Mildenhall 2017

[Speedway28]

I'll make just two observations from yesterday's meeting:

 

The weather was unseasonably hot (23 by the time we started at 3.00pm) - so very hot with a strong cross wind. The track had received a good soaking the night before and was being constantly watered from first thing Sunday

 

In the past the first few heats have had to be sacrificed in a way in order to keep the moisture in. But everyone was confident that with the preparations in place the track would hold up for the meeting. A 20 heat format, so an additional five heats

 

However, the more telling factor (I believe) was the referee. At a time when speedway is losing far too many referees, the sport needs to find and train new ones. At yesterday's meeting Mick Bates had a probationer referee with him, which would account for some of the delays/decisions. As there would naturally be consultation between the two of them.

 

Running day time meetings is far more challenging and the track staff work tirelessly to keep the show on the road. The dust was becoming an issue (especially on 3rd/4th bend as the wind was blowing in this direction). But, to be honest, supporters could consider the circumstances and could relocate to a different area of the stadium

 

Yes, I know they shouldn't have to, but that is an option open to them in order to avoid any dust clouds

 

Overall the racing was keen, with some riders really getting stuck in and providing good racing. It was a very healthy crowd, and one would hope that the majority can evaluate the circumstances and return to enjoy more meetings at West Row

 

Regards

 

I accept that there's always going to be slight issues when it's as hot as it was yesterday but the track never seems to change. I understand that having too much shale on the track isn't beneficial for the inexperienced but a huge blue groove can't be preparing them very well either. Good to see Kevin Jolly saying they'll work on the track this week, he seems like a really decent man who deserves success at Mildenhall for the all the work he's putting in.

 

Just to say, the track is the only issue at Mildenhall in my opinion. It's a nice club with nice people involved and once the track is sorted, more larger crowds like yesterday will be seen. I do enjoy my speedway there and have done since going to Mildenhall as a boy in the 1980's. I don't want my opinions to be seen negatively, it's just my opinion that these improvements will give the club opportunity to gain larger crowds.

[waco]

Good post Mildenhall 1965,,.