singy13

But for many reasons the '2 clubs' are not friendly enough with each other to organise 'tickets both ways'. I know some Town RL directors think (ok.thought)that speedway makes an untidy stadium. The rugby pitch was small, at a minimum level, to accomodate the track. And late payment of rent was another hot topic amongst the RL fraternity.......I was told not so long ago that the Comets still owed rent (maybe sorted now?)...

Yeah the Town fans I stand with at DP most didn't know Northside was now Comets home......ignorance is bliss?

And therein we have the the major factor when you talk to non speedway devotees. I try, or certainly used to, to persuade folk who stand with me at Derwent Park rugby matches to have a dabble at watching speedway. Hard bloody work I'll tell ya. They respond with, for example, the main one currently in fact "so how many teams does Chris Harris ride for"?.....It's often followed with - "doesn't the first rider to lead at the first bend always win the race"?. ..My answers are -Well Chris is a popular guest rider..doh. And second point - yes if the rider is good enough to stay in front he'll win..doh. So sadly two major drawbacks to stop a fan liking speedway. The rugby lot won't shift opinion on those views. But us regular fans know of plenty more for sure. How often down the years have we stood around for 40/50 minutes between heats without a tannoy update to keep us happy? Usually awaiting first aid cover ? There are lots to deliberate as speedway's downside. BUT seriously it's a smashing sport which I've enjoyed since 1970. When 6000 plus welcomed the Comets versus Berwick. And Friday nights were just brilliant. I don't know how to recover those who have lost faith, wish I could find a cure. Hopefully the current Workington problem is sorted asap and I can watch another 50 years. UTC, marras.

And hopefully any info supplied will stop the 'crooks' accusations? The sponsors money will have probably helped to build new toilets, refs box, the 3rd and 4th bend spectator viewing, fan club shop and other spectator facilities - all costly projects and certainly good honest care for the fans at Northside.

Ian Thomas used to tell the local media(Workington) that crowds were holding on at 1200 - and that "the honeymoon isn't over yet". Top promoter was Ian.

Yes.....as the great man Winston used to say KBO !!!

Give over marra.

Private re the riders earnings - yes.........BUT it would be very interesting, and not so personal, to have evidence of speedway clubs attendances. It's something never divulged unless it's a pitifully small crowd (e.g.250) or as they call it 'a bumper crowd'...4000 maybe? I do think most clubs attain hundreds at meetings rather than thousands. It's not enough to keep the danger flags from flying for most outfits. How on earth does the enjoyable Speedway Star keep going given the lack of supporters nationwide?

Since opening at Northside(2023) there's no OAP concession given.

Speedway has been a circus for far too long, especially via the guest system. I have supported Comets since 1970. Big crowds happy days. I also follow the Workington Town RL team resident at Derwent Park. (did a couple of voluntary jobs too). And despite the Rugby getting rental and bar takings the RL Directors never really like their speedway lodgers. The main issue with speedway was the 'guest system'....for example "how on earth can Stoney be riding for Newcastle who are one of the main Comets challengers for the division title"?..."Surely he wont try"?.. well yes he will for the money. The Worky Town RL Chairman would then conclude "It's not a serious sport then"!!. Hard work trying to quantify speedway's quirks to the RL Directors for sure. Don't think I ever managed to. And so many non speedway fans say/give similar verdicts....'it's a circus'.

So we've got lots of theories re the Workington problem - some good reading for sure. Obviously the answer will appear in time - be it visa or money orientated we'll find out eventually. But re cash flow one thing that struck me, as a bit scary, was the comment in the Comets first programme this season from Team Manager James Denham : I quote ....."We are extremely grateful to everyone who supports the Comets-sponsors and fans-but last year we did struggle with crowds and without the help of the sponsors we would not have been back this year". Like I said to me it was perhaps a scary statement to make. I thought last years crowds seemed fine, but obviously I can't count lol.

Ian Thomas and Geoff Brownhutt used those guys, including the guy jumping into a paddling pool, as seperate events from speedway meetings. All to make them a fortune, but enjoyable fun nevertheless.

Ian and Geoff Brownhutt did all those stuntmen, fire eaters, caravan chaos, circus performers etc, on a non speedway Sunday. There was a reported 8,000 crowd, including myself. The only speedway action that afternoon was between Comets Bob Valentine and Rochdale's Taffy Owen....Taffy won the best of three races 2-1. And then signed for the Comets. He, Ian, did bring such as Jim Bowen and Ken Dodd as guests at Friday night speedway meetings in the 1970's. Ian also was an expert at winding the crowd up to vent anger at bad referee decisions - the centre green phone took some hammer in those days lol.(banned nowadays).. Ian also did bring the rally car duel v Richard Lawson at Derwent Park in the 2000 era......they started at half a lap apart, think Richard won?...

So then the 'guru' has responded - hope you don't mind me labelling that THJ - but welcome back marra. Hope more have seen your response John.

Where is the 'guru'....the once forum mine of information? Come back THJ you're needed asap!!!!!

Very sad news....RIP Mike.

Just noticed your emoji ha ha.

Probably one of the reasons they did close......too many freebies.

He was an original Comet in 1970. RIP Geoff.

And wasn't there usually a spare bike in the pits for any rider to jump on when his own machinery gave problems? I remember riders having there bike on a rack at rear of vehicle - some a bit worse for wear. I was watching a rider packing up one night, it was Terry Kelly as a Comet, and someone said what's all those holes in your car Tel?...he said oh that's caused by my passenger the 'rust rat'.......happy days indeed.

Good post. Comets two previous eras suffered low crowds. Perhaps it's worth noting the town has a population of less than 25,000 and it's supporting semi pro soccer and rugby league teams - all three teams struggle for fan dominance. I totally agree with your 'one British League' plan- it's got to happen asap.

Your last sentence could have hit the nail on the head - engine tuners are perhaps the big winners in the speedway dig for gold stakes. Mind I must repeat in the original post on this subject the book states NK as losing £100,000 through covid19 restrictions. But so yes that was his loss. So what were his actual full earnings for that period? I guess, just a guess, it must have been much much more? Still a decent wage for sure.

So it's seemingly a case of riders biting the hand that feeds them? If too many clubs close down the riders will have nowhere to practice an apparent senseless greed?

After last seasons effort to qualify in a play off berth the current team are nowhere near as solid. It's a well known fact that speedway followers like a winning team (all sports do I guess) - and as I've mentioned in previous posts fans can be fickle and find alternative ways to rid them of their cash. Workington supporters can be very loyal if the product is good - but oh boy they can be equally disloyal if results like tonight's farcical display continue. Twice speedway has folded in Workington because fans disappeared and caused promoters plenty of grief. I'm sure the current owners are well aware of the remedial work now required or Comets will struggle to avoid a hat-trick of the sort we all don't want.

Yeah I recall visiting Glasgow one sunny Sunday afternoon.....had a lovely dinner in pub next to track. We lost match, just, but think Stoney beat Les Collins for silver helmet.....might be wrong?(1999 was year).