What should we talk about today?
The world according to Kirkey
Typically, a speedway rider has a choice of two primary modes of headgear: the skid lid and the customary sponsor’s baseball cap. But what if – metaphorically speaking – the choice is far wider; where influence, interest and inspiration provide a greater variety of choice. There was only one way to solve this riddle — … Read more
The philosophy of identity has been the subject of unceasing debate since the origin of humankind. If you are so minded, you can read the classical scholarly accounts, including the marathon poem ‘The Odyssey,’ understood to have been penned by Homer around the eighth century BC, which, amongst other things, connects with the notion of … Read more
Does speedway really deliver the full customer experience? In terms of the on-track action, spectators are treated to around 15 minutes of full-blooded, adrenalin-charged entertainment. But what of the remainder of the spectacle, and how better can promoters exploit the lulls in between the action to ensure that additional revenue streams are maximised and that … Read more
From time to time I have been known to indulge in creative writing, but even I am a tad impressed with this piece ─ connecting speedway, a future king and the nineteenth century composer Richard Wagner! Stay with me for the full four laps and I will tell all … I had not seen my … Read more
My first time: Belle Vue Aces 48 v Kings Lynn Stars 42 (Premiership) ─ Monday 16th May 2022. I do like to mix things up in my life, frequently by design, but very often unintentionally. Red wine in the fridge and wearing white socks with shorts – faux pas are pretty consistent for yours truly. … Read more
What is it like to be British? Quintessentially we can be boring, stoic, and reserved, especially whilst drinking tea. Yet we undergo a magnificent metamorphosis when we attend our most popular sport: football. Other countries call it soccer, but its correct name is football – period. Here we become dramatic, vociferous, and unreserved. We can … Read more
Our first time: Oxford Cheetahs v Scunthorpe Scorpions (Championship) – Wednesday 13th April 2022. I can still remember my first meeting – The Midland Riders’ Championship Qualifying Round, 8th May 1975 at Cowley, home of the then Oxford Rebels. The smell, pulsing crowd, scintillating speed and all action entertainment. Not forgetting the follicly challenged chap, … Read more
On track we see the swashbuckling, adrenalin charged champions of speed! Risk takers and racers! But after removing the helmet and boots, and securing the motorcycle, is life more akin to Hollywood or Borehamwood? And what is it actually like living with a speedway rider? Moody and sulky, or steady and compassionate? And do they … Read more
With endless reserves of enthusiasm, a head looking rather like a hard hat and dreams of winning the Premiership title at the first attempt, how deep would my pockets have to be to build my own speedway arena? And whilst I’m in the planning stage, why not add a retractable roof to my eco-friendly venture? … Read more
Many iconic board games rely on a degree of imagination, skill, and chance, be it acting the part of a property tycoon in Monopoly, a sleuth in Cluedo or simply rolling a die and hoping you avoid a certain category in Trivial Pursuit. So where does speedway feature in this hall of fame? Has the … Read more