Eyejay

Totally agree re Alfie - and good to see as he is a lovely guy. Is there any truth in the rumours that Trigger has had the same bike for 20 years...17 new frames and 14 new engines....but the same bike. I’ll get my coat....

I totally understand your comments but, as a Hammers fan who was present yesterday, it was an enjoyable day. Dont get me wrong, the meeting went on for a long time , longer than I had ever known previously. But, it was good to see The Hammers represented again and to be at a meeting, for the first time since we rode those few meetings at Rye House in 2018. In addition, seeing some of the guys I stood with for years for the first time since then was tremendous. I am not sure it was totally down to the referee for the duration of the meeting. Hammers operating R/R didn’t help , neither did the regular spills and I was told there was an issue with riders seeing the green light, how true that is I don’t know. And the air fence also deflating was again something that can’t be helped. As for Iwade as a venue, it is basic facilities wise but the racing was good and we were close to the action. Possibly too close judging by the amount of track that found its way onto me during the meeting! The upshot from yesterday was that I got the bug for Speedway back through being there and can see me going to more meetings , certainly at Iwade as I loved the venue despite its limitations and the fact I live well into Essex , and the welcome was friendly. I really wish the Kent promotion well in this venture - having lost so many tracks in recent times including my beloved Arena Essex, the fact that Iwade is staging competitive speedway again is a huge bonus.

I am totally with you on this one. I have been to watch the Hammers once at Rye and that was the double header with Peterborough. To me, it was not The Hammers. The Hammers are (Were) Arena Essex, and it really was not the same. Add to that the mess the sport is in and the muppets running it doing their best to ruin it, i have not missed it. I too have found other things to do - thanks for the memories.

You should be a comedian... I am struggling to understand how Lakeside can be held accountable for the weather.....

Despite the change in start time I would be amazed if this goes ahead. I will leave it until as late a possible before deciding.

They must have read your mind... or your post! Start put back to 5pm. On Hammers site....

Trust me, I think it is unlikely. As you put it we are suckers, and I am fed up with being taken for granted. I have been disillusioned with the sport for a while but this year it really has hit a low. I think The shenanigans in the Poole v Kings Lynn play off final where the rule book was openly broken to allow an over the points limit guest beggars belief. That to me is the straw that broke the camels back.

Totally agree re the playoffs. Poole have been declared Premiership Champions despite finishing mid table. Farce. I would love to see a new body take over the running of the sport. Currently it is dictated due to certain persons vested interests and the rule book may just as well not exist. If it is to remain run by the current lot, it would be good to have half a dozen or so supporters voted on, to vote for things from a supporters perspective. Not everything, but things like race nights, competition formats etc would benefit from a supporter input. As things stand, I am not sure if I will bother next year. I have become very disillusioned with the sport especially with the antics of certain influential people.

Which Christmas ?......

That is interesting ? Do they not run greyhounds on a Saturday night anymore ? Would have thought it was a very lucrative night for the dogs....

Really pleased with the result, however complacency could be Hammers biggest problem in the return. This is far from over, if Panthers get the ‘right’ guests then it could be interesting.

I agree about a one off on breakfast time, but SPOTY reaches a bigger audience. A mention plus a look at how he achieved his title, ie some clips may just do the trick. Maybe breakfast time and SPOTY?

Totally agree with everything you say Steve. It is a shame because a British World Champion being given publicity in mainstream TV could just be what introduces a new generation of followers to our sport.

Absolutely, he showed real class there, as did the Polish crowd . Delighted Tai has done it, but The Poles and Bartosz Zmarzlik showed fantastic sportsmanship, real quality.

That is true, you make a good point. I recall the Dryml disappearing acts, to the point one of them admitted they did not like Arena but were always prepared to race, but were advised not too by their teams management.