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Some people want to see the crash to process what has happened and move forward, I understand that you don’t and neither do others and that’s fine but others might and that’s fine too, personally I want to see every crash, not because I like it but because it’s how I process it

It's better late than never. Perhaps you should have re-read you post as well...which is considerably shorter. Stop having a go @TTT, he posted an update (which perhaps he should have read, although it's pretty obvious it's a translation issue), he's now edited it and has been very courteous about it, which is more than can be said of you!

What a very strange & insensitive comment. Clearly, as stated, the family have decided to let Tai decide when & what details are released regarding the injuries and treatments he has had to endure. In the meantime, his wife & mum have taken the opportunity to sincerely offer heartfelt thanks & recognition to the folk who in the immediate aftermath of the incident made all the right calls to save Tai from an outcome far more final than from what you think are newsworthy injuries. Those of us who share concern over the health of one of speedways greatest riders have been please to read the message and will continue to abide by the request not to speculate any further in preference to waiting for further official updates to be released at a time whenTai and his family decide is appropriate.

The blame game has started I see. Shocking accidents happen all around the world in speedway so see no need for people to be saying "Poland again" or words along those lines like I have read elsewhere on the forum and social media. Garry Stead and Lawrence Hare both had nasty accidents which left them in wheelchairs in the UK and there are many more. Its a dangerous sport and accidents will happen. Main thing is Woffy makes a full recovery. The way they went into the fence, I would be amazed if the outcome would be different on any track in any country.

Because You can see it for yourself and be able to judge the possible seriousness of the situation instead of guessing and not really knowing what happend. No harm done posting this video. If You don't want to see it, don't click it. Thanks for posting the video @BluPanther

Jesus Christ. Tai is in hospital with serious injuries, and you lot are arguing over a translation. Have a word with yourselves. Get well soon Tai.

Very impressed with our heat leader's early season form in that other league

Tbh just embarrassing yourself now

It's poor that the Poles keep releasing information when they've been asked to not make everything public yet. I'm sure most people would like to know but ultimately it's none of our business really, his family should be able to do that when they're ready. Best wishes to Tai for a full recovery.

Breaking News: EU Regulations Force Speedway Bikes to Have Brakes! In a shocking turn of events, the European Union has announced new safety regulations requiring all speedway bikes to be fitted with brakes. The decision, aimed at improving rider safety, has sent shockwaves through the speedway world, where brakeless racing has been a fundamental part of the sport since its inception. The EU Commissioner for Motorsport Safety defended the move, stating: "It's 2025. We can't allow motorcycles to be ridden at high speeds without any means of stopping. It's a matter of public safety, common sense, and European unity." The regulation mandates that all bikes must be fitted with front and rear disc brakes, ABS, and—most controversially—an emergency handbrake system modelled after those found in cars. Riders caught competing without these features will face heavy fines, suspension of their racing licenses, and, in extreme cases, mandatory enrolment in a defensive riding course. The speedway community has reacted with outrage. A former world champion called the move "a disaster for the sport," adding, "Next they'll be making us race in reverse to lower speeds!" Meanwhile, a British Speedway spokesperson was equally unimpressed: "Speedway with brakes? What's next, traffic lights at the start line?", adding, “Even though the UK is no longer in the EU it will have to comply with the new rules to save riders competing with different equipment.” Manufacturers have scrambled to comply, with one company already trialling an experimental system where the brakes are automatically engaged if a rider leans too aggressively into a corner. Reports suggest that initial testing resulted in one rider performing an unexpected front flip over his handlebars. Despite the uproar, the EU remains firm, with the EU Commissioner insisting: "If Formula 1 and MotoGP can have brakes, so can speedway. Riders will just have to adapt!" The first "brake-friendly" speedway event is set to take place soon in Poland once testing is complete, with new bike designs rumoured to feature brake lights, indicators, and even a horn. Critics argue that these changes will ruin the spectacle, but EU officials have assured fans that "it will only make the racing more strategic and pedestrian-friendly." For now, the sport holds its breath (and brakes) as it hurtles toward a slower, safer future.

There's a further 'update' on Sportowefakty.wp.pl. https://sportowefakty.wp.pl/zuzel/1180927/mamy-najnowsze-informacje-po-koszmarnym-wypadku-w-nocy-zawodnik-trafil-na-sale-o Most importantly - if accurate, hopefully - is this: From well-informed sources, we also know about several broken ribs, a fractured elbow in many places, and fractured vertebrae in the spine. Fortunately, the head and spinal cord were not injured.

Credit where credit is due. This was a pretty decent meeting in miserable weather conditions, the track held up well. The meeting presentation was first class, with some great touches. The crowd size was, in comparison to other league meetings I’ve been to in the last couple of years, enormous. Well done to everyone at Oxford.

For the last 9 years we have been wanting a GP at this wonderful racetrack, for this year our wishes were finally fulfilled. I was concerned when it was then announced there would be 2 nights, why do we need 2 nights, no other GP has had 2 nights not only will it make it more expensive for everyone (nearly double price) but anyone not local would need a (expensive hotel). The ticket prices have now been announced and I’m dismayed. Last year’s ticket prices for SoN were bad enough and showed by the empty extra grandstand, thought they would have learnt from that but no they made it even more expensive! One night price is expensive enough but for 2 nights there is little discount. It’s depressing. Will I be there, yes I will reluctantly pay it but I only live 5 minutes away. Thousands won’t be paying it now though. To make matters worst for Belle Vue this will affect crowds levels for the next few months as those local who do choose to pay it will pick and choose the league meetings they go to as can’t afford both.

The simple answer, as someone who works in speedway, and in media in general including the BBC, the whole media landscape is incomparable to how it used to be even 5 or 6 years ago. Did the media lose interest or do they have hardly any staff left to write anything? However many people you think work in sports departments in newsrooms for either print or broadcast media, the reality will be a fraction of that, and really (as already happens) it’s down to those within the sport to lay the content on a plate in order to get coverage. Loads and loads of old long time journalists have left, been made redundant, taken retirement, died etc. So the people who used to bang the drum for speedway on the inside are no longer there. British Speedway sends news reports out on a daily basis, and even in the off season whenever something happens it is released directly to the media to hundreds of places. The way newsrooms work, you have certain sports guaranteed to take 90% of the coverage (mainly football etc), all other sports from Speedway to every sport in the Olympics and beyond are battling for that remaining 10%, and for the most part I’d include domestic rugby and county cricket in that. We also need personalities with a story. You mention Kenny Carter and Wiggy always being on the TV, they would not have been on the TV regardless of how good they were as riders if they were dullards. They were on because they were good value & entertaining. Results are at best going to get a passing mention, I would say the pre hype or some kind of human interest story would more likely get decent coverage, but to do that we need the personalities first. Chicken and egg I know, but that’s the situation. So I’d say it’s a mix of everything, but also don’t lose sight that a lot does happen, you may not see it yourself but it is there. We have regular stories in national newspapers such as The Sun & The Star & Mirror via Peter Oakes & Phil Lanning, we have many local BBC sport shows running speedway features and even live commentaries, we’ve had big coverage of the GB Youth training camp on the north east ITV News recently even in the closed season as such, coverage on ITV on the south coast of Kent I think too. We don’t quite have the resources of other sports at the moment but, people are trying to gain maximum coverage with the resources and contacts we have, and what we have now is undoubtedly better than what we’ve had in recent years. A way to go but we’ll get there.

Aren't you just the voice of reason this country needs 🙄. You have an issue with Craig, that's up to you he's marmite always has been. But to come on preaching how holier than though you are because you'd never get dragged in..you have no idea if you would or not. You may think you won't but it can come to anyone. There's being outspoken and there's being a banger, in this occasion you would be the latter

What a horrible situation. I was gutted when I heard what happened. His wife and kids - with whom he seems to share a loving life with, based on social media - must be in bits. My heart goes out to them. After last year’s season ending elbow injury, how can someone be so unlucky? He’s achieved everything and more in the sport, so naturally, you think of retirement, but I get the impression us mere mortals will never understand the resilience and determination of a speedway rider. All the best Tai.

Think a lot of inexperienced young riders on rocket ships is big factor in a lot of bad crashes in Poland.Unfortunately.

Best wishes to Woffy. An absolute hero & has been the rider to drive British Speedway forward. Without him, we wouldn't be winning / reaching finals on the world stage. He's been the driving force to make TeamGB a professional outfit. A True Great British Speedway legend. Hope he & his family get all the support needed 🙏🏻❤️

It’s quite clear that Louis won’t pay over the odds as he let Rew go because Brum offered him a better deal. In the time that I’ve been attending Ipswich they have been the opposite to cheque book speedway. One thing Chris has done is turn a well run club in to a highly professional outfit. You only need to look at the way they are all kitted out even down to matching club chairs for the pits. As for Tom I think it was clear he wanted to move to Ipswich & who can blame him wanting to be part of the most professional outfit in British speedway. If only the others & the sport in general could match it.

Just wanted to say it’s been a pleasure watching and listening to Ben Barker over these past two days. Well done, him. I thought BSN did him absolutely dirty during the winter when they posted that media which showed him to have the biggest drop in average in 2024, so I was delighted to see him in amongst it at Workington and Scunthorpe. Signing-off qualifying and securing a semi-final spot with a heat 20 win against Thompson, Masters and Harris was superb. I also found his pit side interviews with Greg Blair to be really insightful; he gives you nuggets of information a fan wouldn’t consider. For example, there were seven heats between his first and second rides, but with no other Plymouth rider competing, he was at a disadvantage because every other rider had a teammate present, advising on how the track is developing, the best lines, etc. Well done, Ben. A great weekend.

Brilliant track always decent racing.

You are really embarrassing yourself. Calling yourself a wakner tops the lot. This is not a thread for controversy. There is a guy in a hospital bed with very serious injuries with a mother and wife praying for every positive moment in hope for their boy. Pinny pretty much sums it up.

Oh hello look who’s woken up!! Not a word spoken on the two threads against Ipswich strangely, but after Belle Vue get away with one by scraping past a team who suffered three EF’s whilst on comfortably 5-1’s, you’re on here within seconds giving it the biggun!

Beat me to it Steve. British Speedway takes a fair amount of criticism including the state/condition of certain tracks etc but as you say, most of the bad accidents happen in Poland. Chasing the dollar and under pressure to perform on big fast tracks. Also seem to be a lot of inexperienced young riders on rocket ships too eager to mix it.

The winter improvements at the GT tyres arena are fantastic, fans visiting for the Championship pairs next week will notice some major improvements from last season including dedicated toliet blocks, food huts, 1st/2nd bend disabled ramps, Cafe on the 1st bend including an extended balcony, a permanent referees box, the viewing area that now spans across the whole 3rd and 4th bend and a brand new FIM A+ rated air fence to name a few. It's remarkable what's been done in a short space of time from nothing! 👏 Also you can now walk around the whole arena because of the work to create a new viewing area on bends 3 and 4.

I'm sure that all of speedway will wish him a speedy recovery.

I don't think that there is a single poster on here that doesn't understand, or would dispute any of that. If the event was financially unviable at Cardiff, then it had to go. I've no problem with that, I don't expect anyone to suffer financial loss for my convenience. It has to be said though, that Belle Vue has a similar problem to Cardiff, in that it has to hire a substantial amount of temporary seating, which has made ticket prices significantly higher than Cardiff. After hearing lots of "good riddance to rip off Cardiff" comments, the alternative that these people wanted has been proved to be more expensive, in both accommodation & ticketing costs. Imagine the meltdown on here if Cardiff had raised ticket prices to £120 in order to make it work with 20k people. Yet, because Belle Vue have managed to sell out a 1800 seat grandstand at that price, we've got people on here saying that it proves that they've got the pricing right. The original intention when putting the GP's in big stadiums was to raise the profile of the events and bring it to a bigger audience. Initially, It was successful but ultimately it has failed. For me that's sad, and the question has to be asked, why? Is the product that bad? "Fans just want to see close racing on properly prepared track" we're told. If that was the case, Belle Vue would be packed every week, but unfortunately it's not, and can't justify a permanent increase in capacity. Something is obviously badly wrong when the Principality gets 40k people to watch some pickup trucks with big wheels, driving over obstacles, but a world championship Speedway event is relegated to an audience of 6400. There were more people at Dean Court last week to watch Bournemouth's women's football team. Moving the event to Belle Vue may be a necessity, but I'm with IainB on this one, it's beyond me how it can be seen as a positive.

100%. Just plain selfish of Kildemand to go and get himself a concussion. Should have thought of the fans before doing that.

They could literally have "The Masked Bandit" on parade and get the thousands on the terraces chanting: Take it Off! Take it Off! Take it Off! And then reveal if it's Craig Cook... Or Rider Replacement for the season.

The new Sheffield captain. No surprises for me Picko the man.

I hate to say "I told you so" (not really, I bloody love it😂) but... I told you so! Surely his time in Speedway is over?

there might be a number of people on this forum that would be interested in the answer though

It was noticeable at Press and Practice how the old place has been spruced up a lot. Pits now very smart compared to before; the turrets are sparkling white, the 'stand' has been smartened up, and a new viewing area for the riders added on bend 4, which allows an additional viewing space on that bend for the public. Clearly a lot of hard work has gone on - a big well done to everyone. Now we just need a bit more material on the track after Saturday's wind.......

Monmore green was never dusty and always well prepared and dogs used to race on raceday

Well done to the Spires on yesterday's win in the Championship pairs 😂

Biro sales going through the roof 😂

Have no fear. We'll get our revenge the next time a Polish club signs a Scotsman...

Watch/Listen to this:

@TTT can you post any further updates in Polish please? Don't worry about any of us, but at least one person who thinks he's the forum king will be happy.

I believe Craig Cook is available

So students get in for £12.00 but no concessions for pensioners , Were these prices worked out by Rachael Reeves by any chance???..

That's a result that will worry the rest of the league. To go to Belle Vue and win by 10 without either Doyle or Sayfutdinov at their best is a huge statement. Pretty clear that if this side stays fit and available that they'll cruise to the title, I'd be surprised if they lose more than a handful of meetings. Fair play to their management for putting it together.

Why? Starting the season with two high-profile matches with the best riders, who are actually going to be there rather than being injured or not being bothered. Typical speedway fans though, lose their minds when there's change or they don't like something!

Not as Farcical as running it during the season when half the field are second strings.

Playing devils advocate, it probably would have cost me more like £115 all in with fuel, tickets, food etc and getting home in the early hours so £15 don’t seem too bad.

Great to see so many people turn out for Puk on a chilly afternoon. Plenty of rusty men and machines on display as is the norm for early season meetings but the three GP lads were head and shoulders above the rest and no surprise heat 16 was probably the race of the day. A shame that the drizzle spoilt the top scorers race. Hope the youth riders who flipped at the startline are all ok. And awesome to see @Trees back at the Adrian Flux Arena.

Who would have imagined a local lad would use his local track ? Just saying like 😃

Fair comment. He was one of speedways great stylists, a great team rider as team riders go in the modern era, totally focussed, and machines were always immaculate. In fact one could say he had all. That is all except possibly the most important quality of all and that is the killer instinct. Perhaps he was just a little too much of a fair rider, too much of a sportsman, to have the absolute hunger and will to win. Maybe he would have won the top prize if he had been a little more of a hard man, but if he had been harder he probably wouldn’t have been held in the high esteem we all seem to hold him in.

Tbf a thread on here for restaurant recommendations near all the tracks for travelling fans wouldn’t be the worst thing would it!