Following the recent sad passing of Ivan Mauger, I have to say that the response from the UK media was an utter disgrace. It was non-existent.

I sent a formal complaint to the BBC and ITV about their non-coverage. Needless to say, the response was typical and pathetic, both quoting that "speedway doesn't command the audience to make it necessary to report".

I find that response utterly disgraceful. Both the BBC and ITV (who, it must be remembered covered speedway with some distinction in the 1970's and 80's) completely ignored the story.

Imagine if it had been Lewis Hamilton? Probably it would have been headlines.

Mauger's sad demise was also, by and large, ignored by the printed press with a few exceptions, albeit small mentions.

This can only lead me to the conclusion that the media only want people to follow the sports that they advertise. Why is the BBC so obsessed with Football, Rugby, Cricket, Hockey, Women's football, Golf, Tennis, Motorcycling, F1, to the detriment of other sports?.

I've always believed that if we got the results on the 10 o'clock news, more coverage with action photo's in the printed press, then speedway would again rise from the ashes.

As it is, without their backing, we face an uphill battle.

This article was first published on 19th May 2018