The White Knight

You don't need matching kevlars - all you need are Team Race Jackets as they used to be. The days when you could identify a Rider by his style are just about gone (they're all more or less the same these days). The Team Bibs as used from the 'fifties' onward made a clear statement as to which Team you rode for - didn't matter about the colour of Leathers you had the Club Logo writ large on the front of the Rider. Nowadays identifying Riders is not always that easy. Take the GPs for example - the Riders carry their National Emblems in about TWO INCHES of space on their shoulder - how can children, or anyone else for that matter, identify with that - you can't even see it from a distance. A Rider SHOULD be very proud to carry his Country's Colours - I know I would be. You look at old photographs of Freddie Williams, Ivan Mauger, Barry Briggs etc.. There was no doubting who they rode for - the flag was there for all to see. Children DO like to identify with things, so do adults - perhaps one of the reasons crowds are dropping is because, apart from the Helmet Colour, you can hardly identify the Riders, never mind identify with them. Matching Riders may LOOK more professional (do we really have to judge everything by appearances) - but - it does away with the individualism which was once a part of our great Sport. The Red Devil, The White Ghost, and yes, even The White Knight - things like this kids can relate to - not a bunch of automatons all dressed the same. They are NOT Models, they are Speedway Riders and should be seen as such. I have no doubt that there are those who will try to shoot me down in flames - but - just a thought - when things were as I have indicated years ago, Crowds WERE better - not doing so well now, are we? I'm am not daft enough to claim that this is all that is wrong - but it is, I believe, a contributory factor among many others......

I am NOT in favour of Betting at Speedway Meetings. I do not think that a Betting environment is a good place to bring Children. We pride ourselves on being a 'FAMILY SPORT' so for me this would not be a goer.

Thank you Star Lady. :approve:

That would be good. A Prize (Cash) for the first Rider to beat the 'Black Knight'. It would be great for kids - just the sort of thing that would appeal to them. Home and visiting Heat Leaders could all have a go. Races to be run before the Meeting x 2. During the Interval x 2. After the last Race in the Match x 2. I'm sure there will be some reason it CAN'T be done - but I still think it is a good idea.

Possibly because this is a Discussion Forum. People LIKE to discuss things. Sorry.

You may be right Blazeaway - we will just have to wait and see. Personally - I hope that he does behave himself because he really is a prodigious talent. If he applies himself he could challenge the likes of Rickardsson and Mauger for number of World Titles - or - he could end up in jail. Only time will tell - I hope he sticks to Speedway and ignores other distractions though.

Sadly though, the way things are going, blupanther will be proved right. :sad:

Patience, patience.

They probably never thought of that. :rolleyes:

Not on your life 1st bend Kestrel - not on your life. :)

Did you? - I never saw it.

Yes - we are keeping it going until the younger generation come along. Note to self: Blanket, yes, Chair, yes, Umbrella, yes, Sandwiches, yes, Flask, yes!!! Great - all ready for the new Season.

Surely it is not beyond the whit of man to organise some kind of National Second Half Competition then. Make it worthwhile to ride in - and off we go. 13 Heats plus Second Half. Problem solved. Q.E.D.

COST!!! :shock: You ARE joking. This is the BSPA we are talking about. Spending money is not their forte.

So do I - click - so do I - click - so do I - click - so do I.

You are right norbold. Certainly Freddie should be in the top three - in fact - he could have been Number One (which he is in my book) but for the fact that Freddie won both of his Titles at his Home Track. I will change my top three: 1) Peter Craven 2)Freddie Williams 3) Peter Collins. I tend to think more of the Riders I have actually watched Racing when answering these sorts of questions. Thank you for pointing that out.

Yes - Well Done to him for that. :approve: Perhaps this is the start of a NEW Darcy - I certainly hope so.

I agree totally - but - does the Sport not also need to target all those who are lost to the Sport - those who used to attend and then stopped for whatever reason.

Damn - you beat me to it. 13 Heats every time for me. But then again - I'm an 'old git' and can remember the good times.

You TEASE you.

I have NO worries about 'Speedway Star's' survival. It ran for years with a Monthly Magazine - 'Speedway Express' - and, of course the Weekly 'Speedway Mail'. Personally, I hope that this is a success because the more quality periodicals that are available to us Supporters the better as far as I am concerned. Slightly different I know - but there are also the EXCELLENT offerings from Retro Speedway in the form of 'BackTrack' and 'Classic Speedway'. Very best wishes to 'Inside Speedway'..........................

I'm just waiting for an Official Announcement from..............................................................somewhere. :unsure:

Great about the Cover - shame about the silly Rules that haven't been removed.

Nor me. Puzzled of Sunderland.

Aaaahhh - but will they actually DO anything. I could listen to hard words - but - I couldn't pay Ten Grand. I am NOT anti Poole Starman - but - I value our Sports reputation - this incident certainly does not help in that department..