foamfence

They have two races against riders of the same level, they still get to ride in NL and PL and what they are to be paid hasn't been disclosed. I have already of one rider who is likely to be in the 20 who will jump at the chance if asked. There is no compulsion, they can opt out if offered the chance.

The riders (who agree to take part) are allocated to the teams, the clubs don't go searching for them.

Yes.

He is allowed to opt out. There are two reserves races.

What a set of moaners on here! Just trying to nit-pick and invent snags. Tai likes it and so do I. It has come in and you have no option but to like it or stay away. If it produces some future internationals it will have been a good idea and if it doesn't....It was worth a try.

Exactly right! There was going to be much moaning whatever came out of the conference.

They won't be looking at "the end of the year" but more at what they can do to make an affordable start.

In Poland they have ALL the top riders, lots of sponsors and publicity, but their crowds have been falling for years, we all remember the big attendances that they had years ago but in many cases what was 20,000 is now more likely in single figures or slightly more, their riders are being made to take pay cuts as a result. I think that most of the "missing fans" have gone elsewhere for other reasons than the status of the riders on view. Anyway, as I said earlier "we have to wait for the announcements" and those announcement are coming from those who put a lot of money on the line to keep the "sport" running.

Unless their status rose on the world stage, they wouldn't get it. We don't actually know what's going to happen but we do know that costs have to be reduced, whether a TV deal is struck or not. You don't actually know that.

It reduces the number of big earners. Lower average riders tend to be paid less per point and are easier to replace if they become over demanding. 90 points paid to a bunch of 3-7 point men will cost a lot less than the ridiculous demands that have been made by some of the top names.

Those who consider the RUMOURED points limit to be the death of Speedway, couldn't be more wrong. The most likely cause of the death of Speedway (as we know it)is bankruptcy, surely a reduced points limit would lessen that possibility. Don't they usually wait until Tuesday to give a press release anyway?

What has that got to do with my post?

I wasn't thinking of them specifically, it could be done at several clubs where one or more top riders is likely to be out. It would still lessen their load from previous years and I wasn't considering giving them a fixture choice, more a take it or leave it choice. It makes no difference to me anyway as I live very much in the north, but I understand that some clubs would like to try and keep their stars, and sharing might be one option.

How about if they were allowed to share the number one slot? That would make things easier and if there are more fixtures they'd still be riding less than previous years.

With the 15% that would in effect be quite a bit lower than 38.50. I hope the under 21s are allowed their true average rather than a set 3 or above.

Most of the ones that I know, will be working in regular jobs to supplement their income and have something to invest in new equipment, including some guys of national team status.

I seriously think that they need to, maybe he could join the Polish or Swedish league? Then again, they are cutting back as well.

They could certainly learn from football's example, but football has lots of spectators, lots of media coverage and is the national game. So they have quite a head start anyway. If you look at it from an outsiders point of view, there are a lot better investments than Speedway to put your money into....Sadly.

We live in hope :-)

In today's Speedway Star, it reports that negotiations are underway but a decision before the conference is unlikely. This could make things awkward and might even cause a delay on things until more concrete news is available. I would go with the assumption that there will be no TV contract and if one should then come along, maybe have some sort of collectively agreed plan in place for it. Costs need to be cut whatever happens.

"as stated" in the post to which I responded.

Not if it's intended to retain the top riders (as stated).

Would it cut costs though?

To me, Phil comes across as the most articulate at putting things across.

I would like to see more investment in equipment and coaching for beginners and riders at or below NL level. In the long term it would benefit the clubs and British Speedway in general. I don't care what the top level is for next year, but too much is being spent on it at the expense of the lower leagues that are ultimately the providers. Start a rebuilding plan.