JamesHarris Posted July 31, 2021 Report Share Posted July 31, 2021 48 minutes ago, Pieman72 said: It would be very constructive for someone like Phil or an administrator to contribute to the discussion as there needs to be a conversation regarding the future of speedway. The BSPL hold all the cards so they are in the best position to make changes. They do hold all the cards but by all accounts they won't listen. It's a private old boys club who live in the past. A few select of that club hold all the power and run British Speedway as their own little fiefdom supported by their minions who aspire to be top dog themselves one day. It will never change until the BSPA or whatever it's called now is ripped out root and stem. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted July 31, 2021 Report Share Posted July 31, 2021 Often see comments suggesting "one big league".. It simply cannot happen... Not enough riders of sufficient ability to make it watchable.. Not enough fans at many clubs to go into a "top tier" and pay put the level of money needed.. You could have a sixty rider 12 team top tier I would say, (just), and the rest could run at the 'old' NDL level... An NDL level that seemed to be the only one that ran well and was cost effective.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chunky Posted July 31, 2021 Report Share Posted July 31, 2021 1 hour ago, mikebv said: Often see comments suggesting "one big league".. It simply cannot happen... Not enough riders of sufficient ability to make it watchable.. The trouble is that people always throw great ideas about - that just aren't feasible. The ONLY chance that would ever work is to go back to handicaps - and realistic handicaps at that. The sad thing is that we have now got into such a position that there are no simple answers... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barrybishop Posted August 2, 2021 Report Share Posted August 2, 2021 On 7/31/2021 at 5:06 PM, chunky said: The trouble is that people always throw great ideas about - that just aren't feasible. The ONLY chance that would ever work is to go back to handicaps - and realistic handicaps at that. The sad thing is that we have now got into such a position that there are no simple answers... On the IOW we have had a hindicap (US Style meeting) for 4 years, including a 6 rider final. We have no introdued 6 handicap races, selected by team managers, for our 3TT meetings this season. So far it has work really well with plenty of passing and it gives TMs something to think about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pieman72 Posted August 2, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2021 Your doing a great service to speedway Barry. Everyone wants racing and lots of it keep it up !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uk_martin Posted August 3, 2021 Report Share Posted August 3, 2021 On 7/29/2021 at 9:33 PM, JamesHarris said: ...Thirdly - One last chance for the people of Birmingham to show us they want speedway... It won't be ONE last chance though, will it? IF the attendance is good enough THIS Wednesday, then the fans will have the same gun pointed at their heads the next Wednesday. EVERY Wednesday becomes the next "use it or lose it" Wednesday. The writing is on the wall, and sooner or later, when the fans will tire of being blackmailed into attending, that'll be it, sadly. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainB Posted August 3, 2021 Report Share Posted August 3, 2021 55 minutes ago, uk_martin said: It won't be ONE last chance though, will it? IF the attendance is good enough THIS Wednesday, then the fans will have the same gun pointed at their heads the next Wednesday. EVERY Wednesday becomes the next "use it or lose it" Wednesday. The writing is on the wall, and sooner or later, when the fans will tire of being blackmailed into attending, that'll be it, sadly. To be fair to Birmingham they are doing quite a bit extra this week on top of the "gun to the head" style of promotion... http://www.birmingham-speedway.com/news.php?extend.3029 Not all of it my cup of tea but probably begs the question of why they haven't done this before now, that's one for another day though. Also, while this has come up in the Extortionate Admission Prices thread, at £16.50 Birmingham must be one of the cheaper Speedway nights out in the country. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountArthur Posted August 3, 2021 Report Share Posted August 3, 2021 (edited) On 7/31/2021 at 1:55 PM, Geordie78 said: My first post on here so go easy! I was at a bit of a loose end last Sunday so I suggested to the wife and bairn that we'd go along to watch the Speedway to fill in an afternoon. Probably worth mentioning that the last time I went to watch the Newcastle Diamonds would have been around 1990 and I still remember a rider called David Bargh being their best rider (he's the only one I remember). After some strange looks and a bit of persuasion the 3 of us went along. Cost £17 each for the 2 adults and £3 for my 8 year old and the £3 I paid for a programme made it a straight £40. Good value I'd say compared to other sports in our area; For example; £100 to watch Newcastle United £70 to watch Newcastle Falcons £50 to watch Newcastle Eagles £45 to watch Newcastle Thunder What we got was a cracking 2 hours of entertainment. Yes the Diamonds were pretty rubbish and Redcar won easily but my son loved it and has been badgering me ever since to take him back and even the wife admitted she enjoyed it. Drinks were also reasonably priced compared to other venues we've visited. Can't complain about what we spent for what we got in return, that's for sure. Not sure how many people were there as they didn't announce it but it looked a very healthy amount and the start was delayed to let all the spectators in. Brilliant post, thank you. I went out with my family on Sunday night for an Italian. Mid range, nice place, not Michelin starred or anything. I had a starter and a pizza, £19, the same as a ticket to the speedway. No grumbles about the food at all, but I'd rather spend that money on a speedway meeting any day. I know some people might come straight from work, but I've been going to the speedway since 1974 and never buy food or drink from the track. Now that is a waste of money. Edited August 3, 2021 by CountArthur 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waytogo28 Posted August 3, 2021 Report Share Posted August 3, 2021 It's a long time ago yes, but when Norwich closed in 1964 I am sure it was 1s 6d for adults I was 6d as a child and the programme was 6d. Thta wa affordable and exciting good value - or came across as that to us, a working class family. We very much looked forward to going with the thousands of others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ch958 Posted August 3, 2021 Report Share Posted August 3, 2021 4 minutes ago, waytogo28 said: It's a long time ago yes, but when Norwich closed in 1964 I am sure it was 1s 6d for adults I was 6d as a child and the programme was 6d. Thta wa affordable and exciting good value - or came across as that to us, a working class family. We very much looked forward to going with the thousands of others. and now, the fewer people go the more the price goes up. That'll work. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted August 3, 2021 Report Share Posted August 3, 2021 On 7/31/2021 at 1:55 PM, Geordie78 said: My first post on here so go easy! I was at a bit of a loose end last Sunday so I suggested to the wife and bairn that we'd go along to watch the Speedway to fill in an afternoon. Probably worth mentioning that the last time I went to watch the Newcastle Diamonds would have been around 1990 and I still remember a rider called David Bargh being their best rider (he's the only one I remember). After some strange looks and a bit of persuasion the 3 of us went along. Cost £17 each for the 2 adults and £3 for my 8 year old and the £3 I paid for a programme made it a straight £40. Good value I'd say compared to other sports in our area; For example; £100 to watch Newcastle United £70 to watch Newcastle Falcons £50 to watch Newcastle Eagles £45 to watch Newcastle Thunder What we got was a cracking 2 hours of entertainment. Yes the Diamonds were pretty rubbish and Redcar won easily but my son loved it and has been badgering me ever since to take him back and even the wife admitted she enjoyed it. Drinks were also reasonably priced compared to other venues we've visited. Can't complain about what we spent for what we got in return, that's for sure. Not sure how many people were there as they didn't announce it but it looked a very healthy amount and the start was delayed to let all the spectators in. At Poole last week for me and my 18 year old lad it was £27... That to me was "more like it"... Not sure I would pay much over £30 for two adults and think its VFM to be honest, and never understand why clubs dont heavily discount the price to at least 16 years of age (say a fiver max), as so many get lost to the sport in their teenage years when £12 and more is bandied about as admission.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ch958 Posted August 3, 2021 Report Share Posted August 3, 2021 (edited) 25 minutes ago, mikebv said: At Poole last week for me and my 18 year old lad it was £27... That to me was "more like it"... Not sure I would pay much over £30 for two adults and think its VFM to be honest, and never understand why clubs dont heavily discount the price to at least 16 years of age (say a fiver max), as so many get lost to the sport in their teenage years when £12 and more is bandied about as admission.. nobody earns anything til at least 16 so if you want them you have to entice them. But do you know what you have to do more than anything? Don't make them embarrassed to be there or say they were there because its perceived to be naff or uncool Edited August 3, 2021 by ch958 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted August 3, 2021 Report Share Posted August 3, 2021 (edited) 12 minutes ago, ch958 said: nobody earns anything til at least 16 so if you want them you have to entice them. But do you know what you have to do more than anything? Don't make them embarrassed to be there or say they were there because its perceived to be naff or uncool Spot on.. Personally if with a paying adult I would make 16 and under completely free.. As many as the adult wants to bring so they can do what they want together as mates... Hardly any are there now so it will make almost zero difference to income and the more who attend together the less of an 'old fogies' reputation will exist.. And who knows, when they get jobs some may actually want to return... Nothing to lose and something possibly to gain has to be worth a go surely? NB. And no one uses social media like teenagers do, with most of their sharing being done showing all the friends, followers etc where they have been or currently are... So you will get free advertising hitting thousands within hours... Edited August 3, 2021 by mikebv Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topsoil Posted August 3, 2021 Report Share Posted August 3, 2021 4 minutes ago, mikebv said: Spot on.. Personally if with a paying adult I would make 16 and under completely free.. As many as the adult wants to bring so they can do what they want together as mates... Hardly any are there now so it will make almost zero difference to income and the more who attend together the less of an 'old fogies' reputation will exist.. And who knows, when they get jobs some may actually want to return... Nothing to lose and something possibly to gain has to be worth a go surely? All under 16s free at Berwick 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dog Posted August 3, 2021 Report Share Posted August 3, 2021 I've always found speedway to be good value for money compared to other entertainment like football, bowling, cinema etc. The difference nowadays is that their is just so much more choice to spend your money on. Hefty mobile phone packages, sky tv deals etc seem more important to people than live sport and meeting people in the fresh air. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pieman72 Posted August 3, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 3, 2021 (edited) 15 minutes ago, The Dog said: I've always found speedway to be good value for money compared to other entertainment like football, bowling, cinema etc. The difference nowadays is that their is just so much more choice to spend your money on. Hefty mobile phone packages, sky tv deals etc seem more important to people than live sport and meeting people in the fresh air. Speedway is every week and a family sport which becomes very expensive. Football is predominantly a male domain every fortnight and in the winter. On my own fine with the family expensive. With the demise of Greyhounds stadiums will be glad of the income. Birmingham operated a dictatorial policy regarding the Grandstand with security guards now you just pay a quid. How times have changed I really feel for the promoter he's inherited years of mismanagement. Families just don't have the disposable income with rents of £500 per month there can't be much left. Edited August 3, 2021 by Pieman72 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skodaman Posted August 5, 2021 Report Share Posted August 5, 2021 On 8/3/2021 at 6:32 PM, Pieman72 said: Speedway is every week and a family sport which becomes very expensive. Football is predominantly a male domain every fortnight and in the winter. On my own fine with the family expensive. With the demise of Greyhounds stadiums will be glad of the income. Birmingham operated a dictatorial policy regarding the Grandstand with security guards now you just pay a quid. How times have changed I really feel for the promoter he's inherited years of mismanagement. Families just don't have the disposable income with rents of £500 per month there can't be much left. I disagree! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cityrebel Posted August 5, 2021 Report Share Posted August 5, 2021 3 hours ago, Skodaman said: I disagree! Possibly at non league level, but Premiership grounds are awash with women! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesHarris Posted August 5, 2021 Report Share Posted August 5, 2021 On 8/3/2021 at 6:32 PM, Pieman72 said: Speedway is every week and a family sport which becomes very expensive. Football is predominantly a male domain every fortnight and in the winter. On my own fine with the family expensive. With the demise of Greyhounds stadiums will be glad of the income. Birmingham operated a dictatorial policy regarding the Grandstand with security guards now you just pay a quid. How times have changed I really feel for the promoter he's inherited years of mismanagement. Families just don't have the disposable income with rents of £500 per month there can't be much left. I've seen just as many Women at a football game than blokes. Same as Rugby. I wouldn't say families don't have the disposable income but it all comes down to individual circumstances and what they want to spend that money on. If you work hard for your money then you want to spend that cash on a good night out and like I've said before, sadly British Speedway in it's current state does not offer that value. Greyhound racing just like Speedway is a typical working class form of entertainment but unlike Speedway, Greyhound racing is all but dead and will certainly be history within the next 10 years. Going to the dogs boomed in the pre and post war years because for the flat capped man it was a cheap night out and the only way to have a legal bet (unless they went to the more expensive gee gees) until the opening of betting shops in 1961. It's dragged on since but it no longer appeals to the general public. Speedway shares a lot of common ground though. The sport was extremely popular with the working class in the post war boom. It still has life and can be saved but if it carries on as it is then it won't be far behind the dogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted August 5, 2021 Report Share Posted August 5, 2021 33 minutes ago, JamesHarris said: I've seen just as many Women at a football game than blokes. Same as Rugby. I wouldn't say families don't have the disposable income but it all comes down to individual circumstances and what they want to spend that money on. If you work hard for your money then you want to spend that cash on a good night out and like I've said before, sadly British Speedway in it's current state does not offer that value. Greyhound racing just like Speedway is a typical working class form of entertainment but unlike Speedway, Greyhound racing is all but dead and will certainly be history within the next 10 years. Going to the dogs boomed in the pre and post war years because for the flat capped man it was a cheap night out and the only way to have a legal bet (unless they went to the more expensive gee gees) until the opening of betting shops in 1961. It's dragged on since but it no longer appeals to the general public. Speedway shares a lot of common ground though. The sport was extremely popular with the working class in the post war boom. It still has life and can be saved but if it carries on as it is then it won't be far behind the dogs. I'd agree with some of that however as I posted elsewhere when I went to Wembley some years ago to witness two Wembley "Bowl" American Football matches I was bored to tears! All the off pitch entertainment appeared to be more important than what was taking place on the pitch. I used to quite enjoy watching American Football highlights on Channel Four but watching it live killed it off for me personally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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