Leaderboard

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.

Can do updates if you explain what to do

It only counts as a ride if he either goes off 15metres or isn't replaced and doesn't take part in the heat and is therefore declared as a 'non starter' which counts as a ride.

He is correct though. You could have replaced the rider anyway, regardless of whether or not he broke the tapes.

Its enough to make you tear your hair out

Pfft... armchair fan

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

It was a mark of the man that he didn't bitch about it either, unlike many others. He just took it on the chin and got on with life.

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.

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...

Fourth bend, first lap. Bacon and Hume gated, and were on a secure 5-1 when Thomas helped Bowen into the fence. Re-run, after a long wait for the air-fence to be repaired, the referee again held the tapes for ages, and Bacon was said to have touched the tapes (he was not amused) and he was on 15m. Finally, Bowen made a blinder of a start and won the heat.

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

That is the current plan, although those plans are yet to be approved and objections have been submitted by the house builders who have sold houses next to the "old" stadium on the assumption that those houses would be a good 150m away from the "new" stadium.

thought it was announced they not building new stadium but completely refurbishing and downsizing existing venue?

Great photos on the Echo site, thanks for the link Steve. Lots of memories - love the one of the injured Rosco in his boxers!!!

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

So we can’t fit in 14 fixtures? Going back to the days when we ran on Saturday nights with a meeting every week from March to October we had no problem- if we can’t fit in 14 meetings this sport really is doomed - right call last night 100% though we’d already made our minds up not to attend before the call off as weather not settled enough the weather needs to be dry with no chance of rain for us to attend.

If Chris has done what he usually did at Coventry at the beginning of the season and changed his equipment from the previous year he will be okay around June/July time when he's got everything sorted out and by the end of the season he will be flying. Could never understand this as the bikes would be wrapped in cotton wool over the Winter if they were mine, but hey ho there must be a reason.

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?

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

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 was in Manchester last evening on a business trip so went along to this meeting and see the NSS. Had a good evening, meal in peter craven lounge, grandstand seat. Early rain drained away and there were some fine races. Only KK any good for rye house. Chatted with a couple of BV fans who were good company. Back home in Poole now looking forward to Thursday with the Pirates.

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

Thanks for that Phil. Dan is on fire at the mo. Love your track, but only seen it on TV..

The weather wasn't good for the next Golden Helmet meeting on 04.09.1929,but still a decent crowd of 12,000 turned up.Two of the best riders were missing in Heinrichs and Wunder,so it was no real surprise when Franz Heck won,followed by Niss,Stölting and Strachwitz.Due to Heinrichs absence Niss now regained the lead with 26pts,Heinrichs on 25,Heck moving up to3rd with 13,Wunder 11,Plambeck 9,Strachwitz and Stölting on 6 In the handicap quails Lees couldn't make up the 4 seconds Strachwitz had and so didn't qualify for the final!!Strachwitz seemed to have found some form and managed to win the final ahead of Niss,Sörensen and Heck The bad weather had stuck around,so that the track was quite heavy and the crowd was only around the 6,000 mark to see the revenge challenge between the Lees-Heck pairing v Sorensen-M.Hansen.This time it ended a draw as 'Ginger' could only win the first two as usual and his partner finishing behind the Danes.This time though in the final heat,it wasn't Heck wh surprised,but Sorensen,by beating Lees into 2nd with Heck beating Hansen.So it ended 21 apiece. After almost two months this meeting saw the departure of Niels Sorensen,who was going back to Copenhagen and was warmly applauded as he made a final lap of the track.The top German pair of Fritz Niss and Franz Heck would also make the trip to race in Copenhagen The next meeting saw another influx of riders from England including Arthur Sherlock from Hall Green,Johnny Broughton from Sheffield and Joe Palastrand,which meant they held a scratch race event just for the 'english' riders.Arthur Sherlock looked the best of the new guys,but Lees was still a class apart and won the scratch final ahead of Sherlock and Ned Kelly and also the handicap final ahead of the Dane Kay Andersen and Johnny Broughton 3rd.Palastrand won the final for the weaker riders.His winning time of 1:57s compared poorly t Ginger Lees time of 1:46 winning the handicap final So two months after the opening the Dirt Track had established itself as one of the major sporting events in Hamburg.Well in actual fact Lokstedt was really a part of Schleswig-Holstein and only became part of Hamburg in 1937 under the Nazis.It was a fairly well to do area in troubled times.The neighbourng Hagenbecks Tierpark(zoo) was opened a couple of decades earlier.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tierpark_Hagenbeck.Up until 1866 it had been like most of Schleswig-Holstein under Danish rule lying on the edge of two rival cities.Hamburg,the free Hansa city and Altona,one of the main ports under Danish control.Altona like Hamburg had its eyes on surrounding areas and wanted Lokstedt to become part of its area,which Lokstedt resisted.But it was Altona that gave 'Ginger' Lees the freedom of the city,rather than Hamburg during the 1929 season. It was also in Altona,nicknamed 'little Moscow' because of its left wing-communist leaning population,that held a trial that showed an insight into just how volatile the political state of the area was,and gave a warning for the future.In 1925 Germany signed trade contracts that opened the country to foreign trade. and cheap products flooded the market.Agricultural areas were hit hard and the areas surrounding Hamburg and Altona particularly hard as this was one of the main pig farming areas of Germany.Cheap frozen pork from Poland caused massive financial problems for farmers in the area as the price of pork plummeted.By the start of 1928 a protest movement was forming and 140,000 came out on 28.01.1928.20,000 alone in the sleepy town of Heide which had been hosting motorcycle races at its trotting track.Very soon the movement was headed by a couple of local farmers who had links to right wing movements in particular the Stahlhelm(Steel helmet)group.This movement,the 'Landvolkbewegung' soon started bomb attacks on government buildings and farm houses owned by farmers opposed to their movement.There was a major protest in August of 1929,when one of the leaders was released from a short prison term in Neumunster,north of Hamburg.Their movements flag was confiscated by the police and the this led to a boycott of selling products in the town,which almost caused its financial collapse and was only called off after a year when the flag was handed back.The area was extremely volatile and the German elections of 1928 whilst Hitlers party only managed 2.6% nationwide,in some of the areas of Schleswig-Holstein they managed 17% and in local areas up to 36%!!! In a few weeks the Wall Street Crash would make the world even more dangerous....... Altona held the trial of some of those involved with the bombings and the imprisonment meant the movement soon disappeared as the Nazis rose to power and would soon provoke the Altona bloody sunday. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rural_People's_Movement https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landvolkbewegung_(Schleswig-Holstein https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altona_Bloody_Sunday Sport acted as an escape from the social and political troubles and even as the British troops were advancing on Hamburg in WW2 a large crowd attended a football match between two local sides!!!

It shows the standard of tuning and quality of speedway engines,They just rip off the riders IMO.

The Danish GP qualifiers was held tonight. Top 5 were NKI,Mikkel Michelson, Jepson-Jensen, Hans Anderson, Kenneth Bjerre. Plus Kildemand as the wildcard to make up the 6 qualifiers.

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