East End Fan

I keep hearing rumours about Speedway re-starting later in the year. Does anyone know about that ? None of the people I am in touch with about Speedway have any idea and just guess what the situation might be when I talk to them on the phone.

Yes, Ben91. Your memory of the situation is the same( or similar) to my own. I do recall that international meetings had an effect on the building of a new refs' box which sat at the top of some timber terracing with the burger bar at the bottom. I used to sit in the original stand which had very steep steps that I had to be very careful with, but I got a great view of the racing. I was not aware that the new promoters changed it again as I did not go there when they took over. I am told that the track and fence are still there and used for training. Is that still the case ?

Actually, that is not true. While I have never been a weekly visitor to Rye, I did go on odd occasions when there was a meeting that interested me. I remember that a new referees box was constructed more or less alongside the original one and it most certainly was opposite the starting line. I think the change came after a couple of top international meetings were staged, but I may be mistaken on that point. I'm pretty sure that when the new box was installed, the front part of the old box was taken down which gave the ref in the new box vision of the 1st bend. There was a lot of talk about it among fans at the time with opinions mostly in favour as I recall.

Is there anyone out there who wants to talk about Speedway at Central Park ? I hear enough about Covid 19 every time I switch on the telly and am getting a bit fed up with it. It is serious of course, but none the less I'd like to forget it for the moment and discuss Speedway.

The whole point being that, whatever the subject, if it's on the Kent page, it should be related to Kent. But half the stuff is personal comments from one Geordie to another. We should be discussing what we would or would not do if and when Speedway starts up again. What do we expect ? Can we go into a stadium with a 2m distance between all the fans ? In Central Park, I think we could as there are 2000 seats plus loads of other standing areas all round the track, all with good viewing. Little of this is used normally with just a few fans on bend one and very few on the back straight. This would IMO enable 2m distances to be easy to achieve. Even so, at my age I will still be very nervous about taking the risk. Would it be practical and beneficial if ll fans were asked to wear face masks ? And gloves ?.

I often wonder why we have to suffer irrelevant comments from the fans of Newcastle and Workington among others on the Kent loop. Like most of us, I am not interested in the drivel they call "crap". I want to know all the stuff that affects Kent and our local area..

That is very interesting and I have not picked up any of that. As an "Oldie" myself, I am not keen on mixing with loads of strangers. On the other hand, I am a Speedway fanatic in the truest sense and cannot wait for racing to start. Bit of a dilemma really. Be interested in the thoughts of others like myself.

I am told that the dog meetings at Kent are not running even behind closed doors. So the stadium is un-used at present. Any chance of it running Speedway training schools during the coming weeks when the government lift a few more restrictions ?

Does anyone know if the training tracks at Iwade and Lydd are operating ? And if they are, what days and times ? Are the public admitted ?

sounds wonderfully inviting.....

Well, Teaboy, I am aware that you have been a Kent follower far far longer than I have as I've only made Kent my team since we lost Lakeside, and, even now I regard myself as a "Hammer" slowly becoming a "King". So you would have better knowledge than me about where people come from. Very surprised at the low percentage of local people you mention. Do you think, then, that most Kent followers come from the defunct tracks at Canterbury and Crayford ?

Well ? Are you going to tell us what it is ?

It would be interesting to have a bit of a survey and find out where people travel from. Of course I had overlooked the fact that there is likely to be a fair number from Canterbury, old Crusader fans. Not sure how far that is from Sittingbourne. Maybe one hour ? I am an ex-Hammer fan and live close to Dartford Tunnel, moving out from the East End many years ago.

Very interesting point. My impression is that at Kent, most fans live fairly local. I am one of those furthest away, a half hour drive. Do Somerset and others charge for car park ? It is free at Central Park and very large. I have always been sure that the attendances are affected by the 8.30 curfew and I'd love to see it lifted even though it happens to suit me personally as I am back home just after 9 even on a bad day.

I'm told that when the self isolation is over, a volunteer force is to paint everything that stands still in the stadium. I assume that Sings will be one of them ? After all, it was his idea to start with.

I heard that greyhounds are stopped, so cannot be much going on. Sings is back on his normal platform of criticising Kent. Must admit that I don't often use the toilets but have never noticed anything to moan about. In fact, those at the rear of the main bar are very good indeed ( have not sampled the "Ladies").. In the main stand where I always sit, it is kept clean. Can't say I've taken any notice of the condition of the paintwork !

What is the Birmingham news doing on the Kent page ? Let's hear from Kent fans.

Very generous of you to want to help Birmingham meet their prep' costs. Doubt if many fans would feel the same way but I think the Brum promoters already have another successful business ( no idea what it is), so, no different to Kent or anywhere else.

Seems to be a sensible move. None of us know how many, if any, fixtures will actually take place, so a refund of money is entirely appropriate.

Early days yet. The virus should start diminishing by about July/August so, with any luck, there will be a few meetings before Winter sets in...that is my hope anyway.

Given the virus situation and grave warnings from Boris, I don't think the stand alone clubs have any more to worry about than anyone else.

must be a doubt

Very interesting how up to date this thread is. Been through every team on the NL thread and not a single mention of Coronavirus ! How out of date is that ? No Speedway at least until mid April, and maybe not then.

Just had a phone call to tell me that it has been made public that Speedway is closed until middle of April. Does anyone know more detail ?

Although in the age group being advised to self isolate, I will still go to Kent Speedway if it runs because the grandstand is big enough that I can find a seat not too close other people. Not being anti-social, just following guidelines to keep 2m away from other people. I hope others are of a similar frame of mind as it's either that or no Speedway.