TB1

Essentially as of course with the haves and have nots. British Speedway simply doesn't have enough people to participate in it, and whilst the powers that be have turned a blind eye. The chickens have now come home to roost. As I see it the only way ahead IS 1 league and blood the youngsters (wherever they are from). Otherwise those that propose that a top league is a must may not have anything to support next season.

Much has been said about riders and promoters but what about suppliers? Engine and parts providers for example? We all know standidised equipment can lower costs but what for example happened to the Sheffield experiment a few years ago with the Honda engines? Is it possible that the current part suppliers would be operating a cartel? Or as I always say 'Turkeys never vote for Christmas'

Is Rome burning? Or Rugby in this case!

Does anyone know the definition of an 'asset' in speedway terms. As an Ipswich supporter, my god have we been lucky with the last few years. However, as a speedway fan first and foremost I would happily watch an amateur or semi pro sport if it meant we got the famous names back such as Wolves, Cradley, Coventry,Swindon, Peterborough and anyone else I apologise for not mentioning. If the sport went back to this footing and became affordable then who knows.

I guess the major surprise will be some daft idea that they come up with.

There's an old saying Iain, 'Turkeys never vote for Christmas' I agree with you all the way.

I think at Ipswich we are incredibly lucky because of this. I became very dissolutioned with the old Premier League between 2011 and 2018 as we had a succession of poor sides. However the management have done a grand job culminating in the success of the last 3 years.

A question for anyone in the know. Is it reasonable to assume that with a much reduced premiership next year ( assuming of course). Is it possible that we may lose many top riders in the league as there will not be enough meetings for visa requirements? Just asking. Note: I asked this on the Ipswich thread.

How so? Surely a contract is a contract and if you break the terms?

A question for anyone in the know. Is it reasonable to assume that with a much reduced premiership next year ( assuming of course). Is it possible that we may lose many top riders in the league as there will not be enough meetings for visa requirements? Just asking.

The worrying thing about clubs already signing riders is that we surely have to assume we are going to be served up more of the same unfortunately.

The elephant in the room is or is never appearing to be addressed by the powers that be, lack of riders or finance for riders or development of riders for example. I think if someone done a straw pole of riders who quit in the last 20 years because they couldn't afford it I think the numbers would be shocking.

Emil as you say has been pure class and it's been a wonderful privilege to be part of this as a supporter. From a lay person's point of view does this tell us anything about the league set ups next year or am I reading too much into it?

The lack of riders will be the death knell before anything. OK some clubs ( probably very few) make a small profit and I guess the rest have become money pits. However, without riders you have no product. No product means no support and no support means no business. Unfortunately they have kicked the can so far down the road that they have reached the end of the cul de sac!

Surely we really need to start blooding youngsters and fast if speedway in this country is to survive. Does anyone have a rough figure of say 13 to 16 year olds who if given the right support can be blooded in the next 4 to 5 years and be racing ready? Some insight into this would be great.

An extra large serving of groundhog I'm afraid.

Agreed I was just naming two.

Thanks for the update. I've been keeping tabs on their Facebook page. In my opinion speedway could be boosted by having big names like Cradley and Coventry back at the top table.

Is it just minor stuff they are ironing out with the Cradley planning application or are you having to keep it under wraps? If successful would they start NDL or go higher? Surely a club of stature like Cradley would have to aim higher? ( Thanks for the update on 360, a great watch).

Yes but the homegrown will only earn enough dough to ride a moped! And punters won't pay 25 notes for the privilege.

SPOT ON, however it is getting to the point where the turkeys won't have a choice on whether or not they vote for Christmas!

You make the most important point, everyone is formulating the leagues for next year. Where on earth are they getting the riders from? Doubling up starting killing UK speedway in 2003 when riders were allowed to double up in the ill fated British league Cup. I'm sure a number of ex riders will be well informed and tell us they simply couldn't make a living out of it and had to pack it up.

Spot on sir! As you say Turkey's don't vote for Christmas and that all anyone needs to know. The current structure will bumble on for a few years yet.

My I ask a statistical question, apart from 3 draws at Owlerton I believe in 2005, 1979 and 1971. Have Lynn ever pulled off a win at Sheffield. I'm sure they had but couldn't find it.

Exactly the sport surely in the uk cannot last much longer in its current format. I hate to say it but I wouldn't mind forecasting that Birmingham don't make the end of the season. Of we at Ipswich are very lucky but my god there are some poor sides in this league. Anyway I've said it before and I and others will say it again. Doubling up has killed the sport since 2003 and unfortunately I don't see Anyway back!