Guest Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 Seeing Joe's list brought to mind another country with a long history of staging speedway, namely Austria. Did they ever stage league racing? I am fairly certain that there has never been a league competition in Austria - but obviously I stand to be corrected! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erinil1 Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 Regarding the team from Hungary competing in the then lowest polish league, hasnt it been a team from Ukraina competing in Poland? How is the situation looking in Norway? Is there a league there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Beevers Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 (edited) Just looked up an interesting piece on domestic racing in Bulgaria and Romania which I did not know. Quoting Wikipedia: "Bulgaria has one domestic league, with a total of six speedway tracks. In 2011, after years of neglect, the National Championship was restored, conducted in cooperation with Romania. In 1977 the track in Targovishte, in the country's north east, was licensed for international meetings. The track then held the quarter-final of the European youth championship in 1978, won by Nikolay Manev. The eighth-finals were held there in 1982, 1985, 1986 and 1987, with a semi-final in 1980 and the 1982 semi-final for the World pairs championship, followed by the 1988 quarter-finals for the European youth championship". Also are Italy not still going. I was trying to remember which nations were still going from reading a Speedway Star from a month ago. I cannot think of many to be honest. I would be guessing the Baltic countries and I have name everywhere else except for the speedway that takes place in Japan. Edited July 3, 2016 by Joe Beevers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 (edited) Just looked up an interesting piece on domestic racing in Bulgaria and Romania which I did not know. Quoting Wikipedia: "Bulgaria has one domestic league, with a total of six speedway tracks. In 2011, after years of neglect, the National Championship was restored, conducted in cooperation with Romania. In 1977 the track in Targovishte, in the country's north east, was licensed for international meetings. The track then held the quarter-final of the European youth championship in 1978, won by Nikolay Manev. The eighth-finals were held there in 1982, 1985, 1986 and 1987, with a semi-final in 1980 and the 1982 semi-final for the World pairs championship, followed by the 1988 quarter-finals for the European youth championship". Also are Italy not still going. I was trying to remember which nations were still going from reading a Speedway Star from a month ago. I cannot think of many to be honest. I would be guessing the Baltic countries and I have name everywhere else except for the speedway that takes place in Japan. That's an interesting comment in regard to Bulgaria - thanks Joe Beevers. Is the Bulgarian League still active? I am certain there is still plenty of speedway activity in Italy and also I have seen a rather busy forum on Facebook in regard to Romania although it appears to be individual meetings rather than league racing - but I could be wrong. Edited July 3, 2016 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin man 76 Posted July 3, 2016 Report Share Posted July 3, 2016 I found this comment in regard to Finnish speedway in 2015: http://www.monsterenergyswc.com/news/article/4107/fast-facts-finnish-speedway LITTLE LEAGUE: While Poland, Sweden, Britain and Denmark attract riders from all over the world to race in their leagues, Finland’s SM-Liiga is a comparatively small competition, featuring five clubs. Didn't Finland have a league once, or have they still got one? The Finnish League is still going strong. This season there are five clubs racing in the Finnish SM-Liiga namely; Sand Blowers - Hyvinkaa; Ankkurit - Varkaus; Haukat - Lahti; Porin Nopea Racing - Pori; Kotkat - Seinajoki. If in Finland, I would definitely recommend visiting a League Match. The SM- Liiga uses a four team tournament format, with a normal league fixture consisting of nineteen heats. Admission is a bargain 10 euros. In contrast to Finland, the league in Russia (as has been well documented elsewhere) is unfortunately left with only three teams standing - Turbina Balakovo, Lada Togliatti and Vostok Vladivostok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 4, 2016 Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 (edited) The Finnish League is still going strong. This season there are five clubs racing in the Finnish SM-Liiga namely; Sand Blowers - Hyvinkaa; Ankkurit - Varkaus; Haukat - Lahti; Porin Nopea Racing - Pori; Kotkat - Seinajoki. If in Finland, I would definitely recommend visiting a League Match. The SM- Liiga uses a four team tournament format, with a normal league fixture consisting of nineteen heats. Admission is a bargain 10 euros. In contrast to Finland, the league in Russia (as has been well documented elsewhere) is unfortunately left with only three teams standing - Turbina Balakovo, Lada Togliatti and Vostok Vladivostok. That's an interesting comment moomin man 76. I was sorry to read about what is happening in the Russian League - why has it gone wrong? I believe at one time it was a strong competition and well supported financially? Edited July 4, 2016 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin man 76 Posted July 4, 2016 Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 I wouldn't pretend to be an expert on what has happened with the Russian League, but in the relatively recent past the following teams have disappeared from it; St Petersburg - Initially to the Finnish League, but now no longer operating in League Racing. Lokomotiv Daugavpils (Latvia) - Now riding in the Polish League. Salavat + Oktyabrsky - Tracks still exist, but dropped out of the Russian League, as they couldn't compete financially with the remaining clubs. At some point, I'm fairly sure at least one of the Ukrainian clubs joined the competition, but dropped out quickly. I'm sure there are those in the forum, who have a more detailed knowledge of Russian speedway than I would be able to fill in the gaps. One thing is certain though; the league is far far smaller than in the days of the Soviet Union. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HertsRacer Posted July 4, 2016 Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 I wouldn't pretend to be an expert on what has happened with the Russian League, but in the relatively recent past the following teams have disappeared from it; St Petersburg - Initially to the Finnish League, but now no longer operating in League Racing. Lokomotiv Daugavpils (Latvia) - Now riding in the Polish League. Salavat + Oktyabrsky - Tracks still exist, but dropped out of the Russian League, as they couldn't compete financially with the remaining clubs. At some point, I'm fairly sure at least one of the Ukrainian clubs joined the competition, but dropped out quickly. I'm sure there are those in the forum, who have a more detailed knowledge of Russian speedway than I would be able to fill in the gaps. One thing is certain though; the league is far far smaller than in the days of the Soviet Union. Weren't several teams backed by rich "oligov's". Remember many world stars competing in the league once. Now it seems to be limited to just home grown riders. Judging by clips on U Tube the existing clubs still get good crowds. I expect the travelling distance for some clubs didn't help the league much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arnieg Posted July 4, 2016 Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 I wouldn't pretend to be an expert on what has happened with the Russian League, but in the relatively recent past the following teams have disappeared from it; St Petersburg - Initially to the Finnish League, but now no longer operating in League Racing. Lokomotiv Daugavpils (Latvia) - Now riding in the Polish League. Salavat + Oktyabrsky - Tracks still exist, but dropped out of the Russian League, as they couldn't compete financially with the remaining clubs. At some point, I'm fairly sure at least one of the Ukrainian clubs joined the competition, but dropped out quickly. I'm sure there are those in the forum, who have a more detailed knowledge of Russian speedway than I would be able to fill in the gaps. One thing is certain though; the league is far far smaller than in the days of the Soviet Union. Russian League tables here: http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmrosji.php And the Soviet Union era here: http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmzsrr.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin man 76 Posted July 4, 2016 Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 Many thanks for the links - it certainly helps fill in the 'gaps' about the development of the Soviet/Russian speedway leagues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 4, 2016 Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 (edited) In the attempt to update this thread I have been trying to get information in regard to Bulgaria and the possibility that they have, or may have had, a league competition. Can any BSF member provide the much-needed information please? I have found the following Link to speedway in that country but so far can find anything that indicates they have - or may have had - a league competition. http://speedway-bg.com Edited July 4, 2016 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norbold Posted July 4, 2016 Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 (edited) Just out of interest a couple of quotes from the 1961 Speedway Star Digest's European Review: "Bulgaria. There was little activity, with Czechoslovakian and Hungarian riders carrying off the honours. Poor equipment retards progress, although promise of delivery of Czechoslovakian machines this year would do much to benefit the sport. K. Nikalov is champion." "Hungary. Pal Pereney was Hungary's leading racer, and looks to be a rider with a big future once he obtains top class equipment. Other Hungarians who did well in international events were Lapos Varos and Istvan Djaka. There are many tracks in Hungary, but lack of central organisation is retarding progress." The other countries reviewed are: Austria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden and Yugoslavia. Edited July 4, 2016 by norbold Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arnieg Posted July 4, 2016 Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 (edited) In the attempt to update this thread I have been trying to get information in regard to Bulgaria and the possibility that they have, or may have had, a league competition. Can any BSF member provide the much-needed information please? I have found the following Link to speedway in that country but so far can find anything that indicates they have - or may have had - a league competition. http://speedway-bg.com Apart from 1975 these all appear to be single meeting competitions or cup competitions with elimination rounds and a final. http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmbulgarii.php Edited July 4, 2016 by arnieg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puma23 Posted July 4, 2016 Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 If you click "[Średnie] --kliknij-- [Averages] --click-- " under table you will see riders with clubs or heat averages. You can also see on my site results of Romanian League Championship: http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmrumunii.php Finnish: http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmfinlandii.php Yugoslavian: http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmjugoslawii.php Norwegian: http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmnorwegii.php South African: http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmrpa.php Slovenian:http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmslowenii.php Ukrainian: http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmukrainy.php Rhodesian: http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmrodezji.php 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 4, 2016 Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 (edited) Apart from 1975 these all appear to be single meeting competitions or cup competitions with elimination rounds and a final. http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmbulgarii.php Thank you for this arnieg - so the correct definition is that league speedway has ceased in Bulgaria? If you click "[Średnie] --kliknij-- [Averages] --click-- " under table you will see riders with clubs or heat averages. You can also see on my site results of Romanian League Championship: http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmrumunii.php Finnish: http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmfinlandii.php Yugoslavian: http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmjugoslawii.php Norwegian: http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmnorwegii.php South African: http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmrpa.php Slovenian:http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmslowenii.php Ukrainian: http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmukrainy.php Rhodesian: http://www.historyspeedway.nstrefa.pl/dmrodezji.php An interesting update. Of the countries detailed by you Puma23 which have so far not been itemised previously in this thread, the additional failed league countries are Yugoslavia, Slovenia and Romania. May I add that I found the information on your website of great interest, although I have visited it MANY times for other information over the years. Well done. Edited July 5, 2016 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bavarian Posted July 5, 2016 Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 How do we distinct between a "league" championship and a "team" championship? I ask because what most of the above countries ever have had, would rather have been classed as a team championships in the 4-T-T style, but not a "true" league, with team v team meetings, though in most cases they may still have called it a league competition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 5, 2016 Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 How do we distinct between a "league" championship and a "team" championship? I ask because what most of the above countries ever have had, would rather have been classed as a team championships in the 4-T-T style, but not a "true" league, with team v team meetings, though in most cases they may still have called it a league competition. What you mention Bavarian is something I have also wondered about. If you go back to the opening post you will notice comments I made in regard to Holland and New Zealand where I itemised both as no longer having league competitions in what are regarded as the accepted format although both stage what you describe as team championships? I would be most interested to see further opinions on this theme. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin man 76 Posted July 5, 2016 Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 By the same margin, the Finnish SM-Liiga has been run using a 4TT format, but is a league in the truest sense of the word, as there are twelve meetings throughout the season. I would imagine this is rather more than were held in the likes of Romania and Bulgaria in the past and equally countries like Italy where the 'team' championship uses a best pairs format. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 5, 2016 Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 Countries where league racing has failed: USA, New Zealand (in the original concept), Australia, South Africa, Holland (in the original concept), Italy (?). Any additions to the list please? And possible reasons for the failures. Where could it happen next? As an update to the above, and I would like comments on my post, league racing in New Zealand although only with three teams at present, is on a structure generally accepted for league racing. It has been said in subsequent Posts that the league in Italy was on a best pairs format, so in my opinion does not qualify for a listing. Additionally, there was a form of acceptable league racing for one season only in Bulgaria, in 1975. That would qualify it as a failed league. The other countries listed remain. In regard to Holland the present league competition does not qualify being basically what is known as "team championship" racing. Two additions to the inaugural failures where recognised team racing took place are Ukraine and Rhodesia. Any comments would be appreciated. And as mentioned in the initial topic post but still without an answer is this question: And possible reasons for the failures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bavarian Posted July 5, 2016 Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 Following the trend and success of similar leagues being set up in Holland, Sweden and Poland at the time, in the early 1950s Austria tried to set up a "true" league competition (team v team meeting on a home-and-away basis. There were two teams in Vienna that I know of, and one in Graz. The famous Leopold Killmeyer played a major part in setting up this Austria Speedway League. It faded away, though, after a few seasons. In the 1970s, and later on, the Austrians experimented with a revial in form of a four-team-tournament league competition similar to how Germany and Czechoslovakia ran their respective national speedway leagues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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