Tsunami

I would change that to most of, but yes there will always be some who are non savvy with media. That's the time to get someone in who is, and use it to it's full. Someone mentioned earlier about leaflets and posters, but I couldn't disagree more. Look at what gets shoved through your own door, and how quick does it hit the wastepaper bins. Another non runner is adverts in the local freebie newspaper. They are expensive and you need to take them every week and you never know if one person attends as a result of the advert. The next best to media is personal invitations from existing fans and also targeting the younger generation. I have show bikes, a reaction gating machine and I do all the visits and shows in our area for Newcastle Speedway. We have both free leaflets to hand out and sometimes some £5 off ones. I don't even show these offer leaflets until they look genuinely interested and especially the kids. What I don't want is someone who says they know someone that goes, because the offer leaflets seem to nearly always end up in the hands of existing supporters. Tempting people in is not an exact science but you have to try all facilities to get some new fans. Most existing fans don't know or admit to their track doing these initiatives, but believe me, there is a lot of activity going on behind the scenes but unfortunately Speedway is not now a cool scene for youngsters and the last time I checked new motor cycle licences are down by about 90% of what was the usual level when youngsters bought motor bikes, instead of like now the mandatory Corsa and the like. It isn't easy, and its the easiest thing to blame others for not doing.

Obviously not. Try reading posts.

If people cast their minds back to the opening months this year, there was a concensus that this year gates had actually improved and that it was noted that the promotions and the BSPA were being more pro active to using social media. I know for a fact that Newcastle are regularly putting more news and updates before and after events on Facebook and Twitter, in preference to using our own website.

For those thinking alternative reasons why we are racing on Monday instead of Sunday. I can confirm that the electric was off in the main building, and that there was electricians working inside the building. We were there preparing everything for tomorrows meeting by putting the sheets down and putting the air fence up due to track staff being at work during Monday.

Why not. Far better to do that, than leave it for another 2 weeks and then pull it back.

Probably Steve. We had to put him out of his misery and put someone else in for his forth ride. Great guest.

The results in the finals were as follows :- 500cc 1st Drew Kemp 2nd Carl Basford 3rd Liam Little 4th Kean Dicken 250cc 1st Leon Flint 2nd Jason Edwards 3rd Dan Thompson 4th Jordan Palin 125/150cc 1st Sam McGurk 2nd Harry McGurk 3rd Elliott Kelly 4th Luke Harrison An excellent meeting, well run, great racing, good support and a decent track. in the 500's, special mention of Drew Kemp who was very impressive with a gutsy and classy style. In the 250's, Nathan Ablitt hurt in his first heat falling on the 1st/2nd bends, and as a result a nasty looking crash and a visit to the air fence with bike for Leon Flint. Leon borrowed a Thompson bike, and was then back soon on his own bike and finished with 2 wins and the final. Jason Edwards very impressive in 2nd. In the 125/150's, there was about 6 riders vying for final places with Elliott, Sam and Harry booking their places in the final with 12, 11 and 12 points. Three on 10 point with Gregor eliminated having been beaten by Luke, and, instead of a raceoff, Luke won the cointoss from Archie to get into the final. Good racing in this group, with quite a variation in standard. Pity they can't all meet each other in the rounds, and surely a race off next time. Perhaps next time the better riders could be spread out so all of them have the same standard over their 4 rides. Just a comment. The day was a very good advert for youth speedway racing in the UK. Well organised.

Yes at Arena Essex. 1 point I think he got.

At the Exeter meeting, George was on holiday and Darryl and I were the team managers. We were doing well in the league again and fancied our chances, as Exeter were not the full force early in that season. Darryl and I walked over the centre green and discussed the team talk to get our riders fired up. Davy looked over the track and said "well I"ll not get anything here". We had the team talk in the dressing room, and hoped we had inspired the team to do well, but unfortunately one rider, who was probable the best gater in the team, chose to deliberately drop the clutch last and only went to the first bend on half power. He coasted round making no attempt to race, whilst the rest gave their all as usual. That rider was pulled out of his last ride. At Stoke, it's best not to repeat what actually happened, but fair to say Davy was lucky to walk out of the stadium.

Whilst 3 hours is not acceptable. a big chuck of the extra time was to tidy up the track on the 4th bend where there was too much of a build up of shale, especially on a wide outside sweep. You either go with an iffy track and risk injuries, or you do all you can to repair it. Seem to remember a few years ago when you had a dangerous track after about heat 12 when your two tractor drivers, one Denhams brother ?, took an age to make it worse, and worked against each other, as the track eventually froze and became even more slippy. At least we had a plan, and improved the track and safety.

Davy Watt used to get to my head when he didn't try to ride speedway at tracks such as Stoke and Exeter in 2002. I don't think the one work permit/visa allows him to ride for anyone else, nor to guest either.

Is that the hole that Sargent missed and lifted cos he was in heavy loose dirt, and the hole that Lambert missed as well when his chain came off meaning his bike stopped dead, and threw him over the bars. If it had been a hole Lambert would have been thrown together with his bike away from the area. The problem was too much loose stuff, not the innocent 3rd bend hole that seems have gained notoriety as time has passed. It even appeared as an excuse the following week for the Stars in the NJL. Someone even stated on here that we should have not prepared a track with a hole in it in the first place. Modern track prep would make that highly improbable to do. Sorry you will be missing, we will all miss you.

I think we can still get an injury replacement for Lewis, and bring back Lewis later if there is any of the season left. Gives us alternatives if his replacement doesn't work out good, and still have the opportunity of reinstating Lewis. I know someone from Ippy who can confirm or deny it, Bruv.

Yes, but we advised we were unable to take that date back in March, and we agreed the alternative date.

There was no meeting on July 8th, as the meeting was rearranged for Sat 9th September before the season started.

I agree on both counts boz

Quite a good summing up. If you just want speed try TS6 6XH again, but if you want racing then NE6 6XH is the place for you.

Stadium work taking place on the Sunday, so we have had to move to Monday next week. At present, we do not have a home meeting on the Sunday or the Monday GP weekend. I don't think we will actually.

Yes. Dale has recovered and Jack is on his holidays but will be fit on his return. Josh had blown his engine, I think a camchain come off, and obviously it did mega internal damage and therefore unable to start. Jack F pulled in, but with a damaged ankle. Dale, in a safe second place, caught the dirt and rode like a bucking bronco into the fence. Twisted forks, but bike and person both on the mend.

Yes, the smillies would have helped. Without them the statement is still stupid and irresponsible though. How do you know or think that you post had zero affect on the gate. Personally absolving yourself ?

This fan is a promoters nightmare. Irresponsible chat and usually harmful to the sport.

Fans prerogative to air their views when some riders are below par and the team doesn't perform. As s Redcar fan I find yours a funny comment given the teams and criticism aired by Redcsr fans regarding recent team members.

No, just answering problems that others point out, and a club responding to it. Others clubs sometimes don't, but nice to see we our doing it. Dan didn't look comfortable the last time he rode for us and looks equally unhappy this time. Bowtell looked like a small track rider on Sunday, and was prepared to give it a go, despite going into the corner a bit tight and too early. He will learn how to ride Brough, and I think be a decent rider at the end of the season.

Interesting Steve, but once again I remind you of what you have said in the past. You consider yourself a speedway fan, but won't go to Sheffield despite living in York. How does that square with your points highlighted above.

Quite agree. Even if something doesn't work, you have still got to try things in an attempt to build up the British stock of riders.