Gemini

In my case the fact Coventry won away, although a very nice surprise, didn't really have a great deal to do with whether I enjoyed the meeting or not. I've been to Leicester many times and thought the racing was much better than a lot of the matches I've seen there before, yet a neutral fan is saying it was rubbish so it just proves how supporters see things differently. Hanging around in the cold waiting for the match to start and too much track preparation is what bugs me but perhaps doesn't bother others if they're in a group with someone to talk to. I usually like to watch the youngsters at Coventry but didn't stay behind here because I was wondering if I'd get a parking ticket for exceeding 4 hours in the shopping centre car park. Do they enforce it late at night or don't bother?

Yes you're right. How do you know? The match seemed to take a while to get started, probably due to the queues outside so that's understandable but then the first few races dragged on a bit with grading after heats 2, 4 and 7. (You've explained the heat 2 grade though so fair enough.) I think it was after the third session of grading when the couple next to me went home as she was too cold, but she was in a wheelchair so it was probably cold sitting in that. Yes I did enjoy the night thank you, so much so that I'm getting my enthusiasm back as I thought there was some good racing. Now my friend the sat nav has sorted out a straight forward route to Beaumont Park rather than the roundabout way I've always gone with my husband I'll be there more often.

Shawn I'm surprised at you. Call that a rant? You of all people know what a good rant is and that one certainly didn't even class as a mild one.

Must admit two people next to me went home after heat 7 as she was too cold with all the hanging about.

You can't beat Peterborough for decent speedway. I'm looking forward to Monday.

I think Doyle was going for a big burst round the outside and there wasn't enough room as Chris was there as well as Andersen, but if you were that near you must be right. Regarding the racing I wouldn't say it was awful speedway by any means. How opinions vary. I disagree about 'poor preparation' as well. Considering how much rain we've had in the days beforehand a lot of hard work must have gone on to even get the match to go ahead. I think only one match survived on Good Friday. I won't argue about the shape of the track though as the majority of fans agree it's all wrong with the straights too long and narrow for the bends, but it doesn't look like it can be altered so that's it.

I don't quite understand what you mean by different types of grade carried out? It all looked the same to me as it was done with a tractor with what looked like 5 tyres in a row on the back. I agree the track was in perfect condition and the racing was the best I've seen there but just think in the first half of the match the tractor coming out every couple of heats was too much. If this grading is that important why was none done after heat 7 until the interval and then none afterwards? Sorry but I go to see Speedway racing not a tractor doing endless laps and for me it stops the flow of the match. But that's just my opinion because I was bored on my own.

Well what do I know? I predicted a 20 point defeat and didn't really fancy going on my own to watch a slaughter with loads of smug Lions fans around me. So glad I went now and was surprised how many Coventry fans had made the journey so it was a bumper attendance and some good racing too. Nothing wrong with that track. The only thing that was rather annoying was the amount of tractor grading that took place during the first half - every couple of races. Surely this isn't necessary as it interrupts the flow of the match. Can't they find something else for Glyn to do, like being the team manager or something.

I must be mad but because Coventry was called off last night I'm going to get my sat nav out and go. This is a decision I think I am going to regret as I'm expecting Bees to lose by at least 20. But hey ho I'll do a survey and see how much passing there is ~ that should keep me occupied. I'll miss my dog so I suppose I'll have to find some other unfortunate person to talk to.

So did he also explain why the last meeting ended the way it did with no 'Goodbyes' from the riders? There was nothing like the usual 'end of season' goings on with fun and games before the fireworks started. It must have been very noticeable to stick in my memory as not many things do these days.

5-1 in the first race to Leicester and then all downhill for the Bees from there. Can't make my mind up whether to go or not as the other half isn't interested.

But not anything with four legs. Hope Taffy isn't planning on going.

Oh I know. I'm still holding a few and some of them have lasted longer than 30 years. I'm the wrong person to answer this as my memory is awful but I think you're probably right and Martin did blame the Coventry promoter. What I didn't understand at the time was Martin said it came as a complete surprise about Leicester closing, but the last meeting seemed really weird to me. It just sort of fizzled out with no 'Goodbyes' from the riders or 'messing about' like they used to do at the end of the season. It was as if he did know what was going to happen but as he says he didn't I've got to believe him.

No he wasn't. It was the directors of Midland Sports Stadiums, of which he was only one. But that still doesn't stop some Leicester fans from bearing a grudge for the last 30 years.

I've already got a spare but not much good really as they still wouldn't let me through the gate at Leicester. Miserable sods.

Can I be bothered to drive a few miles up the road to this one without my companion?

I can remember seeing some diabolical matches at the old Blackbird Road track with processional racing in the 70's and 80's so I don't think things are that different these days. There's usually three or four good races during a match, perhaps one or two exceptional ones if we're lucky and the rest not so interesting......just like its always been.

I don't really think many will be too bothered about that, especially Lions fans looking forward to trouncing the Bees again. I didn't go to the first one anyway but might venture out to this one if I can find the place without the other half who doesn't seem very interested at the moment.

Blimey! Looking like another slaughter then.

She gets grumpy late at night. Sleepy has to wait.

As long as you don't want to leave the house for a few weeks then you should be okay so I hope you've got plenty of food stashed away.

Ooops! Keep clear ~ Jacques is in a bad mood tonight.

Can you remember how many pages it reached? Have I got to start worrying yet if this thread might overtake it?

Ah yes I remember. Lucy was hiding underneath the table waiting to pounce. I don't think rolling tyres down the steps is going to appeal then. Can't beat a motorised scooter.

He wouldn't last with today's lot unless he toed the line and agreed with everything that goes on. Send him round to the 4th bend next time. He can have loads of fun rolling tyres down the steps with the other lads. Who needs an iPad.