Ray Stadia

Just to remind you, TMC responded to a similar comment from you on the 27th August, 2009. Below is the posting: You must have been on holiday on the nights Simmo went down to the County Ground and scored maximums for Poole against the Falcons! Seriously, on the DVD, there is a section devoted to Exeter and Malc's thoughts on the CG track. He admits he, like many, had a phobia about the place but the move to Poole - and 'local' derbies between Falcons and Pirates - forced him to get used to the fearsome circuit. He says there was nothing wrong with the Exeter track whatsoever and that all those who moaned about it (including him in his pre-Poole days) were wrong, and that it was 'all in the head'. He is very complimentary about Exeter - if not the robust tactics employed by Messrs Julian and (especially) Blewitt, which scared the life out of so many visiting riders.{C}{C} You might just have twisted my arm ! Anything speedway which gives a good insight into the sport i've followed for 35 years rocks my boat, need to get out more i think ! (prob lemo's testimonial next for me)

I notice that Iwade has received full planning permission, as announced on their website. Is there anything else to add to this please?

I saw Malcolm ride at Wimbledon in the mid 80's, brilliant rider and charismatic man. In spite of his talent, he always came across as a regular guy. Wishing Malcolm and his family all the best.

I agree MattK. An independent committee, in my opinion, just adds another level of decision makers, who just muddy the waters even more. look at the government and the quangos and the mess they cause and create additional cost. The simple truth, is not enough fans are going through the turnstiles. In my opinion, speedway on TV just makes things worse, for 2 reasons. It gives the real fans an excuse not to go to their local track and secondly, those potential new fans that might have gone along to their local track, are maybe turned off. As we fans know, speedway on TV is nothing like actually being there. I am not sure what the answer is, but without some kind of radical change, the situation is not going to improve. Perhaps league speedway in this country needs to have a complete revamp and have a massive rider cost cut, which will mean losing many stars to overseas tracks and build from the bottom up. Perhaps have the same mentality as a premier league football club that has been relegated all the way down to the second division, but has aspirations to return to the premier league.

Somebody like Bernie Ecclestone would be great for speedway! Interestingly, he was born in Bungay, Suffolk. Not a million miles from Norwich, possible he went to watch Norwich Speedway as a youngster!

On the flip side, 6 years ago, I would have paid someone to send my ex to a 'far flung' land! But no, she is still here!

I need four new tyres on my Skoda Fabia, any chance of some financial assistance from the lovely forum members?

I agree speedway needs an overhaul. But it also needs to get real. I saw the European GP and was shocked at the lack of fans in the stadium, especially as we have been led to believe speedway is a 'hot bed' in Poland. If speedway is to survive, it needs to downsize, which means costs for riders, promoters and fans. At the end of the day and as has been mentioned, this thread is an 'old chestnut' subject, but nothing changes. Let's hope it doesn't end up being, 'Will the last speedway club to close, please turn off the lights'.

That is good. The film, I understand, was filmed at New Cross, so poignant. The 'frying pan'.

Any news on Iwade? I thought they had a planning application set for 10th April?

Very interesting SCB, thank you. I am surprised, but there you go. I suppose if leather is more expensive. it adds more pressure on riders costs.

I wonder why Moto GP has stuck with leather? And I have asked this question before, Moto GP riders have a big back protector 'hump' in their leathers, why don't speedway riders? Didn't receive an answer, previously.

Very good quality. Didn't look like 55,000, but I suppose with big terraces, probably was. Odd thing, commentator referred to the home team as an England team, while the captain had a Union Jack in his hand. Perhaps in those days, the Union Jack was an English flag also?

The trouble is, we all get locked into our own little memory bubble and we forget that past icons get older, as we do. We still remember Ivan as a dashing Speedway rider, gracing the tracks of yesteryear. Sadly, Ivan is only human like the rest of us and as we will, has succumbed to one of the health issues, which are challenging. The man is in his mid seventies, has enjoyed a long and very successful career in a very dangerous sport and finished his career without suffering too much injury along the way. Some of his contemporaries lost their lives or ended up with life changing injuries. Ivan survived all that. Along with his family, he now has a new challenge. Whatever the outcome, the man had a great career as a rider and no one can take that away. I bet Ivan and his family have no regrets.

Signed. All the best!

Yes, Putin probably likes noisy motor sports! Actually, nimby is the wrong word for these people, as they put themselves in their own back yard, after the venue was already there! The Mildenhall situation is a bit different, as we have been told they were making noise at the stadium at 2 am, but Mallory Park? Terrible thing to say, but perhaps Britain needs another war as many have become far too selfish and far too 'an English man's home is his castle'.

I watched the GP on Sunday and it didn't stop me enjoying the event. Today a radio station, played the noise of a 2014 engine noise against a 2012 race, for me the 2014 sounded better, less revs and more exhaust burble!

And Lydd Speedway, which is in the same county. I hope Iwade returns.

I know I am going to be shot down in flames, but I did wonder whether the opening of Sittingbourne Speedway, may cause problems for Iwade. Seems a bit of a coincidence to me, although, common sense also says, why should it cause problems?

Sorry to be pedantic, but isn't it 3 no longer exist?

Good points, I have to admit.

I think we are building a picture!

You are not Mr Coventry's son by any chance, are you wrench?

Looks like it will be a room for 3 then!

Get a room!