mikebv

Sadly, it was obvious from the moment all the other teams had their own heat leaders in place that Brum were going to struggle.. Every one of their riders are riding in a position (at least), one place up from where they should be.. And their two top riders are only on their "contrived" averages to make the team look competitive on paper.. Good job there wasn't eight teams in the league...

It was like watching a testimonial...

Think they might need an "away kit" for this one.. Just switched on and all riders look on the same team...

Looks like they haven't released all the tickets on the fouth bend... Only those at "camera" level for the front shot of the start line are currently able to be purchased.. Front and middle available only. Meaning the most filmed part of the track will look full.. We got an "upgrade" last time from our standing tickets, with some flags to this section to ensure 100% full... Thus giving a positive message on the TV, and it created some great atmosphere.. (You do need the Poles there though).. Maybe they will do the same again for those buying standing tickets? Hopefully some "touts" might get involved (misguidedly), and there will be a bargain or two on the days as they scramble to offload as much as they can...

£85 for a tiny minority sport is "the very top end" I would think.. £50 cheapest seat would be a tad "more realistic" I would suggest.. There is also no longer a "novelty value" over here anymore in watching many of those expected to be there on "Final Night", which may also impact the perceived value in paying the prices sought.. Lets hope it is a great success though, and generates lots of publicity for UK Speedway, and full houses at each event reflects it in a good light..

Wow... For four of us that is £340.... At least Dick Turpin wore a mask... Curry and beer for four and watching at home? Around £100.... Kerching....

The only criticism you can have about Polish speedway is the lack of atmosphere...

Big chance missed from Kowalski.. Clamp him down on the line and Magic could have come around...

Is always the answer....

A shame... Doesn't have much luck with injuries that lad.. One of those lads who always give 100% regardless of position.. Best wishes for a speedy return...

Spot on.. Even the NSS when "running slick" delivers much better racing than "being grippy"... Given the handling of the bikes these days, grip can make it as near to "running on rails" as a speedway bike can get. Fast for sure, but very processional, as all follow the same "sweet spot" around the bends.. I would think a clay based surface would be specifically difficult to get right, particularly when moisture is either within it, or in the air...

It is the annual "Leicester already need to make changes" thread.....

It isn't as if there are "millions of pounds" riding on their decisions is it? Refs in other sports get well paid, and even get someone else watching a monitor to advise them if they get things wrong... Speedway refs are more like "Sunday League" officlals who do it as they enjoy being involved.. And, like it or not, the rewards for winning titles in UK Speedway are more "Sunday League" than even "Conference League".. If they make decisions that could recklessly impact safety of the riders then that is a different issue, and disciplinary action should be taken and be severe.. Otherwise, common sense, and perspective, should be used..

For the aggregate bonus point, should the return match only take the result after 14 heats ? In this instance, it might not matter, but in others it may.. In a sport with such home team advantage, the extra heats (up to 5 if called off after Ht 10), could make a big difference....

100%... Litigation would be enormous if anything happened which COULD be attributed to someone who has just not passed a drugs or alcohol test.. The ref and the clubs complicit in letting him ride, could face prosecution, as could the governing body... Even the rider himself could sue if he got injured as "you let me ride"... You don't pass, you don't ride...

His gating was poor v the higher level rider when I watched him... However, whilst behind, his speed was very much on a par with the higher standard in front of him and, only very rarely did he get cut adrift from the rider in third, and often, by the end of the race, would have closed down the distance he had given away before bend 3 on the first lap.. When in front, he had some real speed and control of the bike at that speed..

Thierry Hillarious as he got renamed...

Seems to be being taken very seriously by the countries looking at their line ups.. So. Why no GB?

Very sad news... One of the best English riders ever, and won many times, both individually and as a team man, domestically and internationally, in an era with many of the best riders who ever rode a speedway bike... Condolences, and Best Wishes, to Chris and the rest of the Louis family... R.I.P. "Tiger"....

Artem nil after 3 rides... Still, at least he turned up...

Have the local scout group booked it?

Dave did an incredible job for many years to keep Stoke running and competitive... A true unsung stalwart of UK Speedway..

Max and Jason leading after 2 heat wins each... 6 points.. Doyle on a warning after one heat... Dan, two points and gated stone last by some distance, twice.. Cierniak looking the real deal at 5 points.. Blasted around Emil.. Definitely will make a mark in the GP's, the old guard will be looking over their shoulders..

And just got a taste of "top level" riding... First out of turn two, third (last) out of turn four.. It must be a great learning opportunity for these "decent" lads to race against the very top of the tree...

Emil got out of that one OK... Could have been nasty if he landed on his head..