I agree 100%. live speedway of league meetings is not the best way to help our sport & that a magazine style format would be a better way forward. Along the lines of Match Of The Day with studio pundits showing & talking about the weeks events over a 1.5 hour time programme to show the best races from verious meetings & previewing coming ones
Over the years Speedway has been transfered from one channel to the next & if you want to watch you need to pay the subscription. I only got Sky sports for the Speedway & once they stopped covering it I stopped paying for sky.
In the early stages I felt that our sport was made for TV but now I feel it is so drawn out to suit a 2.5 hour time slot it has lost the meaning of "Speed". I'm sure we all remember the second half races that there is seldom time for at todays events.
I don't think TV is helping Speedway at this point & now having to chase after a different channel again. The SGP is good but I can do without the domestic racing I'd rather go along to a track & watch from the terrace & believe my money is going into a speedway club
Planning permission is far from a fully functioning sports arena.
There was planning permission at Reading they even went as far as producing a scale model but never was a digger seen near the site.
Clarke Osbourne is a con man & he has well & truly conned Terry Russell who I suspect at this stage has to much invested in the project & fears the embaressment of admitting he has been conned
Prague is one of the most beautiful cities I have been so much history, but I have to agree it is problem with the crime that go'es on. The weekends are a big issue as it has become a popular Stag/Hen party venue.
If you enjoy speedway & sight seeing I would recommend the Golden Helmet weekend in Pardubice & incorperate the Tomicek Memorial at Prague on the Monday
I have seen Gusts in open events on the continent & he is a sound prospect if a little untidy in style at times. I don't know how he will adapt to the tight Cowley circuit. But if he is to start at reserve then it's a fair gamble.
I don't think the gambling companies are very aware of Speedway but they are fully versed on advertising & being able to get your name on live TV for over 2 hours by sponsoring a sports team seems cheaper than asking a retired footballer or former actor to make a 30 second commercial.
There are a few possible at that average i'm sure.
Timo Lahti, Already has a BL average & is much improved in European competition over the last few seasons.
Kai Huckenback, May not be the most consistent but can produce big scores.
Leon Madsen, Another with a BL average & again improved since his last spell here.
I never understand why there is such a rush to get a team released almost before the end of the season. The new season will not start before March 15th so there's ample time to find a team. I can remember going to P&P day not knowing who I might see in my clubs colours. In todays climate there are many unknown hurdles, Polish commitments, work permits, Averages & of course finances to agree all before "I's" are dotted & "T's" are crossed
I think Andrew always wanted his life to be fun & not just a job. I heard a story that as we all know The Silver's are skiers but Andrew was a step up & he was around the British Olympic squad when they were training. at the time the top Brit was Conrad Bartelski & he was decked out in full skin tight ski suit & Andrew in just regular ski pants, jacket & a wooly hat. Andrew recorded a time a lot quicker than the ski pro but he never made a fuss it was all just fun
I enjoyed watching Andrew Silver, he had a God given ability on the bike & was able to change direction like no other rider. he didn't need to be on the fastest machine he just had a faster mind
Petri Kokko. Almost parked & signaled before going into the bends, I once heard Armando Castagna yelling at him whilst they were teamed at Reading " F**ing hell Kokko you must go into the turns fast or I will kill you"
I go to the Rugby as well but at a lower level, National 1 which is the third division it's £16 to go in with a further £12 if you park within the grounds. I choose to park in the local streets & walk to the ground.
At £65 a ticket I can see why Rugby clubs are going under. if it's not affordable for the average working person crowd figures will always drop off.
I'd like him to race at this level. My theory is that he will learn faster how to control & win races & as a senior rider how to help or protect a team mate for the benefit of his team.
Racing at a lower level can be a confidence building exercise & also will mean he will be expected to return double figure scores most meetings where in the higher leagues with less pressure on him a line of zeros is put down to a whole manner of reasons & the result is confidence will drop & as so many times before a fantastic young talent may walk away.
I always say young riders should exploit the lowest league they can for as long as they can. you can practice on an empty track for as long as you like but it's not racing