mikebv

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...

Whoever he rides for, I always try and get along to the NSS when he is there... Always full value and rides like a bit of a throwback to when I started going.. ie. No matter the occasion, he wants to win, and will ride hard to do it..

I would suggest that the sport is on a knife edge when it comes to costs.. Some riders will have to be paid, possibly airline and hotel costs, if they arrive.. And those Promoters who rent stadiums will have to pay up after a certain time.. Damned if they do, and damned if they dont... If it means less of a threat to their survival and growth them it has to have merit... Speedway fans are a pretty hardy bunch, they must be given the stuff they put up with, so, whilst some will be disappointed, most will attend the next time.. And those who plan to attend, booking hotels, or travelling from 100's of miles away, will, by now I am sure, have realised that such an undertaking is fraught with potential disappointment...

Hampel looks like he is struggling to stay at the back... Presume he isnt too bothered about qualifying?

I think for the initial SWC the crowd was circa 7,000... So 7,000 paying £35 would cover the staging fee quite comfortably I would imagine... The Council are very much "onside" so extra seating wouldnt face much challenge (and already been done), from a safety certificate point of view... It would bring in more fans and money than Gorican and Prague I would think.. And 7,000 would be about half of the total current weekly UK fanbase I would imagine, so a "more than decent" crowd for Speedway...

Could bring everyone back its took so long..... "The Coronation Cup"...