Do Speedway Promoters Ever Come On Here?

[Halifaxtiger]

If you were a promotor, would you come on here?

 

There is so much squabbling, back-stabbing, anger, pettiness, rudeness, that you would have to trawel through to get to the possibly useful info, then I perhaps wouldn't bother...

They should be pretty much at home then.

 

Its a question of sorting the wheat from the chaff and attempting to engage those who make valid points. Part of the problem I would suggest is that they really don't care to answer some of the questions posed (however reasonably they may be put) because points will be made about the clear bending and breaking of their own regulations. As an example, I am sure that SCB said he had tried to get King's Lynn to answer a question about their use of riders this season on Twitter and all he got in response was blocked.

 

I tried very hard to get my good friend Dave Hoggart to respond when he was Sheffield promoter. On one occasion that he did, he got 15 likes.

[Agrotron]

I couldn't give a shiny rubbishe if they read it or not.

[Halifaxtiger]

More rubbish from someone not in a position to know. But thinks he does. As Fromafar has said, if there was something relevant and of value or concern, someone would bring it to their attention. Promoters are busy people, usually with work or a company to look after, and wouldn't waste their time on following, or reading, the conflicting views and bias that abounds on this forum. Does anybody really think that the views generally on here reflect the true views of the average supporters who DO attend the meetings. It's not as if everyone spouts the same things and with a consensus that is feasible. Instead people condemn everything, and either push for modernisation of the sport, or want to go back to where we have come from. If it was your business or money, would YOU want to put the effort into following such conflicting opinions. Forum critics don't normally make good promoters, as proved from some of the threads that are current on here.

I think you are wrong here.

 

The thing is what you raise are the bad points of this forum - and I don't disagree that they exist - without taking into account that there are a considerable number of thinking, passionate supporters stating their reasoned and fair opinions. As I have said above, its a matter of sorting the wheat from the chaff.

 

My view is that the BSF is ignored or treated with contempt by promotions because it is utterly out of their control and because it highlights the abuses and corruption that pervade our sport. They don't like having paying customers telling them that they are wrong even when they most definitely are.

[Tsunami]

I think you are wrong here.

 

The thing is what you raise are the bad points of this forum - and I don't disagree that they exist - without taking into account that there are a considerable number of thinking, passionate supporters stating their reasoned and fair opinions. As I have said above, its a matter of sorting the wheat from the chaff.

 

My view is that the BSF is ignored or treated with contempt by promotions because it is utterly out of their control and because it highlights the abuses and corruption that pervade our sport. They don't like having paying customers telling them that they are wrong even when they most definitely are.

I disagree HT.

This forum has only a handful of people who can contribute decent input, but even those can vary enormously in their direction. What do you do if some are wanting speedway to expend, buy or build stadia, bring back the big boys, unlimited points limit, as opposed to those who think we should lessen the strength of the leagues, for the good of the sport, and build from the bottom and get more British riders by giving them more opportunities and preference. The opposites are incompatible, and there is no chance of the best of both extremes coming together with a workable solution. Don't forget the 'blow the budget critics' haven't got a penny invested in it, and probably have never ran a business, so why should you and others expect Promoters to carry out what they are told they should do. This forum is split with the sensible posters as to go one way or the other, so they all can't be right can they. Those with more foresight can suggest all the biggest and best developments possible at great cost, whilst the likes of moxey, oldace, Steve Roberts, TWK,etc, all non attendees who want us to drift back to what worked in the 80's, with black leathers, cinder tracks, Japs, straight through pipes, pushing the tapes, riders like Millen punching peoples lights out or fencing everyone(great characters eh). The world has moved on, and society has grown up with environmental issues and moderate behaviour tolerences thank goodness.

The solution for survival is not obvious, and quite frankly there is no one solution at the moment that everyone would back for the benefit of the continuance of Speedway. An independent Supremo will not work and would not be able to turn any current proposal into a feasible lifeline IMO.

[Humphrey Appleby]

More rubbish from someone not in a position to know. But thinks he does. As Fromafar has said, if there was something relevant and of value or concern, someone would bring it to their attention. Promoters are busy people, usually with work or a company to look after, and wouldn't waste their time on following, or reading, the conflicting views and bias that abounds on this forum. Does anybody really think that the views generally on here reflect the true views of the average supporters who DO attend the meetings. It's not as if everyone spouts the same things and with a consensus that is feasible. Instead people condemn everything, and either push for modernisation of the sport, or want to go back to where we have come from. If it was your business or money, would YOU want to put the effort into following such conflicting opinions. Forum critics don't normally make good promoters, as proved from some of the threads that are current on here.

As usual these days, you go off on a tangent to the actual response. I don't blame promoters one iota if they choose not to engage with this forum, and there's few posters that could actually promote in reality even if they were actually willing to put up their own money.

 

It's funny though, how they always seem to know what's being discussed, and I've certainly had responses from lurkers in the past to set the record straight or occasionally even agree with something I've posted. So it seems you don't know as much as you think either.

 

Of course it works both ways sometimes. There's been the odd promoter on here with a laughable attitude to public relations, and they've thoroughly deserved the ridicule.

 

And yes, I agree with Halifax Tiger that for all the nonsense on here, it has played an important role in fans being able to discuss issues that would never appear in the Spar. If promoters don't like it then that's just tough, even though I appreciate most are probably in it to keep the sport alive.

Edited August 26, 2016 by Humphrey Appleby

[steve roberts]

I disagree HT.

This forum has only a handful of people who can contribute decent input, but even those can vary enormously in their direction. What do you do if some are wanting speedway to expend, buy or build stadia, bring back the big boys, unlimited points limit, as opposed to those who think we should lessen the strength of the leagues, for the good of the sport, and build from the bottom and get more British riders by giving them more opportunities and preference. The opposites are incompatible, and there is no chance of the best of both extremes coming together with a workable solution. Don't forget the 'blow the budget critics' haven't got a penny invested in it, and probably have never ran a business, so why should you and others expect Promoters to carry out what they are told they should do. This forum is split with the sensible posters as to go one way or the other, so they all can't be right can they. Those with more foresight can suggest all the biggest and best developments possible at great cost, whilst the likes of moxey, oldace, Steve Roberts, TWK,etc, all non attendees who want us to drift back to what worked in the 80's, with black leathers, cinder tracks, Japs, straight through pipes, pushing the tapes, riders like Millen punching peoples lights out or fencing everyone(great characters eh). The world has moved on, and society has grown up with environmental issues and moderate behaviour tolerences thank goodness.

The solution for survival is not obvious, and quite frankly there is no one solution at the moment that everyone would back for the benefit of the continuance of Speedway. An independent Supremo will not work and would not be able to turn any current proposal into a feasible lifeline IMO.

There you are...an example of selective commenting. Not once have I suggesting going back to black leathers (surely that was the sixties?), cinder tracks (before my time), J.A.P. engines (maybe wrong but I think that Dag Lovaas was the last rider to successfully use one?). I don't have a problem advocating characters within the sport (whichever side of the fence they maybe) because, afteral, speedway should be classed as an entertainment and thus treated same.

 

The reasons I gave up attending speedway are well documented elsewhere on the forum.

Edited August 26, 2016 by steve roberts

[pugwash]

I was sat in pub with a speedway promoter once, just chatting away. He said that he regularly posted on here, but in a way that nobody would guess it was him.

 

He also told me of others who posted on here too in the same manner.

 

 

Matt Ford is Gavan?

[TheReturn]

This forum is split with the sensible posters as to go one way or the other, so they all can't be right can they. Those with more foresight can suggest all the biggest and best developments possible at great cost, whilst the likes of moxey, oldace, Steve Roberts, TWK,etc, all non attendees who want us to drift back to what worked in the 80's, with black leathers, cinder tracks, Japs, straight through pipes, pushing the tapes, riders like Millen punching peoples lights out or fencing everyone(great characters eh). The world has moved on, and society has grown up with environmental issues and moderate behaviour tolerences thank goodness.

I fear this is how promotors view the forum, some sensible but most considered 'non-sensible'. Ok so not everyone will agree all of the time, but it does not mean that promotors should not listen and take on board both sides of the discussion. To simply ignore the discussion simply because people disagree is very short sighted.

 

If your dismissive view is indicative of how promoters think then I am glad I am now an outsider. Ok not all the things of yesteryear speedway will fit in a modern sport, but that's not to say peoples views can not still be considered. Pushing the tapes is one great example, ok that was allowed in the past, but right now there is an ongoing tapes issue that is not resolved with modern speedway, so why not look back at yesteryear and see if that worked any better. If riders are allowed to touch the tapes, then we will have less false starts, less jumping, but does it lead to less false starts/call backs? Worth asking the question and answering... not just dismissing.

 

Reading your post you are dismissive of all speedway fans who are no longer regular attendees. I really hope promotors don't take that view, because these are people with an interest in speedway who could be enticed back with a good product. Surely attracting new customers/fans with an interest in the sport is easier than attracting new customers who don't know the sport?

Edited August 26, 2016 by TheReturn

[iris123]

I think the posts from Halifaxtiger and Tsunami shw that there can be opposite,well thought out(ok i am giving Tsunami the benefit of the doubt ) opinions and that shows Promoters should look in.They obviously can't and shouldn't implement all the ideas,but they should take them on board.Never a good idea to ignore your customers in any business.

[Tsunami]

I fear this is how promotors view the forum, some sensible but most considered 'non-sensible'. Ok so not everyone will agree all of the time, but it does not mean that promotors should not listen and take on board both sides of the discussion. To simply ignore the discussion simply because people disagree is very short sighted.

 

If your dismissive view is indicative of how promoters think then I am glad I am now an outsider. Ok not all the things of yesteryear speedway will fit in a modern sport, but that's not to say peoples views can not still be considered. Pushing the tapes is one great example, ok that was allowed in the past, but right now there is an ongoing tapes issue that is not resolved with modern speedway, so why not look back at yesteryear and see if that worked any better. If riders are allowed to touch the tapes, then we will have less false starts, less jumping, but does it lead to less false starts/call backs? Worth asking the question and answering... not just dismissing.

 

Reading your post you are dismissive of all speedway fans who are no longer regular attendees. I really hope promotors don't take that view, because these are people with an interest in speedway who could be enticed back with a good product. Surely attracting new customers/fans with an interest in the sport is easier than attracting new customers who don't know the sport?

I think you will find that most of them have already stated nothing would tempt them back, and moxey actually repeats that he would not come back to attending even if they gave him a free pass, like he had before he got stopped coming in for free. With views like that why waste your Promoter skills on them. Look more to the future with youngsters who might think about coming into the sport.

[Halifaxtiger]

I disagree HT.

This forum has only a handful of people who can contribute decent input, but even those can vary enormously in their direction. What do you do if some are wanting speedway to expend, buy or build stadia, bring back the big boys, unlimited points limit, as opposed to those who think we should lessen the strength of the leagues, for the good of the sport, and build from the bottom and get more British riders by giving them more opportunities and preference. The opposites are incompatible, and there is no chance of the best of both extremes coming together with a workable solution. Don't forget the 'blow the budget critics' haven't got a penny invested in it, and probably have never ran a business, so why should you and others expect Promoters to carry out what they are told they should do. This forum is split with the sensible posters as to go one way or the other, so they all can't be right can they. Those with more foresight can suggest all the biggest and best developments possible at great cost, whilst the likes of moxey, oldace, Steve Roberts, TWK,etc, all non attendees who want us to drift back to what worked in the 80's, with black leathers, cinder tracks, Japs, straight through pipes, pushing the tapes, riders like Millen punching peoples lights out or fencing everyone(great characters eh). The world has moved on, and society has grown up with environmental issues and moderate behaviour tolerences thank goodness.

The solution for survival is not obvious, and quite frankly there is no one solution at the moment that everyone would back for the benefit of the continuance of Speedway. An independent Supremo will not work and would not be able to turn any current proposal into a feasible lifeline IMO.

'Handful' is harsh to say the least. On this thread alone (and in 30 posts) I have counted 8 posters whose opinions I respect and value.

 

The problem with ignoring this forum (and in my experience contempt would be a better word) is that the sensible ones are treated as idiots. It would surely be better when dealing with paying customers (because an awful lot of us do go and on a regular basis) to treat the idiots as sensible.

 

I fear this is how promotors view the forum, some sensible but most considered 'non-sensible'. Ok so not everyone will agree all of the time, but it does not mean that promotors should not listen and take on board both sides of the discussion. To simply ignore the discussion simply because people disagree is very short sighted.

 

 

Reading your post you are dismissive of all speedway fans who are no longer regular attendees. I really hope promotors don't take that view, because these are people with an interest in speedway who could be enticed back with a good product. Surely attracting new customers/fans with an interest in the sport is easier than attracting new customers who don't know the sport?

In my experience that is precisely how the majority of promotions treat the BSF.

 

I don't think Tsunami is being dismissive, more that it is better to concentrate on attracting new fans with a possible interest (or without it) than trying to meet the needs of those who no longer go. I think he's right.

 

 

Never a good idea to ignore your customers in any business.

Not for the first time, absolutely spot on.

 

I think you will find that most of them have already stated nothing would tempt them back, and moxey actually repeats that he would not come back to attending even if they gave him a free pass, like he had before he got stopped coming in for free. With views like that why waste your Promoter skills on them. Look more to the future with youngsters who might think about coming into the sport.

Here I agree completely.

 

I find that a great deal of the negativity and spite regarding the sport on here comes from those who never go and wouldn't whatever happened. They apparently have no interest in speedway at all other than to come on here and stick the knife in.

 

I must admit I find their continual participation puzzling.

 

I don't like Rugby Union, don't go and have no interest in it, so the last place you will find me is on one of their forums.

[steve roberts]

 

'Handful' is harsh to say the least. On this thread alone (and in 30 posts) I have counted 8 posters whose opinions I respect and value.

 

The problem with ignoring this forum (and in my experience contempt would be a better word) is that the sensible ones are treated as idiots. It would surely be better when dealing with paying customers (because an awful lot of us do go and on a regular basis) to treat the idiots as sensible.

 

 

In my experience that is precisely how the majority of promotions treat the BSF.

 

I don't think Tsunami is being dismissive, more that it is better to concentrate on attracting new fans with a possible interest (or without it) than trying to meet the needs of those who no longer go. I think he's right.

 

 

 

Not for the first time, absolutely spot on.

 

 

Here I agree completely.

 

I find that a great deal of the negativity and spite regarding the sport on here comes from those who never go and wouldn't whatever happened. They apparently have no interest in speedway at all other than to come on here and stick the knife in.

I must admit I find their continual participation puzzling.

 

I don't like Rugby Union, don't go and have no interest in it, so the last place you will find me is on one of their forums.

Speedway was a great part of my life for thirty plus years. I travelled around the country and Europe (planning holidays around meetings) helped promote the sport at schools, helped at my local track and even had a go. However I saw the gradual decline of the sport during those last ten years or so but as I lived within walking distance of my local track I continued to attend as it was a chance to enjoy a chat with my mates on the terracing.

 

If I'm guilty of having the same views as some ex-riders, past and present day promoters and members of the media as regards the present position that speedway finds itself in then so be it.

 

I followed the sport when it attracted national media coverage on both TV and the newspapers

 

Attracted massive national and local sponsorship.

 

When the National Team ruled the roost and Test Matches were a common feature in the fixture list.

 

Continuity and teams running on regular race nights/days and not dictated by the GPs etc.

 

Characters within the sport. Riders. Promoters/Team Managers and Supporters.

 

When tactics were the norm and Team Managers had a role to play.

 

London was represented at both League and International level.

 

Teams consisted of mainly English and Colonial riders riders and not filled with foreigners with unpronounceable names.

 

When local derbies were the norm and not the exception.

 

Meaningful fixture lists when leagues contained upwards of eighteen to twenty teams.

 

Less emphasis on bikes and skill was the main element.

 

Being able to identify with one's own team whereby riders used to ride regularly and seasonally.

 

Value for money with second halves/Golden/Silver Helmet/junior/sidecar/oldies attractions.

 

Promoters who promoted.

 

When the sport attracted thousands and not hundreds.

 

When tracks had dirt and riders were able to adapt to conditions.

 

I could go on but off course the world has moved on and people are now more selective about their leisure time but unfortunately speedway appears to have been left behind.

 

I don't know the answers but apparently neither do the promoters and/or BSPA.

 

However I do enjoy the banter with some of the contributors on the forum and enjoy living past glories. I rarely comment on the threads regarding the Elite/Premier League and the GP scene/football./cricket/horse racing/baseball etc as I don't have a working knowledge and/or interest on some of those subjects. However it doesn't mean that I can't contribute as and when I feel the desire and, afteral, people don't have to read comments if they so wish and can just pass over them...I do it all the time!

Edited August 27, 2016 by steve roberts

[Bagpuss]

While I agree there are some posters who don't go anymore who post to simply 'stir the pot', there are others who don't go or like myself attend a fraction of the meetings they used to who have valid opinions and really ought to be listened to by promoters.....the reasons why these people don't go any more could be valuable information for somebody who is striving to improve their business. Any business which has a 'suggestion box' on its wall surely gets much more out of negative comments than positive ones.

[Halifaxtiger]

Speedway was a great part of my life for thirty plus years. I travelled around the country and Europe, helped promote the sport at schools, helped at my local track and even had a go. However I saw the gradual decline of the sport during those last ten years or so but as I lived within walking distance of my local track I continued to attend as it was a chance to enjoy a chat with my mates on the terracing.

 

If I'm guilty of having the same views as some ex-riders, past and present day promoters and members of the media as regards the present position that speedway finds itself in then so be it.

 

I followed the sport when it attracted national media coverage on both TV and the newspapers

 

Attracted massive national and local sponsorship.

 

When the National Team ruled the roost and Test Matches were a common feature in the fixture list.

 

Continuity and teams running on regular race nights/days and not dictated by the GPs etc.

 

London was represented at both League and International level.

 

Teams consisted of mainly English and Colonial riders riders and not filled with foreigners with unpronounceable names.

 

When local derbies were the norm and not the exception.

 

Meaningful fixture lists when leagues contained upwards of eighteen to twenty teams.

 

Less emphasis on bikes and skill was the main element.

 

Being able to identify with one's own team whereby riders used to ride regularly and seasonally.

 

Value for money with second halves/Golden/Silver Helmet/junior/sidecar/oldies attractions.

 

Promoters who promoted.

 

When the sport attracted thousands and not hundreds.

 

When tracks had dirt and riders were able to adapt to conditions.

 

I could go on but off course the world has moved on and people are now more selective about their leisure time but unfortunately speedway appears to have been left behind.

 

I don't know the answers but apparently neither do the promoters and/or BSPA.

 

However I do enjoy the banter with some of the contributors on the forum and enjoy living past glories. I rarely comment on the threads regarding the Elite/Premier League and the GP scene/football./cricket/horse racing/baseball etc as I don't have a working knowledge and/or interest on some of those subjects. However it doesn't mean that I can't contribute as and when I feel the desire and, afteral, people don't have to read comments if they so wish and can just pass over them...I do it all the time!

When I was 12 I played with Lego.

 

Now I am 51, I don't so its unlikely you will find me on a forum talking (or rather complaining) about it and I reiterate my point : much of the negativity about speedway today on here is made by people who simply don't go. As such - and other than by hearsay or Sky sports - they can't comment on the quality of the racing, the stadiums or the promotion. They can't comment on the presentation, the food or value for money that the sport offers.

 

Pretty important to be able to do that if you are to make a reasoned judgement, I'd say.

 

Funnily enough, I started going in the 1980's when all of what you say applied. My old Dad went in the 1950's and when he heard I was going said 'first out of the gate always wins'. Its absolutely incorrect to say that the sport was more entertaining then, because it wasn't. All that is different is the attendances.

 

Last night at Belle Vue I saw a thoroughly entertaining meeting for £10 (£12 including programme). A football match at Halifax Town is £17.

 

Over the past week or so I have had a week on the Isle of Wight and their attempts to promote speedway are astonishing. Leaflets, banners, posters, shows, fairs, newspaper adverts. On arrival, a highly visible promoter welcoming people and then spending the entire meeting wandering round the crowd chatting with spectators. Free sweets, free temporary tattoos, a bike race round the track and free entry for children a night out for a family of 4 for £22. Good racing thrown in.

 

Bit of an exception, I'd agree, but this is a promotion who promote, big style.

While I agree there are some posters who don't go anymore who post to simply 'stir the pot', there are others who don't go or like myself attend a fraction of the meetings they used to who have valid opinions and really ought to be listened to by promoters.....the reasons why these people don't go any more could be valuable information for somebody who is striving to improve their business. Any business which has a 'suggestion box' on its wall surely gets much more out of negative comments than positive ones.

I think what you say is true up to a point.

 

The question is whether the criticism is constructive or not, because I find on here it is often just individuals slagging the sport off.

 

To me, it is far better to listen to your existing customers negative comments than to those who no longer attend - as a priority, speedway should try to hang on to what it has and attract new customers rather than attempting to tempt those who have left back.

Edited August 27, 2016 by Halifaxtiger

[steve roberts]

When I was 12 I played with Lego.

 

Now I am 51, I don't so its unlikely you will find me on a forum talking (or rather complaining) about it and I reiterate my point : much of the negativity about speedway today on here is made by people who simply don't go. As such - and other than by hearsay or Sky sports - they can't comment on the quality of the racing, the stadiums or the promotion. They can't comment on the presentation, the food or value for money that the sport offers.

 

Pretty important to be able to do that if you are to make a reasoned judgement, I'd say.

 

Funnily enough, I started going in the 1980's when all of what you say applied. My old Dad went in the 1950's and when he heard I was going said 'first out of the gate always wins'. Its absolutely incorrect to say that the sport was more entertaining then, because it wasn't. All that is different is the attendances.

 

Last night at Belle Vue I saw a thoroughly entertaining meeting for £10 (£12 including programme). A football match at Halifax Town is £17.

Over the past week or so I have had a week on the Isle of Wight and their attempts to promote speedway are astonishing. Leaflets, banners, posters, shows, fairs, newspaper adverts. On arrival, a highly visible promoter welcoming people and then spending the entire meeting wandering round the crowd chatting with spectators. Free sweets, free temporary tattoos, a bike race round the track and free entry for children a night out for a family of 4 for £22. Good racing thrown in.

 

Bit of an exception, I'd agree, but this is a promotion who promote, big style.

I was making a comparison and observation with the sport as it was then and now and how it has altered drastically...not all of its own making admittedly...and why crowds have diminished and the national media showing a general distinct lack of interest in the sport.

 

Obviously some promoters appear to making a stand but it requires the promoters as a whole to collectively get together hence why I think an independent body would help part address the problems that the sport currently faces.

 

'All that is different is the attendances'...thereby lies the problem that the sport currently faces.

Edited August 27, 2016 by steve roberts

[Star Lady]

HT the two instances you mention at BV and IOW sadly are the exception rather than the rule.

 

I still love speedway and in my heart of hearts would love to go back to being a regular with all that entails but I will not be taken for a mug and fork out £17 every week just to see 17 minutes of racing. It's not so much the silly rules/lack of passing etc that gets to me it's the sheer lack of entertainment and value for money.

 

I know what goes on because my husband and daughter go most weeks, well they did but even they have given up for the year now. I know some tracks put a helluva lot of effort into it but sadly my local track doesn't.

 

Most of the "extras" I've advocated in the past would cost very little in financial terms, tho they might take a bit of co-operation, good will, imagination and commitment from promoters and riders alike and that seems in short supply too. A simple example is riders doing victory laps and wheelies...used to be the norm now becoming a rarity. Kids love them, so do big kids and it all helps fans feel involved.

 

Now if promoters want to ignore folk like me, so be it, but IMO it's a very short sighted view.

[Bagpuss]

I think what you say is true up to a point.

 

The question is whether the criticism is constructive or not, because I find on here it is often just individuals slagging the sport off.

 

To me, it is far better to listen to your existing customers negative comments than to those who no longer attend - as a priority, speedway should try to hang on to what it has and attract new customers rather than attempting to tempt those who have left back.

It goes without saying that criticism needs to be constructive. The trouble is there are posters on here who seem to have running feuds with others and seem to be constantly fishing for bites. I maintain that if a poster who no longer goes can put their points across in a constructive manner then that information is absolutely invaluable to a speedboat promoter.

[Little Thumper]

Speedway was a great part of my life for thirty plus years. I travelled around the country and Europe (planning holidays around meetings) helped promote the sport at schools, helped at my local track and even had a go. However I saw the gradual decline of the sport during those last ten years or so but as I lived within walking distance of my local track I continued to attend as it was a chance to enjoy a chat with my mates on the terracing.

 

If I'm guilty of having the same views as some ex-riders, past and present day promoters and members of the media as regards the present position that speedway finds itself in then so be it.

 

I followed the sport when it attracted national media coverage on both TV and the newspapers

 

Attracted massive national and local sponsorship.

 

When the National Team ruled the roost and Test Matches were a common feature in the fixture list.

 

Continuity and teams running on regular race nights/days and not dictated by the GPs etc.

 

Characters within the sport. Riders. Promoters/Team Managers and Supporters.

 

When tactics were the norm and Team Managers had a role to play.

 

London was represented at both League and International level.

 

Teams consisted of mainly English and Colonial riders riders and not filled with foreigners with unpronounceable names.

 

When local derbies were the norm and not the exception.

 

Meaningful fixture lists when leagues contained upwards of eighteen to twenty teams.

 

Less emphasis on bikes and skill was the main element.

 

Being able to identify with one's own team whereby riders used to ride regularly and seasonally.

 

Value for money with second halves/Golden/Silver Helmet/junior/sidecar/oldies attractions.

 

Promoters who promoted.

 

When the sport attracted thousands and not hundreds.

 

When tracks had dirt and riders were able to adapt to conditions.

 

I could go on but off course the world has moved on and people are now more selective about their leisure time but unfortunately speedway appears to have been left behind.

 

I don't know the answers but apparently neither do the promoters and/or BSPA.

 

However I do enjoy the banter with some of the contributors on the forum and enjoy living past glories. I rarely comment on the threads regarding the Elite/Premier League and the GP scene/football./cricket/horse racing/baseball etc as I don't have a working knowledge and/or interest on some of those subjects. However it doesn't mean that I can't contribute as and when I feel the desire and, afteral, people don't have to read comments if they so wish and can just pass over them...I do it all the time!

 

steve roberts, that is a very fine contribution indeed.

Whilst, some on here will not agree with some or all that you have said, I certainly recognize the validity of your arguments.

 

If this discussion topic has shown one thing, it is that speedway can arouse passion in people because they love the sport despite all it's limitations.

 

Speedway in it's present form probably has a limited future and as in other sports, the differential between the top teams and the bottom operators will become ever wider. The top few will reap the rewards in the short term and the strugglers at the bottom will slowly fade away.

 

Speedway can be saved but at the moment, there is no indication that those in control of the sport have the vision or motivation to steer the ship away from the rocks and instead we have various crew members who, perhaps quite understandably, are only focussed on bagging the best seat in the lifeboat.

 

The one thing that this topic seems to be showing is that there is some good thinking to be found on here and the canny promoter would do well to at least consider that there may be more than one way to crack an egg.

 

In The Future When All's Well

[bigcatdiary]

More rubbish from someone not in a position to know. But thinks he does. As Fromafar has said, if there was something relevant and of value or concern, someone would bring it to their attention. Promoters are busy people, usually with work or a company to look after, and wouldn't waste their time on following, or reading, the conflicting views and bias that abounds on this forum. Does anybody really think that the views generally on here reflect the true views of the average supporters who DO attend the meetings. It's not as if everyone spouts the same things and with a consensus that is feasible. Instead people condemn everything, and either push for modernisation of the sport, or want to go back to where we have come from. If it was your business or money, would YOU want to put the effort into following such conflicting opinions. Forum critics don't normally make good promoters, as proved from some of the threads that are current on here.

 

You know as well as I do that a good proportion of promoters come on here including a few ex promoters, to be fair I think the BSF has created a response now because we do get the occasional BSPA clarification when the proverbial hits the fan as it did with Cook

[Arson fire]

Its ok to be a critic in others sports but no speedway, its ok to be a critic of a football club owner but not a speedway promoter or governing body collectively ... Whys that??