AGM November 2018

[ouch]

1 hour ago, The Third Man said:

 The objective is to stop PL riders doubling down, basically like it was when no one with a PL average of more than 6 could ride in what is now the CL

It’ll give the double up/down riders a chance to get use to riding once a week and therefore having to take a job outside speedway as we move towards the amateur league set up by 2022/23.   

[PHILIPRISING]

23 minutes ago, ouch said:

It’ll give the double up/down riders a chance to get use to riding once a week and therefore having to take a job outside speedway as we move towards the amateur league set up by 2022/23.   

AND what other job outside of speedway would allow them the variable time off required to get to and from tracks let alone actually race? It is hard enough as it is to see why any one would want to be a speedway rider these days without making it even more unviable than it already is. The way to stop doubling up is to ensure that riders can make a living riding from just one team and that will only come about with more and regular meetings for the track they are actually attached to.

[The Third Man]

41 minutes ago, PHILIPRISING said:

AND what other job outside of speedway would allow them the variable time off required to get to and from tracks let alone actually race? It is hard enough as it is to see why any one would want to be a speedway rider these days without making it even more unviable than it already is. The way to stop doubling up is to ensure that riders can make a living riding from just one team and that will only come about with more and regular meetings for the track they are actually attached to.

It used to happen all the time in the past, I can remember lots of riders having a job in the 1970's

 

Edited November 18, 2018 by The Third Man

[A ORLOV]

Is the bspa going to publish the 2018 final green sheet averages and any idea when ?

[dontforgetthefueltapsbruv]

4 minutes ago, A ORLOV said:

Is the bspa going to publish the 2018 final green sheet averages and any idea when ?

Also need to publish and clarify criteria/averages for new and returning riders

[PHILIPRISING]

3 hours ago, The Third Man said:

It used to happen all the time in the past, I can remember lots of riders having a job in the 1970's

 

THINGS were very different then. Lots of riders were part time mechanics, often with their own small businesses servicing cars etc. They barely exist now. And the basic costs for riders is off the scale compared to 40 plus years ago.

[steve roberts]

12 hours ago, PHILIPRISING said:

AND what other job outside of speedway would allow them the variable time off required to get to and from tracks let alone actually race? It is hard enough as it is to see why any one would want to be a speedway rider these days without making it even more unviable than it already is. The way to stop doubling up is to ensure that riders can make a living riding from just one team and that will only come about with more and regular meetings for the track they are actually attached to.

...and dare I say a return of second halves (respected Businessman, ex-Promoter and National Team Manager James Easter has been quoted as saying same) . I recall Phil Crump saying during the twilight of his career that he was seriously thinking about finishing riding in the UK due to the demise of the old second halves (1984) because of potential lost earnings. However, as we all know, speedway has declined massively since those days and the number of people now attending wouldn't make it financially viable.

Of course back then there were numerous open meeting and regional competitions but supporters gradually showed dis-interest in such events and  therefore can't really complain about the apparent irregularities within today's market.

Edited November 19, 2018 by steve roberts

[StevePark]

13 hours ago, PHILIPRISING said:

AND what other job outside of speedway would allow them the variable time off required to get to and from tracks let alone actually race? It is hard enough as it is to see why any one would want to be a speedway rider these days without making it even more unviable than it already is. The way to stop doubling up is to ensure that riders can make a living riding from just one team and that will only come about with more and regular meetings for the track they are actually attached to.

We had a rider at the end of the season that couldn't get time off work. so missed the meeting (Matty Wethers for Newcastle at Workington).

[ouch]

14 hours ago, PHILIPRISING said:

AND what other job outside of speedway would allow them the variable time off required to get to and from tracks let alone actually race? It is hard enough as it is to see why any one would want to be a speedway rider these days without making it even more unviable than it already is. The way to stop doubling up is to ensure that riders can make a living riding from just one team and that will only come about with more and regular meetings for the track they are actually attached to.

We know they are working to lessen the double up/down. When their plan works you have, say the Worrall twins, should they choose the top division averaging four rides a week over the season. When you take into account riding on bank holidays, even I’d be happy enough to let my lads off to participate in the highest level the UK can provide. 

I agree with your last sentence but unfortunately the powers that be didn’t. 

[DJWolves]

If there were plenty of meetings available for riders at one track then doubling up would not be an issue. And in the 60s and 70s when my track at Wolverhampton used to regularly have over 30 home meetings a season then that might have applied. But now I see that CVS is guaranteeing only 15 meetings there next season (if Wolves fail to make the play offs), and that was how many meetings they had last season.

The top riders ride for 2, 3 or 4 clubs as season, albeit in different countries.  I don't see why we should deprive other riders of the opportunity to increase their income by riding in more than one league in the UK. It needs to be clear what happens when fixtures clash, and it isn't ideal that this leads to more guest riders, but it is necessary economically. 

In an ideal world we would have one rider one club. But how many riders would be able to make the sport pay with those restrictions, particularly with a 7 team top flight.

[FAST GATER]

15 hours ago, PHILIPRISING said:

AND what other job outside of speedway would allow them the variable time off required to get to and from tracks let alone actually race? It is hard enough as it is to see why any one would want to be a speedway rider these days without making it even more unviable than it already is. The way to stop doubling up is to ensure that riders can make a living riding from just one team and that will only come about with more and regular meetings for the track they are actually attached to.

PHIL riders have juggled jobs and riding in the past as they realised that for many it was at best a paying hobbie ,I also think that they were less bothered about the latest bolt on's .I know the sport has moved on and costs have escalated beyound reason,riders need at least two bikes etc ,there is a need for this machinery to last more than a season which would surely  make it more viable  .

[Trees]

15 hours ago, PHILIPRISING said:

AND what other job outside of speedway would allow them the variable time off required to get to and from tracks let alone actually race? It is hard enough as it is to see why any one would want to be a speedway rider these days without making it even more unviable than it already is. The way to stop doubling up is to ensure that riders can make a living riding from just one team and that will only come about with more and regular meetings for the track they are actually attached to.

They need to either have their own businesses that can run without them or have a trade I guess .......

[SPEEDY69]

18 hours ago, PHILIPRISING said:

AND what other job outside of speedway would allow them the variable time off required to get to and from tracks let alone actually race? It is hard enough as it is to see why any one would want to be a speedway rider these days without making it even more unviable than it already is. The way to stop doubling up is to ensure that riders can make a living riding from just one team and that will only come about with more and regular meetings for the track they are actually attached to.

Nope, riders will then look to make two livings

[Fromafar]

20 hours ago, PHILIPRISING said:

AND what other job outside of speedway would allow them the variable time off required to get to and from tracks let alone actually race? It is hard enough as it is to see why any one would want to be a speedway rider these days without making it even more unviable than it already is. The way to stop doubling up is to ensure that riders can make a living riding from just one team and that will only come about with more and regular meetings for the track they are actually attached to.

The sport doesn't own these riders a living ,it's a sport if the riders are not making enough money at it they need to do something else to top up their earnings,it's pretty obvious the sport is in trouble by paying more than they can afford.Realism needs to kick in.

[mikebv]

22 hours ago, PHILIPRISING said:

AND what other job outside of speedway would allow them the variable time off required to get to and from tracks let alone actually race? It is hard enough as it is to see why any one would want to be a speedway rider these days without making it even more unviable than it already is. The way to stop doubling up is to ensure that riders can make a living riding from just one team and that will only come about with more and regular meetings for the track they are actually attached to.

It seems to go unnoticed but there are actually five months from the end of October to the start of April..

A long, long time to work...

I pay my night lads (inc premium, NI and Pension) £11 an hour..

Thats £380 a week or a total of £7600 for 20 weeks work..

That's to fill shelves in a Supermarket..

I am sure there are probably other 'basic skilled' jobs out there that may pay even more..?

Who knows, seven lads all earning this amount might collectively mean they don't have to then request over £50k between them off a Speedway promoter..?

Would buy at least one very decent bike that I reckon and a good few quid left over for plenty of spares...

The penny will need to drop soon that riding Speedway in GB isn't a full time role which gives you the opportunity to put your feet up at Forty years of age and spend your earnings for the rest of your life..

Similar to all Sports very, very few make it to the very top.  

British Speedway seems to be starting to realise that paying out EFL League One and Two wages on Bostik League attendance income simply doesn't add up..

It may be difficult to get people to ride Speedway now, but it will be a damn sight harder when no places exist to ply that trade..

Edited November 19, 2018 by mikebv

[THE DEAN MACHINE]

21 hours ago, PHILIPRISING said:

AND what other job outside of speedway would allow them the variable time off required to get to and from tracks let alone actually race? It is hard enough as it is to see why any one would want to be a speedway rider these days without making it even more unviable than it already is. 

When I decided to ride speedway it was because I wanted to be a speedway rider (still do in my head )I didn’t care about the money, it was a nice bonus but just the Privalige of being a rider was everything to me, I run my own business along side speedway for most of my career often working around 60 hours a week and doing all the bike washing myself, yes there were times I was shattered and just wanted my bed but would I do it all again? Hell yes, I would often drive from Wolverhampton on a Friday do a couple of deliveries in London or Kent then on to Weymouth or Plymouth to race that night get back home at 2am and I loved it ,but I just don’t see that desire anymore from riders , it’s all about the money, I read “I’m putting my life on the line so I want big money “ I never thought I was putting my life on the line(except when I raced against roman matousek) I was just loving being a rider and racing my bike and to do that for a team was just amazing, where has that love for racing gone ?

[steve roberts]

46 minutes ago, THE DEAN MACHINE said:

When I decided to ride speedway it was because I wanted to be a speedway rider (still do in my head )I didn’t care about the money, it was a nice bonus but just the Privalige of being a rider was everything to me, I run my own business along side speedway for most of my career often working around 60 hours a week and doing all the bike washing myself, yes there were times I was shattered and just wanted my bed but would I do it all again? Hell yes, I would often drive from Wolverhampton on a Friday do a couple of deliveries in London or Kent then on to Weymouth or Plymouth to race that night get back home at 2am and I loved it ,but I just don’t see that desire anymore from riders , it’s all about the money, I read “I’m putting my life on the line so I want big money “ I never thought I was putting my life on the line(except when I raced against roman matousek) I was just loving being a rider and racing my bike and to do that for a team was just amazing, where has that love for racing gone ?

Superb post!

Remember reading that George Hunter, when based in the midlands, would drive his lorry to Immingham Docks (Yorkshire) and drive back home to pick up his bike and then drive upto Edinburgh to ride that same night when he was a member of the 'Monarchs' during the latter part of his career.

Edited November 19, 2018 by steve roberts

[LesR]

1 hour ago, THE DEAN MACHINE said:

When I decided to ride speedway it was because I wanted to be a speedway rider (still do in my head )I didn’t care about the money, it was a nice bonus but just the Privalige of being a rider was everything to me, I run my own business along side speedway for most of my career often working around 60 hours a week and doing all the bike washing myself, yes there were times I was shattered and just wanted my bed but would I do it all again? Hell yes, I would often drive from Wolverhampton on a Friday do a couple of deliveries in London or Kent then on to Weymouth or Plymouth to race that night get back home at 2am and I loved it ,but I just don’t see that desire anymore from riders , it’s all about the money, I read “I’m putting my life on the line so I want big money “ I never thought I was putting my life on the line(except when I raced against roman matousek) I was just loving being a rider and racing my bike and to do that for a team was just amazing, where has that love for racing gone ?

I agree with you Dean, the money wasn't the be all and end all of racing, it was the excitement, the adrenaline pumping going into corners fast and only inches from your opponent, the feeling of elation when you beat a more experienced opponent that you didn't expect to 70 seconds earlier. It wasn't just a means to make money or drive around in a sign written van, we used trailers or bike racks, saying " look at me I must be good my names all over my van " which is what I see from a lot of would be racers. The expense of all the trick bits that the GP riders use, throttles at £150 each, seem to remember Ivan used a Jawa throttle, longer so better for throttle control. Maybe some of the riders need to go back to basics and maybe improve their situation.

[Chadster]

8 hours ago, DJWolves said:

If there were plenty of meetings available for riders at one track then doubling up would not be an issue. And in the 60s and 70s when my track at Wolverhampton used to regularly have over 30 home meetings a season then that might have applied. But now I see that CVS is guaranteeing only 15 meetings there next season (if Wolves fail to make the play offs), and that was how many meetings they had last season.

 

I've recently been looking at the first 3 BL seasons (1965-7). Some things are the same; Fixtures incomplete, arguments over team make-up, new rules introduced mid season and flagrant breaking of rules, but one of the big differences is that most tracks ran the best part of 30 meetings. Given that there were only a maximum of 18 home league matches and one World Championship qualifier, it's obvious that there were a lot of challenge matches, Individual meetings etc. Yet people say they aren't interested in such meetings these days and most tracks, especially in the top two divisions won't put them on. Is this a failure of promotion or is it a wise recognition that in an era where many tracks see teams twice a season, such meeting represent overkill. Is a solution to devise more meaningful competitions, e.g regionalised cup competitions, Fours qualifiers etc?

[Fromafar]

2 hours ago, steve roberts said:

Superb post!

Remember reading that George Hunter, when based in the midlands, would drive his lorry to Immingham Docks (Yorkshire) and drive back home to pick up his bike and then drive upto Edinburgh to ride that same night when he was a member of the 'Monarchs' during the latter part of his career.

In the early 60's when George was becoming the star at Meadowbank he drove a Cattle Lorry for his uncle most of the days he wasn't riding, as a lad used to wait for him stopping at the Chippy most nights ,great guy always had a chat.Times have changed ,if you have a bike you think you are a superstar nowadays.