redlead

Absolute disgrace for a promoter to come out with a statement like that it shows scant regard for riders. When racing you can't always choose the line you want to take when racing close, if the rider hits one of 'bumps and bits' it could be carnage. If this was the only match where the track was in poor condition, then some of the comments would be fair, however, almost every team that's visited B'ham has complained about the dusty track and poor track prep.

In the 70's the top 20 riders averaged 9 or over. Today there are one or two riders who average over 9. With only about 3 riders riding Prem League exclusively, the general standard of both leagues is poor by past standards. In the 70's a heat leader in the 2nd division would be a reserve in the 1st div, today there is very little or no difference between the 2 leagues. So I think the standard in the 2nd tier, is poor by past standards. However just because the standard is lower, it doesn't mean the racing is poorer. At Redcar we see great racing every meeting.

Sad news that the Diamonds may be lost. As a Middlesbrough/Redcar fan we have had many many great meetings over the years. But I'm afraid no matter what the B.S.P.A. have or haven't done to help/hinder, the bottom line is there weren't enough fans turning up week in week out.

It will be better than R/R for Jordon, Having a full team takes the pressure off the others. Not sure how it will affect the reserves though.

The rule was brought in in the 80's (I think) because Duncan Chapman fell off on the parade lap and broke his nose, after that riders had to wear helmets. I guess if they did just do a parade lap, then helmets wouldn't be required, but nearly all riders do practice starts.

As far as I'm aware riders have to wear helmets on the parade laps, But I agree, leave them off until they've been introduced.

Of course, it would have been better to have our own 1-7, but what are the options when you have 4 riders out, fill the places with juniours, and then be criticised for fielding a weakened team? Speedway can't afford to have squads so teams can cover injuries with their own riders. The Guest system isn't ideal, but it's better than the alternative.

A marvelous gesture from The Bears promotion, one of the best (if not the best) promotions in speedway. I'll be happy to pay full price for the next meeting, what happened on Friday was out of the promotions control. I agree with the sentiment of Yearbyred, Jitendra standing down will be a loss to The Bears and speedway, although I'm sure the remaining promotors will keep to the high standard Ben has set.

Just one of those night where things went wrong, no ones fault. Rider safety always takes precedence, which would also include the ref not being able to see because of the sun. The electrical fault was quickly solved and if it had happened on any other night would have caused only a short delay. I took a newbie and she fully enjoyed it, and she understood that it is a rare event for all those things to happen. I assume both teams agreed to run ht 10 to get a result. Redcar has an agreement with the Council to go over the curfew on the odd occasion. The racing we saw was good, and the track good. I hope the injured lads aren't too badly hurt.

Bad night for the bears. Each rider failed to finish at least one race, (even r/r) 7 points given away straight away!

I can't see Jason Crump being anything but a success, the standard in the Premier League is relatively much lower than when he last rode. Great to see him back, he's a quality rider and great with the fans. When he rode in the Silver Helmet at Redcar, at 10 o'clock, he was still in the pits in his Kevlars, chatting to fans, having pictures taken. great gesture.

Devastated, such shocking news, Deepest sympathies to his family.

I understand it's the Stock cars that are moving to Sheffield.

If the hearing for Cooks appeal is Friday, and if the ban is upheld, and stats immediately, then he'll miss the last 2 league matches. Damage limitation I think!!

Shout out to Tom Wooly who did a great job in ht 11, leading Kennet for almost a lap, giving Riss a chance to build up a lead. Not afraid to mix it, and can hold his own. As to the rest of the team, all battled well good to see Jordon back on form, but we badly missed Charles. Would have liked a few more points, I was hoping for 14, so it could be a close finish.

Comparing Darcy and Cook is irrelevant. Cook ignored red flags, he shoulder barged an official (all be it after he stepped into Cooks path), he also threw at least one punch. Few, if any come out of this with credit. I hope Cooks ban isn't over turned, it would make the whole thing a mockery.

Maybe Cooke was encouraged to appeal so the bans on him and Vissing would be staggered, thus lessening the effect.

Track record means a fast track, not necessarily a racing track, with different racing lines.

It's sad he's gone he was a great character and a lovely bloke.

Sad news, (if I've got the right chap) we went to the Ice Speedway at Assen with him in the 70's , We went to Manchester in his Relient van. We used to call him Cloggy, because he used to wear cloggs. Great memories, R.I.P. ( hope I've got the right chap, if not apologies).

Just a question, do many Lakeside fans travel to Rye House? also would enough travel to make it more viable than it was for Rye House? (I know that's 2 questions) lol.

Looking through the list of riders in the Premiership, only around 12 are full time PL riders, the rest are double up riders. Shows how far the standard has dropped, not long ago, top div 2 riders were promoted to reserves in div 1. Also means the running just one league would be just about impossible as there won't be enough riders to fill 20 teams.

I can't understand why after a false start, riders are given another 2 minutes, surely 1 minute should be enough.

I think they'll be over qualified!!

If it wasn't for bad luck we would have no luck at all. No Jorgensen, no Mikkel B, and no Smoggie Bear!!!! (Can we get a guest for Smoggie)