Jonny the spud

I think that was the one he used last year at the Blue Riband in Poole

Your anger should be with the BSPA, it's their years of mismanagement that have led to this situation. If we were the worlds strongest league pulling in massive crowds with big TV exposure, we'd try to protect it just the same. Where is the "big plan" that was going to drive us forward ? The draught riders scheme was a good idea, badly thought out. When last year draught riders had the chance to go into the main team, some floundered some didn't, what was the reward this year for all the effort / investment many put in ? As for tv coverage and a main league sponsor ???? Honestly, if the BSPA fell into a barrel of boobs they'd come out sucking their thumbs.

You can't be an entertainer if they won't let you onstage

I think your anger is being misplaced here, If the BSPA had actually promoted the sport, stopped tinkering with the rules and not blown the millions (yes millions) that SKY TV had put into speedway, we wouldn't be in this position as stadiums would be full and there'd be a lot more money so that riders wouldn't have to go abroad. As for Brits ??? I can only speak from personal experience, you improve one year beyond what anyone predicted and you end up nearly unemployable the following year. It's a numbers game with all the promotors looking after No 1 and no one looking out for the good of the sport. If you go as far as you can in the UK, (whether you're British or Aussie) and want to take the next step then unfortunately abroad is the only option.

Maybe instead of pouring money into foreign riders, how about investing it in British youngsters and infrastructure / social media? British riders improve on the world stage, the sport gets promoted to a wider audience encouraging yet more sponsors = more money No, lets bring over another Aussie / scandinavian for short term glory and then moan when they bugger off. And they wonder why riders go elsewhere.....

The axis of stupid manages to hijack yet another thread, this time one about satellite TV. Honestly, you couldn't make it up !

Tai is turning into Trump. Step away from twitter FGS.

BSPA statement reads ..."broadcast partners for the 2017 season" so only a 1 year deal then ?

"many fans gave it as their reason" Why do I have a Trump voice in my head saying "everybody says" ?

how long till the others come and spoil this thread too ?

Having re-discovered the UK scene again around 5 years ago after many years of riding and spectating in Europe, one of the main differences I've noticed is that English commentators stop talking the second the tapes drop . Is this normal at every track ? I've been inside several stadium bars where it's like a morgue once the race starts and I do feel that running commentary as in Europe (although not to the hysterical shouty brothers on sky) might be a good thing? With only 4 riders and 4 laps it shouldn't be too taxing on a centre green announcer / commentator to manage … Thoughts ?

And I know riders from the 80's, (one of them an England captain) who said exactly the same.

Never buy anything the first year it's released, too many teething problems……. Water-cooled GM anyone ? That one slipped quietly away.

Everyone who's switched on is keeping fit not just athletes, also the fitter you are the quicker injuries heal.

A troubled personal life put paid to his career, he's only recently started racing on the grass again, the most naturally talented of the three brothers IMO.

I think you'll find there's a fair chance they we're born at the same hospital too, (and Dimitri Bergé )

Unless you know the ins and outs of exactly what he does and the rules and budget with which he has to work with, or have spoken to riders who work with him, most of the above is just guesswork?

Bloody calendar producers, why can't they invent a time machine and picture next years riders in your prefered teams suits ?

I don't understand the slating that David Bellego gets on here, I've known him for quite a few years ,( he and Adam were both born in Marmande) and i've watched him back from when he rode National grasstrack in France. He's a bloody good rider with top quality kit. I think he'll surprise a few people next season .

The averages have all been inflated by 1.4 anyway, do we all presume that riders have all improved by 1.4 over the winter or are we looking at last years averages as a benchmark ?

so who do you think won't improve ?

You mean the Ellis who rode on the grass for four years in France and won the 250cc championship before trying speedway and the Shanes who's currently European grasstrack champion ?

So much this !! People are saying we need a Barry Hearn type promotor…. Even a copy of Barry would be a good start. The online / social media world has moved on massively in the last decade but still "promotors" think that 2 posters on a local roundabout will bring people in . Online marketing is the biggest advertising tool in the world but the old codgers who run speedway are still living in the 50's.

David is a good racer, i've watched him progress over the years and he really has a go. His kit is always immaculate, he'll be a good team member.

Felicitations David, bienvenue a Swindon…… what with him and Adam there'll be wine and cheese in the corner of the pits.