What should we talk about today?
The world according to Kirkey
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
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
When SCB referee Si Humphrey-Kennett kindly agreed to talk to me I thought it only fair that I meet him on his own turf in Kent. Waiting patiently outside Specsavers I was a little disappointed when he left and walked straight past me. I hollered out, “You cannot be serious!” Perhaps not exactly a true … Read more
What’s in a brand? Surely if you like something you simply buy it. Maybe so, but what makes you want to select it in the first place, and often remain loyal? According to research by Nielssen and Meijers in 2011, overt displays of high-end consumer consumption promote positive behaviour in social interactions. Field research showed … Read more
I turned Speedway hack for the evening after hearing the news that leading sportswriter, Speedway luminary and all round good-egg, Peter Oakes was feeling a tad under the weather. So, in homage to the great man, and in an effort to bring a smile to his usually cheery face, here is my attempt to capture … Read more