Wackie

You can't help but admire Greg for his achievements. The longevity of his career at the top is unique and probably will be for some time. How good? Extremely good imo, but not the best.

Bravo Beowulf!

Actually there's only one!

I expect Wards camp have gone through the FIM anti-doping code with a fine tooth comb looking for a way out for their client, which is probably why dates have been pushed back. Looking at section 5.9. could it be that there was reading material provided for Ward in the test facilities, but the lack of Roger Red hat and Billy Blue hat books meant it wasn't suitable for him - he was therefore discriminated against by the FIM?

Apologies, I was doing Ward a dis-service, it was indeed Dec 2012 he was arrested for DUI. I thought that incident was the year after he got smacked outside the pub, rather than just a couple of months. He's did relatively well then in the following 18 months keeping his nose clean.

Was within a year of his latest mistake involving alcohol. Hardly his past, more like his usual.

He was also arrested and pleaded guilty to evading the police whilst riding an unregistered, uninsured motorcycle. He did have extenuating circumstances for that mistake though - he was pissed again at the time!

I completely agree TWK, basically he needs to grow up. However, like others have suggested a 12 month ban with a further 12 months suspended would suffice IMO for this misdemeanor.

It would be a shame to see Ward banned for too long in one respect, however, the fall out from those who support him "no matter what" is going to be marvelous to watch/read if he's banned for part of all of the 2015 season.

I don't think Pedersen has ever intentionally gone out on track to be dangerous, reckless at times and a hard rider maybe, but he's professional enough to know you don't ride unless completely sober. Shame Ward doesn't share the same passion for the sport as Pedersen.

Act in what way? I can't remember Pedersen ever getting in trouble with the authorities, in or out of the sport.

In what way? You don't trust the pictures he posts on twitter showing 0% alcohol in his system whenever tested? Agree that all riders should be tested before meetings, but it still wouldn't stop the whinging if Ward was caught again. His syncophants would still expect him to get a slap on the wrist and a cursory suspension from October to February so he didn't miss the European speedway season! Whether people like it or not. Ward is being treated exactly the same way as any other competitor who falls foul of the FIM rules and regulations would. All these calls such as "he's done his time" "it's not fair the ways he's being treated" are quite simply pathetic. It's not the FIM who are the joke!!

Paid his dues and served his punishment. For what? The FIM haven't found him guilty or imposed a punishment yet.

Ward will be a marked man now anyway whatever the outcome on Friday after admitting he'd drunk excessively the night before the GP. Wouldn't be surprised if testing ALL riders before FIM meetings is brought in as an amended rule, won't bother the majority of GP riders, they're professional and smart enough to know you shouldn't have a skinful the night before a GP.

Latest news is that the off duty police officer who carried out the breath test was in fact left handed. According to supplementary rule 5.1a.8.7.64512/54-DUI, it's outside of the rules for a lefty to carry out such procedures on a Sunday. In addition, the 17th August is also saints day for St. Clare of Montefalco. The life of St. Clare reminds us that we are all called to a life of beer and dedication. Still, we must not expect or anticipate special favors - unless your name is Darcy Ward. Case dismissed (until the next time)!

Some compelling arguments for Darcy on the petition. Barry Humphries - It's an Australians right to do his job while drunk! Power to the people I say, the FIM have got to sit up and take notice.

Pardon my lack of forum etiquette in my quoted reply Gustix. I'm afraid the tears of laughter obscured my vision of the keyboard. I wouldn't sign that petition either. But I'd love to be in the FIM offices when they receive it.

krzysztof buczkowski

To be over the limit the following day though would suggest he was either on the way or rat arsed the Saturday night. Might have helped him to relax, but not the trait of a professional or serious sportsman.

Did we ever find out what the 'mitigating circumstances' for Ward having a few too many that night before the Latvian GP was? Or was that just another excuse to try to deflect the attention from another chapter of his biography "ooops, I did it again"

Not sure why you would link anyone for celebrating with a newly crowned world champ to their ability to do a job. Me thinks someone just wants to expose the fact they were at the monster party, but were maybe a wallflower, and didn't get asked to dance

Big whoosh there orion. Everyone knows that's Middlos job

Hmmm... Echo noun: a sound that you hear more than once because you are in a big, empty space Yeah, I reckon there's one or two of them on here!

All of the above norbold. I've seen the light. He looked sorry at the Poole D&D, if that's good enough for some who were there, that's good enough for me. Although Darcy has had a good bit of practice at perfecting his remorseful gaze in the past couple of years.