FAST GATER Posted September 23, 2014 Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 Very interesting walk through the Eagles history Gustix, thanks. The fact that the Dugards own the stadium and the fact that Martin's boys are taking to the shale, must suggest there is real hope speedway will continue at Arlington in some shape. Maybe at PL level would make sense and be more affordable to who ever ran it ,till the dozers move in there is always hope if nothing else ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trees Posted September 23, 2014 Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 Wow an Eastbourne fan who agrees with me re the track :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevec Posted September 23, 2014 Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 (edited) Wow an Eastbourne fan who agrees with me re the track :-) I think there are a few that agree the racing at the track is not what it was. Only a few years ago we used to have the likes of Davey Watt and Adam Shields riding the boards because there was grip on the outside. The only one that really seems capable of that now is Cam. I am not convinced however that it is the track itself. Bob knows what he is doing and surely if he could create a racers track, he would. I wonder if the following are the problem with the racing Expensively tuned and set up bikes. New silencers (I am convinced the bike ride different with the new ones) Air fence (takes up half the room that the likes of Sheildsy used to use) on the small confines of Arlo the airfence takes up a lot of room (not that I am against it of course) Grand Prix series Recessions Big money abroad I think the problems at Arlo and more than just the track and promotion. I wish I had the answers. I am going to miss it big time IF it really goes. 45 of my 48 years I have followed the Eagles and I truly love the team, the stadium and the sport! Edited September 23, 2014 by stevec 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Science Posted September 23, 2014 Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 I think there are a few that agree the racing at the track is not what it was. Only a few years ago we used to have the likes of Davey Watt and Adam Shields riding the boards because there was grip on the outside. The only one that really seems capable of that now is Cam. I am not convinced however that it is the track itself. Bob knows what he is doing and surely if he could create a racers track, he would. I wonder if the following are the problem with the racing Expensively tuned and set up bikes. New silencers (I am convinced the bike ride different with the new ones) Air fence (takes up half the room that the likes of Sheildsy used to use) on the small confines of Arlo the airfence takes up a lot of room (not that I am against it of course) I think the problems at Arlo and more than just the track and promotion. I wish I had the answers. I am going to miss it big time IF it really goes. 45 of my 48 years I have followed the Eagles and I truly love the team, the stadium and the sport! Good post,sad to see the demise of Eastbourne,have enjoyed my trips there in the 90's and 2000's to see some cracking matches against Wolverhampton in front of some big crowds.Unfortunately Eastbourne as a small track has been screwed by introduction of new silencers,the speedway is not as good as it used to be and there is no longer any atmosphere at the stadium,that's why people are not coming any more in the numbers they were. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrB Posted September 23, 2014 Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 Been going to Arlington every year since 1976. Track has gradually got worse and worse - entertainment likewise...It's sad but unless the track is ripped up and re-laid I can't see any level of the sport being a goer at Arlington. Sometimes its best to remember the good times and turn off the life support machine. RIP. Not sure about the last bit but the first part 110%. I said during the close season last year I felt our track needed digging up and relaying as IMHO I felt the surface was worn out. EB fans call Lakeside the dustbowl but this year Arlo has been if anything worse. People want entertaining for their hard earnt money, sadly the last couple of years thats been few and far between. Couple that with the woeful away form which never shows any sign of improving and there's hardly reasons for the fans to come flooding back. If EB are to continue major changes need to happen if crowds are to return. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
packerman Posted September 23, 2014 Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 Expensively tuned and set up bikes. New silencers (I am convinced the bike ride different )! you could say that about most tracks passing has been at a premium since they were brought in. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbo Posted September 23, 2014 Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 The problem with Speedway is the presentation it is poor not organised. We need slick presentations. One major problem with Speedway is lack of the facility to see the pits. I find watching the antics in the pits a major part of Speedway. Only Coventry has this facility I'm the midlands. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Science Posted September 23, 2014 Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 How many clubs needs to drop before the BSPA wake up to the Major overhaul needed ?, that's 2 and counting in 2014.What do you suggest the BSPA do ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cityrebel Posted September 23, 2014 Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 I honestly don't think the crowds will return to speedway whatever the BSPA do. It's a sport that is past it's sell by date and is being propped up by us old fogies, who are the last generation of speedway fans. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 I honestly don't think the crowds will return to speedway whatever the BSPA do. It's a sport that is past it's sell by date and is being propped up by us old fogies, who are the last generation of speedway fans. I tend to endorse your view. That's why there are several active forums that deal with the past. Speedway was a development from the 1920s and touched a peak in the immediate post-war years of the 1940s. It was then a "different sport in a different world." Now there are attempts at a revival - sadly an effort akin to King Canute and turning back the waves....! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevec Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 The problem with Speedway is the presentation it is poor not organised. We need slick presentations. One major problem with Speedway is lack of the facility to see the pits. I find watching the antics in the pits a major part of Speedway. Only Coventry has this facility I'm the midlands. Ironically I think Eastbourne get this right! The presenter (Kevin Coombes) is probably the best in the league (He does Cardiff) You can see in the pits if you stand at turn two or from some of the grandstand seats. You can also have easy access to the pits before and after the meeting Its also one of the only venues, I believe where the rides can come round on their bikes on the stock car track high fiving the fans after a race win. I do think it could be even better though. For example. A lap of honor after a race win should be obligatory, unless you are in the next race. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfsbane Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 So where is Martin Dugard in all this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Stadia Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 I tend to endorse your view. That's why there are several active forums that deal with the past. Speedway was a development from the 1920s and touched a peak in the immediate post-war years of the 1940s. It was then a "different sport in a different world." Now there are attempts at a revival - sadly an effort akin to King Canute and turning back the waves....! I do agree, but I do believe speedway has a future of some sort, but needs to change it's business plan. It needs to start with it's minimum expected 'bums on seats' and then build a team and expected costs around that. If as a promoter, you are prepared to fork out huge wages/fees to superstar riders, but can't square the expenses with the income, any promoter will eventually get fed up with bank rolling it and will want to get out. I have said for some while, until speedway reduces costs, particularly for the riders, speedway will continue to sink. That is what I believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevec Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 As a matter of interest, how much does it cost Eastie to run a meeting?Not sure but I remember them saying once that a rain off cost them around £3000 Not sure if that's based on an early call off or one when the gates open and everyone gets sent home. So I guess £3000 is the starting point with points money etc on top. Regarding Martin Dugard Wolfsbane, he is active at the club in that he helps out on race night and I know he does a lot for the youngsters. It does appear that he is not going to get involved in Managing/Running the club. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Science Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 I do agree, but I do believe speedway has a future of some sort, but needs to change it's business plan. It needs to start with it's minimum expected 'bums on seats' and then build a team and expected costs around that. If as a promoter, you are prepared to fork out huge wages/fees to superstar riders, but can't square the expenses with the income, any promoter will eventually get fed up with bank rolling it and will want to get out. I have said for some while, until speedway reduces costs, particularly for the riders, speedway will continue to sink. That is what I believe.Where are the superstars at Eastbourne ? They are a team built of mostly journeyman with the sole aim to win home meetings, which they have done, although that is still not enough to get people through the gate . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midland Red Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 http://companycheck.co.uk/company/00355588/CDUGARD-LIMITED makes interesting reading Incidentally, I see that Olli Tyrvainen is European Sales Director Is there really insufficient funds for the continuation of Eastbourne Eagles, or are there other reasons for probable closure? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cityrebel Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 Housing if they could get planning permission. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil The Ace Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 Eastbourne will run NL in 2015 with a view of running EL again in 2016 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Panda Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 http://eastbourneeagles.co/news.php?extend.656 RP 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cityrebel Posted September 24, 2014 Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 Good news, I just hope it's on sunday afternoons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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