Hamish McRaker

Not quite the same because what you're talking about is what happens on the pitch. But it's a relevant point because any sport has its own particular arrangements as to how it's organised, and there are reasons for that. Speedway enthusiasts should not be shameful about any self-esteem problems in that respect. Why should speedway replicate or align with other sports. It's different, it has to be, it does things the way it needs to. Shove that in yer pipes and smoke it, you ignorant and self-important football/rugby/whatever fans!!

Easy - you explain that the three leagues are separate entities, and that riders are not salaried employees, but are self employed and make agreements with teams from season to season, which can include (within a framework of limitations which apply to teams in the respective leagues) with teams in two of the three UK leagues, and indeed also make similar arrangements with teams in Polish, Swedish and Danish leagues. You'd add that a large proportion of riders, in doing this, seek to maximise earnings from Speedway during the months from March to October because, for whatever reasons, their income from November to February is restricted. You'd also mention that many riders employ mechanics, lease vans, and rent workshops, and these are not paid for by the clubs they ride for. You'd also mention that not all riders have the same set-up as regards income and employment, for example there's one who drives an HGV all year and who just rides in one UK league and not for a Polish/Swedish/Danish club. At that point I'd invite questions, respond to them, then say goodnight and leave before any question about Guest Riders was raised!!

I see it stated often that "doubling up is killing Uk speedway". But whilst the 3-tier league stucture is in place (like it or not), what other workable alternatives are there? Ive not come across any except reductionalist ones, or magically producing a new crop of riders. How is it killing Uk speedway, when it looks more like it's keeping it breathing? And if this life-support is to be removed, like any dependency it can only be done by longer term planning and sticking to the plan.

Interesting articles in speedway star revealing a bit more and putting out relevant questions, too. One comment in particular stood out for me (dont recall the actual article and who wrote it). Suggesting or speculating that, should Northampton start off by losing too many matches, other promoters could/should help out. Would love to know what the author means by that, more specifically! Also, Peter Oakes's article ended by warning that Northampton can't become a 2026 repeat of Birmingham 2025 (and presumably 2014, too). A lot at stake

A Top Hat immediately comes into my mind! Hopefully a tv deal of sorts can now be struck, which would defray some of the costs incurred by other promoters?

'If you build it, they will come" (Field of Dreams). And to be fair, they did.

Will the lamp posts need moving back or will they be ok where they are?

Problem with that is the car park would be rammed full with Range Rovers and Jags, and most of them would leave after heat 11 if Northampton are losing. They'd also have to provide prawn sarnies and prosecco. Bit of a sifferent demographic, methinks!

Sinners

First priority has to be the collective mindset of club owners and promoters. Unless they're ALL able to move beyond the silo mentality which has been the prevailing influence, then there isnt any point in talking about things like doubling-up and leagues structure. This includes, whether there are one, two or three leagues, to adopt a collective purpose and co-operation. Without that, there seems little point in carrying on. The current management and decision making arrangements need to be urgently consigned to the rubbish bin, enabled by the establishment of a small board of directors with no personal club interests. This needs to be pushed forward collectively by those owners and promoters who are forward thinking, with the first step being to bin off the progress-blockers including if necessary creating a new company which will render the current BSP Ltd obsolete. All of this is nothing new. But this time it has to actually happen. Then they can sort out issues like leagues, doubling up, rules, formats.

Northampton Nosepickers

Maybe he's the new "Mr Deep Pockets" owner?

Forgive me if my memory's faulty, but i think there were a couple of severe vandalism incidents during the Hemsley era, which resulted in security measures being implemented. There was also the strange robbery incident when cash takings were taken from Mr & Mrs Hemsley in the car park.

Slow and gradual reveal always builds the interest level

More like Drip, drip, drip