StevePark

We used to go to Carmarthen instead.

Not many tracks could hold 75,000 now though, but I get your point! It's not only down to those things though, is it? Much wider choice of entertainment (be that entertainment be cheaper or not) is another major factor, as is, most probably, the cost of getting to and in to a track and a whole raft of other problems (many to each individual track, i.e., one tracks 'problem' could be different to another tracks 'problem').

Copied and pasted from BSPA Web page: "THE British Speedway Promoters’ Association can now confirm a satisfactory conclusion has been reached over the clash of dates with the Elite Riders’ Championship and Gary Havelock’s Farewell. Our broadcast partner, Sky Sports, have advised us that a slot for live coverage of the ERC at Coventry has become available at 6pm on Sunday, March 23 and they, like ourselves, have no wish to be associated with negative publicity. We have agreed to move the ERC to this slot which leaves the March 21 date clear for Gary Havelock’s Farewell at Poole. The BSPA look forward to a successful ERC and a fitting way to launch the first season of a new Sky Sports broadcast deal".

Victory for Havvy??? http://www.speedwaygb.co/news.php?extend.23723

That's highly unlikely, I'd say.

Garry has possibly (although I don't know) decided to put all his efforts into the GK Racing merchandise/Racing equipment venture, rather than get involved with one club or the youth set up. Who knows, it may be something he can get involved with in the future? Whatever his decisions are, I hope he makes a success out of it. He deserves it after all he's been through, and a top bloke too.

I saw the beginnings of his career too, at Newcastle, and you could see the potential of being a class act even then.

That being?

Agreed. The Garry Stead interview is excellent.

Let's hope it's a step in the right direction...........

Trouble is, if the ERC is a BSPA event and Ward is asked to ride in it, says "No" and rides in Havvy's meet, he could be in for a 28 day ban, could he not?

The thing about the 'Speedway Star' is it has never really been that kind of Mag. Perhaps that was more the 'Speedway Mail's' agenda? (I don't know as I am too young to remember!). Whether the 'Star' should change tack, is a different argument altogether. It might put people off buying it (not saying it would or wouldn't) as people might only want the reporting of meetings and scores/scorers with the usual interviews/articles type mag., as it is now.

True.......... But..... A meeting he and his committee have been planning for months, only for it to be kiboshed by Sky/BSPA with only a few weeks notice. Sponsors put in place, riders will have agreed to ride in his meeting (even if their names have not been announced yet), and a whole host of other things in the background sorted. A rain-off cannot be avoided. This could.

Have you got Saturdays Lottery numbers please?

The deal also includes Premier League (and some selected individual events).

It's OK applying for 2-3 year Visas, but what about the Aussie riders who come over in the first year and turn out to be 'flops'? What would happen then?

Attracting other 'top' riders might be a problem though?

Which shafts Gary Havelock's Farewell Meeting at Poole the same night.

Let's hope the doubters and knockers will apologise and then dissapear whimpering, like a whimpering thing........ And TWK will enjoy watching live speedway on Sky.... Despite not being against it being shown per se......

Correct.

Here it is! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsKQIihffE8

Good plan. I just hope that, if (and let's hope it doesn't happen) a team are 10 down, use a tac ride, and go on to beat the Diamonds (yes, I know it's highly unlikely! ), you won't come on the Forum, jumping up and down and complain about it (despite what you say in the last part of your post!!!)

I think Superteams is included on the link as the athletes who took part in it are in italics (according to the bit at the top!).

I don't remember BP on it, I have to say. I'm only saying that he's not on the list! whether the list is right or not, I have no idea.