RPNY

So why no cook? Seems like perfect series for him to be in.

oops sorry

Cook or Bomber involved in SEC at all this year?

There will be the argument the opposition was tougher back then. Even tho the eastern European boys were essentially riding on old lawn mowers...

Tai does indeed look in unreal form right now. Way too early to put his name on the trophy tho. Should be a great GP season.

And at some point there will be no more costs to cut...

I hear you but those riders were either A. English B. Still there because they had been in the league since the days of it being the #1 league in the world C. Not regularly in the league but rather a season or 2 then leave, then come back... Even PK and Max left for a few years. My original statement was not meant to be the league is much better than it was 20 years ago, more that we have been saying the same thing (Speedway in the UK is dying) since the late 80s. Yes crowds are poor but it's on TV now which it never was when I was growing up, we have a national stadium with maybe the best track in the world, we have a showcase event every year that attracts over 40k people... The potential is there to make it a popular spectator sport again. But again Im aware things arent great! More importantly for this thread,I hope the new Swindon track is a good un and they have a great season.

Maybe I'm wrong but my memories of mid/late nineties are, all the top foreign riders left the British league (we had a few British 'stars' in the GP's so made the league look a little stronger than today) tracks closing, crowd sizes similar to today, no TV coverage, no national stadium, very antiquated presentation. Im not saying things are great today by any means but I believe the opportunity is there to get better not just assume its 100% doomed to fail. Maybe Im just being a stupid optimist tho...

Been hearing that for a long time now. Its far from great but its in better shape now then 20 years ago. It is absolutely crying out for a Barry Hearne type figure tho

The whole concept of a WildCard at the GP Challenge when there are so few qualifying spots is about as unfair as it gets in sport!

Bit of a rubbish Show so close to the season starting. However as much as I am a fan of Cook and not a fan of Chapman, you have to give credit to him sticking to a budget he can afford. As a Rye House fan and hearing what they were paying and how that worked out, I'd take Peterborough's current situation any day. And, Cookie's cause not helped by the fact he seems to have out priced himself out of 2 different teams now. Also, don't think its that bad of a 1-7. Not as good as When Cookie was #1 but still competitive in what is a pretty weak Premier league these days.

Its a brilliant GP, great stadium, loads of vendors for merchandise in and outside the stadium. Very envious, enjoy!

Gotta go some to beat Havvy's title winning suit!

Probably right. Turned out pretty good in the end tho!

Who was the last Wild Card that was utterly useless and couldn't compete at GP level? Genuine question..

Via the SGP website links worked for me all 3 times I went. Very jealous by the way, wish I could go again. Its a belting GP!

Yes its a travesty that place doesn't stage a GP

Didnt enjoy the 6 lanes of absolute Mayhem?!!!

Or a short 14 hour drive from Moscow hahahahahahaha

The main idea is that people who dont get to see top level Football were graced with the biggest game in Europe, that principal is now being applied to speedway. A counter argument to yours is the Russians saying why should we always have to travel... If it was a regular occurrence I would agree with you (I was praying for a GP or SON in Manchester) however I still think you cannot possibly begrudge ONE world final being held there... Also the track can produce good racing. Been some brillaint Euro Champ meetings there.

Cant begrudge far off venues getting ONE event. They are also the reigning champions.Even the Champions league Final was in the Ukraine this year...

Dont fully agree with you. Its marketed better and a little more eye catching with the jumps and stuff. But I went to events in Toronto and at MetLife Stadium (NY Jets/Giants) and the demographic was pretty much identical to that of GPs Ive been to. Nascar ditto for that matter.

That much I cant disagree with you...Im not sure what BSI's business plan but I cant help but feel the opportunity is there to target some new markets. The Supercross over here have managed to do it. Some places they tried and failed but at least they gave it a go..

I was there this year, 2nd half of the meeting was Superb. Since about 2014/15 the racing in Prague has been very good. Such a shame about Horsens that was a lovely stadium and there were some cracking GPs there. I hope they can find some nice new venues soon Cant say that is true. At most GPs there was som superb racing, there were a lot of big crowds this year, BT are happy with it. Its not all doom and gloom. As much as many on here like to project...

Least exciting line up of venues in some time