Hawk127

I understand and agree but with so few opportunities to get the sport on a main stream terrestrial channel at one of the best tracks in the country is not something that comes along every day. Someone somewhere has been pulling some strings because the current incumbents controlling the sport have failed miserably for years to achieve this so who ever has got the sport to this point is to be applauded. No it won’t solve all the problems and as long as the sport is self governed by those who cannot see beyond the business model which has not worked for years, it will not change overnight. However if this can be used to showcase not just UK speedway but European speedway and yes it might be banging the old drum but put a top flight league meeting from Poland on and you possibly have the makings of a revival of interest. Imagine if one or two clubs were allowed to compete in Polish league racing. Speedway UK needs an injection of good fortune and a kick up the arse. This might just be the start.

That is not solely what this is about and if a few more turn up at the local track that is a bonus. It is the exposure on free to air television first and foremost that the sport will get which has not happened for years and if enough tune in it could open the door to a television contract which the u k sport needs to survive and rebuild for the future. Like many on here you may not like it so don’t watch. If this could lead to top league speedway from Poland being televised on ITV 4 even it is a recording of the match then the exposure of what it can be like could only help UK speedway. Still with all the negative contributions on here, it might as well fail so that all the critics can say we told you so yet those critics do sweet f a to promote the sport.

For anyone interested the meeting now appears in the ITV 4 scheduling for Saturday 19.00 to 22.00

The answer is if those on here still believe the sport has a future in the UK try and get to Belle Vue and if they could simply give tickets away free to attend like Arena Essex did a few years back then who knows how it will look. Pack out the stadium, create the atmosphere and make sure the riders are told to chase every point available and find a sponsor to put up a winners pot that is worth while then you have the making of a show case. At this late stage those outside the sport have not got a clue so it is the best opportunity to go for sh.t or bust. It does not matter at this stage who or what organisation rallies around to make this work, those watching for the first time will not have a clue when it was decided what the winner gets so try and push the boat out and make it happen. All on here know that if speedway is to succeed we owe it to get behind this opportunity . I hate the phrase unprecedented but this is and a chance that may never come the sports way ever again.

Take the announcement on board and let’s hope it turns out to be a success. If you can generate interest then it might just lead to a new opportunity for the sport in the UK and further afield. Just imagine televising a top Polish league match live with English commentary. Just one meeting at that professional level may make viewers want to seek out UK team racing. It has got to start somewhere so for all the doubters, you don’t have to watch, go and sit in the stands or just ignore the meeting and stop complaining when someone somewhere has pushed the boat out to get the sport live on TV on Saturday night.

Another decent afternoons racing and considering it is free to watch, no one should really complain. Thanks to the guys who make the viewing happen and the riders who never give up as well as the supporters in the stadiums who really make it a spectacle. Look forward to the next round. Thanks

Yesterdays racing had just about everything with some very tough hard riding with no one was letting up and you could see the frustration on the faces of some of the riders in the pits. Interesting comments from the English speaking riders when being interviewed and well done to Tom who obviously came into what was going to be a tough meeting for his opener. Onwards and upwards to the next group of matches from Poland.

One possible downside with just eight home meetings could be that the stadium owners think it is no longer worthwhile renting the stadium to a speedway club or would the owners impose rent increases to match the income they had before the reduction in meetings. One way might be for all top sides to run NDL teams fortnightly but I do not know the costs etc so it may not be viable. For sure, if stadium owners do not get a decent income then they might just think it is time to sell up and take the capital gain and invest in something else. I know it is unclear why Arlington has closed but when you think of the way that was filled on a regular basis and yet Spedeworth had the rug pulled says it all about the state of oval stadia in this country. Few are really 100% safe and because of that speedway is not in a good position. With the decline in the number of stadia owners willing to allow oval sports that makes it hard to attract decent investment and you could see a time where just a few tracks remain and either compete in a European league(if rules permit) or those that remain stage individual meetings and international meetings. Difficult one for all involved to resolve going forward.

Eastbourne Speedway Ltd shareholders include R L Dugard Will Trust and perhaps if this is a trust then the trustees have decided to sell to realise cash for the beneficiaries of the trust or for some other reason. The latest accounts filed are a micro version and for the year ending December 2024 a provision of £350k is shown on the creditors side but given they are micro accounts it is impossible to find out what is behind this. Net worth feel from £574k to £170k but some of the reduction will be the provision. They did have what appeared to be a healthy current assets position. The suddenness of the decision is a mystery unless they are close to a deal to sell and the new owners want vacant possession and not be tied into leases etc. with a third party. In time we might find out but yes it is a shame to see another track go. Had many memories of travelling to Arlington to watch Rayleigh and more latterly Ipswich ride.

He has his priorities spot on anyone else would do exactly the same. Speedway is not the best all and end all particularly if you have family.

A great days racing from Poland that had everything from nip and tuck racing to enthusiastic crowds. You could not ask for more as the riders never back off and chase every point. Thanks to all riders/teams for today’s entertainment and special thanks to those providing the links that enable us to watch great racing.

That was entertaining and a perfect example of how good the racing can be and it was good to hear the national anthem at long last. Just a pity that the media are not interested in the UK. Now it is a three horse race let’s keep fingers crossed for Robert next week. I hope he does not sit back and just accept his qualification for 2027 when he is so close to upsetting the odds. Thanks to all the riders tonight who made it such a good meeting.

Could they be looking at joining the Polish league if the diehard farts running the show stubbornly refuse change. You would get regular fortnightly fixtures and good t v coverage, everything that does not happen now. You can but dream but what a coupe if it did happen. Just imagine the fallout from those on the top table and not a thing could do about it. Those currently mismanaging the sport, wake up and smell the coffee or be part of what would become the infamous morons who finally killed off U K speedway. Oh for someone to stick two fingers up to those that run the sport and go out to get on with making one club a success when all around is failing.

Agree. The lad has talent but this season he is under too much pressure and psychologically carrying forward the injury in the US must have an impact. He needs time because we know he can ride much better and those who might want to criticise need to back off. Those who set up the team need to rethink the riding order to give him some confidence

Unfortunately to be expected but hey let the riders entertain each can only race what is in front of theM. Safe meeting to both sets of riders.