False dawn

We'll be there.

From the fans point of view, surely someone from the supporters club would best represent our interests

Colin, I think the real problem here is that none of us have any answers, only questions. To face a group of fans and not be able to field any of their questions is somewhat daunting. As I said earlier, we need someone from Coventry Speedway preferably Sandhu himself to tell us their plans and then we have 1) something to discuss and 2) a basis from which to start planning any possible future for the promotion. I along with many fans really appreciate what you're trying to do.

Don't get the wrong message. If there is a meeting about the future of Coventry Speedway, I will be there and I'll encourage all my fan friends to do likewise. My frustration is not born out of answering the questions, it's knowing what the questions are. The whole future of the promotion is clouded in mystery. We just turn up week in, week out to support our teams (EL, NL and MDL). Whether or not the grand old lady will be there to house us next week, next month or in 3 years time is somewhat uncertain.

Surely this meeting can achieve little if there is no one from Coventry Speedway there to answer questions? e.g. 1. Do we really have 3 years? 2. Why 3 years? 3. Do the existing owners / management have any plans to create a new venue? 4. If yes, where is the money coming from? 5. Why are the current promoters madly signing up new assets, particularly Storm riders, if the club has no future? Mark Pawsey could be a useful ally if we have positive answers to some of the above viz planning permission. But without the real powers that be present i.e. those with the money and will to build a future for Coventry Speedway, what do we expect?

Is this meeting on Lemon TV? I can't find it

I hate to say, but the experience of watching closures over the past 40 odd years leads me to agree with you. How many times have I seen promoters saying, "We'll be back within N years" where N is usually 1 or 2? And the reality is that most (90%+) never come back. And the sad part is that it is nothing to do with the potential fan base. I think of Cradley, Long Eaton, Exeter and quite a few more when I say this. The real exception during my following is Leicester. Well done you, you made it back and this year into the top division. A fairy story? Yes! But how many years were we deprived of our local rivals. Far, far too many. So we must head into that desolate land of having no home to race at with extreme caution. Mark my words.

Good sponsors + TV coverage + Rider contracts + Stadium and Track preparation = Happy fans = Loads of money Spot the missing elements from today's speedway

I'm bit out of touch with this forum these days, so sorry if someone has suggested this before...... Can't we get Barry Hearn to run the sport for a couple of years. He'd pull this sport apart and put it back together bigger and stronger (in spite of a number of egos with vested interests). For sure, messes like we've witnessed today would be a thing of the past.

I guess it's down to what Mike Horton bought from Sandu. It appears he has the right to run meetings but the infrastructure, including track preparation, remains the responsibility of the stadium owners. This has not been clear (to me at least) in the past and I must say is an astounding business arrangement. What recourse does Mike Horton have in the event of a poorly prepared track as we have seen today? None or very little or would seem. Perhaps Sandhu should make a suitable refund to Mike Horton and let him have sole responsibility for track preparation. Then he can employ who he wishes and would more clearly carry the can in the event of a cock up like that which we've seen today

Thank you krompa. Whether or not you're successful.

Has anyone seen the gate positions published anywhere?

Does anyone know the draw for Cardiff yet? I don't seem to able to find it.

Any chance we can get in on the act please?

I agree. I've never seen so much attention given to so little shale, sorry dust. The momentum of this meeting was completely destroyed by the constant grading and watering. Some attention to the track every 5 races would have been acceptable but 20 minutes?

Why start apologising now old friend? You never did back in our day. Just keep telling those rude jokes and you'll be fine.

Go Danny Boy The best of British (not counting Joker points). Okay I'll admit it. I didn't think he was a good choice but I was proved wrong. A solid third place performance from Britain

The form book says you'd be silly to bet against Greg. But that cost me £5 last year. Oh well, once bitten, twice a winner.

Thanks to all concerned. My PDA is suitably loaded and ready to go.

Fear not my generously proportioned friend we'll get you there. Google will show you a bunch of empty paddocks because that is where we go racing. The clue is in the name, "grasstrack". We shift the cows or sheep out of a field, stake out a track and go racing. The information I have so far: The grid reference is TL616137. Go to http://www.multimap.com to find this location. Practice starts at 11:00. First race is 1:30 In fact if you want the complete details of this meeting, go to http://www.grasstrack.net/regs-pdf-z/500-12-july.pdf

There had to be someone somewhere racing sidecars on ice! Here's a link to a site in Canada: click here

Thanks for all those links etc. people. But 2 things..... 1. Nowhere is there any evidence that a 1000cc outfit has ever been seen on ice. I'm still thinking there is an opening to become a member of the first crew ever to do this. Hmmmmm! 2. And don't forget the real reason for this thread. I'm still looking to car share with 1 or 2 people to this year's meeting.

You're right, I was forgetting. They have that sidecar at Assen that has a snowplough and rotating brush that prepares the surface between races.

No I'm not extending my CV although I'm always open to offers. Just off to watch a very exciting form of racing that I fell in love with 2 years ago at the same venue. Why don't you come with us? I've never have seen sidecars on ice. But I did offer to organise a 1000cc outfit to appear at Telford a few years ago (with me on the back of course). However I was told that this had been done at a previous Telford meeting. Actually I think it was a 500cc outfit but I never found who it was or which year it took place (anyone know?)

Two of us are going to Assen for the ice speedway. We're flying into Amsterdam (details below) and are considering hiring a car. If there are 1 or 2 other folks who want to share the car with us it will obviously keep the costs down for all. Plus we have the flexibility of a car during the 3 days while we're there. Arrive Amsterdam Friday 13th March 09:10 Depart Amsterdam Monday 16th March 18:55 We're staying in a hotel in Groningen PM me if you're interested