Gresham

I agree with your sentiment...however, i'd still like to keep seven man teams if at all possible. But I really do like your ideas and agree.

Unfortunately it's such a simple idea, it will pass many by, as there is no money to be made from people with influence. Riders and tuners will continually spend money, regardless of what new carb, tyre, silencer are thrown at them, to find an edge over the next rider. It's a retarded mentality...what is the point. It goes round and round in circles. Regulate and standardise as much as possible. It's not so hard...but people will always throw up reasons why it can't be done.

Do they keep their mouth shut, so as not to make the sport look bad on TV...or because it will upset other people in the sport?

Imo, probably one of the biggest factors that is contributing to many problems within Speedway. It is one of the daftest ideas, to allow riders to have such differences in their bikes in a 'Team' sport. We've all got used to it being that way over the years, because it's been allowed to happen and evolve this way. If Speedway were to start again...would it make sense to allow this? Trying a way to 'Standardise' engines for League meetings imo, would be a massive shot in the arm for a better Speedway future.

A lot of the problems as well... are the length of time certain meetings take to run these days. Get a few re starts, then all the mechanics come running out trying to look important, top the tank up, cool the clutch, oil the chain, tickle your riders nuts and tell him how great he is...then the digging again at the tapes, play around with the clutch lever...adjust said nuts...and it soon takes up a lot of time. Lots of tracks with curfews...second halves could be a problem under today's regulations.

Agreed, too powerful...but easier to handle? I keep reading conflicting reports re the bikes handling. Many saying the bikes are less controllable...even TW was saying this recently. Think you are correct fella, in as much as these bikes need a 'slicker' surface and don't particularly like the deeper heavier tracks. Swindon and Somerset added shale this week, both promotions mentioned that the riders took a while to adapt and get used to it, once the slicker riding line had been produced.

Rain off's have been part of the sport, but I think it is getting out of hand now. Tracks and bikes nowadays don't like anything but 'perfect' conditions. Riders can't race on the tracks when slightly wet, because the bikes are so high revving. They lose traction, just spin and lose control. It's either like an ice rink or riding on marbles...they lose all traction. This is where the sport needs to sort itself out. We need bikes that can race on tracks that are wet....not flooded...but wet. It's part and parcel of our environment. We need to be able to race on tracks that have rain on them. It, imo, is why we lose so many fans. The hardcore put up with it. But to travel like many do, and see meetings stop for some light drizzle, over time, it gets to you... and you end up not bothering to go if the weather forecast hints at any showers. You then get out of the habit, and find other interests to follow.

Play off's are in many sports now...in theory it doesn't make sense for all the reasons mentioned. Imo, it's a 'modern' mindset, where people want more from their sport. Same could be said for penalty shoot outs to decide important football match's. When you consider all the hard work during a season, and then it comes down to a few penalties. I understand that fella...however...music at an event, especially in a high adrenalin sport like speedway, can be used to build the excitement and anticipation to the main event. I experienced last night, the worst chosen music for any sporting event I've ever been too. It actually made me feel depressed and sleepy. I felt so strongly about it, that I mentioned it in the Somerset match thread. I've seen it done well at Swindon...as mentioned. 'Appropriate' music to set the atmosphere. It really can enhance an experience or ruin it. It's not expensive or rocket science...but done poorly can really darken the mood.

I didn't hear any announcement about him being delayed...I'm not surprised...it took me two hours to drive what normally takes 45 minutes. Perhaps Somerset should maybe consider holding meetings on another night, instead of Friday's....as it's the busiest part of the M5 especially this time of year, let alone a normal working week night. It's not the first time people or Ambulances have been held up. As for the music, I heard it announced twice that the music had been provided from some chap who worked at Yeoviton Air museum. And that the normal 'DJ' could just sit back and press a button. I thought that's what he did anyway. As for 'Could I do better on the Centre Green'... I certainly could, public speaking is something I'm used to. However...it's not my job to do it. It's a bit like you criticising a Speedway rider, and me asking you whether you could do better. It's not our job. I enjoy Speedway at Somerset...but I do believe they could do better when it comes to 'Entertaining' the crowd outside of the racing. Constructive criticism. I know they advertised for 'Live Acts' to perform over the holiday month...perhaps we'll see some over August. Looked a healthy crowd last night as well :-)

BWD seemed a different rider after his nasty looking fall with Ostergard. Glad both got up unhurt. Bradders seemed to be flying in his next two races...even his bike seemed faster. He's a true racer and never gives up...glad Somerset have signed him.

Thank God the racing was good. Enjoyed the racing...but I really do expect better entertainment fella. Nothing wrong with the announcements and information during the heats and breaks, but to nothing, apart from play some abysmal music up until 7.30 is not good enough imo. At least the bloke last week was getting in amongst the travelling fans and getting a bit of banter going. Absolute nada this week.

Well we've now got to at least the 80's fella lol sadly someone just walked past wearing a Bristol Rovers shirt...feel like I need a shower now haha 😆 😉 I might join her lol

Blimey...we've got to the 50's now...progress lol...7.10 and a crowd...music from 20's to the 50's so far...not one bit of entertainment. No man on the microphone...no interviews...nothing...top of the league and we wonder why speedway is dying. Very poor entertainment Somerset...not impressed tonight. Can you tell I'm friggin bored 😞

Someone change the bloody music...its about creating an atmosphere...kinnel I'm in a time warp...the friggin Charleston and such like...its like a morgue here..feel like slitting my wrists...its that bad. Hope the racing is better...

Riding for Belle Vue instead...was looking forward to watching him too :-(

I couldn't agree more fella...a fact which my girlfriend pointed out recently, who is new to the sport...that it was like watching train spotters straight after a race...to which I was scolded for saying so on here. Where's the scoreboard at Swindon now? I remember one over the pits many moons ago. I generally stand on the back straight these days.

....gone to a good home for $ 1.7 million... https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/ivan-maugers-gold-plated-motorbike-sold-canterbury-museum Sad to hear he's too unwell to travel with alzheimer's.

I agree...keep programmes for the older generation and those that want to fill it in. I'm thinking more about people who are new to the sport. I recently took some people to the British GP. Some who have never been to Speedway before. Some enjoyed filling in the programme, others asked why there wasn't a scoreboard showing each race result and time and running scores. They weren't interested in a programme to fill in....they just wanted to watch and absorb the atmosphere and chat with others. The whole family in front of me had printed off scorecards and one was using the SS.

I agree... No need to get rid of programmes...lots of people like them, but an addition of scoreboard would definitely enhance the situation. Apart from the scorecard, programmes are pretty much a waste of time. The majority of information in them can be found via other sources, Club website, FB pages and other social media etc. Yet people still buy them and like them. Same as most other sports. Why buy a football programme? It's absolutely useless in this day and age. I've noticed a lot more people printing their own race cards as well these days. I suppose it's something to consider for attracting new fans.

Some nice ideas there...to your list of ideas, I'd like to add an electronic scoreboard. Whilst I understand the most likely reason we don't have it, is because Clubs want you to buy a programme and make revenue. However...the see the score updated after every heat at a glance, without having to buy a programme and religiously fill it in would enhance the speedway experience imo.

Conduct and classy? You wouldn't know conduct and classy if it slapped you in the face.... I may swear at you...but your conduct on this forum is far from engaging. Far worse than swearing...You're just a troll who likes to antagonise people and get a reaction. Constantly attacking people all over the forum... taking away from the discussion of the thread. You really do live up to your namesake...hybrid and feral...anyway...you've got what you've wanted again...a reaction and making it all about you. You really are a sad C*NT.

You know a sport is in trouble when they have to keep changing the rules every year. Never been a fan of double points or 15m starts...reminds me of 'It's a knock out games'...can't take it seriously. As for Promotors...I don't believe they should be allowed to run the sport. It should be an independent body away from the promotors...who and how they'd get elected would also cause more problems than it's worth though. Always someone has an agenda. Go feck yourself you C*nT

The intention is to try out the different scenarios in behind closed doors meetings like they have been doing recently, then to run a meeting for the public to attend before rubber stamping anything. They will be open to questions from the public...that's what I've read so far about the situation. I'm sure someone will know more detail. Shame another good thread is going the same way as many others...same two people picking on others again, instead of actually contributing anything decent to the conversation. 'You said this, you said that'...FFS get a grip, fed up with em...Grade A... C U next Tuesdays.

Whilst I agree and like your ideas...are points 3 and 7 legal? Does it infringe 'working rights'? I only ask as I don't know.

Imo, we have as fans become set in our ways and reluctant to certain changes...which is ironic when the sport changes it's rules pretty much every season. Personally I think there is too much control and power by the riders and other people who make a living from the sport like tuners. They seem to dictate how things are run. Imo, Fans want a team to support on a regular basis, on a regular race night, against varied opposition...not the same teams and riders. They want it on well prepared tracks, with good presentation and entertainment and value for money. Personally I'd try and find a way of merging Elite and Premier league. We have so many double up riders, apart from a few riders, there isn't a big gulf in ability. I've seen these top riders struggle just as much as the Prem boys. You only have to look at the likes of Cook and Lambert in the SWC final...a point or so adrift of what Lindback and Doyle scored...it's the same every week and often down to machinery and not ability. If the top boys don't want to ride here...then so be it. I've been far more entertained watching Prem speedway than elite this season. I don't look at Prem and think it's miles adrift from the elite in ability...it's not. As Rosco said recently...the Elite league is just 'Elite' by name, not in reality. In the long term, we need to find a way of making the bikes compatible with the race tracks. We need to reduce costs and restrict bikes more. I'd personally like 'Team or Club' engines introduced in the future. For Individual events let the riders do what they want. We also need to find a way of making surfaces adapt to water better and find a way of making bikes able to race on a wetter surface. Plus find a way of protecting the tacks better from the elements. That last sentence is a basic need for this sport....it's a no brainer. We live in a Country where it rains a lot. It's common sense. Way too many rain off's....this has to be addressed imo.