MMX Events

My opinion but, sometimes, passing in every race isn’t always all that makes a meeting. To a newbie it means a lot to see riders going wheel to wheel and swapping positions.. or simply overtaking. That is Speedway in its most simplistic essence and, yes we all love that. In reality, these days, it is a little rarer and, so, is much appreciated when it happens… However, I like to think there are many more layers to a meeting. For those of us that appreciate the finer points, there is as much excitement on a close scoreline where heat by heat the match can hang on the result of the next four laps. Last night the Pirates were chasing the bonus point and it was tense to see them real in the 14 point advantage and then to see it snap back and forth once it became within two points! And, most importantly, the bit that the uninitiated will never see (obviously) is when a lesser rated rider goes on a giant killing expedition such as Anders Rowe leading Sam Masters for 4 laps which kept people on the edge of their seat for the whole of heat 11 .. a huge ovation for his effort adding to the atmosphere but likely to go over the heads of a newbie. Similar for Ben Cook seeing off Sam (on a tactical) and Scott for three and a half laps before his engine gave way in heat nine. High drama. The final result (for the bonus point) went to a last heat decider so despite a pretty dominant Pirates’ performance which might otherwise have been regarded ‘one-sided’ there was much to entertain and, even though my team lost out in the last one, I, for one, was entertained. ”yes”, I’d love to see some wheel to wheel action but my heart rate never dropped much throughout!….. it’s a little bit like that brilliant TV series you tell your friends to watch…. Until they get comfortable with the various characters, they probably don’t get what you see in it …..at first?

That happened to me too… using the app.. I switched to google to get to BSN and it was fine letting me buy ONE fixture.

Email office@poole-speedway.com to reserve interest in seats .. the club needs to know how many seats would be taken so they can calculate the cost. Will run more than one coach if the demand is there!

Any Tigers fans that weren’t there last night might be pleased to know that Danyon was in the pits throughout supporting his team.

Phillipsr I sympathise with Middlo… in the last 48 hrs he lost Douglas, Masters, S.Worrall and Howarth…. As well as losing Chris Holder the week before.. poor guy is cursed. get well soon guys, I know how disappointed you all are not to be there tomorrow.

Hi Lisa Middlo will be getting a portion of the live stream but, of course, there are costs involved that must be paid. Middlo will receive what Poole Speedway would have got after production and stream fees are deducted.

Couple of bumps in the road but almost there.. will be confirmed very soon. Yes, losing Chris a big blow.. get well soon champ.

YES pirates TV will be live-streaming the meeting.. not sure about the fire stick RR to be honest. Perhaps someone can confirm.

Total of Nine now announced. C Holder, J Holder, J Doyle, D King, S Worrall, R, Lawson, C Harris, B Kurtz, A Ellis

First two names released tonight…. CHRIS & JACK HOLDER…. More to come, of course. Plus some special guests!

Hi Turnip Yes! The new team jackets should be available in the track shop. you will see the style in 2022 pictures showing riders on the track walk or before the meeting. They look very smart and are reasonably subtle in two tone blue with the Pirates logo on the breast I believe there are new polo and T-shirts too. have a great visit. Good to have you in town.

On the subject of the Stream… Can I pay a huge tribute to Andy Hague and his brother Paul of Speedway Portal. I can’t begin to tell you of the hours and hours of dedication and commitment from these guys. They have put so much planning, preparation and thought into the project setting the highest goals for quality. They have overcome countless technical obstacles and spent,literally, days on the infrastructure and studio set up. The result is a product that is highly professional and should shine amongst it’s rivals. WELL DONE GUYS. you have an equally committed team alongside you, going forward, and you should ALL be proud heading into Pirates TV’s inaugural season. Wishing you every success, much deserved!

There is a travelodge next to the bus station that is handy for the Stadium. Definitely worth a try

Adds a little spice to Pirates last ‘regular season’ home fixture then!

Thanks Keith. I accept that it’s not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ but we have had some very positive feedback regarding this years parade format. Personally, I like the added build-up and the focus placed on each team. Last night’s timing problems seemed to be mainly due to a couple of excruciatingly long track grades and an interval. The Referee actually kept things moving in slick fashion and, as Ray C points out, I even shaved about a minute and a half off, myself, by somehow managing to ignore the Pirates intros! Oops! My fault…Sorry….

Middlo, as far as I know

Hi Lisa .. there is certainly a desire to bring the press conference back whenever the Champs Bar becomes available (including this year if possible). Until that happens we will continue to interview riders after the meeting at the start line. We did think this would be a popular alternative as it was immediate rather than having to wait for riders and fans to assemble in another place.

Also worth noting that if you are not dashing out to leave after Heat 15 there are usually rider interviews and a rider of the night presentation, so staying to watch and listen to that can mean the car park is easier to get out of, if others have left!

Worth noting that at both ends of the stadium the standing terraces are raised up higher than the track so a good view overlooking all bends. I agree that best view and atmosphere is undoubtedly the main (outside) grandstand by the start line.

King Jamie, good call. I agree about showing respect. I can promise you, at Poole, if Benjamin is introduced as ‘Ben’ it will be because I will have asked him what his preference is. I certainly consider a riders choice as being the most respectful method…That goes for difficult pronunciations too.

Welcome to Poole Rich.

If Sam uses “Vorina” it likely be that he asked Kacper the correct pronunciation .... I do this routinely at Poole so I can use what the rider tells me when I introduce them. I regard it as a matter of respect. I always pronounced it this way, after checking it out, but was frequently questioned.. My advice was always the same, “ask him yourself”

Hi B.B. the REF has been running for many years and as Skidder says, in brackets, it stands for the Riders Equipment Fund. Fans can become members by making a monthly donation of anything from £5pm. During the ‘close season’ there are monthly social events for members and non-members that help to swell the fund. Usually the events are quizzes but have also included race nights, game shows and chat shows. Every year, each of the current Pirates is presented with a REF gift (usually £500) to help with expenses. Often the presentation would be made following mechanical failures or loss. Member benefits include discount at REF events and the chance to be asked to present the gift to the rider whilst taking part in the race day introductions. Plus, of course, the satisfaction of contributing to the Pirates’ riders. Potential new members are asked to contact the club via the website to request a form or to be put in contact with organisers Stan and Val Vatcher.

Reintroduction of race suits tells me the club is listening to the fans... should be applauded methinks.

Personally, I love subtle merchandise with club logos. Especially things that you regularly use such as diaries, phone cases, credit card holders, pens. On clothing, polo shirts with small embroidered logo leaving the more garish stuff on posters, mugs, framed photos, tee shirts and mouse mats. Team jackets should be standardised for riders and fans to give unity.