Future Of Scunthorpe Scorpions

[lucifer sam]

NEXT SEVEN HOME MEETINGS ARE CRUCIAL TO FUTURE OF SCORPIONS

 

SCUNTHORPE promoter Rob Godfrey has revealed that the meeting on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31st could be the final-ever Scunthorpe Scorpions’ fixture at the Eddie Wright Raceway, unless there is a telling increase in attendance levels at the North Lincolnshire venue for the rest of the 2015 season.

Godfrey first revealed the club’s plight to supporters in his final programme notes of 2014. He promised them one more season, but that support needed to increase during 2015.

 

In a statement, Godfrey says: “First of all, I’d like to thank our loyal supporters across the last ten years, the people who have turned up week-in, week-out.

 

“Scunthorpe Speedway, in its previous incarnation from 1971 to 1985, nearly always tracked a poor team. We’ve banished that reputation, not only winning the Conference/National League three times, but also the Premier League championship in 2012. The latter, in particular, is something that still fills me with tremendous pride. We showed that Scunthorpe Speedway could be a success.

 

“There’s so much we can look back on and be proud about. The current World Championship leader, Tai Woffinden, started his professional speedway career racing for the Scunthorpe Scorpions.

 

“Our supporters are fantastic, but the bottom line is that we simply don’t have enough of them. Last year, I informed our fans that we needed around 100 more people through the gate a week. This year, the situation has worsened, maybe because we haven’t been successful on track. The Bank Holiday crowds have been OK, but our Friday night attendances have been very poor. We no longer need another 100 fans a week, we now need another 200.

 

“Whether we’re finished as a club, I don’t know. It’s no secret that our crowds need to be better, like most clubs. I don’t want this to be our last season, but I have to say we’re fighting for survival now.

 

“I really don’t know what else we can do to try to get people along on a Friday evening at 7.30pm; we’ve tried everything.

 

“I firmly believe we have the best racetrack in the whole country. The fact we’ve been awarded Premier League Track Of The Year three times (2010, 2012 and 2014) suggests I’m not the only person who thinks that.

 

“Some other tracks sometimes come under fire for long, drawn-out meetings, so we make sure we avoid that. We start on time, and then get on with the meeting.

 

“I believe a speedway meeting at the Eddie Wright Raceway is a good night’s entertainment, yet for whatever reason, we simply can’t get enough people to come along to watch our meetings. It appears to be a problem with speedway across the country, rather than a unique problem to Scunthorpe. I can’t speak for other tracks, but I can speak for mine, and we simply don’t have enough people on the terraces to sustain the current level of Premier League Speedway.”

 

The FluidAir Power Scunthorpe Scorpions, supported by Henderson Insurance, currently sit bottom of the 2015 Premier League, and Godfrey admits the on-track struggle has probably not helped with attendances.

 

He adds: “Basically, we’ve had ten reasonably successful years on the track up to now, but this year we’re just having a terrible year. It happens, you have good years and bad years. In the 10 years we’ve been running, this is the first really bad season we’ve had and it’s not through choice.

 

“What can I do to change it? All I can do is hope the riders get it together and start banging in some scores. I don’t think our team is as bad as our current league position shows. Once Josh (Auty) and Ryan (Douglas) are back and fully fit and healthy, I think we have a decent team, and visiting teams will struggle to take any points away from the Eddie Wright Raceway.

 

“But it’s been one thing after another this year. There has been times this season when I’ve hated speedway and can’t wait to get out of it, and I’ve had many a sleepless night. But there are also times when I realise how much I would miss this sport.

 

“We have seven home meetings left, starting with Peterborough on Friday (7.30pm). And as long as the weather doesn’t intervene, we’ll close for this season with the Bank Holiday Monday fixture on August 31st, against Sheffield Tigers, followed by the Midland Development League Riders’ Championship. People have those seven meetings left to show that there is sufficient interest out there to sustain the Scorpions into 2016 and beyond.

 

“No decision has been made yet, but I need to know that people still want speedway in Scunthorpe and that we’re going to get the level of support we need to make it viable to continue.

 

“In my heart, I still believe that Scunthorpe Speedway is worth saving. I hope there are enough other people who do as well”, Godfrey concludes.

 

 

SCUNTHORPE’S REMAINING HOME MEETINGS IN 2015:

 

Friday, July 10th – Scorpions vs Peterborough Panthers (7.30pm)

Friday, July 17th – Scorpions vs Ipswich Witches (7.30pm)

Friday, July 24th – Scorpions vs Plymouth Devils (7.30pm)

Friday, August 7th – Scorpions vs Newcastle Diamonds (7.30pm)

Friday, August 14th – Scorpions vs Redcar Bears (7.30pm)

Friday, August 21st – Scorpions vs Berwick Bandits (7.30pm)

Bank Holiday Monday, August 31st – Scorpions vs Sheffield Tigers followed by Midland Development League Riders’ Championship (3pm)

 

PLEASE COME ALONG TO THE EDDIE WRIGHT RACEWAY TO HELP SAVE THE SCUNTHORPE SCORPIONS

 

[Fromafar]

Given the standard off racing it will be a travesty if Scunthorpe don't survive.Shows the state the sport is in.They are not the only club in that boat.

[romans lovechild]

good luck to rob and the scoprions in the remaining fixtures and I hope crowds improve at what is THE best racing track in the country, you deserve it, from a Sheffield fan.

[penchev]

More problems for the sport, good luck scunny!

[The White Knight]

Very sad to see this. I have been to Scunthorpe a few times and it is a cracking venue for Speedway.

 

I do not think that lack of interest will be the main problem. Why do I say that? I honestly believe that Government 'Cuts' in their Austerity drive has and will have a dreadful effect on ordinary people's income. I think the truth for all Speedway Tracks is that more and more people are struggling to put food on the table. Speedway has to come a long way behind that and other necessities of life in their priorities.

 

If people are deserting a great Track like Scunthorpe I reckon there is something wrong.

 

I just think a lot of people nowadays will not be able to afford their Speedway. Sadly, in these days of austerity, that is a fact of life. Other Sports will feel the effect too.

[me2]

Jeez, that statements from the heart. I was working down that way a couple of years ago and stopped by the track to have a look, as I'd never been there before. Rob was pottering about and came over to see what I was doing. When I told him where I was from, he showed me around and made me a cup of tea and we had a good chat about Speedway.

It's really sad to see him in such a position. When Scunthorpe won the league I was really pleased for him, but as we've seen elsewhere, winning the league can add to the financial pressure.

After all he's put into the sport, he doesn't deserve this.

[Paul Johnson]

tbh there hasnt been that many big job losses in scunthorpe in recent years , maybe like mentioned above, government cuts? i think that as of now the crowd there are now are the "die hard" ones who will go no matter what, the 200 that have disappeared are the ones who think results matter and wont pay to watch a team sat at the foot of the table, some of those maybe decided because thomas and ash were not there then im not going, especially with ryan not starting the season again.i saw people i know turn up because ryan was back in then not been since he got injured, also with josh out too they dont seem to have a "favourite" to cheer on, ( a la, ash, tj, tofty, howe) i said before we ahve to go 1 more year for nike to develop like ryan, then the fans cant behind him, a big hitting number 1, like mr barker who should be guarenteed to score 10 or 15 everywhere he goes,start the season in good form then the crowds will stay through the season, instead of dwindling off like now, that would pay his wages,go for it big time ,if it works, great, if it dosent work then scunny dosent want speedway

Edited July 6, 2015 by neck brace tony

[foamfence]

I don't blame the cuts, too many tracks have had unsustainable crowds for longer than that. Sadly, the mystery to me is how so many have managed to stay open.

[Guest]

Sad news indeed if Scunthorpe do quit the sport. The fear might be IMO that their departure could herald a decline similar to that which hit the sport in 1953. The then loss in eraly-season of New Cross sparked a crash that nearly saw the end of the sport - offhand I think that three seasons later there were only six major tracks operating - but I stand to be corrected on that fact.

Edited July 7, 2015 by Guest

[Shadders]

I don't blame the cuts, too many tracks have had unsustainable crowds for longer than that. Sadly, the mystery to me is how so many have managed to stay open.

Speedway is an expensive sport to run. I've heard of some PL reserves on £50-£60 a point. If that's the reserves what are the heat leaders on?

The admission costs can't cover the outgoings, so something's gotta give.

I compare my visit to Berwick Rangers over Xmas and new year. About 500 people paying £12 a head. The Bandits charge £15 and attract similar crowds. Not having a pop, just comparing.

 

How much to service a motor, £500-600 every couple of months? That's ridiculous. If your engine blows god help you.

 

Something's gotta change

[WembleyLion]

Scunthorpe is a great track and has done so much for British Speedway in giving young riders opportunities especially in its early days. I really hope they can find a way through.

 

As Eastbourne and Birmingham have found maybe the NL is more sustainable with the advantage of home grown riders (who actually turn up every meeting) as opposed to ailing leagues reliant on expensive journeymen!

[topsoil]

As has been pointed out above several times, speedway is a very expensive sport to participate in, it's like twenty or so years ago, when most of the riders were homegrown and had relatively little equipment. Nowadays riders are flying all over Europe and have spare bikes and often full-time mechanics. It's an arms race to keep equipment at the highest standard.

There are two options, reduce costs by reducing the standards, going with riders with poorer equipment and less running costs, or continuing with expensive equipment and somehow finding large amounts of sponsorship income to fund it (e.g. Formula One).

Both choices have pros and cons. It's up to each individual promotion to decide what is right for them.

[To The Point]

Speedway is an expensive sport to run. I've heard of some PL reserves on £50-£60 a point. If that's the reserves what are the heat leaders on?

The admission costs can't cover the outgoings, so something's gotta give.

I compare my visit to Berwick Rangers over Xmas and new year. About 500 people paying £12 a head. The Bandits charge £15 and attract similar crowds. Not having a pop, just comparing.

 

How much to service a motor, £500-600 every couple of months? That's ridiculous. If your engine blows god help you.

 

Something's gotta change

In your dreams Shads £500/£600 if you dont need any parts, in general £1200 to £1500 for a rebuild.

 

Really sad about Scunny though.

Edited July 7, 2015 by To The Point

[speedibee]

Some of Scunthorpes problems with dwindling crowds started around the time the stock car racing started. Instead of the cars becoming a completely seperate income stream they actually split the crowd . while speedway was the only sport on the menu the following was very good .

In your dreams Shads £500/£600 if you dont need any parts, in general £1200 to £1500 for a rebuild.

 

Really sad about Scunny though.

This Gerhard engine could be a saviour with supposed 20 hours service intervals . but tuners must be kept out otherwise it will be a wasted exercise . time for promoters to take some radical steps and start doing whats best for British speedway , never mind about Poland Sweden Denmark and the GPs ,

[lucifer sam]

Some of Scunthorpes problems with dwindling crowds started around the time the stock car racing started. Instead of the cars becoming a completely seperate income stream they actually split the crowd . while speedway was the only sport on the menu the following was very good .

 

Hi Speedibee, that's not actually true, because the two sports attract two enitely different sets of fans to the track, there's very little overlap at all. For whatever reason, speedway fans are not interested in stock cars, and stock car fans are not interested in speedway.

 

Although I've never been to a stock car meeting at the EWR, I believe the attendances for those meetings remain OK.

 

All the best

Rob

Edited July 7, 2015 by lucifer sam

[thebaron]

This is very very worring indeed; and you have to feel for Rob and the management team; who put the heart and sole into Scunthorpe Speedway.

 

But realistically I just cannot see where the 200 extra fans are going to come from between now and the 31 August and that makes it all the more worrying.

 

There is no doubt that we are seeing week in week out some of the best speedway action on these shores served up at the EWR; and yet that is not enough to get enough regular fans through the turnstile to safeguard the tracks future.

 

I have said before on this forum; the fact that the Scorpions are propping up the Premier League; this season is not a big deal for me; as I am there and appreciate a hammer and tongs; down to the wire match; where we may end up losing. But for non diehards the team has to be winning and challenging it would seem.

 

Every home meeting is a round trip from Bradford of 130 miles for us. We lost speedway in West Yorkshire nearly twenty years ago and there's no chance of any revival anytime soon. When Bradford closed we spent some time in the "wilderness" as speedway fans; having been regulars since the 1970's. It was Scunthorpe Speedway that brought us back to the sport regularly five or so years ago. One Friday we just said lets go to Scunny; and we loved the track; the team and Robs honest approach to running the club. We we're hooked again.

 

To think of not being able to leave work on a Friday and head down the M62 to Scunny is a sad thought; but we are probably a rare breed to have adopted Scunthorpe as our home team 65 miles away!. We have followed the team up and down the country as well since we got the bug back; so trust me there is something worth fighting for as far as we are concerned.

 

Really we should be the icing on the cake in terms of supporters; because the core support should be from Scunthorpe and surrounding. That said I am still perplexed where all the speedway fans down the M62 corridor have disappeared to?. I suppose the answer is with the loss of Bradford; Halifax and Hull; nigh on two generations have never been to a speedway meeting so this has been very damaging for the sport as a whole. Some children have grown up never knowing what the sport is all about.

 

Look around you at speedway meetings; even at Cardiff this weekend I would estimate that over 50% must have been middle aged. Correct me if you think that's wrong by all means. Certainly when I scan the Scunthorpe crowd; that appears to be the case and it may be higher than 50%. There are just not enough young people engaged with speedway and that's despite having some really talented motorcyclists and likeable guys out there on the track. Unlike football they are dedicated, approachable; personable and knowledgeable about their sport. You would think that young people would buy into that and be attracted to a sport where you can literally rub shoulders with your hero's.

 

Poor attendances are not a Scunthorpe only problem; a look in at any track during the week will evidence that the sport is in decline. Speedway happens because of the dedication of people like Rob; who (like us) still remember the halcyon days of the 70's-80's when a 5000 crowd on a Saturday night at the Shay was not uncommon. Back then your local speedway was likely to be situated close to the town centre. Just think for a minute about all the tracks that have been lost from towns up and down the land. Many were in fairly established stadiums; that although dated; were sited close to where the support lived. Contrast to now; where most speedway tracks have been forced out into the fields; Scunthorpe is just one example.

 

Look the EWR is a credit to Rob and the management team; but the amenities are fairly basic. For me as a speedway fan; I can get over that; for us its about the racing; the team; the riders. But for floating fans they just don't "get it" like we do; so the fact that there is precious little seating or covered accommodation might be a factor; and the racing as great as it is; may not be enough of a pull for some folks. Have a look at American baseball; it plays to packed houses and basically all it is; is rounder's. But its not just the baseball fans turn up for; its the eats; the drinks and social side. If you look at the crowd; you will see that some fans are not even watching the game. Yet it plays to thousands.

 

I recently went along to Kinsley Greyhound Track near Pontefract for nights racing. Years ago I had a look at Kinsley dog track for a potential speedway track and nearly got run out of town by the then owner!. But I was back a couple of weeks ago; and the attendance was higher than we get at the EWR definitely. I am no greyhounds fan; but the night was fairly enjoyable; we went in two coaches from the football club. We probably stuck extra 100 on the gate; that included many local residents. It was £10 in and with that we had a free bet; free drink and a meal (that was half decent to be fair).

 

Excuse me; as I am writing as I am thinking; but I know there is a darn sight more on offer from a nights speedway at Scunthorpe than a night at the Greyhounds; yet the locals at Kinsley seem to be buying what's on offer. They know they can go there; have a beer; bet and meal; its sociable more than anything; but comfortable whilst your there. As I say this is not a dig at the facilities at the EWR; but I am sure you see the point. Can we be offering more in the way of facilities a place to hang out at?.

 

I know that this is looking to a future that we may not have; but if we had one; then I would be having a word with Scunthorpe FC and seeing if any of the fixtures and fittings out of Glanford Park could be taken up to the EWR. Certainly replace the seating opposite the start gate; and could we nab a Stand or part of one ?. Plus anything else that might be recycled and can be used to enhance the facilities at the speedway. Just an idea; and sure that someone might already have thought of that.

 

Back to the speedway; the team this year was very much set up to entertain; and we think it has definitely delivered on that front. But it has not been a winning team and that's possibly why the locals have not bought into it. That said we have been right out of any sort of luck; Josh out; Ryan out; David Howe out of it from the word go?. Defeats home and away and bottom of the league all convey the opposite of what we want to say I suppose; yet the racing has been superb. Also moving on favourites like Birko and Tommy Gun; although that may be a lesser consideration.

 

I could go on and on; about the structure of the sport and how we might revive its fortunes. For me we are where we are; and letting it disappear is not an option; I think we all have to back those people like Rob and the team who put everything into making the show go on week in week out. I have written at length on this forum about speedways future; and I believe we have to be prepared to change and re-launch the product at its most sustainable level. Right now I see that as the Premier League; and preferably on a regionalised basis. Bring more variation into each tracks race programme. Look at what is going on around the speedway on race days; particularly hospitality and facilities. The presentation; the relationship of riders and spectators, and the branding of the league and the clubs to give clear identity.

 

Perhaps I have gone on long enough for now; but all we can do is keep backing the team and hoping that the local people in Scunthorpe and surrounding see enough value in Scunthorpe Speedway between now and 31 August 2015. Come on guy's if we can care enough to make it a 140 mile round trip to back the Scorpions surely you can roll out of bed and get your backsides trackside and Save YOUR Speedway!. I can assure you of this YOUR A LONG TIME GONE.

 

Just another thought; does someone want send this to the Scunthorpe Telegraph; along with other contributions on this thread; as part of a rallying call to folks in Scunny to wake up before its too late. As fact is those 200 folks we need to get through the turnstile like as not; wont stray onto this forum; meaning we are actually preaching to the converted.

Edited July 7, 2015 by the outsider

[Guest]

This is very very worring indeed; and you have to feel for Rob and the management team; who put the heart and sole into Scunthorpe Speedway.

 

But realistically I just cannot see where the 200 extra fans are going to come from between now and the 31 August and that makes it all the more worrying.

 

There is no doubt that we are seeing week in week out some of the best speedway action on these shores served up at the EWR; and yet that is not enough to get enough regular fans through the turnstile to safeguard the tracks future.

 

I have said before on this forum; the fact that the Scorpions are propping up the Premier League; this season is not a big deal for me; as I am there and appreciate a hammer and tongs; down to the wire match; where we may end up losing. But for non diehards the team has to be winning and challenging it would seem.

 

Every home meeting is a round trip from Bradford of 130 miles for us. We lost speedway in West Yorkshire nearly twenty years ago and there's no chance of any revival anytime soon. When Bradford closed we spent some time in the "wilderness" as speedway fans; having been regulars since the 1970's. It was Scunthorpe Speedway that brought us back to the sport regularly five or so years ago. One Friday we just said lets go to Scunny; and we loved the track; the team and Robs honest approach to running the club. We we're hooked again.

 

To think of not being able to leave work on a Friday and head down the M62 to Scunny is a sad thought; but we are probably a rare breed to have adopted Scunthorpe as our home team 65 miles away!. We have followed the team up and down the country as well since we got the bug back; so trust me there is something worth fighting for as far as we are concerned.

 

Really we should be the icing on the cake in terms of supporters; because the core support should be from Scunthorpe and surrounding. That said I am still perplexed where all the speedway fans down the M62 corridor have disappeared to?. I suppose the answer is with the loss of Bradford; Halifax and Hull; nigh on two generations have never been to a speedway meeting so this has been very damaging for the sport as a whole. Some children have grown up never knowing what the sport is all about.

 

Look around you at speedway meetings; even at Cardiff this weekend I would estimate that over 50% must have been middle aged. Correct me if you think that's wrong by all means. Certainly when I scan the Scunthorpe crowd; that appears to be the case and it may be higher than 50%. There are just not enough young people engaged with speedway and that's despite having some really talented motorcyclists and likeable guys out there on the track. Unlike football they are dedicated, approachable; personable and knowledgeable about their sport. You would think that young people would buy into that and be attracted to a sport where you can literally rub shoulders with your hero's.

 

Poor attendances are not a Scunthorpe only problem; a look in at any track during the week will evidence that the sport is in decline. Speedway happens because of the dedication of people like Rob; who (like us) still remember the halcyon days of the 70's-80's when a 5000 crowd on a Saturday night at the Shay was not uncommon. Back then your local speedway was likely to be situated close to the town centre. Just think for a minute about all the tracks that have been lost from towns up and down the land. Many were in fairly established stadiums; that although dated; were sited close to where the support lived. Contrast to now; where most speedway tracks have been forced out into the fields; Scunthorpe is just one example.

 

Look the EWR is a credit to Rob and the management team; but the amenities are fairly basic. For me as a speedway fan; I can get over that; for us its about the racing; the team; the riders. But for floating fans they just don't "get it" like we do; so the fact that there is precious little seating or covered accommodation might be a factor; and the racing as great as it is; may not be enough of a pull for some folks. Have a look at American baseball; it plays to packed houses and basically all it is; is rounder's. But its not just the baseball fans turn up for; its the eats; the drinks and social side. If you look at the crowd; you will see that some fans are not even watching the game. Yet it plays to thousands.

 

I recently went along to Kinsley Greyhound Track near Pontefract for nights racing. Years ago I had a look at Kinsley dog track for a potential speedway track and nearly got run out of town by the then owner!. But I was back a couple of weeks ago; and the attendance was higher than we get at the EWR definitely. I am no greyhounds fan; but the night was fairly enjoyable; we went in two coaches from the football club. We probably stuck extra 100 on the gate; that included many local residents. It was £10 in and with that we had a free bet; free drink and a meal (that was half decent to be fair).

 

Excuse me; as I am writing as I am thinking; but I know there is a darn sight more on offer from a nights speedway at Scunthorpe than a night at the Greyhounds; yet the locals at Kinsley seem to be buying what's on offer. They know they can go there; have a beer; bet and meal; its sociable more than anything; but comfortable whilst your there. As I say this is not a dig at the facilities at the EWR; but I am sure you see the point. Can we be offering more in the way of facilities a place to hang out at?.

 

I know that this is looking to a future that we may not have; but if we had one; then I would be having a word with Scunthorpe FC and seeing if any of the fixtures and fittings out of Glanford Park could be taken up to the EWR. Certainly replace the seating opposite the start gate; and could we nab a Stand or part of one ?. Plus anything else that might be recycled and can be used to enhance the facilities at the speedway. Just an idea; and sure that someone might already have thought of that.

 

Back to the speedway; the team this year was very much set up to entertain; and we think it has definitely delivered on that front. But it has not been a winning team and that's possibly why the locals have not bought into it. That said we have been right out of any sort of luck; Josh out; Ryan out; David Howe out of it from the word go?. Defeats home and away and bottom of the league all convey the opposite of what we want to say I suppose; yet the racing has been superb. Also moving on favourites like Birko and Tommy Gun; although that may be a lesser consideration.

 

I could go on and on; about the structure of the sport and how we might revive its fortunes. For me we are where we are; and letting it disappear is not an option; I think we all have to back those people like Rob and the team who put everything into making the show go on week in week out. I have written at length on this forum about speedways future; and I believe we have to be prepared to change and re-launch the product at its most sustainable level. Right now I see that as the Premier League; and preferably on a regionalised basis. Bring more variation into each tracks race programme. Look at what is going on around the speedway on race days; particularly hospitality and facilities. The presentation; the relationship of riders and spectators, and the branding of the league and the clubs to give clear identity.

 

Perhaps I have gone on long enough for now; but all we can do is keep backing the team and hoping that the local people in Scunthorpe and surrounding see enough value in Scunthorpe Speedway between now and 31 August 2015. Come on guy's if we can care enough to make it a 140 mile round trip to back the Scorpions surely you can roll out of bed and get your backsides trackside and SAVE THE SCORPIONS!.

 

I'll probably have 'the gang after me' for this question: 'how are stockcar attendances these days at Scunthorpe?' I just wondered if there could be more local problems away from speedway that are affecting crowds? How about gates for local senior football matches - are they stable?

[Lord Skid]

Just admit it, the Sport is finished in it's present format, and no, the GTR engine won't save it.

[Paul Johnson]

it has to be because we arent winning at home, the results arent happenning, the floating fans are reading the updates or telegraphs website and saying "lost again",also its been aprill since we tracked a full 1 to 7 and by reading various posts on bsf and facebook people will not pay to see a guest who dosent score what he did for his team the previous visits or r/r, the ones who stay away dont not care or realise the damage they are causing to the club,

all our ideas in the scorps meetinfs would have helped more for next year, maybe not enough time to implement for this year, it was brought up iin the meetings about an "all in price" same as the greyhounds, as the outsider said, you turn up with say £18 and thats for entrance, programme, burger and a drink, it sounds better when you pitch it to some, ive had positive reaction from friends who like that idea, they ask how much is speedway? and i say,£15 to get in, then you need this then you need that and you can see them working the price out and saying thats a lot, so if you said just bring a twenty pound note you will be sorted.

i was positive that once we won our first meeting at home the crowd would come back,but now we have just short of 2 months left i think its too late for them to teturn,

[Shadders]

Hi Speedibee, that's not actually true, because the two sports attract two enitely different sets of fans to the track, there's very little overlap at all. For whatever reason, speedway fans are not interested in stock cars, and stock car fans are not interested in speedway.

 

Although I've never been to a stock car meeting at the EWR, I believe the attendances for those meetings remain OK.

 

All the best

Rob

I used to go to stocks at Arena Essex in the mid to late 90's when there was no speedway at Rye House. The grass banks were packed for BH Monday meetings. Must've been in excess of three thousands people there.