bigeddiechek

I think what he was saying - and I might have interpreted it wrongly - is that the current equipment and the Berwick track do not work together very well. For example, the bikes are so fast around a large track, also the bikes are not as easy to control when going out into the dirt due to the effects of the new silencers. Racing has very clearly changed over the past two years, and there is more and more discussion about equipment being a factor, rather than tracks and riders. He also pointed out that GP riders have a completely different level of resources available to them in terms of equipment. It was actually quite a good discussion and a few people put constructive questions to him which he answered. It shows you, though, just how destructive a few idiots can be on the Internet. What it did, for me, was give me a bit of insight into why the racing has been so disappointing. That gives me confidence that it will get fixed at some point, although the powers that be are the ones who have to initiate it. I keep going back to the great racing during 2005 that I have been watching recently. However, the times were 67 - 68 seconds compared to 64 - 65 seconds a heat. You have to be going some lick to come from behind nowadays. I hope that goes some way to tempering the discussion.

Nope. I'm not going to quote it as he choose to leave the group, hence the post has gone. Not my place to do that. All I would say is that if some soi disant fans put as much effort into supporting their team as they do firing off a load of bull on the Internet, then things would be a lot better.

But, he wasn't slagging-off the track.

So the keyboard commandos get to air their views - and in some cases personal attacks - but the riders can't put their views across? Hmmmmmm... We are not at war with Eurasia...

Riding to his average of 4.36 according to this: http://www.speedwaygb.co/issues13/pl13_dec_7.pdf If you look at these averages it would suggest that perhaps building a team 1 pt below the limit, plus Ricky's run of bad luck, is where the results lie. All of the riders are either at or above their starting averages.

Absolutely spot on post.

So Alex rode to his average, has said he wants to improve, and openly said that the track at Berwick is difficult with the current machinery. Good on him for being open and talking directly to the critics. It was interesting to note that the positive comments outweighed the negative by a ratio of 5:1. It's comforting to know that not all Berwick fans are numpties!

I remember Peter saying to me that 2005 was his worst season for crowds. People got used to us thrashing visitors and stopped going. The fact is that Berwick fans are always looking for something to complain about. It's a cultural thing throughout that area, I'm sad to say.

The racing being better is a good starting point for me, that gives me a thirst for the next meeting. We can get beaten all year as long as the racing is good for me. Team changes? I really don't know who we could bring in or change? I'm just so glad to hear that racing was back.

I couldn't make it tonight: I saw the result and was disappointed, but your comment is more important than the result. Someone who was there saying the racing was better has me looking forward to next week Looks from the scores that number 1 is where we lost the meeting?

I can see their method in their madness.

I think it is a good idea, as long as it is administered properly, and probably as a short term promotion.

Yes, you are quite right. Sir just doesn't cut the mustard. Are dressing up for the Sky night? Garry Glitter perhaps?

I hear you brother.

I think I do know how close to the truth I am! It's dig in for a few years, survive, then come out strong. A good night out at the speedway makes it worthwhile each week though

I just thought that you might have been one of the associate sponsors, was only curious. Yes, the season posters should be up the whole time, I was referring to the Sky posters. I think every business is finding it difficult to get anyone to spend any money at all at the moment. It's a tough one.

I'm sure they have had a plan for postering, and this is just the beginning of it. One thing with posters is not to put them up too early or people become blind to them. Looks to me as if everything is in hand: despite what some on here think. Well done Taffy, I thought you might have been one of the associate sponsors this year?

I agree, having a good bit of banter really makes a speedway night. When it is at its best, it is an absolutely exhilarating sport. I think the focus should be on the sport, not on fancy dress, and the like. We have a local derby with the away team looking to come and take a coveted away win. Real rivalry there that we should be working up. In my opinion, but, I am not a promoter, the very thought terrifies me!

£10 admission is good, hinting at plenty to see, but not saying what not so good. Fancy dress: I am undecided, it is either a good laugh, or a bit naff. I can't quite decide which yet. I think what this really needs is a "street team" to really whip up a bit of interest. Hopefully all the casual fans will come along too to support the club. Newcastle are a strong team, and our local rivals, so that alone should be a big draw. What has to be a bonus is watching it without the horrible Sky presentation. I had forgotten how bad it was. The way the directors make the presenters look like pecking chickens with their "look at the camera, look at each other" instructions is hideous to look at.

Really? You could have fooled me!

Really bad, captions like "Howe did he do that" is just terrible. The way the directors keep telling them to look at the camera is awful too. Makes them look like chickens!

Jeez, the Sky presentation is cringe-worthy.

I'm the same as you: don't know a lot about the actual mechanics. The bikes certainly don't look as responsive.

I think it's the most sensible post you have ever made. There is a lot of debate about the equipment being at the root of the problem around the country: new silencers in particular. What are your thoughts on that?

Young Callum will testify to that!