Bryn

Surely Deano is a goal keeper rather than a winger?

Wonder if Cribby might consider making a comeback Conkers (assuming he'd qualify as a 'western rider ???). He's only 65! Alas although younger (er slightly! ) than him my memory is fading so a quick couple of questions and they are were you, like myself, present to witness him shedding tears on the rostrum after competing in a qualifying meeting that finally saw him clinch his place in the World Final? And if so, have you got a piccy?

Hope both are okay.

BFD surfing??? That is a truly mind boggling thought! The only thing remotely resembling surf that BFD is likely to touch is the froth on top of a cool beer!

My best wishes go to the staging club and their helpers, all those riding in the meetings and all those attending what promises to be a feast of action. Gutted I won't be joining them all in Brisbane and indeed the other rounds but I'll be putting a shot of Bundy in my early morning coffee (well quacks say I've got to stick to decaffeinated stuff so need it!) as a consolation!

And didn't some female called Helen live there?

Quite right three Phil and the No.1 reason why Cardiff is better than Wembley is that it's in Wales! Merry Xmas everyone!

They're the same as appear here: http://www.racemcsport.com/hela-programmet-for-elitserien-2012 so certainly look to be 2012 fixtures

Not good news alas.

Fair comment but the point I'm trying to put forward is that once a rider is "in" the GP system it's easier for him to stay in it than it is for a rider outside the system to try and get into it in the first place! And why ARE four riders (over 25%) chosen to take part in what is a 15 rider world championship? Let me make it absolutely clear I'm all for the World title to be decided over more than one meeting but deciding same over dozen meetings (as I believe is the case in 2012) is far too many to my way of thinking.

Yes indeed ignoring the wildcard at each round but once you're 'in' the GPs you have a 53.33333% chance of staying in from one year to the next as you merely have to finish in the top eight overall scorers.

My personal reservations with the system are: A: There are too many GPs and B: I find it difficult to align myself with a 'Speedway World Championship' in which riders are chosen to take part rather than qualify to do so. Greater minds than I though obviously think differently.

Indeed - but perhaps they've moved it without telling anybody!

Have received the following and been asked to post same here: Rye House Speedway Press Release Ace of Herts Update Rye House promoter Len Silver and team manager John Sampford have been forced into a last minute scramble to fill two spots in the season ending Ace of Herts championship at Hoddesdon following the late withdrawal of two competitors. Former Rocket Tai Woffinden had been aiming to return from the sidelines for the event, but has been forced to admit defeat in his recovery. Plymouth star Ben Barker, meanwhile, has been taken to hospital for an operation, with no additional details available at time of writing.The 12 rider field otherwise includes Lewis Bridger, Olli Allen, Kevin Doolan, the 6 Silver Ski Rockets and Ben Morley.Additional to the main event, the night will feature the King of Herts Short-track event, a giant fireworks display and the Me Rocket award in the Longbar at the conclusion of play.The action gets underway at 6pm tonight.

It makes my blood boil when on this (and other) forums I read derogatory remarks aimed at people I know, even myself, from posters who hide behind some made up name within days (even hours!) of said posters joining! I'm sure many other people agree with what I'm saying!

Nothing scheduled in that direction nor likely to take place.

6PM WEATHER UPDATE: Had shower some 45mins ago but soon cleared up, clear sky now if turning a tad chilly and meeting definitely ON - start time 8pm. Could be last meeting of season here if Belle Vue win next Wednesday's re-staging of the second leg of of the KO Cup tie by four or more points.

Mmmm...... I seem to recall 'cityrebel' that one Friday when the Eastbourne Eaglets including Cookie were in town, a certain number of that night's Hackney Kestrel News mysteriously carried a spurrious back page artice stating that junior riders over 6'0" tall were being banned from riding. There then followed a detailed explanation as to the apparent reasoning behind this basically stating that the taller riders had a higher centre of gravity and therefore were that much more prone to falling off.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.45pm WEATHER UPDATE: Am at the circuit, bit of cloud about but also patches of blue sky and sun is shining. I'm in the speedway office but can hear bikes still being skidded around circuit at today's Training school and whilst I can't confirm, have been told that a current speedway promoter, whose identity I'll NOT be revealing before you ask, is amongst the trainees here today. One would have thought that it might be interesting if he emerges victorious in the 'Vultures Race' to be held that will see the winner fill a blank space in the Hackney line up!

1pm WEATHER CHECK: Been dry all morning here just across the other side of the River Thames from the circuit and forecasts indicate that it will remain so both here and at the circuit. Hope to see you there but would advise to bring a sweater as might turn a bit nippy this evening. Further update later this afternoon from the track but NO weather problems anticipated.

From Official Press Release issued today: FORMER HAWKS RETURN FOR FINALE A trip down memory lane awaits Speedway fans at the Arena Essex Raceway tomorrow evening, Friday 7th October, as a host of former Hackney stars will be at the track to see off the final meeting for the Hackney Hawks. Already confirmed as attending the meeting are: Paul Bosley, Laurie Etheridge, Alan Jackson, Les (Red) Ott, Alan Sage and Barry Thomas. The match, between the Hackney Hawks and the Scunthorpe Saints, will be the final National League match for the Hawks. The SCB appointed Referee for this match is Chris Gay, who, by coincidence, refereed the last meeting to take place at Hackney’s Waterden Road Stadium, which took place on 30th October 1996 and was between the London Lions and Oxford. Tomorrow is also an important night to for Lakeside Hammers fans as the Club’s Management will be monitoring interest in this National League match with a view to entering a full Young Hammers side into next year’s National League. With that in mind entrance fees have been slashed to just £8 with Children aged 6 to 16 inclusive paying only £1. Children under the age of 6 will be admitted free of charge provided they are accompanied by a paying adult. This final National League match of the season for the Hackney Hawks will get underway at the Arena-Essex Raceway tomorrow evening with the first race at 8pm with the Grand Parade of the participating riders and former Hackney stars at 7.45pm. Tickets for Friday’s match may be purchased on the night from the paybooths or in advance via the Lakeside Hammers website at www.lakesidehammers.co ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: Alan Johns, who's at most matches at the venue, will be talking even more than usual - IF that is possible!

Go to updates site and alas you'll see why 'icicle.'

Full credit to to the respective managements, ALL riders on both sides, referee Chris Durno and the IOW trackstaff / medics for enabling this match, the final match of the 2011 season at Smallbrook, to be completed in record-quick time despite ever-worsening weather/track conditions.

Come and see the Hawks final swan song at the Raceway on Friday 7th October V Scunthorpe. Admission at just £8 for Adults and Kids for £1. Full details along with info on George Barclay's training school, go to: http://www.lakesidehammers.com/