ch958 Posted February 13, 2017 Report Share Posted February 13, 2017 i suppose rather than looking for grand theories to pin point the beginning of the decline a simple question to those who have stopped attending but still come on here might give some clues. I am one such non attender these days - my answer would be expense of admission as the main reason. Now I'm out of the habit and wonder if I'll ever regain it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waytogo28 Posted February 13, 2017 Report Share Posted February 13, 2017 I am on the verge of becoming a non attendee - the expense is a factor ( I no longer buy a programme but make my own race card - not only because of the cost but also the text size in their race card is too small to read easily ) but most importantly because I feel that value for money is very poor on the average match. Maybe three decent races and most with no passing or prospect of passing ) Regardless of how many deny it - the first out of the second bend is very likely to be the winner. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shale Searcher Posted February 13, 2017 Report Share Posted February 13, 2017 The racing quality frequently fails to reach an acceptable standard, usually there's little passing. But most of all, I think fans feel disconnected from their team, frequently incomplete, and made up on the night with guest riders, which has destroyed the team/fan connection. This is accompanied by infrequent matches, lack of rider/team variety, poorly prepared racing surfaces, poor facilities, poor presentation and a like it or lump it attitude, not only from promoter to fan, but stadium owner to promoter... Cost would be absolutely fine if everything above cut the mustard, but it doesn't.. Riders still need paying, from a dwindling purse, because of a dwindling fanbase, hence increased admission and diluted teams.. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted February 13, 2017 Report Share Posted February 13, 2017 (edited) To Pieman72 I would say I wish you every success. I've said it before and I will say it again - the Rules of Speedway need looking at. Get rid of 'Double Points' for a start and the laughable 'Joker' in the Speedway World Cup too. No Tactical Substitute to replace 'Double Points' either. Speedway tries to present itself as a serious Sport and ends up looking more like 'It's a Knockout'. As I said - laughable. Edited February 13, 2017 by The White Knight 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Science Posted February 13, 2017 Report Share Posted February 13, 2017 To Pieman72 I would say I wish you every success. I've said it before and I will say it again - the Rules of Speedway need looking at. Get rid of 'Double Points' for a start and the laughable 'Joker' in the Speedway World Cup too. No Tactical Substitute to replace 'Double Points' either. Speedway tries to present itself as a serious Sport and ends up looking more like 'It's a Knockout'. As I said - laughable. Seriously how long have tactical substitutes been around ? For as long as I can remember , at least 30 years plus. Has the sport been a joke for that long ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucifer sam Posted February 13, 2017 Report Share Posted February 13, 2017 Seriously how long have tactical substitutes been around ? For as long as I can remember , at least 30 years plus. Has the sport been a joke for that long ? Tactical subs were introduced in 1955. All the best Rob 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted February 13, 2017 Report Share Posted February 13, 2017 Seriously how long have tactical substitutes been around ? For as long as I can remember , at least 30 years plus. Has the sport been a joke for that long ? In answer to your question - on that issue - yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Science Posted February 13, 2017 Report Share Posted February 13, 2017 In answer to your question - on that issue - yes. In your opinion ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted February 13, 2017 Report Share Posted February 13, 2017 In your opinion ! That's what it's all about - opinions. Do you have a problem with that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skid Sprocket Posted February 13, 2017 Report Share Posted February 13, 2017 In your opinion ! That's what it's all about - opinions. Do you have a problem with that? And there's the crunch, there are that many opinions that no change will ever happen due to the differing opinions on this forum. Its time for another "referendum" (but would the results would be accepted anymore than the last one?) maybe then, with a clear voice coming from supporters, the powers that be might just listen. Just my opinion . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted February 13, 2017 Report Share Posted February 13, 2017 (edited) Tac subs may have been around for donkeys years... Guests may have been around for donkeys years too... However in this modern IT age with 24/7 instantaneous media outlets both would look ludicrous to any right minded 'generic sports fan'. And that is the type of person Speedway needs to attend.. A good few sports have 'bonus points', eg Rugby and Cricket. But that is for achieving things, they dont get the opportunity to improve their position artificially just because they are doing badly during a competition.... Years ago you turned up at the track and found out that your favourite rider wasnt there and was replaced by a guest, or you sometimes turned up to find one of the teams with more guests than regulars... Bottom line was, you were in, you had paid, so just got on with it, even though you were peed off.. Nowadays we know 24 hours before a meeting who isnt there, how many guests are in attendance and right up until meeting time we are informed via social media (officially or unofficially) of any further changes.. Meaning, (for me at least, and maybe a good few others?), that I will give any such 'Mickey Mouse', 'Select Team' meetings a miss... Nonsense rules are obviously not the sole reason for Speedways decline But they certainly dont help reverse the trend... Edited February 13, 2017 by mikebv 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pieman72 Posted February 13, 2017 Report Share Posted February 13, 2017 No politics please it's moving away from the concept of speedway surviving in a changing world. We all want the same outcome it's just how we get there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skid Sprocket Posted February 14, 2017 Report Share Posted February 14, 2017 No politics please it's moving away from the concept of speedway surviving in a changing world. We all want the same outcome it's just how we get there. If you are referring to my comment on having a "referendum", it was a joking way of making the point that if a clear message was to come from supporters maybe the powers that be will take notice. If someone has the time and know how it must be possible to get a consensus of opinion on a list of priorities of what should be done to ensure speedways survival that the majority can agree on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pieman72 Posted February 14, 2017 Report Share Posted February 14, 2017 I can see your point. That's what I intend to do. Set up an organisation with a constitution and agenda and then put the idea's out to consulultation. That's what I'm trying to do get some idea's and the more radical the better. This forum is just the start with land prices shooting up speedway without spectators is a non-stater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Science Posted February 14, 2017 Report Share Posted February 14, 2017 That's what it's all about - opinions. Do you have a problem with that? Opinions are fine but you have to be realistic. What you are championing the removal of ie (tactical substitute / tactical ride ) has been a part and parcel of the sport as quoted since 1955, and I would guess most in the sport believe it to be necessary.There are rules in the sport I don't like but if we all stopped going because we disliked one rule in the speedway rule book then the sport would not be in decline but dead. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted February 15, 2017 Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 Opinions are fine but you have to be realistic. What you are championing the removal of ie (tactical substitute / tactical ride ) has been a part and parcel of the sport as quoted since 1955, and I would guess most in the sport believe it to be necessary.There are rules in the sport I don't like but if we all stopped going because we disliked one rule in the speedway rule book then the sport would not be in decline but dead. Had it ever occurred to you that perhaps the Tactical Ride is responsible for more than just me not going? There will doubtless be other Rules that some folk can't stomach and refuse to put up with. I would bet I am not the only one. The fact it has been going since 1955 - does not, necessarily, make it right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pieman72 Posted February 16, 2017 Report Share Posted February 16, 2017 (edited) Are tactical substitutes relevant when our National Stadium is stuggling and 2 of the founding tracks are likely to close. Please don't be offended but a lot of supporters and administrators are of pensionable age generally have a large disposable income and probably don't even have to find the bus fare. Could this be what's inflating the admission costs? Drawing an analogy with pubs, beer and meals are of an eyewatering price and are possible inflated by the 'grey pound'. I am reasanably comfortable and I just don't have the money for speedway, beer and the odd meal out? The same is happening with speedway and pubs which are closing at an alarming rate??? Edited February 16, 2017 by Pieman72 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted February 16, 2017 Report Share Posted February 16, 2017 Are tactical substitutes relevant when our National Stadium is stuggling and 2 of the founding tracks are likely to close. Please don't be offended but a lot of supporters and administrators are of pensionable age generally have a large disposable income and probably don't even have to find the bus fare. Could this be what's inflating the admission costs? Drawing an analogy with pubs, beer and meals are of an eyewatering price and are possible inflated by the 'grey pound'. I am reasanably comfortable and I just don't have the money for speedway, beer and the odd meal out? The same is happening with speedway and pubs which are closing at an alarming rate??? They are to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davet Posted February 16, 2017 Report Share Posted February 16, 2017 Had it ever occurred to you that perhaps the Tactical Ride is responsible for more than just me not going? There will doubtless be other Rules that some folk can't stomach and refuse to put up with. I would bet I am not the only one. The fact it has been going since 1955 - does not, necessarily, make it right. I had thought that the present scoring system, which favours the away team, offsetting any home track advantage would have removed the need for tactical subs / rides. I agree that it is time for them to go, although it won't stop me from attending meetings. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutleyracer Posted February 19, 2017 Report Share Posted February 19, 2017 Does anyone think that TV coverage helps or hinders the sport ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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