SteveLyric2

They probably heard Nicki Pedersen would be there!!!!

...and the MC have ruled that Batch must be purchased - as the rules allow the MC to do!! Unless of course they reverse their decision next week at their meeting!!

Oh, the new training track at Lakeside just 'magiced' itself, did it?!!

BSI are no mugs. They will have got some of their sponsors on board on the strength of TV coverage - in UK and elsewhere! I can't see them allowing that sponsorship to be at risk!

With the exception of post #166. I think most on here who are against the series, are not suggesting the MCF cannot/don't organise and run apparantly successful events in MX, motorcross etc. The main issue is that under current regulations, to run a 'Motorcycle Speedway' event in this country, you have to have the SCB/ACU on board. The organisers appear to have ignored this and attempted to go ahead anyway. The upshot of it all is confrontation rather than agreement - which ultimately could prove damaging to many - riders, teams, supporters etc......

One would assume that indoor sports cost less to produce and with no risk of rain'offs!!! Cricket and Championship/Division 1 Footie still get good audiences, presumably.

Well said 21stCH. Does anyone know if the organisers did approach the SCB/ACU in the first instance?? If not, then one has to assume they knew they wouldn't get permission - but went ahead anyway (almost as if they had some sort of axe to grind against the SCB/ACU/BSPA?? Surely not!!!). If they did approach - as I was informed they did! - then one has to assume they were told 'No, go away', or 'Yes, work with us within the regulations' - neither of which seems to have happened!! Either way, it seems that a 'promising new initiative' has been attempted in totally the wrong way and may well fail before its even had a chance. On the subject of tracks, every track has to be given a SCB/ACU track licence in order to operate speedway. Notwithstanding who owns the stadium, surely the contract between the BSPA Promoter and the track owner would include some sort of condition that would stop any 'one-off' competitive events?! From the track/stadium owners point of view, why would you accept a booking for a one-off meeting that could jeopardise the longer term value of the March to October BSPA club contract? Short term gain for (possibly) long term pain!!

Well nobody can say there weren't questions being asked early on, after the initial announcement!!!!

Presumably Sky are just not bidding for the Live GP coverage?! They could still be interested in a highlights package, surely. As stated before they are going to need some GP footage to 'pad out' some of the EL coverage!!

Did Pearson and Tatum actually attend every GP venue. I thought they also did some commentary from a studio in Isleworth, just down the corridor from Mr Huewen and guests.?!

Entitled to your opinion, but you seem to be basing it on 'he has flitted in and out for 10 years' as if it was his choice?! Its only the change of averages/team building limits and the occasional intervention of his Polish teams that have stopped him competing over here every year. As I said previously, I don't agree with the current testimonial rules either, but thats what they currently are and I hope any/every rider who is granted one gets decent support on the day.

www.speedwayeuro.com Apologies if this is already on here somewhere, but with Eurosport giving a 3 year commitment to this new series, there's surely a chance for other negotiations to be undertaken?!

MOTUL - a french lubricants manufacturer - have just agreed a 3 year deal to sponsor the FIM. They already sponsor a whole range of other motorcycle and car disciplines, including the Ice Speedway series!!! Must be some mileage there?!

Interesting guestimates! I wonder what individual EL Team sponsorship would be? I suppose it could vary considerably.

Hardly a black-out if Eurosport have it!?

Not disputing your overall point, but where do you believe the biggest market for SGP television coverage is?! If you believe its the UK, then I think you are mistaken!!

Whilst I don't agree with the current rules on qualification for a testimonial, I nevertheless feel that any rider who risks their life (eg. Argentina today!!) everytime they go out on a speedway bike and who is granted a testimonial, should be properly supported!

Mummy?????

Aah, I see!!!!!! Were you interested in it before you became part of it (sponsored it)?

I'm breaking my own rule on this thread, but..... A question - If the BSPA/SCB wanted to run a Motocross event would they need the approval/permission/support of the MCF? Serious question.

Whats UFC?

This is becoming a bit of a 'MONSTER' debate!!! Sponsorship of anything should not be considered on its own. As has been rightly pointed out, sponsorship should only be part of 'The Marketing Mix' which includes advertising, promotions, PR etc etc. I'm not sure what Meridian Lifts hoped to get out of their many sponsorships over the years, but imo they are not an obvious 'fit' with the sport?! Many years ago I was involved in some media (local newspaper) sponsorship of an Elite team, which at the time was selected to increase the brand awarenessand readership of the paper in that particular area - hopefully leading to increased sales. However apart from the direct cost of the sponsorship, there were also freebies, giveaways, stickers, Free team poster with every copy etc etc. (I think the Argus do similar stuff with Eastbourne, even though they are not the main sponsor). However, a possible drawback of having a media sponsor (Sky Sports??!), apart from the increase in coverage within that media, is that it can risk isolating the product from all other media!?? We all bemoan the lack of media coverage/interest for speedway - and usually blame the product or lack of marketing of it!! But it could just as likely be a reaction to 'Sky Sports Speedway' that reduces interest elsewhere?! I think the sport should be looking at companies with a good fit, where their product or service is used within or can be linked to the sport! How about for example, Mercedes Vans, Oil or Pressure Washers or............?? Value? Worth? God knows.

Message received and understood!! I'll keep any further thoughts and opinions on this topic to myself and hope that if the series does come to a track near me on a Tuesday I hope it doesn't clash with an Islanders' fixture!!

Precisely Screamer!! If the organisers have gone through all the right channels - and they may well have done for all I know - you would think that the main Speedway bodies would be publicised as being in support of it, with the necessary logos on the website etc. I'm sure it won't make a bit of difference to the average punter, but its the riders I would want to ensure are fully protected, in terms of any league contracts/ACU paperwork etc they may have signed?! I wouldn't want to see something fail before its even off the ground, if the correct permissions have not been obtained.

With a name like that you'd think it would have the backing of all the Speedway authorities?! Does it?