Aye it's a shame as the NE was a strong region with a really good turnout at each regional when I raced back in the 80's & 90's, and the numbers in my opinion are still there now, and there are a lot of talented guys in the NE these days too, whether they decide to race in neighbouring regions ultimately it's their choice....
Now I've always raced in the NE back in the day, and I will continue to do so now, I've travelled up to Stannington, quite a journey yes but it was well worth it
and vice versa a lot of you guys travel down from the NE and during the course of a year I imagine you clock up a lot of mileage to get to the events.
Hopefully there won't be any tough times or dark days for the NE as a region, it would be a shame.
Mike P.