Bryn

Like Lunchy (and a few others I suspect!) I'll be attending all three rounds and look forward to meeting up with everyone.

Travis McGowan won his fourth Victorian State title in a row at Olympic Park, Mildura last night. Yes Travis made it four state titles in a row but was the first to admit that Jason Lyons handed the title to him when the ex-Belle Vue Ace fell whilst leading on the last lap. Lyonsy explained afterwards that he put on a new rear tyre for the final but that gave him problems trying to turn the bike on the bends especially as Travis was pressing him hard for first place. Those two had topped the qualifying scores with 14 each - Jason dropping his only point to Travis in the opening heat and Travis dropping his point to Kevin Doolan in heat 20. The latter joined the top two in the final having scored 13 as did Mark Lemon on the same figure and it was Lemmo who claimed the runners up spot with Kevin third and Jason officially placed fourth. Full result (with heat scores in brackets): 1. Travis McGowan 14 2. Mark Lemon 13 3. Kevin Doolan 13 4. Jason Lyons 14 5. Nathan Hedley 9 6. Chris Ferguson 9 7. Ashley Jones 8 8. Mark Jones 8 9. Joel Parsons 8 10. Robert Ksiesak 5 11. Matt Jones 5 12. Corey Gathercole 4 13. Tyrone Proctor 4 14. Brock Gates 4 15. Paul Bogdanowicz 1 16. Sam Dore 0 Right you forum members - Im off to get another tinnie of Bundy(!) as tis only 3.45am here!!!

Addy!!!!! I trust you are aware of the Aussie meaning of the word "rooting"?????

Great line up for the Aussie Champs...looking forward to witnessing all three and will post my thoughts after each (and details if no one else does!) but, alas, because of the clash of dates will not get to see the Oz Under 16 champs. Good luck to all the young 'uns. Despite having plenty of the Xmas spirit yesterday, I'm up at the crack of dawn this Boxing Day morn as we're off to Mildura later for tomorrow's Victorian State Champs. Maybe see one or two of the Aussie listees there?

Yep BrizHeathen, I'm flying up to Brisbane on Wednesday Jan 7 to take in the first round of the Oz Champs on Sat 10...will also be doing the other two rounds (Gosford & Mildura) on the following two Saturdays.

Having typed out a report on last night's meeting only to press the wrong damn key and delete it all in error (!!!) here's my second go at things! My excuse is that I didn't get back "home" here to Melton (West of Melbourne) until 5am this morn. And, no doubt, forum member Marty (who put together the whole show) is feeling a damn sight more cream crackered than I am at the moment! Despite that I'm thrilled to report that the eight months of hard graft Marty put into organising the meeting paid off brilliantly with what was described as "the biggest crowd seen here for over 15 years" by a Bordertown Speedway Club official, witnessing a tremendous night of action. The "main event" was the 12 rider 'Bordertown Solo Championship' and the five man final saw Kevin Doolan take out the victory ahead of Brett Woodifield, Shane (Mc)Parker, Nathan Hedley and Matthew Wethers (in that order). Woodifield was the top qualifier from the heats dropping his only point when Shane Parker passed the ex-Rye House Rocket after Brett suffered a rear wheel puncture whilst leading. Surprisingly, chatting to the riders at the Barby afterwards, neither meeting winner Kevin Doolan nor Brett Woodifield have 2004 British berths fixed up as yet. Brett has 'one or two irons in the fire' but "Kev the Rev" hasn't had a single approach as yet...surely that will soon change given the excellent job he did for Glasgow last season and his current brilliant form out here? Heavy overnight rain that fell on the clay-based circuit had put the meeting in doubt at one stage but Marty and his helpers worked their proverbial socks off to ensure (er much to Marty's relief I think!) that it went ahead and the weather gods smiled too with a very warm evening ensuing. Although (thanks to the overnight rain) the clay track may have not been ideal for bike racing (the circuit is normally used for car racing), the riders taking part (in all sections) put on a fabulous show and it was a privilege and a pleasure for myself to announce at the meeting. The big croiwd got a taster of what was to come throughout the evening in the very first race of the night as Parker and Doolan passed and repassed each other as they battled for second place behind the fast-starting Woodifield. That set the tone for the rest of the night and not one spectator left the circuit until after the very last race of a packed programme. The one surprise really was Shane Parker landing on his backside whilst leading on heat, remounting only to finish last! In addition to the main Solo Champiionship, there was also a six rider "Young Guns" series involving the up & coming stars which saw Brock Gates go through the card unbeaten to win from Tyron Proctor and Hayden Redding. Edinburgh / Armadale fans will be interested to learn that Keith Maben (currently out here on holiday) competed in two of the "Young Guns" races but failed to finish on both occasions. There was also a sidecar series of races which saw Kane Irwin and passenger Josh hayes take out the final; A brilliant series of races involving members of the Sidewinders Club (the under 15s) which saw Jonathan Hepburn emerge victorious ahead of "Stormin" Jason Norman (nephew of ex-Peterborough Panther) and forum member Marty's own son Sam (who's following in 'dear old dad's footseps') Martin. What else? Well a 'fun demonstration' by three riders of the Fast 50s (or monkey bikes as we call 'em in the UK) AND an appearance by a certain white-bearded, red-coated gentleman aboard a speedway bike. During the interval, the pits area was opened up to the public, posters were handed out to the kids in the crowd and the riders all made themselves available to chat to all and sundry and sign autographs. It was a great night all round and my question to Marty is....er....when's the next one mate???? Finally, the last I saw of that other forum member Sir Lunchalot he was scoffing a couple of sausages in bread, with a couple of cans of VB by his side at the after-meeting barby...just hope he got up early enough this morn to catch his train home! HEAT SCORES FROM THE SOLO CHAMPIONSHIP (in riding order): Brett Woodifield 11 Kevin Doolan 9 Ford Keane 5 Shane Parker 7 Nathan Hedley 9 Matthew Wethers 10 Cory Gathercole 3 Robert Ksiezak 5 Karlis Ezergailis 6 Matt Jones 2 Ashley Watson 3 Arlo Bugeja 2

Like Lunchy, I've got my fingers crossed as far as the weather goes for tomorrow Marty! I've also got a couple of other things crossed too as I've just finished the last tinnie of Bundy & coke out of the fridge here at Matt Jones's place in downtown Melton! Here's looking forward to a great night at Bordertown and a sell out crowd! Anyone else coming over from Blighty???

On Sunday just gone, I took myself of to announce at the SSRAV's latest club day meeting at Broadford here in sunny Victoria. Lo and behold, amongst the competitors in the "Over 30s solo class" was none other that Ex-Scunthorpe Stag Danny Young. Now aged 51, he has lost none of his enthusiasm for the sport and wishes to be remembered to all the friends he made during his stint in the UK.

The field for the Victoria State Champs, to be held at Mildura on Dec 27, has been announced and is: 1. Brock Gates 2. Sam Dore 3. Mark Lemon 4. Matt Jones 5. Paul Bogdanowicz 6. Mark Jones 7. Ashley Jones 8. Matt Windsor 9. Jason Lyons 10. Tyrone Proctor 11. Travis McGowan 12. Chris Ferguson 13. Cameron Woodward 14. Kevin Doolan 15. Cory Cathercole 16. Nathan Hedley Res: Cory Dore, Wayne Morrison

Have just spotted this topic whilst out here in Oz. Very sad news indeed and my condolences to his family and friends. I was privileged to see Chris in action many times and as someone has already said, those polka dots and sideburns will be a lasting memory.

Anyone else (apart from myself and Lunchy) going to Gillman this Saturday for the South Australia State title? And anyone got a list of nominations?

Good to hear Sam's ok Marty and congrats to him on his showing in the State title....have you got the full finishing order? As for you Lunchy....flying to and fro Adelaide huh? Alright for some...I'll be travelling down with Matt Jones by road! Looking forward to catching up with you again. Trust you'll be going to Bordertown on Dec 20th?

Am I the only one who mourns the fact that riders are now "picked" to take part in the World Championship rather than them having to qualify? :roll:

I intend to Lioness! Only trouble with Gillman is George and Helen badgering me into buying gear from the track shop!

Lioness - the Sidewinders track is actually a JUNIOR racing circuit and, having been there, I've got to say it's a brilliant little set up. I've been to Gillman too on several occasions over the past two British winters and, having nigh on frozen my wotsits off at Peterborough last night, can't wait to get out to Oz again! In fact I'm off on November 17th and ain't coming back until February 16th so I'll think of all you forum members over the Festive period especially as the clock creeps past midnight to herald year 2004 beginning when I'll raise a large glass of Bundy and coke to you all whilst I sit on the beach at Torquay as we did last year! Looking forward to the sunshine and speedway again and, in particular, announcing at the meeting at Bordertown on December 20th as I've heard that the promoter is a real good bloke. Ain't that right Marty??? :roll:

I'll be there Mark. It's turned ruddy cold over here in the last few days so am about to book my flight as I've decided that "I don't do cold!" Besides which, as I frequently tell you lot down under, I've got to come back to see if the place has improved! :evil:

Anyone know what happens if the Swedish GP gets rained / rutted off this weekend? :evil:

Troy is (and has been for some years) living back in his native Australia and (as you would expect of him) living life to the full. Nigel Wagstaff used to sponsor him and is in regular contact.

Troy is (and has been for some years) living back in his native Australia and (as you would expect of him) living life to the full. Nigel Wagstaff used to sponsor him and is in regular contact.

Blimey! You WERE keen going a day early!

Another tough as teak: Colin "Joe" Goody

No worries Scunny...saved me posting!

2.20pm: Latest news via Graham Reeve: After THREE rides each: Leaders: Niels-Kristian Iversen 8 Chris Harris 7 Frederik Lindgren 7 Jarek Hampel 7 Krzysztof Kasprzak 6 Richard Miskowiak (pol) 6 OTHERS OF NOTE: Andrew Appleton 5 Ryan Fisher 3 Rory Schlein 3 Simon Stead 3 David Howe 2 MORE FOLLOWS LATER

Drink plenty of alcohol - usually works I'm told! :evil:

You might be interested to know CHK that Ted Ede is still skidding by taing part in Southern Track Riders Association events. The next one scheduled is tomorrow (Sunday) commencing at noon at King's Lynn - reeree's a bit dodgy though! :evil: :roll: