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Leicester Track Debate


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So much has been said by home fans aswel as away fans over the last 12 months that it should have its on thread to debate it rather than take over match day threads even though the biggest talking points on match day threads is the non excistance of passing on a track that has one line and nearly impossible to over take unless someone makes a mistake.

 

So why did DH Not build the track like the one at blackbird road, after all he had a blank canvas ?

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I don't understand why it has'nt been alterered in the winter, if you have poor race track you will effectively end up with a poor product and therefore a poor club.

 

The track, according to those who are supposed to know these things, is 30 or so meters too big. The entry to the bends is too tight and it needs taking in. To be fair it looked fine until the fence went in, but it's clearly not right and no amount of messing around with shale will help matters to a great extent.

 

If we lose 50 people a week due to the lack of entertainment provided it seems that fairly simple maths would dictate that altering the track would be cost effective in the long term, and if figures I have been given are even half right, less than a season.

 

It is a fact that Blackbird Road can be viewed with tinted specs, but up until 1980 the racing was top drawer, after that it could be horribly slick at times - but the shape was good. My view is that the track staff at BP are trying to give grip out wide and on the exits but the shape isn't allowing it to be used.

 

Of course it's very easy to sit back and say what should be done, it's not our money. DH has already put a lot into BP and to change the track will mean more input, but I fear for the future of any supplier, be it goods or entertainment, that fails to adapt to the requirements of the customers who hand over the cash.

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Don't know whether I dare comment or not because anything negative about the Leicester track is not viewed very favourably by the natives. :neutral: Personally I think the damage has already been done now and it's very hard to get people to return once they've stopped going because of poor racing. There was a chance during the Winter to put things right but it was not used and Glyn Taylor got the chop for saying on here that the track was going to be altered when obviously nothing was going to be done. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how the season progresses to find out if Mr Hemsley is right or not.

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The track, according to those who are supposed to know these things, is 30 or so meters too big. The entry to the bends is too tight and it needs taking in. To be fair it looked fine until the fence went in, but it's clearly not right and no amount of messing around with shale will help matters to a great extent.

 

If we lose 50 people a week due to the lack of entertainment provided it seems that fairly simple maths would dictate that altering the track would be cost effective in the long term, and if figures I have been given are even half right, less than a season.

 

It is a fact that Blackbird Road can be viewed with tinted specs, but up until 1980 the racing was top drawer, after that it could be horribly slick at times - but the shape was good. My view is that the track staff at BP are trying to give grip out wide and on the exits but the shape isn't allowing it to be used.

 

Of course it's very easy to sit back and say what should be done, it's not our money. DH has already put a lot into BP and to change the track will mean more input, but I fear for the future of any supplier, be it goods or entertainment, that fails to adapt to the requirements of the customers who hand over the cash.

The track isn't too big, its just the wrong shape for its size. The showground is a bigger track, but its shape makes for good racing, the same as polish tracks. Basically the entrance and exits to the corners need taking in so there is more room. And because a track is a metre from the curb, this will then make the track smaller around the inside and provide more room to race. Once that happens the track will be fine. They could then add a bit more clay to the track mix to give some extra bite.

 

Maybe before next season you should write to DH and say you will buy season tickets if the track work is done. It will be another investment from him so maybe he would be more willing to do it if he can see he will be getting a return.

Edited by Baldyman
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You could not get a track like Blackbird in the space allocated for the stadium!!

 

I don't think he meant to scale, more the shape of Blackbird Road and the space into and out of the turns. I remember when Chumpman Jnr was involved he was all for building something akin to Scunthorpe size.

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Considering it was a purpose built stadium and track, if it has a real problem with shape surely it wont be too big a job to alter the shape .Lost fans are not easily tempted back, the potential is there at Liecester it would be a shame if it was lost once again for these reasons.Judging by the number of critics that are HOME fans something is not right IMO

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The track isn't too big, its just the wrong shape for its size. The showground is a bigger track, but its shape makes for good racing, the same as polish tracks. Basically the entrance and exits to the corners need taking in so there is more room. And because a track is a metre from the curb, this will then make the track smaller around the inside and provide more room to race. Once that happens the track will be fine. They could then add a bit more clay to the track mix to give some extra bite.

 

Maybe before next season you should write to DH and say you will buy season tickets if the track work is done. It will be another investment from him so maybe he would be more willing to do it if he can see he will be getting a return.

 

I think you are dead right here and indeed that's pretty much when Glyn Taylor proposed to do. The problem is that they would have to move all the drains and that will be pricey.

 

Whatever the case, the track and the racing on Saturday was better than last year and for that reason alone they deserve at least another shot. I am glad I went and will go back.

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Considering it was a purpose built stadium and track, if it has a real problem with shape surely it wont be too big a job to alter the shape I think there are a few issues, DH wont accept the track is wrong, the drains are close to the bends but it should be possible to move them but again it seems like DH is not interested in doing anything,if he had been it would of been in the winter.

 

Lost fans are not easily tempted back, the potential is there at Liecester it would be a shame if it was lost once again for these reasons. its not only home fans not wanting to return, so many away fans have said they are not returning to leicester.

 

Judging by the number of critics that are HOME fans something is not right IMO There is a huge amount of fans unhappy saying they wont return which is sad but i am one of those, its alot of money each week and simply not worth it.

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So much has been said by home fans aswel as away fans over the last 12 months that it should have its on thread to debate it rather than take over match day threads even though the biggest talking points on match day threads is the non excistance of passing on a track that has one line and nearly impossible to over take unless someone makes a mistake.

 

So why did DH Not build the track like the one at blackbird road, after all he had a blank canvas ?

 

You carry on with your little campaign

 

Mr Snackett wrote;

 

"Just seen on the official Glasgow site that the promotion are to address the supporters of the club regarding the future off Glasgow Speedway it has been well documented that they have suffered severe financial loss in the title winning season and the cost of re-shaping the track was far more expensive than first thought . The failure to sell on prominent assets (Nick Morris , Josh Grajczonek) has hindered the club despite the supporters starting loads of initiatives to raise funds through the Glasgow Speedway fighting fund this club statement does sound rather ominous with the poor crowd levels being highlighted at the start of this season as a contributory factor on the decision to announce the future off the club beyond this season is this the beginning of the end for our proud club well we shall all find out this Sunday".

 

Sorry but it speaks for itself

. So do it's excuse me if I don't join in. Not negative Gemini just fact

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Sorry but it speaks for itself

. So do it's excuse me if I don't join in. Not negative Gemini just fact

 

Don't get that bit. :blink: Anyway, why are you picking me out from all the comments that have been made? I thought I'd been quite diplomatic. :lol:

Regarding Glasgow though could this be the same scenario happening at Leicester in a couple of years time? Carry on as we are and if the racing continues to be virtually non-existent even the most enthusiastic fan who has stuck with it will get fed up? Difficult situation.

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I definately think the bends are too tight in relation to speed built up along the relatively long straights. I don't think maajor chnanges are required so it shouldn't be massively expensive.

 

I suspect the supporters may have to be patient until the club is on a sound financial footing before the changes can be funded? I think DH deserves 2-3 years support from Leicester fans considering he brought the sport back to the city after 30-years? On the flip side perhaps he should be a little more humble given that this situation should not have arisen in the first place given the blank canvas he has to work with?

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Anyone but the fiercely defensive (and god knows there are a few of those at Leicester!) can see the shape is very wrong and there's a distinct lack of racing lines available. As a result, aside from the odd race every now and again, the racing there is a very poor spectacle overall with endless strung-out processions, all done and dusted after bend 2 lap 1. As Deanmur points out above, the straights are too long and riders shut off half way down in readiness for riding into the bends with the problem being that they struggle to actually 'race' in. The ones that profess to like it tend to be the ones who get in front and are easily able to stay there! If ever there was a track that could be described as a 'Gater's Paradise' then Beaumont Park is it.

 

It's a massive cock-up as the track was always the one thing DH needed to get right more than anything else. It's central to getting people through the gates and like any business, if the product being sold is inferior then people will not buy it. The proof is that crowds have gradually been shrinking at Leicester since it opened. The hard-core loyal support will always go, and as I say, some even defend the track despite what they regularly have to sit and watch, and they've been going ecstatic on Facebook this week. I guess it was a real shock to the system to see a couple of races with actual passing in! :lol: Importantly though, the more discerning fans are disappearing fast, especially those from other tracks who want a fix of speedway and did attend Leicester meetings but not anymore. You rarely see many Wolves, Birmingham or Cov fans there now for instance. It's simply not worth their travel and expense and as such Beaumont Park has largely become the domain of loyal Leicester fans only, and I know many of those who don't bother going every week, and this despite having waited 28 years for it to come back. Leicester's return should have been the best thing to happen in British Speedway for many years, and the simple fact is it's not. And all the debate over the track's shortcomings are central to this. And there are too many people saying it. 



 

Saturday's meeting at home to Rye House was a lot better - so I'm told. And thank goodness. But it needs to produce that week in week out. Will it though? One swallow doesn't make a summer and my concern is whether that is possible given that there is this fundamental flaw in the track shape. The kerb definitely needs taking in as described by Glyn Taylor, but this does require the drainage system digging up too - and that's expensive. A huge, and damaging, mistake was made in the planning of the track and the solution is not going to be easy - or cheap.

Edited by LionsDen
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It's all very well quoting the Glasgow expense but if it had been done properly in the first place it wouldn't have cost anything to put right would it?!

Edited by 40-38
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I definately think the bends are too tight in relation to speed built up along the relatively long straights. I don't think maajor chnanges are required so it shouldn't be massively expensive.

 

I suspect the supporters may have to be patient until the club is on a sound financial footing before the changes can be funded? I think DH deserves 2-3 years support from Leicester fans considering he brought the sport back to the city after 30-years? On the flip side perhaps he should be a little more humble given that this situation should not have arisen in the first place given the blank canvas he has to work with?

 

According to Glyn the total cost for the two ends to be done would be £6000.Problem for Mr Hemsley is that if it carry's on as is he is going to lose that amount and more in gate takings.

 

LionsDen rightly pointed out that the track was the one thing that had to be got right and it was'nt.My daughter said the cake looks very nice but the filling is rubbish.(or words to that effect)

Edited by Boulger Fan
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I definately think the bends are too tight in relation to speed built up along the relatively long straights. I don't think maajor chnanges are required so it shouldn't be massively expensive.

 

I suspect the supporters may have to be patient until the club is on a sound financial footing before the changes can be funded? I think DH deserves 2-3 years support from Leicester fans considering he brought the sport back to the city after 30-years? On the flip side perhaps he should be a little more humble given that this situation should not have arisen in the first place given the blank canvas he has to work with?

 

I have to say a very balanced view AAAt Laaaast !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.........Yes the track may not be perfect ok DH probably did make mistakes but you cant change whats gone. Maybe sack cloth and ashes apology to the supporters is required but if DH isn't that kind of guy then you are not going to get it. Any problems wont be solved overnight and if support dwindles then probably never. The view we will get of the track is in moth balls as we visit beamont Leys shopping centre well at least it is tucked round the back. I can remember sitting in the car on the BBR housing estate while my husband explained to me I couldn't picture it obviously but I have a full pic of BP and I don't want that. If any of you do, whatever greivences you may have with the promoter. Try to hold that thought

 

I know for some people BP is already dead but is it fair to the rest of the 1500 supporters who don't come on here and winge they just want to be able to go each week.

 

According to Glyn the total cost for the two ends to be done would be £6000.Problem for Mr Hemsley is that if it carry's on as is he is going to lose that amount and more in gate takings

 

 

 

Lets hope not because no work will get done throught he open season.......Apart from anything wouldn't a reshape have to be licensed???.

Edited by TMW
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I definately think the bends are too tight in relation to speed built up along the relatively long straights. I don't think maajor chnanges are required so it shouldn't be massively expensive.

 

I suspect the supporters may have to be patient until the club is on a sound financial footing before the changes can be funded? I think DH deserves 2-3 years support from Leicester fans considering he brought the sport back to the city after 30-years? On the flip side perhaps he should be a little more humble given that this situation should not have arisen in the first place given the blank canvas he has to work with?

 

Nice to see a wider view but i don't see why being humble would make any difference. As I said on another thread it serves no purpose for DH to do a Ratner and say his product is rubbish, well I suppose it would help a load of "told you so's" vent on here :rolleyes: , the time for that would be after changes are made for the better. Perhaps now is time for him to attract more sponsorship to bring in the cash to make whaterver changes can be made to improve things.

Some here sound like they are expecting DH's programme notes to start with "welcome to BP the worst track in the country" :blink:

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