Hawk127

That is one fabulous atmosphere with a packed stadia. What more could you want as a fan and for the riders it must be terrific.

Seems like a case of going through the motions but you have to question why. Is it a bad day at the office or the riders just saying what the hell.

Many fans don’t follow the stats and are just interested in good racing and that race was certainly top drawer and if races could produce that sort of finish more often then maybe a few more people may be tempted to take a look at Speedway. Perhaps that is a template for future meetings with the top riders starting 15 mtrs back when up against the lower order riders. It at least adds to the excitement rather than processional racing.

I have, now watching the news.

It is a shame that the sport has fallen so far from the good days of Sky and those owning the rights are not delivering and only marginalising speedway. It would almost be better if it was not televised live and you got to see the highlights. Add to the fact that you do not have the best top riders in the world but the best riders from selected countries and you have already devalued the championship as a real world class event. Still Saturday night and the sport on offer is Wimbledon, Football, a few odd events including speedway. Guess it is back to Netflix😂

Looking at the turnout is it any wonder that the riders like riding in front of capacity crowds in league meetings elsewhere etc. Has the GP series run its course in terms of support/spectacular?

Jason is on fire and means business. Perhaps coming back to his best at just the right time, fingers crossed.

Hope he can keep it up for the GP, certainly seems to have got the bit between his teeth, good on him.

Not a bad meeting and Jason seems to be improving but, and I like Polish speedway, it is just a shame that the UK has lost its way. Thursday nights at Ipswich used to be to be a must but now speedway in the UK pays second fiddle. Ben Barker has some interesting points in his interview in the Star. I do think in this country it needs to go back to basics and stop chasing the impossible. The money is in Poland, the UK cannot compete so time to go back to what works best over here, re group and in five to ten years look to challenge on the international scene. Until then build up a solid base of up and coming riders. If that means supports falls because you cannot see the GP stars week in week out so be it at least what may be left may make it a viable business proposition. As it stands it is dead in the water if it continues to have its race days dictated by overseas clubs and riders.

Emil seems to be getting back to his best. Great ride in that last heat and that demonstrates why it can be so good and unpredictable

Michelson does not like team riding, just as well it was Emil

That shows lack of experience. He will learn.

Brian Foote when riding for Rayleigh gave Jack as good as Jack dished out. The boos started the moment his name was announced during the team introductions. A hard rider and a great character as was Brian. Ted Hubbard was another hard rider.

One of the main problems in this country is you do have enough money coming into the sport in sponsorship etc. to make it a viable proposition for the number of clubs and with riders wanting to be full time employees using kit which is far too expensive it is impossible to square the financial circle. Stadia want the rent, riders demand top dollar to earn a living and maintain equipment and pay mechanics etc and fewer pundits have disposal income to take a family of four week in week out. As Dean has already said, the bikes are not a lot faster than years back but a good deal more expensive to run and maintain. Do spectators really care if the race is a few seconds slower. As long as you are being entertained I do not see race times an issue. The British public are simply not in love with speedway like they use to be and it is a brave person who would invest in the current business model in the UK.

Do any of the Ukrainian riders ride in any of the Polish leagues? Nazar looks as though he could be quite useful.

Racing is not bad so far despite the scoreline and an enthusiastic crowd souring the teams on.

Yep, miles out, got it wrong and well done the witches. Will not do the lottery in a hurry. Great to see the witches pulling together. I will now crawl under the stone and disappear.

I think it could be closer than that. Depends on how well Jason performs. Looking at yesterday’s Polish matches, the Leicester contingent did well so a close competitive meeting looks to be on the cards. Good luck to both teams and hopefully an injury free meeting.

A great day of entertaining speedway from Poland and that last race with Fricke topped it off, great ride. Thanks to all the riders who gave so much today.

Try the Polish thread, it is much more interesting.

Great to see a wide range of age groups including the youngsters giving it everything. Some hope yet

Great race well done Maciej

Great ride by Maxim

What speedway follower would not want to be in a stadia like this on. Warm Friday night watching speedway. Brings back memories of Friday at eight at Hackney

The meeting is not great but the riders turn up one day before a GP and Poland seems to race on days/nights when fans want to attend. In years gone by this use to happen in the UK with weekend meetings well attended but now the sport draws the short straw. Perhaps the UK clubs need to get back to thinking what entertainment they can offer on nights that suit the business model for each one and if that means going back to square one then so be it. Give it one year of reverting to running how it used to be to be and I reckon attendances would improve. If that does not work then, it will simply shorten the inevitable and the fickle followers will see clubs fail.