Leaderboard

Great GP weekend. Cardiff has so much to keep you entertained outside of the GP. We spent time in the Bay (Techniquest is great if you've got little ones), City Centre is full of things to do (Fan Park. Shops, Castle etc), but all of that is of course secondary to the main event. Hats off to the organisers, that was a really good GP, crucially with the track much improved. It delivered some decent racing, with a couple of different lines working from early doors, and whilst some gates were preferable you really could win from any of them which kept things interesting. Yes, attendance was down, but the stadium still generated a top atmosphere, and I won't lie I quite liked not queueing to get in, or for food or the toilets so if people want to stay away again next year I couldn't give a monkeys, if it's in Cardiff again I'm 100% returning!

So crowd was much more than the promised 7500 - don't care who paid and who didn't the atmosphere was great and the racing was good thanks to the work on the track. Tai was a magnificent ambassador for the sport - saw him around the city and in the pits, and I have absolutely no idea of the number of pictures and autographs he did, but smiled for every one of them. Thought it was going to be his night, but not to be. Cardiff is a great city for a weekend and for a couple of nights out, and the way that streets are closed and decorated for the GP is unrivalled in the speedway world - for all the advocates of Belle Vue, they must realise that the city centre facilities nearby can't be matched. There was no conspiracy about the venue next year - the date was given, just like other years. Catching up with the forum today, after some decent racing the moaners came down to the fireworks and the trophies - please find something more interesting! Of course it was really noticeable that the negativity on the forum was widespread during the actual racing and now those of us who went and enjoyed ourselves over the weekend are now posting with more positive messages.

No it wasn’t, by Cardiff standards it was one of the better offerings.

Went last year, track not good but Bewley made my night. Didn't go this year partly because of trains on strike and partly because of funds. I watched on TV and it looked good will be there next year definitely. I do wish people would stop being so negative, things change but life goes on if we love speedway start getting behind it whether its good or bad and perhaps good times may come again with a bit more support verbally.

I have been to every Cardiff GP and thoroughly enjoyed last night's offering, which exceeded expectations in every way. I have to say that I didn't like the thump, thump, thump "music" or the deafening level at which it was played, (reminded me of Wolverhampton and their clown of a presenter!!!) but then, I'm only an old fellow so that's perhaps to be expected - and I appreciate that they have to try and satisfy the majority - and the majority of people there did seem to like it, so I realise that I have to put up with it! The quality of the racing was excellent, and the track was superbly prepared, so hopefully, the people who stayed away in the memory of last season's shambles, will decide to give Cardiff another chance in future years, and help make sure that we don't lose this magnificent venue.

There is a lot of Tai bashing on here, but he is what the sport needs. We are missing those gobby crowd pleasers in domestic speedway. He knows how to get the crowd going and has a lot of support in a live environment.

Had an absolute blinding time last night, as I always do in Cardiff. Never get the bitching and whining about it. Racing was absolutely superb, very few dull heats. Crowd looked at least 5k up on last year, brilliant atmosphere, gorgeous weather. Gutted for Tai, who was absolutely on it. Think Lambo dropped a bollock by choosing gate 2, leaving the fast gate 1 on the inside and Bartosz on the other side. Cracking weekend in an absolutely brilliant city. Cant wait for Bydgoszcz and Cardiff again next year

Yep, strange how a few moaners like to see speedway struggling??!! Its a great sport lets support it if we can. Lost a bit of interest when my local track at Swindon closed, was walking distance.

You know; tonight could be the start of a turnover. Obviously, Batsh!t Smarslick looks good for another title, but it depends on how Tia Wolfinden is able to bounce back from injury. Still the future of British speedway looks promising in the hands of Den Bowley and Rod Limpet. The Danes have not replaced Nikki Peterson, and Len Madman is struggling at the moment. The Aussies look well served by Mick Fruck and Jock Hellfire. We just need some new riders whose names are easier for speedway fans to spell. Not that spelling seems to be important these days...

The best races were near the beginning, the racing is never going to be Scunthorpe or Belle Vue but it was still decent. The pros and cons of holding a Belle Vue v Cardiff GP gets discussed every year, as long as lessons have been learned from 2022 track, Cardiff comes out on top everytime imo.

Totally agree with all of that, thoroughly enjoyed it and great weather to boot !

I think that's harsh the track held up much better than last year ,IMO Cardiff often gives the less favourable riders a real chance of winning a GP and with the roof is guaranteed to be on . The rider of the night without doubt was Holder ( just can't warm to the fellow myself ) my worry with him is he has to ride beyond himself IMO at times to beat Bart , I think that Tai was under huge pressure from Bart when he came to grief. Even on a poor night by his standards he is the one they all fear people go on about him having all the luck but as Gary Player the golfer said "the more I practise the luckier I get " , imagine what he could do if he gated more often rather than having to do it the hard way !

Grubbiest and most boring? I actually thought it would be nice for a weekend away at some point. Lots of bars, eatery’s it had a happy vibe about it.

So, just like the old World Finals, then? That everybody loved! What about 1981? There were TWO good races... Sometimes events are more about the occasion than the racing ..

Bumped into Nigel Tolley in Cardiff, very approachable. I got the feeling he’s in this for the journey and does have political support beyond the greyhound track if that goes.

Great to hear people had a good time. Gave it a miss this year after last year's episode but I'll be back.

What a great day out, absolutely loved it. Well done Cardiff.

Yep loved it. Another great weekend in Cardiff.

Totally agree. I wasn't bothered by the result, (apart from I didn't want madsen to do well) and went for the venue - the city is accessible, friendly, full of speedway fans & things going on, all in a small area. The world cup I went to at belle Vue was awful in comparison, dump area, not easy to get to by public transport, very limited parking and nowt to do around the stadium - plus if it rains, oh well wasted trip.

Each to his own but you are on your own.

I completely agree, I really enjoyed it. Only criticism was the music was too loud and too much dance cam and not enough rider interviews.

I thought the presentation was spot-on and created a great atmosphere

If you only watched the last 8 heats sounds like your not very interested then, people go to Cardiff for the whole weekend and meeting other fans and enjoying a bit of banter in all the restaurants and pubs round the city before and after the meeting. Belle Vue might produce better racing but it cant match or come anywhere near Cardiff for the facilities around the town and stadium.

To be honest that's the impression I get from it. I've been twice and must admit the atmosphere was amazing in the city centre itself but the actual racing was pants. I would compare it to the Monaco Grand Prix. Everyone knows the racing will be dull and decided by the first corner but people want to be a part of the atmosphere and the experience surrounding it.

A man who puts his money where his mouth is for the good of speedway well done to him !

No MUST about... It's at Cardiff next year

Totally agree, but... you've occasionally got to back your gob up with performances or you just become a bit of a gobby prat. His move back to the UK genuinely seemed to spark something in him, I hope he returns to the UK next year and steps it back up again. Watching his reaction after winning his opening race in such fine style was something I hadn't seen from him in years!

Why do people have to be so insulting to people. Maybe he would think the same of you if he was to meet you. One thing that should not be done on any social media is to dish out personal insults. It’s not a good look . Whether he is a good team manager is a good debating point but to just call some one an idiot shows the sort of guy maybe you are?

Good meeting, especially after last year's showing. Well done to Vaculik and a superb effort from Holder considering the obvious pain he was in. Only a matter of time before he wins a GP and I think he'll move up a level when he does. Unfortunate for Woffinden, hope he makes a quick recovery.

I think you do a great disservice to uncle Len who throughout his whole life lives and breathes speedway and put up his own money( and probably lost a lot of it in doing so) to keep speedway alive All I see is plenty of people moaning and whinging about the state of speedway with plenty of big ideas but none of them willing to do what the likes of Len has done

Excellent advert for speedway, some great racing. Didn't go this year, was in v.i.p. section last year, but was poor track and racing, the day saved with Bewley winning. Will probably go next year, have been 10 times, after watching this year's on Eurosport, if trains are running, hate the drive there and back. If all meetings were like this speedway wouldn't be in doldrums.Well done Vaculik, great effort Holder. Unlucky Anders Rowe, Wootton Bassett lad and ex-Swindon number 8, second then e.f.

Personally think Phil does a good job, otherwise you would be there all night with the riders and mechanics antics with bikes anytime there is re run.

A mention to the track staff and organisation because they were under the pump after last years shambles (rightly so) and they produced a very good track tonight.

Correct…. Virtually all city hotels put there prices up when a “show” is taking place in the city, be it football, pop star, an exhibition etc. Any city centre with attractions will have not only higher hotel prices, but bars, restaurants, car parking etc will have premium prices too. They invest a lot of money and need a return. Check out prices for during the week with example Travel Lodge, Premier Inn etc and you will find nightly prices in the week varies. If I remember right Tuesday night was the most expensive because more reps are out on the road.

But everyone didn't race against everyone. Glasgow had beaten Poole Oxford and Redcar in the qualifying heats. And took maximum points from their one heat against one of the weaker teams

I bet he did, he does come across as a genuine guy and as much as Birminghams season has been garbage but marginally better than my teams. He doesn’t seem a quitter and he gets decent guests when you need them so fair play to him.

Glad you enjoyed it

It's an event rather than a speedway meeting, it's like when you go to a big stadium concert, you know the sound is probably going to be pants but it's all about the atmosphere. If you're a speedway purist, it's probably not for you.

We might struggle with getting Bomber as guest tomorrow....

Personally I thought it was all a bit meh, with a meh winner, especially after Woffy crashed out, I genuinely thought he was going to win it! It was only a glorious success when measured against last year's fiasco. The presentation is so poor compared to how it used to be, club anthems pumping out over the PA (WBD clearly don't know their audience) and some self indulgent announcer who clearly loves the sound of his own voice prattling on during the grading breaks. When looking back at it in a few months/years time I suspect it'd be hard to recall any particular highlights other than the Woffy crash. On the whole, it was enjoyable... but certainly no classic... meh

A brilliant day. Monster really know how to put on a show in the fanzone. Loved the racing too.

After a few years of UTTER DROSS at Cardiff (as evidenced by the crowd size), last night was much improved and it seems like they have survived the last chance saloon, to go again next year! Hopefully it will be even better next year and not back to what we had suffered previously!! Well done to Vaculik, he could be the main challenger to BS for the title next season (unless the Ruskies are back of course!)

Taken from fimspeedway.com The FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain – Cardiff returns to the iconic Principality Stadium in 2024. Check FIMSpeedway.com and @SpeedwayGP social media for more details on Sunday at 11am UK / 12pm CET.

Nor does counting... Knowing that scoring 8 points is more than scoring 7 points appears to be a thing of the past.....

Well done Martin Vaculik. Good interview too. All very enjoyable watching on TV.

I’d rather see a youngster trailing round last and giving it go than him taking my hard earned money for just turning up when he feels like it.

Those quotes are from Hawkins, not Louis. And Hawkins is right by the way!

The "dance cam" was cringey as anything I've ever seen. Agree with the comments about the MC from others too, loves the sound of his own voice, but at least wasn't in his Brexit Union Jack outfit like last year! Was at the Q&A in the fanpark and the guy doing the presenting there was a twit. Completely patronised one of the female riders - asking her about what set up she uses (asked none of the blokes this), said she looks about 13, and if her "Daddy" helps with her racing! Absolute helmet of a bloke. Not a fan of all the razmatazz, but it is what it is - you expect it at a big event. All I care about is the best was cold, bars were stocked, and the racing was very, very good.

IMO there is nowhere else in the UK the roof makes it nailed on ,it can be a great experience is something a little different they call it the Monaco of s/way and many say that Monaco should not be on the F1 calendar but attracts huge crowds .

Why no mention of next years tickets at early bird prices like they are always banging on about this year?? 2 + 2 making 5??