bignbeefy Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 To be completely honest, the meeting was a joke. The racing was pedestrian to say the least and the club's planning was grossly inadequate for the crowd. I fully understand that it is a small club, and that they anticipated a crowd in the region of 1000 (double their normal). When 3,000 people showed up, it basically embarrassed the whole set-up. Programs ran out at 6.10pm. Seats ran out at 6.20pm. Food ran out at the first grade - after 6 heats. I brought 9 people with me and we couldn't see the home straight at all, untill some of us clambered up some tyres after heat 4. This meant that we were spread out and not a group any more which kind of defeats the object of going together. Now, track grades - The track was graded by the 1950 tractor 5 (YES FIVE) times. It takes on average 18 minutes to grade the track. Close to 100 minutes were lost to track grading! What a joke. People were leaving when the tractor came out for the third time. By the time the final came out there were less than 1000 people there! I have warned the club about this over the past 3 years and what has been done - absolutely nothing. Now the problem with grading after every round of racing (apart from wasted time) is that the track becomes smooth and perfect again. There is no drive for the bouys to use to gain advantage. There were approx 5 passing manouvres outside of the first bend action in the whole meeting, which to be honest is very poor! I asked a few of the riders about it and they said it just gave them more time to work on their bikes, but they would have preferred to get back out there sooner. There was a lot of waiting around which nobody likes. Saying this, I enjoyed the racing as apart from Jason Crump, we dont see the world class riders at all at the track. John Jorgensen was the surprise act of the night, although I had a sneaky suspicion he might do well. Sullivan looked the goods all night and deserved to win. Although if Leigh Adams hadn't had fallen in the first bend Todd Wiltshire may well have won it, as he gated from 4 and rode round the outside of Ryan to lead at the end of lap 1. I think more should have been done to get Jason to ride this one meeting. Where was Mick Poole, Craig Watson, Davey Watt and Craig Boyce? They are certainly better value than Leverington, Booth and Headley. Sorry to undermine what is a return to those heady days of the Speedway Masters series, and probably one of the best things to happen to Australian Speedway for a number of years, but Mike Hatcher needs to smarten up its act if it wants to host these meetings in the future. Many people would have gone away with a bitter taste in their mouths and probably wouldn't return due to the mismanagement of the event. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Sir Lunchalot Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 I agree with some of what you say B'n'B but lots of it I don't agree with and think you are being a bit harsh. Firstly you spoil it a bit by either conveniently ignoring certain factors or twisting factors to suit your argument. For example, you asked where was Mick Poole. Not sure where you were last year but Mick has not raced since badly breaking both legs at a long track meeting at Bathurst. As for Jason Crump I believe he could not do all three rounds of the titles as he had to go back to Europe early and that's what ruled him out. He did ride in the Qld titles however and I think it's a bit harsh having a go at him as I think he has well and truly paid his dues in the past. Secondly the crowd. 3000 ? I think you are guilding the lily a bit there. Two main stands with each having (say) 10 rows with 40 people a row, thats 800 people, the temporary stand half as big so say 1000 so far. Add the people standing and those in the pits and I would say 2000 tops. You are forgetting people can only sit & stand round about half the track and I would say there is no way they could fit 3000 in. I'd be keen to see an official figure. I disagree with your statement that only 1000 were left for the final, on your estimate thats two thirds of the crowd had gone before the final and that is plain wrong. Thirdly, the racing processional ? You must be a hard man to please. Just because there wasn't passing in every heat don't believe that doesn't make for entertaining racing. Todd's start from gate 4 in the first attempt to run the final was brilliant or had you gone by then ? I do agree with you that the venue was too small for the crowd that turned up but who would be a club organiser ? I defy anyone to predict a 2000 crowd (by my estimate) or 3000 (by yours) when I'm told they normally have something like 300 to a regular meeting, especially since they had no prior experience of holding big meetings to go by. I'm in total agreement with the time taken to grade the track, that was bad and somehow that needs to be addressed. All in all I am hoping someone takes the bull by the horns and seeing the potential that speedway has to draw decent crowds when the top riders are there decide to try a venue like the Ekka. As a final point if the same sort of crowd numbers turn up to the third round at Mildura it will be just as packed as Labrador. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whowasthatberntpersson Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 (edited) To put it into perspective the track was graded after every 6 races (4 solo and 2 Sidecar) that adds up to around six minutes of action followed by the grades, the first track grade seemed to take much longer than the rest but there is no doubt that there were too many. People were whinging about the delays, some of these people were hard core speedway fans, if you can't keep them happy what chance have you got with a casual one off observer?.. It was an ideal opportunity to attract a few new fans, the delays and other pitfalls probably haven't helped in that respect, something to work on, lets be positive. I have seen much better racing at Labrador, but its often the case when the top boys ride anywhere, less mistakes less overtaking, etc, etc, no excuses though the track wasn't at its best.....maybe because of the grading, but the racing was very fast and we got to see the best Aussie final lineup for many years. I would say Sir Lunchalot's crowd estimate is closer to the mark than Big and Beefy's, I didn't notice too many people leaving before the final race either. The crowd was pretty much what I expected. I enjoyed the night anyway. Edited January 13, 2004 by whowasthatberntpersson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aussie Posted January 13, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 M8 I was on turn 1 under the big tree! Trackman, I must have been standing right next to you. I was standing on the tyres under the big tree on turn 1 with my 2 boys. As Sir Lunchalot said Mark Lemon was impressive the other night but I thought Johno would have gone better. G/Day Aussie Bignbeefys lady was having trouble with her shoes, they fell on the floor and being the gent I am, I walked over and put them together at the bottom of the tyres. Can you remember seeing that?... she's a small lassy, spoke in a broad northern accent I was speaking to her in a yorkshire accent I had a black shirt on with green inserts under the arms, most of the racing I was in front of the speaker just to the right of you. Regards. PS. Are you going to Ivan's Longtrack meeting? I must have been lining up to get a pie that had sold out when that happened trackman. The boys reckon they remember you though. I will probably go to Redcliffe on Saturday night. Where will you be sitting and do you know what riders are going to be there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speed junkie Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 Is there any one going to the next two rounds?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Sir Lunchalot Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 Is there any one going to the next two rounds?? Lots of people I hope !!! If you mean from the forum yes I will be, as will Bryn and a couple of others that I know of. One way or another the results will get on here, news seems to travel fast !! Last weekend there were a few mobile phones near me going after each block of heats with people ringing through results to various interested parties. Various nudges with stuff like "Psssst, just checking .. you got 7 for Todd so far?" .... and "gees I can hardly read my own writing or the program in this light" but the messages seem to get through pretty well all the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozyace Posted January 13, 2004 Report Share Posted January 13, 2004 (edited) Yep i'm going to the next two rounds, fly out tomorrow at 6.00am, can't wait as these will be my first holidays since October 2002 - Oz G.P. I look forward to seeing as many forum members as possible, however it may have to wait until the racing is over, as i'll probably be in the pits all night undr the KTM banner. Lets hope Johno has a reversal of form or it will be a long trip to Mildura Edited January 13, 2004 by Ozyace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Posted January 14, 2004 Report Share Posted January 14, 2004 Hope to see a few members at Mildura (Son will be racing in the juniors before main meeting, Sam 66) Cheers Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Sir Lunchalot Posted January 14, 2004 Report Share Posted January 14, 2004 Hope to see a few members at Mildura (Son will be racing in the juniors before main meeting, Sam 66) Cheers Mark All the new forum members we got from the publicity at Bordertown are bound to be reading this and head up to Mildura Marty !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozyace Posted January 14, 2004 Report Share Posted January 14, 2004 (edited) Looking forward to watch Sam race Marty as he has my old number 66 (not Speedway). Also i have found out that the Mildura Trots are on Thursday 22nd. A Horse meeting and a Speedway meeting 2 days of each other = bliss Edited January 14, 2004 by Ozyace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Posted January 14, 2004 Report Share Posted January 14, 2004 Looking forward to watch Sam race Marty as he has my old number 66 (not Speedway).Also i have found out that the Mildura Trots are on Thursday 22nd. A Horse meeting and a Speedway meeting 2 days of each other = bliss Don't tell me you were no.66 in the trotts Ozy any tips, I know, don't gamble Look forward to catching up Ozy & with you again Howard. Leave for Mildura tomorrow for the junior title so better get back to getting things organised. Just buggered up a tube putting on a new tyre, perhaps I should try doing it with tyre leavers instead of screw drivers Mark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bignbeefy Posted January 14, 2004 Report Share Posted January 14, 2004 Looking back on my post I was probably a bit harsh BUT like I said I brought 8 others with me, some speedway fans and some have been to about 2 meetings between them. We actually timed the track grades so teh 18 minute average is accurate! Try explaining to people why there is no food and only grog available whilst a 1950 tractor trundles round the circuit for 20 minutes. My impression that the racing was processional was due to the fact that the dirt was smoothed out after every round so there was no advantage from wider lines etc. In fact there was really only one genuine line, and with riders like Sullivan, Adams etc. once they were out and onto that line, it was bye-bye. I have to agree with you that the racing was fast. It was probably one of the fastest meetings I have ever witnessed outside of Exeter! I must admit I hadn't heard about Mick Poole. I apologise for my ignorance. I also know that Davey Watt and a few others elected to stay in the UK over the winter, but my point is that if this series of Aussie titles is to continue, then MA or another promoter should do more to ensure the best Aussie field is possible. If everyone is back then I dare say that a GP will follow. Make the non-qualified GP riders ride the weekend before for the Wild Card spots - only a suggestion. I would never have a go at Jason Crump as he rides the GC track when he can BUT surely MA could have done more to make him stay. I'm sure there'a bit more to this than face value, but I'm not having a go at Jason. This is one of the biggest things to happen to Aussie speedway for a number of years and I am positive that this will be the way ahead. Bring on the Ekka. I got there at 6.25 and was told at the gate then that they had already had 2000 through the door then, so I was really guessing that approx another 1000 came in through the gates. When I went to the toilet after the third round, there were a lot of people leaving at that stage. One of our group went during the 4th grade and he said there were still loads of people leaving. During the last round of racing we were able to dismount from the tyres (triple twist in pike position) to get near the 1st bend fence, where they were previously 5 deep. I hope that Mike Hatcher has been able to put money in the bank and buy a road grader or at least a bigger blade for the tractor. The question has to be asked though, would the floating supporter return? As we generally get 600 people to a normal meeting and approx 2,500 turned up, that means there are 1500 floaters (?????) as I guess there were a few from interstate. Will we see 2000 for a normal club meeting? Easy answer is no? Not when you spend over an hour and a half watching a tractor at 10kmh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozyace Posted January 14, 2004 Report Share Posted January 14, 2004 No need for a smoking / non smoking area when bignbeefy is around, he is obviously an ex-tractor fan. I hope they don't run out of grog at Gosford or Mildura. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speed junkie Posted January 14, 2004 Report Share Posted January 14, 2004 wish johno all the best if your in his corner from his pom mate collie. thanx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trackman Posted January 15, 2004 Report Share Posted January 15, 2004 M8 I was on turn 1 under the big tree! Trackman, I must have been standing right next to you. I was standing on the tyres under the big tree on turn 1 with my 2 boys. PS. Are you going to Ivan's Longtrack meeting? and do you know what riders are going to be there? G'day Aussie Troy Batchelor - Aussie Longtrack Champion, Sirg Schutebach - European Champion, Chris Watson, Craig Watson. The Harley Davidson's are back again this year, unlimited cc solo class, 2 valves and also on the programme the Australian Long Track Side car GP. There is a live band from 10pm - midnight. It will be a great nights entertainment. I am looking forward to it, if your 2 lads spot me, say G'day. Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aussie Posted January 15, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2004 M8 I was on turn 1 under the big tree! Trackman, I must have been standing right next to you. I was standing on the tyres under the big tree on turn 1 with my 2 boys. PS. Are you going to Ivan's Longtrack meeting? and do you know what riders are going to be there? G'day Aussie Troy Batchelor - Aussie Longtrack Champion, Sirg Schutebach - European Champion, Chris Watson, Craig Watson. The Harley Davidson's are back again this year, unlimited cc solo class, 2 valves and also on the programme the Australian Long Track Side car GP. There is a live band from 10pm - midnight. It will be a great nights entertainment. I am looking forward to it, if your 2 lads spot me, say G'day. Regards G'Day Trackman, We'll be there if it doesn't get washed out. Will keep an eye out for you. Got to make the most of what bike racing we get up here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrizHeathen Posted January 15, 2004 Report Share Posted January 15, 2004 G'Day Trackman, We'll be there if it doesn't get washed out. Will keep an eye out for you. Got to make the most of what bike racing we get up here. A very good point Aussie, despite all the recent talk about the Aussie Championship the domestic season has been very very dissapointing this year, particularly in Queensland, with no action over the holiday period and very little else to look forward to. A certain promoter of International events is now being sorely missed, DT had his knockers but he did provide us with plenty of talent and speedway action, something we are missing right now. As for Saturday's Long Track, well I'm just not a fan of this version of our sport, my thoughts will be 900km down the road Hope the rain stays away for both events. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozyace Posted January 16, 2004 Report Share Posted January 16, 2004 We all love what DT did for Oz speedway. But its pissin it in Gosford feel sorry for Terry Poole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trackman Posted January 16, 2004 Report Share Posted January 16, 2004 The sun was out over Redcliffe today! Regards. PS Its not going to rain. & if you's can't see from the 5th row back! come to the 4th turn, I'm taking 2 or 3 new trucks from work, I can guarantee you a good clear view. We can all keep one eye on the Ozi Titles at the same time!. "who's good at SMS" . See you there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Namron Posted January 16, 2004 Report Share Posted January 16, 2004 HI! TRACKMAN. HAVE A GOOD NIGHT AT GOSFORD GIVE YOUNG BEN SHIELDS A SHOUT FOR ME. (NOBBYH ON O.S.M. SITE) LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR MEETING REPORT !! A.S.A.P. WILL YOU SEE BRYN THERE? SEE YA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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