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Apparently the developers have argued that we do not need Blunsdon as we have now made Wimborne Road our own

It's how you build your side. Some prefer to be top heavy with weaker reserves, others go more balanced ensuring always a strong reserve. It's not a recent thing, it's been that way for decades. It creates opportunity for astute management (which there is hardly opportunity for anymore) yet some want to sterilise the tactical options yet further. Jakobsen had seven rides tonight purely because of RR.

Heat 14 now online :

that gold bike sat in my dads garage at home for a couple of years in bits. dad & Ivan went up to Donington to the old speedway museum where the bike had been loaned with strict instructions from Ivan not to polish the gold. unfortunately, they kept polishing and it wore the gold plate down so Ivan decided there and then it wasn't staying. the bike was loaded in the car and just unloaded at dads and it stayed until Ivan decided to get it shipped back. i remember staying at Ivan's when i was about 16 or 17 too and sleeping in the same room as the gold bike, winged wheel, and hundreds of trophies - quite a prvilidge

He's doing a 6 month stretch for non payment of fines. He should be out in November just in time for the last of the Stoke Potters' fixtures.

IVAN did it his way ... It was only two years since Ivan Mauger had equalled Ove Fundin’s record of five World Championship victories in Gothenburg in 1977 but there were many who felt that the Kiwi would struggle to go one better and fulfil his dream of standing alone in the history books. Despite seeing his great rival Ole Olsen claim the title at a Wembley in 1978, Ivan’s faith his own ability to claim the record he always craved remained undiminished. Ivan might already have had six but for an untimely crash at the Slaski Stadium in Katowice in 1973 and it was here in 1979 that he devised a plan that would turn upside down how he had approached all his previous World Final appearances. Ivan would always establish his camp well away from the centre of attention, out of the public eye, untroubled by the media mob. Of course, there were no mobile phones in those days but even if there had been his would have been turned off. Nothing would be allowed to interrupt his preparation, surrounded only by those closest to him, including mechanics Gordon Stubbs and Norrie Allen, manager Peter Oakes and his immediate family. All that went out of the window. Ivan joined the Press corps (39 strong with all the British national newspapers represented along with journos from provincial papers the length and breadth of the country) encamped at the Novotel hotel in Katowice along with the likes of his Hull promoters Ian Thomas and Brian Larner, fellow Kiwi Barry Briggs and American speedway supremo Harry Oxley. After practice, Ivan returned to the hotel, ate with us and then adjourned to the bar (no alcohol of course) chatting away and ignoring protestations from both Briggo and Oxley that he should retire to bed and get some sleep in preparation for what lay ahead the next day. It was all so out of character and prompted many to conclude that even Ivan didn’t rate his chances and was simply in Poland to enjoy himself. This theory, however ridiculous, did however gain still more credence the following morning when Ivan asked if he could hitch a lift to the stadium later in the day on the Press coach. It was so unlike him, but he was relaxed, chatty, at ease with himself and everyone around him. As the coach made its way to a parking area we had pre-arranged a couple of hours before the start, Ivan jumped off and walked into the giant stadium like any other spectator, unrecognized by anyone. He simply disappeared into the crowd. Those of us who knew him best had already began to speculate that this all part of a carefully constructed plan, to take all the pressure off himself and convince his opponents that despite his history he wasn’t a realistic threat. It was, as we all found out, a brilliant tactical ruse. Ivan, a few weeks short of his 40th birthday, raced to a superlative sixth title success, defying those who suspected he was past his best. We celebrated appropriately with him at the hotel before flying back to England the following morning. Ivan wasn’t the only one who walked away happy and enriched by his evening’s work. The bookmakers had slashed the odds on a Mauger victory and the ever-astute Thomastook full advantage and placed a bundle on his Viking winning. Ivan never rode in another World Final. He had smashed his winning six and, as ever, done it his way.

My post followed the one which added that there was also NJL action on Friday, meaning that the meeting might be attractive to a wider than usual audience. Nothing else......

Nobody around me saw anything going on between Kyle and Barker in any of their races. Maybe a bit of close racing between Charlie and Barker, but nothing like Barker does all the time. If you dish it out you should be able to take it back They all need to be warned before the return match on friday. We don't want anyone getting hurt.utt

That has to be the easiest game of "Where's Wally?" ever known...... I take it the Echo are trying to put their readers off going to Wimborne Road. That reminds me, The Living Dead's on.......

Unless the covers are like the ones they have at cricket which are sections on wheels that can be easily wheeled away or the covers roll up on a device behind the safety fence they are virtually impossible to put out or remove quickly with minimal staff to do the job.

3rd from the left in the 2nd row back(green cap) looks a dodgy character

The crux of his point is, he doesn't think reserve changes should be allowed under any circumstance. I fail to see any benefit whatsoever to this idea, it hasn't been an issue in the past 60+ years of the sport and it isn't one now.

The only problem for Doris is that by the time he's sorted out come june/july, so have the others Recognise the tactic BW? When in strife, close down the discussion.

Yes, and it's still a very good option. Pity AntiqueSteve doesn't appreciate them.

Statue? Don't think so. There's a Lee Richardson Skatepark in Rzeszow with a commemorative plaque: it says: In memory of Lee Richardson, notable English speedway rider, who died tragically on 13th May 2012 at the age of 33, when representing Speedway Stal Rzeszow.

It's a shame to read Nathan had a less than fun time at Sheffield. I never thought his attitude would be a problem. Not disputing the above, but I'm surprised it was like that.

9 EF's one night at Swindon. Probably the uluckiest team ever that night. Still feel for them now.

Rose didn't look fit at all . This his 1st meeting back? Based on this performance should have stayed on the sidelines . Gave up most races while freewheeling around at the back.

Piotr Szymanski FIME jury president there, and Marek Wojaczek the ref. No suprise that Zengi got the 'OK' to go back to Poland.

The SEC qualifier in Balakovo Russia was rained off after 4 races today and is to be re-arranged for tomorrow. This gave Zengota a problem as Leszno are home to Zielona Gora tomorrow- Zengi with the approval of the polish authorities has pulled out of the SEC and is heading back to Poland to ride for Zielona Gora

Its enough to make you tear your hair out

There was definitely an Alan Stansfield second halfing on the northern tracks then, so I'd say it is him.

There was another chap before you James. The Baldy one. And be very careful James, you may be classed as an armchair critic

While I agree,the riders nowadays seem to make excuses for their inability to work out what track conditions are before the meeting starts.Ok it was different from the week before but the Newcastle riders manage to figure it out before the meeting started.The people preparing the track should be able to tell he home riders what track conditions are on a weekly basis( even if they are different from previous week),experienced riders like Berwick have should have very little difficulty IMO..

I agree but I don’t think it’s that simple when Nico is in the team. Both Nico and Cam generally struggle out of the gate and if they both miss it then they both head to the fence and want to ride the same line.

I priced it up previously, but I can't for the life of me remember what the figure was now. I based it on Somerset's track and I think the total was somewhere around the £1,000 mark. This was based on a theory of being attached to the top of the existing fence (behind the air fence) in a roll when not being used with ties around it. When it was needed the ties are simply undone and the tarpaulin is rolled out to the infield and fixed to the ground. That way all the rain water runs off to the infield and away from the track.

also, what happened to that track dryer that was made a few years ago to be taken around the country for Sky meetings?? was it ever used? and where is it now?

Really? I found it as dull as ditchwater and had the rain that threatened late on curtailed the meeting then the time wasted on it would have been infuriating. There is no likelihood of cross-pollination between MotoX and speedway supporters and the centre green is now an eyesore that will limit the view for far too many when a decent crowd turns up. Agree on race jackets, Wolves looked like a pro outfit last night against Ragtag Rockets, especially with Harris and Nicholls having to tie a big knot in those tacky shirts to reduce drag from them flapping behind them. I can understand the cost of kevlars being prohibitive but a race jacket can be knocked up for a couple of hundred quid surely, I'd be willing to sponsor one if I got it at the end of the season (especially if it was blue and yellow!).

Did I say I didn't appreciate them ?.....No, I said they were a poor second if I couldn't make the match, its a bit like watching speedway on the TV, even though i love speedway its not for me...

I think some kind of track covers need to be found that are easy to put out and to put away.With the sheets that have been used in the past you would need a few people to help with the job in hand.With the British weather you may need people that are willing to help at anytime,are these people available all the time,i suspect not.Most of the helpers at the stadium i think have other jobs.

Good pictures but nothing on 2 greats Tony Rickardsson and Mark Loram bit strange

Big obituary in yesterday's Daily Telegraph, presumably by Ben Findon. There was a mention that he lost a million pounds in the insurance crash of the '90's when he was a Lloyds underwriter. He still bounced back and continued his training schools. The last time I spoke to him was about ten years ago when he ran a European junior grasstrack meeting at Tallington near Peterborough. I also remember being taken by him in his Mercedes across the showground to the changing rooms when he raced against PC, and he had the gold bike on the back seat.

Tony Lewis I believe. He was about 6'2" or 3", was originally a grass tracker then turned his hand to speedway.

Of course not Starry, you keep telling everyone we can only talk about Poole related stuff but then again, maybe it is Poole related........

11.11.17-----26.1.18---- both great announcements via media new stadium to be started soon, great artist impressions . Talk is cheap...

It could help circulation no end if they always had a front cover with Ivan Mauger on. This week's (enforced) step back in time just reminds one of the 'samey' ness of modern days photos of modern day riders. Contrasting sharply with the vivid richness in so many photos of the seventies stars; and the individuality of the riders depicted. or is it just me ?

Always been a favourite rider of mine. I hope he does a great job for the Bears.

But why, is it because they aren't a great success, most tracks haven't the infrastructure to deal with the water, most promoters don't have access to their tracks to put them on and off, let alone staff? Most tracks don't have a structure to attach them to on the outside of the track so the rain doesn't seep under? There are loads of negatives? Of course if they don't take them off at just the right time and if the rain doesn't stop at just the right time? Are they worth the cost and effort?

No and you know that Vojens don’t race weekly I was just saying a big track is no excuse they have them in Poland and they race weekly but what a surprise you defending the promotion as I’ve said they and meaning all top flight clubs have had enough money over the years to sort this problem and they have all avoided doing it and there is no intention of any of the covering there tracks

you should come to Blunsdon and listen to the music bellowing out... not needed tbh.

Coventry were a good example of that with a bit of manipulation by Rosco keeping Pawlickl at reserve!!!

That’s a bit of a poor comment the tracks are to big for covers they manage ok abroad the best ones are at Vojens all segmented and lets face it all clubs have had enough tv money to purchase them but have decided to blow the money in other quarters

The Comets have signed Bradley Wilson Dean on a short term contract to cover for Mason Campton. It's on the Comets site.

The extension could be good for Poole and give them some meetings to have when the playoffs are taking place.

My first visit to any Manchester track and now completed a meeting at every speedway track in all three leagues. My impression of the stadium is very favourable. Excellent viewing from the main stand, but £21 is a bit pricy. For an extra £3 you can have a padded seat! Upon arrival we were directed to a car park (£3) near the pits bend which was almost full at 6pm. If this is the only car park then that’s inadequate. My 3 year old son wasn’t keen on the loud engines and had his hands over his ears for the first half of the meeting. One of the stewards must’ve seen this and kindly brought us some ear plugs. A very nice gesture we thought. On the whole a pretty enjoyable experience despite the score. The track looks fantastic and with better opposition should serve up some cracking racing.

I must admit i don't get all the hype regarding Ford/Middlo being the best promoter/manager there has been.Surely if they were that great they would have the best team assembled at the start of each season.How many times do they have to change their team because they have messed up in the first place

That was a special ride Mustve been great to be there live Its moments like that that stick with a fan forever

They waste a lot of money on new equipment IMO .

Again for the Golden Helmet meeting on 28.08 another bumper 20,000(25-30,000 from another source!!) crowd turned up.A couple of the locals(Wunder + Werner) were still missing though injury,which made qualification for the final more or less predictable.Niemeck it seems was still trying to get used to a new bike and Kellner was still trying to get used to the track and the style of racing.The best 4 at the time,Heck,Niss,Heinrichs and Stölting all made it and it was a hard fought race.Stölting had given Heck a hard race in the qualis.Heinrichs won,but the main battle was behind him with Heck making it through from last to 2nd,but couldn't get past Otto,who now took the points lead from Fritz Niss.Heinrichs had 25 pts,Niss 23,Wunder 11,Plambeck 9,Heck 8,Strachwitz 5,Stölting 4. 'Ginger' Lees was again in great form winning both finals,but he was made to work hard by Niels Sorensen in an early qualification heat where Sorensen got in front and battled hard to keep the lead.They were should to shoulder and only on the last bend did Lees manage to get ahead for the win.He made no mistake in the final winning by almost a second ahead of Sorensen and Langton.Even the time advantages held by Stölting(3s) and Morian Hansen(2s) were not enough to hold him off. The Friday evening meetings were still struggling to attract the crowds,struggling to find something of special interest like the Golden Helmet.This time a team challenge between Ginger Lees-Franz Heck v the 2 best Danes,Niels Sorensen-Morian Hansen,could only attract a crowd of around 6-7,000.Points were 5 for 1st,4,3 and 2 for last place!!The first two heats were fairly predictable in that Lees won,the two Danes 2nd and 3rd and Heck finished last,so the third heat was going to be the decider.....possibly.Lees was yet again out in front,but behind him something of a sensation was occurring.Franz Heck was giving Sorensen a hard race with Heck just in the lead,when they entered the tight bend shoulder to shoulder and Niels made a mistake and rode over the inside of the track taking a short cut,which let Heck go on to take second place and the crowd cheered him as the hero of the night!!! Heck again laid claim to being the best German rider at the time by holding off the challenge from Lees in the handicap final,who was followed by the Danes,Sörensen and Morian Hansen. Beautiful summer weather brought out another very good crowd to see the sunday meeting in Lokstedt.Two announced attempts on the track records failed.Sörensen tried but failed fairly miserably to regain his title from Lees by over a second and Franz Heck just couldn't get to the national record held by Niss + Wunder,finishing 0.2 behind the 76 seconds. The 'B' class riders were having some very good races between themselves.A number of heats between riders on 'road' bikes in previous meetings had been used to try and attract more newcomers to the sport and one of the best who had swapped over to a dirt bike,was Werner Schauer from Luneburg.The road bike races had been given the nickname 'snail cup' because of the relatively slow times,but on a dirt bike,Schauer was right on the pace and had a tough fight with Niemeck in the final,just losing out to the more experienced rider.But in the German handicap final went out and held on to his advantage winning ahead of Stölting and Niss.Bill Kellner still seemed at this point to be spending more time inspecting the dirt than riding!! Lees had won an earlier final,but in the main handicap final Lees couldn't battle for first place,having his hands full trying to gain 3rd.4 long laps Lees,Morian Hansen,Rasmussen and Heck swapped places with each other,as out in front Graf Strachwitz was having a battle with Niss for the win.Strachwitz had a second advantage over Fritz,but that was slowly being lost and he couldn't quite keep the lead until the flag.Niss,Strachwitz,Lees,M.Hansen,Rasmussen and Heck was the way it all ended It was a sad day for Hamburg motorbike sport as local rider Ernst died from internal injuries at Heide in North Germany taking a bend trying to overtake another rider,who moved out unexpectedly and Ernst crashed and flew off his 350cc bike into the crowd.Luckily only one of the spectators received a minor head injury and also lucky that Ernst bike got caught up and didn't end up following him into the spectators.The trotting track at Heide had been running meetings for a couple of years and had seen early appearances from riders who would later make appearances in Lokstedt like Stölting,Strachwitz,Niemeck and Niss

If you’ve never attended one then you don’t know what you’re missing. Why not try one one and see ?