Cardiff Gp

[PHILIPRISING]

I thought of this when i saw a picture of the track being ripped up after the meeting and thought what a waste. When its our turn to hold the final of the SWC why not make the final the next day at the millennium stadium .surely everybody who goes to the GP would stay and attend the final of the SWC. It might even increase the attendence for both. It would truly be a weekend of speedway. BSI could offer a duel ticket for both meetings .the attendance for SWC now is 10,000? If everyone stayed and went to both it would go up to 40,000 ,the track is all ready there ,the stadium dosent get used the next day except for BSI to take track out .i know its paying for 2 meetings buts at current SWC prices whats another £20 on top of cardiff .i think its got winner all over it for BSI and the fans

NOT 100 per cent sure the track would stand up to what would be almost four meetings. Practice for GP equivalent to almost 40 races alone and there would have to be practice for the SWC as well. Fine in theory, maybe not in practice.

[ShirleyBee]

 

From the Speedway GP website:

 

PARK & RIDE sites accessed from J33 of the M4 - Cost £10 per car

 

International Sports Village (BLUE CAR PARK)

County Hall (GREEN CAR PARK)

 

Drop off points will be:

International Sports Village - Tresillian Way north, at rear of Railway Station

County Hall - Callaghan Square north, in lay-by by Ever Sheds

 

The car park will open at 9:00am, with the first bus at 9:30am. The last bus will leave the pick-up point at 10:30pm, with the car park closing at 11pm.

Turned up at County Hall car park as I have done for many years now only to be told that it was being used for another event and that it would be closing at 6pm. Obviously no good for the speedway. How come this was not previously reported?

[PHILIPRISING]

 

Yes, but if London replaced Cardiff it might be a different story. I agree there's no particular compelling reason to go elsewhere in the current climate, but neither is Cardiff irreplaceable.

 

The problem with Cardiff is that attendance has been pretty static for a number of years now. A GP in London might be sufficiently more attractive or accessible to the casual fans who don't go now, although countering that would be that the weather might adversely affect matters.

 

What did happen to the proposed GP in Monaco? Wasn't Prince Albert feted at Cardiff one year with a view to having an event in the Principality?

CARDIFF crowd may be fairly static, although up to almost 42,000 (figure supplied by stadium) on Saturday, but considering how domestic crowds are dwindling it remains impressive against those figures.

 

Many EL and PL tracks are playing to audiences of less than a thousand and it is hard to see that trend changing.

Turned up at County Hall car park as I have done for many years now only to be told that it was being used for another event and that it would be closing at 6pm. Obviously no good for the speedway. How come this was not previously reported?

PRESUMABLY because no one was informed.

[speedibee]

Millenium stadium cost less than 10 % OF W

[Humphrey Appleby]

CARDIFF crowd may be fairly static, although up to almost 42,000 (figure supplied by stadium) on Saturday, but considering how domestic crowds are dwindling it remains impressive against those figures.

 

Yes, but it's also clear that Cardiff must be attracting a significant number of non-regular fans. The question is would a London GP attract more non-regular fans, and I suspect the answer would be yes. However, that would have to be offset against probably higher costs and maybe less of a largesse from the local authority as London hardly needs to pay to attract visitors.

[g13webb]

We, and I use that term lightly, have at last recognised, just how good the SGP at Cardiff really is. It is without doubt the best speedway meeting of the year in this country, and probably the best in the world as well. So instead of being appreciative of that fact, we hear posters now suggesting we change it in so much as we try to milk the product thus diluting its appeal. The reason Cardiff is so special is because of the occasion encompasses everybody, from Fans to Shop keepers, from Pubs to Local people, from Police to Security guards, everyone is wrapped into the atmosphere of speedway entertainment. Fans come from the all four corners of the country just to attend. They spend a fortune just to be part of the weekend. They do that because it is that special and doesn't happen that often. I have heard attendance figures branded about from 45 to 50K . As no official announcement is declared, its difficult to be precise. But it is not difficult to see the priority that BSI have put towards the presentation to make it such a rip roaring success it has become. I cant believe they would reprecate that if asked and would surely take away some of the glamour if they were to run more meetings

 

So instead of posters coming up with ideas for change , surely it would be a better idea, to concentrate their thoughts on all the problems associated with our Bread and Butter League racing, rather then, try to mend sometime that is not broken.

[Hodgy]

We, and I use that term lightly, have at last recognised, just how good the SGP at Cardiff really is. It is without doubt the best speedway meeting of the year in this country, and probably the best in the world as well. So instead of being appreciative of that fact, we hear posters now suggesting we change it in so much as we try to milk the product thus diluting its appeal. The reason Cardiff is so special is because of the occasion encompasses everybody, from Fans to Shop keepers, from Pubs to Local people, from Police to Security guards, everyone is wrapped into the atmosphere of speedway entertainment. Fans come from the all four corners of the country just to attend. They spend a fortune just to be part of the weekend. They do that because it is that special and doesn't happen that often. I have heard attendance figures branded about from 45 to 50K . As no official announcement is declared, its difficult to be precise. But it is not difficult to see the priority that BSI have put towards the presentation to make it such a rip roaring success it has become. I cant believe they would reprecate that if asked and would surely take away some of the glamour if they were to run more meetings

 

So instead of posters coming up with ideas for change , surely it would be a better idea, to concentrate their thoughts on all the problems associated with our Bread and Butter League racing, rather then, try to mend sometime that is not broken.

Well said. Where else in the UK do you see a City painted totally Speedway. Streets, bars, shops, cafés, hotels all Speedway themed - you can talk the sport with so many different supporters. Whereas at most venues up and down the country you wouldn't even know there was a meeting on. As you say, that's what needs addressing, Cardiff has it sorted. Fantastic weekend.

 

P.S. Keep the air horns for the stadium, I kept spilling my pint 😄

[PHILIPRISING]

 

Yes, but it's also clear that Cardiff must be attracting a significant number of non-regular fans. The question is would a London GP attract more non-regular fans, and I suspect the answer would be yes. However, that would have to be offset against probably higher costs and maybe less of a largesse from the local authority as London hardly needs to pay to attract visitors.

I TAKE your point but I actually think Cardiff attracts more 'casual' fans than would Wembley for many of the reasons already stated by me and others previously.

I TAKE your point but I actually think Cardiff attracts more 'casual' fans than would Wembley for many of the reasons already stated by me and others previously.

 

One thing that is easy to forget... the Millennium actually enjoys and encourages the British GP. Cannot see Wembley doing the same even if a deal were to be struck.

 

Incidentally, thought the led advertising strips along the front of the stands, which were also used for meeting info, were terrific. First saw them at the Friends Arena in Stockholm last year. Only the second time they have been operational at the Millennium.

[Humphrey Appleby]

One thing that is easy to forget... the Millennium actually enjoys and encourages the British GP.

 

Do they? I'd think they're simply desperate to get some events in the stadium, given that the venue was losing money hand over fist last time I looked.

 

Whilst I doubt Wembley would be suitable (far less affordable) for speedway, has anyone actually ever enquired what their attitude would be? I'd imagine it would be much more open to alternative events these days, given the need to recoup the vast cost of building the new stadium and the fact that modern business practice frowns upon lost revenue opportunities.

[fatface]

We, and I use that term lightly, have at last recognised, just how good the SGP at Cardiff really is. It is without doubt the best speedway meeting of the year in this country, and probably the best in the world as well. So instead of being appreciative of that fact, we hear posters now suggesting we change it in so much as we try to milk the product thus diluting its appeal. The reason Cardiff is so special is because of the occasion encompasses everybody, from Fans to Shop keepers, from Pubs to Local people, from Police to Security guards, everyone is wrapped into the atmosphere of speedway entertainment. Fans come from the all four corners of the country just to attend. They spend a fortune just to be part of the weekend. They do that because it is that special and doesn't happen that often. I have heard attendance figures branded about from 45 to 50K . As no official announcement is declared, its difficult to be precise. But it is not difficult to see the priority that BSI have put towards the presentation to make it such a rip roaring success it has become. I cant believe they would reprecate that if asked and would surely take away some of the glamour if they were to run more meetings

 

So instead of posters coming up with ideas for change , surely it would be a better idea, to concentrate their thoughts on all the problems associated with our Bread and Butter League racing, rather then, try to mend sometime that is not broken.

Dead right. I lived in London for several years until recently. As much as I love the place, I certainly couldn't go along with the idea that a Wembley or Olympic Park GP would surpass Cardiff. Not a chance. The area around Wembley is a dump, full of nothing but fried chicken outlets and tacky old sports bars. On the other hand you've got the Olympic Park and the glistening but soul-less shopping centre that is Westfield. Neither holds anywhere near the charm of Cardiff City Centre.

 

As an earlier poster points out, there would also be much less chance (probably none) of public funding to help bring a GP to London. So can you really take the chunk of money from the Welsh Tourist Board, Welsh Government and other sources away and STILL expect BSI to come up with the same spectacle we see at Cardiff? If BSI were silly enough (and they're not) to move from Cardiff to London we would be most likely served up a dliluted product at an inflated cost. And that would have no long-term future. As it is, we have had around 40k turning out every year for 15 years for a minority sport. That's pretty good going and anyone would be a fool to risk that.

[Mick H]

We, and I use that term lightly, have at last recognised, just how good the SGP at Cardiff really is. It is without doubt the best speedway meeting of the year in this country, and probably the best in the world as well. So instead of being appreciative of that fact, we hear posters now suggesting we change it in so much as we try to milk the product thus diluting its appeal. The reason Cardiff is so special is because of the occasion encompasses everybody, from Fans to Shop keepers, from Pubs to Local people, from Police to Security guards, everyone is wrapped into the atmosphere of speedway entertainment. Fans come from the all four corners of the country just to attend. They spend a fortune just to be part of the weekend. They do that because it is that special and doesn't happen that often. I have heard attendance figures branded about from 45 to 50K . As no official announcement is declared, its difficult to be precise. But it is not difficult to see the priority that BSI have put towards the presentation to make it such a rip roaring success it has become. I cant believe they would reprecate that if asked and would surely take away some of the glamour if they were to run more meetings

 

So instead of posters coming up with ideas for change , surely it would be a better idea, to concentrate their thoughts on all the problems associated with our Bread and Butter League racing, rather then, try to mend sometime that is not broken.

In a nutshell.

[severnsider]

 

Incidentally, thought the led advertising strips along the front of the stands, which were also used for meeting info, were terrific. First saw them at the Friends Arena in Stockholm last year. Only the second time they have been operational at the Millennium.

 

Agreed really liked the banner strips along the first level. As well as winners did the two minutes as well.

 

Maybe in future it would be possible to show the two minute countdown and/or to show race times also, but was very good as was the spirals in the opening sequence.

 

As always fireworks were amazing

[keepturningleft]

Think Jason Crump is the best pundit yet - sign him up Sky/Eurosport!

 

Anyone noticed how showing respect for the national anthem now seems to be a thing of the past.

Very surprisingly and disapointingly, Greg Hancock chose to hold a conversation with DW whilst his national anthem was being played.

 

 

[Dornier]

Thought Crump did an excellent job he was a natural in front of camera and in fact I think Scott was a bit embarrased and found it difficult to contribute, Think Scott would be out of a job if Crump was available permanently

[theknow 2]

Well what a great weekend. Pretty good racing, weather, all in all nice

 

Only miner let down was the stunt rider, good for 5mins but boring after that. Also the presentation of riders was a bit naff as went on too long to.

 

A great event but little more thought needed for the start.

[June]

Denmark gets two GPs. There league crowds are tiny to the point of irrelevant and their main GP does not get a crowd the size of the Millennium Stadium does. So why can't we have a second GP? Why isn't the Olympic Stadium, Wembley or even the pretty much empty Ricoh in Coventry if you want to go to a speedway city used?

 

The argument given for us not having two GPs is pathetic. Cardiff is a huge success, now try London, aswell!

Those that think 2 GPs in UK would be successful...think again!. Families....Mums, dads, children and grand parents go to Cardiff every year. Its like a mini holiday to them. Even the kids save their pocket / birthday money. Millenium Stadium is magic. they really do have the knack of turning the evening into something rather spectacular that appeals to all ages. You cannot achieve this atmosphere in an open stadium but most important I think if we did have 2 GPs I doubt the families would or could afford to turn out twice.We need to think carefully. speedway league racing is suffering with low crowds. Don't for gods sake kill off Cardiff. and it is more central than London.

[Terry]

 

 

Anyone noticed how showing respect for the national anthem now seems to be a thing of the past.

Very surprisingly and disapointingly, Greg Hancock chose to hold a conversation with DW whilst his national anthem was being played.

 

Must say I found that rather odd, considering how fiercely patriotic Americans are.

 

Keith Huewen (remember him!) used to comment on Sam Ermolenko standing up and saluting in the sky sports studio during the anthem when Greg or Billy won a gp!

[PHILIPRISING]

 

Do they? I'd think they're simply desperate to get some events in the stadium, given that the venue was losing money hand over fist last time I looked.

 

Whilst I doubt Wembley would be suitable (far less affordable) for speedway, has anyone actually ever enquired what their attitude would be? I'd imagine it would be much more open to alternative events these days, given the need to recoup the vast cost of building the new stadium and the fact that modern business practice frowns upon lost revenue opportunities.

AM not just talking about the stadium executives but the general staff without whom things wouldn't tick over as smoothly as they do.

Well what a great weekend. Pretty good racing, weather, all in all nice

 

Only miner let down was the stunt rider, good for 5mins but boring after that. Also the presentation of riders was a bit naff as went on too long to.

 

A great event but little more thought needed for the start.

THOUGHT the opening ceremony was terrific and the riders, who knew nothing about it until an hour before the start (and not much then) enjoyed it. Brainchild of BSI Event Manager Gemma Fordham who wanted to "give every rider their own moment in the spotlight."

 

"It was like being a rock star for a few seconds," said Hancock.

Edited July 14, 2014 by PHILIPRISING

[keepturningleft]

A rick star? that's a new one!

[Terry]

Maybe he felt like Rickardsson for a few seconds!