Najjer Posted May 26, 2021 Report Share Posted May 26, 2021 30 minutes ago, old bob at herne bay said: Very sad to see another speedway stadium close, especially one of the modern generation of venues. The decline of speedway in the south west looks certain to continue, the loss of the IoW, and with Swindon and now Poole looking decidedly uncertain to continue long term. It’s tragic really when you think over the last 20 years or so, the loss of Trelawny, Exeter, Newport, Reading, Swindon and now Somerset. That was one of the main cores of the league back in 2002/2003. Some great times visiting those places. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willowman Posted May 26, 2021 Report Share Posted May 26, 2021 Gutted. Was a regular supporter from the time I was attracted back to speedway just missing a few weeks from the very start. Barr the odd meeting due to holidays, never missed any despite being the only one left out of a crowd of original regulars but making new friends there instead. Will miss DaveT, Statman, Bish, Najjer and my new friends Brian and Liz as well as loads of others I chatted to but never got to know their names. RIP Somerset Speedway. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justgotmecpc Posted May 26, 2021 Report Share Posted May 26, 2021 Another kick on the short & curlys for our sport & I think they're may be a few more over the coming seasons but hopefully not Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halifaxtiger Posted May 26, 2021 Report Share Posted May 26, 2021 2 hours ago, old bob at herne bay said: Very sad to see another speedway stadium close, especially one of the modern generation of venues. The decline of speedway in the south west looks certain to continue, the loss of the IoW, and with Swindon and now Poole looking decidedly uncertain to continue long term. The loss (??) of Isle of Wight is very different. That is purely down to the incompetence and selfishness of certain members of the BSPL because had due and correct procedure been followed they would almost certainly be part of the National League. I am, however, saddened to read of the loss of Somerset Speedway and have little doubt that the circumstances indicated by Debbie Hancock are true. Perhaps the loss is greater than normal because the OTA's reputation as a fine racing track was much deserved. For me, I'll never forget an astonishing night in 2015 when Plymouth Devils turned up and battered the Rebels, much to my amazement and the delight of my pals from the south west. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedwaysliders Posted May 26, 2021 Report Share Posted May 26, 2021 Just out of interest what was the average crowd,and what was the catchment area.Did fans travel far and wide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinmauger Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 (edited) 8 hours ago, Najjer said: It’s tragic really when you think over the last 20 years or so, the loss of Trelawny, Exeter, Newport, Reading, Swindon and now Somerset. That was one of the main cores of the league back in 2002/2003. Some great times visiting those places. And Hull. Shame the sport losing another track & team, premanently this case, and gotta feel for Rebels fans. Thing is, someone told me a long time ago "if you ever come into money (some hope) invest in land, the value will always go up as they don't make it anymore".... Edited May 27, 2021 by martinmauger spelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idh Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 I was at Exeter when they closed and migrated to Somerset. I've made some good friends at Somerset including Najjer, Mr T , Ian (Statman) and all the boys on the back straight. I've some great memories and photos . Thanks Debbie; Bill; Gazza all the track staff and those behind the scenes. Thanks Ian H 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GiveusaB Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 Gutted for Somerset fans and speedway in general. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ch958 Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 never say never - Redcar came back, Scunny, Worky by the looks of it, Leicester, Kent. Maybe not this year or next due to lack of cash but one field was found in the middle of nowhere so maybe there'll be another. Get them Euromillions tickets bought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainB Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 Another sad loss for the sport... hardly surprising really, the only real surprise is that more clubs haven't closed due to Covid rules and restrictions. Swindon must surely be a major doubt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cheese Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 Disappointing news but not unexpected given recent events. Hopefully Garry May will be back somewhere sooner rather than later 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Najjer Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 1 hour ago, The Cheese said: Disappointing news but not unexpected given recent events. Hopefully Garry May will be back somewhere sooner rather than later Would be interesting to hear his take on things. It wasn’t that long ago he was on the radio saying about assembling a team for next year as Somerset would be back and would be looking to hold the pairs this year. Maybe he’s been strung along like everybody else when it was pretty clear what was happening? I expect to see him back at Poole fairly soon. Good luck to him as he’s one of the most astute team managers about. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveLyric2 Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 3 hours ago, Najjer said: Would be interesting to hear his take on things. It wasn’t that long ago he was on the radio saying about assembling a team for next year as Somerset would be back and would be looking to hold the pairs this year. Maybe he’s been strung along like everybody else when it was pretty clear what was happening? I expect to see him back at Poole fairly soon. Good luck to him as he’s one of the most astute team managers about. He's been at Poole most weeks anyway!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idh Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 4 hours ago, Najjer said: I expect to see him back at Poole fairly soon. Good luck to him as he’s one of the most astute team managers about. Totally agree 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellevueace Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 Gutted with this news, always loved stopping off on my way to/from Cornwall and taking a meeting in, great track and friendly fans, this venue will be sadly missed, only the Crossways Inn to stop for now, great shame, got to feel for the fans. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 You would hope that the closure of yet another track would make those running the sport take notice and ponder "does anyone amongst us actually really think we are doing things right"? Unfortunately it is hard not to think that the first thought of some when hearing the news was "quick get on the blower and see if we can sign 'so and so'" for next season".... I think that is now seven tracks gone in the past four or five years... In no particular order.... Coventry, Buxton, Rye House, Lakeside, Somerset, Workington, and Stoke... With only a rarely built new stadium saving Belle Vue from joining the list this year and Swindon still waiting for 'summer' to start so the builders can build their new facility... WOW!... 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wealdstone Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 The first thoughts are how can we pinch their riders and their fans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iris123 Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 Don't they come up with a cunning plan to save the sport each Autumn ? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moxey63 Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 8 minutes ago, mikebv said: You would hope that the closure of yet another track would make those running the sport take notice and ponder "does anyone amongst us actually really think we are doing things right"? Unfortunately it is hard not to think that the first thought of some when hearing the news was "quick get on the blower and see if we can sign 'so and so'" for next season".... I think that is now seven tracks gone in the past four or five years... In no particular order.... Coventry, Buxton, Rye House, Lakeside, Somerset, Workington, and Stoke... With only a rarely built new stadium saving Belle Vue from joining the list this year and Swindon still waiting for 'summer' to start so the builders can build their new facility... WOW!... Fans with money, which promoters mainly are, should not be able to run the sport. They annually admit to being at the helm when their track loses thousands of pounds and learn enough to do the same the next season. Surely any bright spark would fathom out that, one day, the cash will be gone and the track will be in trouble. Living beyond your means has been speedway's problem. All the SKY cash went on keeping star riders happy, and then they all f**k*d off when it ran out. My feelings on the way the sport has been run are well documented on here. It is sad the way things are going, but I told you so. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArthurRudge Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 I would imagine the Hancock's have had enough of Speedway in this country things never change same old rubbish in complete decline, sell up make some money because they were not going to make any in Speedway have a nice retirement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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