Gresham

I'm glad he never did change it...for me, he was one of the most exciting riders to watch, especially if he missed the gate at Blunsdon.

There can't be any better feeling than beating people with 'all the gear, but no idea'. You talk so much sense fella...it's refreshing to read.

The Somerset website is pretty decent now, but the 'Graphics' on their FB page and videos look like some 6 year old cut out faces from a magazine and glued them into a colouring book...truly awful.

What's Speedway? ;-)

So for everyone talking about the engine being sealed and 'what if it's a pup'...when you talk about such things...do you actually know what you are talking about? Do you know exactly how the engine is 'Sealed'? Do you think 'sealed' engines would be sold and if it wasn't performing, the answer would be 'tough...that's how it comes'....you actually seriously believe that? Not being an arse here...but how can any of us talk about sealed engines and their performance and all the 'what if's'...unless anyone actually knows anything factual about this scheme, apart from how many engines and price. It's the equivalent of people talking about brain surgery, and suggesting certain procedures take place, based on watching some operations on youtube. It really is laughable...as no one actually knows anything. If you do...would love to know more on this scheme on how it's actually going to work.

The one thing we do know for 100% fact, is that nobody knows enough about this 'scheme' to give a decent answer to what it's all about. As with most things in speedway...there is never enough facts and figures given out or available to the average fan, to actually understand what's happening. The majority of fans haven't got the foggiest idea about engines and set ups...let alone how the rules work each season...even the club managers and prmotors don't know them all. It's a total guessing game and a farce if truth be known. We all give 'opinions', but most are just guesses, or questions asking what's, if's and but's...Sums up speedway tbh...no one has the foggiest idea what they are doing ot talking about...just making it up as they go along. If you've followed the sport for years or promoted it....seems you can get away with as much bullrubbish as you like. Mark Twain had a quote that could easily be used in Speedway... Never argue with stupid (speedway) people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.”

So the engines are sealed to prevent tuning and are designed to reduce servicing costs. That's music to my ears. However...how will an engine that's been designed not to be tuned, compare when racing against a highly tuned GM for example? I'm all for reducing costs...however...surely that should include making it a level playing field? Hopefully there will come a time in the near future, where every rider is racing on sealed engines, that are made illegal by the BSPA to be tinkered with. I really hope for the good of the sport, that some riders don't start breaking the seal on these engines and try to start 'tuning' them. Fingers crossed, that the BSPA and Gerhard get to a position where they can subsidise the costs of these engines and offer them to all the Club riders. Every rider, racing in the league, on a sealed GTR ( or whoever ) engine, made illegal to tamper with, with the bonus of reduced costs, is surely beneficial to Club sport in this country?

H&S...the biggest load of bollox known to mankind...ruins everything. No common sense anymore...and it will only get worse, as these people have to think up new rules and reg's every day, just to keep their jobs. I love the way Europe always sticks two fingers up to it...but we as a nation follow subserviently....makes me sick. I too used to hang out in the pits...even cutting tyres for the likes of Nigel Boocock as a kid...can you imagine that nowadays. Even if speedway was more accessible to the public to get started in, I can't imagine many kids taking it up like they used too...all gone too soft. Too dangerous. Kids are wrapped in cotton wool these days. I fear for this country...

Similar to me. I was never indoors. Played and lived for Sport. Whilst at school I played for the Rugby, Cricket, Football and Basketball teams. Represented the County at Javelin and Golf. Played for the local Towns Football Club. Played for the Golf Club league team. Tried my hand at enduro and Moto x...and did Ski Racing at the local Dry slope. If stuck indoors, I played Subbuteo or with the Speedway Race game I made to use with Britains Speedway models. The only thing electric I had was a Guitar and keyboard and Record Player. Blimey...when I think back, I don't know how I found the time to do it all. I teach Skiing and Racing, and it's so obvious to see which kids don't play outside or play any sport, as they have no strength in their legs and very little co ordination. What's also noticeable is that they don't like being told or Instructed, and give up very easily. The amount of times I've asked beginners if they've skied before, with the answer being 'Yes', only to find out later, it was on computer and not physically...you couldn't make it up...Nuts!!!

It was reported last week, that Teenagers in the UK spend less time outside than Prison Inmates. Even when I see them at the football or Rugby, many have their face in their I phone.

That's one of the biggest issues in speedway though, and has been for many years...not owning your own Stadium. How many tracks have closed because of issues with the stadium owners or redevelopment, rather than a club losing it's support? This will continue to be an issue with clubs that don't own their own stadiums. trying to get planning again is a nightmare. Just wait until Poole have their problems...people think they'll be ok, but I've got my doubts.

I'm not convinced it will, sadly imo, I think it will keep deteriorating. More Clubs close, than open. I think crowds will also keep decreasing. We've lost so many big Clubs over the years, and when they close, you have to find another track to get your fix. The distance between Clubs is further and further. Unless you can attract new fans to the sport, then it will eventually die out, as the fans die out and become less. The problems run deep...leasing stadiums is a big problem for a start. Once they lose the lease, it's hard to start again. People also get out of the habit of going and find other things to do instead. Unless it's on your doorstep...people eventually tail off. When Bristol shut, we used to get 8000 regularly. Many travelled to Swindon and then Newport to get their fix...then a few to Somerset. Now it's just a handful sprinkled about. It's happened with other clubs too....so many. Can eventually see it ending up as an amateur sport a bit like Grasstrack.

Maybe something worth considering, to get more people through the turnstiles, is to offer reciprocal discounted offers with other clubs, especially to season ticket holders. As an example...say Somerset were racing at home against Swindon, then all the other Clubs fans, who had a season ticket with their own club, were entitled entrance at 50% discount on showing their season ticket at the turnstile. This could be reciprocated amongst all clubs in the leagues. Speedway Clubs, could also approach other sporting clubs, and agree reciprocal arrangements with them as well. Approach the nearest cricket, rugby and football clubs. If a season ticket holder, reward that loyalty. Offer discounted entrance at other events. They do this at a local football Club I attend. I have a season ticket at another club, and often go to this other club when my team isn't playing at home. It's 50% discount. By all accounts it has drawn in many new fans and bolsters income.

I don't think it's something that should just be dismissed though. I agree...people have the option to not buy. However... Many Sporting events like football and cricket for example, ban you from bringing your own alcohol into the stadium. Even soft drinks have to have their screw caps taken off the bottle at some events. I see many people arrive at the Speedway of an evening, who have come straight from work. They haven't had time to go home or stop for something to eat or drink. A night at the speedway, is about having an enjoyable evening. It's nice to be able to afford to have a drink and a bite to eat, as well as watch the Speedway. Tbh...I'm always amazed at the queues for burgers and chips at Speedway...they seem endless. I think most Speedway has kept the food and drinks cost down and are reasonable...apart from Swindon where the beer is extortionate. A lot of football, Rugby and Cricket clubs offer a discount on food and drink if you are a season ticket holder.

It's a strange analogy in many ways...as it questions, is sport meant to be entertaining? Then again...Entertainment isn't always necessarily Entertaining if you get my drift. Interestingly, the oxford dictionary definition states sport as... An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment. It's funny how the public persona of speedway is seen to be for motorcycle enthusiasts...as hardly any attend. Like any sport, it's always best if you can, to get a better understanding of the sport, to have actually had a go yourself. Never did roadbikes...but had a go at Ennduro, Moto X, Grasstrack and Speedway. Nothing compares to getting a Speedway bike sideways...have complete admiration for the guys that do it well. As for what Speedway would come under now...maybe some would say, the same as the Circus, especially after hearing what the November BSPA meeting was like again.

OMG Oldtimer...don't get talking about Programmes and race cards on here...otherwise the dimwits will get you. It's a joy, I promise you ;-)

I'm all for thinking of new things that may or may not work...far better discussing them, than just rubbishing them, and letting things stay as they are. I feel that's the problem with speedway and some of it's supporters and those who run it. Set in its ways in many respects, and not willing to change...often with the most important aspects....yet they chop and change pretty much every year, with the things that aren't really that important. Re....admission. Nice idea, but in all honesty, I really don't think the public would get their money back. Once it was in the Speedway coffers it would be gone, never to be seen again. Harsh...but you've only got to see how hard it is at some clubs to get admission back if there's a problem, like at Bell Vue this past season. Speedway is teetering on a financial knife edge...I'd never trust my money with a speedway promotor.

You're welcome... gotta be fecking Irish...

Like I said...'you can't argue with stupid, as they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience'. Your post contradicts everything written...surely you aren't that thick...really? Of course people would have to fill the race card in...'IT'S GENERIC'. that's a given. Like the one's you can print out for free. The other dimwit was talking about the SS having to print all the riders names out, as if it were an actual programme...or are you too thick to read and understand that? The only thing 'Pathetic' is you...How fecking dumb can you be. Kinnel...talk about Forum village idiot. You win that crown. Understand this...I'll write it in big letters for you...

Fixture schedule and rain off's are imo, a massive problem with speedway. I don't know what it's like for others, but I won't risk travelling even if there is a hint of rain in the forecast. Fixtures need to be weekly and consistent. If not, I presume like everything, people get out of the habit of going and find something else to do. I know a few families who used to go to speedway, but got fed up with meetings being cancelled because of a drop of rain....they now go to football and rugby instead. The two factors for me in keeping people interested, that Speedway already has, is continuity and finding a way of modern speedway bikes racing in damp conditions....which when you think about it, is a must considering the country we live in.

No mate...it's a common theme on here with some it seems. Engaging in debate is one thing...but you can only do that with people who are intelligent enough to debate over the period of a thread. It's about listening and taking things on board, and debating or agreeing to disagree. I've explained my 'backtrack' on the programme idea. Because you and others still like to buy them. I personally don't. As I've explained so many times...to which you don't seem to understand... I don't want a programme and I don't want the hassle of printing one myself. Hence the idea of printing one in SS...as I and others would use it, plus read it, which I don't with a programme. Instead of understanding that...you just want to hold onto the fact that I said I'd scrape programmes. Which with discussion with you...I've agreed is a good idea to keep. The problem is....so many posters on here, don't actually read posts properly or actually understand concepts. You can't get your head around it being printed in SS, and the other dimwit, was banging on about riders names being printed etc...how can you discuss or debate with stupid...it's impossible. Your reasoning is absolutely nuts...cuckoo... you say Quote... 'you just got a bit uppity when it was pointed out to you people could pretty much already do what you were suggesting, your "3 ideas".' Well they can't...you can do 2 of them. The third suggestion was so you didn't have to print your own out or buy a programme that you thought was not value for money. The reasoning is...you get value for money with the SS, as it's a good read, plus an opportunity to fill in a race card at a meeting...all in the same package. Now why you or anyone else can't understand that is beyond comprehension. You might not think it's a good idea...but that's your prerogative. However...I and others do. So for the last time...all I'm saying, is that all three options could easily be made available, of which 2 already are. It's very simple...I can't explain it any simpler than that.

Wtf are you on about .....no worries mate...haven't got time now to banter with you, work to do. It's been emotional Banter

He'll do alright at reserve for Panthers and Robins...it's when he moves up into the main body he struggles. In saying that...he's progressed each year, hopefully he'll do the same again this season and become a solid second string. No doubting his ability and determination. It's Zach that's the weakest link imo. Love him to bits, but never seen a rider bottle it so much in the first turn. Complete opposite to BWD who's an animal in the first turn.

You started the plural's mate, when you said 'no one'...instead of 'I' or 'yourself'. You may not like the idea...but others might, and do. I really don't understand why you've got your knickers in a twist over this tbh. It's not going to effect you. You have a choice to purchase whatever you want. We've got past not 'not producing a programme', which you didn't like the idea of. I suggested all three be available. I really can't see how this is bothering you so much.