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Ipswich 2016


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Speaking with Danyon on Sunday, he was keen to ride on Thursday but hadn't received a booking yet. I understand that the deal with Rye House was that Danyon wouldn't be used too much in the PL this season and was allowed to develop in the NL, so maybe we will be seeing some different faces in the No. 7 jacket - including I believe, and hope, the awesome James Shanes who had a cracker of a meeting for Kent earlier this evening and had a tremendous outing on the Grass on Sunday.

 

Jake Knight of course brings along a family connection with the awesome Witches Double winning side of 1984, captained by the greatest rider ever to put on a Witches race jacket .... discuss...? That night at Reading followed by that night at Belle Vue still send shudders down my spine.

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Speaking with Danyon on Sunday, he was keen to ride on Thursday but hadn't received a booking yet. I understand that the deal with Rye House was that Danyon wouldn't be used too much in the PL this season and was allowed to develop in the NL, so maybe we will be seeing some different faces in the No. 7 jacket - including I believe, and hope, the awesome James Shanes who had a cracker of a meeting for Kent earlier this evening and had a tremendous outing on the Grass on Sunday.

 

Jake Knight of course brings along a family connection with the awesome Witches Double winning side of 1984, captained by the greatest rider ever to put on a Witches race jacket .... discuss...? That night at Reading followed by that night at Belle Vue still send shudders down my spine.

if there is to be a merry go round of no7s then a booking for Shanes (assuming he would even want one) is a must.

Probably the most talked about (and not just by macca!) rider elligible that hasnt had a ride.

 

As for 1984 those who have seen any of my previous posts about that night at Smallmead will know the feelings that macca mentions arent confined to him.

One of the biggest reasons I will be a lifelong fan is the hope I can experience nights like that - even if only once or twice - again.

Hopefully they werent all used up in 98!!

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Has anyone watched been to the Kent track? If so is it any good? I keep meaning to give it a visit

 

I was going next Monday (Kent v Kings Lynn) and would be more than happy to drive you down (and back I suppose), especially as I am not in paid employment at the moment. Let me know sometime, either by: reply here, PM, Facebook (not Twitter, I never pick up my Twitter DMs) or by using my Cell (or mobile phone). But I see it is Danny Ayers birthday on 16th, so may leave it until the 15th when they host Belle Vue. We would have to get away by 4pm I reckon to ensure a safe trip over the Bridge and down the M2. The stadium (main stand) takes some beating and the track could be brilliant if prepared properly.

 

if there is to be a merry go round of no7s then a booking for Shanes (assuming he would even want one) is a must.

Probably the most talked about (and not just by macca!) rider elligible that hasnt had a ride.

 

As for 1984 those who have seen any of my previous posts about that night at Smallmead will know the feelings that macca mentions arent confined to him.

One of the biggest reasons I will be a lifelong fan is the hope I can experience nights like that - even if only once or twice - again.

Hopefully they werent all used up in 98!!

 

I have been chatting with Master Shanes after his brilliant performance on grass at the weekend, and he has not confirmed, but I would be desperately disappointed if he did not wear a Witches' jacket before the end of the season. I'm sure that he would accept the booking after the grasstrack on Sunday.

 

We have chatted about this on other Threads, but the reason I think that 1984 stands out as THE year in Witches history is the unexpected nature of the League and Cup Double; Sigalos let go. Billy begrudgingly given the captaincy ahead of John Cook who was back in the fold after JB had said "never again" (the amount of credit Billy deserves for keeping John Cook interested, motivated and in the UK has never been recognised.) An untried Richard Knight, Niemi could have gone down as well as up, Flatman as vulnerable as ever and the trump card in Carl Blackbird being allowed to "Double-Up" from Mildenhall.. Belle Vue were made clear favourites and certainly thumped the Witches at home in the League. Cradley were the coming team, Reading looked strong.

 

In my opinion, Bill was the top rated rider racing in the British League that year following his Runners Up placements in both the Individual and Pairs World Titles in 1983 and had only finished with an average under 10 the season before as he had been asked to drop his average and let Dennis go for the magical 11 point season ending average.

 

From memory the Witches got off to an ordinary start in the league and were probably fortunate that the first attempt at the League match at Reading was abandoned, but the re-arranged night at Smallmead will live with me forever. There was tension and magic in the air that night and when Bill gated in Heat 1 the tension lifted and we knew it would be ok, but every heat had the programme board gripped tighter in the "lucky" position. I didn't smoke, but I did that night - out of every orifice.... and then the celebrations and the biggest smile I had ever seen on the Kid's face.

 

The 1st Leg Cup win at Hyde Road seems to be so underrated and doused down by the state of the track that night, but it was so pleasing that Billy finished his Hyde Road career with an outstanding Captain's maximum. The following days 2nd Leg was a formality but a huge crowd turned up and having driven back from Manchester to London and then to Ipswich the next morning, the overwhelming tiredness fitted in well with a surreal day on the Heath.

 

Less than six month's later, of course, the Kid was dead.

With the feel good factor returning to a ever growing section of the crowd, I can see the feel good factor returning to the trophy room in the near future.

 

It shouldn't be forgotten that the Witches won the PL Pairs last season and would most likely have won the Fours but for the Lewi Kerr accident. Of course it did help that Pairs expert Rohan Tungate was in the team last season.....

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Looks like Covatti may be riding in the 2nd TRound of tyhe SEC this weekend at Daugapvills or however you spell it. May be worth a watch of Eurosport...

 

Just noticed there is a BSF Massif thread been started. what's that all about then. Make sure my copywrite is solid on the name, lol.

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Looks like Covatti may be riding in the 2nd TRound of tyhe SEC this weekend at Daugapvills or however you spell it. May be worth a watch of Eurosport...

 

Just noticed there is a BSF Massif thread been started. what's that all about then. Make sure my copywrite is solid on the name, lol.

Covatti raced in the last round as well. Not very successfully though.

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Oh thanks, didn't know that. Not a great follower of the SEC, apart from the Beat the Bookie Comp that R&R is kindly running.

 

Kent are at home to Eastbourne on Bank Holiday Monday if you are still interested Baldy?

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Bored at work so a few suggestions to keep Foxhall rocking next season

 

Introduction of the Foxhall Flyer Leaderboard

- Each home meeting 2 x ex Witches riders are invited down to have a few warm up laps pre meeting then during the interval both riders take it in turns to run 4 laps of the circuit with a "Top Gear" style leaderboard appearing updated in the program every home meeting - gives old fans the chance to remember the riders they have liked from the past, gives younger fans the chance to appreciate those who have represented the witches in the past.

 

Introduction of a KIDS Loyality Card

Advertise once the season is finished via sponsored posts on social media and local newspaper/radio that Witches are offering a Kids Loyalty card - basically any child under the age of 16 can apply for a card which is posted to them complete with Photo ID - this card allows any cardholder the chance to attend Foxhall for FREE during the whole season if accompanied by a paying adult.

 

Work with Ipswich Town Football Club

Start of the speedway season have a team flyering at the football stadium saying Season Ticket holders get £10 entry to the witches home matches all season - The football club would get behind promoting this as it rewards people for buying season tickets.

 

Work with Schools

Similar to what the football club do each home match a selection of kids from local schools or perhaps the loyalty card holders can be on the centre green during the parade waving Witches branded flags as part of the parade ceremony.

 

Better Options for Public

Under 21's only pay £8 to enter meetings all season, another loyalty in place where if they come to 9 meetings they get entry to the 10th for free - There are a lot of potential attendees at the local College and University!

 

Better Social Media Presence

Pay to sponsor adverts enticing people to Foxhall by sponsoring facebook posts targeting age/gender specific people within the Ipswich area

 

Negotiate with Speedeworth

There are a fair few "Hospitality Boxes" that Speedeworth rent out at Foxhall - These can be rented and entertain X amount of people for a fee payable to Speedeworth - if its for Speedway you pay for the box but doesn't include tickets (these have to be purchased seperately) - why? The boxes should be part of the rent that the Witches pay - if the club have access to these they can hire these out direct to local business as a corporate night out, birthdays, stag do's etc.

 

Just a few ideas while I am at work

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Don't get me started about the blinking "Hospitality Boxes" Cookie....

 

Rider's sponsors should be treated a heck of a lot better in speedway than they do and when you don't even get a reply to your enquiry... So good luck with that one.

 

Maybe the Massif should have a flag and stake it in one of the Boxes, claiming it for themselves and declaring SB EL Presidente. ....?

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Had to happen after speaking with Richie on Thursday as the Witches were having to use a special dispensation to track Jake Knight as a Guest at Owlerton.

 

Lets hope the lad can settle into his role for the rest of the season and secure his three points a meeting and hie first PL heat win.

 

Welcome full-time Danyon, you have a massif future in the sport.

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Lets face it, the lad has only been riding speedway for just over 12 months. Poultec should take some credit but Danyon, and his Dad, should take the majority.

 

I can honestly see him riding in a British race jacket / suit within five years.

 

Bikes look fast, when the frames aren't bent, lol, and he has a neat style and attitude. Could be a hero of the Witches for years to come. Just needs to take a step back, and a deep breath, as this has been a bit of a roller-coaster for him. His score on Wednesday night shows how far Danyon has come in a very short space of time.

 

Announcement had to be made really, but very pleased as young Mr Hume is what Ipswich Speedway should be about....

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