orderly Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 That's rich coming from a Somerset supporter. OTA isn't exactly Wembley stadium where supporters facilities are concerned (unless you count those nice seats on the back straight) and Plymouth at least have the excuse that they don't own the land and have been around for half the time. From what I have heard and seen, Somerset have even lost the reputation of having a terrific race track, while from what I have heard and seen Plymouth have gained one. No question about which track I would prefer to take a newcomer to (Mr Bowden included). Be my guest go to Plymouth in fact I might even pay for your entry into the SBA, you are not welcome at Somerset I thought that Nagger was pretentious but you take the biscuit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rossi Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 Not so much Leicester, but that awful track! At least not a dust bowl like Rye. LOL And RS averaged even less for Glasgow than he did for Leicester and all his lowest scores for Leicester were AWAY not at Beaumont Park! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spin king Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 My thoughts on Leicester is that the straights are too long for the tight bends... Planning to make my first visit(s) to Plymouth this year (with Rye House & Berwick)... Bringing my own fold up chair!! Luxury Fold Up chair, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Najjer Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 (edited) Don't think young Najjer was around when Somerset first opened, otherwise he'd have surely remembered the ramshackle place it was in the early days! I was - I have gone to Somerset every year since the club has been running. From what I have heard and seen, Somerset have even lost the reputation of having a terrific race track, while from what I have heard and seen Plymouth have gained one. No question about which track I would prefer to take a newcomer to (Mr Bowden included). Whilst Somerset's track last season was far from being it's usual high standard, it was still reasonably good and far greater than the majority of tracks in the League. If you did your research too, there has been a massive amount of track work done at Somerset so far this winter, with a new track curator brought in at the tail end of last year the Oak Tree is desting for greatness once again. Aside from the restaurant/bar, I am wondering precisely what they have done since then, because it can't be much. Four visits to Plymouth for me this season pencilled in so far, and that's because its one of the best racing tracks around. If you enjoy banger racing, maybe. Seen as you seemed to be completely oblivous as to what the Somerset promotion has done through the changing hands of promotions, I will list them: - State of the art clubhouse facilities, which includes bar area, quite probably the best catering facilities out of all Speedway tracks in the whole of the UK, and also provides live feeds into the clubhouse amongst other goings on. - Brand new terracing on the home straight. - Brand new medical centres, which I'm no expert in, but I'm led to believe again, one of the best in the Country. - Brand new pit area. - New backstraight banking put in place, to increase the viewing oppertunities. - There is work ongoing now redoing the backstraight viewing and removing the backstraight stands. - New and improved lighting. I'm sure there are many other things too which I have missed, however, it looks like you've missed alot more than what I have. As you said, hardly Wembley but never do you get the feeling of embaressment when entering the Arena... oh yeah, which has now been redone for this season and located in more extensive work to improve the OTA, in case you missed that too Quite, although you could say the same about many riders on varying averages. Its the chance a promoter takes when he signs any rider. As for the second bit, and bearing in mind how easy it seems to be for speedway riders to get hold of sick notes nowadays, I reckon R/R would always pop up when required. Rather than an NL rider I was thinking more of a PL rider not currently in a doubling up spot, plenty to choose from. Lynn have pretty much done the same thing by naming Palm-Toft....rumour has it that he was suprised as anyone when our squad was announced Why would anyone, for example, say Palm-Toft sign to double up when he knows he isn't going to get a ride? Thus, ruling him out potentially signing for anyone else in the League? Lets face it, if Sedgmen and Worrall can get a gig in the Elite League then I'm sitting by the phone myself in case I get called up shortly The difference being in Lynn's case, and Poole, they know after a couple of meetings they are going to be released. By signing as Barker's double upper, they have just ruled themselves out of a ride in the Elite League all season. Edited February 8, 2012 by Najjer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrystalCastles Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 Whilst Somerset's track last season was far from being it's usual high standard, it was still reasonably good and far greater than the majority of tracks in the League. If you did your research too, there has been a massive amount of track work done at Somerset so far this winter, with a new track curator brought in at the tail end of last year the Oak Tree is desting for greatness once again. Seen as you seemed to be completely oblivous as to what the Somerset promotion has done through the changing hands of promotions, I will list them: - State of the art clubhouse facilities, which includes bar area, quite probably the best catering facilities out of all Speedway tracks in the whole of the UK, and also provides live feeds into the clubhouse amongst other goings on. - Brand new terracing on the home straight. - Brand new medical centres, which I'm no expert in, but I'm led to believe again, one of the best in the Country. - Brand new pit area. - New backstraight banking put in place, to increase the viewing oppertunities. - There is work ongoing now redoing the backstraight viewing and removing the backstraight stands. - New and improved lighting. I'm sure there are many other things too which I have missed, however, it looks like you've missed alot more than what I have. As you said, hardly Wembley but never do you get the feeling of embaressment when entering the Arena... oh yeah, which has now been redone for this season and located in more extensive work to improve the OTA, in case you missed that too Why would anyone, for example, say Palm-Toft sign to double up when he knows he isn't going to get a ride? Thus, ruling him out potentially signing for anyone else in the League? Lets face it, if Sedgmen and Worrall can get a gig in the Elite League then I'm sitting by the phone myself in case I get called up shortly The difference being in Lynn's case, and Poole, they know after a couple of meetings they are going to be released. By signing as Barker's double upper, they have just ruled themselves out of a ride in the Elite League all season. Good to hear extensive track work is being undertaken & a new curator has come in. Regarding all your points about the OTA development as a venue, I'd fully agree with that, compared to when i last went 3/4 years ago and when it first opened a number of significant improvements have been made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bagpuss Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 By signing as Barker's double upper, they have just ruled themselves out of a ride in the Elite League all season. Indeed, so Brum need to find someone who has no interest in riding in the EL or who would accept a few quid to be in the squad and be happy to not ride in the EL for the year. Without riding in Sweden or Poland then Barker will be a much better rider for Brum if he's also riding for Plymouth, so it would be a few quid well spent from their point of view. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Najjer Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 Indeed, so Brum need to find someone who has no interest in riding in the EL or who would accept a few quid to be in the squad and be happy to not ride in the EL for the year. Lets say Barker gets injured, and their rider who has no interest in the EL.. all of a sudden, then has to ride in the EL - I can't see it happening Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bagpuss Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 He'd pick up an 'injury' (or an old one would flare up again) and as if by magic R/R would pop up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Najjer Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 He'd pick up an 'injury' (or an old one would flare up again) and as if by magic R/R would pop up ... and I thought I was cynical at times Anyway, you can't give a facility for someone who hasn't ridden a meeting yet - so something has to give somewhere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bagpuss Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Speedway's rule book and its constant bending is enough to make anyone cynical! I guess strictly speaking any facility would be for Barker (wouldn't it?) but to solve the problem just give the token rider a home meeting against Eastie or Belle Vue, shouldn't be any harm done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
500cc Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Speedway's rule book and its constant bending is enough to make anyone cynical! I guess strictly speaking any facility would be for Barker (wouldn't it?) but to solve the problem just give the token rider a home meeting against Eastie or Belle Vue, shouldn't be any harm done Isn't the facility for the lower average? If I was Birmingham I'd sign Ryan Fisher as his Barker's doubling-up partner. If a fixture clash ever occurs, the facility will be based on Fisher's 6.02 average. If Barker is injured, then Fisher is the best replacement I can imagine in the PL. I'm not aware of a rule specifically preventing a double-upper from the same PL team, although it is slightly abusing the system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bagpuss Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 If any facility is for the lower figure then that makes parts of my argument completely redundant Assuming its not against the rules and that Fisher is up for it then 500cc's solution is a good one as fixture clashes aren't currently an issue, and Fisher would be an excellent stand in if Barker was unable to ride for whatever reason. Rain offs may create fixture clashes but at least R/R would be for a decent figure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halifaxtiger Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Whilst Somerset's track last season was far from being it's usual high standard, it was still reasonably good and far greater than the majority of tracks in the League. If you did your research too, there has been a massive amount of track work done at Somerset so far this winter, with a new track curator brought in at the tail end of last year the Oak Tree is desting for greatness once again. If you enjoy banger racing, maybe. Seen as you seemed to be completely oblivous as to what the Somerset promotion has done through the changing hands of promotions, I will list them: - State of the art clubhouse facilities, which includes bar area, quite probably the best catering facilities out of all Speedway tracks in the whole of the UK, and also provides live feeds into the clubhouse amongst other goings on. - Brand new terracing on the home straight. - Brand new medical centres, which I'm no expert in, but I'm led to believe again, one of the best in the Country. - Brand new pit area. - New backstraight banking put in place, to increase the viewing oppertunities. - There is work ongoing now redoing the backstraight viewing and removing the backstraight stands. - New and improved lighting. I'm sure there are many other things too which I have missed, however, it looks like you've missed alot more than what I have. As you said, hardly Wembley but never do you get the feeling of embaressment when entering the Arena... oh yeah, which has now been redone for this season and located in more extensive work to improve the OTA, in case you missed that too I daresay that viewpoint is as unbiased as mine is. I should point out I went to 25 tracks last season, so I think I am better qualified to judge who has good racing and who doesn't and, based admittedly upon last season only, Somerset isn't in Plymouth's league. One day you might even have some cover for spectators, and I am wondering just what you might do to increase 'viewing opportunities'. One thing you don't lack at Somerset is a good view. The bar and restaurent is fantastic, but you can't see the track from inside. Consequently, I might question whether the principle reason for its development was for the benefit and enjoyment of speedway fans on race night or weddings, sunday lunches and other fund raising at all other times. As I have said, Plymouth don't own their stadium, so they are at the mercy of the owners as to the development of the place. A fair comparison would be with Scunthorpe, who have been opened for about half the time. I think its fair to say that EWR is acknowledged as the best racing track in the country. They have three covered areas on the home straight and are in the process of building extra concrete terracing around the first bend. They have a bar, new pits, a new toliet block, a training track, floodlights, an air fence and a hard core car park. I'd be the first to admit that if the racing is good I don't really care that much about the facilities (and I'd accept that isn't everyone's point of view) so, up to last season, I rather enjoyed my all my visits to OTA. What I object to is someone having a pop at a track that can do very little about their facilities when their own stadium isn't up to much and they can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
June Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Scunny's latest developement.....A newly built building to house an office, track shop and programme kiosk, just about completed. Mr Godfrey & Co has been busy since the season ended and I must say everything down at the EWR is looking pretty good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Be my guest go to Plymouth in fact I might even pay for your entry into the SBA, you are not welcome at Somerset I thought that Nagger was pretentious but you take the biscuit Charming. I didn't think us Speedway Supporters were like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikko Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Be my guest go to Plymouth in fact I might even pay for your entry into the SBA, you are not welcome at Somerset I thought that Nagger was pretentious but you take the biscuit CMO - sorry but HalifaxTiger is the least pretentious person I know. He travels up and down the country as a true speedway fan and although you may not agree with his views they are based on experience of most tracks in the country, Your comment about not being welcome is just plain childish, and I would not expect a true speedway fan to come up with such a stupid comment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orderly Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 CMO - sorry but HalifaxTiger is the least pretentious person I know. He travels up and down the country as a true speedway fan and although you may not agree with his views they are based on experience of most tracks in the country, Your comment about not being welcome is just plain childish, and I would not expect a true speedway fan to come up with such a stupid comment. It is my opinion formed on some of the posts that have been submitted by that poster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spin king Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 (edited) It is my opinion formed on some of the posts that have been submitted by that poster And that is what Halifax Tiger is giving you his opinion. The thing with Halifax is that he travels around the tracks and watches speedway at all different level of Leagues and stadium, and I think that at the end of the day he is probably one of the most unbiased honest opinions that you will get on here. And when I say he travels around a lot I really do mean it, he must spend a fortune on his love of speedway, in fact Squall's Dad is convince that Halifax is a Secret Millionaire. Edited February 9, 2012 by spin king Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikko Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 And that is what Halifax Tiger is giving you his opinion. The thing with Halifax is that he travels around the tracks and watches speedway at all different level of Leagues and stadium, and I think that at the end of the day he is probably one of the most unbiased honest opinions that you will get on here. And when I say he travels around a lot I really do mean it, he must spend a fortune on his love of speedway, in fact Squall's Dad is convince that Halifax is a Secret Millionaire. Hah, thats a classic you've seen his dress sense. Oh gawd the thought of "those" shorts coming out again this summer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinny Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 Somersets stadium has improved year on year in fairness... quite a few people I met at Newport from away teams claimed the Plymouth stadium was dire. £2 for a warm can of lager, bitter or cider, disgusting toilets, poor spectating areas etc. Its up to those who told me to come out and name themselves The bar at Somerset is first class, whilst IMO being a little overpriced the food is always of a good standard . I havent been to the Plymouth stadium, I am just going on what I have been told and thats from a fair few respected posters on here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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