OGT

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!

Meanwhile, as speedway gently meanders into the 21st Century, in a far flung corner of old England, someone is weighing a speedway bike to determine a definitive answer to post #1. Hopefully the result will be in Kgs.

Another Brummies asset worth booger all now.

Well, I'd say that if they were motorcycle sport fans, they'd initially watch Eurosport's SGP coverage before taking the plunge at their local track if they fancied it live. In most cases though, they'd be in for a bit of a culture shock, don't you think? Could see a few new faces at Cardiff though, maybe. Eurosport gave the sport a good go this year, IMO and I think speedway is in good hands with them. Tai is a marketable asset and I think they'll use him more to publicise next year's coverage. It would be nice to see him appear at BSB/WSB events at some stage, a bit of "cross pollenation" so to speak, if his Polish commitments allow.

Watched the Motorcycle live programme on Eurosport and Tai really only appeared a couple of times, albeit fleetingly, but got a decent mention from James Whitham at the end when the presenters were discussing their show highlights. He does however appear in a film called "Behind Bars" which is showing in a "cinema" at the NEC which follows round the likes of Tai, Tom Sykes, the Lowes twins etc as they prefer for their respective world championships. http://www.motorcyclelive.co.uk/feature/behind-bars-bike-theatre/

Perhaps (and it's a big "perhaps") after British Eurosport's excellent coverage of this year's SGP series, more non speedway fans will know who Tai is and take notice. What stand is he on BTW?