Gresham

It's such a shame that so many threads on this forum end up turning into slanging matches. I've been guilty of over reacting to other peoples attacks...it's hard not too when so many attack the poster and not the post. Just because people have a difference of opinion...surely if we don't agree, we should debate and give counter argument? Or as I have done, put people on 'Ignore'? In Somerset's last programme, there is an interview with Dave Rowe...he mentions in it, about the 'constant bitching and sniping' all the time of forums and social media...and that it will eventually drag the sport down. He mentions that as fans we should be looking at 'Constructive and positive ways of improving the sport'. He also mentions that he thinks British Speedway will inevitably change...and it's clear we have difficulties....that teams in all leagues are struggling, brings up Plymouth example, and says 'It's no good people just ignoring these things'. He say's it wouldn't surprise him if the current format of speedway in this country changed...'either to one Super League, with one night only of racing...or to a lower league level of two divisions of 12'. This is coming from a guy who's been around speedway for many years and is close to what actually is going on with Clubs etc. It's great that BV got up and running at last and it's a positive for the sport...but regardless of what people think...Gustix is factually correct...it will only survive as long as Speedway survives. People have to keep attending, and the Promotors and riders need to put on a good product that is both sustainable and entertaining, for all parties. I've come back to this sport, because I have a deep ingrained love for it. I try to see what would attract a complete newcomer to the sport. It's still there in it's rawest form. I saw hope only last Friday...a little kid with his parents at Somerset. Probably only 5/6 yo. He had his little push bike, similar in style to a speedway bike...a small crash helmet on and Somerset racing bib on. Practicing his starts and copying actions of the riders...completely lost in his speedway bubble. His head sharply turned to the track when the first engine sounds started up...he was transfixed. It took me back to when I was a kid...if the sport can tap into that, then I think we are onto something. Do Promotors still take riders and a bike to schools, talk about Speedway, hand out tickets and info...start up the bike and let the kids see and feel the excitement?

Andrew Silver is my second all time favourite racer. I find this quote above, making so much sense if it is the case. I often watched him race and thought it was his engine or set up and not him, that was preventing him being the best. He was one of the most talented, exciting riders to watch...so entertaining...couldn't gate for toffee, but that's what made it even more entertaining as you knew he had to battle to often get past riders. He may not be considered a World beater, but in my eyes he's one of the best Speedway riders ever...so talented.

Indeed he did...happened right in front of where I was stood. Wright was pushed out by Hansen...all three were in a line...BWD had no where to go and his leg was collected by Wright, and down he went.

Great thread chaps...wish I had the tenacity to stay away from certain areas of the forum...its much more fun down here :-)

Cracking meeting last night at Somerset, good racing with a reasonable sized crowd. Was stood chatting next to people from Exeter, Plymouth and Workington...Speedway fans really do put in the miles to see their sport. In Somerset's case, and maybe other tracks, I'd say changing their race night would be an advantage to gaining more fans, especially from North. M5 on that stretch, on a Friday night southbound, is an absolute ball ache. 2.5hrs to travel 40 miles is ridiculous. Puts anyone off going. Even the meeting started late because the Ambulance was stuck in traffic. Was back home in 40 mins. Good racing made it worthwhile though.

Like I said before Bwitcher...there is no point discussing anything with you, because you just don't read posts correctly or understand them. I replied in an adult fashion in post 35, the one I referred to. I also explained my tirade in the post above. See...you really don't seem to understand plain English, so it's difficult to have any discussion with you. I'm going to end it here...I'm sure you'll have something more to say...as well as your friends. Anyway...I'm off to the 'boring' speedway as you like to refer to it. Looking forward to some good racing and some sensible banter. I suggest you put me on ignore as I'm going to do likewise...you'll soon be talking to yourself and arguing about who's right ;-) Enjoy ;-)

And this is what you do mate...you go around telling people what to do, or that they are incorrect. We got into a conversation, where we couldn't agree...however much you kept banging on, you couldn't or wouldn't see it from my point of view. You saw it one way...I tried to explain it how I see it differently...you chose to ignore that. I suggested we agree to disagree...you wouldn't. You always have to be right and have the last word...even if someone asks for an end to just agree to disagree. I resorted to my tirade...because you make me pull my hair out in frustration. I've never known anyone be so aggressive or downright pedantic as you on a forum. I really don't get why you don't understand posts in the way they are being put across. Why do you have to nit pick and dissect and try to pull peoples posts apart? Is it necessary? Is it points scoring or just a wind up? In my previous post I tried to explain a few issues in an adult fashion...Instead of thinking about what I said, you have to challenge me to prove a point. I'm not going to go down that route, as it will create WW3 on here...but it's there for all to see. As for me being in a clique...far from it. I don't do cliques, gangs, clubs...I'm an individual and I like to think for myself. The clique i'm referring to, are the group of individuals who like yourself, like to take other people down, and make snide comments all the time...instead of contributing to topics with thoughtful debate. I see that very rarely from certain ones.

What was the point you were challenging or debating? There wasn't any...it was just a wise crack that you misunderstood. And that seems to be the common theme here. You misunderstand a lot of posts. It's also apparent, you are simply putting people in box's, based on what has been said by other people previously on this forum. If there has been a history of such, then fine...but please don't bracket everyone in that same box. I'm not that person you think I am. If you would have understood my posts generally...you will understand that I am returning to Speedway, because it's been a big part of my life, I miss it and deep down love it. I enjoy it when I'm there...but can see problems and certain aspects that imo, need attention. The fact people seem likeminded and have similar views seems to irk you. Speedway is not perfect and can be improved...but it can still be enjoyed to a certain extent in it's present form. I'm glad you now understand my post...and respect you for apologising. But please see, that many on here do love Speedway...they just want the best for it. Debating on how it can be improved and pointing out negatives can only improve it...hopefully. What I'd like to convey to you, and the little clique that you seem to be part of...is that you all seem to have followed speedway for a long time, and seem jaded by years of 'negative' topics or any constructive criticism. This seems to have clouded your judgement on people...please see everyone as an individual...don't just put them in box's of 'happy clappers' or 'moaning old sods'. I've been a member of this forum for quiet a few years...I haven't read everyday, so i'm not aware of the politics on it, plus I don't read every thread. But since coming on here more regularly, the one thing that has stood out, is this little clique and band that stick together, and move in packs around posters. I'm not aware if you all know you do this, but it's very noticeable...Deep down is that something you want to portray on a forum? I don't see debate, all I see are posts being pulled apart...pedantic posts...snide comments, never getting to the fundamental aspect of the post...just nit picking and almost looking for an argument. Perhaps engaging in debate on points, and giving a thoughtful answer in a respectful manner, might help stop all this in fighting, and stop people like me reacting in the same way.

Indeed...I'm going tonight to Somerset. Not dead...but seriously unhealthy. I love it too...wish things could change for the better though, and make it even more enjoyable. And your point is? Considering you've 21,000 odd posts, kinnel...you should get out to speedway more often...you come across as the little oik, who pops his head out from behind the safety of the bully, and just shouts inane quips...at least Bwitcher has a go, however deluded. You are far worse in my book...odd little quips to stir...you my friend win the crown for that achievement :-) Blimey...a clairvoyant too...or just plain Witch...haha...so you know my friends...you don't...so feck off will you, and realise you've got it wrong again...talk about delusional and make believe. Playing the hard done by card and spinning it, just reflects how stupid you really are. Take a look in the mirror to how you come across on here...a know it all, that makes things up to suit their agenda and who can never be wrong. You don't know me...you never understand my posts, and you put people in box's...'certain posters'...get real you irritant. Try and understand the fecking post you idiot...where have I said.. 'friends' who are 'speedway fans too' are ridiculing you for liking something they also like'? I haven't...they still all go to the speedway...They ridicule the fact that they are watching riders who ride for various teams in the leagues, either doubling up or as guests etc. Now which point of that is hard to understand...? Stop making up points...just try to understand posts. How many fecking times...it's like conversing with a complete numbskull.

If you want model Stadium, google 'Subbuteo' stadiums. This one is a cracker... http://vecchiostamposito.altervista.org/blog/subbuteo-park/ The lego one's are nice, but very childlike...the one I had was more like the scratch built one's as shown in the classic speedway mag. Like Steve said...wish I'd taken photos of mine too...it ended up dumped somewhere when I found girls and beer :-)

Are you ok Bwitcher? Seriously... have you mental health issues, or on meds...or are you always just plain argumentative and always looking to pick fights with posters? I can't remember a post by you, where you haven't attacked a poster...you really are a vile human being. Why do you always read threads, how you want to read them? Why do you always assume things, then make them fact in your head? As others have said via pm...you really are a nasty piece of work if not mentally ill. As I'll correct you from your misconception...Who mentioned that these friends don't follow Speedway? Who said they don't follow the Sport? Who said they don't go? See...you've misread a thread AGAIN...and read it how you want to read it. Wind yer neck in, and start realising some people want to have a debate on here, without some knob end constantly picking faults in posts and never adding anything positive or worthwhile reading themselves. You are a bit like my friends Jack Russell... Snappy, loud, irritating, and rather disliked by many and highly insignificant...probably bullied at school with small man syndrome :-) Now to a sensible poster... I can see your points and agree to an extent. However...to get people to turn up, week after week and follow the club and not just occasionally, things need to change. Which I'm sure you'll agree. I've watched Speedway for many years, and from my own experience, it is the racing and supporting a club and getting attached to it, that makes people return...not other 'Entertainment' that fills in during intervals etc. As has been suggested on many threads, Speedway needs drastic change. There is no point spending lots of money on marketing and advertising, if people turn up and find the product offered...boring. Wasted money...they won't return. Can you see my point there? No point going over old ground on how to improve it...but Speedway is losing people faster than it is gaining them.

Sounds like kindred spirits. We did similar. Seemed like I was signing new riders nearly every other weak and painting up the new signings. I also used enamels...I think acrylic might have been easier and less messy. Would love to have seen Gresham...although I did a few myself. PM me your email and I'll send some pics ;-)

Haha...that's brilliant. Just found the last team I ever painted...took a few snaps. I'd like to post a link to them, but for some reason this forum won't allow me to copy and paste a link.

You had working starting gate and exclusion lights!!!! Awesome...how did your tapes work? Mine just had the gate marked out and tapes (white cotton) permanently up :-( Did have white card fence on corners and wire meshing down straights though :-) I forgot about the cars and tractors we had too...we adapted a grader for between races haha ;-) I'm sure my father has still got my books with all the results in somewhere. I'll have to search for them next time I'm around his. Just looked on ebay. They have exact reproduction copies of the riders, made from the same moulds for sale...now that's worth knowing. Can see the paint brushes coming out in the future haha ;-)

...anyone ever made one? I was reminded of this when posting in the 'Skid Kidz' thread. As kids...when we weren't pretending to be Speedway riders on our cycles, if it was too wet to go out, we would hold speedway meetings and have a league running, in our respective houses after school. We collected the Britain's scale model Speedway riders and painted them into our favourite riders for our own teams. Our tracks were made from hardboard and usually kept under our beds. The track was chalked out, and model dust used for the track and centre green. It was glued down, but a little was left on top to add depth and realism. We built pits, bastardising model buildings, cardboard, paint and glue. We used Subbuteo terracing for the stands. Plus we used the Subbuteo floodlights for that night time glow. We marked the inner kerbs with small numbers. A dice would be rolled to move around the track. Heat leaders would have the dice number rolled plus 1 added. Numbers 2 and 4 would have the same every alternate throw. Numbers 6 and 7 would have 1 deducted from the number rolled, every second throw. It surprisingly gave realistic results. We would race only two laps as otherwise it would take too long. We kept programmes of each meeting in school books. Updated leagues, and worked out averages after each meeting. We each had our own team names...mine was Sunningdale Wildcats. We painted our race jackets on the riders. Mine was the same as Hull Vikings, but instead of a Viking head it had a big black 'W'. Great times...many fun hours spent. Can imagine replicating this again in my Retirement years...long way off yet. Anyone else done anything similar?

Unreal isn't it...glad you said it. It's surprising how many on here get joy from analysing other peoples posts, nit pick, be pedantic, and just want to keep telling others they are wrong all the time.

Do you think the crowds have returned due to the Brummies winning, regardless of league...the racing, cost...or any other reason? If it's down to just winning, then surely this Sport is in trouble, if fans only turn up if the team is doing well? Not saying that's the case...but only a few in a league can be successful.

If no one comes to pay and watch you race, how do you expect payment? The whole mind set needs to change. You say about the riders and whether they are willing...tough...Riders, imo, have too much power in this sport. It may have to take one step back to take two forward again. Run on a Semi Professional set up. Crowds are dropping, Costs of running Speedway rise, and Speedway riders still want to make a full time living out of the Sport. The two don't add up. No body wants to see a merry go round of the same riders racing for different teams...that is a farce in itself. It's the one thing friends of mine scoff at. It may even have to go to being Amateur for it to kick on. It simply can't continue in the same vein without their being long term effects on the sport in this country imo.

Are you looking to part with any? I'm looking for 6th May v Rayleigh, and 13th May v Bradford.

Did you forget to add something here fella?

When Speedway in this country eventually implodes, and a few more tracks close, I can see it eventually going this way. As for someone's point regarding having two jobs...I think that's the norm for many these days. One, maybe two race nights a week only would help.

Some very valid points... I'm not really interested in seeing the GP type riders...So I'm quiet happy watching Premier league standard. I'd be quiet happy if we went back to a time where Speedway riders in this country saw riding a bike as their second job. A team of 7 riders and juniors/reserves that were contracted and paid to only race for one side. I'd reintroduce a Northern and Southern League. Bring costs down, by somehow only allowing standard off the shelf sealed engines, put into riders own rolling chassis. I'd be quiet happy for Speedway to go part time for the riders. I really don't care if a rider can be 3 seconds quicker, it only means he has to spend a fortune on services and tuning etc. I'd personally be very happy to see riders who only race for my club...it then feels like a club and someone you can support and follow. As for money...clubs shouldn't be allowed to fall into debt. After costs of running the meeting...the gate receipts should be divided between the riders. Very Simple. If it means the speedway rider I watch is a Postman or similar during the day, and he see's Speedway as a paid hobby, then it's fine by me. Crowds dictate what type of Profession this sport has become. To me it shouts semi professional.

Most definetely Doncaster. Here's a pic of him wearing those leathers... Edit...Well I'd like to post a link to it...but this forum doesn't like me. It won't even allow me to add 'emotions' to my posts. Google Jeremy Doncaster Speedway....and there is a pic in images wearing those leathers in Ipswich race jacket.

I remember taking a friend to the Speedway once, and they spent more time staring at people wearing those, totally aghast, than watching the speedway lol

It's definitely something I enjoyed doing...it gave a whole new dimension to a meeting and made it so much more enjoyable for me. One track I never got to visit was White City :-(