Storming Norman

Having publicised 'an in-principle agreement is in place to see a return of the sport to Milton Keynes in 2015' an update is well over due. I really hope it's going ahead?

How wonderful that Rick, Julie and Readypower again ensure the Panthers take to the track. They must be special people - contributing so much and getting so little out of it. Rick and Julie, huge thanks for looking after the Panthers and saving one of the best race tracks in Britain.

Joe Owen. He seemed to average 11 season upon season. Plus he was very exciting to watch.

HalifaxTiger, was this reply seriously addressed to me? If it was, I suggest you reread my posting which I believe is a fair and balanced assessment of 2014 and isn't negative anyway.

It will be interesting to read what Malcolm thinks. At the start of the season, the Stoke Promotion did seem to be trying to provide a competitive team and a better race track. Results have been better, home fixtures have been completed plus as you post, they won the NL Pairs. So it feels like a decent season. But I agree a non functioning web site and irregular Press Releases aren't good enough. Perhaps the ultimate test is have attendances improved? Malcolm, it's good things have improved, keep it going.

I felt very sorry for the fans who paid for 15 heats but only got 10. Presumably Lakeside will save 33% of wages or a bit less if Watt is on a guarantee and had no incentive to continue racing. When Danny King and Lewis Bridger both mentioned how much rain the track had taken at lunchtime I rechecked the wording of the 15:45 update on the Lakeside web site of 'Very light drizzle earlier at the track'. Why would a lot of rain be described as very light drizzle?

I guess it's going to be a 'Len Silver moment' for Lakeside tonight with some fans arriving in shorts and sun glasses. The forecast showers were always localised. BBC weather forecast is now dry throughout race time tonight. Shame it's been called off on a warm evening. I predict dry pavements at 8pm - could someone locally advise if that is the case or even have a look at the track.

I used to really look forward to watching Sky meetings at Eastbourne as the racing was so exciting. Riders knew they could overtake in the grip around the outside or cut back up the second bend corridor. Is that the case any more? Nowadays it feels to me that overtaking is more dependent on mistakes. Dust also seems to be an issue more than in the past. I really want to see Eastbourne survive. Maybe the declining attendances can be reversed by preparing a great overtaking race track again like Bob used to. Give it a go Bob - there's nothing to lose.

I disagree - saving Birmingham isn't connected with the Ben Fund. Keep the focus on saving Birmingham.

I've been very impressed with the new Peterborough Promotion so this postponement and handling of the communcations is really surprising and disappointing. C'mon Neil Watson, recover the situation - surely nothing prevents you explaining what the H&S issue was. Those travelling fans from Edinburgh deserve that at the very least.

It feels like the Stoke Promotion are trying hard this season and so deserve to be given a chance by doubters. A good track and racing, home wins and communicating with the fans - keep it going Malcom and have a successful season.

Great to hear the first meeting went well and that the track was very good. Were the Promotion pleased with the crowd size? Any guesses on number there?

I'm impressed by the new Peterborough Promotion who seem to be really promoting their Club. I'm normally impressed by Newcastle as a high performing team but not so far this year. It's really important the PL delivers as usual on Sky tonight. The Showground is a great race track so it probably all rests on "Gorgeous" George motivating his inconsistent riders to give Peterborough a run for their money. C'mon Diamonds, give us a great meeting and maintain the high standard of entertainment we've had so far on Sky this season.

Like others I initially assumed the Coventry Promotion must be mainly to blame. But it’s starting to look different now. Mick Horton had many things to control whereas it appears these two presumably paid roles are specific appointments to ensure the track was properly prepared. My reading of this is neither were appointed or controlled by the Coventry Promotion. 14.6 The main duties of the MEETING STEWARD (appointed by the SCB) are: * consultation with the Staging Promoter, Meeting Coordinator and Meeting Referee on all matters relating to the staging of a Meeting and especially at any time when the staging or continuation of a Meeting is in doubt. 14.6.1 A Meeting Co-ordinator will ensure the Staging Promotion has carried out track preparation in a manner that enhances the prospect of a Meeting taking place, especially in times of inclement weather. S/he must attend the Briefing Meeting and be involved in all discussions concerning track preparation, including those concerning a possible delay, postponement or abandonment. Upon instructions of the Meeting Steward will communicate any decisions regarding delaying, abandoning or curtailing a Meeting to the TV Company, Press and Public. The investigator needs to start by speaking to these two. Who were they? Who is undertaking the investigation for the BSPA - someone respected as neutral and competent? Will their report be published?

The IOW supported PL racing for a decade or more so the potential is there. There is still time for someone to be a hero and take over what is a ‘going concern’. I’m hoping someone like Gordon Pairman or Drillerman will decide to be thought of and remembered for saving a track that could otherwise die.