thehammer

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

What about me... I'm the other side of the world!!!

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!

Back on topic.... got my tickets book and I know 2 others already that have booked theirs for the trip up from Christchurch... by getting in before January only $45nz.... seems good value to me... I can't wait.....

Or that you realise you may get to see me in the crowd lol

Christchurch is gradually getting back on it's feet, and it all depends on which area you stayed in. Where I live, to the North and West of the City, you wouldn't actually know we'd had an earthquake... whilst there's still occassional aftershocks, many aren't actually felt anymore and it's just a part of everyday life for us folks. The last aftershock I felt was about 2 weeks ago! What Christchurch needs is people supporting the businesses and attractions that are still open, in order to help on their road to recovery, the affected areas are gradually being sorted as we progress. Obviously don't follow British Speedway in it's entirety then... Adnrew Bargh rode for Isle of Wight in 2008, Andrew Aldridge for Bournemouth in 2009 and Grant Tregoning signed for Mildenhall in 2008 (but never actually rode)...

Andrew Aldridge? Andrew Bargh? maybe Grant Tregoning? these are usual guys about, but may not be... a few youngsters up and coming that could make the step up soon too

Not sure about Auckland DutchGrasstrack but Moore Park in Christchurch has meetings on Sunday March 18th and Friday 6th April if you wanted to travel down.... not much in terms of cost for internal flights in New Zealand, especially if you get in early

Just the NZ one we're referring to

I was talking about the wild card to someone yesterday over here and I actually thought Rory would be a good one. Very unlikely to go to a Kiwi, next bet would be an Aussie... with the main ones in the GP already then Rory was the next name to come up.... Suppose I will have to cheer him for you then will I if he gets it?

Sounds good to me... just have to find someone that knows the Auckland pubs! lol