OGT

I get annoyed with every commentator I listen to, in some way or other, whatever the sport. But as someone has pointed out already, in speedway's case at least the sport is being covered and in Eurosport's case, it's being covered pretty comprehensively. So they can use Stanley Unwin for all I care, if he was still with us of course.

Comparing speedway to football is ridiculous.

Cricket. Now there's a thing. Essentially boring (imo) and tedious (also imo) at bread and butter level, but vastly more successful and exciting (?) at test and limited over levels. But what really brings the money in and propels the game up to a totally different level of everything is 20/20 or whatever it's called now. Largely unpopular with the older generation, it's helped many clubs to survive financially (some still struggle though, granted) but it's created a whole new generation of, well, 20/20 fans. So there you have the answer, 6 months of tedious bread and butter league speedway, with a month of an all singing all dancing, hyper exciting, over the top competition to pay for it. Simple really.

The start marshall should line up the riders at the tapes. then have someone spray some of that the foam the refs were using at the world cup behind their back wheels,. Anyone who reverses over the foam is then given a chinese burn by either the start marshall, a grid girl or an independent body appointed by the SCB.

On top of this, the pit wall needs padding too.

Dudley Wood.

Year after year, young riders burst onto the scene and are hailed as the next big thing, but end up finding their level and stay there or even regress, some ending up stuck in the PL. Tai has been a refreshing change from the norm and has enhanced his natural ability with a Mauger-esque approach to his racing and a focus that belies his young years. I'd love to see him dominate speedway for many years to come.

Get with the program, Grandad!

Ever since I saw Tai's first race at Perry Barr in 2007, when he flew clean over the back straight fence, I knew he was super, man.

Roy Keane? Not the best choice my friend.

Decent meeting again, even if the races were a bit gate n go at times. Awesome team line ups, GP riders everywhere! 5 on show in one meeting when there's only 7 in all of the EL, jeez.

New Brummie Zmarzlik beats boring ex Brummie Pedersen. Big LOLs

Rest in Peace, Simmo.

And there in lies the rub. British speedway is all over the place with rents, conditions, available race nights, planning permissions etc and therefore wouldn't have a hope a replicating a set up such as they have in Sweden. Just a thought though, how complicated is the Swedish rule book and do their promoters constantly try to out fox each other or do they work together? Anyway, I thought it was a very good meeting indeed, some cracking stuff served up by some quality riders.

Guitar Art being chased by Kevin Doolan's bike at Perry Barr was quite funny. Well for those of us watching anyway!

Didn't watch this meeting until last night and I must admit I wasn't impressed at all. What an awful track for a GP. I know first time/temporary tracks are always a risk but that one was just a mess. I'm surprised nobody was badly hurt. Perhaps they should consider stadium cross or Nitro Circus there next time. Good to see Tai back to his best though and Smoli did his thing. Congrats to MZ.

Arthur Browning pulling Middlo off his bike as they "shook hands" after a race at Perry Barr in 74 has to be up there. Oh and Cribby famously unscrewing his exclusion light bulb and crushing it underfoot also at PB. Wonder if he ever got charged for a new one?! In the very first meeting at the Ladbroke in 71, Hec Haslinger took out 20 yards of fencing in one fell swoop. Once we all knew he was ok it caused a certain amount of amusement in the crowd.

Really enjoyed this meeting, some cracking racing in at times difficult conditions. As someone who's watched Eurosport's excellent motorcycle racing coverage for many years, I'm very pleased that they've taken speedway on board too. I love Jack Burnicle's commentary to bits, I know he cocks up but he's such a nice bloke that I'd forgive him any gaff he'd wish to make. I can see why he gets on some people's ** though!! Anyway, beggars can't be choosers,, just keep enjoying the racing.

The perfect race. Perry Barr, 2007 on. Just add Jason Lyons and a bad gate-voila!!

Just watched the meeting, blimey, that final was some race!!

Morris needs to watch Taladega Nights for some new training ideas.

Bloody Tivo box failed to pick up the series record so had to make do with the highlights, but still enjoyed it nevertheless. Well chuffed for Smoli, such a nice bloke. I actually thought his ride in the final was flippin' fantastic. Many riders would have been content to sit there at the back, but Martin was giving it everything and was there when it mattered and the gap opened up. Good move. Glad I never watched it live, if only for health reasons!!

Oi, don't forget middle class and working class pensioners!!

When you say "often", what sort of percentage would you say? Turn the clock back to a time before student fees and I would maybe agree slightly with your view, but nowadays when many students are racking up debts of almost 30k before they've even taken living expenses into account, I'd say you're way off the mark. In fact, many students from less well off backgrounds, struggle less when grants and bursaries are taken into account.

Well spotted!