The Voice Of Reason

I assume that you mean best 'stadium' in the history of the Universe? I think the best 'track' accolade went to a particular place not a million miles away from Custom House; just over in Waterden Road, E15! Even my parents admitted it; and they were West Ham die-hards; from its opening through to its sad closure. Agree about the youthful eyes though. Sitting here now, I can hardly think of ever having a bad night out at Hackney. As far as Lakeside is concerned. It is what it is. I too hated the place when it opened - plastic sticks as a perimeter marker and flat as a pancake - no possibility of overtaking around the outside without drifting out onto the tarmac car circuit. However, the track has improved greatly under the current promotion. It's far from perfect but they do what they can with the money available, and within their rented accommodation. Track-wise - over the past few years, I've seen more close racing/passing at Lakeside than any other circuit apart from Wolves. That includes quite a few visits to nearby Brandon as a neutral.

Why's that - because you lost? From reading the Speedway Updates site it may not have been a classic (are any meetings these days?) but there certainly seemed to be a darn sight more overtaking and close racing than I witnessed at your place on Tuesday night!

Uncle Len at Hackney used to at least try, now and then. I remember in the mid-80's, two of his particularly memorable 'top turns'. First, we had Eddie Kidd who was going to jump over some cars via a ramp. However, the ramp was apparently too wet, so that idea quickly became a non-event; despite the pre-meeting build up for weeks. Wet ramp my @rse. The Speedway riders in the pits must have been peeing themselves that such a 'celebrity dare devil' bottled it. It didn't stop them going out and risking life and limb in the good old 'Rider of the Night' event. The second act was booked to great anticipation. It was a tribe of REAL Zulu Dancers, who were appearing at The Hackney Empire the following week. Most probably Uncle Len got a nice little £arner from the management of the theatre for their promotion. The only problem was it was October. It was freezing cold (isn't it always at Speedway in October). Anyway, out from the pits appear these dozen geezers, war-painted up; banging drums and shaking spears. Only one problem........They were all wearing anoraks! Remember the old zip-up type that cost about 30 Bob in Millets or the Army & Navy? You could literally see them shaking with the cold. Anyway, they get up to the starting tapes, started their routine of banging drums and singing...........and the heavens opened up! All around were cries of "They've done a f&@kin rain dance!" People were literally creasing up with tears running down their face as these poor Zulus all went running back to the pits after 2 minutes. I now go to Brandon for my regular fix but gawd, the atmosphere is pretty non-existent. Given most tracks love affair with playing old numbers, I reckon we should all keep warm and entertained by doing a conga; then all onto the centre green for the Okey Kokey. Gotta be better than standing there shivering, watching a tractor go round for 20 minutes, surely? And while we're out there, I'll try and nick Peter York's radio mike, and do us all a favour!

Who should, or shouldn't, ride on the truck is immaterial to my mind. The fact remains that it is an absolutely woeful, half-hearted attempt at professional presentation.

No mate, they all ride in the National League.

Fair call Dean. Bech rode Brandon superbly last year; and full credit to the boy in Heat 15 for getting up off the deck immediately when Rich Lawson was in 3rd place.

Good move from the Bees Promotion. I actually think that you now look stronger, in-depth, than that mob down on the South Coast. I can see Brandon becoming a bit of a fortress; hopefully not when Lakeside are in town though (okay, I can dream). As it's now where I watch most of my Speedway these days, I'm looking forward to some very good meetings at Cov throughout 2015. Best of luck to you all for the season ahead.

Probably in a van driven by his mechanic - like the other 99% of Speedway riders?

Are you running the Colin Pratt Fan Club for 2015 then 'mouth on a stick'? One two-bob article in the SS from a Pratt really seems to have taken over your entire life this week. Sad.

It's not a case of 'shooting from the hip' It's a case of having an opinion. As of the time of this post, you appear to have had 2,722 of them. Just to add, it's just a tad difficult for me to consider someone's comments in the Speedway Star, when I don't get it.

Well insomuch as on the date of the test, he told Eurosport in an interview that he had been drinking after some bad news, and that he was dehydrated because of not eating.

Name calling eh? Wow. The kind of thing generally associated with children in playgrounds - but hey ho. In response to your point above. Actually, I wouldn't. You see I've possibly been actively involved with this sport (in a certain capacity) just a little closer than you have over the years. Suffice to say that I know only too well that, at many tracks, it doesn't matter if the catering outlets/bars earned fifty grand a week - the Speedway Club wouldn't earn a copper coin out of any of it. And if living in the past meant seeing more racing, then so be it. Giving people more value for money may, just may, attract people back. You see, the alternative is people like you living for the present - and accepting a sub-standard, overpriced product that (given dwindling attendances) potentially doesn't really have any future.

- They had the evidence from day 1. - They then had an admission of guilt from the rider concerned. It then takes them over six months to decide upon a penalty! To use a popular, fitting phrase in this instance - "what an utter shower of sh!te". How many nights in posh hotels; travelling expenses; three course gourmet meals; not to mention the proverbial 'free bar' has this cost the FIM - or should I say, the motorsport-paying public? You really couldn't make it up. A nice little earner no doubt for the internally-nominated 'Officals' at the FIM. Added to which, as mentioned, it now makes a complete mockery of last year's Elite League Campaign. Thanks. And whilst I'm certainly no admirer of the Poole Promotion, it has been unacceptable for them (and their supporters) having to wait so long to effect their 2015 squad building. Can't believe I've actually said that - but fair's fair.

SCB I think we'll have to agree to disagree as we clearly have different views on this issue. Suffice to say, I really don't think it's a simply a matter, as you suggest, of Lewis Bridger asking for a loan and the Coventry Promotion saying 'No'. I think it's more a case of, as previously mentioned, Lewis Bridger being offered support to obtain equipment (new, purchased, hired or borrowed) and now that offer isn't forthcoming. This obviously puts Lewis Bridger into an untenable position, given his current financial situation. Whatever the case, and we'll probably never learn the full facts, you surely cannot overlook the sheer incompetence of your promotion signing him in the first place; without the necessary equipment to compete.

Oh right - so the Coventry Speedway Promotion are that blasé/unprofessional in their approach to building their squad, that they signed a rider without any bikes; nor without the capital to invest in any? A sheer masterstroke. As for him not being offered assistance, I suggest that you read your local paper: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/speedway/coventry-bees-looking-another-rider-8708671 And this still doesn't answer the point that if financial assistance WASN'T actually offered, why doesn't Mr. Horton categorically state this within his response? Maybe you think silence is a form of defence. I certainly don't.

Whilst I take on board many points about Lewis's apparent lack of professionalism, let's not get de-railed and forget the main issue here. It appears, and Mr. Horton hasn't denied this, that the Coventry Speedway Promotion agreed (possibly via a verbal 'gentleman's agreement') to help Lewis out financially. If that is the case, then it appears that they have rescinded upon that agreement. So, irrespective of Lewis Bridger selling his equipment; holidays taken from profits; people's perception of him as a person, etc. the Coventry Promotion do not appear to be honouring their prior commitment to him. THAT my friends is THE reason why Lewis Bridger isn't riding now riding for Coventry Speedway. Everything else is completely immaterial. A smoke-screen if you will, for the very real root cause of the problem that's arisen. It is highly probable that when Lewis was approached, he would have made it clear that he didn't have engines, etc. Not having the money to buy these (irrespective of the reason) I can imagine that he was subsequently offered financial support. IF that offer of support has now been removed, for whatever reason, then how on earth is the guy supposed to take his position within the team? We aren't talking about the old days when a rider was part-time and had one bike strapped to the back of a Ford Granada, we're talking here about one of the most successful teams in the top-tier of British Speedway. It is obvious that there would have needed to have been considerable investment in equipment - that was race-worthy for the Elite League. If this support had not been offered, then I'm quite certain Mr Horton would have alluded to that fact in his clubs' defence. Allegations made by Lewis Bridger would surely have been defended if they hadn't been true? Sorry but Mr. Horton's subsequent statement of response says absolutely nothing, yet at the same time (from my perspective anyway), it says EVERYTHING about who's the guilty party in this instance. And this incident comes on the back of the Kenneth Hansen dispute. As the old saying goes "there's never smoke without fire" - and whilst I fully expect Cov supporters to perhaps say otherwise, it's apparent that the Coventry Promotion (and in that I include Mr Gary Havelock) clearly have a major problem with how they deal effectively with some riders. To my mind, Lewis Bridger had that financial support pulled for a reason - because it's a simple solution for removing him from the team. And I may be cynical, but I cannot imagine that reason being for any other purpose than replacing him with someone else already lined up - particularly this close to the commencement of the 2015 Season.

Clock on the centre green (Max of 2 minutes from the start of heat siren to tapes up) and secondly, bring back concrete starting grids. But here's the problem guys. We are all looking at various potential solutions that will most likely never be enforced. And why is that? Simple. Promoters are happy these days stretching out 15 minutes of racing over 90 minutes - 2 hours. Gardening and messing about at the tapes doesn't cost them anything. Heaven forbid we ever go back to second halves with 'Rider of the Night', or Silver Helmet match races. Let's just continue to dilute the product with a myriad of lesser-skilled riders (dressed up as 'British Development') and raise admission prices for speedway's ever-ageing faithful. After all, they are all quite happy standing in the freezing cold, watching a tractor go round (and round, and round) whilst listening to a Woolworths 'Top of the Pops' album from 1972.

Of course not. After all, he's British.

To the best of my knowledge (which I wasn't simply told by a bloke in the pub, but someone closely associated with Lakeside's Promotion) the 'old deal' only paid an EL Club the amount of money lost on the gate through a decreased attendance when SKY were in town. Heaven above knows what the 'new deal' provides! Suffice to say it's a good marketing USP for teams when they are attracting sponsorship but to my mind, it's a waste of time in actually promoting this sport to potential new fans. Attendances at the majority of clubs has probably decreased since SKY got involved; albeit admission prices, coupled with a watered-down product (i.e. just 15 heats of racing) surely hasn't helped. I truly don't believe that SKY attracts many new people to Speedway. However, if it was on BBC/ITV (as in the 70's/early 80's) it would undoubtedly reach a much wider audience; and this could be much more beneficial raising the profile of the sport in the long run. But no - it's on SKY. And generally on a Monday night when there's also usually a Premier League Football match on. Guess what most people choose to watch on SKY Sports; either at home or at the pub? Still, I can think of two people that must be laughing all the way to the bank with their 'nice little earners' - in particular, one clueless numb nut who plods around in the pits all night as if he truly knows what he's doing. The term 'Chuckle Brothers' could possibly never have been more apt.

I think you forgot to add 'when he can be bothered to turn up'.

Well, not surprisingly, I fall into the most popular bracket. Maybe, if this information is shared for marketing purposes, we could get new sponsors into this sport - Brut, Old Holborn and 'Hernias R Us' spring instantly to mind!

I couldn't care less about all the 'big names' I've seen over the years. Most were just good trappers if I'm honest. But the one rider who, since a young lad I'd watched give it 100% in EVERY race, and wouldn't ever give up until the chequered flag, is Hackney Legend himself - Mr. Barry Thomas. I can't remember having seen any other rider in my lifetime make so many passes, nor produce such close racing. In particular, his performances around the boards upon the hallowed shale of Waterden Road are locked in the memories, and hearts, of all Hackney Speedway Supporters. Tommo to me was the ultimate Speedway 'Racer' - a unique riding style coupled with a never say die attitude. Add into the mix one of the nicest guys I've ever met - who home and away, always made his way to the bar afterwards to have a chinwag with ANY supporters. Unfortunately, most riders these days seem to forgot who pays their wages. And finally to add, a rider that had TWO testimonials for Hackney; having given over 20 years loyal service for the same club. I can't imagine that ever happening with the shuffling of the pack we get in this day and age. Barry Thomas, for the aforementioned reasons, is the greatest speedway rider I have ever had the pleasure to watch race.

You may want to check out my alternative suggestion upon this forum.

I said elsewhere Saturday that it was probably my last post on this forum. I have certainly finished with this sport for good. However, reading the Poole debacle and people's sheer frustration as a result (including the similarly negative comments from some fair-minded Poole supporters), the speedway community is still awaiting a response from the BSPA, SCB and/or Phil Morris. Moreover, supporters are also awaiting comment from their own respective promoters. My perception is that no such statements will be forthcoming via these aforementioned parties. The whole situation absolutely stinks. By comparison to what's gone on over the years, the FTR grading scenario could even be considered a minor misdemeanour given Mr Ford's 'previous'. However, the manner in which this most recent plot of subterfuge has been swept under the carpet appears to have riled many. Oh, and don't we just know that Mr Tatum and Mr Pearson, and all at Sky Sports, will not dare mention the damage that this further example of pure skulduggery will have upon the sport. Their agenda is undoubtedly quite clear. They want to see a play-off final between Kings Lynn and Poole; and what great box-office it would be to see the season's underdogs come good in the final heat. Real 'Roy of the Rovers' viewing for it's audience. Elsewhere, one of the good guys on here has mentioned having banners to show at the commentary box of the aforementioned dynamic duo when Sky are in town. Good idea in principle, but it would have no effect whatsoever. Our two chums are positioned in a scaffold studio high above the track; and with good camera editing/positioning, you wouldn't even be seen. And would your beloved promoters even allow this? You'd be ejected from the stadium; or possibly face a heavier punishment. So how do we get the sport's governing bodies AND promoters to realise that, as fans, you are saying 'enough is enough'? Very, very simple. YOU, AND ALL OTHERS, SIMPLY BOYCOTT ALL HOME MEETINGS WHEN POOLE ARE IN TOWN. This will hit promoters in the pocket. They will not like it. Who knows, it may even get them to grow a pair, and take on the antics of the aforementioned parties. It will cause an embarrassment for Sky. What response would Messrs. Tatum & Pearson be able to give when apart from the visiting blue & white scarves, they are the only ones on the terracing. It WILL send out a clear message, from genuine speedway fans to their clubs owners, that fans do actually exist, have a voice, and most importantly - need to be heard. It's certainly not an action that should ever be taken lightly. It is however, a lawful one. It is something that may even attract the interest of both local and national media. And before anyone says that it is potentially bringing the sport into disrespute well I'm sorry, if something is already in the gutter, the best thing that can happen is that it's dragged out of it kicking and screaming. What I do know is that comments upon forums simply fall on deaf ears. Clearly, that's evident by the complete lack of response, or any statement to date, from those people running this sport. What I also recognise is that it would need YOU, via word of mouth, social media, etc. to advise others accordingly. Maybe those with some form of relationship with local radio or media could spread the message via those channels? The media love a story with controversy; particularly during the Summer when, very often, sports news is somewhat thin on the ground. I have totally walked away from this sport for good, after a love affair of 40 years. I do not for one moment expect you to do similar. But I would ask you to consider this idea. It is, to my mind, the ONLY way left to make your voices heard. It is the ONLY way in which you can make those in authority recognise the difference between fairness, and unfair changes that are sucking the very lifeblood from this once-great sport. It is, to my mind, the ONLY way in which people-power can potentially overcome the injustice that is so prevalent within Elite League Speedway; and make those in authority listen and take notice. I will not make any further comment, as there is nothing more for me to say. I wish each and every one of you health and happiness in the future. The future of British Speedway is potentially in your hands. Please don't lose the opportunity.

After 40 years supporting Speedway, I am very close indeed to walking away from it and spending my money elsewhere. In fact, I've probably been a little more than a supporter in the past. Speedway has become one of the greatest passions in my life. I supported Hackney home and away since I was 10; and travelled thousands of miles in the process. Since their demise, I have supported Lakeside. Okay, there has never been the same passion in my heart as there was for Hackney but I've remained loyal to them nonetheless. And, like many on here, I can get nearly as much enjoyment watching ANY Speedway meeting purely as a neutral (as I often do now with Coventry since moving to a The Midlands). So, as far as Speedway is concerned, I've so far donated 80% of my life to supporting a sport that I truly love. I've also given up hundreds of hours as a track staff volunteer and a machine examiner at Lakeside. Not moaning - that was my choice. But now I look at the sport as it's being run today. In a word - farcical. Tonight, we are riding at Swindon. An Elite League team fighting to retain it's play-off ambitions - yet riding at Swindon tonight with THREE fast-track reserves. Farcical. Last year, shafted twice in away fixtures - with nobody in authority taking any notice. Farcical. This season, at Leicester, shafted by a two-bob ref and a medical officer that didn't even know his duties. And again, no support from the SCB by them doing what was right; nor demonstrating any level of fairness or reasoning. Again, farcical. And then we have Poole Speedway. A team run by a man who appears obsessed with continual rule-bending and controversy. And all because of a 'must win at all costs' mentality. And he gets away with it. Year in, year out. I truly, truly despair. These words are probably the last I'll ever post on here. They may not mean much to many that read them - fair enough. But this latest debacle, although seemingly pretty insignificant to many (particularly some Poole Supporters) is basically the straw that has broken this camels back. This sport is finished. It's corrupt. It's poorly organised. It is being run by, to be perfectly honest, a bunch of utter, untrustworthy cretins. I wish all of you guys the very best for the future. Adios.