salty

I think there is an argument that newcomers to the series would benefit from a two year stint. I can recall this was mentioned when Tai had his first go in the series and the idea does have some merit. As for MJJ I hear on the grapevine that he doesn't want the commitment for 2014 as he is expecting a forthcoming court case to take up a lot of his time. Spook:I agree with a number of your points regarding the selection process, however, I think you are wrong concerning Bomber. Up to 3 or 4 years ago I would agree that BSI seemed determined to maintain the British representation at two, but since Tai dropped out after his initial year they have gone with one. I see no reason why they would be persuaded to return to two, especially for a rider who has had plenty of nominations in the past. Cardiff will still have two Brits (as in the past couple of years) where crowds don't seem to show a great decline. Far more likely that they will plump for two Swedes, can't see past Freddie and AJ myself. Would make a line up of... 3 Danes 3 Poles (assuming Tomasz) 2 Aussies (assuming Chris) 2 Swedes 1 Brit 1 American 1 Slovenian 1 Russian 1 German

Thanks for the feedback. Bit concerning that Vaculik feels that way, 5 years is a big chunk of a career. Maybe he didn't expect such a tough time of it this year? If they only go with one Swede I would be happy if Vaculik got another go for 2014.

All 3 of the above are PL riders, more of a let down was the much vaunted (by you) Polish Extraliga heat-leader THJ who only managed to beat the Robins reserves (once each).

Lindgren's move (both direction and loss of speed) on the home straight was dangerous.

If Mr G requires and wants a nomination then he should get one - no question. Holder a certainty. The other two are more difficult. Given how keen they were for years to keep 2 Brits in, is it not likely that 2 Swedes will get picks? Especially given the healthy looking crowd last night. Can't see past Lindgren and Jonsson to be honest. Antonio continues to struggle and has finished behind the other two and there is no other candidate from Sweden who has made a compelling case for inclusion (though the two kids at reserve last night looked distinctly promising). Is it possible that individual riders who are sponsored by Monster might get preferential treatment given the drinks company's relationship with the series? I guess we'll soon find out.

Ruts starting to play a part. Hope there are no more big off's. Amazing that Pearson can tell that Puk is "angry" whilst riding hard.

Quality stuff. Nobody else gives a fiddlers who the "favourites" are, but you bang on about it day after day (and after the "Swindon's to lose" guff in 2012) year after year. I know it's all a game but with Ford and Rosco now spouting the same cobblers it isn't half tiring.

Hope Mr G is OK after that prang. Tai looks like he's escaped lightly.

Last year the shocking weather was blamed for the season being a disaster, but with the weather this year being so much improved it has just highlighted all that is so wrong with the sport. Big gaps in the fixture lists and teams having to rely on so many guests when they do ride - I can't think of a worse season and all topped off with the disgraceful scenes at Kirky Lane last Monday. As for the play-offs, the sporting equivalent of two bald men arguing over a comb.

Having spoken to somebody involved in the production of Corrie I can reveal that last night's "mention" was the result of months of high level negotiation between the shows producers and representatives from the domestic sports media rights holders GSI. An insider said "this has been a long tortuous process, but after many hours of top level talks GSI delivered yet more high profile exposure for the sport - this could be the start of something big" Fantastic news for the sport!

On the "wild cards 2014" thread Phil Rising mentioned that both 5 Live and News 24 have requested interviews with Tai for Monday, if all goes well on Saturday night.

We finally get to the real issue. Surprise, surprise it's money and how much the FIM can get of it.

How many "boys" do you support/stalk?

You must be easily pleased. I thought the racing was very dull, with very few overtakes after the first lap. I was glad to see Gollob back to something like his best though and move closer to inclusion for next year. With only two rounds to go it might well be that Holder and Ward will suck up two of the wild cards and none of the three Swedes are putting much of a case for their inclusion in 2014.

Salzburg is in Austria? Hope for Emil to make a recovery but after watching that crash might be better to rest up for 2014. The one thing that has struck me with Tai this year is that right from the off he has been blessed with some great machinery. Am I right in saying he is a Peter Johns client?

But there will be two Brits there (at Cardiff). Harris or some other Brit will be the wild card for the meeting. It's nonsense to suggest Harris should even be considered for a permanent nomination into the series. Plenty of other riders, including at least one Swede, who will be before him in the queue.

Been away for a few days, so only just seen Arthur Cross's post 149 outlining how NAMA got involved. Very interesting - Thank You. So the great entrepeneur, Luke Johnson, and his cronies only got their hands on the GRA stadia by borrowing on what they thought were favourable terms. Probably expected to cash in on the land, but the economic downturn has left them stuck.

Interesting update, but Feltham is an employee of the GRA, who as I understand, have different development plans for the Stadium. Surprised he is so positive about Taggarts plans. Does anyone know how NAMA are involved in the Wimbledon situation?

I was under the impression that all Football attendances (all 4 divisions) were much improved on what they were in the 1980's. Football crowds recovered from that recession, but Speedway crowds never did.

True, but last year the pick was to ensure one Brit in the series. No way will a 2nd Brit get picked this year. Will Tomasz's sponsorship from Monster help him get a pick if he requires/wants one?

If, for example, Andersen and Bjerre qualify from Poole, then you can't see MJJ getting a pick to have 4 Danes. Sweden will get at least one.

Surely the 3 picks (one will go to Holder) will depend a lot on who gets through at Poole. I would imagine the authorities would be hoping for a Swede or two to get through otherwise that may well affect the make up of the wild cards. Personally, I would like to see another Russian in the series.

At least the good guys won!

In that case why have a run off? Just reward consistency by giving the slot to the Brit with the top average.

Middlo talked about 4 riders - 3 races to decide the winner. As I said before - was never going to happen.