Halifaxtiger

Definitely I must admit things didn't always look good with a lot of wind and rain about but by the time the meeting started the sun had decided to put in an appearance although it remained cold. I was very impressed with the set up and the people who run Northside deserve a great deal of credit. I understand they are a little short on funds which is a huge shame, and I hope that their little circuit gets the recognition it deserves. Best performance from young Mr Kirby yet and would have been even better had he not clouted the home straight fence less than 6 feet from the finish line. Many congratulations Adam, dad Paul, mum Julie (both highly nervous and highly excitable at the same time ), sister Bethany and girlfriend Amy. It has always been a privilege and pleasure to be part of the set up and I hope and believe that could be the first of many.

Its public knowledge that Ray Mascall has decided to sell the Fen Tigers following the death of his wife, Jean. From the Mildenhall website, there appears to have been a hang up in the ongoing purchase but it seems that it is still on. My own personal feeling is that speedway will continue at Mildenhall, with Dave Coventry (the stadium owner)taking over and possibly individuals close to the club (John Bailey, Clerk of the course, would be an example) running it on Sundays for him. The way I see it, its in Mr Coventry's interests to keep the speedway open because it will make money for him from gate receipts, bar takings (lets not forget that Mr Barton is a regular ) and the fish and chip shop. He might end up with less than the amount of rent he is currently getting, but providing it is making enough to ensure that any hassle or workload it creates is worth it, I'll be surprised (and obviously very disappointed indeed) if it closes.

Hi Vic I should be up for this one as young Adam (see below) is riding.

I can't. But it has been stated on the pages of this forum (sadly pages that no longer exist) that that was the case by both Rob Godfrey & Malcolm Vasey. As Scribbler has said, the CL pay rate a few years ago was £5 a point, and only Buxton & Sittingbourne kept to it. If what she has said is true (and I think it is) she accepts that Scunny riders were paid above NL pay rates in 2006 & 2007 at least. Very difficult to disagree with that, Roger, and I think you have pretty much hit the nail on the head when you say its not so much the fact that they compete but the ways in which promotions (the Mildenhall one included) try to include a high scoring Aussie youngster on a low average. You can't cover for every eventuality, but putting anyone born outside of the UK on a 7 or 8 starting average might just do the trick.

'At present the SCB have ruled that his inclusion in the Kart Cobras team at Scunthorpe was as legal as it could be given the information available at the time' Truly unbelievable. If Scunthorpe protested about Nelson's inclusion (which they did) then it should have been up to Rye House to prove his eligibility to ride to the referee. If they could not do that, then he should not have been allowed to take part. What adds insult to injury is that it has been proved that Rye House were in the wrong yet they keep his points and those from the match, a situation that would not exist in any other sport where an ineligible competitor had taken part. The nub of this problemn is that those who make decisions on matters of dispute are themselves compromised by the fact that sooner or later they themselves will be involved in a similar sort of dispute. Until such time as we have an adjudicator (the exemplary Mr Steele, perhaps) who is not a member of a speedway promotion and is entirely independent such occurrences will continue to happen, to the disillusionment, disbelief and disappointment of all those who pay to watch the sport every week.

I have no idea precisely how much the riders were getting paid but, as Scribbler has said, they were paid more than the pay rate agreed for the third tier of British Speedway at the time. The fact that others were doing it (or even paying more) isn't the point. The point is that Rob Godfrey is no totally against paying more than the £10 a point that is the new agreed amount and has condemned rival promotions for doing so. So what was OK for him to do when he was a stand alone promoter he is now totally against. My view on that it is unacceptable self interest but I am open to your suggestions as to this remarkable change of heart. He also condemns the use of Australians but at the time he had no idea whether Tai Woffinden was going to be Australian or English; funny he didn't say then I am only for English riders and totally against those who have patriality, isn't it ? Its an absolute myth that the NL is dominated by Australians. In the figures I quoted earlier there were just 5 out of 77 competitors. If the price of ensuring clubs stay viable is that they are allowed to ride I am all for that, otherwise there won't be clubs for our youngsters to ride at. My whole point on this is pulling together. Its about co-operation, compromise and fairness, getting the best deal so that all might compete and provide a major stepping stone for the development of our young riders. Its not about one promotion stridently, selfishly and arrogantly insisting that they have their way without consideration for others and entirely going against what they did when they were a stand alone team. Jayne Moss is in exactly the same boat, yet I view her comments with sympathy, understanding and a genuine desire to ensure that Buxton run next season. Its never what you say, its how and where. I have nothing but admiration for Rob Godfrey and the Scunthorpe set up, but that is a lesson he must learn (and to be fair, he's very far from being the only one).

Complete rubbish. Less than one per team at the moment. It would be a huge shame if Buxton were to fold, Jayne, and I'd be surprised if anyone had a differing view. No rider loaned to an NL club should be subject to a loan fee. After all, it is of considerable benefit for the assets of EL & PL clubs to be able gain significant riding experience at a level proportionate to a riders ability. While I'd accept that riders demands have increased, paying over the odds isn't new - Wimbledon certainly did it and they closed in 2005. I'd take issue with your comment regarding the standard of the league being too high for development, Jayne. Looking through the NL teams stated in Speedy Star dated 03/07/10, I'd say around 60% of those riders were at the development stage of their careers and/or had reasonable prospects of going into a higher league. Not quite enough for my liking, but certainly sufficient to disprove any allegation that the league is not used at least in part for that purpose. Very good points, Neil I am certain that many of the young riders in NL sides are very thankful for the presence of the likes of Atkin, Stephens, Burrows etc. The point about certain people from Scunthorpe's hypocrisy isn't lost on me. When they were putting out super strength teams (and paying over the odds to do it) I didn't hear them complaining then and can imagine the reaction if someone had. Agreed In order to achieve the compromise (and to me, that is the only way forward)that you put in your earlier post, I'd say it has to be both. The league would not be a realistic prospect if either the stand alones or the double ups decided to go it alone, so they must have regard of each others needs & requirements. Stand alones need to be financially viable, double ups need young riders to develop into assets with one eye on costs themselves.There has to be a set of regulations that allows the development of young riders but maintains a standard that means that people are going to pay to come and watch. On a separate thread, Vince put together a very good starting point for the building of teams involving the restriction of certain categories of rider and personally I think it is more about those restrictions than points limits. To my mind, the points limit should be set in around October time each year, taking into account the best estimates of riders that would be available in the forthcoming season. Talk of very low points limits would not only be financially disastrous, it would also be unachievable. If it is accepted that each team can have one senior rider and a 34pt limit were imposed, Mildenhall could have Evans, Rayson & Jacobs and 4 3pt men next season. Aside from the fact of whether spectators would pay £10 to watch such riders, that would mean that the league (based upon existing numbers)would have to find 44 3pt riders not just next season, but for each season following. Not only that, but a 3pt man from the first season would then run the risk of being excluded for the second season if he upped that average. That's not just unworkable, its plain ridiculous.

Not a bad meeting at all, with some good racing from both sides. Much credit must go to Joe Evans for producing a track that not only allowed the riders to have a go but also did not have huge quantities of dust about on a very hot (88dgs) day indeed. I think it was because of the help he had before the meeting. Best performance I have seen from young Mr Rayson, only a foot away from a paid 15pt maximum. Even if has substantially sharpened up his gating, his last race proved that he still hasn't lost the ability to go past opponents that we all love. Could be a very big second half of the season for Oliver and, for that matter, for JJ too. Quick word of praise to for the impressive Kyle Howarth - not many away riders pass two homesters anywhere, particularly if they take one on the last bend.

Why not hold it on the same day as the PL 4's ?

I think this could be an exceptionally good year for the third tier of British Speedway (although we will rely on our old adversary, the weather). For a start, it will be highly competitive as there no obvious stand out teams that will become champions (I suspect that postings on this thread will name almost all of the leagues members as getting in the play offs), something that has only rarely been the case over the past few years. Secondly, the strengthening of one or two teams and indeed the weakening of one or two others may well result in increased crowd numbers. Finally, although sadly there are only a few newcomers this season, there are also a considerable number of talented young riders who may well make the grade and look forward to a PL place for 2011 (that's if the PL takes the promotion of British youngsters seriously). Competition, viability and the production of youngsters. Does it get any better than that for the NL ?

I moved away from my team (Wimbledon) when I changed jobs and went to Yorkshire. I started off at Hyde Road, Belle Vue and enjoyed it very much there but Martin's right: it isn't the same as watching your own team. I also agree with him that I'd miss the sport too much to abandon it entirely if the Fen Tigers closed and I'd take Redcar, Scunthorpe & Newcastle in turn.

For once, I can see why the applications were turned down. It is very close to a large housing estate and car parking is non-existent. Pity, though, because I agree it would be ideal for NL racing. I can just see someone coming up from Weymouth and seeing a track that must be double the size of theirs (if not more) The Gunners pub is still there, though. When I went there in 1985, it was the best speedway themed pub I have ever seen - sadly all gone now.

I went there today, Rob, coming home from a short break in North Wales. I don't think there is any football played there (if there is the pitch is very rough indeed) but the dog track is in place and there was some practice going on. Its very run down and looks ripe for development, if truth were told. I doubt you'd get planning permission for speedway as its on the edge of a big housing estate. The M53 motorway is behind the old back straight stand.

Very fair comments, TC. This will be the second season that I have helped out Adam Kirby and the first where Oliver Rayson is concerned (financially, apart from that I just get in the way) and when you talk to their Dad's about it you do get some idea of just how much effort it takes to keep them both in racing gear. I read this article recently: 'One major item as far as riders are concerned will be to find a way to peg the rising expenses. This is not a new problem. It has existed ever since speedway began. Gradually costs have gone up and up. For a while it was possible for pay to keep level with them but now it isn't. Keeping expenses down is going to be a riders problem. Unfortunately, there seems to be only one way to do it - by banning items which may make some contribution to the progress oif speedway racing, but which can be done without' Very similar to your thoughts. The thing is those comments were made by Eric Linden in Speedway Star & News in December 1962.

Disgraceful sexist comments I agree. I think it looks good too. Weather looks dry so I'll probably be making the trip. Always one of my favourite tracks and will get the chance to catch up with my old mate Main Man again.

That's gratitude for the lift and risking life, limb and car parts on his street He might be a challenger to the Fen Tigers own Adzmft, who several witnesses and phone pictures confirmed ate a 12oz burger before the meeting. The thing was so huge that despite his cavernous pudding chute (which is renowned for taking on substantial burger meals) he had to take it to bits before eating it. And great to see you, young man. Should be up to see you, Tsunami & Hearsayjay for the first match at Brough this season.

Well said gentlemen (well two of you anyway ). There's always someone who can't resist having a dig, Gary. If young Mr Hart had said he was aiming for the top three in the meeting last week, they'd have laughed at that, too - whether the meeting was ridden at Scunthorpe or elsewhere. At the moment the best of all is he's riding for us next season It wasn't a good meeting by Scunny standards as the track was too wet but credit them for putting the meeting on. I thought Ben Barker should have been excluded and that we may yet hear more of that - not having fire extinguishers on the start line is serious, and credit to pudding for having the knouse to get one from the tea hut. Good to meet Banditforlife; not sure how he stomached Seedef all the way from Newcastle, though

I have a lot of time for your posts , Vince, and believe I have said so in the past. Some of this I agree with but not all. The greatest strength of our current league system is that it allows teams to pitch themselves according to their income (be that through gates, sponsorship or whatever). Forcing clubs down is bad, but forcing them up risks their very future. If an average PL rider is paid £45 per point and an average NL one £15, coming in the middle the likes of Mildenhall, Isle Of Wight and Weymouth (I miss Buxton out because they struggle to meet £10 per point and Plymouth because I think they could afford higher rates) would be forced to pay their riders £15 per point more than they are now. In a single match, using a draw and 7 bonus points that's around £800 per match or £20k per season more and at a stroke doubles rider costs. I can see those clubs being forced to the brink of bankruptcy, and the same might apply to those forced up from the PL. The same goes for Bee's point; how many fans from Coventry would watch their PL side ? Very few. Its not financially credible. Although the present league structure is not ideal, its better than any alternative I have seen. The setting of averages to the league winners will make the rich richer and the poor poorer. Again, the present system is the best alternative: it allows teams to be equal (at least in theory, and its rare one doesn't pop out of the pack, look at Newcastle) while also permitting them to use their financial muscle which has been created by on and off track success. No-one has yet explained to me the essential difference between the old tactical substitute rule and the much maligned tactical ride. In terms of value and swinging a match, they are exactly the same. Moreover, they bring extra excitement into a match; there is that much more emphasis on a race involving a tactical ride, both from those who are using it and those who are having it used against them. On occasion, its like having a last heat decider in the middle of a meeting and I cannot see why that is such a bad thing. Can you see King's Lynn subsidising Mildenhall ? No, neither can I. The point on engines is, I think, unworkable. Nice try, though Essentially I'd say people bond with the team rather than an individual rider. While I would be loath to lose any rider from last seasons Mildenhall team, if the new ones are just as good (or better) I'll support them just as much. Having criticised........... I just think that loan fees should be abolished or substantially rediuced. Again, the rich get richer and the poor poorer. Clubs can retain ownership; they just can't charge for the privilege. Agree completely on foreign riders, one per team (of any nationality) in the NL and average reductions for Brits. To me, the way forward is not about a major restructure of leagues or rules, encouraging top riders or young juniors - its far simpler than that. Its about those who run our sport doing everything possible to ensure that the money we pay over every week is well spent and that the entertainment we get is just about as good as it gets and I'd say that's about one thing - track preparation. Prepare the best and fairest surface you can to ensure that both teams can race on it and people will pay and come back. Read the thread on best away track and you'll find that Scunthorpe is by far and away the best in Britain, with people coming from all over just to watch a meeting. That's because they prepare a surface that has little advantage and is made for the spectator, no-one else. Wouldn't it be brilliant if we were all absolutely convinced that promoters do everything they can to ensure that that is the case ? I don't know about everyone else, but I think at the moment that it is anything but.

Good meeting to end the season on with STMP something like its old self Bit quiet to start with but some cracking racing later on from the likes of Kerr, Proctor, Swales, Sanchez and the amazing Maks Gregoric By the way, what was that weather all about ? Late October & Redcar usually mean arctic convoy conditions but it was an unbelievable 62 degrees.

How is the weather up there - metcheck has rain.

Agreed. Ok, the standard of rider might be down but the standard of competition could well be up. Could indeed be very close and for that reason I am tempted to come up.

He did OK. He had a few bike problems and pulled out of one race but featured in a terrific race with Bunyan, the home rider just getting the edge after 3 laps with not a bike length between them. Fairly mundane meeting, came alive in the above race and last heat decider between Barker, Klindt & Bunyan (at that stage Klindt & Barker were unbeaten, Bunyan dropped a point to Simota). Klindt gated with Bunyan just behind, Barker making a bad start. Bunyan then brilliantly swept round Klindt on the 4th turn, almost touching the fence as he did and although Barker passed Klindt he couldn't catch the Potter. Superb finish, and showed just what a fine race track Loomer Road can be.

Anyone know who is riding instead ?

I think we all expect they are going to be anything but that, Andy, but in my (very limited) experience they often wonder what all the fuss is about. I have never met a really famous speedway rider but I did meet (at my wife's grandfathers funeral) Ray Wilson, who played left back in the 1966 World Cup winning team. He was just the same. I had the pleasure of sharing the referee's box with Tony Steele this season and he was like it, too. He's recognised as the best in the world at what he does (first time I have ever met anyone who has that honour) but he explained he was simply doing a job to the best of his ability. Needless to say, I'm now a big fan.

Indeed so Pity about Birko in particular not being there but with NL riders there is always a possibility of work commitments. James Cockle is a decent replacement and rode well for Weymouth here while I am very much looking forward to seeing Jari Makinen again. He was starting to impress last season until he broke an ankle and I rated him highly. Looking forward very much to this one, thanks to Blayne & Phil for putting the hard work in to make it possible.