SGP

EXCELLENT post as always. From the view I have on the 'inside' is that the ball is in the BSPA's court in terms of showing SKY what it has to offer. By that, I mean SKY wouldn't be against the idea of renewing if the BSPA would 'improve' and outline exactly what product it wishes to offer. My own view, is that Speedway SHOULD stick with SKY, as SKY has stuck with Speedway. I am aware of interest from BT Sport, well, it's certainly on their radar; but for me, Speedway should stay with SKY.

THE key thing though with Eurosport is that they don't have the OB facilities like SKY have. It is a big expense, staff, production trucks, satellite up-link and even catering. I am sure if a third-party company provided the above, then I'm sure it'd be more appealing to Eurosport. As I've said before, unless the BSPA sort out exactly what the product is, then SKY are likely to cut their ties; just like they did with the SGP. PS - To the anti Phil Rising members out there; his input is always balanced and factual.

NO decision made yet of course, but I wonder if having a British World Champion would be a 'tick in the box' for SKY continuing their coverage of Speedway, in whatever capacity that may be.

DON'T think so.

VIDEO and Photography is strictly licensed by GSI. All photographers and videographers have to sign a license. Some see it as a good thing, I for one think it limits exposure. I know of several regional newspapers who laugh that they can't send their own photographers to some stadiums because they've been told they don't have a license agreement..

THE comment I made was just my opinion. I don't think SKY would want to show anything but the best league; however, they were quite happy to drop the SGP/SWC which featured the World's best riders - apparently. I think they are - like many of us - fed up with the Sport which should promise so much and provide a great product to the viewer / fan. My view - and it is only that - is that if the BSPA can provide a plan for next year then it would go a long way in making SKY's mind up. As for crowd levels; SKY are aware that more fans would watch the match from home, but they are perhaps dissapointed that promoters don't make it cheaper - as others have suggested - to make it look more attractive on the TV. I have to applaud what Birmingham did recently, with £10 entry on SKY nights...

CAN'T see Hancock retiring this year. He's openly expressed a desire to feature in an American SGP and right now, he's still very much capable of mixing it up and pushing for a title. Greg is in a good place in his life and keeps himself in great shape. He has a successful export business and family life with Speedway remaining something he very much enjoys. Of course though, he'll already have a rought idea of when he'll retire and I'm pretty sure he'll go when he feels he's no longer capable of being number 1.

FROM the conversations I've had, it would seem the Elite League is unlikely to be featured on SKY next year. On the positive, SKY would still like to keep the sport on its portfolio, so one can only imagine that they would prefer to [perhaps] show the PL with the odd EL fixture. I think SKY are frustrated because they DO want keep the sport but are not prepared to spend OB fees for unpleasing crowd levels. I think if the BSPA provide a solid plan on the future sooner rather than later, then SKY may be willing to extend their contract. I do know more info, but have to be careful what I write.. I imagine Mr Rising and 'Flagrag' are in the same position too.

HE did say Middlo and the BSPA - It's the BSPA as to why Scott didn't ride.

SKY also plonked Speedway on the 'Red Button' which many of viewers couldn't access.

HERE it is in closer detail Brummie Kev.

BEEN long overdue. I wonder when, if at all, they will provide a downloadable version of the magazine via such channels as Apple's News Stand? The new website does look good though, if only this sort of investment and design was consistant across the club websites. The BSPA's isn't much better either.

SKY remain interested in British league racing; however, the BSPA need to make it clear what product they wish to offer next season before SKY will offer any renewal I would expect. It looks set to be another interesting winter.

EUROSPORT will feature a different setup next year - well it's being looked at. A few names already being suggested as the channel's 'Speedway Expert(s)'. In addition to this, I would not be suprised to see Eurosport adding Polish Speedway to its portfolio soon.

THE track is looking good this morning, no repeat of a last minute fix as per Cardiff. http://i41.tinypic.com/4uh34x.jpg

FROM the discussions I've been told about in recent weeks, BT Sport are very interested in domestic Speedway. It's an interesting time, and a sensitive one for all involved. There is a potential change to the league structure if what's been said is true. Add to that SKY still remain interested in Speedway providing the BSPA can determine what their product is. There is no doubt SKY is the preferred choice, however, SKY and the BSPA know that there is an option now which hasn't been there before - BT Sport. My own view is that providing BSPA conclude what they wish to offer, then SKY will be signing another deal sooner rather than later.

PRIZE breakdown below per round, in USD. It's a slight increase on 2012. 12,000 8,800 7,200 6,200 5,200 5,200 4,600 4,600 3,850 3,700 3,650 3,600 3,550 3,500 3,450 3,400 1,000 1,000

CLOUD BASS provide all graphics, replay wipes, race line-ups and in-race graphics. They also provide the scoring scoring, leaderboard and tournament graphics.

BSI license the SGP/SWC deals, but the EL is handled by GoSpeed, who still can't find an outlet for their Polish Speedway. I think it's a bit too early to start talking about the domestic side of things, however, I personally feel the EL will remain in the hands of SKY, but don't expect any 'long-term' deals; perhaps leaning more towards a rolling year-by-year kind of contract.

ALSO, BSI license the SGP/SWC deals, but the EL is handled by GoSpeed, who still can't find an outlet for their Polish Speedway. I think it's a bit too early to start talking about the domestic side of things, however, I personally feel the EL will remain in the hands of SKY, but don't expect any 'long-term' deals; perhaps leaning more towards a rolling year-by-year kind of contract.

BSI worked very hard on this deal and equally, Eurosport are very pro-speedway, just what we need.

THE point of this thread is?

THEY are sold as separately, but obviously, better deals can be acquired if purchased together. Not bad when you consider [bSI] Speedway is shown in over 150 territories worldwide.

AS I said a few days ago, an announcement is days away (not weeks)... All good!

THINK people should appreciate Phil's position in all this and respect that he tells us what he can.