SimonB

Even with those definitions, the riders meet most of the criteria.

Employment status is subject to some very vague laws in my opinion. Technically they are engaged as self employed contractors by each track they ride at, they have to provide their own equipment and employ their own assistants if they so wish. They can ride throughout the EU for as many people as will contract them. Some riders are set up as limited companies and/or VAT registered. I think there is a strong argument for them being self employed. Where it gets more tricky is the asset system but since (AFAIK) no rider has been stopped from earning a living as a result of the asset system I am not sure what legal basis there could be for challenging it. It has been used to create value within the sport.

I thought the same. I have seen many tracks that were clearly difficult to ride over the 40 odd years of going to speedway but the track last night didn't appear from the racing to be that bad. As you say only Tom Bacon got into any difficulties at all the others seemed to be in control at all times. Of course I am not a rider so cant experience what they were but Steve Worrall seemed clear, speedway riders need to learn throttle control

The major events at the showground will always take precedence over the speedway. Most of the major events are booked a year in advance.

I agree as well. If your team races once at home and once away each fortnight it gives you the opportunity to arrange your other commitments around the meetings. I find it relatively easy to arrange my life around football but much more difficult for speedway

Bridger has announced that he wants to ride PL next season as well as EL

Unfortunately spending more money in the stadium is unlikely to help the Bees as most of that will go to the stadium owners

Bugger

Just paid for my weekend passes

Already taken mate, sorry

I think this is an excellent idea we will be taking our caravan and staying all of 1/2 a mile from our house. Banter, beers and hopefully some decent speedway

Decent idea, hopefully the hall will be full

Totally agree, my two favorite tracks for racing quality. I have also enjoyed many excellent meetings at Kings Lynn over the years. Last year I only went to two meetings at Lynn and at both the racing was very poor but I think that was just due to conditions on the day.

How much are Coventry paying then compared to the cost of any available alternatives?

AFAIK the case was against the stadium owners. Should this force them to sell the stadium the costs and expenses do not follow the ownership of the stadium but remain with its current owners. Not sure about the planning issue

Depends on the deal with the rider. Generally volunteers are found to provide free board and lodgings for the foreign based riders. We have had several staying over the years.

I did. No not bleating at all, I just still find it so much cheaper going to a meeting as a fan!!

Have to say personally I would have preferred to pay the full price rather than have to stump up the £10k loss but maybe thats just me

When you budget for the year I would imagine you already build in the anticipated Sky money into your plans and the level of drop in attendance that goes with it. In my opinion any drop in price would result in reduced income for the club as the increased attendance wouldn't generate the necessary cash to cover the price drop. As to Swindon I don't know but I would expect it cost them money but maybe they hoped to attract new customers for the longer term? When you budget for the year I would imagine you already build in the anticipated Sky money into your plans and the level of drop in attendance that goes with it. In my opinion any drop in price would result in reduced income for the club as the increased attendance wouldn't generate the necessary cash to cover the price drop. As to Swindon I don't know but I would expect it cost them money but maybe they hoped to attract new customers for the longer term?

The problem for the club is that reducing the admission fee will almost certainly reduce the income from this meeting. According to Wikipedia (I know but is at least a basis) 37% of households have access to Sky TV. Assuming Coventry has an average crowd of 2,000 that means that 1,260 of those do not have Sky and will attend this meeting. At £15 entrance (£18 less the VAT) that gives an income of £18,900 for tonight. If, for example, prices were dropped to £10 (£12 inc VAT) Coventry would need 1,890 people to make the same money, an additional 630 people. This represents 85% of those who could watch it on Sky for free deciding to pay even the reduced admission and attending the meeting. Personally I dont think that would happen.

Mark Loram was an excellent rider but to me, at least, the racing is more entertaining overall when the riders are all closer in standard. Personally over the years I have found the PL to be the most entertaining league. I have to say I have not been to sittingbourne so I cant comment on the quality of the racing there.

Does he ride on a polish or british licence?

I think there are big differences in speedway as compared to football for example. Firstly If the standard of the riders in any one race is similar (and at almost any level in British speedway) you can see a quality race. Certainly the racing yesterday at the showground surpassed anything I think I have ever seen at GP level. Secondly the finance in the sport does not follow the league you are in to the extent that it does in football. Thirdly there is a large tendency for some fans to follow the fortunes of a rider almost as much and sometimes more than following a specific team. Finance is the major issue though.

Never suffered from depression myself but from what I understand it is never really cured as such, all you can do is try and manage the situation.

6.54 I believe (4.67 EL average x 1.4) but I am not sure Polish riders are allowed in the PL?