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:Poole to offer free admission to any NHS worker for the 2020 season if/when the season starts!!

JUST to clarify, copies for subscriptions that started this week were mailed out this morning direct from our office. For the duration of the subscription, copies will be mailed direct from printers on a Wednesday. WE realise that with no actual speedway taking place our editorial team have to work extra hard to provide content that is worthy of your money. We will do our best to weather what is undoubtedly the biggest storm Speedway Star has ever faced. Thank you ...

Well said Barry, thank you and you and yours stay healthy and safe.. Slightly off topic British Speedway has never needed a man to oversee the Sport for the benefit of the sport as a whole any more so than it does now, however as usual the BSPA cant see the wood for the clouds or is it the Trees ? , to my way of thinking Barry Bishop is head and shoulders above anyone on the present management committee, and would not be afraid to make decisions that would benefit the WHOLE sport not just decisions that benefit the few, he should be leading the Sport in this hour of need..

That was my debut as an excited 14 year old on the coach from Norwich. Oh the bliss of seeing Our Man win before our very eyes. Nothing ever beat that except seeing him do it again.

Lambert would be a world beater if he could gate with the best, but he does have time on his side,I'll use Leon Madsen as an example, he was good but not great until he won the European championship.If Lambert was 1st coming out of the 2nd bend, he wouldn't lose to many races. If you are looking at this Robert practice your reflex until you're sick of doing it, then do it again, you are good enough as is Dan Bewley albeit a year or 2 behind you.

What a stupid post! My season ticket was bought in good faith during December 2019 and I would like it back sometime

my psv drivers badge which new drivers dont get these days started with initials "cc" have often being called it lol

Just received this week's edition Philip and full marks to the editorial staff already for producing such a great read. I can only say to anyone not already subscribing, the mag is superbly put together and great value. As to content, perhaps ask the readers for ideas? I actually emailed Andrew earlier this year a suggestion around getting a rider like Scott Nicholls to give us his views on each of the tracks in the top two divisions. My thought was that many fans never get to see a track at the other end of the country and would be interested in hearing a rider comparing tracks. How about transcribing a conference call between 3 or 4 riders getting their opinions on a different subject every few weeks? One thing I think the Star did miss out on was a suitable tribute to Andreas Jonsson when he announced his retirement. Bjarne Pedersen even got a front cover - I am sure a lot of Coventry and Lakeside fans in particular would love to see AJ treated similarly. A true racer and great guy for both tracks. Finally, a shout out to Jeff Davies again for his covers - they are works of art! Crumpie in all his glory this week.

No chance of that while the powers that be are on about releasing prisoners early to avoid over crowding during this period. I know it's a bit contentious on my part, but wouldn't it be a good idea to create space in prisons by getting rid of all the 'lifers'. Just a thought!

But I recall seeing you there, orange trilby, black cravat, pink winklepickers, and New Cross rosette

i think the biggest problem the sport might face going forward is the need to work together .. i'm sure with some of the promoters working together is not necessarily in their nature

Hey, The challenges for a club such as ours are many - for example we have already spent for 40 AIr fence banners, plus A frame and trackside banners, we have invested in new media equipment, track equipment, we have undertaken Ferry TV and Newpapers marketing campaigns (although these are suspended), and there are many other expenses associated with the season starting insurances, pbs, machinery hire contracts and more... its pretty tricky right now. Luckily, we havent processed any season tickets and not all sponsorship agreements, but the worry is that if our sponsors pull out or reduce their sponsorship it could provide a much greater challenge moving forward for the sustainability of the club (as you know speedway is not my main work). I am sure that our club is not alone when I say that we have already had contact from sponsors raising such questions about the seaon ahead and what's happening and how that might reflect their sponsorship contribution. Nothing said in a bad way... just enquiring because for sure, they will also be hurting too and worried about their bottom line. It is a heartbraking situation for us all and even more so for anyone who has to make considerable financial investment to bring speedway to the public in the first place.. Riders, Promoters, Management, and I am sure our govening bodies too. But all this really does not compare in the effort of our nation(s) right now to protect us all against Covid 19 and I wish you all well and keep healthy and safe. As to the question of if we can all survive this... I am always very positive about the future and what lays ahead but it will take an effort from everyone involved in speedway from our fans to our governing bodies to ensure that we succeed. Promoters and riders cannot do it alone... never could, but even more so after this. Keep safe, check in with your elderly relatives and if you need a chat reach out to me anytime. No need to be lonely.

the fiery aussie as he was known used to blast round the boards when the track wasnt as wide as it is soz was now,him and lou in ht 13 used to team ride and am sure talked to eachother as they went round.

You are quite right Geoff. It was 1974 originally as Barrow didn't race in 1975. He did break it again in 1975 very early on, and tried to ride in 1976 but to no avail

not wishing to disagree but i think mal broke his leg in 74 came back in 75 it broke again when he fell at derwent park but yes r/r was used in 76 for him.

Mal rode for the Comets between 1970 and 1976, and between the years 1970 to 1974 Newcastle were not in the second Division. In 1975 Mal broke his leg in a crash at Barrow early in the season, ruling him out all season.The two teams met in a Challenge meeting in April and then not till Sept. In 1976 he made a very brief return for a couple of meetings before his leg problems returned, causing him to retire from the sport. He will have been genuinely injured each time I would say

To be fair Mala there were a load of names I could have put down and I did say of the riders listed that they had gave some brilliant individual moments and left me with special memories and if you start to list them all you could be on a month of Sunday's compiling a list and that the list I made certainly didn't detract from any other rider who had rode for the Diamonds they are all brave lads and I would have liked to have put every name down of the riders I have witnessed round the spot... some very memorable and others not so.... Unlike many Speedway fans I actually like our track and appreciate it's a bit "marmite" in most fans and riders eyes... but the one thing I do like to watch are first timers to Brough Park... a couple of stand out moments were the two Poles who rode for Ipswich watching their struggles on there first Brough visit and in the same meeting watching Scott Nichols giving a master class on how to ride the spot... although I think he had been once before... or when Darcy Ward came for his first visit and we watched him master the spot with a third a second then rounded it off with three wins... awsome... I enjoy riders like Eddie Kennett who hates the spot but when he does come you know something will happen... Adam Roynon was another who always fought with the track but provided great entertainment and spectacular spills... Josh Auty again a rider who hates the place I would say but turns up like a hero everytime and gets on his bike and gets on with it trying his best for his team... then usually comes off but fair play to the kid you can't knock him back he gets up and gets on with it... Riders we had a go at getting in their early careers but failed like Peter Kildermand Craig Cook and Jason Garrity were/are always a pleasure to watch round Brough and I again enjoy watching quality riders strut their stuff at Newcastle... Here's one for Tsunami... who may have a better memory because I was only a kid at the time but when I was looking at all them old programmes I was taking a bit of time looking at the old Workington meetings because of my connections and one name that was always missing at Brough with either R/R or a guest in was Mal MacKay... now the question is Was that due to a genuine injury or was he pulling a sickie because he didn't like the spot? Maybe a Worky fan has the answer? I am aware of many riders who dislike Brough many others who love the place and many more who don't have a bias either way seeing it as just another race track and I thank then all for some fantastic entertainment over ther years (and some rubbish as well mind) but they can only race on what's prepared for them... but is that not one of the reasons why we love the sport and find it so fascinating... I do hope we get some racing in this year and that bloody virus doesn't wreck the entire season.... If I get time at work tomorrow I might have a look at our team an see if my take on it does or doesn't stir a bit of debate... got to do something to keep people interested... lol... Regards THJ

Some good ideas, unsung heroes of tracks (volunteers), ex riders stories, fans stories, fan photos (amateurs), many have been done but just kicking a few ideas around.

I suspect that may be the most we can salvage from this 'season', and I think, all things considered, that would be considered agreeable albeit far from perfect. Timing has to be good too in terms of society getting back to normal, I'd hope and expect there will be a strong demand for entertainment/sport - speedway included - when that time arrives, clubs could yet benefit in revenue terms were crowd levels above average and as outgoings would be greatly reduced compared to a full season - silver lining?

Got the Wiggy book too, also books on Swindon Speedweay, Sam Ermolenko & Jason Crump, Chris Morton's When the Can Ran Out, not got brother Dave's book or John Louis' book yet.. The Moran Brothers, Kelly Moran - Hell Of A Life (to say the least), both by Brian Burford, Ivan Mauger - The Man Behind the Myth by John Chaplin. 'Slight' Hull bias in my collection but i like all speedway books...

Wouldn't mind doing one on Debbie Harry, but not sure about Rod Stewart lol.

My first one was Wembley 1972 Wembley 1981 Bradford 1985 Amsterdam 1987 Vojens 1988 Munich 1989 Bradford 1990( jumped on the track and high fived Per on his victory presentation lap Gothenburg 1991 Wroclaw 1992( minibus with the Oxford boys) Pocking 1993 Vojens 1994

Yes, that was me. You don't happen to have a photo by any chance do you?

Honestly Best ever score 24 points... but that's under debate... we normally do Pop Master in the office and if I get into the teens I do a lap of honour round the office as I always seem to get to 12 then get stuck... however I have managed 24 twice and once over I hesitated on a question and blurted it out the same time as the contestant and I claimed the points but the office crew wouldn't allow it so its a one time dubious 27 but two definite unchallenged 24's... and I have done 3 in ten twice once on Debbie Harry/Blondie and once on Rod Stewart but never anything as exotic as "Bucks Fizz"... probably would struggle making my mind up but when you think about it that could be a speedway song.... You gotta speed it up (definite speedway reference) And then you gotta slow it down (another speedway reference) 'Cause if you believe that our love can hit the top (we all love speedway) You gotta play around But soon you will find that there comes a time For making your mind up (reference to Rob Grant buying the club?)(or fans getting to see a meeting anytime soon?) You gotta turn it on (the engine) And then you gotta put it out (definite speedway reference) You gotta be sure that it's something Everybody's gonna talk about (speedway) Before you decide that the times arrived For making your mind up (who you support)(the Diamonds) Don't let your indecision Take you from behind (definite speedway reference)(or it could be rude but I wont go there!!!)(Giggidy!!!) Trust your inner vision Don't let others change your mind (riders going for the gap) And then you really gotta burn it up (definite speedway reference) And make another fly by night (definite speedway reference who doesn't like watching speedway at night under lights) Get a run for your money and take a chance (definite speedway reference) And it'll turn out right (slipped up here because we turn left)(or maybe the result will turn out right) And when you can see how it's gotta be (win lose or draw) You're making your mind up (to pick your meeting) And try to look as if you don't care less (when your team loses) But if you want to see some more… (definite speedway reference and we would all like to see some more speedway but this poxy Covid 19 is creating havoc) Sad I know but the next time you here this dross you may have a different perspective on the lyrics and it will be in your head all day now... sorry... Anyway back to the question of Pop Master. The office manager here is a lad called Malcolm and he scores well every day, anything from the late 70's to the present day and he generally knows the answer and he regularly gets high 20's to low 30's (smart ass) but anything earlier usually stumps him... and now the official office tea break is 10:30 to 11:00 to accommodate Uncle Ken and Pop Master... cant beat a bit of competition in the office... Hope everyone is safe and well and as an aside on a more serious note I got my first notification today of someone I know who has come down with Covid 19 and he is in isolation in James Cook Hospital and not very well by all accounts... hope he pulls through as the poor sod has asthma and this has proved to be an issue with anyone who has caught the virus... Regards THJ

i think, at this time, a new law should pass to increase usual sentences by 50 pc for crimes taking advantage of the situation. It boils my blood

I'm aware of a few Clubs who were already offering Concessions to NHS and key workers and Military / Emergency Front line so well done Poole on going a bit further. Hope that when the season does start (and lets all be hopeful and positive that it will start at some point) that all Clubs will follow this with similar schemes.

The Swedish elitserien teams have decided to postpone the start of the season to 2 June (4 weeks) . There will be no quarter finals either. Other changes are an increase of number of transfer cards from 3 to 7 and the average floor limit has been powered to 8.000 from 8.500. https://www.elitspeedway.com/artikel/lfxwak87i-21mi1/framflyttad-sasongsstart-och-nya-regler-i-bauhaus-ligan-i-speedway

In the scheme of things it is fairly trivial , however I noticed my season ticket cheque ( 2 tickets) had been cashed and I asked for money back. Got a response that request sent to accounts department( did not know they had one) nothing heard since. More important things going on at the moment and I will not starve , but I would really like my money back. About £460

Yes speedway is trivial compared to the fight against Coronavirus. But if you are living on statutory sick pay £94 per week you will need the money back.

I was lucky to go to: 1983 Norden - fun trip with chequers travel, but an underwhelming final 1985 Bradford - produced some good racing, Gundersen taking Moran and King was one of the great world final rides 1987 Amsterdam - fun trip, but again an underwhelming final 1990 Bradford - great night time atmosphere and the racing was worthy of the occasion 1992 Wroclaw - still an iron curtain feel about the place, stayed in Berlin and had a great trip. The racing was nothing special. Thing I remember most is the mouthy Yorkshire man on the coach who became unbearable after Havelock won! Still, there were a few good humoured Cradley and Wolves fans who were a good laugh.

What about Paul Thorp 1993 42 matches 9.90 6 full 1 paid.

I was there as well. Don't remember seeing you though.

Step forward Barry Bishop - kneel and Arise Sir Barry. And onwards to the deserved speedway sainthood status. Please foward some DNA and I will attempt to clone 50 Promoters, who can work together to ensure the speedway racing does survive.

To Peter Collins - remember just how you were adored by so many and are still olved by them, for what you did and how you did it. Pure class for sure, a true speedway racer.

Can you confirm your father's and grandfather's names, and also their sponsor's name?

I am a UD Almería season ticket holder and we still have 6 home games to be played! Will these games be played? If not will I get a refund? Who cares? People are dying, people are very ill......there are far too many serious matters to address, rather than speculating about refunds!

We never did. Darryl I think wanted to strangle him as as we walked from the pits across the centre green Davey looked over to the first bend and said 'Well i'll not do anything here tonight'. We were riding well, and if you remember, we should have had a second back to back PL title and finished equal on meeting points as Sheffield, but lost out on actual points scored, despite we had won more matches that them. A couple of years later the rules changed, after Exeter won the league, as homer tracks like them both was favouring the homer tracks. We had intended to give the team a stern talking to to try and raise our chances of a win after starting to get better at Exeter in the previous years. . Davey's comment blew that, and he proceeded to do 3 start and backed off the throttle each time before the first bend, and stayed at the back before pulling onto the center green. We could have strangled him.

10.15 from 21 matches - 109 rides - 275+1pts - 6 full maximums and 1 paid maximum to be precise!!

And what Mr Illingworth did to him that night! And also what Watt did at Stoke the same season.

i went to Wembley '81, LA '82, Norden '83, Gothenburg '84, Bradford '85, then Longtrack Final in Scheessel '95, and my favourite was the longtrack!! Tatum's first title after a runoff with Wigg, in front of all those Germans

Went to Sunday school, and in the same Boys Club as Mike. He was also in the training school before mine at C. A. Parsons. I went to the same school as Mike Hiftle, who was always a tearaway from Walkerville.

That could have been when the Byker Wall was being built. The snake like wall encased houses and the curves made little communities and some gardens. At the time the architecture was heavily criticised due to it's size and colour scheme, but most of the people who had lived in the previous streets, which were in long parallel rows and down the hill, loved them. The foreign woman I think you met, became a Wall resident and took photos over the years of Byker life as well as the Wall and it's inhabitants. She published a book of these photographs, and one of those books is the reading matter in my opticians on Chillingham Road about half a mile away from the Wall.

I would like to mourn the passing of Stars superfan and season ticket holder - David Mckuen, who passed away last week after a short illness. David was devoted to the Stars and attended every year since they opened ( and also the Linnets football team ). He was a kind and generous man who went out of his way to give me a lift to Stars matches. If you knew him on the first bend terraces, join me in a There You Go friend salute. R.I.P. David. God Bless.

If I can do it, anyone can.

During this pretty scary period nothing much is happening on the side of news in speedway, i'm just trying to keep speedway in people's minds if you like. I was thinking would people like to select there dream team 7 from any riders who have ridden for us until the current day? It might help pass a bit of time I'll start I only started going to speedway in 97 when the diamonds re opened, 1) Jesper Olsen (Was very exciting to watch a great servant to the diamonds unfortunately had a few injuries later on in his career. 2) Nicki P (Only with us for one season but wow some of his over taking was brilliant, even in his one season you could tell he'd go on to bigger and better things. 3) Bjarne Pedersen (Again done quite a lot of work from the gate but a super consistent rider rarely seen him break down, could be ruthless when he needed to be. 4 Kenny Bjerre (I went to Berwick away his first meeting for us I think he only scored a point thought to myself what have we signed here! But as soon as the league program started he was fl$ying and some of his passing was brilliant.) 5) Kenni Larsen (Again another brilliant starter, had a magnificent 2010 as did most of our team, scored bucket load of points for us. A shame things outside of speedway took his career off the rails.) 6 Rene Bach (I think probably my favourite diamond... couldn't make a start to save his life but brilliant watching him come from behind, awful injury which i don't really think he ever got over. But still a joy to watch when he's on song.) 7 James Grieves (Only with us for 2 seasons i think but 2005 was fantastic especially at home, scored a lot of maximums. Dipped a little the second year but a really good signing wish he'd stayed for longer.) Well that's my choice I look forward to seeing everyone elses!

At least you may remain sane at the end of the day and will receive a wage rather than a handout (if you're lucky). Just keep washing those hands and keep colleagues 2 metres from your person!

I think the big question following yesterday's announcement is: Do crumpets count as essential supplies?

No it isn’t. They are ruthless (pun not intended) but they aren’t stupid. If any rider went into their top league and struggled then eight or nine years later was suddenly riding at an elite level a team would pick them up because it is a sport and it’s about winning.

Lambert is undoubtedly a great talent, one who was seemingly destined for the very top, particularly when he burst on to the league racing scene. To look at where he is in relation to his age shows just how well he has done as a British rider. Can he get better? Undoubtedly. Will he get better? Who knows. Some of Lamberts peers age wise in world speedway are better than him at present, that doesn’t mean they will always be better than him. It is easy to forget how young he is due to how long he has been on the scene. I don’t know what goes on behind the scenes but if there is room for him to improve his fitness and professionalism then that would only make him an even better prospect. What I do know from watching him is that his gating and work in the first bend could be improved upon. If he does that then a world championship is not out of the question in the future. However they don’t give world championships out for fun, look at the likes of Leigh Adams who spent the majority of his career at the pinnacle of the sport and never claimed the ultimate prize. I’d love to see Robert competing at the sharp end of the GP series in years to come and I believe that he is still the best prospect we have by a country mile at present.

I like Bewley and before his injury Bewley was doing nicely in Poland. Lidsey for me is a rider i really like he will progress Dan this will be a big year for him ( if it starts).He needs to improve his away form and consistency, though he is capable of borderlining on world class in the near future.