MattK

Did the riders pick their gates or are they allocated, highest scorer on the inside, etc.?

The press release issued yesterday clearly states the project was launched in 2007.

MotoGP, F1 etc are raced on tracks of varying shapes and sizes, therefore you expect a variety of of entertainment levels and this is where strategies, rather than passing on the track come into play. Speedway tracks are much the same size and shape (compared to a tradional racing circuit). The problem is, when you watch a meeting held on a Polish league track, there is passing on the inside and out in most heats. This begs the questions of why the GP can't find a dozen tracks around the world which will produce great racing. I agree with what you say about the occasion and that is why I go to Cardiff every year without fail. However, only a small percentage of spectators attend any single GP, the vast majority watch on TV where the atmosphere of the event rarely comes across.

I think they are referring to Sky+.

You'd think by now, they would have worked out how to size/shape and prep a track. Two terrible meetings in one week, one from King's Lynn and now this.

Exactly. Rather than reducing the chances of a Coventry/Peterborough type situation, I think an independent committee would actually cause it to happen every year. At least with the current BSPA/AGM set-up, every club gets a vote and most seem to accept the democratic flaw that you will not always get what you want. I can't see clubs accepting an independent body effectively dictating rules and regulations which will effect their businesses and potentially cost them money.

So give an actual example of a recent issue that you think an independent body would have handled differently in order to reach a more satisfactory outcome to all involved?

What kind of decisions do you think an independent group would make that is different to the current set-up? For example, they would be largely be giving by what the clubs want/need, so for example a method of cost saving, which has lead to the draft list and many of this season's concerns. Likewise, if Sky says they want a double-point rule in order to sign a TV deal, the independent group would be in no position to refuse. Some people seem to think an independent committee is some kind of panacea to speedway's problems, but I am really struggle to see what actual specific difference it would make.

I always assumed it was the other way around?

Is that backing from their governing body, Polish club or simply more generous sponsors?

Exactly. First things first, I'd like to see some British youngster prove their ambition by riding regularly on the continent, rather than in the safety and comfort of the Premier League.

What is the line-up for the Leicester round?

I agree. "Family friendly" is a terrible marketing angle when they should be promoting the extreme nature of the sport.

It's called "good" Friday because we don't have to go to work?

Yes they will pay the additional costs. The total cost is now £5.25m which will be paid for by Manchester City Council taking out a loan and Belle Vue Speedway paying it back over up to 24 years (was previously 60 years). Belle Vue Speedway will also be responsible for maintenance and repairs to the stadium.

Full report can be read here: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/16782/item_8_-_eastlands_community_plan_update Some interesting information which answers and informs points made above. No actual minutes from the meeting seem to be available.

You're forgetting one minor detail. Interest. I don't think Manchester City Council are going to effectively loan a private company a £5m stadium interest free. If you factor in 5% interest per year, then Belle Vue will be paying back £278,720 per year for 24 years followed by £225,000 per year until year 60.

And what percentage of the old deal was TV rights versus sponsorship?

Exactly. So Sky would actually save money if they walked away.

Do we know if Sky actually paid anything for the TV rights?

Are you sure? This implies that further approvals are required before the full funding is agreed: Taken from the Manchester City Council Report for Resolution presented to the Executive Committee on 10 April 2013, with my emphasis.

The problem with speedway stadiums can be seen by looking at a map. They take up a massive amount of space. If you overlay the plans to build houses on the existing Swindon stadium and car park, there is room for about 200 homes. Assuming a "profit" of £100,000 per home that is £20m. How long would it take to earn £20m running a speedway/greyhound stadium?

Does anyone have a list of track records for National League riders?

I'm sure there were threads on the equivalent WSB, BSB, TT etc forums. I think this proves, if we needed any further proof, that there is a genuine underlying interest in speedway, if only promoters made an effort tap into it.

The thing that depresses me is when you look at an aerial view of a venue and see just how much space the stadium and associated car parking takes up. I can't see how any of the clubs you mentioned will avoid having their tracks turned into something more profitable in the near future.