Fighting The Urge...

[SCB]

Do I go again...or just wallow in happy memories and watch videos from the past...suggestions?

 

What am I missing?

Personally, 4 riders, 4 laps is still as great as ever. The GPs and the SWC where theres almost no politics/favouritism is brilliant and I love it. But sadly, league racing the favouritsm, the bending rules, the cheating and the general "couldn't give a rubbish about the fans" feeling has ground me down.

 

One of my favourite meetings of the last few seasons was Chris Harris' testimonial as it was just no nonsense, get on with it and race. Quite possibly my favourite meeting of the last 5 seasons was the British U15 final at Peterborough in 2014. Was just a load of kids who couldn't wait to get out and race and when they won a race or even got a "big" 3rd place celebrated, waved and generally milked it for all it was worth - all while the next 4 riders were dying to get out on track for their next heat - I loved it!

 

So yeah, it's the the off track crap that has ruined it for me sadly If you can go along and ignore the politics the sport is amazing.

[Paulco]

 

Personally, I find that the majority of negative comments on here are made by people who don't actually go any more, and some of those say they wouldn't go if it was free. If they have so little interest, I wonder why they remain as members of this forum.

 

Having said that, there are (and will be) many occasions when the sport leaves you frustrated, disappointed and even angry. Crap tracks, appalling public relations, annoying, self important presenters, disastrous mistakes (Belle Vue being a good example) and ridiculous, unnecessary delays seem to be part and parcel of attending and following speedway .

 

On occasion, though, you are reminded of why you love it so much. Lakeside last night was one of those occasions - a close meeting, brilliant racing, excellent presentation and finished in 90 minutes. Great stuff

Exactly . Two well matched teams being allowed to do battle on a well and fairly prepared track , there is no better sporting spectacle than speedway . If you ignore the politics of the sport and just appreciate the skill and bravery of the participants , you'll want to keep going back for more .

[oldtimer]

Well I took the plunge, and made it down to Somerset v Isle of White

 

And tbh...although not a patch on what it used to be like...I really enjoyed it.

 

Racing wasn't the best...but I enjoyed watching some of the younger riders learning the ropes and improving each ride.

 

Was nice to see the names... Dugard, Chessell and Smart...are the last two related to Gary and Dave at all?

 

Was really hoping young Henry Atkins was going to hold onto his lead...but the young en put up a good show.

 

I've now a new favourite rider to follow...how exciting to watch is Bradley Wilson-Dean! Really impressed by him and his riding style.

 

Anyway...I will be making many more returns...getting close to the starting gate and exit of bend 4 got my juices flowing again, and came away smiling...so speedway has hopefully got a new supporter back.

 

Only two small constructive criticisms...if the club are going to play music between heats ( nice selection btw ) then turn the volume up...you may get some atmosphere...at that level it has the opposite effect. Plus...why are there other nations flags flying but no British flag? Bit weird that...

Are you the real Steve Gresham speedway rider? Agree comment about the music and when I used to go regularly the music was not the choice you would make to create some excitement. Wish they would bring back the jingles.

[Halifaxtiger]

Personally, 4 riders, 4 laps is still as great as ever. The GPs and the SWC where theres almost no politics/favouritism is brilliant and I love it. But sadly, league racing the favouritsm, the bending rules, the cheating and the general "couldn't give a rubbish about the fans" feeling has ground me down.

 

One of my favourite meetings of the last few seasons was Chris Harris' testimonial as it was just no nonsense, get on with it and race. Quite possibly my favourite meeting of the last 5 seasons was the British U15 final at Peterborough in 2014. Was just a load of kids who couldn't wait to get out and race and when they won a race or even got a "big" 3rd place celebrated, waved and generally milked it for all it was worth - all while the next 4 riders were dying to get out on track for their next heat - I loved it!

 

So yeah, it's the the off track crap that has ruined it for me sadly If you can go along and ignore the politics the sport is amazing.

 

I certainly appreciate your view here because the rule breaking (never mind bending) and the petty jealousies, spite and corruption at the heart of the sport (perceived or not) annoy me intensely.

 

The thing is though is the last thing I was thinking about when I was watching a fired up Lewis Bridger roaring around Lakeside on Friday was what fiddle Matt Ford might be up to now or how shamefully fans are treated on occasion. Truth is, I was marvelling at the skill, daring and talent of that young man and just how exciting the racing was.

 

That overcomes, every single time, the 'crap' (a most appropriate word) that goes on behind the scenes.

 

My old mate Tsunami told me something many years ago that I have repeated countless times because its the most profound and relevant statement I have ever heard about speedway, and its as accurate today as its ever been:

 

'Speedway is about 4 blokes on bikes without brakes. Anything else is more or less fluff'.

[Little Nicki]

Personally, 4 riders, 4 laps is still as great as ever. The GPs and the SWC where theres almost no politics/favouritism is brilliant and I love it.

 

No politics/favouritism in the GP's, really? Would think Nicki Pedersen and some of the other non-Monster Energy boys may feel differently?

[Gresham]

It's a bit of a catch 22 in many ways...indeed the quote 'Speedway is about 4 blokes on bikes without brakes. Anything else is more or less fluff' is most apt.

 

But for me, and i'm sure many others...knowing a little about the riders, their history and circumstances certainly brings a deeper enjoyment from each race.

 

For example...turning up and just watching four blokes racing can be exciting...but each rider is more experienced than the other, and without knowing that, can leave you scratching your head as to why one is half a lap behind.

 

On the meeting I attended...I would never have known about young Henry Atkins, his age and it being only his second meeting after moving up from Club mascot.

 

That little bit of knowledge made the races he was in, even more enjoyable...as it gave you a better understanding.

 

Speedway sucks you in...and you get so much pleasure from knowing more about the sport...unfortunately that also means you hear all about the crap as well, which then tarnish's your enjoyment.

 

In reply to Oldtimer...Gresh was a childhood favourite :-)

[RobMcCaffery]

It's a bit of a catch 22 in many ways...indeed the quote 'Speedway is about 4 blokes on bikes without brakes. Anything else is more or less fluff' is most apt.

 

But for me, and i'm sure many others...knowing a little about the riders, their history and circumstances certainly brings a deeper enjoyment from each race.

 

For example...turning up and just watching four blokes racing can be exciting...but each rider is more experienced than the other, and without knowing that, can leave you scratching your head as to why one is half a lap behind.

 

On the meeting I attended...I would never have known about young Henry Atkins, his age and it being only his second meeting after moving up from Club mascot.

 

That little bit of knowledge made the races he was in, even more enjoyable...as it gave you a better understanding.

 

Speedway sucks you in...and you get so much pleasure from knowing more about the sport...unfortunately that also means you hear all about the crap as well, which then tarnish's your enjoyment.

 

In reply to Oldtimer...Gresh was a childhood favourite :-)

I'm delighted you've returned to the sport and are giving valuable insight into the experience.

 

You are right that some knowledge is important to understand the context of what we are watching but the knack is not to look to far 'behind the curtain'. I did and it didn't help my enjoyment of the sport. The worst part was having things that I enjoyed being revealed to have an unacceptable side. Silly things like split monies in second halves, what some riders got up to away from the public gaze and the petty skullduggery going on between promoters. Seeing badly injured riders also didn't help. My first-ever match report assignment saw a rider killed. It's hard to get over that.

 

It all gets in the way of what is so often a wonderful sport. Enjoy, try to ignore the childish, petty squabbling here and don't look too closely and you'll find that what you loved before is still there, even if the crowds aren't.

 

I have severe reservations about what goes on in certain areas of the sport but I don't let it stop me watching as many meetings as I can. I spent last night watching Pila race Gdansk on Polish TV. It was four riders racing over four laps several times - and while not all were thrilling it didn't stop me loving every race.

 

Don't fight that urge.

 

Welcome back.

Edited April 11, 2016 by rmc

[Ommer Mon]

Glad to see you've got the bug back.

 

Many Cradley fans, like me, were lost to the sport for 15 years but I have to say I've enjoyed almost every minute of the Heathens adventures in the National League. We thought it would be like the old second half novice races but we were very pleasantly surprised at the standard these youngsters (and some old uns) race at. it's good to see some of the kids develop to the point where a few are well worth their placs in the Elite League.

 

Come up to Momnore and take a look at the Heathens. Always well attended and Porky on the Centre Green does a good job (my opinion!) as does Ollie the Ommer our mascot.

 

I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

[RobMcCaffery]

Glad to see you've got the bug back.

 

Many Cradley fans, like me, were lost to the sport for 15 years but I have to say I've enjoyed almost every minute of the Heathens adventures in the National League. We thought it would be like the old second half novice races but we were very pleasantly surprised at the standard these youngsters (and some old uns) race at. it's good to see some of the kids develop to the point where a few are well worth their placs in the Elite League.

 

Come up to Momnore and take a look at the Heathens. Always well attended and Porky on the Centre Green does a good job (my opinion!) as does Ollie the Ommer our mascot.

 

I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

If any group of people in sport deserved their dreams to be fulfilled it's Cradley having their own home again. It's remarkable how the flame still burns.

Edited April 11, 2016 by rmc

[Gresham]

I'm delighted you've returned to the sport and are giving valuable insight into the experience.

 

You are right that some knowledge is important to understand the context of what we are watching but the knack is not to look to far 'behind the curtain'. I did and it didn't help my enjoyment of the sport. The worst part was having things that I enjoyed being revealed to have an unacceptable side. Silly things like split monies in second halves, what some riders got up to away from the public gaze and the petty skullduggery going on between promoters. Seeing badly injured riders also didn't help. My first-ever match report assignment saw a rider killed. It's hard to get over that.

 

It all gets in the way of what is so often a wonderful sport. Enjoy, try to ignore the childish, petty squabbling here and don't look too closely and you'll find that what you loved before is still there, even if the crowds aren't.

 

I have severe reservations about what goes on in certain areas of the sport but I don't let it stop me watching as many meetings as I can. I spent last night watching Pila race Gdansk on Polish TV. It was four riders racing over four laps several times - and while not all were thrilling it didn't stop me loving every race.

 

Don't fight that urge.

 

Welcome back.

Thanks for the kind words...I think you are spot on in many ways.

 

Having spent a great part of my younger life revolving around speedway, I find it very difficult to not immerse myself fully into it again. Unfortunately that's my nature...it's all or nothing in most things I do.

 

I think many of us of a certain age are nostalgic, and we often see something from the past with rose tinted glasses...so i'm going in more open minded, as I know it won't be the same.

 

I used to watch regularly with my father, my two pals and their father. He was an ex rider and his knowledge of bikes and tracks was invaluable. He could listen to the tone of an engine and tell whether it was over or under geared...info like that during a race was immense. Unfortunately he passed away last year, so his info will be sadly missed...and my father can no longer see very well...despite that, I'm hoping to take him and get near the start gate, so he can feel the vibration, hear the noise, smell that burnt Castrol R and get some quality time together...plus bring back some great memories and forge new ones.

 

In reply to 'Ommer Mon'...many a fond memory watching at Cradley. Loved it there...even though it seemed to be falling apart...it had character.

 

I have a race imprinted on my brain from the late 80's early 90's of one of my fav riders, Peter Nahlin, winning from being almost half a lap behind after two laps.

Memory is a bit hazy...but i'm sure it was Jan o'pederson and Eric Gunderson who he rode down...one of them falling off after the race finished.

 

T'was also my first introduction to pork and apple...what a revelation as a young en...still in the shadow of the cheese and onion crusty rolls they used to serve on the back straight at Blunsdon mind...the simple pleasures in life ;-)

[Dave Jones]

If any group of people in sport deserved their dreams to be fulfilled it's Cradley having their own home again. It's remarkable how the flame still burns.

i agree. We got to know many Cradley fans back in the days, some of whom we are still in contact with. Dudley Wood became " a second home" after Brandon and we tried to get there as often as we could.

The fans gave us plenty of banter because they knew who we supported but at the same time were always very welcoming, and there was always a drink behind the bar after the meeting for myself and my wife.

Whenever we bump into any of the fans nowadays they are always happy to chat about the good times we had at DW .

They are a"very special type of fan" at Cradley, and it shows with their loyalty to the present promoters.

It would be great to see them back in their own stadium soon.

Edited April 11, 2016 by Dave Jones

[Steve Shovlar]

Get down to Poole Gresham and enjoy proper speedway in front of a large friendly crowd.

 

Plenty of noise, good racing and a knowledgeable crowd means you will have a very entertaining evening and £17 well spent.

[Gavan]

Get down to Poole Gresham and enjoy proper speedway in front of a large friendly crowd.

 

Plenty of noise, good racing and a knowledgeable crowd means you will have a very entertaining evening and £17 well spent.

proper speedway? crap track and one team thrashing another most weeks

friendly crowd? erm no

Noise? will give you that one

Good racing? one week out of 10 aint bad

Knowledgeable crowd? have you seen any of Starmans posts?

[RobMcCaffery]

Like I said, best avoid the petty, childish squabbling that blights the BSF (even if some of the points raised are highly valid )

 

Sadly, as ever, once we get an interesting, positive discussion going someone has to post with the clear intention of provoking others which inevitably gets responded to.

 

Perhaps Gresham, the best way to enjoy the sport is to keep away from the BSF and some of the sad cases who live to abuse the chances offered by it.

 

Carry on enjoying your return to the sport and bear in mind we've always had these types in the sport - the internet just gives them an easier way to annoy people for their own dodgy, rather sad needs ;-)

Edited April 11, 2016 by rmc

[topaz325]

Personally, 4 riders, 4 laps is still as great as ever. The GPs and the SWC where theres almost no politics/favouritism is brilliant and I love it. But sadly, league racing the favouritsm, the bending rules, the cheating and the general "couldn't give a rubbish about the fans" feeling has ground me down.

 

One of my favourite meetings of the last few seasons was Chris Harris' testimonial as it was just no nonsense, get on with it and race. Quite possibly my favourite meeting of the last 5 seasons was the British U15 final at Peterborough in 2014. Was just a load of kids who couldn't wait to get out and race and when they won a race or even got a "big" 3rd place celebrated, waved and generally milked it for all it was worth - all while the next 4 riders were dying to get out on track for their next heat - I loved it!

 

So yeah, it's the the off track crap that has ruined it for me sadly If you can go along and ignore the politics the sport is amazing.

I agree with SCB but i still get downhearted (?) with the politics of the sport and the way some promoters treat the fans, i know quite a few people who do not attend anymore because of this....and some promoters are still confused why people are staying away.

Some people will only put up with so much.

The GPs and the SWC usually are very good and professional (Joker aside) and a good League match can also be very entertaining if two teams are evenly matched and given a decent track to race on.

[SCB]

 

No politics/favouritism in the GP's, really? Would think Nicki Pedersen and some of the other non-Monster Energy boys may feel differently?

As far as I'm aware as yet Monster Energy are not making the rules to screw over Nicki and everything is equal though.

 

Most of that is pantomime stuff that adds to the whole thing IMO.

[Ommer Mon]

Thanks for the kind words...I think you are spot on in many ways.

 

Having spent a great part of my younger life revolving around speedway, I find it very difficult to not immerse myself fully into it again. Unfortunately that's my nature...it's all or nothing in most things I do.

 

I think many of us of a certain age are nostalgic, and we often see something from the past with rose tinted glasses...so i'm going in more open minded, as I know it won't be the same.

 

I used to watch regularly with my father, my two pals and their father. He was an ex rider and his knowledge of bikes and tracks was invaluable. He could listen to the tone of an engine and tell whether it was over or under geared...info like that during a race was immense. Unfortunately he passed away last year, so his info will be sadly missed...and my father can no longer see very well...despite that, I'm hoping to take him and get near the start gate, so he can feel the vibration, hear the noise, smell that burnt Castrol R and get some quality time together...plus bring back some great memories and forge new ones.

 

In reply to 'Ommer Mon'...many a fond memory watching at Cradley. Loved it there...even though it seemed to be falling apart...it had character.

 

I have a race imprinted on my brain from the late 80's early 90's of one of my fav riders, Peter Nahlin, winning from being almost half a lap behind after two laps.

Memory is a bit hazy...but i'm sure it was Jan o'pederson and Eric Gunderson who he rode down...one of them falling off after the race finished.

 

T'was also my first introduction to pork and apple...what a revelation as a young en...still in the shadow of the cheese and onion crusty rolls they used to serve on the back straight at Blunsdon mind...the simple pleasures in life ;-)

 

I suspect it was the (in)famous last heat of the Cradley v Swindon encounter on a Bank Holiday Monday with the Heathens (Greg and Billy) on their customary last heat 5-1 to pinch the win. Unfortunately Billy's celebratory wheelie went horribly wrong and he fell, Greg had to put the brakes on and Peter (much loved at the Wood for his 18 point max at Wolves) picked his way through the debris.

 

Happy days.

 

That meeting was also notable for the power supply in the ref's Box bursting into flames inches from Nigel Pearson's left earhole. That was the first time I heard the now famous Whooooooaaaaa!!!!!!!

If any group of people in sport deserved their dreams to be fulfilled it's Cradley having their own home again. It's remarkable how the flame still burns.

 

Thank you for that.

 

If only we had a local Council that did anything but obstruct all we have tried to do over the last 20 years - and still continue to do so.

 

It's not as it Dudley has much else to be proud of!

Edited April 12, 2016 by Ommer Mon

[Gresham]

 

I suspect it was the (in)famous last heat of the Cradley v Swindon encounter on a Bank Holiday Monday with the Heathens (Greg and Billy) on their customary last heat 5-1 to pinch the win. Unfortunately Billy's celebratory wheelie went horribly wrong and he fell, Greg had to put the brakes on and Peter (much loved at the Wood for his 18 point max at Wolves) picked his way through the debris.

 

Happy days.

 

That meeting was also notable for the power supply in the ref's Box bursting into flames inches from Nigel Pearson's left earhole. That was the first time I heard the now famous Whooooooaaaaa!!!!!!!

 

Thank you for that.

 

If only we had a local Council that did anything but obstruct all we have tried to do over the last 20 years - and still continue to do so.

 

It's not as it Dudley has much else to be proud of!

haha...I think you maybe right...got my races muddled up. Was a long time ago :-)

 

Obviously two different races ;-)

[oldtimer]

It's a bit of a catch 22 in many ways...indeed the quote 'Speedway is about 4 blokes on bikes without brakes. Anything else is more or less fluff' is most apt.

 

But for me, and i'm sure many others...knowing a little about the riders, their history and circumstances certainly brings a deeper enjoyment from each race.

 

For example...turning up and just watching four blokes racing can be exciting...but each rider is more experienced than the other, and without knowing that, can leave you scratching your head as to why one is half a lap behind.

 

On the meeting I attended...I would never have known about young Henry Atkins, his age and it being only his second meeting after moving up from Club mascot.

 

That little bit of knowledge made the races he was in, even more enjoyable...as it gave you a better understanding.

 

Speedway sucks you in...and you get so much pleasure from knowing more about the sport...unfortunately that also means you hear all about the crap as well, which then tarnish's your enjoyment.

 

In reply to Oldtimer...Gresh was a childhood favourite :-)

The Fluff makes the difference between having an entertaining 2 hours for your money or just 15 minutes of racing with no fluff. It's supposed to be an entertainment is it not?

[Tsunami]

As far as I'm aware as yet Monster Energy are not making the rules to screw over Nicki and everything is equal though.

 

Most of that is pantomime stuff that adds to the whole thing IMO.

What about Master's clouting Nicki's mechanic in the Australian GP. Who did Monster stand up for. Nicki very wisely stayed out of it in case someones brothers had been let in the pits again, and thought they were Security. Monster rules apparently, despite what Monster Joe says in defence.

Edited April 13, 2016 by Tsunami