cinderfella

When you hear reports from tracks saying the largest crowds and income come from dirt track racing then it obviously shows that there are bike fans interested in oval circuit racing as they can relate to the machines. Perhaps the fact these races are over more than 4 laps means better value for money? My sons liked speedway till I took them to a stock car meeting and we all realised it was much better value for money getting between 15 and 20 races with more than 4 competitors racing 20 laps or more. Time to wake up and smell the coffee!!!!

Still think the problem with general motorcycle (sport) fans and speedway is the down to the fact that everyday manufacturers are not involved. Honda, Yamaha etc are everyday day names people relate too but I've never seen a GM powered bike on the road or race circuits and I can't remember the last time I saw a Jawa apart from a vintage moto-x (or should that be scrambles?) meeting. As argued often before, and by much more informed folk than myself, surely the cost involved with speedway machinery would fall if other manufacturers were involved and their engines fueled by unleaded rather than methanol introduced?

Got to express my extreme disappointment with the tone of some of the comments being posted on this thread. You would almost think it was a Forum for another sport and not speedway.

Scotty's legal team will be busy then assuming they will be taking similar action against the RH promotion?

If there are 13 heats then I'd say a 39 point's limit. Though I have in the past argued that the average be set at that of the team finishing top of the league the previous season. That way team can be kept together and not broken up meaning young fans who spend pocket money on their favourite riders memorabilia can support the same rider the next season and that it also means other teams are building their team to a higher level rather than diluting it down.

Apologies Grachan - I somehow got into my head they had finished top. Apologies to The Robins and their fans

I find myself asking the question do we really need the play-offs? All it seems to do is generate more income for promotions while fans have to watch teams full of guests rather than riders who put their respective team top of the league. Wolverhampton were undoubtedly the best team in the league last season and similarly KL this yet injuries robbed Wolves and could be a major factor in the determination of the destination of this year's Trophy too. I detest semi and finals in 20ht individual meetings as they give riders a 2nd chance and the play-offs are the same. Time to back to old time speedway where everything is decided the first time through.

Totally agree Colin. I stayed away for a few years tfpr various reason and when I came back it had changed from 13 hts to 15hts and then stupid things like doubling up and building a team around averages lower than half the points available to a team in a match. The nominated ht 15 really gets me though. How often have fans been cheated because the 4 best riders on the night don't come out because 1) the match is already decided so it's meaningless, 20 riders can't be bothered or 3) as I've witnessed, a teams top rider not being used because he have to be paid more.? The way things seem to be going there won't be a need for doubling up as there will only be one league, Maybe that will be the start to the rod to recovery?

Well they used a British rider which is a positive but then that poses the question if that for financial reasons rather than using a more expensive foreign rider?

It is 50 years since i attended my first meeting and I know exactly how you feel. You seriously have to ask is there corruption and cheating in the sport and I don't just mean the cases of a rider being told to have a bad race so a tactical ride can or can't be used or to manipulate his average? The scenario of a rider appearing for two different teams in the Final would undoubtedly have led to all sorts of conspiracy theories after the final results were decided but now we are (rightly) questioning some of the decisions in last night's meeting and thus the integrity of a match official which is unfortunate. As been said a hundred, nay a thousand times before the sooner we have a FULLY independent body running rather than ruining the sport the quicker speedway will become a creditable sport once more.

Are you seriously suggesting Poole riders deliberately set out to cause opposition riders to crash and sustain injuries? Riders do ride hard sometimes but they also know that if a move doesn't pay off it could lead to serious, if not fatal, injuries to themself or other riders.

Or have serious community ties like the Glasgow promotion. Not only did they save the Tigers when they bought Ashfield stadium but they also ensured the security of one of Scotland's oldest Junior (equivalent of English non-league) Football Clubs.

You're not wrong Dorothy and with all the rumours/stories (call them what you like) concerning at least 5 other teams you have to wonder what shape and form league speedway will take next season?

Now considering today's statement about Peterborough that is spooky?

Perhaps the problem is that the owner spent pennies he couldn't afford in trying to buy success. Saw it at Glasgow with previous promotion trying to do that.

Is the statement saying it could be the last speedway event at Peterborough an indication that there may be problems with the landlords at The Showground perhaps not wanting speedway at all?

Nobody told Nick Morris that last year when he finished 2nd in the semi-final (effectively 4yth place finalist) yet he went onto win it and beat the previously unbeaten Richie Worrall to win the CLRC.

Does the 8 day rule not only apply to visiting teams. I'm sure the home team can use the same guest at no1 within 8 days?

Funny I was just saying that with Cardiff being moved to later in the season I wondered if the European GP was maybe coming to Manchester?

Team riding? Did that not disappear with uprights and leathers?

You must be the only Tigers's fan that feels that way. Everyone else I've spoken to think we got rid of the wrong guys, both on and off the track.

I did wonder. My all time favourite ref was from down your way - the late Will Hunter. Lovely guy.

No Chris has been around for a good long time. I sat in the box with him a few times when I was training but that's another story for the close season lol

Yeah felt the paramedics were a bit slow attending to Gregor too. I was on the third bend and it looked a real nasty one.

Just out of interest do you know if it was it the actual match referee who officiated?