stratton

Kester forget about figures averages think about riders ability as others have pointed out it's about the Quality and quantity if you believe the present day is stronger so be it.

Totally right Hunter about Rembas i often think some of the European and Polish riders sometimes rode on inferior equipment.Can remember the pole Jankowski tearing around the abbey once ( paid max i think.?)also he performed like a world class performer in the world team cup.Then once at Hackney i see him riding on a pile of crap couldn't believe it was the same rider he was very uncompetetive.

You stick to your figures? the racing wasn't dross I've seen decent 57-21 matches all i am saying is quality,quantity,in Britain then was higher.And off the subject on your statement about Sweden and Poland what top riders had to ride there then? they did it on the occasional Sunday maybe a long track meeting because then Britain was the place to be unlike now!

Oldace in Sidney,s world most teams had 3 in and out heat leaders and forget the figures they were all good week in week out riders.Do you remember Mauger,Sjosten,Collins,Wilkinson,Pusey in same team at one time or another (as a small example)were they all decent or were they're averages rigged?

Why get defensive ? only a opinion are you seriously telling me the quality strength in depth numbers are there as in the 60s and 70s.? Riders today are very good some are superstars but the numbers quality wise are not there certainly not in Britain.Anyone with ambition in yesteryear HAD to ride in Britain ask Penhall.Now Britain is a poor relation i admire the riders now and still love watching speedway but you can DRESS figures up as much as you like but quality in numbers no comparisson

I've never thought that much about the cost,because i enjoy the sport.But wondered do other fans believe now is it value for money is it too expensive will people pick and choose meetings?Cant believe it will ever go back to 13 heats as numerous people believe at the moment 15 minutes of entertainment is not anough.

Forget the averages the bottom line was there were far more quality riders to Share around.The late 60s and 70s some years there were between 14 and 18 teams in the BL and also the N.L was a great product.Now the quality and quantity is just not there not a critisism just the way the sport has gone.

What was worrying the other night was the awful crowd,can't remember many worse do think speedway now is just to exspensive. I never get a programme now 3 pound too much if you go too football to do both is impossible.Promoters need to look after the hard core not take them for granted and need to listen to there views this does look a tough time ahead for British speedway.

Owning the stadium keeping the costs down getting people back who you rely on for your livelihood has got to be the way to go.Any rent surely is dead money?

Great post George, time now for bed!! no in all honesty i didn't realise when you are a lover of a sport it's hard to be impartial.I think unless the sport really takes things by the scruff of the neck and goes for real change will it get better.?I am a oldie but i wouldn't object to new ideas to be honest if someone had said 30 years ago Darts would be in the shape it is now i would of laughed.But look what they have made possible, amazing really.Only 3 things i can think of that maybe would help to improve things 1.more modern music. 2.young kids maybe aloud to get nearer to the riders to see the bikes ( swindon good for this half hour before meeting aloud to see bikes and riders). 3.maybe 10 pound is to low to expect to pay, but say if you went to 10 meetings the regular supporter get a little discount for the odd meeting you are if like me more and likely to spend it there anyway.

Asset base what's that! most clubs will want to live for today and Survive!

That,s fine your club get there loan fee, everyone happy i don't see why your club dug there heels in.I don't know the loan fee but it is not cheap but in this climate not knowing the longterm rules and points limit why would any club buy an asset?

Move on, who cares he is a Swindon rider now.

A good post and the reasons you gave all have substance,the only thing i don't agree with is i don't believe Jessup would of ever won a GPseries .Because of what you said having reliable machinery over a period,there were numerous times when Jessup conveniently borrowed Lee,s bikes and on that front was never as well set up as Lee and Collins were.I am also bias as i never really was a fan of Jessup a good rider and his record is there to be seen but in my opinion was behind those 2 and in with a host of other great English riders.

Spot on SCB great post, and as a speedway fan believe most people feel that way.

Yes would agree totally 'nor bold' didn't include WIlliams because he was Welsh, a bloke who never got the reconition he deserved a great no doubt about it!

Yes he did WK, in 76, 1975 and 1976 Crump could of won it couldn't do it though. Simmo was a stylist never ever see that guy out of control on a speedway bike.

Craven ( a 10 times world finalist) 2 times champion rostrum x2 died at only aged 29.On achievements alone i would of thought he would have to be in front of Collins? As for Louis you underate him i believe,he did get a rostrum spot was 4th once and he was a late starter in speedway.Louis was underated was his world final stats better than Kenny? one of the best i see ride at the Abbey in the 70s could beat Briggs and crash and not many did that!

Lee,s career finished in my opinion when he was loaded up ready to go to the British Final but was stopped as the pathetic ban was not overturned.A disaster for him and speedway and then for me speedway spiralled downhill the debate on the Lee,Carter, Collins has been brilliant and is a very close thing.For me my top 3 Brits would be Craven, Lee, Collins, with Carter in amongst a host of other riders SImmo crash,Jessup,Louis,Wilson,

Thanks for that!

Mistake i make them everyday of the week, so i have no problem with that.As for Steve Brum what gives you the right to belittle him?i certainly take more notice of him than you!! that is for sure you are a bit cock sure of yourself for me.

I bow down to your knowledge!! Fair play .

Bend 2 sometimes after heat 8 got in the dear side what a treat that was usually bend 3 god that was cold mate pits get me autographs in my Eliment.

'yerropes' are you hopeful or are you not bothered? this year Chalkie and ER,ORLOV,beefy, massive supporters i am excited en,t bothered if we win nowt love my night out winning is a bonus is good thou.My ambition is for Ash BIrks to do well, a Brit talented keen,be great if he cracks it a lovely riding style good luck Ash! year want BIrks to do well a Brit keen and talented fingers crossed for Ash.

'beefy/ ER I went in 69/70 With me uncle got programmes Facey there certainly Facey,Mac Woolford,Bishop, the good old days second halves great moving on.Remember Holloway Young,Pope, Evans and later Rob Henry ( great Mildenhall servant) remember Wellie moved on and was good beating Crash,MAstrup,Gramstad, on his merits.1970s Billy Wall and Bobo Valentine stick in my mind.