Halifaxtiger

I second those thoughts. Malcolm & I have crossed swords once or twice on the pages of this forum (and indeed in person) but I have never doubted his deep passion for British Speedway in general and the development of young riders in particular. Circumstances were absolutely exceptional on Saturday night and if Malcolm wasn't his usual irrepressible self that is both exceptional and not in the slightest bit surprising.

Even though he was slagging me off yesterday you are dead right, Postie. I commented to Kevin Jolly the last time I was down that their best signing this season was someone who was out on the track but not riding a bike. Bob has transformed Mildenhall into the superb racing track that everyone knows it can be ( no blue line, no ruts, no dust) and he does that after stock car meetings and despite the weather, excuses that are often stated as reason for poor surfaces. Great stuff, Robert

That's a question my wife keeps asking me, believe me. She doesn't get it either. I have seen 7 matches at Belle Vue this season (I should say that from 2004-2010 I have been 6 times - over that time I have been to Weymouth more often - despite the fact it is by far the closest track to my home).I sponsor two NL riders and have a lot of mates at Mildenhall, so Hackney, King's Lynn, Stoke (double header) and Mildenhall were all for the purpose of being with friends and seeing my lads ride more than anything. I went to the EL Poole match because it was cheap and I could see Ward & Holder, and the play offs because I planned to see them all. That leaves Dudley, and I really wish I hadn't gone to that. If Belle Vue beat Scunny, I'll be back again. I got in for nothing when King's Lynn were there because I did them a very big favour that day and Dale Allitt responded by signing me in. The remaining times I paid. I also paid at Buxton despite the fact that I need not have and at Isle of Wight I actually got in for nothing and then went out and paid to get back in (on both occasions to young Mr Evans utter disbelief). That is because those clubs have a precarious financial existence and I have no right to make it worse. On any other occasion when I have been signed in, I have given the rider concerned my entry fee. I call it as I see it (always have),I can say that my opinions are utterly objective with the best interests of the sport at heart and I don't really care whether others like my views or not. Usually I find it is those who are biased who take exception to them. I have had a pop at Stoke (sort of) and Belle Vue this week, its true. I suggest you read my comments about Sheffield, Plymouth and Mildenhall because that will serve to prove that I give credit where it is due and criticism where it is not. Crap tracks are a death sentence for British Speedway and Belle Vue is the worst in Britain (possibly by far). Bearing in mind that I have been to all the others bar 5 this season (and over the last two seasons all bar Eastbourne)I think I can speak with some authority on the subject. I am not sure what Stoke's team spirit has been like this season but anyone who was there on Saturday is probably aware that there were unpleasant scenes before the start of the meeting which almost certainly had a radical effect on that spirit and subsequently their performance. I am not sure that I was 'mixing and socialising' with Malcolm Vasey (who I have a great deal of time and respect for)on Sunday but we did have a chat, I expressed my thoughts on what had happened and ended up by buying one of his books. By the way, the Dudley match was abandoned at 10.20. The curfew is at 10.30.

I thought your boys did you proud. There was a great deal of fight and determination and had they been the same in the first leg Stoke might have won. What was also evident was their ability to pass the Fen Tigers on their own patch and that shows that gaters paradise on Saturday played right into Mildenhall's hands. A terrific match and a great credit to both teams

Completely agree I, too, was completely against the play off system but the way the PL season has fizzled out with a shed load of meaningless matches still to complete contrasts very badly with the excitement that the EL & NL play off matches have created.

And you can't have been to many tracks because they don't all have ruts. Poorly prepared ones do, and as its pretty much a universal opinion that Belle Vue is the worst track in Britain I think its fair to suggest that that is likely. That's funny because I was present a few weeks ago when a meeting was abandoned before the curfew had been reached and after the opposition riders (or most of them) refused to ride because of the state of the track. All I saw was numerous falls on that bend and where everyone else came off Irving straightened up and hit Widman. The problem is that that bend is awful and even if it was Irving's fault there will always be a suspicion that it was down to the track. Crap track preparation produces ruts and that is something that Belle Vue excel in. In fact, the last time I was there (against Stoke & King's Lynn)I saw for the first time a track with a brown groove because the rest was the concrete base. If you think that meeting was 'fine' you need to get to a few other tracks and I shudder to think what you believe a bad one would be. I do not want Belle Vue to make the play off final. I certainly don't think that they deserve it any more than any of the other clubs and Scunthorpe against (almost certainly)Mildenhall will put that final on two of the best racing tracks in the country and provide a mouth watering finale to the NL season. The thought of yet another dreadful meeting at Kirky Lane certainly doesn't have the same appeal. The thing is I agree about raising the profile of Belle Vue and recognise the efforts of David Gordon and Chris Morton over the last few seasons. The sadness is that the appalling (and occasionally dangerous)track surface destroys almost all regard I have for the club.

My advice is ignore a*seholes like that and carry on enjoying your speedway and appreciating riders from other teams. I don't doubt your word because I saw similar reactions when the Fen Tigers riders came out for their victory lap. I wonder if those who commented on the behaviour of Mildenhall supporters last week will also care to comment on what you have said ? Somehow I doubt it, and it just proves the point that Mildenhall are far from alone in having a few boneheads - quite simply, every track has them.

I have asked three NL team managers the same question and no-one knows. The best response I have had is 'I have been told he is'. It certainly seems to me that on the SCB rules as published he is ineligible, and no-one from Mildenhall or the BSPA has deigned to clarify the situation as to exactly how he can ride - probably because they can't. It has the definite pen and ink of a notorious 'you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours and sod the rules' BSPA deal about it and I'd say its no coincidence that Heeps was cleared to ride at precisely the same point that Brundle moved to Rye House and doubling down was refused (even though his average dictated that he could). If you are looking for someone to point fingers at, though, look no further than your own promotion. I don't recall that they (or anyone else) said anything when clearance was given. Mind you, we all know what happens when you challenge the closed door dealings of the BSPA, don't we ? All of which is pretty much irrelevant in the context of last nights match. Quite simply, Stoke blew it and from what I heard they were in complete disarray before the meeting had even started. The contrast between Mildenhall's superb team spirit and that of the Potters was a stark one. Watching Malcolm Vasey on the centre green, he looked like a man who was just about to go to the gallows. Apart from Lambert, Pickard and the battling Ben Reade, Stoke were way below par and a track on which it was just about impossible to overtake played right into the hands of the Fen Tigers. Take nothing away from Mildenhall, though. On the night they were the better side and thoroughly deserved their win. But for some dubious tactics by Stoke and one or two daft actions from Blackbird, they would have won by more.

The one thing the Mildenhall track isn't is slick. It probably is a bit harsh but I'd say Stoke is the best shaped track in British Speedway, but the racing all too often doesn't live up to that

I still think Mildenhall will win over two legs. Mildenhall's top five is pretty good too and they have a decisive advantage at reserve. I'd say the two most important riders are Isherwood and Heeps. If Isherwood stops the Mildenhall reserves (particularly at Loomer Road) then Stoke will win. On the other hand, if Heeps starts beating Stoke's top riders the advantage swings to the Fen Tigers. Both of them can do it. Whatever, these two meetings should be absolutely crackers (particularly if Stoke, for once, prepare the track properly)and at least as entertaining as their EL equivalents. One thing is certain: they'll be better than the crap I saw at Kirky Lane last night. PS I'll be in attendance at both meetings, purely to make sure Norwichkev behaves himself.

Usually meetings are abandoned at Belle Vue because of the 'ridiculous and dangerous' state of the track, which, although much better than on previous visits, still caused a rider to fall when he was way in front (due to a 'large rut') and may indeed have resulted in Irving losing control because it was in almost exactly the same place. The simple fact is this meeting was up to the usual standard of Belle Vue meetings - bloody awful. As to criticism of Scunthorpe/Sheffield's team, just how many of those Colts riders are Belle Vue assets, how many have been around at NL level for years and how many are products of the club ? Compare that to the Saints and there was only one team out there that is using the NL as the development league it is.

Great post mate See you Sunday (if not Saturday).

Even by that standard, its better than Leicester because they are all rubbish there. We're going to have to agree to disagree on this one, because I thought it was quite the opposite.

Complete nonsense Louis was responding at least in part to comments made by Malcolm Vasey and there was absolutely nothing out of the ordinary in what he said. As to not allowing intoxicated spectators in, Sheffield are definitely in trouble after yesterday. I was very much looking forward to the play off matches next weekend but the apparent extra needle makes them look even more attractive.

The opinion on Ashworth not winning seemed to me to a be a general consensus........ certainly there were quite a few (including me) who didn't want him to win. I thought there were one or two going through the motions, too. I am not certain why Gjedde withdrew, but he certainly didn't look injured on Friday at Scunny. You must be having a laugh There's absolutely no comparison between the two. Yesterday was rubbish and I'd accept you have to pick and choose your meetings at Sheffield to see a decent one but when its good, its very, very good. I have been to Sheffield 6 or 7 times this season and haven't paid to park yet. Thought you and the Leicester lot were an absolute credit to your clubs Just a quick thank you to Spinny for arranging the pre meeting drinking session. I wasn't sure I should go but I was bloody glad I did.

Clearly Malcolm believes that the new lad is likely to score a few more points than Ben Reade. There will be the odd fan who will be critical (some almost certainly with an axe to grind) but how critical would supporters be if Stoke were beaten by Mildenhall and found out subsequently that the Potters chose not to include a better rider for the sake of loyalty ? It is unfortunate for Ben Reade but for the club as a whole (and accepting that Tim Nobes is better than Ben Reade) I really don't see how it can be anything other than the correct decision.

You are a rotten git. LMFAO

Not true. You might disagree with Spinny's interpretation (I don't and I don't think there are many better qualified to determine who is likely to win at Owlerton) but he's rarely a wind up merchant and certainly not in this case.

Something very much to look forward to there With a bit of luck the Scunny/Belle Vue matches will be on the Friday & Monday

What I will do is nominate my five NL riders of the season: Kyle Howarth (Belle Vue) Lewis Kerr (King's Lynn) Lewis Blackbird (Mildenhall) Stefan Nielsen (Scunthorpe) James Sarjeant (Stoke) Very subjective choice and based upon expectations for the season.

Looking very good........but for 2013. That's what I have heard, anyway.

Had reports over the last few weeks (mostly but not totally unconfirmed)that Buxton, Rye House, Belle Vue, King's Lynn & Isle of Wight are all running I really can't see Mildenhall, Stoke or Dudley closing or changing leagues as they have all almost certainly been a financial success this year and Scunthorpe's number of riders now at PL clubs has meant that their NL side has done its job so I will be surprised if they go. Sadly, I doubt very much if Newport will be around - in fact, the only way I see that happening is if the PL side finish instead and there is a will to continue with speedway at Queensway. Bodmin, I am told, is looking very good indeed. Long way to travel but who wouldn't fancy a trip to Cornwall ? There could always be one or two others that pop out of the pack - who would have expected the Colts to be riding this year ?

Thanks

How is the weather ? Forecast looks good for the area but it is chucking it down here (fortunately about 100 miles away).

Depends where it is held at but: 1 Howarth 2 Garrity 3 S Worrall 4 R Worrall 5 Birks 6 Newman 7 Morris 8 Sarjeant Morley & Kerr as replacements