4thbender

Congratulations Humphrey - at last I see someone making a sensible argument on this topic. When will the much-maligned speedway community wake up to the fact that there is absolutely no good reason to prevent professional sportsmen coming to the UK to make a valuable and colourful contribution to a sport which is dying on its feet? The 'jobsworths' who make up these stupid and inane rules do so merely to create and maintain well-paid positions for themselves and their elitist colleagues in Whitehall. I've got £5 for the first person who can tell me any REAL justification for excluding citizens of the British Commonwealth from coming to practice their profession on these shores whilst allowing free and unfettered access to anyone and everyone from the so-called European Union (European Dis-union would be a more accurate title)?

In my long experience, people who use the saying "rules are rules" do so because they cannot justify why the rule exists in the first place. Can you tell me any justification for excluding citizens of the British Commonwealth from coming to practice their profession on these shores whilst allowing free and unfettered entry to anyone and everyone from the so-called European Union (European Dis-union would be a more accurate title)?

Provided they come here prepared to abide by the laws of the land, are financially self-sufficient and aim to make a positive contribution to society, people of all nations should be welcomed. It's what made America great. Provided they come here prepared to abide by the laws of the land, are financially self-sufficient and aim to make a positive contribution to society, people of all nations should be welcomed. It's what made America great.

Can you imagine the furore if Man Utd were told they couldn't sign the likes of Rafael or Di Maria, or Chelsea's Ramires and Luis were sent packing back to Brazil because (by someone's perverted measure) it was ruled they weren't talented enough to be given preference over English players? This whole visa farce is a pantomime invented in Whitehall to punish speedway for being a noisy and dirty sport supported by oiks in the north. It doesn't happen in other sports; why should they pick on us? These individuals are international sportsmen originating from a Commonwealth country wishing to come to these shores in furtherance of their profession and to entertain the paying public. They are paying their own way and have contractual arrangements to prove they will be financially self-sufficient. Polish airline Wizz Air has recently announced that it will be operating a twice-weekly service into Robin Hood Airport from the Slovakian city of Kocise to "bus in" a further 400 immigrants on a weekly basis, most of whom will have nowhere to live and no jobs to go to, but will expect to be housed, provided with benefits to support their families and given free medical healthcare. Is it not time the speedway fraternity rose up in protest at this clear discrimination against talented individuals wishing to ply their trade in the UK?

This unwarranted interference in the affairs of speedway stinks, and the face of anyone who calls himself a speedway fan should be red with anger. Can you imagine the furore if Man Utd were told they couldn't sign the likes of Rafael or Di Maria, or Chelsea's Ramires and Luis were sent packing back to Brazil because (by someone's perverted measure) it was ruled they weren't talented enough to be given preference over English players? If we shut the doors to our antipodean cousins we cut off a rich vein of talent which has maintained British speedway for decades. I would go as far as to say that speedway in the UK would no longer exist were it not for the thrills, excitement and colour that our friends from down under have brought to our shores. The legendary names of Huxley, Van Praag, Moore, Briggs, Mauger, Young and Airey represent an 80-year legacy of speedway racing at its best. Their names have more recently been joined by those of Crump, Parker, Doolan, Holder, Doyle and Lemon. Who's to say the next generation won't include the likes of Ward, Schlein, Fricke, Sedgmen and Masters. If we allow some penpusher in Whitehall to determine who's allowed to grace our speedway tracks and who isn't, then we hand over the future of our great and glorious sport to the dead hand of officialdom. The whole situation is ridiculous and laughable, and if speedway stands for it we should all hang our heads in shame. Until the disgraceful and disgusting decision on Campton and Wethers is reversed, I would propose that fans from all Elite, Premier and National League teams withdraw their support and refuse to pass through the turnstiles. Teams should be free to contract with whoever they wish, regardless of nationality and, provided riders have contracts to prove their financial self-sufficiency, UKVI should have no business poking its nose where it's not wanted.

Not talented enough? Then why do British promoters want to employ them? If we shut the doors to our antipodean cousins we cut off a rich vein of talent which has maintained British speedway for decades. I would go as far as to say that speedway in the UK would no longer exist were it not for the thrills, excitement and colour that our friends from down under have brought to our shores. The legendary names of Huxley, Van Praag, Moore, Briggs, Mauger, Young and Airey represent an 80-year legacy of speedway racing at its best. Their names have more recently been joined by those of Crump, Parker, Doolan, Holder, Doyle and Lemon. Who's to say the next generation won't include the likes of Ward, Schlein, Fricke, Sedgmen and Masters. If we allow some penpusher in Whitehall to determine who's allowed to grace our speedway tracks and who isn't, then we hand over the future of our great and glorious sport to the dead hand of officialdom. This unwarranted interference in the affairs of speedway stinks, and the face of anyone who calls himself a speedway fan should be red with anger. Can you imagine the furore if Man Utd were told they couldn't sign the likes of Rafael or Di Maria, or Chelsea's Ramires and Luis were sent packing back to Brazil because they "weren't talented enough to be given preference over English players"? The whole situation is ridiculous and laughable, and if speedway stands for it we should all hang our heads in shame.

This is madness. These individuals are international sportsmen originating from a Commonwealth country wishing to come to these shores in furtherance of their profession and to entertain the paying public. They are paying their own way and have contractual arrangements to prove they will be financially self-sufficient. Polish airline Wizz Air has recently announced that it will be operating a twice-weekly service into Robin Hood Airport from the Slovakian city of Kocise to "bus in" a further 400 immigrants on a weekly basis, most of whom will have nowhere to live and no jobs to go to, but will expect to be housed, provided with benefits to support their families and given free medical healthcare. Is it not time the speedway fraternity rose up in protest at this clear discrimination against talented individuals wishing to ply their trade in the UK?

For Ricky Ashworth video update, visit: http://www.thestar.co.uk/video/news/ricky-ashworth-3936036014001

Arthur Sissis’s Moto3 career is over. He has been dumped by his Moto3 team Mahindra Racing. Sissis gave an interview to Australian Motorcycle News and stated: “I’m happy. I want to go back to speedway. I’ll go back to Australia to try to get back up to speed, then go and race in Britain.”

Has it not struck you that if the Scots try to wriggle out of taking on their portion of the national debt their credit worthiness on the international money markets will be zero? They'll never be able to borrow money ever again and will be a bankrupt nation from day 1. I don't think that particular tool is going to work.

If Scotland decides to leave the UK on Thursday, what will happen to Edinburgh and Glasgow? No longer part of Great Britain, they will not be eligible to be part of the British Speedway Promoters' Association, will therefore not be bound by the rules of British speedway and Scottish riders will be classed as 'foreigners'. has anyone thought through the ramifications of all this?

At least the Tigers escaped without further injuries which, for us this season, is as good as a 4-point win!

It was announced in sombre tones at the end of last season that Neil Machin had had enough and the Owlerton club was up for sale. With great fanfare in January Damien Bates and Peter Mole were welcomed as the new team owners. However for (at least) the past few weeks the programme has stated that the promoters are Damien Bates, Peter Mole and NEIL MACHIN! Does this represent changes at the top or am I missing something?

Chris will be remembered with great fondness by everyone at Sheffield for his spell with us. I recall him being named Man-of-the-Match for his sheer 110% effort and commitment in his last outing for us. Speedway is all the poorer for the loss of Schrammy.

I think the jury's out on the Ben Wilson signing: time will tell. Might be a good omen though: Sheffield are always a better team when there's a 'Wilson' in the ranks!

The thing I've noticed about LL is that when he gets overtaken by an opponent he immediately looks over his shoulder to see where the next one is. In my book this betrays the psychological mindset that he's expecting to get passed and is focusing more on retaining second place than putting up a fight for the lead. Contrast this with Stead who, on the rare occasion he finds himself being passed, fixes his attention on the man in front looking for an opening to win back the lead. LL's mindset is all wrong and that's why, when the inevitable changes are made, the axe must fall on him (along with Proctor, who's all at sea). Interesting to note that with the manager threatening team changes in the local press, Poole's gone out at Peterborough tonight and scored ten.

Anyone know what the record is for the highest aggregate points win over two legs? Whatever it is I reckon the record will be broken tomorrow! Speaking of winning the toss, it strikes me that Sheffield riders find it very difficult to compete from the no. 4 gate position, but the same affliction doesn't seem to strike opposing riders.... or is that just my imagination?

Couldn't agree more. Sheffield's promotion traditionally has a reputation for standing by its riders, but how long will they persevere with under-performers? I got a slating on this forum for suggesting that they should be on the phone to Argentina inviting Facu to return, but there's no doubt on last night's showing that he would be a more-than-adequate replacement for any one of four riders. If this were the end of the season, there's no way the promoters would be offering new contracts to numbers 2 to 6, so why don't they grasp the nettle and make some decisions NOW about the inevitable rebuilding? Disappointing as it may seem, heads will have to roll if Sheffield is to salvage anything from this season.

10.45am Thursday and the sun is peeking through the clouds over Sheffield. Who'd have thought it!

Facu can entertain and was beginning to get the measure of British racing in the latter part of last season. So far, none of the three mentioned have exactly inspired the Owlerton crowd with their derring-do in Sheffield colours. If the losing streak continues I would feel less humiliated if I'd at least been entertained. Leaving Facu out of the team was a mistake IMO.

On current form it could be any one of three, but favourite for the chop has to be the Dane. Mind you, the younger aussie and the Suffolk chip-shop owner are also in the frame and could be next in line for a little team re-structuring. For my money, Facu at his best could knock any one of them into a cocked hat.

The sun always shines on the righteous.

Anyone care to engage in a friendly wager on when (not if) Facundo Albin will make his next appearance in Sheffield colours? Maybe my present judgement owes much to this glass of delightful red wine beside my computer, but I'm betting my 50p that we see him again by the middle of July. Anyone care to offer an alternative view?

I do hope Adam can stay clear of injury and fulfill all the promise he showed at Sheffield. Plymouth fans can rest assured they've got a good 'un.

An appalling performance from a Sheffield team that seems to have become intoxicated by its own (so far unproven) potential. Sheffield seemed so convinced that victory was assured that they didn't bother turning up until heat 9. Quite clearly certain riders had not prepared their machines to a competitive standard, their gating was atrocious and, with Sheffield riders finishing last in eleven of the fifteen heats, they've forgotten the speedway axim that victories are built on NOT finishing fourth. By the halfway stage I was beginning to wonder if we'd EVER see a Sheffield heat winner because they simply didn't look to be up for it. As I've stated in other topics in this forum, the much-heralded appointment of Joe Screen as manager may not be the master stroke that some have claimed. On last night's showing, the learning-curve needs to be a very steep one if he's to produce team results in the near future: as I've said before, the jury is very much still out on the wisdom of his appointment. A thirty-minute hold-up after heat two to prepare a competitive surface is unforgiveable. I've said it before: the paying punters don't fork out their hard-earned cash to watch the tractor go round. There can be no excuse for a track that is a danger to race on: they've had all week to prepare it and the weather has not been an issue. Someone needs to get their finger out. The patience of supporters is not inexhaustible. It's the racing hold-ups that ultimately will drive away the paying public; if it's not rain it's the sun dazzling the riders, and if it's not the sun it's interminable delays for repairs to the fence. Now we have the new impediment of under-prepared racing surface! Is there no end to the excuses for race officials to repair to the pits for a cosy cuppa while the customers twiddle their thumbs on the terraces? The new promotion clearly has a lot to learn and, unless they present us with a team that is able and willing to compete and an organization that is able to deliver, time will run out and so will the crowd.