salty

Its going to be a real dogfight to the end. There seems to be a consensus that KK and LIndgren will get nominated which means out of Jagus, Holta, Jonsson, Nicholls, Hampel and Zagar one will qualify by right and two more will get nominations. Zagar seems to far behind in the standings and I can't see Jonsson or Nicholls being left out (though Nicholls will have to perform well in the last 2 GP's). That leaves any 1 from Jagus, Holta and Hampel in my book.

According to the Poole site updates it was a highly questionable call, following a clash between Bjerre and Freddie, when Freddie should have been out... Have to say I'm pleased it wasn't a Danes 1,2,3.

I guess it's possible to say that KK and Freddie weren't under pressure as it is highly likely that they will get nominations. Whereas for Lukas, Puk and Bjarne this was really there only hope.

In my opinion if they ain't good enough then they shouldn't be there. It just seems that the organisers feel the need to have at least 2 Brits. Comments in the Speedway Star over the past couple of years seem to confirm this and given Philip Rising having a foot in both camps I think its fair to assume that is the case. If it isn't going to be Nicholls who is that 2nd Brit going to be?

Whilst it would ease certain riders minds to finish in the top 8 and be certain of qualifying, history shows that riders in the next 3 positions usually get nominated as well. I'm sure I read somewhere that Jagus is not interested in taking part in the GP's next year and I guess there may be a question mark over Herbie and Sir Tomasz (though hopefully his recent form will persuade him to treat us to another year of his magic). Whatever the finishing order I would like to see the likes of Jonsson, Hampel and Holta back next year as they have all added to the quality this season. Given the seeming need to have to 2 Brits I'm sure Nicholls will be back as well.

Totally agree, I don't suppose its worth worrying about until it happens, but if Lindgren and KK have to rely on nominations then it means the scramble for a top 8 finish will become even more hectic. Previously those finishing in the first 12 have often got the nod, but it might be top 11 at least this season. Personally would love to see one of the Russians get through but can't see it happening at a track like Vojens.

To be fair his exclusion was incorrect and he suffered bike problems after the fall. Certainly on the pace at the start of the meeting.

I thought it was quite a good meeting last night and it was especially good to see Mr Gollob back to something like his best. One thing though, why is it when Speedway riders put on their aggrieved voice it always comes across as a high pitched whinge? I always thought the Danes voices changed because they are speaking in a foreign language, but I think Crumpy, Adams and Scotty are all guilty of this affectation. Perhaps the best example of all being Rosco. Certainly makes 'em look a bit daft imo.

The first Reading rider (1981) is Mark Leslie ?. The '85 Peterboro' pic is Ian Barney I think, but not sure it is the right year.

The only ones I can help with are Hull 1 - Dennis Gavros? Milton Keynes - Robbie Vigus Newcastle 2 - Fairly certain that its Bobby Duncan too. Think I should know the Ipswich and Kings Lynn ones but can't recall the names at the minute.

Does anyone know how much Olsen has to do with the track preparation? The Speedway Star Cardiff preview had a lengthy article on Colin Meredith and his prep of the Cardiff track with no mention of Ole and I remember when the Swedish GP had to be abandoned a few years ago it was the local track guys who took the rap.

Fond memories of his time with Cradley. RIP Speedy Pete.

Seem to remember when the Poles won 2 years ago it was widely reported that their Federation had spent a fortune providing the riders with top quality equipment for the Final. It would be interesting to know what sort of assistance the Brits riders got on Saturday night.

Despite the name, Geraint Jones isn't Welsh. He was born in Papua New Guinea and brought up in Australia.

A good point Steve in that we should not have had high expectations. One point I would make though is that we have to make more effort to gain expererience on foreign tracks. In the past 2 years Kennett has given the World Under 21 Team Cup a miss, to ride a Saturday night at Rye, and this year has not bothered with the GP qualifiers. Whilst he has his reasons, surely the experience he would have gained at such events would have stood him in good stead for the future? If we are to get some "better" days then our new young riders need to get this experience of riding on the continent.

Delighted to see the Poles win that, they really did well in the last group of 5 races. Started with Holta's brilliant ride in Heat 21 and all 5 of them did the business when it mattered. Surprised that more wasn't made of Nicholls being up against Andersen in heat 25, 3 years on but a bit of payback I think. Disappointing effort by the Brits, Kennett and Stead way out of their depth.

Can't do it without the raw materials can we? In those 7 years you forget to mention the riders Middlo has had to try and win the thing with. If anything I would say that they have over achieved in Middlo's reign. Can't see them overcoming Denmark or Poland this year especially on Polish shale. But I would be surprised if they don't have a good go.

Agree that Jagus's poor performance on the man made tracks may mean he will be an attractive price when the series returns to Eastern Europe. Slightly surprised to see Lubos get the wild card, I figured it would go to Lukas, but good experience prior to the GP Qualifying Final.

Judging by the performances of Gafurov and Gizatullin in qualifying to the GP Final and that of Safjutdinov in the Under 21's, I'm hoping the Russians will put up a strong performance on Monday. Hope they arrive at full strength with good competitive machinary. If they make good use of practice I would be hopeful of them getting 3rd place and then having a good go in the run off later in the week.

BWin have it priced as 5/4 Denmark 6/4 Poland.

What will happen as a result of Lewis's no show, hefty fine, ban or slap on the wrist? Anyone know? Great to see the Gaffer through!

Crayford 83-1 is Trevor Barnwell I reckon and I would also go with Mike Spinks for the second action shot. The other fella i haven't a clue.

I'm not saying that the Super7 concept and organisation has not been an improvement, in fact I think it has. I just think it should be down to someone other than the organiser to pronounce whether it is a "massive success" or not.

I think the Birmingham rider is Ian Stead, not certain though... Best guess for the Long Eaton rider is Glenn Parrott, pretty certain about that one.

Don't know why you guys have managed to generate 37 pages of argument. According to the BSPA website the Super7 series has been a "massive success". Who better to make that claim than JC himself!