Mick Bratley

Apparently he has, I have been told.

Out of nowhere it has become the single most popular Facebook post we have posted in almost three years. I have no idea why or how it happened lol.

We posted that link on the Forever Panthers Facebook page and it has been viewed over 70k times with 3.1k likes and over 500 comments. Update Tuesday 18/08 PM Views 104k Likes 4.2k 713 comments.

I thought it was a decent evenings entertainment. Clearly not the usual broadcast team from the TNT days, more a budget broadcast team, but that’s down to ITV who were never going to throw tons of money at a one off production. However, I think British Speedway can give itself a pat on the back and consider it a job well done, rider presentations were on point, background promotional material looked fresh, the racing got better as the meeting progressed. The interviews were a bit ‘bumpy’ in places, but I don’t think it detracted from the overall presentation. More importantly there wasn’t any cock up’s!

Maybe you should leave the room then?

It all very much depends on there being a TV deal for the Premiership. If there is and it will put a significant level of money into each competing team, then I’d limit teams to having one rider over an 8 point average. I’d like to see a minimum of four British riders in every team. I’d like to see two rising stars per team, but this may not be possible. Rising stars should also be categorised and used in the Championship. If there is no TV deal then we’re probably at ground zero, with one league and six riders per team on a almost semi professional level, sometimes you have to go backwards to go forwards. As things stand I would think only a couple of clubs in British Speedway are turning a small profit, clubs are relying on people coming through the gate, sponsors and benefactors who can stand to lose piles of money.

I think most people would prefer it if you were hidden and out of sight.

100% agree, I can never get my head around clubs ignoring the obvious and not doing things to promote/improve the sport where the costs involved to them is either nothing or practically nothing. It does my head in.

Belle Vue are far too strong, it really shouldn’t have been allowed. BUT, I’m happy for their supporters as they endured many seasons of crap at the old stadium, they really deserve to have some time in the sun, they’ve earned it. However, changes to rules are desperately needed for 2027 to make the league a more even playing field and thus a better spectacle.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/40030305/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=sunsportfacebook&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwdGRjcATpyvpwZG9mAWZkaWQWUMVzyi3BHXbzOlT7oTYgfFj2uhuPN2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzE3Mzg0NzY0MjY3MDM3MAABHr9thgT2Yblq4216kzJAeL8lf2hU2bXMNIIIvi8-Rik3NmDOPLlkvxiJhChM_aem_UvjfDF4LYJjkHhao7mdKiw

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/40030305/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=sunsportfacebook&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwdGRjcATpyvpwZG9mAWZkaWQWUMVzyi3BHXbzOlT7oTYgfFj2uhuPN2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzE3Mzg0NzY0MjY3MDM3MAABHr9thgT2Yblq4216kzJAeL8lf2hU2bXMNIIIvi8-Rik3NmDOPLlkvxiJhChM_aem_UvjfDF4LYJjkHhao7mdKiw

I think that’s an easy thing to think, but I personally don’t think that would be the case.

I doubt it would be anywhere near that figure to be honest.

Ha! I was thinking exactly the same thing! BSPL should really have a hot line giving away free tickets. I know it’s a shared event but the income clubs would get from it is minimal. The stadium needs to be packed out. It’s a massive opportunity for our sport.

You’ll need to wish me good luck with that!

I’m on a mission fella!

Well I’ll find out later this month as I’m at Glasgow, Berwick and Workington over a weekend. That’ll be six tracks for me this season. After that I’ll probably post a crapness scale on rider presentations at the tracks I’ve been to this season so Glasgow, Berwick and Workington now is the time to up your game!

I was at that one, I was close to self combusting. It’s just like no one cares, it’s kind of arrogant.

I liked what they were trying to do at Leicester on Monday v Ipswich but it all fell apart when some of the riders broke cover and started to do some gardening at the starting gate and others were putting helmets on before their name had been called. Seriously guys, just don’t, show some respect to the paying customers. aaargh drives me nuts!

I’ll also add, taking a victory lap after winning a race. Riders, just bloody do it, it costs you naff all and you’re doing it for the people who contribute towards your wages. Take it a step further collect the team flag every time and take that on your victory lap with you.

The thing that annoys me more than anything is that it costs nothing to fix certain aspects of the sport, for example rider presentations/introduction's before a meeting, every single meeting I have been to this season has been an absolute shambles. All tracks should have a riders briefing meeting before every meeting telling the riders exactly how the introductions are going to take place and what is expected of the riders.

One of the better meetings I’ve seen at KL in the last three years. Leicester deserved winners. As for the abomination of the presentation/introduction of the riders to the crowd, jeez, it’s something that grinds my gears, why does it have to be so unprofessional? Leicester riders being introduced to the crowd while KL riders start their bikes up and get on the track. And while we’re at it, when will referees be consistent in enforcing the no riding on the centre green (or in Lynn’s case centre concrete) rule? The BSPL could have made a fortune from fines last night.

In the Star today it states that flyers were handed out at the last Stock Car meeting, which I suppose is a good start. In my opinion, they really should be flooding SM sites in and around Northampton with information about our sport with exciting action images (of any club or event) and saying hey this is on your doorstep soon! The report of the KL meeting in the local newspaper carried an image of a Panthers rider in action.

If Carlsberg did councils . . . . .

It looked like a bag that you buy perfume in for your missus. With a British Speedway sticker over the brand.