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Looking at the exciting line ups.... You would be wise to get there early.... (But not too early or you might end up riding for Birmingham)....

Poor management not giving Flint a try. Kemp never looked like doing anything in his last 3 races. Does not matter who wins it’s no lasts that count and Kemp looked like a nailed on last in both races v Czechs

It clearly reinforces what the promoters think of the competitions they run doesnt it? Which is... It isn't about the competitions themselves but simply about "putting some Speedway on".. Which is fine... As long as they don't spend much time scratching their collective heads, wondering why tens of thousands of fans who still follow this great sport very closely, give it a collective miss most weeks... Because simply, if they themselves don't even look like they try to take it seriously, (and meetings being ran like the Poole v Brum one suggests that is definitely the case), then getting fans to believe in it is very improbable.. A shame.. Great sport, really poor operating model..

Too many negatives popping up, seems as the British way of speedway is in the dumps all other nations should be dragged down as well. The "smaller" speedway nations need developing, it has been said on here for some time. Individual riders need developing. I was glad to see and event that has brought 15 nations into one competition, for sure it was expected that the current dominant nations would predictable dominate. But did they? Some "minor" nations surprised the top guns, at least giving them a run during a race though may not be beating them to the tapes. Who was not surprised at Luke Becker scoring 19, including 3 race wins....that is more than any other rider in Semi-final 1. Or the exciting rides from Timi Salonen and Marko Levishyn. Who was expecting those rider in SF1 to perform like that. In SF2 Milik showed form that he can still race, he scoring 19 along with Woffy and Berge. Who would expect Paco Castagna to race as he did and get 17, a lot more points then Robert and Dan put together. Who was expecting Matic Ivacic to show the pace he did. Can you see the enthusiasm this must have put into the young riders in these "minor" countries. The success of riders in Vojens must create enthusiasm with potential sponsors in those countries. There were sure signs progress can be made, the efforts of riders in the last two nights really was exciting. Not all efforts were turned into points, but the potential was clear to me. The crowds were poor, did the organisers see that coming? We dont know. Having 4 meetings in 4 days would mean supporters virtually spending a week in Denmark. Can many afford to do that. For sure there was a couple of supporters from GB there the last two nights, maybe others as well. Perhaps the organisers should have seen a low attendance coming, especially for three rounds, and could have said "we wont televise it", then there would still have been grumblers. I happy to see what has been on so far, the effort put in by organisers and riders (especially riders) will see something better in years to come. For the few riders from the last two meetings that will be riding tonight I wish them well and they dont get any injuries, a fewer numbers will be racing on Saturday in the main final as well, 3 meetings in 4 days is impressive.

Can’t believe they never gave Flint a race ,he can gate.Kemp didn’t look great IMO.

For sure the team fell to bits. But no-one could have foreseen that Bradley Wilson Dean would have been unable to perform given his record with Peterborough when he was last over here. He could reasonably have been expected to be a very competent number one. George Congreve was right up with Dean in NZ but proved to be out of his depth here. Not really Grant's fault. Plus Wright, Clegg, Wethers and Starke. To me it didn't seem to be a table topping team but, frankly, neither did not seem to be a bad team. A pivotal point, oft forgotten, was the Glasgow farce at Newcastle. Cammy Brown should never have been allowed to brow beat the referee regarding a hole in the track that no rider had gone near. Brown knew we were going to win that one and the negative psychological impact on Newcastle riders was severe when the meeting was lost by default. A lot of new faces at Brough that night. But they witnessed faffing about and delays and then lost a third of their entrance money when the meeting was cancelled. We may never know the whole story. But continuing the pillorying of Grant will be no help whatsoever as potential buyers will be really alarmed about the vitriol spilling out in this blog.

Even the most die hard speedway fan is going to think twice about turning up for this

When did they join the National League?

Can i just say a big thank you to Racers n Royals for providing the links to this weeks racing...... much appreciated from me sir. Nice one

An absolute disgrace. Birmingham speedway should be sanctioned for putting that team out!

It the problem when you have a busy fixture list with no free weeks in the height of summer!

where have you seen that reported ??? Not from the club or its owners -- they have a meeting soon with the landlords to discuss lease for 2023

The sport is ran by the promoters for the promoters and riders... Getting a credible operating model won't be for one minute discussed at any meeting... Rinse and Repeat... Guestfest after Guestfest... As long as 'any kind of speedway' is put out then it is mission accomplished... An expensive hobby for those who can afford expensive hobbies... And a channel for lads to earn as much as they can in six months worth of work... That is all it is over here, and all it ever will be I would think, given the promoters all seem quite reluctant to even consider that what they offer detrimentally impacts their own businesses and the wider sport in general.. Obviously you cannot take it seriously, but you can still have a great night out at the speedway, especially at those tracks that can deliver great racing...

No just recognise where they stand and stop having the powers that be build up mediocre riders and start from scratch. GB riders can rise to the top but at this moment they not on the pace and those in charge are doing these lads no favours. The riders are OK but they have a long way to go to be good.

There's a shame but felt leaving Kemp out on gate 4 was a bit weird....his only real chance of beating Chlupak was being off two....think Brennan had enough about him to cope off 4 and split the Czechs after the first corner

If people want to blame Brexit for the rider shortage how would they explain all of the European riders that are riding in this country with no problems at all? I think the issues may very well be elsewhere, with one country in particular

Some harsh comments on here I reckon, these are all youngsters giving it everything they've got, whatever the outcome it's been a cracking meeting, plenty of drama and some great riding from the likes o Kvech and Gusts, I've really enjoyed it.

More has happened so far tonight than both of the previous meetings put together.

In my opinion, DaleAllitt should piss off to Peterborough and stay there.

Brought to the top

Might see 14 guests in this meeting.

I don't agree completely with that. There is a current dearth of British riders of age approx 25-35 because of a lack of co-ordinated rider development initiatives. Reasons for that? Easier and cheaper to bring in foreign riders and the money from TV being spaffed up the wall on ridiculous money to star riders - again, mostly foreign. The Brexit argument you forward is only responsible for some of the shortage

Fine, but..... If the extra tournament had been staged in springtime, the meetings now taking place would be Championship matches -- with the same number of injured/suspended/unavailable riders missing. Birmingham (and Plymouth) have been blighted this season, with every effort to replace long-term absentees thwarted by total unavailability of new riders. The real reason for the drastic rider-famine is Brexit. Any speedway fan who voted for it must now be realising what a monster they helped create.

Exactly. Any simple Google search though will give you evidence and detailed analysis of the fact that high dose amounts of these drugs can stay in the system for up to 3 days and lead to false drugs tests based on how quickly the liver dilutes the various trace elements and morphine levels. I'm not saying Barker is innocent nor guilty in the same way that Kyle Howarth failed a test and was able to persuade powers that be that it was due to Night Nurse (allegedly) although he had shoulder problems. Clearly the more detailed analysis of his p-test will show a far more accurate picture. Plymouth have been transparent and to a degree set out their defence strategy. Only one person really knows what he has or hasn't taken and hopefully the test will be conclusive one way or another.

Is tonight’s meeting on Eurosport (sorry, I’m sure it’s been asked!)

Don’t fall for that. I once tried to jump the queue with my cash. When I got to the front I was told that I had gained an unfair advantage and was ordered to start queuing again 15m further back.

On the stream it looked like Ulrich dived down the inside of Paco entering bend 3, Paco tried to shut the door but Ulrich was ahead. Then Paco chucked it. No doubt there was contact but that was down to Paco not wanting to concede the lead.

There tonight horrid crash for Zaine , spoke to riders in the pits after his crash tonight rumours are his throttle side stuck open . Speedy recovery to Zaine and was great to see riders from both teams pulling together while we waited for the air ambulance by collecting Zaine’s equipment and bikes .Different breed speedway riders big respect to all riders tonight and the crowd for there patience and entertainment

My son is a professional athlete. He is given a list of banned substances and common medications that contain them. If he needs to take something (even if prescribed) that contains a banned substance he has to request a waiver from the league. If he takes it without an approved waiver, he will get banned. Plymouth’s statement that it was prescribed would not be an acceptable defence in any sport with a serious drug policy.

You mean you are going to desert me and watch on Eurosport 2 tomorrow

Bringing it back to Speedway, I think the Polish U24 league has drained a lot of riders that would normally have been riding in the UK... even some of the British riders! I commented that this would happen when the league was announced but nobody really picked up on it

And yet again, a meeting being ruined by watering...

Is this mouthwatering clash being streamed by any chance?

The Tower of London for some of those who run the sport.... "Orf with their heads" . "And hes anywan seen may Arndrew? He seems to hev gorn oyt again"

Bradley Wilson Dean.. always was an awful signing had never had a great meeting at brough and never been a number 1. I am sure he only averaged 5 or 6 last time he rode properly. Grants first big error of the season.

Lee was good in 1983. Very good. And at times, downright brilliant. I don't think he was the best rider in the world that year. That was probably Hans Nielsen. But he was back in the mix for sure and it would have been much more interesting having a motivated Lee, an active Penhall, a fit and stable Carter and a fit Sigalos around for a few more years to challenge and possibly beat Gundersen and Nielsen.

Kinda of feel like I have to go just so the club doesn't lose too much money. As they are going to lose a lot from paying the riders as it is.

The Eastbourne team that won NDL in 2018 would have thrashed that Birmingham team, as would Mildenhall. Looks like Brummies have lost so much money this year that the owner has said enough is enough. Can’t blame him.

Good to see countries such as Finland, Czech, France up there with the big boys

Can you as a TM forfeit tonights meeting and save the club from anymore embarrassment?I think as folk are gonna be paying to view this debacle it's the least that could be considered

Poole Pirates 1. Steve Worrall - 2. R/R for Drew Kemp - 3. Danny King - 4. Zach Cook - 5. Richard Lawson - 6. Ben Cook - 7. Connor Coles (Guest) - Birmingham Brummies 1. R/R for Josh Auty - 2. Danno Verge (Guest) - 3. Paul Starke (Guest) - 4. Tom Woolley (Guest) - 5. Justin Sedgmen - 6. Lee Complin (Guest) - 7. Ben Morley (Guest) - wow, just wow, I know injuries can’t be helped but WOW. I feel more sorry for Poole than Birmingham. If there was ever a reason to cancel a match for anything other than the weather then this is it

Why are only attached riders allowed to guest ride. Why can’t unattached riders who are sat at home with equipment ready to go in the hope of gaining a team spot somewhere be allowed to guest. they would want to do the best they can to put themselves in the shop window. thoughts.

But when one of the "power house" teams doesn't get a 7-2 against a "minnow" like GB in their opening outing or Pol vs Ger & Pol vs Fin it adds real jeopardy to proceedings. I thought it made both semi's very watchable, not for the racing but the jeopardy of a power house team not qualifying

Riss will be back in a few weeks. No ligament damage luckily for him

Before the 2 race-offs I think you may well have included Finland, France and the Czech Republic (looking at their rider line-up) in your list... and by the fact you haven't included those countries I think there in lies your answer

dont think shes offended mike,in fact understand shes offered to send prince andrew to present the trophy!!

Well not sure where you looked but Redcar Bears twitter gave the Bears line up 5 hours ago. R/R for Riss.

Maybe they had planned on it, but getting stuffed in the first heat pretty much screwed any strategy. It's easy to mess around when you're leading, but whe you have to do it from behind, it seriously limits your options.

Finally put it together. Woffindens and BEWLEY SHOULD START SATURDAY.

It honestly baffles me when you have clear historical data based evidence of the M.O. of any organisation doing similar in the past, that people still act so naive, subservient and gullible when faced with the same thing happening.. If Swindon fans want the sport back there then they need to close down the town centre in their thousands, by marching through it, making plenty of noise and gaining plenty of media coverage, calling out local and national government officials and the company involved... That "demonstration" the other week was, with all due respect to those who attended, frankly pathetic, given the "size of the prize", and will only have reinforced the belief in those who want to build houses that their opposition is "virtually non existent", and that those who do oppose them cannot organise or execute anything that will ultimately hurt them in the public conscience, and wider larger media.. Whilst the kids are off and the weather is nice, get out there and protest.. The media love kids protesting and pick the right one to get a lot of coverage about how his/her speedway has "been taken away" and they might start to get some ball rolling if not a bandwagon in gear... The apathy that currently appears to reign wont help the sport back into Swindon and will only help the cause of those who are trying to never allow it back..