The Voice Of Reason

I think some people need to realise the amount of work and time required to set up the Lakeside Track - and the time aspect is clearly dependent upon how many track volunteers are actually on hand to assist. Obviously, on ride and slide days, the track is already built; so it's primarily a case of track prep and a few maintenance/cleaning duties. However, setting up from scratch after a car event is a completely different beast. As a general overview of tasks, these include: - Getting the lorries with fencing, airbags and other equipment from the car park to trackside. Easy? Maybe not - when you consider not everyone can drive a lorry; nor negotiate long flatbed trailers via the tight pits. - Off-loading very heavy airbags, wooden posts and fence panels. - Digging out shale and other crap from the holes around the entire track perimeter; so that the wooden airbag posts and fence posts, can sit rigidly into the holes. - Laying out the airbags in the correct order to ensure they can be correctly velcro'd and zipped together. Zipping is a major pain in the rear; imagine trying to get heavy duty zips working properly when they are caked in dry, dusty shale from the previous meeting. - Off-loading the fences for the straights; and bolting these together (not always the easiest of tasks getting two seperate panel bolt holes alligned)! - Off-loading the wooden posts for the bends - again this has to be in the correct order else the strapping (similar material as car seat belts) becomes completely twisted and tangled. - Multiple clipping of the airbags to the strapping. - Getting the airbag generators fueled and working before inflating the bags; then remedial repairwork to any holes and/or the rubber flap basing. - Putting up signage on the centre green; and erecting sponsor signage elsewhere. - Jet-washing all airbags and fence panels (these fence panels are also repainted 2-3 times per season). - This used to be the case - erection of a VIP area close to the pits. - Off-loading and setting out crowd barriers along the back straight. - Setting up the starting gates. - Setting up all electrics in the refs box; then multiple testing of starting gate; warning lights, audible pit warnings and telephone. - Jet-washing the pits area; particularly ensuring that the surface is free from potential slipping/H&S risks. Bear in mind that demolished stock cars are dragged through the pits; so extra care is taken given that they are often peeing out oil, coolant and petrol. - Ensuring that the pits area has sand and fire extingishers in place. Checking the tyre airline works correctly. Sticking up a race card for each rider. - 'Walking the track' visibly looking for bolts, screws, exhaust brackets, and gawd knows what other debris materialises from the aforementioned wrecks - but absolutely vital for rider safety. That's just a rough idea from memory. However, I hope it provides an idea of the work AND TIME involved by Lakeside's often unsung heroes; the vast majority of whom do it for absolutely nothing other than 'a labour of love'.

How exactly you even compare Premiership Speedway at Rye House, clashing with Lakeside's now semi-pro facade, is truly laughable.

There is (or there certainly was) a paper signed by both team captains prior to racing the meeting; confirming riders, all checks carried out to satisfaction and that basically everything was good to go. There was also a comments box to add any other issues, etc. As Machine Examiner and stand-in Clerk of the Course previously, I've seen a number of occasions whereby the visiting Captain has made it quite clear that monies were outstanding from X (whichever club), from the meeting held on X date - but it was often a matter of months rather than weeks! This paperwork was handed to the Ref. and, I assume, sent to the SCB in Rugby. My question is what exactly does the SCB do with such comments - chase the respective promoter and allow them to continue; or conveniently overlook them? Whatever they do, or more likely DON'T do, it is a sad indictment of the lackadaisical, unprofessional body supposedly running our sport. Because the fact remains if these scenarios manifest themselves, as they clearly appear to have still been doing in 2016, then action clearly needs to be taken much sooner.

With decent riders such as Lewis Bridger and (particularly) Kim Nilsson still being unsigned/available, maybe he should have looked at changing his hand then? With all due respect, both riders are just a tad better than some of this team who've been signed to date, aren't they?

I'm not sure that club sponsors would be too delighted with the news that programmes were going to replaced with a race-card in the SS. That's a great incentive to give them isn't it - when, as a promoter, you are striving to renew your sponsorship deal! Speedway programmes are pretty naff; and they more or less always have been. But I have always bought one, even at away tracks - because it's putting a little bit of extra cash back towards that particular club. Speedway Star - still buy it occasionally - if and when I see it at a track. To be honest, I always much preferred The Speedway Mail. Being produced in Walthamstow, it always covered the Hackney Hawks in much greater depth. I also preferred the Newspaper format more than a magazine.

Just don't get it mixed up with a tube of Colgate......or you could end up with 'piles of smiles' and 'a ring of confidence'! (Hopefully some will remember the advert)!

So pleased to learn that you were 'enlightened'. I assume therefore that they were able to confirm that: - Belle Vue and the NSS now have a long term future; having been bought by a Chinese Billionaire - Leicester have actually signed a team of riders - as someone's had 'a touch' on a scratch card - Coventry have identified a new stadium; with works commencing in 2017 - same for Lakeside; with their demise to semi-pro racing just being a temporary measure - second halves are going to be re-introduced - all Speedway Stadia are going to be dragged screaming from their retro time-warp - admission for 15-20 minutes worth of entertainment, being strung out across 21/2 - 3 hours, is going to be set at a realistic, affordable price - the top riders in the World are going to be returning, cap in hand, to grace Premiership Speedway - the powers that be have developed a marketing strategy that includes Speedway returning to ITV; and a way of attracting a new fanbase; who are not dependent upon plastic hips and colostomy bags (not to mention plastic seats)?

Some people are so spoilt. Cold, concrete steps to sit on would be considered a LUXURY at Lakeside!

Brilliant news. So pleased that Coventry will be running. Meanwhile, any chance that Councillor Stokes can be put in charge of the BSPA/SCB? The sport as a whole would clearly benefit - given that this guy is 'a doer' and clearly has a brain!

So genuinely gutted for Coventry Supporters. As an ex-Hackney fan, I honestly feel your pain. And I feel it to this day; years after my beloved Waterden Road was demolished. When part of your heart gets ripped out, it never appears to get easily replaced. Having read through this forum, here's my take on matters. 1. The BSPA and the wage thieves at the SCB appear to have been looking to resolve the Belle Vue debacle; with very little similar effort being made on Leicester's behalf. 2. What's happened to those 'interested parties' mentioned about at Beaumont Park a few weeks ago? It appears to have gone deathly quiet. Leicester meanwhile, sign nobody. 3. Sandhu sends in the heavies to Brandon to 'recover' his property. But they don't just 'recover' it. They smash the plastic seats; rip out wiring; destroy the referee's box; trash the main stand; remove the track and its' machinery and dismantle safety fences. At the end of the day, this wasn't a repo job. It was pure, intentional destruction; causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage. Given the timeframe for repair (and subsequent inspections, regulatory safety certification, etc.) and costs, it makes repair beyond the scope of Mick Horton. 4. Whilst this is happening, Horton is conveniently across The Atlantic. 5. It transpires that the deal Horton secured for Speedway continuing up to 3 years by hiring the stadium, did not involve an inventory of assets; nor any signed legal agreement between Horton and the Brandon Property Company. Given the 'apparent' bad blood between both parties (Sandhu and Horton), would any sane individual, indeed 'businessmen', enter into such a flakey agreement? 6. It is rumoured that Sandhu actually has a stake in said company. If so, they were not mediators; nor could they be impartial in these particular dealings? 7. People know apparently that Horton does not have the funds to make good the damage - and who would anyway, even if they could afford it? Although the agreement was 'up to 3 years', Speedway was only guaranteed for the 2017 Season. It would take an absolute idiot to invest in high cost remedial works when there is only potentially one season to recoup some of your expenditure. 8. Horton already appears to be giving up taking a legal challenge; stating he'd understand if signed riders looked elsewhere. 20 miles up the M69 possibly? 9. Sandhu destroys Brandon Stadium and it is quickly demolished. No year 1; let alone year 2 & 3 to get in the way of building development being delayed. 10. Sandhu gives Horton 'a nice little earner' to keep schtum; and move the team to Leicester. Costs a few quid for a year or two; but enables him to get on with his multi-million £ property development with less fuss; whilst also relieving him of his previous commitment to find the Bees a new stadium. So genuinely gutted for you all. As said before, Brandon holds a special place in my heart; having been the first away track I ever drove to as an 18 year old lad in '82; and a chance to see one of my all-time heroes, Ole Olsen, on his home shale. I so very much hope I am wrong. But this entire situation doesn't smell of roses; but more like what people put on them to make them grow. TRULY GUTTED FOR YOU ALL.

Not sure about cakes; but I once fell through the ceiling at a French bakery. I ended up in a lot of 'pain'.

Tell me about it!

Do you seriously believe I sat at a computer voting 200 times? Maybe I also kept a 5 Bar Gate to notch up my score? Surprisingly, I actually have a lot better things to do with my time Get real.

Pleased that Kim Nilsson won 'Rider of the season'. Wonder how many by? Only I must have registered my vote around 200 times over the past few weeks. Yep, that's right........Lakeside can't even arrange a polling vote properly! I wonder what pearls of wisdom Mr. Cook shared with the audience? No doubt Speedway Star will reveal all to the 'hoi polloi'.

Are we definitely in the National League then? Only a few weeks down the line since the BSPA Meeting, Standartenführer Cook still hasnt told us. Maybe he is saving up the grand announcement until the dinner & dance tonight? He truly is an utter bastion of communication.

There may be 43 Members Bryn.......and there was also a 'guest' called 'The Welshman' or something; that used to appear spouting his utter bile to registered members. Remember? Just to reiterate that nobody 'dispensed with my services'. As you are well aware, I moved to The Midlands; but remained a Machine Examiner for the duration of the season in 2012. Driving an old 70's Merc, my fuel bill was around £65 - but I stayed neverheless. I had 3 x £50 payments towards my fuel; but spent hundreds of pounds of my own money having committed to this voluntary role. I'd also leave home around 1pm; and having always stayed to put things away, would get back home around 3am the following morning. I personally consider that more commitment than somebody who appears to be forever poncing lifts to get anywhere; answers a few phone calls, then toddles off to the bar. But each to their own. And my main issue with our club is around the constant lack of communication. For example, the recent statement via The Speedway Star; instead of the clubs website; or social media. Anyway, as you and EI Addio appear to be the official mouthpieces on here, maybe you can update the fans who do still attend, what's happening for 2017 - as it's apparent they haven't got any idea. An update on the 'new track' would also be most welcome.

Remember that despite the childish efforts of Standartenführer Cook to silence free speech, that Lakeside does indeed have a forum at: http://lakesidehammerfans.freeforums.net What is quite poignant is the fact that many Lakeside Supporters on the forum are already looking to switch their support to Rye House. If it is an indication of general feeling, then it is quite apparent that the utterly ludicrous decision of Cook & Douglas to relegate Lakeside to semi-pro National League status, is at best blinkered; and, at worst, the death knell of Lakeside Hammers Speedway.

Can's say that I'm overly optimistic. A couple of seasons ago, it apparently took him 3 days to sort out a blown fuse!

Have you ever been in an UBER Cab??!!

Imagining how Poole probably like to run the show, I'd guess it will be Blue Riband and Ginger Nuts.

I must drive past at least 10 farms on my way to work (in Warwickshire). Pre-elections, I haven't seen ANY without a 'Vote Conservative' poster on display. Pre-Brexit, the posters and signs had changed to 'Vote Out'. Let them all 'reap what they've sown'......literally. I couldn't personally give a damn about this forever-bleating "we're so hard done by" sector of our industry if I'm honest.

Ahhh, I see that the paperboy has finally climbed out from under his rock.

Leaving in their droves.......really? Got the evidence to support that statement? And no; I most certainly do not read Blairite-loving @rsewipe such as The Mirror. And look at this......they are now AGAIN on the EU Subsidy bandwagon and poncing even more; for actually producing LESS! http://www.fwi.co.uk/business/1800-uk-farmers-apply-for-eu-dairy-reduction-scheme.htm

Farmers moaning about having to fill in paperwork? Not that difficult is it......in order to ponce your subsidies? To keep the new tractor in the field? To keep the '16 plate Range Rover on the drive; or within your acres of land? In order to hide behind the exploitation of immigrants/migrants - being used illegally on a pittance of a wage. Poor, hard done by farmers. My heart truly bleeds purple p!ss.

Wouldn't be the first rider to fall out with Stardartenfuhrer Cook, would he.