Halifaxtiger

I think you are right both times there. The question is if it is a matter of giving the youngsters a chance, why change it at the race off stage ?

Surprise, surprise. EL fans putting the boot in. I would have thought it was obvious to anyone that Rob Lyon knows exactly what he is doing and has chosen to blood our younger riders. That doesn't necessarily mean that he is right, though............ .............. because I agree with you here. While I am all for striking a balance between youth & ability, Richardson is our best rider at the moment and you just don't leave your best rider out - regardless of his age. I am going to an U21 Test match at King's Lynn a week on Saturday.................

I hope there are a few branches of Specsavers all over the country, because there are a few people who need glasses, it seems. In fact, you are the only who doesn't think the above comments could be taken as abuse of a young rider. Maybe its you who needs to brush up your wording, rather than us that needs help with interpretation.

Well said At the very least those comments are ambiguous. Adam started as a novice last season and only rode his first competitive race in March this year, so the fact that he is starting to beat opponents on the track shows how much he is improving and, having watched him last season and this, that improvement seems to be coming on week by week. I'd say any parent watching their son undertake a sport like speedway is right to be proud of them, whatever place they finish and for my own part I am proud to be associated with Adam and his family, although I am not certain about a name like 'moosetash 64'

Are you ? Or are you mocking a very young speedway riders efforts out on the track ? Difficult to tell that from those posts so I suggest that in future you make yourself clear in future or keep your facetious remarks to yourself

Just a quick note to congratulate Adam Kirby on winning his semi-final and getting into the final (I got a text from his clearly very proud Dad this morning). I am not sure what young Mr Kirby has been drinking recently, but I need a couple of pints because his improvement in the last few weeks has been spectacular. If he keeps going at this rate, I can seriously see him pulling on a Fen Tigers race jacket next season. Well done, Adam.

I have got a bit confused with all the posts here Can someone just state the dates & venues for this years competition ?

I went there in 1985 and it was certainly the best speedway pub I have ever been to before or since. Body colours, photographs and memorabilia everywhere and a huge painting of Ivan Mauger on the wall. When I went back a few years later everything had gone

There's a pretty good view of the circuit at Long Eaton on Google maps but perhaps the most surprising one is Hastings. To a degree, you can still see the track and its been closed for 50 years and more !!

I think that's right, Derek. I went there once after speedway had stopped (mid 80's I think) because I was going over to watch the mighty Blue Sox (as they are known now) take on Castleford at Wheldon Road. The dog track was still there then. If memory (pretty hazy) serves me correctly, the old bar at the stadium is now a pub. The track at The Shay has now been completely covered by the two completed stands at each end and the unfinished one on the side (the RL club & football teams are skint). Its a while since I have been to Odsal but the old speedway pits seem now to be courtesy boxes for Bradford Bulls (spits). Rochdale now has a Morrisons supermarket on it.

I went to see if Castleford was still there the other week and, as far as I can make out, it is now just waste ground.

Good Post. Agree completely

I thought I was the only one mad enough to be up at this time on a Sunday morning No thanks to the wife. She set the alarm clock for 5.45 instead of 6.45. Thanks, Bob. I'll be leaving in about 20 minutes.

My wife bought me this book (and the Eric Boocock biography) for Xmas and I have to say it was a very pleasant surprise indeed. I became a big Carter fan in the early 80's, inspired by his clear pride in riding for his country - something that wasn't, amazingly, always the case with other riders. He was, in addition, the only rider I would go to a meeting just to see and, as many have said, that is something I am not sure we have seen from an Englishman since. The book is brilliant, and I would recommend it to anyone. Its not spoiled by the personal opinions of the author who remains impartial and insightful at all times whilst recognising the nature of the subject at hand.

I'd say you two are the 'southern softies' I'll be there (all the way from God's own county), wrapped up and looking like the Michelin man. Its 24 years since I saw a speedway meeting at Poole.............. PS Is there any truth in the rumour that the 'all you can eat' Chinese restaurant has closed down for the day due to the Fen Tigers supporters that are going ?

More than you might think, Phil.......... The last time I saw a speedway meeting at Poole Stadium Martin Yeates was riding for the home team...........

Never really liked Odsal, Paulco, and I went a few times - including the 1985 World Final. You should see it now !! New Cross, Romford & Trelawny spring to mind for me.

I think there are one or two who do stuff like that but who might not be so prepared to admit it. Typical Glasgow rider 'Choppers, Tomahawks & Grifters' I am surprised you have the nerve to mention those bloody things. And before you say it, yes, I had one. What a brilliant thread. Made me laugh all the way through and brought back a stack of memories.

Totally agree, Gaz. Brilliant to see him doing so well. Also brilliant to see a pretty healthy gate up there, given the possibility of rain. Glyn Taylor deserved that given the field he had put out. A quick thank you to anyone who posted a message about the weather. It is was pi**ing down when I left Halifax and I couldn't believe how dry it was when I got to the stadium.

Another weather update, please

Laurence I am sure I have asked you this already but if Adam gets clearance can you let me know, please ? I'll definitely be over if he does.

I can't find anything

Must admit that depending on the odds offered (if there are any) I'd be tempted to have a punt on Rymel.

You can say that again He's actually not allowed to ride for us in the league (by BSPA direction) but he's our representative at the PLRC. Work that one out. Should be Graverson, definitely.

Absolutely brilliant. Took the day off to go to Somerset but with the weather I chose not to go and she who must be obeyed has given me a list of chores. They might be forgotten (and risking getting my ears bent) for a day on your site.