Sgp2 Or Breakaway Series

[dirt]

With all the controversy associated with the SGP selections and overall unfairness for a lot of riders who want to ride it, it makes sense to have a rival comp/series to compete against OR alongside the SGP and give the fans what they want.

Not just live fans also it would be big for television ratings/rights all over speedway countries. Evan OZ and some broadcasting deals would almost match the SGP IMO!

 

A lot of the older riders in SGP, are not as exciting to see all the time as they have done it all before, reached their peak and fans simply have seen what they can and have done and so its a bit like groundhog day, with the only excitement being the young additions like Holder and Emil etc although seeing Gollob win one would have been special this time but you know what I mean?

 

If feasible I believe another series could be run on either the same day as the GPs but another country and track, or alternate Saturdays as the GPs, whichever is best.

 

The SGPs would be like EL if you like with the new series like PL. But as you would be aware the 16 riders in SGP are far from black and white the best 16, and evan if they were the speedway fans have seen most of them enough. And would get some enjoyment to say the least from seeing the next best 16 or evan 30 odd riders on a performance based rotation system or form based rotation system, which they wouldnt of seen much or any of. All the gunning future stars or blokes early 20s or late 20s evan who may or may not ride in England and may or may not ever break into the GPs. The riders would have to be interested BUT I believe they might just be...Blokes like Schlein, Stead, Batchelor, All the blokes who did GP Qualifiers but missed out etc. What have these blokes got to focus on or strive for or get excited about when the others are doing the GPs?? Nothing!

 

If those blokes never reach the GPs because they dont get a lucky pick - it would be a travesty NOT to have another BIG series for them to be acknowledged and for them to experience something other than team racing every week. Also it will at least give them the chance to see exactly how good they are and not have a question mark hanging over their head forever?

 

This new series should be based on young riders who unluckily havent cracked into SGP and are frustrated and wondering if they will ever make it. It could be an accomplishment in its own right to make the series and also an opportunity to stake their claims for a SGP berth next season, if they prove worthy.

 

There is no doubt a field of 16 could put on just as exciting a meeting as the 16 in SGP and as their young and relatively unknown/unproven it just increases the anticipation and fascination IMO. Provided they can make the series meaningful and prestigous enough through promotion etc and not just a dead rubber. That is the key.

 

This has all come about because of the compromised SGP that is not a fair playing field and must surely frustrate riders/fans and any true fan who wants to see the BEST riders have a fair chance to win the thing.

 

By running a fair/honest merit based series like im proposing maybe it would be a hit with fans, nothing to complain about?

 

Maybe it would force the SGP to do a better job of running their disasterous unfair compromised effort.

 

I am saying a breakaway or unsanctioned series could be put together, with the 25 odd riders just below the GP all being invited. 10- odd rounds with tracks that want to host a round considered on likely crowds and the best interests of the sport.

The TV broadcasting rights would make money IMO and would be vital for exposure for sponsors and I believe it could thrive in all speedway countries evan non speedway countries.

 

Anyway what are peoples comments?

Bear in mind my original thoughts were probably much better portrayed, but my computer froze so this is my 2nd/3rd effort in making my points and I have found it difficult to recapture my motivation to write this speil.

 

cheers!

Edited October 14, 2010 by dirt

[WIE-JA]

They could organize a series for riders aged 21 or below. It could possibly be called The World Under 21 Championship or something.

[dirt]

They could organize a series for riders aged 21 or below. It could possibly be called The World Under 21 Championship or something.

Um what about all the riders over that age group and anyway it is hardly well organised or a money making competition with no TV coverage at all.

 

What im suggesting would benefit all the riders too old for the U/21s which is pretty clear!

 

Theres a lot of time for a rider to demonstrate his ability from 21 until they retire, but only a handful get the chance because of a floored WC or SGP system.

 

My proposal would rival or match the successful SGP I believe, and be hugely beneficial for all the riders OVER 21 - how you could compare my idea to the Junior W.C. Only you will know.

 

Is that your only feedback! Pathetic.

[MattyHart]

Would be interesting to see some of the younger riders, who aren't quite GP standard, do battle over a whole season.

[WIE-JA]

Um what about all the riders over that age group and anyway it is hardly well organised or a money making competition with no TV coverage at all.

 

What im suggesting would benefit all the riders too old for the U/21s which is pretty clear!

 

Theres a lot of time for a rider to demonstrate his ability from 21 until they retire, but only a handful get the chance because of a floored WC or SGP system.

 

My proposal would rival or match the successful SGP I believe, and be hugely beneficial for all the riders OVER 21 - how you could compare my idea to the Junior W.C. Only you will know.

 

Is that your only feedback! Pathetic.

The problem with introducing another 'World' series would be one of marketing. Maybe putting more emphasis on the European Championship would be the way and an Australasian Championship during your summer would be the way?

[dirt]

The problem with introducing another 'World' series would be one of marketing. Maybe putting more emphasis on the European Championship would be the way and an Australasian Championship during your summer would be the way?

weve already got oz champs - and TBH that may not always evan be that important to all the riders but for the top 3 getting into GP Qualifiers.

 

My point is the GP riders have something extra other than club 2 club meets to strive for and prove themself in and focus on.

 

The ones left out BUT with huge ability still do nothing all year!!! but watch the GPs prob on telly or have the saturday off and prob would like to and deserve to have some recognition and meaning in their speedway season. be it on the same saturday or the opposite saturday as the GPs! would be a big hit for TV viewers dont worry about that, and this sport needs something to make up for the unfair and biased way the GPs are done, not to mention other than those crooked GPs their is little individual meetings any more. So this couldnt go wrong really as it has little to beat, with the compromised integrity and selection based fracus that is the WC or SGP.

 

I dont expect anything other than ridicule from this posting BUT it has merit for mine.

[WIE-JA]

weve already got oz champs - and TBH that may not always evan be that important to all the riders but for the top 3 getting into GP Qualifiers.

 

My point is the GP riders have something extra other than club 2 club meets to strive for and prove themself in and focus on.

 

The ones left out BUT with huge ability still do nothing all year!!! but watch the GPs prob on telly or have the saturday off and prob would like to and deserve to have some recognition and meaning in their speedway season. be it on the same saturday or the opposite saturday as the GPs! would be a big hit for TV viewers dont worry about that, and this sport needs something to make up for the unfair and biased way the GPs are done, not to mention other than those crooked GPs their is little individual meetings any more. So this couldnt go wrong really as it has little to beat, with the compromised integrity and selection based fracus that is the WC or SGP.

 

I dont expect anything other than ridicule from this posting BUT it has merit for mine.

I was thinking that maybe the Australasian Series could be based on the old David Tapp thing and have a few rounds in NZ. The European Championship tag could be used as a promotable name for the northern hemisphere series and could include those riders who are just outside the GPs. Could even have a form of promotion and relegation between the two series then. Bottom 8 at the end of the GPs drop down to the European champs, top 8 from that series into the GPs. Would give riders such as Ward, Woffy etc a slightly less pressurized training series.

[dirt]

I was thinking that maybe the Australasian Series could be based on the old David Tapp thing and have a few rounds in NZ. The European Championship tag could be used as a promotable name for the northern hemisphere series and could include those riders who are just outside the GPs. Could even have a form of promotion and relegation between the two series then. Bottom 8 at the end of the GPs drop down to the European champs, top 8 from that series into the GPs. Would give riders such as Ward, Woffy etc a slightly less pressurized training series.

And how exactly does your australasian series fit into any of this? What would Ward and Woffy be doing? riding a glorified 'australasian series' in NZ what a waste of money! already got enough meetings in Aussieland in UK winter, and dont need to waste more money putting on displays for NZ. Im talking about during UK s/way season, dont worry about Aussie season it will look after itself.

 

Or would Ward and Woffy be in the European championship?

 

That post must take the cake for the most confusing post ever in the history of all forums. Evan after reading it 10 times I still cant understand any logic or evan any attempt at making sense.

 

What a waste of time trying to make sense of that utter red herring or completely clueless assessment of the topic at hand.

[WIE-JA]

And how exactly does your australasian series fit into any of this? What would Ward and Woffy be doing? riding a glorified 'australasian series' in NZ what a waste of money! already got enough meetings in Aussieland in UK winter, and dont need to waste more money putting on displays for NZ. Im talking about during UK s/way season, dont worry about Aussie season it will look after itself.

 

Or would Ward and Woffy be in the European championship?

 

That post must take the cake for the most confusing post ever in the history of all forums. Evan after reading it 10 times I still cant understand any logic or evan any attempt at making sense.

 

What a waste of time trying to make sense of that utter red herring or completely clueless assessment of the topic at hand.

You started a thread with a vague idea, fair play, that's how ideas come about. I put some ideas forward. If you didn't want anyone to contribute why didn't you say?

[dirt]

You started a thread with a vague idea, fair play, that's how ideas come about. I put some ideas forward. If you didn't want anyone to contribute why didn't you say?

vague idea? I planned every minute detail and explained the reasons IMO, and it was a fairly simple idea to grasp. First you mention u21s which was an expectable mistake and you got the benefit of the doubt. Your next post was so far from a believable 'idea' it has destroyed my faith in humanity. Please feel free to explain what you meant about australasian series and european series ?

And ask yourself is it a better idea than mine. If you really believe so please explain some more details in a way that makes some sort of sense. Dont see how your european series could possibly TOP a sgp2 with ALL nationalities able to be selected based on merit. Not discrimination, as your first policy or priority???

Edited October 14, 2010 by dirt

[WIE-JA]

vague idea? I planned every minute detail and explained the reasons IMO, and it was a fairly simple idea to grasp. First you mention u21s which was an expectable mistake and you got the benefit of the doubt. Your next post was so far from a believable 'idea' it has destroyed my faith in humanity. Please feel free to explain what you meant about australasian series and european series ?

And ask yourself is it a better idea than mine. If you really believe so please explain some more details in a way that makes some sort of sense. Dont see how your european series could possibly TOP a sgp2 with ALL nationalities able to be selected based on merit. Not discrimination, as your first policy or priority???

I suggested the title of European Championship to make it a marketable series and to make a clear difference from the World Championship. Never said owt about non-europeans being allowed in so no need for you to be paranoid about discrimination.

[The White Knight]

Run the Grand Prix Series as it is with it's 'selected' Riders. Winner = Speedway Grand Prix Champion.

 

Run a Championship for everyone else through Qualifiers etc. Winner = World Champion.

 

Simple!!!

[castrolargh]

How about a series of rounds , starting off early season in individual countries, lets say quarter, semi and fina., For arguments sake lets use britain as an example, so british quarter finals , british semi finals, british final, then move on and incorporate the most succesful riders from ,um, over seas maybe and call it, um, the "overseas final", after that , bring in some riders from different continents and call it, err, how about the "inter continental final", and the "continental final " for most of europe.

By doing this, every rider in the world, through qualifying would have a chance on the big stage to ride against the best riders from all over the world, the whole series could be topped off by one big event, say , maybe called something grand like "the world final" where the winner couold be called "world champion".

That might just work........

[dirt]

Run the Grand Prix Series as it is with it's 'selected' Riders. Winner = Speedway Grand Prix Champion.

 

Run a Championship for everyone else through Qualifiers etc. Winner = World Champion.

 

Simple!!!

I like it, but which would be the more prestigous, or goal/dream for the riders?

 

How about a series of rounds , starting off early season in individual countries, lets say quarter, semi and fina., For arguments sake lets use britain as an example, so british quarter finals , british semi finals, british final, then move on and incorporate the most succesful riders from ,um, over seas maybe and call it, um, the "overseas final", after that , bring in some riders from different continents and call it, err, how about the "inter continental final", and the "continental final " for most of europe.

By doing this, every rider in the world, through qualifying would have a chance on the big stage to ride against the best riders from all over the world, the whole series could be topped off by one big event, say , maybe called something grand like "the world final" where the winner couold be called "world champion".

That might just work........

hahha But with all the GP riders busy nowadays - it wouldnt be quite the same. Unless you scrapped the SGP altogether which wont happen.

 

So while the one off world final did have huge anticipation and excitement drawing 100000 odd through the turnstiles. Only DVDS and videos will bring them back.

 

Times have moved on, and the gp's arent useless, but the GP system is floored so why not up the ante and run another one to help the people running the SGP... by not letting them destroy riders chances and careers by lucky 'selections' or not... lucky 'wildcards' or not, all decided with vested interests and a degree of pot luck or nationality discrimination which is an absolute shambles, and i'd be willing to bet the riders hate the current system.

 

This is possibly the most important matter ever in the sport - but no doubt the powers that be are busy thinking up other better concepts like a super wildcard - letting Woffinden make his own mind up - inviting Nicholls back - Letting the current riders in the GPs ride in a GP qualifier event thus compromising it completely - I could go on all day.

[dirt]

From a selfish Australian point of view YES I can see merit in a bigger Australian/Australasian Series, Now I take a step back and look properly! Maybe I could not last night at 3am.

 

In fact it is a top idea.

 

But could a big Australasian series attract the crowds to make it viable GOOD QUESTION. Possibly, with some promotion/marketing.

Could the distance between venues be managed or overcome. YES.

Can the bikes from Europe be transported to OZ altogether in a shipping container on a boat? YES and IS each year.

Would the riders have the motivation to do it IF it was anything other than The Aussie Championships, which will always have such prestige and Pride, associated to it? NO

So that puts that one to bed. Gave it a thought BUT the riders need a break in the off season, and have a choice what meetings they do in OZ. Impossible to fire up such a series when the riders have just completed a gruelling schedule in the European season.

Its a wonder they can get up for the OZ championships.

 

Calling a sgp2 a European Championship is a thought, but not a clear cut good idea. Dont think it would matter that much TBH as the product and integrity of such a series could be called just about anything you wish - if the formula was right.

 

If it was taken seriously then a name could be decided.

 

For mine it would probably require someone with a lot of power to start such a proposal, and unless some of the reported Millionaire Owners of Polish Clubs show an interest in putting their money to good use, it may never get off the ground.

 

Good idea for the riders and fans. But unlikely as no one has the best interests of the sport in mind at the minute.

 

Still it cant get any worse, so theres no point moaning, it can only get better, but how much better is the question.

[Humphrey Appleby]

Anyway what are peoples comments?

 

I think there are two separate issues...

 

I've long thought that it's incongruous that the speedway's premier competition is run by a private company with no other links to the sport. It should be run by and for the benefit of the promoters and tracks that actually develop and employ the riders, and of course there's an argument that qualification should be through some sort of competitive process rather than through patronage (my own suggestion is this could be done through second half racing - with rider accumulating points over the course of a season and the best qualifying for following season's SGP, but that's a minor detail).

 

This said, nothing would be gained by running a parallel GP series, either in competition or in cooperation with the existing SGP. There's already limited number of countries and tracks willing to host rounds, a limited amount of television and sponsorship money, and a limited number of fans, and any new series would be competition for these resources. If there was any realistic possibility to expand any of these factors, IMG/BSI would undoubtedly already have done so as they're in the business to make money.

 

As to whether it would improve the chances of having a GP round Down Under - I'd guess the most practical option would be if the series organisers were willing to waive any staging fees to make it easier for an prospective promoter to make things pay. However, what then would be in it for series organisers?

[dirt]

I think there are two separate issues...

 

I've long thought that it's incongruous that the speedway's premier competition is run by a private company with no other links to the sport. It should be run by and for the benefit of the promoters and tracks that actually develop and employ the riders, and of course there's an argument that qualification should be through some sort of competitive process rather than through patronage (my own suggestion is this could be done through second half racing - with rider accumulating points over the course of a season and the best qualifying for following season's SGP, but that's a minor detail).

 

This said, nothing would be gained by running a parallel GP series, either in competition or in cooperation with the existing SGP. There's already limited number of countries and tracks willing to host rounds, a limited amount of television and sponsorship money, and a limited number of fans, and any new series would be competition for these resources. If there was any realistic possibility to expand any of these factors, IMG/BSI would undoubtedly already have done so as they're in the business to make money.

 

As to whether it would improve the chances of having a GP round Down Under - I'd guess the most practical option would be if the series organisers were willing to waive any staging fees to make it easier for an prospective promoter to make things pay. However, what then would be in it for series organisers?

thanks for the reply. It seems you actually read and commented on what the thread was about, which is a pleasant surprise.

I would not be sure if the possibility to make money is on offer, but believe it could be possible.

Tracks would surely be fighting over staging rounds such as these if they have got half a brain cell??? and I find that as baffleing as Leon Madsens 'special' bikes exhaust.

It seems the sport has to be run by differnt people like individual team/track promotors/owners each looking after their track and interests which is fair enough play, but I cant see why track owners/promotors wouldnt want big individual meetings held on their track, giving it exposure to visitors, television publicity and exposure, sponsorship chances/opportunities, the chance to see how good they can prepare their track and take pride in putting on a great show which a big crowd would appreciate plus fans from their TV. But a factor may be the headaches the blokes running the tracks and promoting it might get with the poor weather in Europe being its own worst enemy and the possiblity of rain-offs always prevalent. The ever present chance of rain offs or rain ruined racetracks is a nightmare to think about and would waste money big time. Not to mention the disaster it would cause about restageing dates that dont stuff up a league match or 3.

Yes I believe the good old European lack of a decent dry summer does more damage to this sport than anyone could ever realise, and I believe the idea I put forth could be possible otherwise.

Evan if it just scraped a profit of 1 cent overall - which would surely be possible IF everything was done right and a bit of luck or clever marketing/sponsors grabbed the bull between the horns and led the way. It would be worth doing, as its not about making money per sae as much about bringing back some integrity based championships/individual titles being faught fairly between riders that want such a challenge, but get stuffed up by the fracus that is the SGP!!!!

 

It could attract many viewers in Australia through Austar/foxtel Television and all speedway countries the same id imagine SO it would be invaluable in bringing the interest back to the sport.

 

Bringing the people who already know about the sport but arent regular followers/big fans BACK by saturation if you like! The product is good enough to bring the casual fan back, if it is ON the screens enough, or at your track enough.

 

Also NEW fans would surely GET interested in such an exciting NEW sport for them - if some big TV stations worldwide got on board. It is not the most exciting motorsport or sport period for nothing.

 

A lot would come down to IMO the quality of the production - camera angles is a major point for me. You need the camera in the right angle or position on the track to capture the bikes in full effect. That is key!

 

Anyway I have seen the light - It can all be blamed on the European lack of a proper dry summer. Which is frustrating for me to say the least, as its dry as a desert in Aussie summers. With things able to be planned 10 years into the future and never a chance of a drop of rain!

 

The quicker they develop a decent tarpolean/mesh covering which is in effect like a roof and stops the rain. One that can be easily erected some 8-15 meters high from the ground the better.

 

Rant over . Game over...

[HenryW]

Once again, I am late into a topic, so there are a few things to cover.

 

In some ways I like the idea of a 2nd tier for the SGP series, but I think I agree with Humphrey that the sport just doesn't have the media interest or finances to carry it off just now. Despite how much I love the SGP series, it isn't exactly awash with major sponsors just now, so I am not sure if there would be the backing for a new series below it...

 

Whilst you can complain about the "fairness" of the way riders get into the SGP series, looking back over the season just past, the only genuine complaint I would have is the inclusion of Tai and, with the benefit of hindsight, Janusz Kolodziej would have been the man that was most deserving of that place....yet he failed in the SGP qualifiers at the first round last year behind rider like Pavlic, Zagar, Davidsson, Ferjan, Karpov and Kasprzak....So how DO you make a fair and representative qualifying system?

 

If you were to make an SGP2 series with a "fair" qualifying system, would it not look something like the SGP qualifying system without the invites?

 

If you DID go for something like that, then 2010's SGP2 series would be comprised of the following riders:

Protasiewicz, Watt, Smolinski, Miedzinski, Walasek, L.Dryml, Davidsson, Pavlic, Bogdanovs, Nieminen, Kroner, Lindback, Gafurov, A.Dryml, Risager and B.Pedersen.

A 2011 series would have these guys:

Zetterstrom, Jonasson, Iversen, Karpov, Povazhny, G.Laguta, Stead, Madsen, Ulamek, Gapinski, Walasek, L.Dryml, Miedzinski, Dobrucki, Pavlic and Gizatullin.

 

With all due respect to them, I'm not sure a series that had those riders involved would have the fans fighting each other for tickets....and that is the biggest problem that I can see for a proposal like this...The guys just outside the SGP series just aren't actually as "box office" as you might hope.

 

I attended the SGP qualifier Final in Zielona Gora in 2008...This was a meeting that had 16 riders fighting for 3 places in the 2009 SGP series, and at best estimate the stadium was more than half empty. This is a stadium that is packed out with the best and noisiest fans for every league match that Zielona Gora race in....If a meeting like that can't bring out the fans in one of the most fanatical speedway towns in Europe, what chance that the same riders could get enough people interested in an SGP2 series?

 

I think you could put together a series that does have some "box office", but it probably wouldn't be with the riders that were just outside the SGP level...It's more likely to be at U21 level, and I think that is what the FIM are trying to work towards.

 

This year it was a 3 match series. Next year I believe it's scheduled to be a 4 match series....I suspect that the FIM are looking for someone to take on the U21 series and market it to the international TV companies like BSI have done with the senior series.

[dirt]

Once again, I am late into a topic, so there are a few things to cover.

 

In some ways I like the idea of a 2nd tier for the SGP series, but I think I agree with Humphrey that the sport just doesn't have the media interest or finances to carry it off just now. Despite how much I love the SGP series, it isn't exactly awash with major sponsors just now, so I am not sure if there would be the backing for a new series below it...

 

Whilst you can complain about the "fairness" of the way riders get into the SGP series, looking back over the season just past, the only genuine complaint I would have is the inclusion of Tai and, with the benefit of hindsight, Janusz Kolodziej would have been the man that was most deserving of that place....yet he failed in the SGP qualifiers at the first round last year behind rider like Pavlic, Zagar, Davidsson, Ferjan, Karpov and Kasprzak....So how DO you make a fair and representative qualifying system?

 

My ideal system would be something like this:

Point no 1: Have the qualifiers at the beginning of the season before the first GP. That gives more of a chance the riders who qualify will be on form and ready for the GP series about to take place.

Point no 2: Have the flexibility if a rider is off the pace and struggling for 2-3 or more rounds, and it is agreed by a panel in charge...maybe call them a selection panel, or 'selectors'. Then IF a suitable and fired up rider who is on form and financially able to replace the underperforming rider - an example Kolodziej this year for Tai? ...(every year you would have someone like Kolodziej who shows great form, excitement, who could mount a decent arguement for inclusion whilst in form...)the 'wildcard' is not a reliable way of doing this, and is abused or useless in this regard? The relegation/swap takes place for no reason other than to keep all riders honest and to keep the bottom 1-4 riders on their toes and trying flat out and not getting dejected or giving up somewhat, as they arent 'on fire'. Cant be much fun right at the bottom? and the rider struggling would probably be benefited and be happy to get out and be doing something else rather than well ....struggle?

Point 3: Those are the obvious easy to see IMO changes that would help the current 'unfair' SGP 'WC series'.

Point 4: There is no point going into finer details regarding the qualifier format etc and top 8 automatic qualify ruling..as there could be 10 000 different ways to structure the qualifiers ; those changes in points 1 and 2 would be enough to drastically improve the SGP circus. IMO of course.

 

If you were to make an SGP2 series with a "fair" qualifying system, would it not look something like the SGP qualifying system without the invites?

 

If you DID go for something like that, then 2010's SGP2 series would be comprised of the following riders:

Protasiewicz, Watt, Smolinski, Miedzinski, Walasek, L.Dryml, Davidsson, Pavlic, Bogdanovs, Nieminen, Kroner, Lindback, Gafurov, A.Dryml, Risager and B.Pedersen.

A 2011 series would have these guys:

Zetterstrom, Jonasson, Iversen, Karpov, Povazhny, G.Laguta, Stead, Madsen, Ulamek, Gapinski, Walasek, L.Dryml, Miedzinski, Dobrucki, Pavlic and Gizatullin.

 

Basically the selectors would decide based on merit (in their mind)plus qualifier results, and any other info that would help.

BUT a big plus would be that my idea would include 25-30 riders on a rotation system. Such a system would ensure constant new blood being witnessed, added excitement, saving travel costs by using some riders who are close to the location rather than others who may want a week off or are far away,

SO the riders you came up with... and said it isn't that stunning a looking list....would not be set in stone. My idea of the rotation policy SHOULD probably be used in the current GP's to some degree, but thats another thread. I have no faith in the runners of the SGP and wouldnt want any hopes up of them making smart decisions. Thats why I thought of a different competition which could have good ideas like a rotation policy, decided on merit by selectors.

 

With all due respect to them, I'm not sure a series that had those riders involved would have the fans fighting each other for tickets....and that is the biggest problem that I can see for a proposal like this...The guys just outside the SGP series just aren't actually as "box office" as you might hope.

 

I attended the SGP qualifier Final in Zielona Gora in 2008...This was a meeting that had 16 riders fighting for 3 places in the 2009 SGP series, and at best estimate the stadium was more than half empty. This is a stadium that is packed out with the best and noisiest fans for every league match that Zielona Gora race in....If a meeting like that can't bring out the fans in one of the most fanatical speedway towns in Europe, what chance that the same riders could get enough people interested in an SGP2 series?

 

I think you could put together a series that does have some "box office", but it probably wouldn't be with the riders that were just outside the SGP level...It's more likely to be at U21 level, and I think that is what the FIM are trying to work towards.

 

I agree. Whatever the selectors believe are the most 'box office' get in the squad, and results and form determine who stays in the series and who gets rested/demoted OR a rider COULD evan have the flexibility and right to have a break for certain reasons BUT I havent thought about if that would be a good idea or not, so that part is not yet thought through, but if it saves money to use a 'local' rider or two, instead of hauling a rider from far away IF they are tired or lose interest I dont see why riders couldnt make up their mind in the correct circumstances. Why would you want to force any rider? Only keen riders would be in this series, and that would be the crucial part for it to work.

The u/21s was great BUT I think more scope could be in a 2nd tier as you say...GP. As I do feel sorry for riders like the Pole you mentioned Kolodziej, and others, Schlein for example..

They could really want to race in the top bracket...I dont know for sure!!! But some may not get a chance. Thats why IF such a SGP2 series was invented it would have to be regarded a big achievement in itself...Not seen as a nothing competition.

 

Thats why I would not be sad to see another company run in competition or parallel to the SGP? as it may have the effect of making the other pull their socks up, and strive to offer a better product. Only with competition will you see a better deal for the customers or fans. Like a grocery store..bring in a competitor and watch the prices get slashed. After all I believe the SGP is run as a business??? So why not. Its fair game.

 

This year it was a 3 match series. Next year I believe it's scheduled to be a 4 match series....I suspect that the FIM are looking for someone to take on the U21 series and market it to the international TV companies like BSI have done with the senior series.

 

They seem to take forever to make tiny improvements or enhancements and are that slow in moving...they are like an elephant. It could be years before any TV deal evan happens for the u/21s. By then it could be too little too late.

cheers.

[Humphrey Appleby]

Tracks would surely be fighting over staging rounds such as these if they have got half a brain cell???

 

The problem is that tracks aren't really fighting to stage the current GP rounds, which is why the geographical diversity is so limited, and why Poland and Scandinavia stage three of them each. Now whilst I don't think the incumbent series organisers have actually promoted the SGP particularly well, maybe it's simply a limited market. When it comes down to it, professional speedway is really only ridden in four or five countries, and perhaps basing the SGP around those countries with a couple of 'novelty' countries thrown in (provided it can be done cheaply, which rules out the Antipodes) is the best that can be hoped for.

 

I cant see why track owners/promotors wouldnt want big individual meetings held on their track

 

It simply comes down to cost. If track owners are expected to pay high staging fees to the series organisers, then they either need to ensure the expected gate money will cover it, or they need to persuade their local council or tourist board to put up the readies. Sponsorship and television money generally goes to the series organisers rather the local host, so does not benefit the local promoter.

 

the chance to see how good they can prepare their track and take pride in putting on a great show which a big crowd would appreciate plus fans from their TV.

 

It might bring in a few extra fans, but it's a big 'might' as there's very little evidence that the SGP does anything to boost audiences for domestic meetings. Fans turning out for a one-off big event is one thing, but turning out week-after-week for run-the-of-mill meetings is quite another. In fact, staging top flight speedway could even have a detrimental effect, if the next week you're only offering a product of perceived inferior quality.

 

But a factor may be the headaches the blokes running the tracks and promoting it might get with the poor weather in Europe being its own worst enemy and the possiblity of rain-offs always prevalent.

 

You can't generalise about Europe as the weather in the north is different from the south, and the same between the west and the east. It's true that Britain and parts of Scandinavia have very unpredictable weather and it often rains a lot. However, Italy and Croatia usually have very reliable weather in the summer, although it's really too hot for staging speedway there at times. Poland falls somewhere in between, but there's always the chance of getting a rainoff anywhere (it seems even in indoor stadiums, as we discovered with Germany ). Indeed, the last time I went to Australia it rained virtually every day for two weeks, and I wasn't only in Melbourne either.

 

Getting back to why the SGP has not gone to other continents though (except for a one-off GP in Sydney a few years ago), you'd need to ask IMG/BSI why they've not expanded much beyond the same old countries. Did BSI overestimate the potential interest in the sport and its revenue raising possibilities, did the market change, or are they simply not as good at promotion as some would have you believe? Probably a combination of all three...

Edited October 16, 2010 by Humphrey Appleby