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Showing content with the highest reputation on 01/14/2018 in all areas
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Reading the forum and the comments re Roberts interview in Speedway Star. I am not giving my opinion on it. However some facts my help you. I have done an approx. costing for a rider doing one UK league. Naturally a rider doubling up, some costs would increase or decrease or not exist. These figures are from my experience for an annual cost to a rider. 2 bikes/engines @ £8000 each = £16000 spread over 2 years = £8000 Spares £4000 (surprising how many spares needed in a season and that’s without a blown engine cost) Other equipment - helmet/goggles/tools £1000 Oils/Lubricants/bike cleaning materials etc. £500 Van hire 8 months £2400 Mechanic £4500 Flights 50% of cost £3000 Airport travel costs £500 Budgeting travel Rain off expenses ( no income ) £1000 Fuel van £800 Engine servicing £3000 Insurance van £800 ( many mechanics under 25 ) Injury Insurance rider £400 Sundry misc. expenses £1000 (always unexpected costs) Total £30900 These are the costs, looking back through them it would be easy to increase some. But this gives a ball park figure. Naturally some costs are off set by sponsors supplying their goods which a rider uses. But it is still a cost and a rider needs equipment sponsors as well as cash sponsors. From this total cost, now you can can calculate how much a rider needs to earn per point or plus get sponsor deals to make it all pay. Certain some of you will argue these figures. That’s your opinion, but as for 5 years I’ve being paying invoices I know these figures are a good ball park figure. I am just giving factual figures - this is not my opinion of what’s right or wrong. I will leave it to you to do your own calculations and come up with what ever view you wish.3 points
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Where have I said he’s on the same planet as Leigh, all I’ve said is he rides the Abbey as well as Leigh. I’ve been lucky to see Leigh ride at Swindon for all of his career & he is the master of the Abbey, Morris is fast becoming a master in his own right......oh, I watched Darcy & he wasn’t bad.2 points
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I should imagine every Polish Extraleague club has looked at Morris. No takers. It’s the Championship. Kurtz rides Extraleague in 2018. Is Morris even riding Polish league 1? I have nothing against Morris but I doubt he will go any further than the level he is at right now. Perhaps a Schlein level, not quite a Davey Watt.2 points
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.....and a Wolverhampton heat leader (and reigning Australian champion) and a Belle Vue heat leader....but they don’t ride for Poole so they don’t get criticised do they!!!!!2 points
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I like this character of yours better DropaCog/FredFlange/Wibble/FledFlange. Still got the same issue with repeating the same phrases every other post, but this less intelligent, abusive alter-ego is a refreshing change.2 points
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How strange that a “new” poster makes these comments. It leads one to think he is someone in disguise. But regardless of that, there’s a thread in the international speedway section for the Aussie championships. It is an individual comp so very little to do with cluttering up the Poole threads. If you are a Belle Vue fan go celebrate Tungates win over there and leave this part so we can discuss just how good the 2018 Pirates team is shaping up.2 points
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Congratulations to Tungate and Fricke, first and third in the Australian Championship.2 points
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I think the Robert Lambert knocking has been done enough now. It's time to move on and look forward to the start of the season. And to the announcement of the final 4 riders.2 points
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Isn't the solution to the disparity of wealth not a GB Super League but a Euro League (or in reality the richer teams joining the Polish League) I think the reality is the even the Polish and Swedish "Elite" leagues are not without financial problems and might welcome a new era which I think would represent the first genuine pan European sports league. Probably run/branded by a BSI/One Sport type organisation to administrate on team strength you'd hope it could attract decent media coverage. Eventually developed into a 16 team European league with the bulk of teams from Poland, Sweden and the UK it could eventually incorporate teams/franchises from other nations (Denmark, Germany, Czech Republic, even Russia) the 30 meeting regular season should provide enough fixtures for GP standard riders with the teams supplemented by those also riding in domestic leagues. Whilst the standard would be a little lower than the current Polish top division it would be an uplift on the current Premiership. Domestically in the UK there'd be a two league structure. One Championship standard (made up of those Premiership teams not in the Euro league and the current Championship teams) featuring those riders who wish to supplement Euro League racing and those riders based in the UK including youngsters from the National League.2 points
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Thanks for your information David, I don't doubt your honesty one bit. This more than anything illustrates just how much the sport has become too expensive and unsustainable. A sport where attendances struggle to reach 1500 it is ridiculous economics for a new rider to contemplate in participating. Top riders are expected to earn decent money which would more then cover those costs, but the majority of riders are less prominent and would struggle to make them ends meet. It is little wonder the riders need that amount to compete and also see why the promoters are flogging a dead horse. Many years ago, in conversation with Terry Betts when riding a 2 value Jawa, he said he purchased a new bike every year, keeping last years as a spare. After each meeting it was hosed down and the chain oiled. Additionally, after each month, the chain and tyres were replaced. He commented this would guarantee competitive equipment for the whole season. How things have changed!!! No the races weren't as fast but the enjoyment was just as good... We need new ideas to control those costs. David has just illustrated the outlay is way out of line....2 points
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Until Poole's first fixture of course.. You will then be weeping like a little 'un' prior to the meeting as you always do !2 points
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If said new non Brit has such a great chance of improving their average that just shows the original assessment has been set too low..... The league doesnt really need new 5 point and sub 5 point riders I would set entry level at min 62 points
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SCB's thin veneer of intelligence is once more stripped away by his rancid and repugnant ageism. It's a familiar argument - "I know a pensioner who's well-off so every one of them must be." It's as intellectually and morally bankrupt as "All these foreigners are taking our jobs". I do wonder if he's got a problem with his parents or other elderly relatives, given the sick bitterness and prejudice he continually shows to the elderly. In another recent thread he came up with what were superficially intelligent comments about the way forward but which were invalidated by his comment "Stop pandering to the old, they'll be dead soon", or words to that effect. I'll leave you to consider for a moment just how repugnant that is. Don't be taken in by someone who is obsessed withe speedway rule book and averages. It doesn't make them intelligent, merely fixated. I had to correct him ages ago when he was spouting this regulation and that to point out that he was completely ignoring the key part of the rule book, the supplementary regulations which are issued during a season and regularly amend those rules., I remember SCB complaining about the car park at a certain track on the basis that it was damaging his very expensive car. Lovely chap. I'd park mine outside ;-) If people were singled out for such abuse on the grounds of race, gender or sexuality they would be rightly condemned by most reasonable people in society and in many cases prosecuted. So why is ageism allowed? Speedway may have an age profile that could do with reducing. The SCB's of this world would achieve that by making the sport hostile to the elderly and forcing them out on the basis that the young and 'cool' (i.e. his own perception of himself) are put off by the sight of geriatrics viciously sitting down because they can't stand up for two hours and callously drinking hot drinks from a flask because they know that the stuff on sale at the track is awful quality and overpriced. Shame on them! It's not the elderly that are the problem, it's the shallow, ignorant outlook of certain people at the other end of the age spectrum. Still, there's one consolation, given the modern trend to despise the old by the time he gets to be in that age group life's going to be pretty appalling for him. Yes I have attacked the poster, and I have not one iota of apology for doing this. I've posted some strong views on here over the years but they have all been based on a deep love of and concern for the sport, and not my ego. I had my brief spell in the spotlight and I can tell you I am much, much happier sitting quietly in the shadows now. When I see SCB's posts I see raw ego. I worked with a few TV technicians like him in the past and you would sometimes get those who developed appalling arrogance through working in the industry. I thought I'd seen the worst.......until now. I remember years back Sittingbourne getting their only away Conference League win at Newport. Almost everyone on the BSF were congratulating the then Crusaders on finally getting a win. One kid wasn't though. He went through every decision made in the match, every pass and incident, desperately trying to prove that the Kent side hadn't deserved their win. Ever since then I've been waiting for SCB to grow up. Seems like I've got a longer to go. Still, I'll probably be dead first, eh? Rob McCaffery - aged 60 and expecting the basic state pension only, if that when I can finally afford to retire. You see, instead of building up a career I spent too much time with speedway. I'm now partially disabled so have to have a seat at a track even if it's a folding one which SCB so despises. After 46 years of course I don't deserve a small concession on the admission in my advancing old age.....It would be nice to be able to enjoy the sport in my final years without having to put up with prejudice from this shallow clown.2 points
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Should Speedway ditch the family sport tag and go for the dirty, dangerous, raw sport tag? I think probably so!2 points
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Pretty much sums it up. It's how many feel, who have either given up on the sport or who only go because of the company you keep rather than the spectacle you see.2 points
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Doyle was not that dominant at Premiership level, Morris never looked out of place riding with him and I believe he can kick on and Morris will be tough to beat at the Abbey.1 point
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“Poole fans happy with Kurtz. Belle Vue fans happy with Tungate and a saving of the best part of two points. Who is the best deal?”1 point
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It is very sad to see it like this, although even it is all still fixable while there is still hope. The saddest thing and what really is hard to take if this is the end of Brandon Stadium is that we should have never finished like this, it deserved a huge send off, we deserved to be able to enjoy the last meeting and sad as it sounds but say goodbye. I walked out after the last stock car meeting and thought how devistated I'd be if the deal hadn't been thrashed out a few months earlier, little did I know that the stock car meeting was possibly the final laps to be completed. So very sad for all of us Coventry fans and all fans of speedway.1 point
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One of the best and as ever from you,fairest posts on the thread. It is a reasonable topic to hold.It is fair to ask why a certain group in society receive such a benefit across the board.I mean a millionaire pensioner gets in at a reduced price,not only for speedway,whereas someone of say 30 years old who is working in a poorly paid job has to pay full whack.We even get,although I guess it was tongue in check,someone saying kids should also pay.Students also often get reduced prices,but some students are sons and daughters of millionaires and some even millionaires in their own right.The fair way would be to have people pay at the level their bank balance allows,but is impossible to police. You do also point out that some,like your friends think,maybe rightly, that reductions for pensioners are has more to do with recognition of their contribution to society.Maybe that was one of the reasons years ago to do with those who fought for the country etc.But a lot of those benefit scroungers from the 70s are now pensioners,who hardly contributed a thing to the country.If they take their reduction away,as you say,regardless of their wealth,they won't go.Rather like some of these ex-riders,who maybe turned out half a dozen times for a club won't go unless they get in for nowt!!!1 point
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Yes I know I was just commenting on Nick being better than Brady, not replying to your post1 point
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Speedway Euro Championship 2018 calendar: 1st round – June 23rd, Gniezno (Poland) 2nd round – July 14th, Gustrow (Germany) 3rd round – August 18th, Daugavpils (Latvia) 4th round – September 15th, Chorzów (Poland) Qualifying and challenge dates also sorted Indywidualne Mistrzostwa Europy (SEC) Półfinał 1 - 26 kwietnia - Bałakowo (Rosja) Półfinał 2 - 28 kwietnia - Gorican (Chorwacja) Półfinał 3 - 28 kwietnia - Debreczyn (Węgry) Półfinał 4 - 28 kwietnia - Pardubice (Czechy) SEC Challenge - 5 maja - Lonigo/Terenzano (Włochy looks as if the Onesport pairs is going ahead again in 2018 with the opening round scheduled for Torun on March 24th1 point
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Neither of you can count. Those 6 leaves 4.12 fo the last rider, so Etheridge fits comfortably.1 point
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So are will still claiming Rohan as a Witch??? Congratulations to the new Australian Champion1 point
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I remember on a few occasions when a rider was excluded that he would park his bike across the track at the start and go storming up to the refs box, not sure if any of the occasions were staged, but it all added to the excitement.1 point
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Pickering would be a great choice his career is on the up and I would love Fricke to push on and be a number 1 he has the ability just needs the consistency.Belle Vue,Leicester,Swindon,Poole all look to have decent sides i don't care who wins just hope we see some decent racing along the way.1 point
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Yes real shame all championship done well in the heats and lets himself down in the final. Needs to work on that area of his mind as he often fluffs heat 15 at Poole when on for a max. Let's not forget he is extremely young still and will get it right but in the end.1 point
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I agree,his article in Star is very negitive towards Kings Lynn and basically he was left no choice and is there under protest.Needs better management IMO .1 point
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Hans will be missed great team man off the track awful on it, very good at nearly taking his team mate off at times last year. That's the only area Hans should look at - his team mate on track. I would class Hans now as a journeyman, will he add to his 7.75? I don't think so will probably sustain that but won't improve. Sometimes it's better to look ahead, getting a younger rider in who will improve year on year is a good option.1 point
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Jarek would return either on his last average here (around nine) or the assessed 8.00 as he has been a GP rider in the last three seasons. Yes he has approached three clubs but nothing has come from it due to the 8+ rule coming into effect and now Unlikley to feature here this season. KK the safe bet and showed up well for Rye House and handy for airports from Poland on the Monday morning.1 point
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Yes, but it’s a huge disincentive for NL riders to see the CL dumping young Brits. CL clubs should be proud to show off the talents of Nielsen, Jacobs & Perks, setting examples for NL riders to aspire to, rather than ending their careers. Thankfully Stefan, at least, has got back.1 point
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Starry had an op to remove a non-cancerous brain tumour. It all went successfully at Southampton General and he is now in the recuperation/recovery stages.1 point
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I'm guessing... If we get Nicholls 1. Scott Nicholls 9.72 2. Tero Aarnio 5.02 3. Lewis Rose 6.49 4. Ludvig Lindgren 7.21 5. Stuart Robson 7.02 6. Ashley Morris 4.88 7. Alfie Bowtell 2.14 Total: 42.48 And have Josh at 8... Would also have Robson as captain, and this team would always mean that we would have a very strong reserve in Aarnio or Ashley, and we'd have a pretty solid top 4, as I'd see Lewis upping his average and Robson, Ludvig and Nicholls (just about) maintaining theirs... Maybe dropping or adding a little bit, but them staying similar... Also Alfie would be one of the better young British number 7s in the league1 point
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I said times have changed, so I agree with you on that. Where I disagree is your 2nd paragraph. He does have a valid point BUT appealing for sponsors for new equipment whilst at the same time complaining about his employer, which effectively is what he is doing is IMHO rather silly (polite version). as A Orlov says the riders have to stick together over the asset system, which I agree is wrong and illegal but I have a slight amount of sympathy for the promoters, who lets face it are not charities. Some riders demand far more than promoters can afford to pay, and have an inflated view of their own worth, and I just have the feeling that promoters have got together this season and tried to put a bit of reality into things with Ford and Buster (that we know about) only being interested in full transfers. i could be completely wrong but it's never good when one side holds all the trump cards, there has to be a balance.1 point
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No one can doubt his obvious ability on a bike. Probably it would be best if he let his riding do his talking, and forego airing his views in the national magazine...1 point
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Try living on £154 a week like I have to after working for 48 years.Without concessions no speedway for me.1 point
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According to the Office for National Statistics, that's not true. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/personalandhouseholdfinances/incomeandwealth/bulletins/nowcastinghouseholdincomeintheuk/financialyearending2017 They say that the median retired household's income is £22,400, that of a non retired household is £29,300 (the equivalent mean is £26,347 and £34,363). That's about 30% lower. Having said that, the gap in the last 10 years has narrowed significantly. While non retired household incomes have remained the same, retired households have increased by almost 25% . To me, that means you have a point and don't deserve the abuse thrown in your direction simply for raising this issue. Until, however, those two figures match each other then I think the case for the discount is justified, quite aside from the fact that certainly some of my retired friends would stop going if speedway did away with that reduction and that's regardless of the income they receive. There are a lot of retired people that go to speedway - although the proportion is nothing like what you have made it out to be - and the sport simply can't afford to risk losing them.1 point
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Bit of a generalisation SCB, there's plenty of pensioners on basic pension and maybe a small personal pension .....1 point
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Kindle or Book? BOOK. Internet or Speedway Star? SPEEDWAY STAR. In full agreement with you.1 point
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Godfrey should have stood down, having brought the sport into disrepute ( by the standards of other sports ). But in speedway, no, you are a True Blazer Gent.1 point
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There would be no complaints from me if there were no four point foreigners in the PL. Wouldn't want Jacobs or Auty but would take Perks, would have any of them if we were a CL team though. Which is what the discussion is about after all, these lads missing out on second division spots. Why should new foreign riders get spots before all the Brits who want a place are offered one?1 point
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I wait with anticipation the announcement of the new team. Each year comes round and we usually have two, three, sometimes more riders we have used before, riders who have served us well in the past but who never propelled us into the contest of winners. Riders like Rose, Kerr, NPT, Porsing Huckenbeck have had plenty of opportunities to stake their claim for a Lynn spot but none have developed into riders whom can be relied upon when the chips are down... They're all good on their day but to contest for honours we need to look further afield for winners rather than these home favourites. Looking back over recent years only one rider can stand up and say he always gave his all, and that was Niels. He lead by example, and raced everytime as if it was his last. If as rumours say he is returning then welcome home Niels, you have been badly missed. Reading the SS it appears Lambert will again grace our track with his exciting riding style. Probably I have been wrong in comparing Robert with greats we have seen here in the past , but I don't apologise for that for I believe he is on par with all of them and hopefully this year he will eventually show that... In a year when not many things went well, the biggest plus had to be the arrival of Thomas Jorgensen. I am well pleased his performances and attitude have been rewarded with inclusion for another year at Lynn. I have no doubts he will improve as team progresses,. Many names have been aired and speculated and Gino Manzares can be added to the list . The four names that will compete the team has a lot of work ahead of them, trying to propel the Stars to a more deserving position than we found ourselves in last year....1 point