mikebv

And maybe those who run the sport could stop planning in fixtures when the global FIM calendar clearly states that their meetings are taking place.. When they organise meetings on those dates, inevitably using RR and Guests, then it sends out two messages.. One being that even the promoters dont take their own competitions seriously.. And two, the over riding priority of the sport in the UK is simply to provide riders with as much chance to earn as much money as they can, regardless of impact to its credibility.. The only other sports I can think off that have their competitors elsewhere when clubs compete is RU and Cricket, however, they run large squads, rather than share employees, and have large sponsorship to afford those squards.. So much of UK Speedeay's issues are "self inflicted" which is baffling given so many of them could so easily be avoided with just a bit of planning, organisation, discipline and leadership.. .

Not sure why he isnt in the top league in Poland.. Much better than several Poles, and non Poles, who are.. Always been a bit of box office about this lad.. Love watching him ride...

Not too decent I hope.. They might blow the gate open...

Jeremy Vine "Which World Famous South Coast team are known as the "Manchester United of Speedway?".. Contestant: "Ivan Mauger"...

Speedway was mentioned on The Chase... (They got the answer wrong).. Speedway was mentioned on Tipping Point... (They got the answer wrong)... Speedway was mentioned on Fifteen to One... (They got the answer wrong).. Speedway was mentioned on Eggheads.. (They got the etc etc etc..)

I admire Phil's optimism...

Fifteen 3-2's .. No bonus.....

I think Dan's serious injury of a few years ago could play on his mind a bit.. He often leaves "the door open" underneath him and gets passed by those who basically dont turn until they hit the bend... The 3 riders you mention, and Madsen, are particularly good at that.. Ruthlessly "shutting that door" is what the top riders do as they "turn left" to clamp their opponents on the line, make them lock up and lose all momentum.. Woofy too nowadays often gets rode under, where he used to be very good at leaning across an opponent, lock up accordingly, stoppjng the run of his opponent, but keep moving himself forward.... GP Speedway certainly isnt for the faint hearted and is great to watch. . Laguta and Emil would be great additions to the series.... Hopefuly both back next year, as they are also riders who go full pelt in every situation..

The only criticism I have of the Star is the "continued on page x"... When there is plenty of room on the first page to have included it, as invariably there is another piece, or two, alongside it... Still a quality publication though which does the sport great service...

Even the Golden Heat will be a draw...

El Bustico.... Take a bow.. I bet they both lose....

Having stepped into the "speedway bubble" once, it was truly staggering the amount of delusion they had about what they offered, and even more staggering was how these people were "successful businessmen" outside the sport, if they ran their own businesses in the same "head in the sand" way... The sport is still ran by so many middle aged men in an "analogue way", which was no doubt fine when some of the ludicrous decisions made didnt hit the public domain instantly... Like it does today.. Same old. Same old. Doesnt cut it nowadays, and if you dont have a growth mindset, seeking constant evolution through innovation, trying new ideas, and driving improvements, then you simply have no chance.

Or revenge is a dish best served cold?

Noticeable that he tried it a few times, however, on such a small track he wasnt able to generate the speed he usually does on the bigger circuits for him to line up his "signature move"... The "bend three dive bomb" where he basically rides his opponents (who lift their leg up out of the way), up the track deep into bend four.. Doyle, Lindgren and Madsen are the three riders who seem to he able to stay strong and prevent him forcing them out... The rest all take evasive action and surrender position... Holder tonight showed some steel of his own, so maybe he too will now be less intimidated..

Not even a racing line that Zmarzlik was taking... Far too narrow up the back straight meaning as soon as he threw the back wheel out he was going to make contact with Doyle.. Amazed Doyle didnt lamp him when he walked back... Bewley and Woffy both had chances to clamp their opponent on the line by coming across him, and didnt do it so got passed up the inside (again)... You dont win all GP's by just gating and going fast when in front... Interesting that when "chaos" was occurring the "veterans" that are always "full gas" ie Doyle and Lindgren come out of it in the best positions because they still go into potential dicey situations full pelt... Zmarzlik is certainly pushing his luck with his own health as for the past couple of years he has trodden a fine line between "genius" and "reckless".. One "unlucky" moment could have serious consequences for him...

Baffled by Lambert and Bewleys last two rides... Riding on the inside at the back which isnt the usual style for either of them.. It is obviously a track where lap by lap momentum is key... Trying to burrow under your opponents wont do that...

Lucky he has the young lad to watch and learn from...

Well done lad....

Great racing so far... A lower than normal score could get a semi berth tonight, which will keep plenty interested...

How many times....? It was a Bank Holiday week.. Everything put back a day at least in the building trade...

Apart from that it is the lowest part of the area.. And apart from that.. And this bit...

Seifert-Salk is a rider that has impressed me this season, can pass and gate.. Not really been aware of him before.. Worth a punt over here for some team I would say...

Always comes across as someone who the sport could use to shape its future... One of the few who seem to see what is needed to grow the sport... And that "same old, same old" simply wont wash any more..

Best of Luck to the Comets and all involved...

Already reserved for the Jubilee Cup Final...