waytogo28

Is it just a rumour? Or has Robert Lambert just been given a place in the British Final?

I am not sure that there is a significant increase in new under 40's attending speedway OR if there is a slight increase they seem not to be attracted enough to stick with it ( does it turn them on? ). They do not seem to be spreading the word positively enough to bring in others ( so far ) from that age group. Another poster has got it right ( in my opinion ) that even if you put an average figure of 1,000 per UK match it amounts to no more than 20,000 per week, making it very much a minority , niche sport. The efforts of the BSPA over the last fifteen years, while they had the Sky income should have been with innovative marketing ideas. They gave that away to retain foreign names believing that those star names would hold the fan base or even increase it. That strategy failed - Thank Goodness that the BSPA are not standing for Election as a party on June 8th. Even with a change of leadership they seem not to have grasped the nub of the problem. That is that it is more and more a "hidden", secret sport in the UK. Even now they are "investing" in ( and hoping ) that the Gerhard engine catches on among riders, but how will that in itself attract new fans from within the 25 - 50 age group.

The problem in some places is not the ability of the CGP but the quality of the mic and the lack of voice projection from the riders being interviewed by him or her. For example on Weds night at King's Lynn the Questions asked were Loud and Clear in the stand but NOT ONE of the riders replies were audible at all. So a rather pointless effort to communicate and entertain the fans during the obligatory 20 min, Sun Break. A re think here is needed or a better mike or better technique training if the boredom factor is to be pushed away.

Almost certainly not 42,000 ( in one week ) Possibly British speedway might top that in one month. I enjoy watching the Polish matches on Premier Sports and wish they showed them all.

Tungate for Porsing would make the team a much more powerful one , if the numbers fit.

But and it's a BIg but, Robert was the only Stars rider who seriously looked as if he could bring off a pass as he was always chasing hard enough to get by, if the rider in front made a mistake. 9 races were tapes to flag processions, after exiting the 2nd bend. Regardless of the surface, which looked good, modern bikes are racing flat out and NO rider can pass unless the rider in front does make an error under pressure. Gating is even more "king" than it ever was. Other points of interest made it enjoyable - especially Simon Lambert who made an excellent debut. If Posing can turn his form around all could be well but I would prefer to see him replaced with Tungate if the numbers fit. Holder looking more like a No1 but both he and Batchelor fade under pressure to some extent. Oops! Another senior moment . I forgot to add that while I am one of Robert's biggest fans he will not make that final step up to world class until he can gate more consistently ( a la Doyle ) - especially away from the AFA.

King's Lynn V Swindon looked a little bit up last night - my considered guesstimate is 1,200 to 1,500 max. In perfect weather but with a starting sun break until 8.10 pm ( after a first race "trial" at 7.45 pm ). Racing OKish -when Robert Lambert was chasing very hard and likely to pass but 9 races were tapes to flag processions after exiting the 2nd bend.

I suspect that fans like this ( me too! ) are in the majority and if it we stopped going then it really would "all be over"! Regardless of those who want nothing but positive spin on numbers attending etc we are in danger of letting positive spin be very much like the "emperor's new clothes" i.e. naked terraces. Definitely spice it up to some extent ( but don't overdo the Demands for Chanting tonight at the Stars V Swindon by the centre green presenter )

Does anyone else remember Thierry Hilaire at Milton Keynes? He made Roman Matousek look very benevolent on track. Or is the mix of medication swirling my mind?

The Thierry I most remember was the knock em all down or crash Thierry Hilaire at Milton Keynes. He truly was scary to watch AND dangerous to team mates and opponents ( that's my theory anyway ).

Riding at reserve last night in Sweden, Holder top scored and won four races. tonight V Swindon will be very interesting. How high should our expectations be?

One of the problems is that Stars fans have had to take big downer on Kenneth Bjerre for a year, then Batchelor for a year, and now it won't be long before we have Holder for half a year. A lot of disappointment to suffer.

Is it on this Weds.? Or another day and date?

It must be partly his fault. I accept you are talking tongue in cheek. But Round One was allowed to be heavily overwatered and Round 3 dry and dusty. What point is there in having an ex rider as the Race Director if he has no influence in the track preparation.

Of course there is cheating ( and in every sport where it is possible to cheat ) We know that some riders have cheated, not so long back Eddie Kennett cheated by using a drilled exhaust ( we don't know who did it, but it happened ) And before that that other riders threw races for money from gamblers. Drink or drugs are unlikely to improve a riders performance but those on track tricks have been going on for years. From what we read about the way things operate in Poland, anything is possible - with so much cash at stake.

Fingers crossed that the Star's team beat Swindon never mind just the No.7. It is no foregone conclusion.

Lost me long ago. I obviously have much to learn about website use.

As he is now a British citizen has he been asked to ride for GB in the World Cup or is it as reported that he has refused to ride for GB? You surely can't cherry pick the benefits of British citizenship? Or is it just convenient to be British for the licence / visa and be an Aussie in your heart? Confusing.

Look out Lambert ( R ) the knives are out for you now! Any young British rider who looks set to "make it" gets plenty of detractors early doors, as they say. Par for the course. As for Schlein if he is in, ( for the reason he has been included) then he should ride for GB in the World Cup.

Of course that is the promotion's prerogative - he who pays the piper etc and fans have to like it or lump it. Fingers crossed he scores his average at home, as he is capable of that.

Is it a 'done deal " then or just the rumour machine on overdrive? i.e. Simon Lambert is the new rider?

I wouldn't go so far as to say he's rubbish but he would not be my choice as he has done what he is ever going to do and I can see no upturn in his future results. Hopefully he will not gat a team place at KL again ( in the top league at least ).

Has it always been like this on the Speedway Forum? There seems to be a dwindling attendance on here as well as at speedway matches live. There is so much immediate, dismissive hostility on even the most innocent of topics. I had hoped that by asking an innocent ( i.e. no hidden agenda ) question I would get other fans opinions. A lot of these responses would result in a punch up down the pub, so do some posters on here project their more aggressive selves because there are no ( or almost no consequences ) and they can say what they want in the way they want ( and would not do in real life ?). Or is just sad reflection on modern life? And before someone else threatens to 'deck me", you really could almost knock me down with a feather. Please do continue to post your estimates as some posters on here are interested. I can now only get to one track due to age and infirmity ( and that is due to the kindness of a fellow fan who gives me a lift ). It doesn't stop me having an interest in the bigger picture and an opion on the sport in general. Having been a fan at Norwich since the early 50's it is a hard habit to break away from ( like all habits ).

I am not at all sure that Porsing has much more to offer on a consistent basis. He has had flashes of brilliance - in fact I nicknamed him Turbo Porsing for those surges out of the second bend. He may be a decent second string but is prone to being very inconsistent. We will see if the management can be ruthless when necessary.

I am unable to provide a link but it was during his video broadcast well before the season ( intended to be live - on Facebook? ) It was also printed in the SS following that video ( a lengthy article ) . I am unable to provide a link as my computer technical skills are basic. My apologies, but it was said and printed, it is not an urban myth.