thehammer

So the New Zealand Solo's Championship takes place next weekend at Moore Park.... Can the GP Superstar Jason Bunyan make it 7, or will there be a new Champion? If anyone wants I can do some live updates for the meeting, maybe a few heats at a time as I'll probably be doing the timekeeping again too.... If anyone was up I can try send messages direct, or I can put results onto Facebook which would probably be easier!

Yeah I've seen your drinking SCB so I'd agree edit: and SilverBee doesn't listen....

And a billionnaire who can provide endless track time and opportunities

See that's where you just presume and make things up!! I actually give up my time to help at the meetings at Moore Park so maybe think about things before you go about attacking the poster. I may not be a rider but doesn't mean I'm not involved and I probably actually have one of the best views in the stadium!

How would you know if I had been on a Speedway bike or not? I've not disrespected the NZ Solo riders, what I said was: That is honesty through observation and something that riders of all nationalities will develop the more they ride. The International riders basically do this job on a full-time basis where most of the NZ riders are having to do the sport as a hobby, this is where the experience comes from. If people want New Zealand to have riders back up there in the world of Internationals such as the Mauger, Briggs, Moore days then NZ riders sometimes may need to take the leap to the next level and try to develop themselves. Jade Mudgway, Grant Tregoning and Andrew Aldridge have all taken that 1st step and been over to the UK, granted only Jade is still there at present, but Grant and Andrew will have learnt from that experience, which is why 9 times out of 10 they are the stand out guys in NZ at present. There are definately riders that are developing and have the potential to go further, but to get to that level, as with any sport, you have to put the time and effort into ensuring you take that step and developing. It's like me attempting to run a marathon off doing sprint training! It would get you so far, but to be able to step it up I'd need to take that bigger commitment and effort! Next time before you make a post you may like to read the forum rules.... This is about discussion, attack the post, do not attack the poster. There are many things I could pick up on from your post, but I will not drop to that level, instead I am happy to have a discussion about what is being said. I certainly know there are limited opportunities in NZ speedway, but what options are there to help improve this? This is the bigger picture that needs to be looked at, and to keep it on topic, hopefully this is what the Speedway GP coming to Auckland will help to develop

Can't believe how much people are complaining.... People want to see Speedway go global, New Zealand have someone prepared to stump up the cash over 3 years to try and help it happen, then they complain when the 1 little thing in response is that they would like to see a rider who has a bit of a background in New Zealand Speedway taking part. Why do people seem to think having a 'top class' wildcard is going to make a huge amount of difference..... the extra cost involved to get that rider here is a start, but also it is not as though that wildcard is going to win the World title... they are there for just 1 meeting, not the whole series. Let Jason have his chance, let New Zealand have their opportunity to try and develop Speedway once again in the lesser nations, and more importantly lets try to help Speedway go even more global.....

And has already been pointed out Jason has a New Zealand Racing Licence at the very least.... enough said

How can he technically not wear a NZ one... If he has New Zealand Citizenship (which is likely, but I don't know the definite answer to if he has) then he is free to represent New Zealand in whatever sport he chooses. Just like next year if I apply for citizenship and the All Whites called me up to play I would be eligible! And according to the article he will represent New Zealand

But the Wildcard isn't going to win the World Championship as they only do 1 or 2 meetings a year really, so as long as there is a wildcard for the round then why shouldn't it be given to someone who does a lot locally......... If it was a wildcard for the whole series I'd agree with you, but there are already 15 riders in the series going for that title this year... give someone a chance to ruffle a few feathers and upset the apple cart. Anything Jason scores will be a bonus based on people's conceptions here, but as he was about with the promotion of things here I'm sure he's had a few cheeky laps around there before so could upset a few riders if their not on their game.....

Must say I was shocked when I read it yesterday over here, but Jason has done a lot for New Zealand Speedway over the years, in addition to the likes of Mauger, Moore, Briggs and Ross.... As part of the International tour each year Jason is always helping others out, on the 28th Jason and the rest of the lads have specifically put on a training day to help anyone out that wants guidance and technical information in relation to set up etc. Whilst they may not be classed as the world class individuals, they are at least trying their best to help out the local youngsters. The biggest difference in class I've seen this year is the commitment into the corners. Some of the Kiwi riders seem hesitant when going in alongside someone, the Internationals make their prescence known and force their way through. Whilst Jason may not be everyones cup of tea for the wildcard he'll go out there and give it his all.... and by the time the GP rocks into town he could actually be 7 times NZ champion.....

He is probably a better bet than any of the Kiwi's to be honest... whilst I can see possibly Grant Tregoning plus 1 other as reserve (I would have said Andy Aldridge but don't know if he'll be fit in time!)

Just seen that apparently the wild card is Jason Bunyan... at least 2 Bees riders to cheer on for me lol... http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/motorsport/6295065/Dream-ride-for-his-adopted-homeland

Not sure on the result but there are pictures on facebook http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.225181054233913.54758.202324549852897&type=1 so I'm guessing it happened

It's only a minor meeting remember..... the likes of Crump, Gollob, Hancock etc

On the Moore Park Facebook page "Ryan Moss just been talking to andy and his surgery went great they took a bone graft from his hip and he feeling pretty good and thinking all the positive which is great"

Just found the races from last week at Rosebank on Youtube.... races 1-7 http://youtu.be/5xIXTKOXRlE races 8-15

I would add Andrew Aldridge into that too, he is certainly quick enough, the big difference in class between the 'Internationals' and the Kiwi's was the commitment into the corners to pass. The Kiwi's seemed a little too hesitant and as such backed off the throttle where as the Internationals forced their way through and wouldn't back off. Anthony Knowles is a rider for a couple of years that has gradually progressed, but yesterday was probably the worst meeting I've seen him ride at Moore Park for a while... possibly a slightly slicker track, or the awe of the other riders, but on his day he can certainly be a spoiler. Sean Mason and Bradley Wilson-Dean also certainly put in a lot of effort and didn't give up, but bar Aldridge and Tregoning the Internationals were certainly a different class. Jack McRae was the guy that came up from the support class to the C Final.... he definately looked smooth on the bike... did try a cheeky one to stay in the re-run after Knowles wiped out Daniel McKinlay as he wasn't under power and was making his way to the infield, but he seemed to know he should be out of the re-run when he was informed and just laughed it off. Results: A Final: 1. Jesper Kristiansen 2. Jason Bunyan 3. Hynek Stichauer 4. Chris Mills 5. Andrew Aldridge B Final: 1. Chris Mills 2. Grant Tregoning 3. Ritchie Hawkins 4. Daniel McKinlay 5. Dale Finch (fell) C Final: 1. Daniel McKinlay 2. Sean Mason Fell (not under power at time of stoppage) - Jack McRae Excluded (for wiping out McKinlay) - Anthony Knowles DNS - Bradley Wilson-Dean

Top 5 from the 1st Elf / Sunday News International Speedway Series 2012 Meeting from Moore Park: 1st Jesper Kristiansen 2nd Jason Bunyan 3rd Hynek Stichauer 4th Chris Mills 5th Andrew Aldridge

Forgot to mention that as Briggo has been riding the Ice Bike recently, despite a broken Ankle, he'll be 1st reserve... then a match race between Ivan & Ronnie to determine 2nd reserve for the meeting....

No but Larry Ross is

Hayden certainly seemed to get on it in the last meeting at Moore Park, Anthony Knowles is another who has come through the juniors over the last couple of years and can gate... maybe a bit of work coming from behind to be done, but he certainly has potential... Peleti Woods is another who I saw in his 1st meeting on the junior track a few years ago and he struggled to turn, now in the last meeting looked smooth, stylish and just as quick as some of the main guys on the big track. There are a few guys that given the support and opportunity could make a go of it in the UK, Andrew Aldridge has been there with Bournemouth and is looking as quick as ever, Daniel McKinlay who has come back from a serious injury I think, and Dale Finch who seems a determined rider... on top of that there is Grant Tregoning. What NZ needs is for a couple of these riders to take the next step, hopefully get some team places in the UK and then push on. By having the GP here that will hopefully help encourage more through into Speedway (or Solo's as it's know down here!). As BFD said, it is more individual meetings over here, which are supported by sidecars at many events. By getting more involved hopefully this would help to create more opportunities and more meetings....

If I get a chance I'll try put the results from the last 2 meetings at Moore Park up.... in brief though Andrew Aldridge won both, without dropping a race..... Grant Tregoning is currently struggling with an injury and despite a couple attempts to race has been unable to and actually withdrew before the meeting on Saturday

Cheers Kiwi.... I missed them... typical when I don't see the news something is on it about Speedway!

Is that not the idea of the weekend?

I'll follow you then BFD!