trophykid

Absolutely agree with the above comments. To make partnerships with companies such as BMW, Honda etc surely has to be a good thing? I believe well known marques in the sport can make it more attractive to the casual punter too, as people often connect to brand names. Is it also possible that these companies, their dealerships, importers could also be partners in sponsorship. I think speedway has to think outside the box, and this may be the start of positive change. MotoGP had a radical rethink of its bikes circa 2000, I.e. two strokes to four stroke. Why can't speedway have a similar evolution?

It was raining in the Plymouth area during the early evening, and seemed a fair call to postpone the fixture IMO.

To my estimations Plymouths attendances are exaggerated in this forum. Some say 2000, but I'd say less.

I really hope Plymouth are up for this. Somerset's heat leaders will take some stopping.

I'd love to see Simon Lambert back at Stoke, if he was available. We all know what he is capable of in this league, and I'm sure he'd deliver. However, would Simon see it as a retrograde step dropping back into the National League?

I don't think so. As a number one you'd expect him to dominate proceeding at Loomer Road. It ain't happening frankly. Not having a go at the lad, just an observation.

Well guys, what's the way forward? I was encouraged by Gemma Crabtrees spin, but it all looks like tosh. The promotion says riders are in the last chance saloon hmm. It's seems to have gone just a little worse every year since the premier league exit. I understand the downbeat posts about Stoke, but how can we as fans move forward? Does anyone care even!? I'm looking for a chink of light, something to follow. We can't go on as we are. I'll be there tomorrow evening. Up the Potters!!!! Well guys, what's the way forward? I was encouraged by Gemma Crabtrees spin, but it all looks like tosh. The promotion says riders are in the last chance saloon hmm. It's seems to have gone just a little worse every year since the premier league exit. I understand the downbeat posts about Stoke, but how can we as fans move forward? Does anyone care even!? I'm looking for a chink of light, something to follow. We can't go on as we are. I'll be there tomorrow evening. Up the Potters!!!!

I'm a potter exiled in Plymouth, so im not able to comment in all fairness. But what the hell has been going on this last week? These really are disastrous defeats.

I'm hoping Stoke's recent home form can stay intact, for the short journey to Hi-Edge. I also reckon Liam Carr has a point to prove today. Narrow Stoke win here I think.

I think that's unfair. It's an established precedent in many (if not all) spectator sports, for concessions for kids, OAPs etc. The gentleman has every right to be angry about extortionate admission prices and the Sainburys analogy is inaccurate.

Does this competition operate at any other venues?

+1. Excellent rant. Speedway sees itself as a family sport and charges £45 for a young child?

Disappointed the potters couldn't make it closer. Well done to Ben Reade and Kyle Hughes. Lee Smart is looking off the pace. Hat off to James Sargent and Joe Jacobs too, looking full value for the Storm.

Relax Jim, I'm just joking as you probably could tell. Perhaps you could use food based analogies for other posts ;-). Best wishes.

That's ten minutes of my life I won't get back :-)

Kent kings. About 40 miles to the south east of Thurrock.

This is why a long hard look at formula two speedway may be worth a look. The potential to forge partnerships with Honda, BMW, KTM etc can't be ignored surely? I believe having recognisable brands would appeal to the general public. The potential financial rewards of attracting such companies is obvious. However, I suspect it would be a challenge to the power base of the promotors, and unlikely to be explored.

Good point about the lack of support from bikers. People who own bikes are good supporters of two wheeled sport. Check out attendances at BSB for example. However, speedway is right off the biking radar. Certainly an area where I'd promote the sport.

I wouldn't class myself a speedway expert by any means, so bear with me.First time I went to BP was against Rye House August 2012. Was very processional to say the least. Second time, this season against Sheffield, I felt was good, no better, no worse than many tracks.

I hope the Potters can give IOW a match tonight. It's early days for the Potters, but IOW have hit the ground running. Looking forward to seeing Adam Ellis again.

Like I said earlier in this thread, I always enjoy my visits to Buxton. I watch speedway all over the country and I genuinely look forward to my visits there. So what about those minor snags, where's the Dunkirk spirt!?

Wish I could be there Jayne, always enjoy my visits to Buxton. Hope the Potters go well today.

It should definitely be family friendly in terms of admission costs. However, this family sport tag is embarrassing and unconvincing. Can speedway not be publicised like other two wheeled sport? Fast, exciting, noisy, dangerous, controversial etc.

I note with interest the activities of Gemma Crabtree. Appears to be proactive and switched on. Lets hope the potters are pushing on in an upwards direction on and off the track.