stevebrum

With some saying that he is expected to be stone last before a wheel has been turned, perhaps those comments shouldn't have been made in the 1st place! A top 8 start is a good way to start, lets concentrate on that instead.

Nigel and Kelvin are doing the others yea.

I get it Marko Its Oz style.

Decent start and decent meeting. Certainly wasn't a pass fest but had some good moments. From a Wolves perspective both Tai and Freddie looked well in the thick of the action, Tai is certainly looking like a true number one and is coming of age. Seeing as so many liked to slate Nigel and Kelvin id still rather their over the top commentary than make it up as you go along Oz commentary. Since when has Hampel ever been `hammer`? And when has Kasprzak even been `kaspo`? Must be an Aussie thing. Overall a good start from the Eurosport team, nice new slick rider identification boxes on the grids. The gaps between block of races wasn't as bad as i feared. Usually like the studio analysis and i think it was covered quite well. I stayed up to watch and it was entertaining enough to keep me tuned in and awake till 6AM. Johno came across well but he always has done well in the past, particularly explaining the basics to his fellow presenter who seemed to know nothing about speedway. Professional, but could do without the made up names!

The same could be said of Darcy Ward. Tai had and has my backing 110% Jury may have been out, but is it now? Quack quack oops Quack quack oops 2. Just plain Quack. Thankfully Tai looks like we finally have a Brit capable of putting in a challenge then! Just the 8. Spot on. Great start for the lad who looks like he completely belongs in the top 15. No doubt the whingers will say it was a one off, wont repeat it etc etc. Or they may sensibly just stay quiet.

Wonder how many will moan at the price/team strength/team effort and not go.

Makes you wonder if Poland and UK had offered him contracts whether he would have wanted to continue. That said it is always sad when a rider is forced to retire through injury. I wish Ryan well, was never a favourite rider of mine, but i wish him all the best in his retirement.

Phil Rising confirmed on BikerFM tonight that Nigel and Kelvin will do all the commentary for the GP`s, except New Zealand. So at least there will be some consistency. Let the moaning begin. Me, i am more than happy.

Sad news as Ivan remains totally professional and a role model for all riders making their way in the sport. If anyone deserves a public retirement then it`s Ivan. Thanks for the memories and dedication Ivan.

I can, thanks.

It doesn't know the meaning of nice or polite.

Disagree. He carries the same enthusiasm and passion for the sport. I am sure plenty will agree with you, and plenty with me anyway!

You just know speedway folk will whine and moan about anything. Personally i am delighted that we get to watch the GP`s and WC , would have rather it stay as it was but i am certainly not gonna grumble because it has moved channel. I would be more than happy to see Nigel and Kelvin carry on as they do a good job at portraying the excitement but doubt it with their tie up to SKY Sports. Hopefully we don't go back to the days of monotone commentary but at this stage it matters not a jot who is doing the commentary. We have GP`s on TV, be happy moaners!!

Panto boo on announcement but fairly tepid on parade. Something i imagine he will get at most tracks in the coming weeks. I don't have to tho, so long as people are grateful.

Well said, whilst some STILL feel a need to defend.

Warmly............... that's one way of putting it. I am sure Freddie and the fans that turn out tomorrow will be delighted to ALL those who made a big effort for being there. The only one that matters Sunday is FAST FREDDIE.

Why does it matter? The day is about a great servant to British Speedway not about someone hellbent on throwing his career away. I would imagine Darcy will get a tepid reaction at most tracks, that is what comes with being in the public eye.

Methinks that few of us qualify to be in control of a bike with no breaks and representing club and country either. The sooner some stop making excuses for the behaviour the better, and to justify a comment with non of us are perfect is unbelievable. Well said.

Shame all the teams he rides for doesn't follow suit.

Bit of a generalisation. I see plenty trendy kids and adults at speedway meetings. They are probably in the minority tho. Not sure its as low as just 7%. Part of the image is to do with the product(s) that can be bought at most Speedway facilities. Or lack of variety (style)

Interesting reading, a lot of it i expected in all honest. Put should be a good read for those running the sport.

Shame really. But cannot disagree with that at all.

Think that is what we all have to assume. He certainly isn't contesting it despite the lame `misquote ` remark.

It is yet to be seen if its the end of the behavour however. And when he has been allowed in New Zealand can we say its time to move on.

Who is right then?