GWC

I guess it depends where the stadium is located. Prime real estate territory and you are in trouble! The demise of dog racing in the UK has seen the GRA turn into project redevelope.

You could say that the GP’s are weaker as there’s no Crump Adams Gollob etc but the racing is just as good!!

So do you have an alternative to this? A PL with probably 6 or 7 (if Swindon survive) teams will surely be too limited in its appeal to spectators. I know at Rye it was questioned why we had jumped into a restricted league to watch more predictable racing. The cost factor will eventually kill it.

Might be they CL don’t get tv money to help their cause. Dont get this increased costs either if a combined league comes about as there would have to be drastic team changes if all teams come to the party.

Even so I can’t see them beating Mildenhall for the title - injuries permitted

Was that before he bought out his partner? If so then he has a substantial investment that currently isn’t doing as well as in previous years. Maybe there will be a reorganisation that doesn’t suit his expectations and fair enough.

When you say too late does that mean they are no longer able to attract a paying crowd to support their business?

Every other promoter has to make it pay and if Ford was a speedway fan then he would tough it out and take some leadership. He has done very well out of the sport so now is the time to give something back. His comment about getting out sounds like a threat but to who?

Er isn’t that what Glasgow Peterborough Lakeside Ipswich .......,, hmm nice one! You are assuming teams would be PL strength but no way will that happen as more like ALL teams will need to be a bit like CL with some a strong number one and some stronger through the team.

What signing a ringer!?

It might be needed to get the league going and if you have r/r as well effectively giving you 6 plus a NL reserve. It will provide more rides too.

It’s probably no coincidence that speedway renaissance in 1965 came about through cooperation of promoters and a realistic approach to team strengths. It will need strong leadership to bring about the changes needed to kick the sport into another total reorganisation. Who will lead it ?

Unlike in 1965 we have riders performing in both leagues so team equalisation will be a problem but not impossible. Start with 5 riders to an agreed combined average then have a pool of NL riders that teams could pick from to fulfill meetings. Certain NL riders will be a problem (Drew Kemp) so he may need to be moved up into the main body of the team.

I think if you check with companies house the holding company, Carter and Bailey were ‘taken over’ by BMR. Debts and all!

Agree but clubs will be falling over themselves to sign at least two NL boys next season if the PL continues in its present format. You know what promoters are like!

Digs all round from Morris and co about UK speedway - it’s been coming...

Tarmac!

I recall someone posting on this forum warning that this meeting won’t be a good advert for British speedway. Modern bikes producing mountains of dust for spectators it’s not difficult to see why people chose to do something else.

Thanks MD, that’s my question Fizzie?

Pickering as a guest not r/r ?

The obvious thing would be to dock Birmingham points. Disgraceful especially at a club where there was never going to be any chance of Buxton winning that meeting. If they had gone through the correct channels they might have been able to use Gary when it mattered against Mildenhall!

If supporters are not going to come flocking back then an alternative strategy is required. Reduce costs and start with the rider then a knock on effect will follow. Start with the tyres and make them do 2 meetings per tyre. That might get engine power down and then less dust so the supporter gets a better experience.

Allowing a GP rider into the league sums up the Championship now. It clearly has a crisis of identity as it wants to be the Premiership as well! Oh how I do hope the whole lot is jettisoned next season for one league, as weak as that may be but will bring about some sort of credibility to the sport.

The majority of European tracks are purpose built for speedway. UK has a history of a uding greyhound tracks as a venue to fit a track into. It’s part one of the evolution of the sport pre war and after and without those tracks speedway would never have suceeded and become a world sport. It was fine to a point when the bikes were less powerful but the faster you go the narrower the track gets, try it on the motorway! Changing track dimensions within the confines of an out of date stadia has been an on going challenge and has resulted in the drop in racing quality over safety in some cases ie overtaking!

Jenkins should be back for Mildenhall so an offer to Halsey might tempt him ?