SPEEDY69

It's a fairly common tactic to go bankrupt which means those who are owed don't get it - normally it's a business not the person themselves. Like a phoenix from the ashes you can then rise again - shadow directors are common, with the real owner in the background..

2005 Czech Golden Helmet was a great achievement also, passing Crump and Nicki P in the final. Funny, when I was looking at old GPs it was often Scott and Nicki battling it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K2tL0PbX4M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DOSmiMV9Js https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DOSmiMV9Js https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvD-Y2YHX5A

Couldn't disagree more I'm afraid. I always read more into a rider than an average or age because there are so many factors to that. If a team wants 100% commitment and a rider who engages with the public, is visible to armchair fans and is able to properly race & pass people then Scott fits those criteria. Maybe it is financial but I struggle to see others like Harris for example riding for less money than Scott. I agree with you that I expect he'll get fixed up somewhere during the season.

Can't see how Tungate saves Peterborough much money - unless Harris really was on a fantastic deal. Rohan definitely makes you stronger.

Yeah, over 18 million watched the 1985 World Snooker final!! (It was exciting though)

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When they say it will cost 50p to vote the numbers will soon contract

For me it was never the quality of the racing - it was the experience and everything that went with it. Although people rave about the NSS, I can't abode having to walk through a car park, miles around and up a steep grassy bank, greeted by one overpriced catering van and some portaloos and have to stay there all meeting. Now we have robots who appear, ride around and f off, all to the background of some person mumbling along between someone's music collection whilst you stand around doing nothing apart from occasionally visit a filthy hole called toilets. It's now an experience only real enthusiasts bother with. Peoples' expectations, mine included, have moved on but speedway as a live event has not (Cardiff excepted).

I lay far more of the blame for some of the awful stuff the last couple of years at hos door than Chapman. Bossing others around to suit his own team, running practice events outside the rules at his track, Holdergate and more I expect.

No reason why not. Belle Vue ought to suit him but he's no good there either.

Obviously not seen him in recent years, particularly at Rye H or when riding for Glasgow then He did have a few good rides for Poole last year on TV so hope that's what you get at Ipswich.

If the riders don't come last, they won't lose any meetings - perhaps that will be the tactic. Can't see Harris lasting long at No.1 and really surprised he's not at Lynn as he does quite well there I think. Disappointed that some British riders are again being left out of teams in Britain in favour of those from overseas, at least Harris has a Premiership team now. Ipswich will likely be easy targets away from Foxhall. But it is speedway, so who knows how it will pan out.

Because people have wised up to standing around in the rain at a dunghole venue for two hours to see half an hours of entertainment.

No thanks, would much rather have Scott than Harris

Can you see if you can get a slot at the next BSPA AGM, would make a great presentation to kick off the event. Hard to disagree with anything you've said.

I agree that promoters should not spend above what they can afford. This need sot be a group effort though. The wages costs per meeting you mention are I fancy way short of what is paid now. The meeting costs are also well above £3k, the medical staff alone will cost nearly £1k, plus track rent of £1-2k then there's advertising, programmes, licences, fuel & maintenance of track/facilities, rider suits, insurance costs (employee and public), VAT/tax/accountancy etc.etc. It would cause the loss of some riders and maybe some fans short term but the long term gains would be worth it. Everyone has a choice, like it or lump it, If I was a rider today and the only contract I could secure paid me xx per meeting, I'd make sure I cut my expenses so that I still made a bit of money - it's not compulsory to use brand new equipment each year, or give thousands to people who you think might make you a bit faster, or spend on a new leased van every year, or even have a full time or paid mechanic.

Disagree. There is more money about for discretionary spend by people these days than ever before - just look at how many people have cars and eat out & takeaways nowadays. There are just not enough who know about or want to watch what speedway offers. Clubs need to budget and this may force riders to become part-time but it's needed otherwise more tracks will close.

Harris is known to follow the money so you may be right.

I still think Zagar would be good.

Is Vladimir Kalina still around?

Not concerned with averages particularly, just think he's rubbish. I like people who give it their all every race, have the ability to pass cleanly and if they're all much of a muchness, pick a Brit/someone who lives here.

No thanks to Sundstrom.

Sorry but I don't use or have any desire to use Facebook, so alternatives are most welcome.

Delays due to choice do put people into thinking it's dragging on - particularly when the environment for fans is unpleasant or there is little else in terms of entertainment to occupy them during 'down times'. This is where speedway can make changes - undercover spectating, additional entertainments etc. to engage fans rather than just watch 15 races. When attending an american football event in London once it lasted about 3.5 hours but it didn't seem that long because of the additional entertainment on offer and I wasn't too cold or wet. Surely if we took the simple step of grading every four heats, then have 5 minute break after heat four and twelve, with a 10 minute break after heat 8. This should give officials, and volunteers the time to have a break and satisfy those who want to keep things moving.

I wouldn't have Tungate, too inconsistent and not someone I've warmed to.