Gresham

If I was in control of British Speedway...I'd be approaching JAWA to produce speedway engines for the Clubs to own. Get a deal done. Call it the JAWA British League. Pay for the engines over a period of time. To keep initial costs down. Basic sealed engine, like the off the shelf engines they supply now. Have a supply of engines that the BSPA hand out at each meeting...with each individual rider supplying their own rolling chassis. Riders paid a wage rather than per point. Bonuses for wins. This happens now with some riders already. Less wages paid to riders...they don't need money for maintenance and tuning costs. Money saved by Clubs, put back into the sport. Everyone racing on the same engine, that is sealed and off the shelf. If the top boys don't like it, then tough, go and ply your trade elsewhere. Imo, the engines and bikes used now are really only conducive for the large tracks in Poland. EVERYTHING...is Polish lead. Half the problems with British Speedway, when it comes to racing on the tracks, is that these Engines are not suited to smaller tighter tracks. It's like trying to race an F1 car around a village streets. We need engines and bikes that suit our tracks. If we continue in the same vein, then it will only get worse. Riders are trying to make these already too 'hi reving' engines, go faster. Would rather watch Championship standard riders like we saw in the Lynn v Somerset match last night, with NL boys coming into the mix, than the GP boys who's main goal is individual glory.

Having had the luxury of watching the meeting, I'm baffled by some of the posts on here. The track was grippy...but when interviewed the riders said it was good. We had 7 man teams, of pretty much equal standing, close racing, no injuries, a close scoring meeting throughout and a last heat decider. Plus the meeting was run promptly with no delays. I'd be happy to watch that every week. Isn't that what most fans want? My only constructive criticism...would be to make sure all tracks are consistent week in and week out. That way we wouldn't get the farce that's happened recently. The number one priority of any Speedway meeting is to produce, a consistent track. On a personal note...I said in an earlier post, that Somerset would win, although I was expecting it to be by a bigger margin. I wasn't expecting Lawson to have the problems he did...such is the unpredictability of Speedway. I do however think they'll have their work cut out at home against Wolves...prove me wrong you Rebels...lets get that 4th spot ;-)

...I know this has been spoken about before. And forum members have given their views etc...but has it ever been asked of the riders? If so...what is their opinion? If not...Could someone like the Speedway Star ask them? Do Riders want full control over their own engines, or would they consider riding for British Clubs if the Clubs owned or the BSPA owned the engines? Without going into it all again...for those who haven't thought about it. The premise...to take away the spiralling costs of maintaining and tuning a Speedway engine. Basic idea... Clubs/BSPA do a deal with someone like JAWA, GM, GTR...to provide basic sealed engines that are tuned to last longer. All built to the same spec. Riders pick lots for engine at meeting and provide their own rolling chassis. Can alter everything on bike, except engine. Engines given back at end of meeting. Riders would earn less, but wouldn't have the maintenance and tuning costs. Money saved by Clubs paying riders, goes towards engines etc. Obviously there are so many questions to how this could be achieved...but I'm really interested in whether the riders would be interested in such an idea. The idea, to make riding Club speedway less expensive, put everyone on an even keel ( not 100%...but better than now ), take away the element of having 7 individuals providing random machinery on the day and a team manager and calling it a 'Team'. If riders want to partake in Individual events, then do it with their own machinery paid for by themselves or sponsors. It also takes away the riders being paid money by British Clubs, and then the riders using it on Engines for Leagues in Poland and Sweden etc. It's massively different to how the sport is run and the riders mentality would have to completely change, especially about 'exact personal set ups'...but imo, for the sport to continue in this country, it really does to do something drastic. This would be my ideal...however....would love to know what the riders would feel about it....and not just the fans.

I've got a gut feeling the Rebels could pull off another away win tonight fella. Like you say...Hougaard really needs to get back to his best, but on the whole I think the lads can do it.

Marge...your feelings are exactly like mine. If I lived closer, it wouldn't be a problem. But Friday nights on the M5 from Bristol are a joke, then take into consideration the weather and fixtures, it really has become a 'take it or leave it scenario'. I often wonder how many people are like myself and would make the effort to get to Somerset on a regular basis, if it wasn't such a balls ache. I watch and participate in other sports...Golf, Football, Skiing and Cricket...as well as Speedway. My time and disposable income and enjoyment can be spent elsewhere tbh. Somerset Speedway got me interested again. I love the set up and passion the owners have...it really is infectious. However...I can only feel outside influences will kill off many followers, especially from outside the Highbridge area. Lack of home league fixtures on a regular basis, and the Friday night travelling debacle really are effecting any passion. Then take into the consideration of the meetings we've had at Somerset this season, with lack of riders....you have to ask yourself, 'how can it continue?' It's only the fantastic racing on a great track that makes me yern to go....However, like you, I've lost the buzz a little. Golf and football now taking over. Speedway needs to take a long hard look at itself.

Thank you for letting me know...however you will notice from that link, I have added numerous posts to that thread. I'm also not sure how linking both threads will help with further discussion. They both have their place...wouldn't you agree? May I add...as much as I wish Bristol Speedway to return, it has very little hope imo. Bristol is a City of culture and Arts. The Council have no interest in Sport. So much has changed in 40 years. As much as I admire the passion and determination of others who want to bring the sport back, I can only think it's for one reason. Dig a little deeper and you find out why. I'm not convinced that this will take off. Pipe dream tbh.

His ownership of Bristol Speedway as a 'business' finished in 2015. I'm sure he was involved with the Bristol Council...if anyone was going to get Speedway back to Bristol it was him. Hopefully things have changed. Bristol is a very apathetic City. A lovely place to live, full of arts, music, culture etc. However...It's council are very much anti any sport if it infringes on the feelings of anyone. I seriously can't see Speedway in Bristol ever again. It may have a chance in the outer suburbs. Yes...for the better.

Driving to Somerset on a Friday is like no other day. Swindon to Somerset, is like Sheffield to Somerset with the congestion. Seems like there was some exciting racing tonight...just a shame Belle Vue had a weakened team. Speedway really is kicking itself in the nuts right now. How many Somerset fans would say they are enjoying this season? I look at Belle Vue coming to Somerset and see it as the equivalent of Bristol City at home to the mighty Man Utd...only in name and from history now though. Nostalgia clouding reality.

I turned round and came home again. Couldn't even get on to the Motorway. Radio saying it's mental both ways and roads grid locked off of it. Hope people closer can get to it and make it a good crowd. Surely this traffic is affecting attendances at the Oaktree though? This isn't the first time this season I've had to turn around. Someone implied before on here, that Somerset race on a Friday because the council won't let them race other nights. Surely that's not true as meetings have been raced on other nights there? Gutted...at least the footy season starts tomorrow for me.

Fingers crossed...

Totally...I also envy the Championship. I haven't enjoyed the racing so much this season, and that has nothing to do with the Rebels winning. It's just not been as entertaining imo. Biggest problem today, is going to be getting there again. 15 mile tail backs north bound due to lorry crash. Rubber neckers southbound causing hold ups. A mate is a Taxi driver down that way...WSM...and has gone home. Says traffic has come to a stand still on all the roads around there. Oh the joys of the M5 on a Friday...

That's even worse...the traffic leaving Junc 18 for Bath is gridlock most days, not just a Friday. There is no fast way of getting to the Oaktree, unless you live south/west of Bristol...I've tried every route. It's a nightmare.

Indeed he did, but then look at his scores for us and Glasgow since then. Which makes me think he has mechanical problems. It's the one thing that bugs me in Team Speedway, a Club is reliant on a rider having good equipment. You just don't know what you are going to get on the night. Injuries, dips in form from fatigue etc I can stomach...but so much of a result is just down to who's got the best set up on the night. We all know what riders have the talent, they show it when they have the machinery.

What's going on with BWD? Four engines blown up literally in a month. Big hole out of the bottom of it last night. How can that happen? Now down to owning one engine and asking for help as struggling to continue.

Looking forward to this League meeting.... we haven't had one since June 23rd lol...mental. I've got a feeling the Rebels could get a big whipping tonight. Lawson scoring poorly of late (engine problems, we all know he has the talent? ) Josh and Paddy coming back from injury. Really going to need the middle order and reserves to be on fire. I think Belle Vue are stronger with Bellego in for Bjerre and RR for Fricke. Bellego, Tungate, Cook, Worrall and Bewley all look strong around the Oaktree. Hoping for some exciting close racing and a last heat decider Rebels win.

SG and SA still seem good mates now...always lots of banter between them on FB. SG seems to have history with tyres and wheels. Midlo is always reminding him of tyres he still owes him lol. Can concur about SG being polite and well mannered off track. Will always be my speedway hero...so many happy memories from Brizzle and Swindon

We don't have a Home league fixture for 5 weeks, then 4 in the space of 2 weeks. Friday, Wednesday, Monday, Friday. It's complete and utter madness.... I love Somerset to bits...but really? This is becoming a farce.

What has it got to do with the riders having a say fella? They have far too much influence imo. I'm fed up with the safety issue being used as a 'poor me' card. It's used to often when it suits them. A great deal of Speedway riders, ride bikes for fun in their spare time and do what we think is foolish. It's in their blood and how many of them get their kicks. If Speedway didn't exist, they'd be doing some other mad adrenalin fuelled sport and taking massive risks. There is nothing wrong in riding in wet conditions...you race according to the conditions. It happens in other sports, yet Speedway seems to shut down at the slightest hint of the wet stuff...which is madness, especially in this Country where it rains so much. They may not like getting wet and dirty...but tough. If it's raceable...then race...even if it means adjusting to conditions and racing slower and with more caution. Soon there will be no speedway as we know it, and no living to make, if these riders keep making the call. Tin hat on waiting for the shells to come in ;-)

It's the year 2017...All speedway Clubs should have invested in track protection from the elements. Just like they have with airfences. It is absolutely ridiculous that Speedway has been running all these years, and they still haven't found a way of riding in wet conditions or protecting the track properly. No wonder speedway is losing fans...people get fed up with it and find other things to do that is reliable. How does a Professional Sport run that is dependent on weather conditions, without at least trying to find a way to lessen the blow? I shake my head sometimes...how do Promoters expect fans to keep loyal to a Club, when poor fixture planning and the slightest hint of rain means no Speedway for weeks on end?

Anyone know whether the Track covers Somerset had last week, were borrowed or now owned by the Club? Seems a bit odd this decision, as like others have said it looks ok now for the rest of the day. Can't help but think these rain offs and poor fixture planning will be detrimental to attendances. 5 weeks now without a home league meeting...crazy. Football season now upon us...August holiday season as well. Hopefully it won't...but I know my arrangements and disposable income will be further stretched with other attractions I wish to attend in coming weeks. So many choices for people these days to spend their hard earned on and enjoy.

Tbh, I think if we had Somerset, Bristol and Swindon all going, it would be good for Speedway. Could see fans attending all 3. The M4/M5 route would be so much nicer if it still had Oxford, Reading, Swindon, Bristol, Newport, Somerset, Exeter and Plymouth going all together

I'm in the video of the Bob Coles crash...(it's on youtube) it happened just in front of where me and my father were stood. You can see my father wearing a white bobble hat ducking his head and me as a young en wearing a parker as you did back then lol As for expected crowds if Bristol came back...who knows. When the Bulldogs packed up, many ended up going to watch at Swindon and then Newport. A few also go to Somerset now. I would guess, you would get a few come back out of interest. Depends where it is, how it's promoted and whether it's entertaining and has good racing. I think that's why Somerset work so well tbh...hardly a big catchment area, with no Speedway history...but they have the best track for consistent close and entertaining racing, which draws the crowds in.

Although the track was appalling by known standards, it still made for entertaing and exciting racing. If not, you wouldn't have got the crowds we did. More than Bristol Rovers. Some great riders graced that track and I was lucky enough as a young boy to meet most of them, as I was allowed in the pits. Such a shame Eastville closed...now an Ikea. And the locals complained about noise...now look what they've got 24/7 lol Some great pictures can be seen in this collection...scroll through the whole lot, as there are some football and boxing in amongst them. https://www.flickr.com/photos/kwmc/4853476828/in/photostream/ What I can't understand is that there is hardly any video footage readily available of either Knowle or Eastville. A couple on youtube and a video released with a few races on it. The local TV station covered it most Fridays.

I don't mind atmosphere created by fans cheering and supporting their rider...and I like to hear the bikes engines. I don't mind music either. Airhorns and vuvuzelas...are just 'noise'. It doesn't make a great atmosphere...it just makes an incessant noise that means nothing. It's like when the presenter says 'make some noise' for so and so...what does that actually mean? It's just plain braindead imo. I just don't see the fun in making noise for the sake of it. Atmosphere is created by excitement and anticipation. Imo...airhorns are encouraged as it gives a false sense of excitement to the viewers on tv. 'Listen to all that noise and excitement'...when actually its a few thousand Poles, munching on a sausage, pissed outta their heads, pressing their finger down on an airhorn ;-) Empty vessels and all that. Tongue firmly in cheek :-)

I didn't go this year, as the incessant mindless noise of airhorns and vuvuzelas just does my head in. Is there anyway of avoiding it?