MattB

To quote my sparring partner @guitar_art the best way to become a millionaire in speedway is to start off as a billionaire..

What's new? How many times over the years has a decision been made during the season which leaves everyone scratching their heads, only for the BSPL to then say. "It was decided at the AGM". Fine, but why didn't you put that in the statement in November then?!

Exactly. They have nobody to blame but themselves. Years of self interest, back stabbing and papering over the cracks have finally caught up with them. They have backed themselves into a corner.

Never going to happen. Nobody in Wimbledon wants it back and it closed before........ Sorry, thought I'd get in before @R87

Never going to happen. Nobody in Wimbledon wants it back and it closed before........ Sorry, thought I'd get in before @R87

This is a really damaging announcement. Ipswich are arguably the best run club in British Speedway - certainly at Premiership level. Clearly Louis has seen what is on the table and doesn't like it. Interesting to read the statement in full on Ipswich's site compared to the somewhat cherry picked version on the BSPL site...........

What it needs more than anything else is some joined up thinking. Instead of focusing on "what's in it for me?", put together a proper business plan. Any successful business today will always have a road map setting out "where do we want to go in the next x years, where do we expect to be next year, in two years? Etc". If Speedway is serious about increasing its portfolio with sponsors, partners, and even new tv deals, that's one of the first things they will ask for before we get to the stage of exchanging bank notes. You can't just use "we don't know what's going to happen" as a cop out, as that's not what these people want to hear. Sadly, British Speedway has never been very good at dispelling the myth that it's done on the back of a cigarette packet, and nothing we've seen gives much hope of that changing anytime soon.

Bottom line is that British Speedway at senior level is equivalent of a big boat in the middle of a lake. On one side you have Premiership promoters rowing one way, with the championship promoters sat on the other side rowing the other way. Then you have Rob Godfrey and Phil Morris sat at the tiller scratching their heads wondering why the boats going round in circles.

It would tbe equivalent of a millionaire finding a bonfire and tossing fifty pound notes onto it one by one.

Latest update. Looks like more dubious tactics from Brandon Estates The Campaign Group were contacted by several Speedway Lane residents on Saturday to make us aware of a letter they had received from Brandon Estates. The letter states Brandon Estates intends to submit another planning application, this time for 115 houses together with a 'fully restored speedway facility'. Note, it does not include stock car racing. Whilst speedway fans may be excited by this, we urge them and local residents not to be fooled by this for the reasons outlined in our response shown below and issued as a press release earlier today. And please be assured, whilst progress regarding the stadium may appear quiet, this is far from the reality, as intense work continues with and by the Consortium and Rugby Council, to bring about a solution which would see Brandon return for speedway AND stock car racing and other community uses. Latest statement reads: Monday November 10, 2025 SAVE Coventry Speedway & Stox Campaign Group and members of the Consortium who wish to acquire the Brandon Stadium and reinstate it for speedway and stock car racing to return are aware of a letter sent by Brandon Estates to local residents on Saturday (November 8). The letter indicates that Brandon Estates are proposing to submit another planning application to build ‘Up to 115 houses and a speedway facility’ on the stadium site. We submit these proposals are a sham. They are a deception. Brandon Estates have no intention of ever reinstating the stadium for speedway racing and if this proposed application was, in the unlikely event, approved, they would build 115 houses and their planning agents, DPP Planning, would then submit another application to demolish the stadium and build as many as 200 additional houses. The reasons we believe this are set out below. The letter sent to local residents refers to the existing site having been “closed since 2016 following the end of speedway racing,” a closure which was entirely their own decision and intention. It refers to the condition of the site saying ; “the site has remained in a significant state of disrepair” and goes onto refer to it as a “dilapidated stadium”. In an attempt to share their concern for local residents they say they “understand that living alongside a derelict site has created concerns for local residents”. We would respectfully remind residents that the condition of the site and the appalling inconvenience and concern endured by those residents is down to the abject failure of the owners, Brandon Estates, to secure the site to prevent traveller incursions and acts of vandalism and arson. Served with a Community Protection Notice by Rugby Borough Council (RBC) in 2017, Brandon Estates initially challenged it in court (and ended up paying the Council’s costs) and were subsequently taken to court by Rugby Council for multiple breaches of that Community Protection Notice in November 2022. They were found guilty, fined the maximum allowed by law, ordered once again to pay the Council’s costs and have two criminal convictions. With regard to their proposed new planning application, we make the following points: Their original application in January 2018 (to demolish the stadium and build 137 houses) was effectively withdrawn after an independent consultant commissioned by RBC concluded their application did not satisfy the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as the stadium could not be considered ‘surplus to requirements’ as Brandon Estates had argued. A revised application in July 2021, again sought to demolish the stadium and build 124 houses, but this time included the provision of a 3G football pitch, arguing that this made it compliant with the NPPF as it replaced the stadium with an alternative sporting provision. This application went to RBC Planning Committee in November 2022 and was unanimously refused. Brandon Estates then appealed this decision and a nine day public hearing began in September 2023. After considering all the evidence the Government appointed Inspector rejected their appeal in January 2024. This proposed new application which Brandon Estates refer to in their letter, proposes 115 houses on the site plus a speedway facility – so is this now an admission that the stadium use could and should have remained? However, Brandon Stadium opened in 1928 for speedway racing, and stock cars were introduced in 1954. The two sports ran successfully and viably alongside one another from 1954 right up until the stadium closed in 2016. We note the new proposals do not include provision for stock car racing. Given that Brandon Estates and their agents have repeatedly stated their belief over the last decade that speedway is not viable, and that satisfactory alternative venues exist for supporters elsewhere, it appears very surprising that they are now proposing a speedway facility on site, and there is no indication of exactly what type or level of facility this would entail. We draw your attention to the Abbey Stadium in Swindon where an application was made to redevelop land around that speedway stadium, right up to the stadium perimeter, including the car park. That application also included the redevelopment of the speedway stadium. The application was approved and hundreds of houses were built. The owners then claimed speedway wasn’t viable on the site and submitted another application to demolish the stadium and build houses on it. The common factor between Swindon and Brandon is DPP Planning are the planning agents in both cases. We repeat our submission that these proposals are a sham. They are a deception. Brandon Estates have no intention of ever reinstating the stadium for speedway racing and the proposed application is an attempt by Brandon Estates / DPP Planning to get around the Inspector’s decision by presenting these revised plans to RBC. In the unlikely event of them being approved, they would do exactly what they have done in Swindon - never deliver a redeveloped stadium and instead build up to 200 more houses on the site. Furthermore, the Inspector’s decision made specific reference to the stadium not being surplus to requirements specifically because of its significance as a speedway AND stock car venue. Hence this proposed application fails to comply with that ruling. Brandon Estates and their agents DPP Planning are disingenuous, and their tactics are a shameful attempt to deceive. In the meantime, we can confirm that the Consortium of very credible businessmen continue to work with RBC in an effort to acquire the stadium and reinstate it to its former glory for speedway racing, stock car racing and other community uses. We have made Leader of Rugby Council, Michael Moran, and his senior officers aware of the Brandon Estates letter and indeed, the tactics employed by agents DPP Planning in Swindon. Save Coventry Speedway and Stox Campaign Group 10th November 2025

Latest update. Looks like more dubious tactics from Brandon Estates The Campaign Group were contacted by several Speedway Lane residents on Saturday to make us aware of a letter they had received from Brandon Estates. The letter states Brandon Estates intends to submit another planning application, this time for 115 houses together with a 'fully restored speedway facility'. Note, it does not include stock car racing. Whilst speedway fans may be excited by this, we urge them and local residents not to be fooled by this for the reasons outlined in our response shown below and issued as a press release earlier today. And please be assured, whilst progress regarding the stadium may appear quiet, this is far from the reality, as intense work continues with and by the Consortium and Rugby Council, to bring about a solution which would see Brandon return for speedway AND stock car racing and other community uses. Latest statement reads: Monday November 10, 2025 SAVE Coventry Speedway & Stox Campaign Group and members of the Consortium who wish to acquire the Brandon Stadium and reinstate it for speedway and stock car racing to return are aware of a letter sent by Brandon Estates to local residents on Saturday (November 8). The letter indicates that Brandon Estates are proposing to submit another planning application to build ‘Up to 115 houses and a speedway facility’ on the stadium site. We submit these proposals are a sham. They are a deception. Brandon Estates have no intention of ever reinstating the stadium for speedway racing and if this proposed application was, in the unlikely event, approved, they would build 115 houses and their planning agents, DPP Planning, would then submit another application to demolish the stadium and build as many as 200 additional houses. The reasons we believe this are set out below. The letter sent to local residents refers to the existing site having been “closed since 2016 following the end of speedway racing,” a closure which was entirely their own decision and intention. It refers to the condition of the site saying ; “the site has remained in a significant state of disrepair” and goes onto refer to it as a “dilapidated stadium”. In an attempt to share their concern for local residents they say they “understand that living alongside a derelict site has created concerns for local residents”. We would respectfully remind residents that the condition of the site and the appalling inconvenience and concern endured by those residents is down to the abject failure of the owners, Brandon Estates, to secure the site to prevent traveller incursions and acts of vandalism and arson. Served with a Community Protection Notice by Rugby Borough Council (RBC) in 2017, Brandon Estates initially challenged it in court (and ended up paying the Council’s costs) and were subsequently taken to court by Rugby Council for multiple breaches of that Community Protection Notice in November 2022. They were found guilty, fined the maximum allowed by law, ordered once again to pay the Council’s costs and have two criminal convictions. With regard to their proposed new planning application, we make the following points: Their original application in January 2018 (to demolish the stadium and build 137 houses) was effectively withdrawn after an independent consultant commissioned by RBC concluded their application did not satisfy the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as the stadium could not be considered ‘surplus to requirements’ as Brandon Estates had argued. A revised application in July 2021, again sought to demolish the stadium and build 124 houses, but this time included the provision of a 3G football pitch, arguing that this made it compliant with the NPPF as it replaced the stadium with an alternative sporting provision. This application went to RBC Planning Committee in November 2022 and was unanimously refused. Brandon Estates then appealed this decision and a nine day public hearing began in September 2023. After considering all the evidence the Government appointed Inspector rejected their appeal in January 2024. This proposed new application which Brandon Estates refer to in their letter, proposes 115 houses on the site plus a speedway facility – so is this now an admission that the stadium use could and should have remained? However, Brandon Stadium opened in 1928 for speedway racing, and stock cars were introduced in 1954. The two sports ran successfully and viably alongside one another from 1954 right up until the stadium closed in 2016. We note the new proposals do not include provision for stock car racing. Given that Brandon Estates and their agents have repeatedly stated their belief over the last decade that speedway is not viable, and that satisfactory alternative venues exist for supporters elsewhere, it appears very surprising that they are now proposing a speedway facility on site, and there is no indication of exactly what type or level of facility this would entail. We draw your attention to the Abbey Stadium in Swindon where an application was made to redevelop land around that speedway stadium, right up to the stadium perimeter, including the car park. That application also included the redevelopment of the speedway stadium. The application was approved and hundreds of houses were built. The owners then claimed speedway wasn’t viable on the site and submitted another application to demolish the stadium and build houses on it. The common factor between Swindon and Brandon is DPP Planning are the planning agents in both cases. We repeat our submission that these proposals are a sham. They are a deception. Brandon Estates have no intention of ever reinstating the stadium for speedway racing and the proposed application is an attempt by Brandon Estates / DPP Planning to get around the Inspector’s decision by presenting these revised plans to RBC. In the unlikely event of them being approved, they would do exactly what they have done in Swindon - never deliver a redeveloped stadium and instead build up to 200 more houses on the site. Furthermore, the Inspector’s decision made specific reference to the stadium not being surplus to requirements specifically because of its significance as a speedway AND stock car venue. Hence this proposed application fails to comply with that ruling. Brandon Estates and their agents DPP Planning are disingenuous, and their tactics are a shameful attempt to deceive. In the meantime, we can confirm that the Consortium of very credible businessmen continue to work with RBC in an effort to acquire the stadium and reinstate it to its former glory for speedway racing, stock car racing and other community uses. We have made Leader of Rugby Council, Michael Moran, and his senior officers aware of the Brandon Estates letter and indeed, the tactics employed by agents DPP Planning in Swindon. Save Coventry Speedway and Stox Campaign Group 10th November 2025

There is a quote in the late Simon Wiggs book that seems more relevant than ever today. "If the promoters were making millions of pounds out of speedway then I would listen, but they're not. Most of the are busting their a**** to survive, then they have the nerve to tell everyone else how they should be running their businesses. I find that astonishing"

I often say that being a fan on the terraces at a tv meeting means you are effectively a TV extra, except you've paid for the privilege.

First chance to have a look at Nagal and very impressed so far

James Wright

I get the impression him and people at Cradley parted on bad terms (this goes back to when they were at Monmore), hence he seems to want revenge. He's been very vocal in his criticism of the sport and tbe BSPL in particular and, while much of what he says has merit, he's not always the most diplomatic

Yes, and I suspect his attempts at sabotage won't just be aimed at Cradley, but other clubs around the UK as well

Good to hear positive news with Buxton and Mildenhall, along with potential for Cradley as well, although the latter is laced with worry about rumours I've heard of an individual trying to sabotage it

One thing you can never accuse Tai of is being shy about publicity for himself, and him being back in the GP a year after almost losing his life will undoubtedly generate headlines (at least in the short run). Id wager that more non speedway fans have heard about him than they have of Zmarzlik. On recent form? He should not be near the GP. No title or even gp win since 2018, and his last three attempts have seen him finish 8th, 11th and 18th. Plus he won't have ridden competitively for the best part of 18 months by the time the 2026 season gets underway. Worth remembering 20 years ago, Tony Rickardsson had a completely unsatisfactory end to a successful world championship career as well If he proves us wrong and has a strong season, with a top 6 finish and one or two wins, brilliant. But the odds are heavily stacked against him.

"Ryan Douglas looks like he's limping". Well he does have a steel shoe on Ollie.....listening to Tatum each week must be scrambling his brain.

Looked like he was more interested in picking which of his riders to pin up against the dressing wall first.

Someone like Peter Adams would have likely snatched their phones off them and chucked over the back fence.

Professional performance from Ipswich and simply taken advantage of a Leicester team that have turned up with completely the wrong attitude for a final. If we still have a Premiership next season and Leicester are in it, I suspect quite a few of these riders won't be there.

Totally agree. Problem is Tatum is like a dog with a bone when there's a decision he doesn't agree with.

Monster's influence and the publicity they hope it generates must be the reason for Tai's involvement. Even allowing for his injuries, we saw nothing in 2024 to warrant his place in the GP again