Gresham Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 ...just interested to know what extra races, Clubs are putting on for us fans at different tracks? Is it something that you enjoy? I mentioned it in another thread, that Somerset have another 6 heat meeting planned this Friday...Exeter v MDL select. 21 heats for £15....good value for money imo...and something I always look forward to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyretrax Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 Glasgow have had second half challenge meetings the last two weeks. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 ...just interested to know what extra races, Clubs are putting on for us fans at different tracks? Is it something that you enjoy? I mentioned it in another thread, that Somerset have another 6 heat meeting planned this Friday...Exeter v MDL select. 21 heats for £15....good value for money imo...and something I always look forward to. I have to say that I used to enjoy a second half especially in the days when Oxford had a tie up with both Eastbourne and Peterborough back in the seventies. Fifteen heats of racing (I assume that's the current heat formula?) isn't good value for money in my opinion. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedibee Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 Coventry , leicester , scunthorpe ,peterborough, mildenhall, belle vue , all have MDL teams, wolves run 6 race second halves with invited riders , sheffield have done 1 or 2 mdl level challenges , and scunthorpe lqast year did some full NL standard matches after the main match 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronScorpion Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 As has been pointed out, look out for the MDL matches of 6 heats after the main meeting. If you want to see more, though, look out for the British Youth Championship Meetings. We, at Scunthorpe, have had 2 already on May Bank Holidays consisting of an extra 21 & 27 Heats. Normal admission is £15 but yesterday it was only £17 for 42 heats. Also, look out for amateur meetings which are free. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sings4Speedway Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 I believe there is an amateur dragons at Kings Lynn on 5th June. Free entry, a quid for a program (i think) and 40-50 races to enjoy. No prima donnas just riders of all ages out to enjoy themselves and run by a club who rarely make a profit but run because the genuinely want to give something to the sport and long may they prosper. If you want to visit one new venue / meeting this season an Amateur Dragons would be a very good investment of your time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CUFC_Brummie Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 I must say as a relative "newbie" to the sport (10 years now but in context....) I've never understood the appeal of second halves, just doesn't interest me, it's a bit like going to watch Man United v Liverpool and then staying to watch the U19s afterwards. They used to run some at Birmingham and I don't think many people stayed behind, however if it's not going to cost clubs any extra money then I don't see the harm but I can't possibly imagine it adding any significant number of fans onto the attendance as a result. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gresham Posted May 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 I must say as a relative "newbie" to the sport (10 years now but in context....) I've never understood the appeal of second halves, just doesn't interest me, it's a bit like going to watch Man United v Liverpool and then staying to watch the U19s afterwards. They used to run some at Birmingham and I don't think many people stayed behind, however if it's not going to cost clubs any extra money then I don't see the harm but I can't possibly imagine it adding any significant number of fans onto the attendance as a result. Interesting...what is it that doesn't appeal to you? I've often found watching the development of riders really appealing. When a second half meeting wasn't scheduled, I'd often watch 'Juniors' coming out after the main event, trying to hone their skills. You mention the football...again, when I used to live up near Manchester, the family business had season tickets to Utd. I'd find myself going to watch the reserves more often. Watching the youngsters develop was exciting to watch. Plus being able to sit anywhere you want and have a chat with Olly Gunnar, Bobby and Alex who would mingle afterwards, was reward in itself. I Scout development footballers for a Championship Club...so perhaps it's in my blood so to speak. But when watching the youngsters at Speedway, for me, it's great to see them improving week in week out. I guess we are all different, as I'm not particularly worried about results...just like close racing and seeing riders improve and do their best....each to their own of course. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sings4Speedway Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 I must say as a relative "newbie" to the sport (10 years now but in context....) I've never understood the appeal of second halves, just doesn't interest me, it's a bit like going to watch Man United v Liverpool and then staying to watch the U19s afterwards. They used to run some at Birmingham and I don't think many people stayed behind, however if it's not going to cost clubs any extra money then I don't see the harm but I can't possibly imagine it adding any significant number of fans onto the attendance as a result. Whilst 2nd halves are a mixed bag in terms of quality i personally find it satisfying to watch the riders progressing and keeping an eye on those for the future. It may not add loads to the attendances but does offer better value to those who do attend and you could see the next star in the making? Im sure those who used to stay behind and watch the Rye House MDL team have enjoyed the progress of Danny Ayres from constant faller to PL rider. Its also worth remembering that many of the Brum team learnt their trade in the 2nd halves & those teams who have long tails this year should look at themselves and what they are doing about it? Rye House, Stoke etc have both dropped the MDL in recent seasons and now struggle to find any usable reserves. The 2nd halves may not always be entertaining today but they are there to help provide the entertainment of tomorrow..... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedibee Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 Interesting...what is it that doesn't appeal to you? I've often found watching the development of riders really appealing. When a second half meeting wasn't scheduled, I'd often watch 'Juniors' coming out after the main event, trying to hone their skills. You mention the football...again, when I used to live up near Manchester, the family business had season tickets to Utd. I'd find myself going to watch the reserves more often. Watching the youngsters develop was exciting to watch. Plus being able to sit anywhere you want and have a chat with Olly Gunnar, Bobby and Alex who would mingle afterwards, was reward in itself. I Scout development footballers for a Championship Club...so perhaps it's in my blood so to speak. But when watching the youngsters at Speedway, for me, it's great to see them improving week in week out. I guess we are all different, as I'm not particularly worried about results...just like close racing and seeing riders improve and do their best....each to their own of course. I think interest in speedway rather than a particular team ,makes second half racing worth watching . sometimes it's nice to see kids get to the top of the tree in MDL then step up to NL , I love to see Kids who have served their time and learn the craft beat those handed NL team places on the strength of who they are related to . Nothing gives me greater pleasure than watching ,MR bigs, Brother, Cousin , friend of the family getting beaten by someone with real talent of their own . 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gresham Posted May 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 I think interest in speedway rather than a particular team ,makes second half racing worth watching . sometimes it's nice to see kids get to the top of the tree in MDL then step up to NL , I love to see Kids who have served their time and learn the craft beat those handed NL team places on the strength of who they are related to . Nothing gives me greater pleasure than watching ,MR bigs, Brother, Cousin , friend of the family getting beaten by someone with real talent of their own . I couldn't agree more...great post :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CUFC_Brummie Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 (edited) See if I was going to watch a meeting as a neutral I'd probably be more likely to watch a second half, but after watching my team it really isn't of interest, especially if they've lost and definitely if it's midweek when it's harder to stay later. It just feels a bit like after the lord mayor's show, I'd probably be more inclined to watch if it was run before the main meeting but I guess that doesn't happen as it runs the risk of delays. I can't comment on quality, I only ever watched the odd heat of the Bulls at Birmingham, it's just not massively appealing. Maybe I'm in the minority but like I said, I can't see it adding masses onto the crowd, running it isn't a problem necessarily (can't really be a massive financial outlay) but it sure isn't a solution to anything either. Edited May 31, 2016 by CUFC_Brummie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Leslie Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 I've never understood the appeal of second halves, just doesn't interest me, it's a bit like going to watch Man United v Liverpool and then staying to watch the U19s afterwards. Does seem very odd comments especially from a Brummies supporter who is forking out £12 (or whatever it is) per meeting to watch the likes of Zack Wajknecht, Danyon Hume, Jack Blackburn and Jack Smith. If you watched second half meetings, amateur meetings, under16s, etc, you could have been watching those very same riders for the last couple of years for free! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CUFC_Brummie Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 (edited) I think that's the point, until they're riding for the Brummies main team, it's not really of interest. It's not an alien concept I don't think, it goes for youth standards in all sports, the crowds are a tiny fraction of what the senior sides get because the public are only interested in the "main event". Edited May 31, 2016 by CUFC_Brummie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BWitcher Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 I think that's the point, until they're riding for the Brummies main team, it's not really of interest. It's not an alien concept I don't think, it goes for youth standards in all sports, the crowds are a tiny fraction of what the senior sides get because the public are only interested in the "main event". Correct.. At most tracks the vast majority of the crowd leave at the end of the main meeting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Smith Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 I think that's the point, until they're riding for the Brummies main team, it's not really of interest. It's not an alien concept I don't think, it goes for youth standards in all sports, the crowds are a tiny fraction of what the senior sides get because the public are only interested in the "main event". With you on this. I can't even watch the National League Young Stars as they're just 'the reserve team' as such. No interest at all. Can't bear the MDL, seen a few races and it just became unbearable watching them throw themselves at the fence. I'm all for the 15 heat 'main event' then go home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topsoil Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 I can only speak for Berwick, who I support, but I'm always surprised at the number of supporters who stay behind after Premier League meetings to watch the NJL meetings. I realise that there will be a fall off from the number watching the "main event" but I can only imagine that fans want value for money and will watch these extra races, although there is an obvious drop off in standard. I would reckon around about half of the crowd stay behind for these junior matches. I would like to see a countrywide effort to have second half racing. Two reasons 1) it gives the fans more value for money and 2) the development of young riders which is vital to the sport. Even if it was regionalised to cur down costs and even if teams raced as former clubs "Exeter, Weymouth" etc. to keep the names of these clubs alive. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredbogge Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 (edited) I stop and watch second halves but I wish they were proper second halves as used to be run at Belle Vue (Hyde Road) all riders from the main meeting taking part. Prize money and a trophy donated by a local company. . Edited May 31, 2016 by fredbogge 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 I stop and watch second halves but I wish they were proper second halves as used to be run at Belle Vue (Hyde Road) all riders from the main meeting taking part. Prize money and a trophy donated by a local company. I used to enjoy the more relaxed atmosphere of a second half and being able to wind down and chat with mates after the main event...and a chance to enjoy a bag of chips! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CUFC_Brummie Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 I stop and watch second halves but I wish they were proper second halves as used to be run at Belle Vue (Hyde Road) all riders from the main meeting taking part. Prize money and a trophy donated by a local company. . That just seems even more ludicrous to me than watching the youth riders! Maybe it was more acceptable back in the day but I can't imagine many newbies in this day and age finding it anything other than a bit of a circus. Again I only speak for myself but I can't imagine any reason why I'd want to stay after the meeting to watch the same riders essentially have a challenge meeting against each other. I'd rather clubs concentrated on getting the 15 heats presented properly, efficiently and in as competitive a manner as possible. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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