greyhoundp

Whilst workable cost cutting needs to be looked at especially in regards to machinery, Doubling up and down got rid of totally, I also think the product should be altered, one thing that could be considered is Handicap racing, example an 8+ point rider be given a 50 metre handicap, a 7+ rides off 40 metres, 6+ goes of 30 metres, 5+ is off 20 metres, 4+ goes off 10 metres, and the remainder go off scratch, these handicaps would remain in place for the whole season, It would at least get rid of something none Speedway fans constantly say in conversations, which is first out of the gate wins, at least it could be tried out in the KO Cup to begin with if Promoters are unsure about it in League racing, but something has to be done to improve the product, Handicap racing could be one that costs little or nothing for the promoters to do, and undoubtably it would add to the entertainment aspect of our Sport, it could also possibly help if one League was introduced, plus the NL. Its not much use introducing pay scales as there are to many ways to get round that aspect, Riders ride for one Team and one Team only unless its an NL rider making his way in the Sport, If they want to ride for 2 Teams, then Poland, Denmark, Sweden, and Germany are there for them to ride in, the riders need to accept that supporters regard there Teams riders as being there riders, the have bike will ride brigade have no future in UK Speedway its almost killed Speedway in this country, and the Promoters have done nothing but encourage it.. Iv mentioned elsewhere in this Topic fast forward to 2020, what will the visa situation be for European riders riding in the UK ?, at the moment they will have to abide by the same rules as None EU nationals with regards to obtaining Visas, because a visa will have to be obtained before any rider can be signed.. actually this visa situation has p*ssed me off for years now, how is it right that None British riders cant get a team place, when Foreigners (Thats what they are) can come in and ride here, again Promoters are to blame for the situation..

Remember we might well have visa issues with UKBA when we finally leave the EU, has the BSPA thought about that one, its something thats out of there hands at the BSPA..

Wishing you the very best with your efforts, the town deserves for the Sport to continue especially after the successes of this season, it would be a crying shame for the Sport to be lost in Mara land.. when its gone its gone..

As did Buxton if memory serves me right..

Top post mate, as someone else has said this should be printed off, and given out at the agm, but far to much common sense here for the BSPA to take notice.. enjoy your Pint .

The owners of Swindon Stadium simply like to spend the minimum amount of money possible, they will not worry about any residents bring any action against the Stadium for nuisance, in fact it would probably suit them to close it down then they could build more houses, and therefore increase their pension pots, they only want a good enough reason to build more houses.. hopefully the Planning Committee will turn down the newish application.

15 Years ??, i think at the very least you could almost double that, Now whilst LR may not be everyones cup of tea he has put many hours, and travelled lots of miles doing various roles over those years. Birmingham have had no luck whatsoever this season with injuries but they still went close to getting a Play Off spot, Birmingham have no god given right to win something every year, and Graham Drury is a hard act to follow, all in all i think considering the injuries that Brum have had your season wasnt that bad..

Sue, i know we are 50 or so miles from Stoke down here in Cradley, but its been raining constantly here for most of the night, and all morning.

It would be great to see a Championship/National select team Birmingham V Cradley ie Ellis, Barker, Wajnecht, Shanes, and any rider who has recently ridden for Brum V Cradley select Worrall, Morris, Starke, Bowtell, Clegg, this would bring in a pretty big crowd, and be more of a guide as to how well the crowd might receive a higher level of racing in the second city, failing that a 4 team tournament along the same lines, but including Wolves & possibly Coventry im sure either would be an attractive meeting, and could be on home and away basis, or at the 3 venues.

In answer to the Topic headline, "Is the sport still viable in the UK" I would say in its current format the answer is no, I would suggest that its in crisis, but the reasons for it are many, and varied, so putting more sticking plasters on it are not the answer.Here are just a few of the things which have contributed to Speedway being in Crisis. GPs, Riders costs for machinery & maintenance, Riders wages, Doubling up & down, Admission Cost, Fixed race nights, and now we have the medical cover situation thats causing even more problems, and may be insurmountable to overcome. the BSPA has proven itself to be not fit for purpose over the last few years, and needs to be scrapped. Those in my humble opinion are just a few of the main points that need to be addressed if there is to be any sort of revival, even if it means going to machinery thats less powerful than whats used at present.

Not to mention the delayed start at Birmingham on Wednesday due to Ambulance issues, now while we all understand the need for Medical cover to be present indeed its vital, this is now becoming yet another nail in the sport of Speedway.

Maybe you could tell Laurence what unattached reserves are out there, im sure not only Laurence but other managers would like to know who they are missing out on..

Ongoing safety Issues ?, i just dont know why they bother...

Have to say i agree with you Waco, and it saddens me to say it, Doubling between the Top two Leagues has a lot to do with it, how the heck can a rider be riding for your Team tonight, then someone else tomorrow night, try explaining that to a none Speedway Fan. Harry Kane is playing for Tottenham tonight, but playing for Bolton tomorrow absolutely ridiculous..

I was told by an IOW fan that was there, 150 at most, and thats being generous..

yes i have to agree, consistent yes, but the wrong kind of consistency, I think the Promoters despite there hard work, have to try to have a shake up somehow, people wont carry on paying good money to watch a team lose..

Maybe they cant announce who the new rider is until certain, immigration clearances have been obtained, its pretty obvious they know the rider they want having put Roberts in as the No 8.

I must admit im not overly familiar with the whole Brandon site, would it not be worth talking with the owners, and Council to see if modified plans could be drawn up, where both houses and a smaller basic stadium could be included, something similar to the Swindon proposals, keep the Track, but have a spectator area catering for about 2500.

Im surprised no-one has signed Ryan Burton, he would have been my choice for the final team place.

Why does the statement above suggest Green Belt land is not being looked at ?, “provision of appropriate facilities for outdoor sport” is not inappropriate development on Green belt land, so i would suggest Green Belt Land be included in any searches.

In previous seasons (Swindon last year) have tracked 7 riders that fit within the points limit for that particular meeting, Cradley i believe are going to try to use the same seven riders throughout.

Luke Harris Harris anyone ?.

Needs a few hundred Coventry fans to go along and do likewise to the Caravans, thought the kids were supposed to be at school, ohhhh i forgot there is one law for them, and another for the rest of us. Brandon estates would be only to glad to see the place burn down, same thing happened at Cradley, i dont recall anyone being prosecuted for it..

the reason being ?.

The weak link appears to be Leek, the 1&5 are proven at this level, Atkins will improve, The Andrews twins will win races, RTD is RTD.