SteveEvans

I moved away in the late 90s to be fair!

Only the Brits think its cool, was never cool over here!

Its the Eqyptians fault http://www.ask.com/question/who-invented-the-number-system

You don't have to. Numbers are BSI's idea not mine!

We made it cool in English pubs.

Americans invented Starbucks, McDonalds and Budweiser but not sure we can claim numbers! SGP is adopting what Moto GP, the top FIM sport, has had for years, and now F1 has taken on. If it works it will stay, simple as that!

I think everyone should be number 3.

Then you are obviously saying the old system of changing your number every year was more idiocy

Greg has been #45 for over 25 years to anyone in the USA. Junior riders clamor to use this number more than any other because of the honor of it (was also Bruce Penhall's #). Granted the concept is new in Europe - give it a year or two and it'll become part of the fabric.

Footballers playing for their country change number. Heck, if the leagues really wanted to think outside the box let the rider use their GP number in the league. If Chris is not a number (and he for personal reasons has a number to be proud to wear this year), then how about having no numbers assigned to riders? The riders will have numbers for their teams based on team positions but the GP number, being the big series and the world championship number will obviously be senior. Greg has proudly been using his career long 45 in recent years and other have since followed suit. Seems the riders want this, let them roll with it and be willing for change.

If you've ever been to F1 / Moto GP you'll see how much merch is sold and worn a weekend. Same with football, most of the crowd buy a jersey. Its up to the SGP organizers and riders to market and sell it, numbers or not.

I've left messages at the NBA and Moto GP Offices to get #23 taken away from Michael Jordan and #46 from Valentino as its bad marketing and doesn't make a difference. So far no call backs, I guess a bunch of staff are out with the flu.

Its better marketing than changing numbers every single year. Both #1 merch or your regular number are sellers based on brand recognition. Any merch can go slightly out of date - riders sponsors change so pit shirts and hats reflect that, but the number, unless you won the ultimate prize, don't. You won't see speedway merch in high street stores but you will be able to sell to your fan base, both those who attend GPs and those who watch on tv with such. Its up to the riders to make this work but I can say that the rider who has been at the forefront of the number push, Greg Hancock, probably has the best merchandise sales of any rider over the past few years and coincidentally, he has already been marketing the #45 brand for a few years now. You've got to think outside the box sometimes, but your last line about Rossi effectively confirms the point that a rider with a famous career is good marketing. Better than Valentino #1, #4, #7, #2 #? for example! He's number 46!!!!!

The saving grace with Tai is that if you buys something with #1 its from when he was champ, so it has history attached to it. Who'd care to buy a Hampel #2 hat when there is no promise he will have that # again? You can't really compare US Speedway which is somewhere between PL and NL level with smallish crowds to Cardiff with close to 50,000. Valentino Rossi #46 Michael Jordan #23 Tai Woffindon - anything from 1-15 under the old system.... Get used to it, its here to stay!

Days in Florida it would take to get a suntan?

Rider numbers have been used in US domestic speedway for over 40 years and its great the GP has caught on. Whats more odd than this new system is a rider changing his number every year. Actually I have restrained from buying merchandise more than once for GP riders knowing it will be out of date by seasons end unless my rider of choice finishes in the same position again. It may take a while to get used to, but within a year or two the numbers going with names will be very familiar. A fan can now go to Cardiff and buy merch without fear it becomes outdated. Good news for riders and fans!

Billy Hamill was World Champion after his 11th GP. Considering Hans did 14 World finals ahead I declare my Team USA boss the winner!

Regardless of the circumstances Chris Harris is in the series. Lucky? Yes for sure. But luck sometimes comes to those who want it and this is a rider who has always wanted to be in the series and been very upfront about the fact. Should he be in this series? Well, we'll know by the end of Torun next year. Woffy himself was condemned for making up the numbers and though I think Chris has no chance of the crown next year, the ball is 100% in his court to prove he is worthy of this opportunity. My opinion on the GP is you have the elite band of 6-8 riders who can win multiple GPs per year, are consistent and a class above. Then the next 20-25 in the world are very close on ability and who gets those last 7-9 spots is down to marking your turf and making your claim. Good luck to all 15 in 2015!

I believe the promoter posted on FB it will be available on PPV for overseas fans. So get ready!

I think the promoters plan pay per view for those overseas. www.industryracing.com is their website.

I must say the passions and rivalry from both Monarchs and Tigers fans on here is awesome - reminds me of Wolves Cradley and something quite special that the sport sometimes lacks these days. A Glasgow representative actually did make a tentative reach regarding Aaron Fox but nothing was pursued as the finer details were already being worked out with the Monarchs. That said over the years work between Team USA and both clubs will hopefully lead to more ScotYanks in the years to come. I'm hoping to fit in a visit early in the season and it would be nice to see all 3 tracks.

Regarding Aaron Fox. He is perhaps the most improved rider in the USA and was very consistent all year - each meeting is individual and he made the final 4 out of anything from 12-24 riders) in 80% of the meetings this year. He came 2nd in both the US National at Costa Mesa and State Championship at Industry Hills. Unlucky on both occasions as he was leading before the race got stopped each time. He also came in 4th in Round 1 of the AMA Nationals at Ventura, a track that is very much like Bradford - big and banked. You have a rider who is very professional, hard working and serious about this.The club have done their homework and studied his form both results wise and via video and are happy with what they see. Like any new rider from the USA you can expect a settle in period, but given he is on a big career up curve and can gate better than most new Americans, I expect he will do just fine. His rider profile is at www.speedwaybikes.com. I am sure the Edinburgh fans will take to him and I thank everyone associated with this move for their support and help.

It's a great concept Paul and would be good publicity for the sport. Let me add it to the task list!

I think the GP series should let these guys run a career # like F1 is about to.

Greg's # is the one he used in the USA. In America riders often keep a # for their entire career or minimally several seasons.