ex-Collins sponsors and friends from 50 years back, and some people with no connection to the sport at all). This list has been presented to every new promoter since Perrin, and unsurprisingly rejected by every new promoter. I suspect that Collins knows that no one could ever accept such a nonsensical list, and he uses it on purpose to cause trouble. Of course a few of the people on the list are genuine ex-Aces, but those are admitted to BV anyway. Eric Broadbelt, Ken Eyre, Bill Powell are all regulars, as were Peter Williams and Taffy Owen until their deaths. Chris Morton pops along every so often (which must be difficult considering how his involvement ended). Joe Screen has been. Andy and Paul Smith are obviously there with their son/nephew Jack, and Carl Stonehewer came when his son was second-half riding. Geoff Pusey came along last year with an old upright and was welcomed and allowed to do a few laps in the interval. Peter Ravn came with his clutch business and was welcomed and interviewed on the centre green. Basically any ex-Aces riders are welcomed and so would Collins have been if he'd wanted to come along.... ...And that's where Steve Casey came in. An ex-rider, but even more so a passionate Belle Vue supporter, he felt it was wrong that Collins was denying himself a chance to watch the sport he had graced for over a decade. Like many, he felt that people like Collins should still be part of Belle Vue. He tried, off his own bat, to work a solution so that Collins could end his petty vendetta and come along to BV without losing face. But despite Steve Casey's best efforts, Collins proved too stubborn and threw it all back at him. What Collins did to a dying gentleman who tried to help him is unforgiveable, and the apology is still very weak.

Completely agree. Nothing more than damage limitation.

As a member of the WSRA, I believe this is wrong. We as an organisation should be supporting the SPORT not individual teams.

The Newbury "Nomads", who ride at Newbury Showground, just off Junction 13 of the M4 and within 45 minutes of Swindon and Reading. A lovely new track which will be made into a modern stadium in the near future. All the equipment needed is currently in storage and will be delivered soon. Owner: Clarke Osbourne. Promoter: Terry Russell. Guaranteed success story.

But they are not competing. It is just a label for a select team racing in an open meeting.

While he has issued an Apology,it is very hard to believe that he did not know that Steve Casey was ill given his contacts in the Sport.Perhaps his apology should have been worded differently.

Not at all!

Oxford to Swindon is about 30 miles

I can see both sides of the argument but what happened is now in the past and BV are Premier League Champions. What is much more important to me is the fact that we had one of the best and most keenly contested final in years. It had drama, crashes, great racing, controversy etc. My overriding memory of the final will always be the above and not any potential dispute concerning Robert Lambert.

Rules and laws in every walk of life are "interpreted" by someone at the point of use. The fundamental difference in speedway is that those interpreting the laws/rules happen to also be the same people the rules/laws are being applied to. However you change the wording or try to tighten up the rules, you will always have these issues if the "judge" is making a judgment on themselves. The only way forward should be the SCB makes and applies the regulations, and that no one on the SCB board has any interest financial or otherwise in any operating speedway club. Until then, you'll do this same dance every year. I fear before the BSPL realise this they will have taken the sport beyond the brink.

Think you need to recalibrate your AA roadmap

Agreed it's down to us to let our voices known that we want Buster to sign it over to MT (providing he's naturally financially compensated where necessary) and thank him for everything he's done in helping to save panthers. Panthers being in limbo with a new promoter who wants to run the club butting heads with the current owner will do nobody any good and would most likely see the club suffer. It's time for the next chapter under new ownership let's get it done and quick.

Worcester Sorcerers

Harlow Hammers Get rid of the greyhounds & race at Harlow Greyhound Stadium. Red & white race jackets not team suits lol!

As in Speedway depends who the Promoters are.” Best Interest” rule.

This thread needs to be closed and matter now sorted out in private which would be best all round for everyone. P.C. has apologised, that surely needs to be end of it as far as social media is concerned.

Theres still speedway in Kent its just hosted at Iwade now instead of Central Park. NL bar has been raised this year and Sunday lunchtimes may appeal to some travellers as you can still be home at a reasonable hour.

Fingers crossed it's a positive one. I know the owners don't really want NL but unless there's something dramatically different from last year with sponsorship etc not sure where we can go. Unless even this summer on a few Sunday afternoons we could go down the IOW ( Nora) route and at least keep the track alive other than stock cars. I'd go just for the noise/smell and introduce a couple of young grandchildren who haven't been to a speedway meeting, a bit more variety might hold their attention for more than 5 mins aswell.

I would wait for the statement from the consortium, I will put up a link when its online..

No confident things will get sorted it's just very frustrating

I think a group that calls themselves ‘Asset Earning Power Group’ tells you everything you need to know about this showground deal. Panthers are the only thing I still enjoy about this dead end town and that may be taken away from me as well.

Exactly. And even closer as the crow flies, less than 25 miles I'd imagine.

A pithy attempt at humour there Jenga! I know Barry Wallace is getting on but the saying "Coals to Newcastle" goes back long before him... and will certainly be lost on anyone born in the 80s or later who may not/will not be aware of the fine mining tradition of the North East... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coals_to_Newcastle Some light reading to give your comment context and substance... Regards THJ

Personally, I wouldn't give PC any money after his shocking behaviour. The apology made it worse in my opinion, as it's clearly only an attempt to protect book sales.

Whatever is going on with the ownership of the club going forward it needs to be a priority and sorted as soon as possible , as whoever is the owner doesn't want to find out they have become detatched with there paying public , Todays expected interest rate rise wont help with peoples finances again and the only thing the rate hike will possibly help with is the length of time the Panthers could remain at the showground as new house builds are bound to suffer further with the hike and what people can afford to spend on any house moves in the coming months/years ahead. Buster has done what even moneybags Frost couldn't do provide Peterborough with a title winning team to watch and on a limited budget im sure the Lynn fans would love this to happen to them, but hes not the man to take the Panthers forward in there quest to survive from this point onwards, think the majority of Panthers fans will remember him fondly (if he sells that is) for what he did for and achieved at Peterborough even though his methods at times could be seen as very annoying .

What? You mean they're not legit? Oh crap!

But on a less serious note are the management committee going BATTY about NORA.

Most people would find this funny but not those who know what has gone on.

What has happened in previous seasons is irrelevant, because as we know the Regs are fiddled with every winter. Even so, I think the version of Reg 12.02 in the 2022 set was rehashed from before, because of the previous problems and other changes, e.g. the Transfer Window, etc. Every time the BSPA & SCB make a cock-up with the Regs, they patch them up, but don't seem to conduct a thorough review. Any idiot can see that "proven long term injury" is a hopelessly vague statement (any idiot except the BSPA and the SCB). The point is that Belle Vue didn't make a tactical change, it was made because their #1 rider was absent with a proven long term injury - what ever period was set as a precedent (possibly based on Jake Allen's and Erik Riss's absences), and was completely within the 2022 Regs.

Fixed that for you.

You could be the Promoter with your experience.!!

Have to disagree. Try telling that to fans of "The Cheetahs", The Reading "Berks" and "The Budgies"...Oxford's and Swindon's rivalry went back to 1949 and matches between the two were always keenly anticipated with plenty of controversy mixed in down the years! Add in Reading (much later) and there was always a good mix at the various stadia and the fans from all three tracks were keen to get one over another!

Heartfelt apology or cynical PR damage limitation exercise? mmm Of course there will be opinions as to both. I know what mine is. It resembles the statements you see when MPs or other such celebrities get their fingers caught in the till or other such indiscretions where they are bang to rights. Here's where I have a problem with it : 1. Why did it take from the 2nd November until now to get the apology? 2. Would the apology have been forthcoming if the incident had not been published on social media? 3. If the apology was based on the fact that he didn't know of Steve's illness - is he saying he would be justified if Steve had had a clean bill of health? 4. He didn't know Steve was ill. Very, very difficult to believe. Steve was in communication with his wife (again to try and resolve the 'issues') and she was well aware. Plus I know many of his inner circle who also knew. And apparently Peter didn't? 5. A 35 year long feud that exploded on that particular night? really? 6. A 35 year long feud that spanned 4 different promotions? That takes you back to the time when he was part of one such promotion! The situation commenced in 2016 at the start of the NSS opening. That I do know. Interestingly, some 20+ ex-riders have been in touch to commiserate and ask about arrangements, I asked them the same question. - ''Did you get a free pass when PC was Promoter?'' the answer was unanimous and I will let you guess the answer. It may surprise you. The good news is that I am reliably informed that book sales have not been affected. At least that is one consolation to this whole affair The truth sets you free

Not at Owlerton.

The “regulation “ is as vague as it useless. Of course these “regulations” have been adapted and amended for any promoter who chooses to challenge it for their own benefit. Previously over abused by Poole and Matt Ford it seems Lemon has taken on that role of fudging the regulation. It will just need yet another amendment after the farce of bringing a rider in just for part of the play offs. Yes both Sheffield and Ipswich took advantage of this vague regulation and one may well say they might have abused the terminology but when has it ever been allowed to bring a rider in AFTER the play offs start? It’s never happened before so you have to question why now? If the regulation allows interpretation on the ‘proven long term injury’ line why have no other teams in the play offs been allowed to replace a rider before 2022. The play offs are littered with teams decimated by injury over the years ruining their possible chances of a title victory. Why have those season ending injuries never allowed teams to replace that rider before? Wolves had a season with both Freddie and Jacob have season ending injuries yet permission to use Woffy was denied. Seems there was no such thing allowed in the interpretation that year. Certainly seems it depends on who asks as to whether it’s a yes or no. Let’s be clear here. It’s the regulation/rule that’s the issue as well as the interpretation of that regulation. No doubt there will be changes and amendments after the Lambert farce of 22. That said some promoters will be looking at self interest at the business end of the season when they can potentially open a loophole to gain an advantage. sorry, that’s a total farce. A hollow victory in 22.

One of the saddest days of my life when Steve passed (Betty) last Wednesday. I've know Steve since I was 9 and he was 12. I feel a sense of loss that I would usually only associate with losing a family member. He always, always took the micky out of me as I did with him but underneath there was much love and respect. I saw Steve at Thameside Hospital last Saturday and he was still talking about beating his illness. If you look in the dictionary under zest for life, the first words say, " Steve Casey". He was the most positive person I have ever met. I have so many memories of time spent with Steve, time he spent with my family. We was the most sarcastic person I have ever met, he was naturally funny even though he wasn't trying to be. He always had plans, he never stood still, there was always something to plan or look forward to and he never gave up. He used to call me and say, I've got a problem Betty with my push bike or my car or that bloody lawnmower lol, then follow that up by saying, dont bother coming round because its unfixable, there is no one alive that can fix it, knowing full well that was a red rag to a bull for me. Round Ide go and we would both get stuck in and we always, always fixed or repaired whatever it was. Steve always got the good biscuits out when I went round for a brew and a catch up, ( well that's what he told me ) He was the most gentle, entertaining, strong, determined, placid, generous man I have ever met. I count myself privileged that he considered me as a friend. My heart goes out to his beautiful daughter Mia and his girlfriend Jackie at this time. He was one in a million and I will miss him until we next meet.

Are people seriously thinking of cancelling PC from their memory because this? And no, it should not have have made public as this course of action was certain to round up a lynch mob, which it has, inevitably raising the toxic level of debate. Frequently on many Facebook postings and on this forum you will you will see Kenny Carter lauded as a hero - and he was a murderer, but apparently many people are happy to overlook/forgive him for that little misdemeanour. When it comes down to it, this is a squable between just a few people and represents a miniscule, even if unsavoury, footnote to the stellar career of PC, a man who, let me remind you, played a significant role in saving Belle Vue from complete extinction. Presumably we can assume that PC will now never visit Belle Vue, so effectively, this should draw a line under the whole sorry matter and we can all move along.

The team suits and matching bikes is one of the few things British speedway does well and gets right. No team in any sport in the 21st century should be wearing kit that doesn't absolutely match.

Agree entirely. I thought she was very good on BSN and seemed to know her stuff. Must be quite difficult doing a job like that but she was growing into it nicely. Leave her alone.

Think this criticism of Hayley Bromley is way off the mark, I think she does an excellent job as presenter. Also women in speedway should be encouraged not mocked

Hayley Bromley is the centre green announcer at NSS usually. if that is who you mean, she also writes a column in the programme. She's far better than Porkie from Monmore and the guy at EoESg. I don't mind the guy that does it at Owlerton & Perry Barr as much as those two, but she's more knowledgeable than him IMO.

I thought she did a grand job when I went to see Sheffield there. Could be 3 years of experience to where she's improved, but I found her level of interaction and talking to the fans to be spot on, which is better than 80% of announcers who absolutely love the sound of their own voice.

It’s just you, I think.

188 different tracks in total covering 31 countries which is every country in the world that has staged a meeting within the past 5 or so years.

On BSN you can get English commentary. Scottish commentary, Australian commentary,

Fantastic.That will sway me.!

Rumour is he's been tapped up by Poole to head the track rakers on a guarantee of 100 quid a heat and double for a golden heat.