Shadders

It takes the threat of a ban to apologise

I’ve not missed a home meeting this year and I’m not even a fan. I’ve lost a lot of my enthusiasm for speedway since my team folded and meetings like we’ve mostly had this year haven’t helped. If this week doesn’t serve up some excitement I’ll have to consider whether I’m gonna bother for the final few meetings.

I saw Dan Bewley bust a gut trying to pass last week with no success. If Kevin Doolan can’t make it stick on the fourth bend then who is? Let’s be honest, the entertainment at Shielfield this year has been poor.

A remarkable result given the Comets were basically a four man team. That’s one decent side they’ve put together. It’s a shame it’ll probably bankrupt em

Berwick aren’t my team, but it’s only 2 minutes drive from home and it’s something to do on a Saturday evening

I’ve been to every meeting at Shielfield Park this year and that was one of the dullest. Only the closeness of the score made it interesting. Odds on heat 15 was going to go Workingtons way. Dont know what’s happened to Nikolaj, he can be much better than that. That looked one of the lowest attendances here all season. Maybe some had decided to stay in the pub after watching England’s victory over Sweden, or were watching the Swedish GP. Maybe some watching Croatia v Russia. Perhaps a good few have given up due to the dross served up this season.

What with, shirt buttons?

Averaging around 400 I’ve been told. That’s not sustainable at Championship level, let alone the Premiership.

That’s encouraging. The problem with Rye House is it’s always been a weekend track since the Rockets relocated from Rayleigh in 1974. The South East has a massive traffic problem. It’s not viable for everyone to get there for a midweek 7.30pm start if they don’t work within a few miles of the track, unless they leave early which may not be possible for most. Add that to families with young children not wanting thier little darlings up until well after 10.30 and you can see we have a problem. Not sure Leicester have the same difficulties as I reckon they have a higher percentage of support that live or work within half an hour or so commute from Beaumont Leys.

I wasn’t thrilled that Redcar we’re hosting this as I thought Peterborough with its open grass spaces was better equipped, but Redcar Speedway did a fine job. One criticism would be the lack of speakers on the back straight. Very difficult to hear team changes and line ups. I appreciate that the back straight isn’t normally open to spectators, but surely some temporary speakers on the centre green could’ve been arranged? Food and drink a bargain compared to rip off EOES and I think parking may have been free, compared to the Showgrounds £2. The dust was unavoidable on such a hot day.

It’s pretty obvious the problems at Rye House stem from the move to fixed night racing. Attendances down over 50% would kill any club. Unless the BSPA relent I fear there will be no more Rye House Rockets this year and perphaps for ever. Add to that some of the extraordinary pay deals some of the riders are rumoured to be on, the loss of the Sky TV deal and the infrequent meetings. I’ll be surprised if we’re not the only club in trouble.

There a quite a few who know, but have been asked to keep it quiet until something official is announced. I would of thought the lack of any news after almost a week would signify negotiations are taking place.

Ideal scenario for me would be running in the second tier, so I could see them when they travel up north. I’m within a couple of hours drive of 5 Championship tacks

Life is good thanks. Been sweltering this week. Warmer than London, believe it or not. Happy to have speedway 2 minutes from home virtually every Saturday evening, although it’s not the same as watching your own team.

Of that there is no doubt

No season tickets at Rye House

What are they supposed to do at such short notice?

Meeting off

Been somehow scraping home wins all year. This result was coming. Don’t know how long they will persevere with Max Clegg. The kid can’t buy a heat win.

We were warned about KK when he signed. His inconsistency drives you mad. Most of the Rockets side have been up and down all season. In fact the only consistent rider had been Max Clegg.

Swop you him for Clegg

I don’t think there are many more pessimistic Rockets fans than me, but even I find it difficult to imagine you’ll score 60 points. England 2-1

Morris was lined up for 2018, but took a bigger pay day at Lakeside. Can’t blame him, gotta maximise income.

Politics

Was all set for plan B, an Indian take away, but the Berwick promotion and track staff worked wonders. Anywhere else and this would’ve been called off mid afternoon. Not the greatest racing, but some hard moves and another home win to send the locals home happy, albeit in a pretty meaningless meeting.