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Post by admin on Dec 3, 2020 21:43:47 GMT
British Speedway chairman Rob Godfrey insists league speedway will return to the UK in 2021.
Fans have now been cleared to attend elite sporting events in England which do not take place in tier-three areas – the highest level of coronavirus restrictions.
Outdoor events staged in tier-two areas can now host up to 2,000 fans or 50 percent of stadium capacity – whichever is lower – which would allow speedway clubs across the UK to re-open.
Any areas moved into tier one, which currently includes only Cornwall and the Isle of Wight, could host up to 4,000 fans or 50 percent of stadium capacity.
With a coronavirus vaccine now approved in Britain and expected to be rolled out this month, Godfrey is optimistic the sport will be able to re-launch in the UK in the spring.
He said: “It’s quite remarkable that the UK is about to become the first country to roll out a vaccine to protect people against this terrible virus which has changed most of our lives.
“We are ready to go for the new season. Every club is committed to race and we are all eager to get the leagues back up and running.
“We are hearing stories of riders being told we won’t be ready. We will be. We are going racing. We must emphasise people in other countries making these claims are overlooking the fact that we are the first country to take the vaccine.
“With the prospect of other vaccines coming into play there is no doubt more and more people will have taken it by the time April comes around.
“Additionally, we have now seen the return of fans to football grounds at elite sport level. It’s all looking positive.”
sgp 3/12/20
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Post by admin on Dec 18, 2020 8:51:16 GMT
British Speedway chairman Rob Godfrey insists league speedway will return to the UK in 2021."It’s all looking positive.” sgp 3/12/20 Just hearing that the furlough scheme has been extended once again to the end of April 2021, we have a government obsessed with making damaging societal decisions overnight, there's a realisation that this virus isn't going away and we're going to have to live with it for the foreseeable future so positivity, timelines and expectations probably already need to be reviewed IMHO. I believe that things will improve in once BST returns (2020 shortest day Monday 21 December - Daylight saving time 2021 will begin on 28 March 2021) so April/May is a probable although still can't see anything like we finished 2019 with? |
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Post by Hodgy on Dec 19, 2020 15:38:04 GMT
British Speedway chairman Rob Godfrey insists league speedway will return to the UK in 2021."It’s all looking positive.” sgp 3/12/20 Just hearing that the furlough scheme has been extended once again to the end of April 2021, we have a government obsessed with making damaging societal decisions overnight, there's a realisation that this virus isn't going away and we're going to have to live with it for the foreseeable future so positivity, timelines and expectations probably already need to be reviewed IMHO. I believe that things will improve in once BST returns (2020 shortest day Monday 21 December - Daylight saving time 2021 will begin on 28 March 2021) so April/May is a probable although still can't see anything like we finished 2019 with? I can only see next year being much of the same. Fumbling from one cunning plan to another. Totally out of control. |
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Post by admin on Dec 19, 2020 16:08:45 GMT
Just hearing that the furlough scheme has been extended once again to the end of April 2021, we have a government obsessed with making damaging societal decisions overnight, there's a realisation that this virus isn't going away and we're going to have to live with it for the foreseeable future so positivity, timelines and expectations probably already need to be reviewed IMHO. I believe that things will improve in once BST returns (2020 shortest day Monday 21 December - Daylight saving time 2021 will begin on 28 March 2021) so April/May is a probable although still can't see anything like we finished 2019 with? I can only see next year being much of the same. Fumbling from one cunning plan to another. Totally out of control. The virus hit at just the right time for people to think that it would be short lived: Long days, plenty of fresh air and people not really mixing indoors and the schools being shut. Take away all of that and the brown stuff hits the fan. It was easily predictable. I'd guess that April/May 2021 will be taken up trying to deal with the carnage of the first quarter of the year before we then revert to something akin to summer 2020. The difference being that they'll have vaccines to help. So, I agree, I can only see a bit of speedway here and there at times during 2021 but nothing akin to a league season? |
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Post by admin on Dec 23, 2020 16:29:15 GMT
23/12/20 - birminghammail/midlands-news
Matt Hancock is "confident" life will begin to start returning to some semblance of normality by "2022."
His comments come as millions more people in England will be placed into lockdown from Boxing Day as ministers acknowledged mounting concern about the spread of coronavirus.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the variant coronavirus was spreading at a "dangerous rate" as he announced the fresh Tier 4 restrictions.
The Health Secretary's press conference from Number 10 today saw tier four measures implemented for a further four million people.
Hancock says he’s “highly confident we’ll get things back to normal by 2022” due to the speed of the rollout of the vaccine.
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Post by admin on Dec 25, 2020 11:00:39 GMT
British Speedway chairman Rob Godfrey insists league speedway will return to the UK in 2021.Fans have now been cleared to attend elite sporting events in England which do not take place in tier-three areas – the highest level of coronavirus restrictions. Outdoor events staged in tier-two areas can now host up to 2,000 fans or 50 percent of stadium capacity – whichever is lower – which would allow speedway clubs across the UK to re-open. Any areas moved into tier one, which currently includes only Cornwall and the Isle of Wight, could host up to 4,000 fans or 50 percent of stadium capacity. With a coronavirus vaccine now approved in Britain and expected to be rolled out this month, Godfrey is optimistic the sport will be able to re-launch in the UK in the spring. He said: “It’s quite remarkable that the UK is about to become the first country to roll out a vaccine to protect people against this terrible virus which has changed most of our lives. “We are ready to go for the new season. Every club is committed to race and we are all eager to get the leagues back up and running. “We are hearing stories of riders being told we won’t be ready. We will be. We are going racing. We must emphasise people in other countries making these claims are overlooking the fact that we are the first country to take the vaccine. “With the prospect of other vaccines coming into play there is no doubt more and more people will have taken it by the time April comes around. “Additionally, we have now seen the return of fans to football grounds at elite sport level. It’s all looking positive.” sgp 3/12/20 Godfrey will not want to watch this then, particularly about the new Covid variants (Campbell is respectable, reliable, evidence based and not a conspiracy theorist): |
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Post by admin on Jan 2, 2021 16:21:33 GMT
Former Aussie champion Rohan Tungate admits a lack of clarity on British Speedway’s plans could dent clubs’ chances of retaining riders for 2021.The Kurri Kurri-born ace has confirmed he won’t be back in Britain next year after agreeing deals with Polish side Tarnow, Swedish club Lublin and Danish team Slangerup. He was due to race for SGB Premiership side Peterborough before the 2020 season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.But Polish rule changes have complicated matters, with PGE Ekstraliga stars now limited to racing in one other league, while First and Second Division riders can compete in up to two.
British club bosses are set to hold their annual meeting on January 7 in a bid to decide team-building rules for 2021, with a cut in the point limit or a switch to six-man teams said to be on the table due to a lack of available riders. But Tungate believes the decisions will come too late for some stars who have already made plans to race elsewhere. He said: “I have a job to do with sponsors and it’s pretty hard to plan something when nothing is actually clear. “I know Covid is a bad situation, but the other countries have a plan. In Denmark, they have three solutions. They are running regardless of the situation. They had this plan in October or November – they have a plan to run without fans, with some fans and with maximum fans. In Britain they do not know what they are doing.“It’s a shame. I have always liked racing in Britain. But they have not given us any information. “We have a job to do. We have stuff to invest in, stuff to organise and mechanics to recruit etc. For people who don’t live there, it is a big commitment. “I think they really need to start to make a plan. They are just going to lose rider after rider. Riders can’t wait. If they have an opportunity to ride somewhere else abroad, they are going to have to take that opportunity.” Tungate admits not racing in British last season helped him to feel fresher due to the dramatic reduction in travelling. He said: “I raced less and I felt a lot better. I felt fresh. The flying is the big thing. When you fly a lot, you are exhausted. Sometimes you get away with it. Sometimes you can have an amazing season when you are flying and not getting any  . But I think it’s hard to be consistent when you are so busy.” SGP 31/12/20
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Post by admin on Jan 2, 2021 16:25:26 GMT
Denmark’s Metal Speedway League has launched a new League Cup for 2021 after reducing the number of regular season matches due to the pandemic.
[/b]Eight clubs will meet once at home or away in the regular league season with the top two sides advancing to the four-team play-off final, hosted by the club finishing top after seven rounds of matches.
The sides placed third to sixth will then contest a four-team Semi-Final, hosted by the third-placed team, to decide the remaining two finalists.
The League Cup will be contested over a four-team format with the teams placed first, fourth, sixth and eighth in the main league table meeting in Semi-Final 1 and the sides placed second, third, fifth and seventh lining up in Semi-Final 2.
The top two clubs advance to the four-team final – hosted by the highest-scoring team over the two semis. Metal Speedway League bosses are also seeking a title sponsor for the new competition.
Annette Vesterskov, chairman of the League Association, believes the new format will offer greater certainty of staging matches at a time when coronavirus restrictions remain in place.
She said: “We see it as an opportunity to create an exciting tournament, while also taking into account the conditions.
“We still have the coronavirus in Danish society, and therefore we have chosen to reduce the number of league matches, so we can run a tournament as planned with greater certainty.”
She added: “With eight teams, the usual structure would make the calendar too crowded and therefore we have decided that the teams will only meet each other once in the basic series, because we have prioritised the safety of getting started again rather than the number of matches.
“We all miss getting out into the Danish arenas to see top speedway, and this is a way to create an intensive tournament, where we also give the companies behind the eight teams good conditions to protect their finances.”
SGP 2/1/21
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Post by admin on Jan 3, 2021 11:00:15 GMT
Former Aussie champion Rohan Tungate admits a lack of clarity on British Speedway’s plans could dent clubs’ chances of retaining riders for 2021.The Kurri Kurri-born ace has confirmed he won’t be back in Britain next year after agreeing deals with Polish side Tarnow, Swedish club Lublin and Danish team Slangerup. He was due to race for SGB Premiership side Peterborough before the 2020 season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.But Polish rule changes have complicated matters, with PGE Ekstraliga stars now limited to racing in one other league, while First and Second Division riders can compete in up to two.
British club bosses are set to hold their annual meeting on January 7 in a bid to decide team-building rules for 2021, with a cut in the point limit or a switch to six-man teams said to be on the table due to a lack of available riders. But Tungate believes the decisions will come too late for some stars who have already made plans to race elsewhere. He said: “I have a job to do with sponsors and it’s pretty hard to plan something when nothing is actually clear. “I know Covid is a bad situation, but the other countries have a plan. In Denmark, they have three solutions. They are running regardless of the situation. They had this plan in October or November – they have a plan to run without fans, with some fans and with maximum fans. In Britain they do not know what they are doing.“It’s a shame. I have always liked racing in Britain. But they have not given us any information. “We have a job to do. We have stuff to invest in, stuff to organise and mechanics to recruit etc. For people who don’t live there, it is a big commitment. “I think they really need to start to make a plan. They are just going to lose rider after rider. Riders can’t wait. If they have an opportunity to ride somewhere else abroad, they are going to have to take that opportunity.” Tungate admits not racing in British last season helped him to feel fresher due to the dramatic reduction in travelling. He said: “I raced less and I felt a lot better. I felt fresh. The flying is the big thing. When you fly a lot, you are exhausted. Sometimes you get away with it. Sometimes you can have an amazing season when you are flying and not getting any . But I think it’s hard to be consistent when you are so busy.” SGP 31/12/20 Bit harsh from Tungate. Anyone with a brain knew that the brown stuff would hit the fan in the UK from Oct to March with the usual winter distress signals from the NHS that turn into a full blown crisis with an new virus and a government battling to deal with it all. The BSPA are never the best planners so against that backdrop and a season of inactivity with it's associated problems I'm not sure what he expected. Whatever they do it'll be a big gamble and I don't see the promoters as big gamblers in the current climate. I heard furlough to the end of June mentioned somewhere yesterday so that sort of indicates what a mess we are in and the expectations going forward? If we take football as a barometer, well they've got no fans and whether they'll see the season out is possibly open to question? |
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Post by Hodgy on Jan 3, 2021 14:58:49 GMT
Former Aussie champion Rohan Tungate admits a lack of clarity on British Speedway’s plans could dent clubs’ chances of retaining riders for 2021.The Kurri Kurri-born ace has confirmed he won’t be back in Britain next year after agreeing deals with Polish side Tarnow, Swedish club Lublin and Danish team Slangerup. He was due to race for SGB Premiership side Peterborough before the 2020 season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.But Polish rule changes have complicated matters, with PGE Ekstraliga stars now limited to racing in one other league, while First and Second Division riders can compete in up to two.
British club bosses are set to hold their annual meeting on January 7 in a bid to decide team-building rules for 2021, with a cut in the point limit or a switch to six-man teams said to be on the table due to a lack of available riders. But Tungate believes the decisions will come too late for some stars who have already made plans to race elsewhere. He said: “I have a job to do with sponsors and it’s pretty hard to plan something when nothing is actually clear. “I know Covid is a bad situation, but the other countries have a plan. In Denmark, they have three solutions. They are running regardless of the situation. They had this plan in October or November – they have a plan to run without fans, with some fans and with maximum fans. In Britain they do not know what they are doing.“It’s a shame. I have always liked racing in Britain. But they have not given us any information. “We have a job to do. We have stuff to invest in, stuff to organise and mechanics to recruit etc. For people who don’t live there, it is a big commitment. “I think they really need to start to make a plan. They are just going to lose rider after rider. Riders can’t wait. If they have an opportunity to ride somewhere else abroad, they are going to have to take that opportunity.” Tungate admits not racing in British last season helped him to feel fresher due to the dramatic reduction in travelling. He said: “I raced less and I felt a lot better. I felt fresh. The flying is the big thing. When you fly a lot, you are exhausted. Sometimes you get away with it. Sometimes you can have an amazing season when you are flying and not getting any . But I think it’s hard to be consistent when you are so busy.” SGP 31/12/20 Bit harsh from Tungate. Anyone with a brain knew that the brown stuff would hit the fan in the UK from Oct to March with the usual winter distress signals from the NHS that turn into a full blown crisis with an new virus and a government battling to deal with it all. The BSPA are never the best planners so against that backdrop and a season of inactivity with it's associated problems I'm not sure what he expected. Whatever they do it'll be a big gamble and I don't see the promoters as big gamblers in the current climate. I heard furlough to the end of June mentioned somewhere yesterday so that sort of indicates what a mess we are in and the expectations going forward? If we take football as a barometer, well they've got no fans and whether they'll see the season out is possibly open to question? What a selfish prat. Under normal circumstances he would have a point but given the complete unpredictable situation it is virtually impossible to confidently plan months ahead. Yes the riders are suffering but not as much as the clubs. I’m alright Jack I’ve got my season lined up - which could all change in a day. He’d better perform or he will soon be dropped and begging for a return, should we ever get going. |
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Post by admin on Jan 4, 2021 20:59:39 GMT
Benedict Spence@BenedictSpence 4/1/21
2021 really is just a mutant strain of 2020: Just as shit, but progressing a lot faster.
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Post by admin on Jan 4, 2021 22:48:29 GMT
British club bosses are set to hold their annual meeting on January 7 in a bid to decide team-building rules for 2021, with a cut in the point limit or a switch to six-man teams said to be on the table due to a lack of available riders. Good luck with that Zoom meeting on Thursday! Tom Newton Dunn@tnewtondunn 4/1/21
Clarification from No10 that the new lockdown will last at least 7 weeks, not 6.
The first review of it will come in the week beginning Feb 15,
with any changes coming into force when half-term ends from Feb 22 (barring any earlier miracle).
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Post by admin on Jan 7, 2021 9:24:34 GMT
BRITISH Speedway’s AGM has been put back a week.
Due to the latest Covid-19 restrictions and a lockdown that could be in place until the end of March, the Board of Directors at British Speedway Promoters Ltd took the decision to delay until Thursday January 14.
Following a board meeting earlier today it was felt prudent to take a little more time to consider the recent developments and be as clear as possible on our options.
It was proposed that we would begin at Easter
but in all probability it looks more like a May start to the British Speedway season now.
Following a year without speedway and the decision by Poland to restrict rider availability it is absolutely vital that our planning not only gives us the strongest possible teams across both the Premiership and Championship, but also makes provision for sustainability in the future.
We are determined to make decisions that enable the sport to grow and put British Speedway back as a force to be reckoned with in world speedway.
Board of Directors,
British Speedway Promoters Ltd. 6/1/21
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Post by Hodgy on Jan 7, 2021 10:37:40 GMT
BRITISH Speedway’s AGM has been put back a week.Due to the latest Covid-19 restrictions and a lockdown that could be in place until the end of March, the Board of Directors at British Speedway Promoters Ltd took the decision to delay until Thursday January 14.Following a board meeting earlier today it was felt prudent to take a little more time to consider the recent developments and be as clear as possible on our options. It was proposed that we would begin at Easter but in all probability it looks more like a May start to the British Speedway season now.Following a year without speedway and the decision by Poland to restrict rider availability it is absolutely vital that our planning not only gives us the strongest possible teams across both the Premiership and Championship, but also makes provision for sustainability in the future. We are determined to make decisions that enable the sport to grow and put British Speedway back as a force to be reckoned with in world speedway. Board of Directors, British Speedway Promoters Ltd. 6/1/21 Not sure how they can make confident decisions but suppose they have to be ready just in case we do get going. Still can’t see it happening again this year, even footy is starting to look on the edge with so many testing positive. Thought I heard yesterday this lockdown is in until at least March 31st. It does really pee me off when all the BSF experts continually state lockdowns don’t work and that they ignore all the rules. That’s why we won’t ever know if a lockdown will work you stupid, selfish planks. At least try and prove your opinion  |
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Post by rodders on Jan 7, 2021 13:23:13 GMT
Have severe doubts that there will be any Speedway this year!!
Regarding Covid/ lockdowns etc, no convinced lockdowns work, but more to do with more and more taking no notice, and people treating the the hours before it starts as if it was their last supper.
Personally I think that Covid will be with us for ever like colds and flu ,but hopefully in time it will be no more serious than those. ( Yes I know flu can be deadly )
Some real weird characters and views on BSF
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Post by admin on Jan 7, 2021 20:47:31 GMT
BRITISH Speedway’s AGM has been put back a week.Due to the latest Covid-19 restrictions and a lockdown that could be in place until the end of March, the Board of Directors at British Speedway Promoters Ltd took the decision to delay until Thursday January 14.Following a board meeting earlier today it was felt prudent to take a little more time to consider the recent developments and be as clear as possible on our options. It was proposed that we would begin at Easter but in all probability it looks more like a May start to the British Speedway season now.Following a year without speedway and the decision by Poland to restrict rider availability it is absolutely vital that our planning not only gives us the strongest possible teams across both the Premiership and Championship, but also makes provision for sustainability in the future. We are determined to make decisions that enable the sport to grow and put British Speedway back as a force to be reckoned with in world speedway. Board of Directors, British Speedway Promoters Ltd. 6/1/21 Not sure how they can make confident decisions but suppose they have to be ready just in case we do get going. Still can’t see it happening again this year, even footy is starting to look on the edge with so many testing positive. Thought I heard yesterday this lockdown is in until at least March 31st. It does really pee me off when all the BSF experts continually state lockdowns don’t work and that they ignore all the rules. That’s why we won’t ever know if a lockdown will work you stupid, selfish planks. At least try and prove your opinion Bit of a nightmare still, but as you say, they need the bare bones of a plan just in case, but the vibes are not good. Much will rely on the vaccine rollout, the vaccine efficacy and hopefully better weather, longer days and more fresh air. Still can't see anything relating to what we had pre Covid so it just depends what the new normal looks like, what product that is and who will support that product with possible personal restrictions still in place? As Rodders says, we are stuck with this now. Hopefully it loses some power or burns itself out a bit, the vaccines are effective and we get better at treating it. To many on the BSF live in the echo chamber of Facebook I fear. All too easy to find a group of like minds who tell you what you want to hear. |
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Post by admin on Jan 11, 2021 10:34:17 GMT
Have severe doubts that there will be any Speedway this year!! Not a good start. Should be an interesting meeting on the 14th with no certainty of anything apart from the Robins being AWOL and aiming to be on track in 2022 which, if my memory serves me right, will be 2 1/2 years since Chapman said, in terms of EoES development "Whatever happens, it’s not an overnight situation. I fully expect the sport to continue at the venue for the next few seasons without actually putting a timescale on it". SWINDON Speedway will not race in 2021 following uncertainties among the sport brought about by Covid-19, as well as building works that are set to take place at the Abbey Stadium.The club say the decision to stand down from league racing was taken with both “regret and huge disappointment”, however, the Robins stated that the likely disruption of building works at Abbey Stadium have made it impossible for the club to effectively plan for the coming campaign. After the 2020 season was cancelled due to Covid-19, Alun Rossiter’s septet had hoped to defend their league and cup titles this year, and all appeared to be running smoothly as Christmas came and went. That dream is now over, and the Robins will turn their attention to returning to speedway in 2022. In a joint-statement released by Swindon Speedway and Stadia UK, the operators of the Abbey stadium, Robins chairman, Terry Russell said: “The future for all spectator sports in 2021 is uncertain and in my opinion, UK Speedway is very unlikely to be able to function with a full complement of spectators through the 2021 season.“The economics of the sport which relies so much on the paying spectator are not robust enough to take any downturn in revenue particularly after the cancellation of the 2020 season.“Our government is not able to provide any indication of the timing or the steps of lifting the restrictions, which is not a criticism, just a fact. With this in front of us, it is impossible to plan and commit for racing at the Abbey in 2021.“If we add to this the likely disruption to spectator facilities during the stadium rebuild, we have no alternative but to withdraw from the league this season and to come back in 2022 when we all hope the future will be looking much brighter. “I ask for the understanding of supporters, sponsors, riders and all those involved with the Club. Our hope is that 2021 will allow these unprecedented conditions to be fully resolved and that we will see the Robins back racing in 2022.” Clarke Osborne, Chairman of Stadia UK, said: “We have discussed with Terry over some time, looking for light at the end of this horrible tunnel. We respect his decision to withdraw from the league this year and understand his reasoning. I, like Terry, cannot see an end to the restrictions for many, many months. “Our core promotion of greyhound racing has been severely affected by the restrictions, operating under strict bio security, without members of the public in attendance. I think this is likely to remain into the spring and even then, restrictions at some level will remain through the summer. For greyhound racing this is survivable, for speedway racing, clearly it is not. “We hope to be starting work on the stadium redevelopment soon and to have our works completed by the winter.” “The works are programmed so as not to provide any disruption to greyhound racing and both racetracks have already been re-set. We do not anticipate any public attendance until the new customer facilities are in place.” Swindon Advertiser 11/1/21 |
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Post by admin on Jan 13, 2021 21:10:46 GMT
Belle Vue bosses have confirmed they will be without World Under-21 champion Jaimon Lidsey and Peter Kildemand in 2021 as they prepare for tomorrow’s British Speedway annual meeting.
Clubs across the UK are expected to lose some riders who were due to be in their teams for the cancelled 2020 season after Polish authorities limited PGE Ekstraliga stars to racing in one other league, while First and Second Division riders can compete in up to two.
Aces’ director of speedway Mark Lemon admits the Manchester club will have to replace Leszno star Lidsey and Gniezno man Kildemand. Other stars departing the SGB Premiership include Sheffield No.1 Nicki Pedersen, King’s Lynn hero Robert Lambert and Peterborough racer Rohan Tungate.
Despite losing two key riders, Lemon is confident Aces will be able to find suitable replacements. He said: “Obviously it’s disappointing to lose Peter and Jaimon as an unfortunate consequence of enforced circumstance this year, and we wish them both well.
“We have had a considerable amount of interest from lots of riders who have pledged their services to British Speedway this year. At this point we have not made any formal offers and will not do so until after the conclusion of the AGM when we have a clearer idea of team structures for 2021.
“This year presents a unique challenge with regards to team building given the situation with coronavirus and the Polish restrictions. But we’re confident that, when the day comes when we can resume racing, we will have an exciting and competitive side at Belle Vue.”
Promoters are holding an online meeting on Thursday 14/1/21 to agree team-building rules and league formats for this year.
A Sheffield press release suggests the Tigers “are hoping, with play-offs and a possible cup competition and individual meeting, to host 14-15 meetings from May onwards.”
This suggests Premiership clubs could meet once home and once away, with the six remaining teams split into two groups of three to contest the Premiership Supporters Cup. Champions Swindon withdrew from the league earlier this week due to stadium building work and Covid-19 concerns.
Regardless of the format, Belle Vue CEO Adrian Smith says clubs must ensure a more sustainable future for British Speedway.
He said: “Last year presented one of the toughest challenges in speedway’s collective history and a lot of work has been put in over the winter in preparation for 2021.
“It is clear to me that the sport must adapt and evolve because the current model is not sustainable.
“I feel that the challenges of 2020 and rule changes in other nations has given us a great opportunity to look at restructuring the sport at every level to protect and preserve it for many years to come.
“What we have with British Speedway is an amazing product and we must take action now for the sake of its future.”
sgp 13/1/21
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Post by rodders on Jan 13, 2021 22:53:26 GMT
When Speedway was controlled by the old Speedway Control Board at least we had a semblance of professionalism and unbiased decision making. Once the sport was put into the hands of BSPA it declined into a rat race of dodgy deals and decisions . Rules made up on the hoof to suit the purposes of whichever promoter at the time held the most sway., I see no clear path or change in the foreseeable future.
I see no long term future for clubs that do not own their own stadium to generate extra income and there are precious few of them
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Post by Bigcatdiary on Jan 14, 2021 9:37:12 GMT
When Speedway was controlled by the old Speedway Control Board at least we had a semblance of professionalism and unbiased decision making. Once the sport was put into the hands of BSPA it declined into a rat race of dodgy deals and decisions . Rules made up on the hoof to suit the purposes of whichever promoter at the time held the most sway., I see no clear path or change in the foreseeable future. I see no long term future for clubs that do not own their own stadium to generate extra income and there are precious few of them The rulebook was completely re written last year by the SCB, we still await whatever changes will be made today but I’m not sure it will be anything too fundamental other than yet another race format if the 6 man teams are ratified. I have no great faith in Godfrey so I doubt it will be anything groundbreaking. |
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Post by rodders on Jan 14, 2021 11:37:40 GMT
When Speedway was controlled by the old Speedway Control Board at least we had a semblance of professionalism and unbiased decision making. Once the sport was put into the hands of BSPA it declined into a rat race of dodgy deals and decisions . Rules made up on the hoof to suit the purposes of whichever promoter at the time held the most sway., I see no clear path or change in the foreseeable future. I see no long term future for clubs that do not own their own stadium to generate extra income and there are precious few of them The rulebook was completely re written last year by the SCB, we still await whatever changes will be made today but I’m not sure it will be anything too fundamental other than yet another race format if the 6 man teams are ratified. I have no great faith in Godfrey so I doubt it will be anything groundbreaking. The present SCB however is not to be compared with the old Speedway Control Board. |
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Post by admin on Jan 14, 2021 13:56:36 GMT
SOMERSET have withdrawn from the 2021 season due to the effect of the pandemic on business operations at the Oak Tree Arena.
Rebels promoter Debbie Hancock has informed fellow promoters of their intention to put their licence on ice and they will not take their place in the Championship.
She said: “As a family-run business, we have always prided ourselves in ensuring all riders and suppliers are paid in a timely manner and not run up any debts, but our concerns are that our income streams could be tested too greatly for that to be the case in 2021.
“We have first-hand knowledge of how the Oak Tree Arena operation has been greatly hit financially with no regular income as a consequence of the pandemic, and indications are that it will be a while yet before indoor functions are likely to be sanctioned again by the Government.
“So from our own experience alone, we fear that there will be many other businesses with a similar story to tell, and whilst some of our loyal sponsors have indicated their willingness to continue to back the speedway, it is all too evident that many organisations will have a different view on their sponsorship budgets.
“We must emphasise that this decision was not reached lightly and was a matter of great deliberation, not least because we really didn't want to let our fans down, but we had to face the hard facts and there can be no-one more disappointed than I am.
“I can only conclude this statement by saying a very big thank you to everyone who has supported us over the 20 years of racing, both on and off track.”
SGP 14/1/20
With so much uncertainty and no real end date then this must be the only logical outcome for promoters and riders alike. The worry is that we're now stuck in this cycle of lockdown for ever as something keeps blocking the end of the tunnel, just when you think that you can see the light. Who's to say that 2022 will be any different? I don't see no SGP riders as a selling point and if the final product relies on national talent only then it'll end up being a very basic product that will have to survive on a couple of hundred fans at best IMO.
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Post by chrise on Jan 14, 2021 14:20:47 GMT
SOMERSET have withdrawn from the 2021 season due to the effect of the pandemic on business operations at the Oak Tree Arena.Rebels promoter Debbie Hancock has informed fellow promoters of their intention to put their licence on ice and they will not take their place in the Championship. She said: “As a family-run business, we have always prided ourselves in ensuring all riders and suppliers are paid in a timely manner and not run up any debts, but our concerns are that our income streams could be tested too greatly for that to be the case in 2021. “We have first-hand knowledge of how the Oak Tree Arena operation has been greatly hit financially with no regular income as a consequence of the pandemic, and indications are that it will be a while yet before indoor functions are likely to be sanctioned again by the Government. “So from our own experience alone, we fear that there will be many other businesses with a similar story to tell, and whilst some of our loyal sponsors have indicated their willingness to continue to back the speedway, it is all too evident that many organisations will have a different view on their sponsorship budgets. “We must emphasise that this decision was not reached lightly and was a matter of great deliberation, not least because we really didn't want to let our fans down, but we had to face the hard facts and there can be no-one more disappointed than I am. “I can only conclude this statement by saying a very big thank you to everyone who has supported us over the 20 years of racing, both on and off track.” SGP 14/1/20
With so much uncertainty and no real end date then this must be the only logical outcome for promoters and riders alike. The worry is that we're now stuck in this cycle of lockdown for ever as something keeps blocking the end of the tunnel, just when you think that you can see the light. Who's to say that 2022 will be any different? I don't see no SGP riders as a selling point and if the final product relies on national talent only then it'll end up being a very basic product that will have to survive on a couple of hundred fans at best IMO. The last part of Debbie Hancock's statement sound like a good bye to me. Very sad ! A well run club. |
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Post by admin on Jan 14, 2021 19:11:06 GMT
BRITISH Speedway clubs have today agreed a start date of early May for the 2021 season.
Fixtures will be published next week for both the Premiership and Championship.
Plans are in place for a new concept in both leagues with more details to follow. The plans have been made to adapt to the current situation regarding Polish restrictions on the amount of leagues riders can race in, plus the ongoing challenges presented by the pandemic.
There is a clear pathway for the development of British Speedway and young British riders, not just in 2021 but in the years ahead.
In addition, whilst there is disappointing news about losing Swindon and Somerset for 2021, these decisions have been made by these clubs to protect their futures from 2022 onwards. They will be welcomed back into the sport next year.
Another club has expressed an interest in joining the Championship and this will be explored in due course.
More details regarding the 2021 season will be revealed alongside our broadcast partners Eurosport in the coming days.
BSPA Thursday January 14, 2021
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Post by admin on Jan 14, 2021 21:00:58 GMT
BRITISH Speedway clubs have today agreed a start date of early May for the 2021 season. Julia Hartley-Brewer@JuliaHB1 14/1/21 Everyone I've spoken with who supports this lockdown tells me it's "only for a few weeks until the elderly are vaccinated". Uh huh. Even though the lockdown law lasts until 31 March & furlough lasts until 30 April?A *lot* of people are going to wake up to the harsh reality soon.
BORIS Johnson’s days in Downing Street are numbered unless he gives a clear path out of lockdown soon, influential Tories have warned. Powerful backbencher Steve Baker, who was instrumental in the downfall of Theresa May, has privately said “it's inevitable the Prime Minister’s leadership will be on the table.” |
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. But I think it’s hard to be consistent when you are so busy.”
