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Morning Just to put a smile on your face and apparently its all true and it really happened (cough cough) Husband: My wife is missing. She went out yesterday and has not come home... Sergeant at Police Station: What is her height? Husband: Gee, I'm not sure. A little over five-feet tall. Sergeant: Weight? Husband: Don't know. Not slim, not really fat. Sergeant: Colour of eyes? Husband: Sort of brown I think. Never really noticed. Sergeant: Colour of hair? Husband: Changes a couple times a year. Maybe dark brown now. I can’t remember. Sergeant: What was she wearing? Husband: Could have been pants, or maybe a skirt or shorts and a top. I don't know exactly. Sergeant: What kind of car did she go in? Husband: She went in my Audi Sergeant: What kind of Audi was it? Husband: (sobbing) Audi A6 Avant Black Edition, Ambient Lighting pack - A6, Front and outer rear heated seats, Valcona leather - Lunar silver + super sport seats, 3 spoke heated sports leather multi-function steering wheel with paddle shift, LED Matrix headlights with high beam assist, Pearlescent paint, Audi drive select, Audi parking system plus with front and rear sensors, Audible and visual fasten seat belt warning - front and rear, Cruise control, Driver's information system, MMI SD card Navigation, Mobile telephone preparation, PAS, Service interval indicator, 3 point seat-belts on all seats, ABS-EBD, ASR traction control, Curtain airbags, Driver and passenger airbags, Driver-front passenger side airbags, Electro-mechanical parking brake, Electronic stability control, Front passenger airbag deactivation, Hill hold assist, Tyre pressure monitoring system, Warning triangle and first aid kit, Anti theft alarm, Anti-theft wheel bolts, Immobiliser, Key-less Start, Remote central locking, Audi music interface, Auxiliary input socket, DAB digital radio module, MMI Radio plus with CD player and bluetooth interface, SD card slot, USB connection, 12V power in rear centre console, 4 way electric lumbar support, 4 zone climate control, Aluminium door sill trims, Black cloth headlining, Double cargo floor, Electric front seats + driver memory, Front centre armrest, Front head restraints, Front-rear floor mats, Height adjustable front seats, Isofix front passenger and rear seat preparation, Jack and tool kit, Load lashing points, Luggage compartment cover, Luggage rails, Perforated leather gear-knob, Rear headrests, Split folding rear seat, Auto dimming rear view mirror, Automatic headlights + automatic windscreen wipers, Body coloured bumpers, Body coloured door mirrors and handles, Body coloured roof spoiler, Door sill trims with S line logo, Electric front-rear windows, Headlight washers, High gloss black door mirrors, High gloss black finish B pillar, High gloss black triangular aperture at rear door, LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights, Light sensor, Platinum grey front lip spoiler, Privacy glass (to rear of B post), Rain sensor, Rear wiper, Alcantara door trim, Piano black finish inlay, Space saver spare wheel, Black Styling pack - A6 Avant, Non smoking pack - A6, Diesel particulate filter (At this point, the sobbing has turned into a full cry.) Sergeant: Don't worry buddy. We'll find your Audi Regards THJ

"Confessions of a speedway promoter" is still an excellent read and head and shoulders the best speedway book I've ever read. There's some far fetched arguments comparing John Louis and Tony Davey favourably with Peter Collins, which are obviously coloured by bias and possibly a grudge? But it still presents a fantastic insight of the challenges of speedway promotion. There is one observation that is relevant to this discussion where Berry talks about the need to prioritise the casual fan and general public above the hardcore, who will come rain or shine anyway. That's bang on and something that the sport as a whole has lost sight of. You are also quite right Sidney to highlight that there is still talent within the sport. To tar every promoter with the same brush would be unfair.

Not really.... I only drink twice a week.... Once for four days and once for three... I have also been told to have a well balance diet... the best way to do that I have found is to have a drink in each hand.... Regards THJ

Recommended. Worth a read and a re-read. Tony Mac should be paying me for this

I knew John Berry well, when he was running Wimbledon. He could be a funny guy with a great sense of humour, he also had a very serious side when it came to speedway. I got on well with him, he was a pleasure to work with.

When I used to run a regional MMA promotion we knew we could not get the big names domestically as they were all signed to domestic shows who had the TV deals for which there were really only two of those. So we focused on amateur talent plus those upcoming professionals who could use us as a stepping stone for the big show. So in terms of selling shows the fighters actually sold the tickets for commission to friends, family and fans however we still had to promote the event to the locals or casual fans who didnt have a personal connection So we basically used the local talent and promoted them to sell the show and to make them "stars of the show" who people would recognise over time We had the local fighter who become known as the guy fighting in the blue and white star shorts Another guy was a polish fighter who was part of the olympic wrestling squad in the past who walked out to a polish rap performer doing his ring walk A local young lad who had the look and the body that women die for The local ticket seller whom sold 220 tickets to the shows that had a 1000 capacity as he was so well known if you didnt buy a ticket to watch him you'd at least recognise his face on a poster We developed mini stars in our catchment area that people came to see... many loved the polish guy and people would say theyve come to watch Rafal... plus having a big local polish community... it drew people in to watch their countryman One of my amateur champions has just signed to the UFC and the guy in the star shorts has just lost a title fight in the biggest promotion in europe. The same belt that was once held by Conor McGregor Most have gone on to perform on the biggest platforms across Europe. So with domestic speedway stars and personalities can be created through the right promotion and the special thing about speedway is the opportunity for rider and fan interaction

Indeed he was, I could have watched him all day long when he was in the mood, one of the most naturally gifted riders of any era imo. This was another enthralling race, I watched it on tv but I was leaning all over my chair like I was in the race, brilliant speedway. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf7A27TP0WY Tony Millard's finest hour I reckon. RIP Tony.

Well a didn't want to mention his girlfriend or the other plums mother... Regards THJ

Honeslty Chatted to him last year and this (including his current main sponsor) and he would have come back but he needed security... the two warring parties we had as promoters couldn't agree on anything one was bailing out and taking his bat ball and dummy with him and the other clown was going to take us into the National League... What was Steve supposed to do? Hang on and wait for something to break whilst slots in other sides were filling up rapidly... he nearly got his fingers burnt the year before when he signed for Worky and they folded... (sorry my bad) Steve got a good offer off Poole and absolutely zip off Newcastle... no brainer for him.... and to be fair I have known him (and Richie) since they first come to Newcastle and sponsored both of them off and on over the years and I have no reason not to believe him... I also think he will score big at Poole this year and they have a cracking top 3/4 and if we ever do get any action this year it will be interesting to see how Stevie does and the rest of the Poole team for that matter.... bloody poxy Covid 19.... Regards THJ

I think you'll find that model has a gun metal grey front lip spoiler, on a side note, did they find his wife ?

If the Prison Warder and the Printer could have sorted their differences out and confirmed that Newcastle were running Steve Worrall would have come back to Newcastle and it was only while the club was under threat of closure that Steve signed for Poole. (and that was also why Robbo had to go with Redcar for his farewell meeting. I spoke to Robbo at the Redcar/Newcastle meeting and he said he was shocked after he had spoken to one of the promoters who told him that the club were looking at closing down and they couldn't guarantee him a date for this year and his final meeting) The majority of riders had this season (2020) sorted before the 2019 one had ended; Poole will definitely benefit from a fitter and more healthier Steve Worrall this year with the rod removed from his leg; their gain is definitely Newcastle's loss. Its a pity Rob didn't get the club sooner than he did as one thing for sure love him or loathe him Rob Grant is his own man and will run the club in the way he thinks best which isn't a bad thing as far as I am concerned; at least he can make a decision; also if Rob had come in maybe just before the end of the 2019 season he would have had a much larger pool of riders to choose from and the team may have looked much different. Not that IMHO do I feel we have a bad team at present. Lets also be "Totally Honest" here; Steve wasn't the only one who was paid late this year as he was just one of three that I am aware of (and there could have been more) and last year for that matter with riders waiting until after the season had finished before getting settled up and again there were 3 or 4 who had to wait for final payments with two of them having to wait until after the Christmas period to see their final cheques "land on the mat". So those who have knocked Rob Grant need to think long and hard because if we were left in the hands of the Prison Warder and the Printer we would have no club. The era of St George has ended and thank the lord for that as far as I am concerned because neither him or the Prison Warder could run a bath let alone a business. St Rob is a businessman and he will make the hard decisions and take the club forward in my view and long may he reign... Regards THJ

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1098746058/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1

Isn't there a form that the captain has to sign to say riders have been paid? Was Steve your captain last year? This is why I find that the system is wrong when riders that do not get paid, withhold their services until they do get paid, but get a 28 day ban!

Don't know what Shawn is doing now a great rider who was box office just like Kelly(RIP). I have seen his DVD and was amazed and shocked on how Shawn said he lost his nerve it just shows how we all forget just how dangerous speedway is.

Yes it was packed. Canny Eric Boothroyd held a meeting at the Shay later that day. It was packed. Happy Days

Individual racing in yesteryear was fine, but now apart from the odd meeting the market for that type of format on a regular basis has long gone.As much as the.level has dropped in the UK most fans still enjoy league racing i certainly do.I for one would not be happy with limited meeting's and just individual meeting's.I would rather have a lesser product clubs running and being prudent and only paying out what they can afford.

I would add m,y very best wishes to this. Both Martin and Barry are excellent people as well as fine examples of how to promote sport.

He ain't the only 1 lol

Got nowt to say, just another post to try and overtake Poole's total !!

So,,, wa ffffed really then???

Aye Richard we are coming up on the rails... I thought there would have been a lot more banter on here with everyone stuck in the house and seeing what's on the telly you need an outlet... After Brexit doing our head in for about 3 years... Covid 19 will be good for the next 2 years at least... next 2/3 month the murder rate will be up due to folk being locked in with each other due to Covid 19 next 6/7 month the riots due to Covid 19 and government still trying to restrict peoples social interactions to 9/10 month and the baby boom from the people locked in with nothing to do who havent managed to kill each other then 12/14 month a relaxing of the social restrictions and pubs open due to a vaccine being developed then 16/18 month the divorce rate explodes due to folk realising what damage Covid 19 has done to their lives... 22/24 month shares in companies making anti depressants go through the roof as there is talk of Covid 21/22 and we will start all over again... Happy days Regards THJ

He would have done if... and it was only if... they (you know who) could have committed to the club running this year.... his mind was made up for him I think early in the September... when one promoter was telling anyone who woukd listen that he was walking and the other one was saying he was taking the club down a league... so if we had one of the promoters saying we were definitelty running Steve told me he would have stayed... well for one promoter not the other... but neither of the goons would give an inch and through their own arrogance put the whole club in jeopardy... so if Rob Grant had of been in the picture then it may have been a totally different story... but al tell ya what their kid has a job on in Forest Hall with his groundworks business and he told me two week ago just before the lockdown when I dropped in to see him that... and dependant on Covid 19 restrictions... there kid was gonna come up for a couple of weeks to do a bit of graft... we had arranged to go out for a beer and a bite to eat but that has been scuppered for now.... but when we do get together I will ask him again... I very much doubt he has changed his mind... however I will report back what he says.. Howzat grab ya... Regards THJ

I think they should re run the 1973 world final?!

Both these books are a superb read! It's also quite sad how Berry could see how speed should and could be ran and sadly how his predictions of how the sport would end up is pretty much bang on. A great man with so many forward looking ideas however just like some before him and more since the BSPA sucked all the enthusiasm and energy he had for speedway out of him.

John Berry was before my time but someone my old man respected hugely and the mention of Billy Sanders the same.... I say before my time I would have been too young to remember but they probably would have seen me. Billy again such a character from what I hear the best story I ever heard was the prank he played on my parents on their wedding day. Billy somehow stole/borrowed a sheep from a field and covered it with squirty cream and locked it in the back of my parents wedding car so when they were about to be whisked off they were met by a rather hyper sheep ready to run for it lol

I have removed Curtis as requested. I mistakenly believed / was told Curtis and AP who do the website are all part of Nigel Pearsons Media empire. I apologise for any offence caused.

If you are a Facebook user, we are having a weekly speedway quiz on our usual Thursday race night. The questions and instructions are posted on the Wightlink Warriors and Wightlink Wizards Supporter’s Club Fb page at 19.00 with the answers posted the following Sunday. No prizes, just a bit of fun. Why not have a look and try your luck?

FACEBOOK PREMIERE. From Tapes Up Productions and sponsored by Paul Starke Racing we will be going live with the Facebook Premiere of the full British Semi-Final meeting tomorrow evening at 19:45. Join us then to beat the extended winter blues!

Poor Erik and Maddie

A wondered why George seemed scared of him, he did seem a bit bossy like

Nah - probably just sulking somewhere

Sums up the problem . Three of those names agree 100% with. They have little or no influence though at BSPA which is a closed shop of inward looking thinking.. Bishop promotes an NDL team very well but NDL has always been something the BSPA treat as an aside. Kilby has been around a few Clubs and seems to have found a niche at Swindon, meaning he didn't have time to do much with us brummies, but very positive force. Painter is probably the most interesting, involved in motor sport and speedway for a number of years, he now runs Team GB and in a few years they have developed incredibly well and professionally. throw in 2 other names who could have a lot more influence. Adrian Smith CEO at Belle Vue very professional and forward thinking. Peter Facenna at Glasgow is part of a family who have delivered an amazing business model and invested significant sums in to Glasgow. Smith and Facenna should be spearheading the Sport with Painter (all very successful businessmen) guys like Kilby and Bishop focused on marketing it. Not product that needs tinkering with but dead heading those driving the product and bringing in real talent. All of those will be lost though if they feel they are just banging there head against an immovable brick wall.

This is why if the main event in british speedway was an individual championship for British riders all the promotion can go into this and developing stars no matter whether they end up in poland or not then interest could then drop to local teams etc as well

You can see the riders here: https://sportowefakty.wp.pl/zuzel/pge-ekstraliga/statystyki/2019 The first drop down let's you select the league.

I have no technical/mechanical expertise but it may have someting to do with differing tyre widths and/or compounds/up right compared to lay down engines etc? Interesting observation all the same.

Yes your idea Falcon is a very good one something needs to change in my opinion, and if your suggestion happened i would go with It because i love speedway.Will things change i think not it never has in my lifetime and the chance they had years ago to let the late great John Berry revamp the sport was lost.The real shame of it all is we do have talented people out there who could try and implement change ( i.e.) Bishop,L.Kilby, Painter, Vatcher.

My experience of watching racing in Poland is just that it’s better. Even when the big names aren’t in the meeting. It is cheaper to get in, the meetings are run at a better pace and the racing is more competitive. That goes for league and individual meetings. I’ve seen seemingly more effort from riders in a “meaningless” individual in Poland than from others racing in our play-offs.

Sid, why is it you say league racing is now what the British speedway supporters want. It’s not for the standard of close racing surely. Team riding has disappeared, note the SON, team riding seems to be as you cross the line look behind to see if your team mate is behind you ie Jason Doyle. It’s every man for himself (with a few exceptions). So if it’s every man for himself that is why speedway gps are so exciting. Of course the “right” track makes a difference to good close racing. Some (most) of the televised British league racing last year were rubbish, I recorded them for future viewing, but then erased the recording as soon as the meeting was over.

When Berwick visited in Championship Shield action, they produced one of the best matches of the 2019 season. The Bandits were topping the Northern Section of the shield at the time. This show features several interviews and a dramatic conclusion! - Runtime: 41:30 Got a Facebook account? Watch there now to join the conversation with other supporters! Watching on a mobile device and have an AppleTV, Chromecast or Samsung Smart TV? You can watch the action on your television! Just tap here and follow the instructions.

We don't just need April 1st for fools on here, there's plenty to go round for the whole year really

Exactly the problem. Speedway is trying to please a dwindling hardcore. Trying to please 70% of 400 people then next year trying to please 70% of 350 people is no way to run a sustainable business. If speedway is to have any successful future, it needs to consult with and tailor its product for those people it is not attracting to the stadium, not the shrinking hardcore it is. Do you think cricket came up with Twenty20 by consulting with the few hundred who bother with county cricket? Not sure where the standing around comes from. Think of it as a festival, you pick the bands you want to see, those you don't and after you have seen what you want to see then go home. No one's forcing anyone to stand around?! The starting point has got to be the target market. Who does speedway want to appeal to? And then create the experience from there. That's why Twenty20 is a success. That's why UFC is a success. It's also why horse racing has thrived..it has become a much more family friendly experience. That's why I put forward the multi sport weekend festival model, to appeal to the young family market. It's far from a personal wishlist of activities, because its not about me and its not about you either. It's about getting the sport a new and bigger audience to give it a fighting chance of survival.

Hi folks, had this from ‘Gornal Wolf’. Thought this was worth putting up for others to have a go at. Speedway Anagrams: All of these have been Wolves heat leaders: 1: enough regret 2: alison designes 3: prevented banger 4: ended girlfriend 5: lone sloe 6: Korean moslem 7: wet mom amnesty 8: dominika racks 9: enrico ornery 10: hyde anagram And some easier ones for any Cradley fans looking in. 1: Pruce Benhall 2: Bvor Irown 3: Toy Rigg 4: Polin Cratt 5: Hilly Bamill Enjoy

and mine arrived on time as usual on Friday noon here in Bavaria No problems at all

Must say...some great stuff on here! Keep it coming!

I do feel sorry for all those who are self employed and those that live from hand to mouth, which runs into millions. In my opinion, globally, it has become an over blown hysteria. I blame the hysteria on the media and social media, which have both put severe pressure on the worlds governments. If this had happened, say, 10 or 20 years ago, when social media was still in its infancy, it would have been in the news yes, but not wall to wall and 24/7 and it would have been another seasonal virus that we needed to dodge, if possible. But the Genie is out now and God help us all! The worry for me, is not so much the virus, but the way man has reacted across the world. Two words worry me, civil unrest

I'm sure that he does what HE considers is in HIS best interests. Just like when a British promoter sacks a foreign rider to facilitate signing someone else and to keep within the averages... you could just as equally say that the British promoter is taking the P*ss out of that foreigner. What's good for the goose, and all that.