Am I losing interest....

[Mrs Claas]

Sorry to poach this from the British Speedway Forum, but there is an excellent post in the general speedway section that is very interesting - particularly to Exeter fans.

Don't personally know who "jonty" is but could not have put it better myself. Totally from the heart post.

If I was clever I could somehow link it on to here but I will l leave that to someone else to show off their skills - and await you comments.

[tonyl]

I couldn't agree more. Have just looked it up, read the entire thread, and cannot believe how much it has upset me. Jonty has said what we all feel. As most of you know I don't go anywhere else very much these days. Not because I don't want to, but generally I'm just not bothered which rather surprises me. Would never have believed that I would have felt like this, but then I was, AND AM, a Falcons' supporter for more than fifty years!! To be honest the last few seasons were pretty grim behind the scenes and so in some ways the hamster was glad to get off the wheel. Although the thing had lost much of its magic it was just not possible to walk away. However that is all now behind us, and I remain totally confident that the Falcons will fly again. I am sure that all the old enthusiasm will start flooding back once we get the go ahead.

[Nevs]

Here ya go.Very moving thread and said my tuppence worth as well near the end after getting in from work
www.speedway-forum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=41179

Jonty said this initially which led onto a lively debate.

"I used to be an avid follower of the Exeter Falcons - following the team both home and away - now since there demise I have no Club to support and find I am losing interest in Speedway rapidly. I still watch the meetings on Sky and attend a few meetings each year but from being in a position where I could relate to the riders as I have seen them develop through the Leagues I feel I now just watch purely for entertainment and the riders on show are faceless charachters who I cannot relate to.

The Speedway Star which used to be read from cover-to-cover and re-read now is just a five minute read - flicking through the pages reading the news inside the front page and the odd rider interview - the Club information has little relevance to me now and looking through the score charts is purely to see how the ex-Falcons are getting on with the odd comment of "Is he still riding!".

The jist of this thread though is to highlight how easily it is to become a former fan once your track has closed. I would have classed myself as a Speedway diehard or 'anorak' as work colleagues would tell me until the seizure of racing at the County Ground. If I find my love of the sport on the wane and in direct contrast to the feeling when Monday nights would come around and the nostalgic smell of Castrol R would fill the air.

But as I find myself in this position I ponder how many people out there are Speedway supporters/followers who used to go? Towards the end we would often say that the racing was poor at the County Ground and that we attended more out of habit but now that spell has broken I wonder how many will return if/when a new track opens or how many are lost to the sport althogether.

You could always reply on the BSF forum with your views Mrs Class as well and join in

[Mrs Claas]

Thought about it Nevs but after reading "Devil-Darren's" comments I thought better of it. Could have been banned after my first post!!

Have watched speedway other places but even if it has been a terrific match the result is of no interest as it is not "our"team who have won or lost. Don't go home moaning about dropped points, tactical moves or new signings!

That is why the Nostalgia clip will only mean something special to those who hold Exeter closest to their hearts - not to any roaming speedway fan. They just do not understand......

[tonyl]

Again I'm with you all the way Mrs Claas. Devil Darren clearly didn't understand what people were talking about and it showed! It was very reassuring to see that fans from Cradley and Leicester feel exactly as we do. Of course we can go to other local tracks and clearly plenty of Exeter fans do just that. Its good that they do, but for me it is just not something I want to do on a regular basis. I know several Exeter fans that have not seen live speedway since the last night at the County Ground which is why I will do all I can to help us get an new track.

[vintagebikes]

Something of a "Lurker" in the Forum these days, it was in a way something of a relief to read the postings on the British Speedway Forum and of course in here.

Since the closure of the County Ground, my interst has diminished
terribly to the point of feeling Guilty (for the want of a better description) and the postings highlight the fact that we are not alone.

It is difficult in these circumstances and can relate to Jonty's sentiments amongst others. And I share Tony's thoughts, that when the Falcons fly once more, the passion of the last 40 years will return once again.

[headmistress]

Well, Mrs. Claas; I know exactly how you were feeling in your lack of response, so will resist ( knuckles clenched) and won't say condescending, not to mention a lack of respect and understanding (oops …too late).

I count myself very fortunate to see and invest in Plymouth action most Fridays and at the start of their enterprise posted vociferously on their behalf. What they have achieved in such a short space of time is immense and with PCC as their allies and an amazing crowd, they can look forward to the future. Hopefully, battling their near rivals up the A38.

I still enjoy speedway, but there is a huge hole for me, as others state on BSF. I also love visiting Somerset and Weymouth on occasions and on hols any other track we can arrange!

But, I completely agree with Jonty’s most eloquent post on BSF.

I know that I can never be, heart and soul, either a Devils or Rebels fan. I can cheer for the team and enjoy the moment, but, dammit, that tug is just not there. Nothing wrong with the product, not criticising either Club, however defensive they might be (though the attitude shown by one person shows a strange negativity again and again through their posts).

Also, the statement that very few Falcon’s fans attend the SBA is, IMO, flawed. We see many many faces that previously attended the CG.
.

[stevieb]

I too will refrain from saying what I want to say about Devil Darrens comments. Have to agree with the comments of Tony, Nevs, Mrs Claas and Headmistress. I have to say i am very impressed with the changes at Somerset and I dont only mean the physical improvements that have taken place, it is a much friendlier place now. If and perish the thought Haldon does not happen then I could see myself watching more speedway at the OTA and almost becoming a supporter, the investment and attitude from the management deserve support. However at this moment in time I am like Jane, when I go I cheer but it isn't with the same passion.
A message for you Darren and as you say you are a speedway supporter and therefore I would think you may view this forum, you said about Jonty on the BSF and I quote "and you are moaning that Exeter have gone" you misunderstand he and we are mourning that Exeter have gone.
Here's looking forward to seeing you all at Haldon next spring, take care all.

[slipslider]

How on earth can a genuine speedway supporter be losing interest when there is so much additional speedway on TV these days ? We are hoping and believing there is great news just around the corner - the addictive noise and aroma just the nod of planning permission away - Exeter back 'amongst it' again - c'mon guys keep the faith - we have a promoter who seems to exhibit all the drive and determination we have needed for Exeter - I have the faith that we are just a construction site away from speedway like we have longed for at Exeter for years - skilful, fast and entertaining with a promoter who will ensure that Exeter competes evrey year and entertains every week. Iknow there must be hundreds out there with these thoughts and hundreds more who just need to believe it !!

[vintagebikes]

I think you maybe missing some, or all of the point "Slipslider"

I think it's fair to say we all have faith in the ressurection of Exeter Speedway, of that there is little doubt. There's also little doubt that each and every one of us still buy our Speedway Star religously every week or that we all sit glued to the "Box" to watch Speedway in whatever shape or form.

Exiled to Gloucester I have been to Somerset, Newport and Swindon on occasions and no doubt will do so again from time to time.

The fact, is that despite a Fourty year love of the sport, the focal point has been lost without the Falcons to support. The interest in the sport has not been lost, but rather diminished somewhat.

Personally, I seldom read the "Star" five times over or lose my voice at a meeting these days. Nor do I check the results, League tables or riders averages every five minutes.

The interest is still there, it just needs the Falcons to bring it back to the level it once was - and bring it back they will.