Swift Saint

URGENT PRESS RELEASE FROM STOKE SPEEDWAY GETTING READY FOR ACTION Much has gone on behind the scenes to resolve the issues at Loomer Road which contributed to the loss of Press Day and two challenge matches. This work continues and will be finalised next week after the series of stock car meetings that have taken place. The Club wish to clarify the nature of the problems which emanated from the seepage of moisture into the sub soil beneath the track in two areas but mainly on the entrance to the first turn. This problem for reasons as yet undiscovered appears to have improved with recent reduction in rainfall which suggests it was related to the extreme winter weather which has at last abated. It should be clear that if this is the case it is not due to the stock cars nor could they in any way exacerbate the problem. The final meeting of the current stock car series takes place this weekend and the Club have engaged the services of Colin Meredith to help with final recovery operations next week and to help lay part of a large quantity of shale that has been ordered to provide the best opportunity to produce an excellent racing surface for what will effectively be the start of the new season on Saturday 3rd May (7.00 pm). Heavy equipment will be available to assist in this process and general levelling and packing down and there is every reason to hope that the track will be in great shape. The Potters take on the excellent Kent Kings who will provide great opposition for the 2014 Potters. This match will be augmented by a Midland Development League match between the Spitfires and Rye House. Currently the long range weather forecast is good so fingers are crossed at Loomer Road for a great launch to 2014. The following day there will be National League and Midland Development League action at nearby Buxton with both teams taking on local derby rivals. Malcolm Vasey Stoke Speedway

I will be issuing a formal Press Release during the evening setting out where we are and what happens next. However, let me give some reassurance and that is provided that the weather is fit on the day we fully expect to race against Kent at Loomer Road on Saturday 3rd May 2014 and at Buxton in what will now be a League match the following day. I hope that will clarify the situation for the moment and I will issue more details later. Malcolm Vasey Stoke Speedway

URGENT PRESS RELEASE FROM STOKE SPEEDWAY STOKE V BUXTON – Sunday 13th April 2014 Stoke Speedway regret to announce that because they have been unable to complete remedial work on their track in time they have had to cancel the match scheduled for tomorrow (13th April) against Buxton. The Club regard this as a most disappointing step to have to take but have done so in order to ensure the safety of riders who would have been put at unfair level of risk had the meeting gone ahead. It is not entirely clear what is the root cause of what has become a continuous problem over the last few weeks. It is partly an environmental issue resulting from the winter rain and the Club will now use outside expert assistance to try and provide a cure for the problem. The situation has arisen from extreme damp under sections of the track on the Main Stand side of the circuit. The worst of these is an area of about 15 square metres close to the white line at the entrance to the first turn. The area is soft and unusable given the traction of a speedway bike driving into the first bend. Extensive attempts have been made to improve this area since before the Press Day cancellations but these have so far been unsuccessful. Just below the track surface there is a deep layer of very wet earth and despite the application of aggregates and concrete beneath the racing level it has not been possible to bind these in a satisfactory way because of the level of dampness contained within the sub soil. This means that when top dressing is applied the dampness seeps upwards leaving a surface that is too soft and dangerous on which to expect riders to race on motor cycles. The Club have engaged external assistance to resolve the problem and further renovations will be attempted next week. “We will attempt to trace exactly where the severe damp is coming from if necessary examine the drainage but above all we must safely unite the under soil the aggregate base and the top surface in a way that makes it safe to race on. said Promoter Dave Tattum. “I cannot in all conscience ask riders to risk their limbs and their equipment on the present surface in the two affected areas and I attribute the problem to some residual heavy damp or a rise in the water table below the track surface. We have tried and tried to dig out the damp and refill with dry material and suitably prepared aggregate and top dressing. Ultimately the surface reverts to the soft spongy state that is unfit for racing. I am absolutely disappointed both for our supporters, our riders my track staff and everyone but I am not prepared to risk the lives of young men until the track is correct. I hope people will understand that we have made extensive efforts to rectify this problem but have had to admit failure. added Dave Tatum. Team Manager Malcolm Vasey expressed his concern about the situation. “It is desperately disappointing the one thing my riders need is racing. Our match at Plymouth next Saturday has been cancelled due to a planning issue and we desperately need some competitive speedway. If anyone wants a challenge match or would bring a fixture forward we would love to hear from them. he said.

[quote Like to see Mildy win by the same score as Boston tomorrow, I might even pay for your chips then Kev Ill be pleased to beat you at Mildenhall - yet again. My dream is possible yours is not lol Malcolm

I just wish the total knockers would get off Scunthorpe's back. The points limit would have been better lowered however that had all been decided before Scunthorpe came on board. This is also the third season of a three year 40.00 points limit. I would personally like it to be 36.00 for a nine team League less if there are more teams. The lesson is do not set a points limit for three years but assess annually based on the number of teams but that is not always known when the National League AGM takes place. Everyone thinks it is so easy for the AGM and for Scunthorpe that is not the case and the unexpectedly long list of useful riders not taking part this season is indicative of that. People want the meeting early but is there not also an argument for allowing teams to enter as late as possible. It is a very difficult balance to strike and all involved try desperately hard to stretch in all ways. So have a bit of tolerance for Scunthorpe go and see them for yourselves at your home track and lets work for the good of speedway looking at the wider picture. Boston beat Buxton 71-19 in 2000 we didn't moan we rejoiced that we were doing so well Malcolm Vasey

Scunthorpe are to be congratulated for having the initiative to locate riders in the dreadful circumstances in which they find themselves and not seeking postponements or even whinging about it. Most teams would be looking for a postponement or fixture changes. The riders concerned are not really guests as unattached three point riders upon which there is no restriction of use. However, I expect they have had the (G) added as they are not in the Scunthorpe declaration. Good luck to them tonight and hopefully no more injuries Malcolm Vasey Stoke Speedway

VERY URGENT INFORMATION FROM STOKE SPEEDWAY CANCELLATION OF SUNDAY’S PRESS AND PRACTICE DAY The Stoke “Easy Rider” Potters very much regret that due to the continued wet weather taking place overnight and this morning that they have again had to cancel Press and Practice Day on Sunday 30th March and also the match against Kings Lynn in the afternoon. The Club is desperately sorry for this further cancellation but with the track covered in water and the material carefully laid so spongy and inconsistent there is no alternative but to cancel these events early and save further inconvenience to all concerned. Promoter Dave Tattum stressed his regret and further disappointment but feels that the riders would be unsafe in the conditions and an early call off possibly minimises inconvenience. “We arranged new Ambulance cover and with Kings Lynn so helpful in changing dates and here we are back at square minus two.” said Tattum. “I am not sure if we will have a formal Press Day now we will consider that in the days ahead.” he added. Stoke are at Mildenhall next Sunday in the National Trophy and then face a Challenge match against Buxton on 12th April. Team manager Malcolm Vasey said “I hope my riders can get a second half practice here and there before Mildenhall but others have had to ride this season with few practice opportunities we are not alone with this problem.”

VERY URGENT INFORMATION FROM STOKE SPEEDWAY CANCELLATION OF PRESS AND PRACTICE DAY The Stoke “Easy Rider” Potters very much regret that due to the extremely wet weather taking place over the last 18 hours it will NOT be possible to hold Press and Practice Day tomorrow (26/03/14). There is a wide span of water accumulated around the white line preventing the application of new track material planned for today and rather than hold an event that would be less than expected plans have been radically changed in order to minimise the effects of the weather. This is to ensure that everyone connected with the Club from the media to our riders and supporters can enjoy the launch of the new season. The revised programme of events is now as follows: Wednesday 26th March 2014 – PRESS AND PRACTICE POSTPONED Saturday 29th March 2014 – STOKE V KINGS LYNN POSTPONED Sunday 30th March 2014 – PRESS AND PRACTICE TO START AT 11 - 00 AM AND CONTINUE UNTIL 1.00 PM (Approximately) Sunday 30th March 2014 – Stoke v Kings Lynn at 3.00 pm We apologise for these revised arrangements and the limited notice given. Sadly the weather is not within our control and we are making every human effort to ensure that our track is as raceable as possible for the start of the new season. We have taken this action rather than waste everyone’s time at a curtailed event tomorrow and to minimise further inconvenience to all concerned by staging the two events on one day. We hope that our loyal supporters will recognise these changes as a genuine attempt to improve the situation we find ourselves in and as enjoyable as possible for everyone despite the weather. We wish to offer the Kings Lynn Young Stars our very grateful thanks for their co-operation in this matter. Malcolm Vasey Stoke Speedway

Thank you

The Stoke “Easy Rider” Potters are pleased to invite all media colleagues and the general public to their Press and Practice session on Wednesday 26th March commencing at Midday. The riders in Stoke’s new look team will be presented with their race jackets for 2014 in the Club Bar and introduced to the media and friends very shortly after midday and at around 12.40 will be on track for photographs and interviews. It is expected that practice will commence at about 1-15 pm and may well last for some time but will finish by 3.45 pm Commenting on the event Stoke’s Promoter Dave Tattum explained “This team contains six new riders and I hope our media friends will take this opportunity to interview them and take photographs both individually and of the whole team together. The weather forecast is quite good for Wednesday and that should help the process no end”. he added. The Stoke team for 2014 in riding order is Ben Wilson, Chris Widman, Ben Hopwood, Lee Payne, Jon Armstrong (Captain), Rob Shuttleworth and James McBain. “It’s an attractive team with a blend of youth and experience and we think it will enable us to do well in this season’s National League.” said Dave Tattum. “Please come and meet them see them ride and take some great pictures we are waiting to welcome you. “Our Team Manager Malcolm Vasey will also be available and together everyone at Stoke is working for the Club to do well. That is our focus but we can’t do it without our colleagues, friends and supporters being behind us. We have the chance to show you what we can do competitively against Kings Lynn on Saturday evening (7.00 pm) when we hope to lift the Inter County Cup.” Admission to Press Day is free and bar facilities will be available.

Having studied the stupid ignorant vitriol on here and the rehash of previous misinformation by Halifax Tiger I shall go back to my shell like most promoters and say nothing about anything. But for the benefit of Big Lad who is totally ignorant and expresses that every time he writes I would remind him that we Stoke topped the National League in 2011 by seven points reached the Cup Final and were hampered by injuries in the subsequent matches. We also reached the Paly Offs in 2012. Last season we were poor and could not sign riders until it was too late. You have a lost a further source of information because I have better things to do than read these expressions of ignorance. Get on with it. Malcolm Vasey

It is possible to be a Promoter is speedway or a Club Chairman without being part of the operating or owning company. It is quite common in fact. Malcolm Vasey

With negativity towards us that is displayed too often on here I would say not but I am not part of the company that operates speedway at Stoke I am the Team Manager. Of course we are ambitious as a Club and I would suggest you have a chat with me when I am, next at Kings Lynn and we can address these issues. TMW is correct when he says the sport has enough problems without the in-fighting. Why there is so much negativity I just don't know. We had a poor season last year and like a plane in a spin downwards try as we might we could not correct it. There will be problems for teams this season due to a rider shortage and those that advocate a lower points limit are correct. Unfortunately, the 40 point limit was fixed for three years and this is the last year of that period. I suggest next year something like 36 would be more appropriate but we must ensure that there are enough National League teams for those who will undoubtedly improve their averages in the next few months. If there is an influx of teams because the Elite Reserve Draft principles are successful, which I hope will happen, we may have to have an even lower limit. My worry this season is that if you lose through long term injury your No. 1 2 or 3 rider where do you get a replacement from? OK if it is the No.1 in theory you can use a guest but that might be more difficult now with the three League rider quite commonplace but what if it is your No, 2 or 3 rider and you are stuck with R/R only and if you lose two riders from the middle order what do you do? The play off system determines the League winners and that's at the end of the season and it could be the winners will be even more likely to be those who have a team that closest resembles their starting line up. I well remember Stoke finished 7 points clear in 2011 and lost in the play offs and the Cup Final because we were hampered by injuries. Its a tough situation. In spite of that I think the Elite League draft was a step forward for British riders and I hope the Premier League will follow suit which will also make that product more affordable to put on and maybe improve the numbers able to compete at that level. Added to that are the potential rider development benefits of such a move and they cant be quantified accurately till we try it. I would stress that these are only my own opinions and I respect those of persons who may see things differently. But I suggest we let things settle down support the good intentions that lie behind the move and analyse carefully to get things right in the future. Malcolm Vasey For everyone's information these are the words of a former announcer of very limited talent who left under a cloud and wastes no opportunity to vent his spleen in this way. His ignorance and arrogance are extreme and he would rather attempt to destroy something than allow "once great Club" he holds so dear try to make any kind of recovery I wont go on because it is pointless but anyone who knows me well in speedway will be aware that I have worked unstintingly in various capacities and insults from the like of Ian Lewsey are like water of a ducks back because no-one would believe him anyway. Malcolm Vasey

I think it is a sad indictment on the legal profession and law makers in this country that this can run on like a festering sore year after year when the Stadium was built over 40 years ago and these people moved in many years later in the full knowledge of the noise factor. What irritates me is that these legal persons chop and change their mind so many times and on each occasion the fees that they harvest for more reports and more hearings mushroom like Wayne Rooney's wages. It's a disgrace and if the higher court overrules the decision of a lower one all the fees from that previous court case should be refunded because they got it wrong. But no the legal profession profit on every single occasion. It is sickening. The case in itself is a joke anyway. How can a forty year old facility in the wilds appropriately planned and licenced be the subject of a case and numerous appeals from persons who have moved in under such circumstances. If I moved next to Old Trafford would I be able to cause such a legal nonsense to occur. I don't somehow think so. Indeed I suggest that is the line to take and surely enough is enough. Natural justice tells me that there is no case but the legal profession continue to protect their exorbitant fee chase and that's what it is. It is time the local MP sorted this out once and for all. It is just not good enough. Good Luck to the Fen Tigers next season on all fronts except when Stoke come to call and the first occasion is the 6th April. Malcolm Vasey

That's right don't make a reasoned argument about the quality of our team or make any sensible comment. Just the usual drippings from the mouth of a parrot get real why don't you? The racing in the National League at Stoke is very exciting as all speedway is at this level and you should know that as a sponsor of a National League rider. This level is now available in the Elite League so it cant be that bad. We have the best prospect ex moto crioss rider to have entered the sport in the last two years and the averages prove that and a great team. Admit it or will your arguments be as weak as those you made to Buxton. Malcolm Vasey

PRESS RELEASE FROM STOKE SPEEDWAY Stoke Promoter Dave Tattum formally released the Club’s fixture list for 2014 today which indicates an interesting spread of events across the whole summer starting with a home match against Kings Lynn for the Inter County Cup. That will be the first opportunity for supporters to see what is virtually an entirely new Potter’s line up with only Lee Payne surviving from the 2013 line up and he only arrived mid season. Commenting on the team and the fixture list Dave Tattum said “We have fourteen home fixtures at the moment including a Cup match against the winners of the Plymouth v Kent First round tie which can’t be listed until our opponents are known. We hope to qualify for the later stages of the various competitions and we are also working on one or two ideas for other events which might include a Pride of the Potteries featuring the top National League riders and other innovations. Last season was disappointing but that’s gone and we have worked unstintingly to group together a great team for the coming year. We have outstanding riders who will lead from the front and I expect us to be difficult to beat anywhere. I eagerly await the return to the sport of Ben Wilson who has dedicated himself to being a high quality Number One and with Jon Armstrong returning to Stoke full of fire we are a tough team have no doubt. For much of last year Jon was heading the Mildenhall averages and that says it all. Ben Hopwood improves year on year loves Loomer Road and is well proven at this level. We have the exciting and emerging Lee Payne unheard of in speedway a year ago and yet finished last season with a near five point average. Big things are expected form him. The top five is completed by Chris Widman a man who can raise his game so often when necessary and ready to move to the next level. At reserve James McBain is so highly thought of in Scotland and desperate to seize this chance as is Rob Shuttleworth now back from New Zealand determined to move his career in speedway forward. I am thrilled with the line up” said Tattum. We start the season with our traditional Press and Practice Day on 26th March at Midday and will announce the arrangements for that very soon. It is going to be a new dawn for Stoke Speedway we are working tirelessly for that. The fixtures start on Saturday 29th March with a Challenge match against Kings Lynn and we are out to avenge their Cup success over Us last season. Eight days later we are at Mildenhall in the Trophy and then we have Buxton in a Challenge before the League campaign begins at Plymouth on 19th April. We want to do well for the Club and the supporters. We believe in the team we have and we are almost ready to go. Important track work will be carried out in the days leading up to Press and Practice and we are the most positive we have been in years. Please join us and let’s share a great season with our Potters”. said Dave Tattum.

What a dreadful idea and they will ride for £10 per point? The places in the League have to be for British riders after all it is the National Development League not the International Development League. For too long we have encouraged very average foreign riders the tide is turning and it must not turn back. Whilst I am sure the Elite League introduced the measure of national League reserves to help with costs, British riders benefit with experience and working with top riders close by to guide them. It is a major step forward. It would never be agreed to allow the National League to go back to any overseas riders. Lets not forget we had Aussies and Kiwis once. Nothing against them but those 63 places are to develop our lads and help Brits returning to the sport. It is imperative that they be retained for that purpose. Malcolm Vasey

Your remarks are completely out of order. All the good comments concerning Rob Branford written on this thread are completely correct. I have managed teams with Rob racing and indeed hoped he would return from Australia this year and perhaps ride for Stoke for the season and we spoke to him at one stage with that in mind. He was very up front and said from the outset that he was building resources from a job for an assault on 2015 and with that I wish him every success. As for you, I think you should be ashamed to slag off a young man who travels round the world to try and fulfil his speedway ambition and the sport would be better served if you would keep your bigoted inaccurate opinions to yourself. Malcolm Vasey

wasn't thinking about which club he rode for at that point just that he's from near Leicester. Mr Mungo was obviously thinking solely about locality as was I. Well many riders live nearer to clubs other than their own but having assembled a team that we are delighted with we wont be making changes at the present time. In any event I think Chris would prefer a full season at Stoke to six matches for Leicester. Malcolm Vasey

On another note if they do borrow all 7, I hope Chris Widman is one of them I am not sure you why you have written this - Chris Widman is riding for Stoke in 2014 and that will include the National Trophy. Malcolm Vasey

Leicester are restricted to a 40 point total the same as everyone else. People are so negative. It is a wonderful move by the Leicester management. We need opportunities and they have supplied some. Malcolm Vasey

I think you have to detach those who care only about the future of the sport from those who have to operate financial management of their clubs in perilous times and take decisions that are best at the time given their own circumstances. Without those risk takers there would be no sport at all to speak of. However, we need a carefully co-ordinated plan to move forward with greater emphasis on the use of Britiish riders who in the long run would be cheaper. In my view the public are tired of the type of foreigners that Bagpuss describes anyway and the advent of a great World Champion in our midst has spurred on the clamour for more Brits and better Brits. We no longer have overseas riders of any description in the National League and that is good but we need the National League to be bigger with a lower points limit and thus development opportunities to build on and latch itself to the work now done so comprehensively by Phil Morris and Neil Vatcher. We need National League teams in Wales and in Scotland as a must so that riders like James McBain do not have to travel 250 miles for a home match as he is doing next season. It needs planning and I hope that the Elite League initiative will help improve these matters and that they will see enough to participate more fully in the National League like Coventry, Kings Lynn etc. Football invests millions on development as they capture the hearts and minds of the youth of Britain to participate in their sport which at the basic level you can play with two coats and a ball. Speedway is difficult to get started in and even more difficult to make a success of. Thus it follows that we heave to nurture those who are attracted to us as participants. We are lagging behind other sports it would seem and the time is nigh where we must turn these issues around. I hope we can and that serious money can be directed at this opportunity whether that be from existing funds or from new sponsorship. It has to happen. Malcolm Vasey

Yes and all those Elite League snobs are about to find out just how exciting third tier riders can be especially in the races against each other. The Premier League missed a trick here in my opinion. Malcolm Vasey ?????? - Craftman's Post Craftman what do you not understand about that post? Malcolm Vasey

Yes and all those Elite League snobs are about to find out just how exciting third tier riders can be especially in the races against each other. The Premier League missed a trick here in my opinion. Malcolm Vasey

Dreadful idea unusual for you TMW but if someone has discovered a star as The Refused has stated it would fatally flaw the integrity of the League. We have had it before with riders with overseas experience which is why now four League matches and a new average is provided. I saw Todd Kurtz rip Mildenhall apart one afternoon and I think Jay Herne began at Weymouth with a twenty point return. Imagine a season of that! It would never get approval we are on top of that problem now Malcolm Vasey