Bryn

Being a poor man's son and being unable to turn back time alas to the days when we 'made a weekend of it' (i.e. booked into a nice little hotel in Newport and drank in between speedway meetings!), it's a case this Saturday at least of being up, up that day at the crack of dawn cos although I haven't got a job that must be done, I've got a flippin coach to catch for a trip to my homeland that's leaving this neck of the woods at a ridiculously early hour of the morning! Advice please - do I crash out early on Friday and risk not hearing my alarm clock going off at 5.30am Saturday or stay up all night? What are others doing?

Well Mitch isn't THAT big is he?

Your posting infers that Millsy MIGHT be allowed to stay with Bournemouth. According to the man himself at Peterborough where he was collecting bike/engine pieces, he won't be!

OMG! And there was I trying to keep quiet the fact that I saw Chopper ride in his heyday! If my memory is not deceiving me, I think it was a Wednesday!

Steve Your post has encapsulated nigh on all I wanted to say but like you I've had difficulty putting my thoughts into the right words. None of us who were at the Wick that night will ever forget it, Vic or the injuries Steve sustained. Nor will I ever forget having to give evidence at an inquest into the death of another rider, who I won't name here as I've no wish to bring back painful memories to those close to him, for believe me that was traumatic to say the very least. It's perhaps unsurprising then that I cringe (not sure if that is the right word but it'll do!) when I read here and elsewhere comments from people hiding behind made up names saying so-and-so rider is rubbish, hopeless, pish (think that's the modern word!) and should be got rid of. Don't get me wrong, I fully acknowledge the fact that the paying public have every right to have their say but sometimes wish they'd give matters just a little bit more thought before doing so. That's just my own personal opinion mind you formed over the many years of myself following this great sport and I fully respect everyone's right to agree / disagree. To end on a positive note I must say it was wonderful to see Matt Read plus his missus at Rye House yesterday looking so good and well. Bryn

Can only add my condolences to those messages of sympathy already expressed towards Ray Mascall following the sad loss of his wife Jean. Our thoughts are with Ray, his family and close friends at this sad time.

I'm sure if you say please 'Vicar' someone from Kiwiland will help in due course but right now, given the time difference, I guess they're all tucked up in bed fast asleep!

Conniptions? Er.... are they painful?

And YOU didn't volunteer for the role BFD?

T'was John Hibben

This coming Saturday I'm off to help out the regular announcer at the meeting being held at Maryborough in Queensland and as well as Darcy Ward, Joe Haines, Damien Koppe, Mitchell Davey, Scott Smith etc being amongst the solo nominations there's also a certain CRAIG HYDE! Really looking forward to catching up with Craig again and seeing how he fares on track too!

Was pleased that "The Prince" finally found a racesuit he could get into prior to the start of the meeting! From memory (it's been a long drive back to Melbourne today!) that suit was predominately purple in colour so is Ronnie now to be known as Prince the Purple People Eater?

Unconfirmed expected line up (NOT in order): Darcy Ward Ryan Sedgman Justin Sedgman Robert Branford Tyson Nelson Richard Sweetman Josh Grajczonek Dakota North Jake Anderson Hugh Skidmore Todd Kurtz Josh Auty Mason Campton Sam Masters Taylor Poole Michael Penfold plus two reserves Should be a great meeting then it's onto Gillman on Sunday for the South Australian title. The large group of New South Welshmen includes, Sam Masters, Michael Penfold, Taylor Poole, Mason Campton

Confirmed starters as things stand (NOT in riding order): Troy Batchelor Cameron Woodward Tyron Proctor Cory Gathercole Josh Auty (Eng) Joe Haines (Eng) Robert Ksiezak Justin Sedgmen Jake Anderson Damien Koppe Taylor Poole Todd Kurtz Arlo Bugeja Robert Branford Ryan Sedgmen Dakota North Ben Turner (res) Ben Hatcliffe (res) Should be a good un following on from Aussie Under 21 at Mildura the night before.

Excellent post BFD and just to add Doyley is somewhat sore (hardly surprising!) after his tangle with Alex Davies at Newcastle with the latter suffering a thumb injury that has forced him to pull out of this coming Sunday's Aussie Under 21 Champs at Gillman. Hefty bike repair bills faced too I expect by both him and Doyley. Glad you made it back home ok and can now relax and not be drawn into drinking that nasty stuff I caught you downing at Newcastle!

Oi BFD! Our old mate Lunchy says you speak for yourself when using the term 'drunken Aussie texters!' But he and I totally agree with you regarding Sue! Now looking at the time of you're posting - early night?? As to Championship itself, it's sure looking good for Troy B with final round to go at Newcastle - hope me saying that hasn't put the mockers on him - and I have to say he fully deserves to be heading the chart at this stage

12.50am Aussie time, am at Sir Lunchalot's castle and just about to hit the sack (Sir Lunchalot has done so already!) after flying in to Melbourne from Sydney earlier and then adjourning to Kelly's (summat to do with Ned Kelly in the past!) for a feed and a couple of pints then back to here for 'special' coffees. Off to airport to pick up our mate Gavin at crack of dawn and then heading up to Mildura for tonight's qualifier. Good luck to all riders - but especially Josh & Joe eh?

I'm sure Lunchy and Crazysue will endeavour to be passionate instead Sandie!

Alas 'Haza' I understand the meetings are not being covered live by Radio Freemantle so log into 'live updates' site. Sue will be up at the crack of dawn and Sir Lunchalot will be texting results through - providing I and Gavin Elmes successfully navigate him from Melbourne to Mildura in the car - or has he ordered a limousine?

Entirely up to you madam! Anyway back to business and I hope firstly that the weather back in the UK enables Sunday's meeting at Scunny to go ahead and I'm sure the weather at Mildura for the Aussie Champs qualifier at Mildura next Wednesday will be better than here in NSW at the moment.

Why read the threads then? It's not compulsory!

So sorry to disappoint you Lucy!

Well as a certain Victor Meldrew would say, "I don't BELIEVE it!" My FIRST rained off meeting in Australia for unfortunately tonight's trip to Gosford won't now take place as following announcement on their official website confirms!: BOXING DAY BEST PAIRS SPEEDWAYAT GOSFORD : posted 26 December, 2009 Unfortunately, due to continual rain over Christmas Day and Boxing Day, the Best Pairs meeting scheduled for tonight has to be cancelled due to a waterlogged track.

Alas Speedway venues are a bit sparse out here Andy BUT there's also Central Coast Speedway at Gosford AND there's a Best Pairs meeting there on Boxing Day - racing starts at 6.30pm. For further details go to: http://www.centralcoastspeedway.com/ And a Merry Xmas to you too!

Full details at: http://www.centralcoastspeedway.com/ Looking forward to this provided we've recovered from Xmas day!