Garry1603

A remarkable man who led a life that couldn't have been foreseen. He was a true leader of men and undoubtably the best team captain that the Aces ever had. At the time of his accident he had gone up another gear and may have reached an even higher level, sadly we'll never know. RIP Alan and you were so lucky to have someone like Jean to look after you.

Surely it would help build up local sponsors as well? I own a business and I'd preferably want a long term relationship with a rider than 'this year's model'.

As usual this is compulsive reading! I locked myself away for a few hours on Friday when it arrived and still keep dipping back into it. Although I've always been a Belle Vue supporter, I've always regarded Terry Betts as a real gentleman and a true club legend. I don't see any riders having such an affinity to their clubs for so long ever again - the season at the end of his career at Reading almost felt 'wrong' to me, a bit like Steven Gerrard having a year in Los Angeles at the end of his career. The Steve McDermott interview was also eye opening, Jack Millen must have been a real headache to work with, but what a character!

It's great that invariably the riders get up, brush themselves down and come out for the re run of the race. Compare that to some professional footballers who would be out for three months with a split fingernail.

Now that's an idea for speedway. I reckon England could reclaim the World Title!

Five riders I thought were under rated (even though they all had good careers):- Jim Airey Alan Grahame Tony Davey Larry Ross Martin Ashby

BLRC nights were the highlight of my year as a kid - incredible atmosphere, a bit of friendly banter between supporters (and it WAS friendly!), and the feeling that you were experiencing something special. Obviously Hyde Road was a great speedway track and there was good racing, but it was the sense of occasion that made it memorable (a bit like Wembley World Finals)

Does he own Domestos as well? Maybe he'll move onto Dyno Rod next!

Doesn't exist according to Mr Trump!

To be fair it was rather good - I know because it was the year I started work and the weather improved (dramatically) as soon as I was appointed so I couldn't enjoy it (!) The following year wasn't too shabby as well. Insert other media.url

Probably most promoters favoured route based on the last thirty years!

I agree wholeheartedly with that, for me team speedway is the best format of the sport. Having riders who stay with teams for 2/3 seasons would certainly help the fans identify with a team better (especially if the rider is relatively local) and whatever can be done to foster friendly rivalry with local teams benefits everyone. As an aside, I wonder if F1 fans generally follow a team or a driver? For example, do people change their 'team' allegiance if a driver moved to a rival?

I think a scoreboard is a nice idea, but there are many other things that clubs need to spend their money on first.

What promoters will have to take into account with 'new speedway'' is the high likelihood that there will be a very big recession after the lockdown ends - many businesses will not open again, jobs will be lost and therefore people's entertainment budget will be really restricted probably for a year or two. Therefore the sport needs to be affordable for families, but obviously sustainable for the promotions as well - not an easy equation I'm afraid. A year of semi professional racing with reduced admissions (or big discounts / free admission for children) might get us through what is going to be a very hard time.

Very sad, RIP Blair

Generally, I'd agree, but it could be an option if somebody wanted it. I was thinking more of rider interviews, updates, scores from round the country, even in race commentary, just something to keep the customer engaged and feeling part of the occasion rather than as an inconvenience as it sometimes feels.

I agree with all of that - maybe have a 'speedway app' that could enhance the experience for the watching fans as well (and the ones who can't be present at the meeting). The bikes don't have to be tuned up thoroughbreds, a good race is four riders closely racing, not follow your leader at high speed.

As others have said, it looks like there's virtually no chance to have any meaningful team meetings this season, all we can hope for is to be allowed to run some open meetings. If, and it's a big 'if', we get the go ahead (say in August / September), how about each track hosting a 'Festival of Speedway' round for the British based riders (of any division) - maybe with a 'final' at the NSS on tv for the top scorers? Maybe even have under 15s in their own category and / or sidecar racing if it were feasible. As has been said though - any costs would have to be outweighed by the revenue generated. People will be desperate to get out and about again and if it were marketed properly it might just attract a few new fans / sponsors for next season. Some say that I'm a dreamer...………...

Probably by about 13 years!

That's really interesting, so basically he regarded Rickardsson as the best 'all rounder' in that respect. Personally I'd have given Mauger a 10 for mental strength as well, which would have put him (slightly) clear at the top. Collins and Gundersen would have got a 9.5 for skill for me as well, but otherwise I think that's a very good impartial assessment - and he should know!

I'm sure you're right, I wonder if he had 'caught' him early enough though it might have made a difference. A free spirit sums him up perfectly

You're absolutely right, I just took it that we were talking about British riders, but if not Crumpie senior is definitely in there.

A little bit of 'reflected glory' as well no doubt

I would certainly agree with that - might have Dave Morton in there instead of Davis, but to be fair injuries prevented him from achieving his true potential. Might also swap Lee and Louis over as well, but that's nit picking!

Fair enough. Gundersen was also an Elite rider (to put it mildly!), just think Neilsen was a little bit more consistent and wouldn't have any 'poor' meetings which might have ultimately cost him. We'll never know, both were superstars!