WembleyLion Posted May 1, 2013 Report Share Posted May 1, 2013 No it wasn't. The first race was underway at almost on the dot of 7.15PM local time, as always DON'T think so. GPs always start on time ... first race at 19.15 local time (other than Italy or Cardiff). Parade starts at four minutes past the hour exactly, the TV companies have that time to lead into the opening heat. Most opening ceremonies are rehearsed and timed so that riders are ready to go onto the track at 12 minutes past the hour. We then run to a timed schedule throughout the night although obviously unforeseen circumstances (as in Torun last October) mean constant amendments. My apologies I thought the advertised start time was 7.00PM and not 7.15PM. I was mislead by the Speedway GP website! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmy jimmy Posted May 3, 2013 Report Share Posted May 3, 2013 Presentation is the single biggest issue this sport faces in the UK. The GP is great for that, the EL isn't Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILIPRISING Posted May 4, 2013 Report Share Posted May 4, 2013 My apologies I thought the advertised start time was 7.00PM and not 7.15PM. I was mislead by the Speedway GP website! THE start is at the top on the hour as the TV companies come on stream... parade starts four minutes later, riders for Heat 1 ready at start grid in pits at 12 minutes past, first race starts three minutes later. Works like clockwork and isn't difficult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A ORLOV Posted May 4, 2013 Report Share Posted May 4, 2013 (edited) If I remember correctly the Coventry meeting against Wolves finished at about 9.10 pm so there is no excuse for a delayed start or drawn out meeting, apart from accidents etc. Mind you for the Coventry fans this meeting should have finished about 8. Edited May 4, 2013 by A ORLOV 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemini Posted May 4, 2013 Report Share Posted May 4, 2013 Would have been better to finish at 8 because it was all over by then anyway - the rest was just painful like watching a wounded animal without putting it out of it's misery. However, to be fair I must say that meetings this season have really been speeded up at Brandon so they have taken notice of what fans have been saying. No pits gate opening after a false start and riders straight back to the tapes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted May 4, 2013 Report Share Posted May 4, 2013 Would have been better to finish at 8 because it was all over by then anyway - the rest was just painful like watching a wounded animal without putting it out of it's misery. However, to be fair I must say that meetings this season have really been speeded up at Brandon so they have taken notice of what fans have been saying. No pits gate opening after a false start and riders straight back to the tapes. THAT should be the same at EVERY Track in EVERY League. Congratulations to Coventry on that at least. :approve: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foamfence Posted May 4, 2013 Report Share Posted May 4, 2013 At Redcar they don't even start track preparation until the listed start time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted May 4, 2013 Report Share Posted May 4, 2013 At Redcar they don't even start track preparation until the listed start time. You can always watch the Tractor though............................................. Tractor fest - AND - 15 Heats of racing - seems like value for money to me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foamfence Posted May 4, 2013 Report Share Posted May 4, 2013 You can always watch the Tractor though............................................. Tractor fest - AND - 15 Heats of racing - seems like value for money to me. And you get to take a good amount of dust and shale home, as a bonus. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noggin Posted May 4, 2013 Report Share Posted May 4, 2013 There must a fetish for Tractor racing at Swindon, sometimes they are out every other heat, Just because a rider might have 2 on the trot, so see as another opportunity to rearrange the dust, very rarely makes a difference to the racing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted May 4, 2013 Report Share Posted May 4, 2013 There must a fetish for Tractor racing at Swindon, sometimes they are out every other heat, Just because a rider might have 2 on the trot, so see as another opportunity to rearrange the dust, very rarely makes a difference to the racing. :rofl: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfsbane Posted May 8, 2013 Report Share Posted May 8, 2013 This is the one thing that contributed most to me no longer attending live speedway, and not just the start time. No, I did not need an interval to get a drink. No. I did not need an interval to buy a burger. No. I did not need an interval to browse the track shop. What I did need was a slick and professionally run speedway meeting, starting on time and apart from track grading and unforeseen incidents, being pushed through without time being wasted. Now where is Frank Ebdon when you need him 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCB Posted May 8, 2013 Report Share Posted May 8, 2013 This is the one thing that contributed most to me no longer attending live speedway, and not just the start time. No, I did not need an interval to get a drink. No. I did not need an interval to buy a burger. No. I did not need an interval to browse the track shop. What I did need was a slick and professionally run speedway meeting, starting on time and apart from track grading and unforeseen incidents, being pushed through without time being wasted. Now where is Frank Ebdon when you need him And interval should be 5 minutes to allow staff to run off for a wee and get back again. Speedway crowds are not big enough for there to be a queue at the toilets during the interval that we need the 20-30 minutes some tracks have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdmc82 Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 Coventry have improved alot. Meetings finishing at a good time and also riders not being able to go back in to the pits after a false start. Intervals quite short as well 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 And interval should be 5 minutes to allow staff to run off for a wee and get back again. Speedway crowds are not big enough for there to be a queue at the toilets during the interval that we need the 20-30 minutes some tracks have. Problem with this is that some Promoters like to absolutely MAXIMISE Bar Takings. Tough luck on those who don't visit the Bar. We only stand around until the Promoter deigns to restart the Meeting. On a b****y cold evening - that can be VERY off putting. :sad: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 And interval should be 5 minutes to allow staff to run off for a wee and get back again. Speedway crowds are not big enough for there to be a queue at the toilets during the interval that we need the 20-30 minutes some tracks have. WOW, how generous you are, I'm surprised you've not suggested issuing continence pads, so they don't have to go at all... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 WOW, how generous you are, I'm surprised you've not suggested issuing continence pads, so they don't have to go at all... I think you mean 'Incontinence Pads' Jacques. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemini Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 WOW, how generous you are, I'm surprised you've not suggested issuing continence pads, so they don't have to go at all... If at almost 73 I can manage to drive from Leicester, watch the meeting including second half, and then drive back again all without the need to visit the loo why do the track staff need to go anyway? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pugwash Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 Meetings at Peterborough don't start intil 'the crowd' (JJFC) gets there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted May 9, 2013 Report Share Posted May 9, 2013 If at almost 73 I can manage to drive from Leicester, watch the meeting including second half, and then drive back again all without the need to visit the loo why do the track staff need to go anyway? Crikey!!! - you seem a lot younger than that on here. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.