seanrobborobson Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 In this day and age, only top quality marketing and top quality entertainment is going to compete for peoples leisure time/money and attract new people into the sport. I got into Speedway a few years back, as did a few of my friends, mainly by following the results and reports on the back pages of the local newspaper. This tapped into a curiosity to see what it was all about, and now I'm a huge fan of the sport. Nowadays who actually buys a local newspaper?! So Speedway has lost a key marketing tool there. I think that a new Super League is needed, either a European one, or UK one that runs every fortnight on a Saturday afternoon/early evening (non GP weekend), where parents can take children of all ages and not have to worry about late nights. Make it a product, a whole afternoon's entertainment, get the riders there early interacting with the kids, have some mini bikes for them to have a go on on a course or something inside the track, have arcade machines with bike games, competitions, make having a bet on speedway easy at the track....anything to enhance the experience for the adults and kids alike. I'm sure TV would sponsor something like that with a lot more finance than they currently do the Elite League. Create new franchises for this new league, have a proper draft each year, and an auction for the first year for riders.....market the sport properly, not half-heartedly. Publish rules clearly, do not make up new rules as you go along, do not have an 'in the interest of speedway' get out clause to make up aforementioned new rules as you go along Maybe use Cardiff or Wembley once or twice a year and have a Speedway Carnival where each of the teams ride against each other back to back, four meetings in one day. Meanwhile the British League can run as it currently does through the week, albeit diluted in quality, maybe make it so that there has to be at least 3/4 British riders per team, and hopefully the league will benefit from the increased profile of the sport. These clubs would have to be subsidised in some way by the 'Super League' and maybe have standardised engines/bikes supplied by league to help reduce costs. I'm sure that if the league approached an engine manufacturer/chassis manufacturer they'd get a great deal for that much equipment. Riders can still tune them and tinker, but it wouldn't mean that the huge cost of buying engines, chassis and such is forced on them and in turn to the clubs. Ok, it's not an original idea, it probably has its flaws, but it has to be much much better than the gradual demise that we are currently experiencing of this great sport. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABS Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 Many of us pointed out along the way that all that the continuous dilution of the product through reduced points limits was going to achieve was fans voting with their feet. I still go to Belle Vue every Monday, but there are many people who I'd see around who no longer attend. If speedway cannot keep its' fan base, how do the Promoters think we're going to attract new people to our tracks, given the fare on offer? Pick up an Elite Programme from 15 years ago and compare the relative strengths of teams to what we have today and then look at the cost of attendance. Does what we have today for roughly 15 minutes of action represent value for money in comparison to what we once had? I think not. It's hard to compare the UK with Sweden, as many of the tracks come under the Local Community and clubs there will pay a lot less than we do at BV and B'Ham in terms of rent. But our so-called Elite League is a pale shadow of what is used to be and certainly a pale shadow of what constitutes the Elite League in Sweden. We have to somehow look to enhance our product offering and I think that can only be achieved through a major cash injection through corporate sponsorship of our leagues. How one goes about achieving this is something that the BSPA should focus their minds on, otherwise the downward spiral will only continue. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trees Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 If we tried a two day only league I don't think there would be enough teams, it seems Helmsley and Dugard won't change so that's two gone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveLyric2 Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 In this day and age, only top quality marketing and top quality entertainment is going to compete for peoples leisure time/money and attract new people into the sport. I got into Speedway a few years back, as did a few of my friends, mainly by following the results and reports on the back pages of the local newspaper. This tapped into a curiosity to see what it was all about, and now I'm a huge fan of the sport. Nowadays who actually buys a local newspaper?! So Speedway has lost a key marketing tool there. I think that a new Super League is needed, either a European one, or UK one that runs every fortnight on a Saturday afternoon/early evening (non GP weekend), where parents can take children of all ages and not have to worry about late nights. Make it a product, a whole afternoon's entertainment, get the riders there early interacting with the kids, have some mini bikes for them to have a go on on a course or something inside the track, have arcade machines with bike games, competitions, make having a bet on speedway easy at the track....anything to enhance the experience for the adults and kids alike. I'm sure TV would sponsor something like that with a lot more finance than they currently do the Elite League. Create new franchises for this new league, have a proper draft each year, and an auction for the first year for riders.....market the sport properly, not half-heartedly. Publish rules clearly, do not make up new rules as you go along, do not have an 'in the interest of speedway' get out clause to make up aforementioned new rules as you go along Maybe use Cardiff or Wembley once or twice a year and have a Speedway Carnival where each of the teams ride against each other back to back, four meetings in one day. Meanwhile the British League can run as it currently does through the week, albeit diluted in quality, maybe make it so that there has to be at least 3/4 British riders per team, and hopefully the league will benefit from the increased profile of the sport. These clubs would have to be subsidised in some way by the 'Super League' and maybe have standardised engines/bikes supplied by league to help reduce costs. I'm sure that if the league approached an engine manufacturer/chassis manufacturer they'd get a great deal for that much equipment. Riders can still tune them and tinker, but it wouldn't mean that the huge cost of buying engines, chassis and such is forced on them and in turn to the clubs. Ok, it's not an original idea, it probably has its flaws, but it has to be much much better than the gradual demise that we are currently experiencing of this great sport. Good ideas - but what would you propose as the admission charges for fans? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bagpuss Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 Many people thought speedway should be 'stripped back' last winter and in hindsight it really ought to have been. Riders missing from fixtures because they are racing elsewhere have become the main bugbear for speedway fans IMO, people can accept guests or R/R if a team member is injured but not if they are somewhere else. Whether it means all EL speedway being on a Monday or a Wednesday (or a mixture of both) or top riders not racing here if they don't put the UK first it needs sorting. EL matches should never be scheduled on World Championship qualifying weekends like we had at Leicester the other week or at Eastbourne earlier this season, and much more should be done to avoid clashes for riders who are doubling up, some of the fixture scheduling this season has been absolutely rank. Time for speedway in this country to put itself first whichever path it takes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g13webb Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 If we tried a two day only league I don't think there would be enough teams, it seems Helmsley and Dugard won't change so that's two gone! So the sport is to be held to ransom because these two wont change their ideas... Brilliant !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g13webb Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 I think we will need to agree to disagree on this one because we seem to live on different planets. Not at all, we both want speedway to improve To answer some of your points: 1. I didn't mention anything about competing with other speedway nations. What I mentioned was the dilution of the product and value for money. Where does it all end - 7 NL riders per team in the EL because that is all they can afford? That is where they are heading unless they address the value for money issue. I think supporters realise this and that is why they are voting with their feet and staying away! Although you didn't mention competing with other speedway nations, the way the sport works with riders riding in other countries, we have to compete with what they offer the riders, that's the reason the riders would rather give this country a miss unless you pay their excessive demands. 2. I agree the biggest issue is finance but they should be looking at ways of reducing costs to riders and the other costs will have to follow suit - not expect their customers to pay through the nose for an inferior product. Totally agree. but you have to appreciate the promoter is governed by the rules of the BSPA ,so changes need to be made from the top. 3. Regarding quality of entertainment - so you enjoy watching Team Lewis beating most of the opposition - some of which are half a lap behind? Of course you do because you have two strong reserves - the bigger picture is that it is an unfair system that was "rigged" from the outset (and I'm not getting at KL or any other team - who all played within the rules). How can that be better entertainment? Think you're being excessive here. It's not very often riders are half a lap adrift. You say you're not getting at KL but their success obviously rankles you. Probably if your club did as much as Lynn to enhance these young riders and give them the encouragement, help and opportunity to progress, then probably you would have a different viewpoint. As it is at the moment some clubs are struggling with the FTR system . Probably now is a good point for your club to be thinking about 2015. 4. I don't think I was actually moaning about the number of meetings with guests and RR - I was merely supporting my view that this adds to the less value for money. However, when you say that we have no choice - you might not, but I certainly do - if I don't like it, I won't settle for less. It is that attitude of the diehard fans (who are dwindling in numbers) that any speedway is better than none that encourages speedway promoters to continue to dilute the product and at some point you just have to say "enough is enough" and the FTR has done that for me. I'm all for 'value for money' in any aspect of the sport, but find your comments strange. When reading of the above, I get the impression you relate VFM directly to the number of top quality riders on show. Well thankfully, I see it differently. The product of speedway racing is:- excitement, close racing and competition performed by riders of equal ability . Obviously top riders are welcome but not an necessity. I have been attending speedway for well on 30+ years but for all the reasons I previously listed (which I won't list again for fear of being accused of moaning!) I have found other ways to keep me busy on a Thursday night which is good value for money! Like you I have been watching speedway a long time. I have seen many top riders performing unbelievable feats. Also, I have been to many meeting when lesser riders have performed really well. Both excite me. Just because the names on the board are that of top riders, doesn't necessarily mean the racing will be of top quality racing.... or VFM 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 Coventry V Poole June 20th, 3 guests for the Bees and 2 for the Pirates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weatherwatcher Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 It is not the top names that make the sport. You can see far better racing without them. I wouldn't bother who rode for my team if the racing was good. What is the point of attracting the top GP riders to have to fork out I don't know how much in start money and extra for points. The sport would still be great without them. As for dilulting the quility of what is on show. Would it be any worse if we went every meeting to be entertained by close racing and less of this dick follow the leader stuff we have come to call speedway these days. If the riders don't want to come then you can't make them, without the clubs being held to ransom for ridiculess fees just to get them over here. I am sure that if the British riders got the chance of riding in a top flight league we would see a lot of improvement in the qulity of riders that we turn out in the future insted of the backwater we have fallen into in these last few years. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve0 Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 Like you I have been watching speedway a long time. I have seen many top riders performing unbelievable feats. Also, I have been to many meeting when lesser riders have performed really well. Both excite me. Just because the names on the board are that of top riders, doesn't necessarily mean the racing will be of top quality racing.... or VFM If I wanted to see NL riders I would go along to a NL match. I have absolutely no interest in seeing NL riders riding in in the NL and even less interest in seeing them in the EL. That's my opinion - a couple of times you have mentioned that I am looking to see top quality riders - I haven't said that - what I have said is that I have no interest in seeing NL riders! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stratton Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 Prices have gone up with inflation which is in stark contrast to EL teams going weaker. I don't think its rocket science to suggest that bringing back the top boys will help increase numbers on the terraces as that is what a lot of the stay aways have been saying they want to happen. I don't think promoters dare ask fans to pay more than they are now, not for the reduced standard and quality of the teams. However by looking at the bigger picture surely the promoters can see same night racing + big stars back = bigger attendances?? Will it cost more?? Probably but if that is the price needed to tempt people back to watching on the terraces then it surely is worth pushing for? Steve those days are gone even if say another 5 world class riders rode over here it is not viable these riders are on serious money the gates do not balance the books the EL is knackered it needs revamping. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonHWeiner Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 Coventry V Poole June 20th, 3 guests for the Bees and 2 for the Pirates. Had the Swindon v Coventry match been on last night, the Bees would have had 3 guests again. Fair play to Lewis Bridger coming in at the last minute for MJJ, all for nothing (except for a very nice selfie with my granddaughter in the local pub after the match was called off!) I personally don't like the idea of guests. Coventry Storm recently had 4 guests at Sittingbourne. Dan Greenwood at number 4 plus the 2 reserves were the only Storm riders! Could you imagine Wayne Rooney guesting for Suarez at Liverpool? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebrum Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 Steve those days are gone even if say another 5 world class riders rode over here it is not viable these riders are on serious money the gates do not balance the books the EL is knackered it needs revamping. There has to be some way to try get back to those days. Sweden can make it happen on not much bigger crowds than some of the EL teams. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Smith Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 If we tried a two day only league I don't think there would be enough teams, it seems Helmsley and Dugard won't change so that's two gone! If they're not willing then go knocking on Sheffield's, Peterborough's and Somerset's door and bring a couple of cracking tracks into the EL. My biggest bugbear isn't the standard of rider's but for the top British League is the number of crap prepared tracks and crap tracks to watch Speedway in general. This has contributed more IMO than having lost world class rider's. There are 10 teams in this league yet, Lakeside, Leicester, Eastbourne, Poole, Belle Vue are absolutely terrible. Swindon, Coventry needs minor changes (although the latter has improved apparently in recent weeks) Wolves, King's Lynn and Birmingham are the best prepared to give racing a chance. Bringing back the top rider's doesn't increase the standard of racing. To bring people back, they couldn't give a sh!yte what names are on the score sheets. They wouldn't know who they are, even the World Champion. If track standards increase, the racing standards increase, the more people wax lyrical about the standard of racing (hence more value for money) the more people want to check it out. It is very very simple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stratton Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 There has to be some way to try get back to those days. Sweden can make it happen on not much bigger crowds than some of the EL teams. No for me Steve ,i think one big league has to happen soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebrum Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 No for me Steve ,i think one big league has to happen soon. A definite no no to one big league for me! Been there, didn't work either. The successful leagues work with a Divisional structure. We must retain the 3 tiers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bagpuss Posted June 28, 2014 Report Share Posted June 28, 2014 Just because one big league didn't work nearly twenty years ago doesn't mean it wouldn't now. Although you really couldn't blame any PL promoter for not wanting to get into bed with Lord Ford. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Turner Posted June 28, 2014 Report Share Posted June 28, 2014 It is not the top names that make the sport. You can see far better racing without them. I wouldn't bother who rode for my team if the racing was good. What is the point of attracting the top GP riders to have to fork out I don't know how much in start money and extra for points. The sport would still be great without them. As for dilulting the quility of what is on show. Would it be any worse if we went every meeting to be entertained by close racing and less of this dick follow the leader stuff we have come to call speedway these days. If the riders don't want to come then you can't make them, without the clubs being held to ransom for ridiculess fees just to get them over here. I am sure that if the British riders got the chance of riding in a top flight league we would see a lot of improvement in the qulity of riders that we turn out in the future insted of the backwater we have fallen into in these last few years. I'm afraid that's just not the case. The top names are top names for a reason, they bring the best entertainment in the sport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebrum Posted June 28, 2014 Report Share Posted June 28, 2014 Just because one big league didn't work nearly twenty years ago doesn't mean it wouldn't now. Although you really couldn't blame any PL promoter for not wanting to get into bed with Lord Ford. What we know works is big stars and a strong EL. Going backwards to something that didn't work last time is not the answer IMHO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ch958 Posted June 28, 2014 Report Share Posted June 28, 2014 What we know works is big stars and a strong EL. Going backwards to something that didn't work last time is not the answer IMHO. certainly worked for Birmingham Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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