Kings Lynn Young Stars Vs Coventry Storm 8th May 7.30pm

[speedibee]

Can't really judge Coventry yet as Storm have only had one match. I thought the attendance was good but there were a lot of Cradley fans there so no doubt the crowd will be less next time. I asked my friends why they hadn't gone and they said if it was £5 they would have done but weren't willing to pay £10 to watch N.L. racing. Shame as I really enjoyed the evening.

Remember the Cougars Gemini ? I stood on my own a few times to watch them , Cov folks want Elite league and nothing else , On a happier note , a work colleague of my son a total speedway virgin came to watch him last night and brought his son along as well , I was quite surprised when i spoke to him afterwards and he thought speedway was great , so did the lad , he had no idea of the level of racing he was watching so had no preconceptions , I understand it was a great meeting but I didn't see a lot of it being busy most of the time , maybe an initiative to get newbies in for national league would benefit the higher leagues eventually , because the chances of a first timer being entertained are better at this level than the other 2

[tastethepoison]

I'm going to be brutally honest. There's probably two factors why people don't attend National League meetings at Lynn. Firstly, Lynn have never had success at NL level. Different sport but look at the backing from Norfolk people with the Norwich U-18 side in the Youth Team Cup run. There have been remarkable attendances in support of our youngsters and in turn it provided an experience most of these players will never forget. The key to this was the marketing approach with the games being constantly plugged on social networking sites and cheap ticket pricing. Season ticket holders had free entry if they applied for tickets before a certain date and for the rest of the public admission prices were £2. Both sports provide a chance for spectators to watch young talent develop but if it was a toss up between which one I would attend, I'd be at Carrow Road every day of the week. Simply because the pricing makes sense.

 

I used to attend Boston meetings a few years ago when they were spearheaded by a trio of Lambert, Haines and Darcy Ward. All three were massive prospects back then, and you knew from just watching Darcy for 4 laps that he was going to go far in the sport. It was a unique experience watching such a precious talent in his earliest days of development. This has been lacking ever since, no disrespect to the current Lynn NL squad, but there's no buzz around any of them potentially becoming a key rider for the senior team in the future. If Lynn showed ambition and signed an up and coming Brit, like Robert Lambert then attendances may improve and there may be some real excitement around the place in watching another prospective superstar in his development.

Edited May 9, 2013 by tastethepoison

[Mimmo]

I'm going to be brutally honest. There's probably two factors why people don't attend National League meetings at Lynn. Firstly, Lynn have never had success at NL level. Different sport but look at the backing from Norfolk people with the Norwich U-18 side in the Youth Team Cup run. There have been remarkable attendances in support of our youngsters and in turn it provided an experience most of these players will never forget. The key to this was the marketing approach with the games being constantly plugged on social networking sites and cheap ticket pricing. Season ticket holders had free entry if they applied for tickets before a certain date and for the rest of the public admission prices were £2. Both sports provide a chance for spectators to watch young talent develop but if it was a toss up between which one I would attend, I'd be at Carrow Road every day of the week. Simply because the pricing makes sense.

 

I used to attend Boston meetings a few years ago when they were spearheaded by a trio of Lambert, Haines and Darcy Ward. All three were massive prospects back then, and you knew from just watching Darcy for 4 laps that he was going to go far in the sport. It was a unique experience watching such a precious talent in his earliest days of development. This has been lacking ever since, no disrespect to the current Lynn NL squad, but there's no buzz around any of them potentially becoming a key rider for the senior team in the future. If Lynn showed ambition and signed an up and coming Brit, like Robert Lambert then attendances may improve and there may be some real excitement around the place in watching another prospective superstar in his development.

 

Very fair and as you say brutaly honest points.

 

With regards to an up and coming Brit at KL, or as you suggest a lack of one, I'd have to take issue with you on that one, as we have a lad named LEWIS KERR!!

 

But otherwise IMHO, you've made some good and interesting observations there.

[rhidassa]

One idea that occurred to me yesterday evening was a slight reverse of the discount incentive; perhaps announce at an EL meeting, that anyone who attends the National League Meeting on (insert date here) will be offered discounted entry to the next Elite League meeting, or a free programme... etc.

 

The incentive of a free program for NL on presentation of an EL ticket doesn't have appeal for those that already don't want to go. Perhaps my idea would be just the same, but maybe it would encourage a few to attend a national league meeting to get their regular meeting cheaper, or some other incentive? It may bomb out completely.. but it's just an idea.

 

I also feel its a shame we couldn't use a bank holiday to have an EL/NL double header - as Mimmo pointed out to me last night, EL fans stay behind to watch the development league - perhaps a double header would have similar effects?

 

Edit: Bagpuss, I'll see you there. If your usuals aren't going and you need a lift, let me know. Trees went with me last night, perhaps she'll make an appearance at another NL fixture!

Edited May 9, 2013 by rhidassa

[builderbob]

i dont think a nl team works as a second team to an elite league side, places that only have nl speedway people only have that choice or nothing, dudley would not have any where near the suport if they were wolves second team

 

some good ideas there rhidasa. hows james cockle

[rhidassa]

I believe I saw Dale updated on the facebook group today:

 

Update on James.

 

He has a badly broken upper arm that will be operated on this morning. They are not sure weather it will pinned or plated yet. I will let you know more when we have news after the op. #getwellsooncockle.

 

Best wishes to Cockle for his op and recovery, looked nasty. I do wonder who Kings Lynn will sign as replacement - maybe that will have a factor on the gate size too.

[Bagpuss]

Thanks Lorna, will do Agree about the prospects within the Young Stars, Lewi Kerr could and probably will go very far but for me he's probably the only one. To answer Mike I'd say people may have gone to the Foxhole on Monday as it was a glorious bank holiday and tonight sees the World Champion at the EoES. Its a fact of sporting life that people are more inclined to pay to watch better quality competitors even if the entertainment isn't that great, like at Carrow Road this season

[Mimmo]

Thanks Lorna, will do Agree about the prospects within the Young Stars, Lewi Kerr could and probably will go very far but for me he's probably the only one. To answer Mike I'd say people may have gone to the Foxhole on Monday as it was a glorious bank holiday and tonight sees the World Champion at the EoES. Its a fact of sporting life that people are more inclined to pay to watch better quality competitors even if the entertainment isn't that great, like at Carrow Road this season

 

Haha, I'm not going to discuss the latter with being a Chelsea Fan......and yes before you say it.....I'M THE ONE

[rhidassa]

It's almost a shame that the entry tickets don't appear to be numbered. A draw of entry tickets at each meeting with the winner perhaps winning a free ticket, or pair of free tickets, to another meeting could perhaps help - maybe the EL meeting tickets enter a draw to win a pair of entry tickets to the next NL fixture. I couldn't see that the tickets were numbered at a glance, though, so probably more hassle than it's worth to change.

[tastethepoison]

Lewis Kerr has improved immensely over the last year and doubling up for Newcastle seems to have pushed him onto the next level. He is an example of the positives of the doubling-up system, and I would love it if more British riders followed suit. I hope you are right and he does make the grade, there's been too many riders, especially British riders who are happy to settle in the PL and not push themselves and their equipment to EL standard. I hope Kerr is ambitious. It's always special for a team to nurture their own talent through to the senior team.

[speedibee]

Lewis Kerr has improved immensely over the last year and doubling up for Newcastle seems to have pushed him onto the next level. He is an example of the positives of the doubling-up system, and I would love it if more British riders followed suit. I hope you are right and he does make the grade, there's been too many riders, especially British riders who are happy to settle in the PL and not push themselves and their equipment to EL standard. I hope Kerr is ambitious. It's always special for a team to nurture their own talent through to the senior team.

There's also an increasing number of riders who are happy to top up their earnings by riding in both NL and PL and have no ambition to ride in the elite league where they should be looking to earn the money , IMHO doubling up between NL and PL is bad for several reasons and should not be allowed

[Trees]

NL entry is £10, it's too expensive, simple as ............. but of course with the amount of people who attend, I guess they have to charge it to cover the costs.

 

I think more should be made of our local boys, perhaps Matt could tell us where they live and interview them, I do miss the rider interviews and if they're local boys it means so much more ................. this is where we miss Kevin Moore, he has been around at Lynn for yonks and is obviously passionate about the sport and could easily interview the riders, whereas Matt is brand new to the job although to be honest if he oughta have a go at interviews, it's the only way he will get to know the riders??

[Lioness]

There's also an increasing number of riders who are happy to top up their earnings by riding in both NL and PL and have no ambition to ride in the elite league where they should be looking to earn the money , IMHO doubling up between NL and PL is bad for several reasons and should not be allowed

 

I dont think it should be banned but I feel you have a point and it should be restricted, EL riders riding NL last season was im o ludicrous and against the spirit of the NL

 

There is no doubt that the doubling up between Nl and PL is at the moment certainly working for two young Brits Lewis Kerr and Joe Jacobs both of whom have started the season very well and seem to be growing in stature every race in both leagues. Chances are though that in their first season in the PL they will hit a lean spell and the NL will probably be invaluable to helping them cope when it happens. At the same time, as they improve the next wave NL riders are getting a chance to see what they have to aim at to move to the next step and most young riders thrive and improve from racing those just a little better who they can realistically challenge.

 

I hope Lynn's fans do star/continue to back the NL racing - I still miss watching the Dale Devils

[junior fan]

 

There's also an increasing number of riders who are happy to top up their earnings by riding in both NL and PL and have no ambition to ride in the elite league where they should be looking to earn the money , IMHO doubling up between NL and PL is bad for several reasons and should not be allowed

Are you for real , posts like that prove your a first class prat, how many of the double up riders are even in a PL , 1to 5 , most if not all are reserves , having there 1st or at most second season in the Pl.And how do you know they don't have any ambition to do Elite, three of them are currently in another country racing, hardly showing lack of ambition.

Junior

[kingbee]

I don't think its a problem confined to Lynn, there are other tracks such as Poole, Newport and probably Coventry themselves this year who struggle to get decent attendances for their junior side while also running a senior team. Also worth pointing out that Ipswich on Monday and P'boro tonight give people other options within an hour or so to get their speedway fix this week. I'll be there for the IOW fixture and hopefully the prospect of seeing Adam Ellis and a potential league winning team will see a few more turn up too.

no problems at Cov very good crowd for the first meeting and good racing

[Bolt]

I really enjoyed this meeting! Both teams gave it there all. There was passing all round the track. Does King Lynn record NL meetings, if so can anyone tell me who record them. As for having the option to watch either Elite, Premier or National, well I live close enough to all three leagues and my favorite is with out a doubt the National League. Because riders are developing each year, you really do not know who will progress and how much each year, which makes it more exciting because the races are not so predictable.

[speedibee]

no problems at Cov very good crowd for the first meeting and good racing

Based on 1 meeting against Dudley Who bring about 500 people for their 1st local derby in 12 years ,

[greyhoundp]

Based on 1 meeting against Dudley Who bring about 500 people for their 1st local derby in 12 years ,

 

Yes I agree, but your promoter has the Guts to at least try NL racing, if he offered some incentives to supporters, Im sure they would support NL racing in sufficient numbers. Im quite happy to put up a Trophy for another Meeting between Storm and the Heathens later in the season, if it means Storm continuing for another season.

[mrss]

for us its personal preference as to wether there is someone or a team we want to see. we will be at iow mainly to just see adam ellis.

[Daniel Smith]

Well, I will chuck my perspective on NL racing.

 

Last season missed only 3 meetings & took in this meeting on Wednesday & I'm retiring from National League spectating. I keep trying to enjoy it but I just can't. I just find the racing scary, apart from the top 2 / 3 riders in the teams the rest just wobble around IMO.

 

The crashes / falls are too regular & after watching PL / EL racing I think most supporters of those clubs would be of the same opinion unless the NL team is of a stand alone status.

 

No more for me.