waiheke1 Posted January 13, 2014 Report Share Posted January 13, 2014 Why on earth did the FIM/BSI/local organisers pick the same date, or at least not move the date once the Rolling Stones were known to be playing? i'm sure if it was possible, Bill would have done so, given that the Stones have historically played at Western Springs when they have visited NZ. Its likely to be a double hit for Bill, the lost revenue from a Stones concert at the Springs allied with potential decrease in attendance at the speedway. I'd guess the Welsh government sees the ~4 pound per spectator subsidy it pays BSI to stage the GP in Cardiff as being worthwhile in bringing business into the Welsh capital (and they may be right), but Cardiff is effectively a regional city that otherwise wouldn't be at the forefront of most peoples' minds in planning a visit. Cardiff is also promoted by BSI so presumably all the gate and programme money accrues to them. By contrast, neither Auckland City Council nor the NZ government/tourist board seems to see speedway as being worthy of subsidy, so any local promoter has the double whammy of transport costs and staging fees to take into account. It isn't just about whether speedway fans might go to the Stones concert. All media attention will be on the Stones in the lead-up, and I'd think the chances of speedway getting much in the way of publicity will be virtually zero. its frankly ludicrous that auckland council and/or Tourism NZ aren't giving some backing to the event. if they each fronted 4 quid (thats $8) per head, that would be approximately $400k less (even assuming the reduced attendance figures being bandies around) that Bill would have lost over the last two seasons, and may be far more palatable for him. For the government bodies, i'm sure that would be far less than is brought in by visitors to the event. with respect, i can't see the Stones interfering too much with publicity for the GP, the Stones ill likely be amongst the lead story in print and tv, Speedway has got decent coverage in the spiorts sections of both mediums in the lead up to events, that should continue. The only area it may impact is radio coverage, where more focus may be given promoting the stones than the speedway. Aside from the now suggested problems (are there really any?) in regard to the NZ GP, Western Springs looks (as it has done for many years) a hotbed of activity for motor sport. http://www.springsspeedway.com/ i think the fact that the guy fronting the event has lost a milluion bucks suggests the problem is very real, and i'd say at very best a 50/50 proposiation of the GP series being continued in NZ. Yes, estern Springs continues to host a number of non-bike speedway events, though presuure from the NIMBYs and a non motor sport friendly local government means the number of nights speeway can run at the Springs has been very much restricted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theknow 2 Posted January 13, 2014 Report Share Posted January 13, 2014 i'm sure if it was possible, Bill would have done so, given that the Stones have historically played at Western Springs when they have visited NZ. Its likely to be a double hit for Bill, the lost revenue from a Stones concert at the Springs allied with potential decrease in attendance at the speedway. its frankly ludicrous that auckland council and/or Tourism NZ aren't giving some backing to the event. if they each fronted 4 quid (thats $8) per head, that would be approximately $400k less (even assuming the reduced attendance figures being bandies around) that Bill would have lost over the last two seasons, and may be far more palatable for him. For the government bodies, i'm sure that would be far less than is brought in by visitors to the event. with respect, i can't see the Stones interfering too much with publicity for the GP, the Stones ill likely be amongst the lead story in print and tv, Speedway has got decent coverage in the spiorts sections of both mediums in the lead up to events, that should continue. The only area it may impact is radio coverage, where more focus may be given promoting the stones than the speedway. i think the fact that the guy fronting the event has lost a milluion bucks suggests the problem is very real, and i'd say at very best a 50/50 proposiation of the GP series being continued in NZ. Yes, estern Springs continues to host a number of non-bike speedway events, though presuure from the NIMBYs and a non motor sport friendly local government means the number of nights speeway can run at the Springs has been very much restricted. A fool and their money are soon parted. Garden and all that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILIPRISING Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 WORLD Champion Tai Woffinden on his way from Perth (Australia) to Auckland to take part in some pre Grand Prix publicity events. Might not sound or look very far but near seven hour flight and across three time zones. Just enough example of how hard Tai is prepared to work as speedway's premier ambassador right now. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Templeton Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 WORLD Champion Tai Woffinden on his way from Perth (Australia) to Auckland to take part in some pre Grand Prix publicity events. Might not sound or look very far but near seven hour flight and across three time zones. Just enough example of how hard Tai is prepared to work as speedway's premier ambassador right now. He has been just brilliant. From wildcard to being totally focused. He has done everything right, and it looks like that continues. I get annoyed at the anti tattoo brigade, which has nothing to do with his performance. I want to judge him on both his on track ability, and his off track manner, which he handles so well, with enthusiasm and commitment. He has been faultless. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILIPRISING Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 FANTASTIC (can say this because I wasn't involved) features on Tai in this week's Speedway Star... anyone who still isn't a fan will be after reading them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DutchGrasstrack Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 Bunyan is the wildcard again. Track reserves will be selected after the NZ championships next month Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 Bunyan being picked is a not funny joke. Track reserves should at least be able to be competitive in the 5 heat races. This is the World Championship not a benefit meeting for long service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILIPRISING Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 WOULDN'T disagree but Buckley sees great value in having a 'local' man on site NOW and readily available for publicity, promotional events running up to April 5th. It's his call. Jason may not cut the mustard on the track but he is very articulate and media savvy off it. Not ideal but not the end of the world either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Skid Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 WOULDN'T disagree but Buckley sees great value in having a 'local' man on site NOW and readily available for publicity, promotional events running up to April 5th. It's his call. Jason may not cut the mustard on the track but he is very articulate and media savvy off it. Not ideal but not the end of the world either. You forgot to point out that MNZ, FIM and BSI all have to approve any nomination. Nice to point out the articulate and media savvy bit, something that is all too important in modern corporate based sport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILIPRISING Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 You forgot to point out that MNZ, FIM and BSI all have to approve any nomination. Nice to point out the articulate and media savvy bit, something that is all too important in modern corporate based sport. BUT if Buckley wants Bunyan, which he does, then the MNZ, FIM and BSI will go along with it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willstaxi Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 BUT if Buckley wants Bunyan, which he does, then the MNZ, FIM and BSI will go along with it Jason is a multi New Zealand champion and No1 in his adopted country so he has to be1st choice for the NZ GP 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waiheke1 Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 WOULDN'T disagree but Buckley sees great value in having a 'local' man on site NOW and readily available for publicity, promotional events running up to April 5th. It's his call. Jason may not cut the mustard on the track but he is very articulate and media savvy off it. Not ideal but not the end of the world either.Tbf, bunyan is more competitive than the likes of starostin and ondrasik were in world finals in the 80s. Granted he's unlikely to score more than a point, but he's not been too far off the pace in either of the last two gps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 WOULDN'T disagree but Buckley sees great value in having a 'local' man on site NOW and readily available for publicity, promotional events running up to April 5th. It's his call. Jason may not cut the mustard on the track but he is very articulate and media savvy off it. Not ideal but not the end of the world either. Fair point Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theknow 2 Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 BUT if Buckley wants Bunyan, which he does, then the MNZ, FIM and BSI will go along with it He has got nothing else for his money so just as well let him have Bunyan if thats what he wants. As per normal i expect the only person he will beat is himself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILIPRISING Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 WOULDN'T entirely agree Andy ... for sure Bill is not short of a few bob and he desperately wanted to see a Speedway GP at his beloved Western Springs. He made it happen and despite the financial losses he has gleaned great satisfaction from having the event there. BSI presented him with a fully functional speedway bike, bedecked in Buckley System regalia, and believe me he gets great pleasure spinning around WS on it. In fact, we have trouble getting him off the track. Somethings are priceless even for the multi-millionaires of this world. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pirate Nick Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 Fancy giving up Speedway to watch some doddery old Pensioners, who should know better, staggering about on Stage making a right royal racket. It beggars belief. There REALLY are some sad people in this World. They also must have more money than sense. Oh I don't know WK, after all I come up once a year just to see you 😉😛 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 Oh I don't know WK, after all I come up once a year just to see you I'm looking forward to seeing you again this coming Season Nick. :approve: Why are Pirates Pirates? - because they Aaaaaaarrrr!!! :rofl: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebrum Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 Bunyan as Wild card AGAIN?? Do we really have to have a PL rider that will be well out of his depth yet again? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILIPRISING Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 Bunyan as Wild card AGAIN?? Do we really have to have a PL rider that will be well out of his depth yet again? SEE above ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pandorum Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 WOULDN'T entirely agree Andy ... for sure Bill is not short of a few bob and he desperately wanted to see a Speedway GP at his beloved Western Springs. He made it happen and despite the financial losses he has gleaned great satisfaction from having the event there. BSI presented him with a fully functional speedway bike, bedecked in Buckley System regalia, and believe me he gets great pleasure spinning around WS on it. In fact, we have trouble getting him off the track. Somethings are priceless even for the multi-millionaires of this world. That was a nice gesture by BSI Phil. The guy made an effort to try and bring regular GP to NZ. He seems not to have had too much help from his compatriots and may have ended up losing money. But he also seems to have enjoyed the experience so hats off to him I say. It seems people here would whine on if they won the lottery. Instead of saluting a fellow fan for trying he gets criticised. Strange lot we speedway fans I enjoy the GP and saw the first NZ round live at stupid oclock in the morning. I missed the second but may try to see the 3rd. Hopefully Bill will get a decent crowd to sign off with and a meeting to remember. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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