IT is with great reluctance and after a lot of soul-searching that we have had to increase the cost of subscribing to our two magazines.
With effect from issue 92, a one-year sub to Backtrack increases by £3 — from £22 to £25, the first rise in five years.
While from issue 45, a one-year sub to Classic Speedway increases by £4 — from £16 to £20.
In a move to reduce administrative and storage costs, if you have not already done so, you will now need to become a subscriber to receive either magazine. Because we are no longer able to offer for sale single copies of either Backtrack or Classic.
As with all very niche publications existing on a meagre circulation, no retail shop sales or advertising revenue, these are inevitable and prudent steps in the battle for survival amid rising production costs and diminishing readership.
We hope you understand and will continue to support the magazine. Not only by renewing your sub, but also telling your friends about the magazine that (in the case of Backtrack) we launched more than 15 years ago. Sharing your copy among friends and work colleagues doesn't help us to maintain the service we aim to keep providing.
Our subscription database was significantly greater in 2004 and '05, even though we didn't invest in full colour production until 2009. Has modern speedway's current plight had an adverse effect? As Speedway Star recently and quite correctly publicly stated, more and more diehard supporters are continuing to turn their backs on the sport in Britain and that simply has to be reflected in lower magazines sales for both the Star and ourselves.
Our price increases are not about making a profit, although that would be very nice.
It is ALL about survival.
Tony & Susie Mac
MAGAZINES
BACKTRACK Issue 101 out now! For fans who loved speedway in the 1970s & 80s
CLASSIC SPEEDWAY Issue 51 out now! Launched in May 2008, the glossy quarterly specialising in the 50s and 60s eras
BLOGS
THE best, most thought-provoking, pieces written by our knowledgeable team of writers that have appeared in Backtrack and Classic Speedway magazine since Retro Speedway was formed in 2004.
