PHILIPRISING

DUMP is a bit harsh. Pete, like me, is no Spring Chicken and I don't think he envisaged doing more than a couple of years when they first got together.

THE airlines did, the hotels had rooms booked, the shops were opening, the railways due to run ... it all fell apart just a few days before the official opening. It's a remarkable story, especially considering it's Germany and their capital that we are talking about.

THAT would be up to the FIM. Not sure that Teterow (think that is the 200th) quite fits the bill but maybe Stockholm. The FIM organised the 100th celebration in Gelsenkirchen to which all the living World Champions were invited. Was lucky enough to act as MC that night and very enjoyable it was too. There was a WC on each table and one of my roles was to interview them during the course of the evening. I knew that Egon Muller would attempt to break out into song and I was determined to stop him. I failed!

GOOGLE new Berlin airport ... due to open in 2010, still not able to accept flights, might even have to be knocked down and started again... that could be the biggest construction cock up in the history of man. Less than 100 yards of a speedway track ... perhaps not.

THE whole project? Obviously you haven't been there and are therefore not remotely qualified to make such uniformed remarks.

VERY cynical Tim ... obviously the contractors felt that it would be okay, we are not talking about a Mickey Mouse outfit (look at the development as a whole)) and that what they used would be okay.

WELL put... there might also be a suspicion that the contractors used 'any old rubbish' when it came to lay the sub base of turns 3/4 whereas for the rest of the track proper material had been used. That has come back to haunt them and at least they know that if they use the same material as for the rest of the track, which is still being described as 'fantastic' by those who had ridden it, a solution cannot be far away. The clock is ticking of course and much will depend on the weather but one would imagine Sky will want to see firm evidence that it is 100 per cent before committing themselves to April 27.

IT'S the base of the track that is the problem, not the top surface. That has to be resolved by contractors appointed by the MCC and no real speedway expertise is required. It's only when the shale goes down that Colin Meredith (presumably) will be on call to lend a voice, hand or whatever.

KNOW someone who was quoted £1,500 for an operation here, went to Poland, first class treatment in every conceivable way, cost ... about £50!

DONE

DAVID Gordon at his most forthcoming yet about the problems with the track in SS this week ... the whole of bends 3/4 are being dug up and relaid because the sub-base has proven faulty but this remains a matter between Manchester City Council and the contractors who were responsible for laying the track to the specifications (length, width, etc) of the BV management.

ARE the meetings being shown live or recorded highlights later in the week?

DAVID Gordon on BBC Radio Manchester this morning (instead of me!) and reiterated that the problems of turns 3/4 have not been entirely eradicated and that the matter is in the hands of MCC (Manchester City Council) and the contractors who have been instructed to relay the sub-base to their (MCC) satisfaction. Water seeping through to the surface after rain rather than going through the extensive drainage system appears to be one of the problems. Rest of the track is perfect. Confident things will be resolved by April 25. DG added that MCC had been very supportive of BV. Seems very likely that some sort of litigation will follow involving MCC and the contractors.

THINK there is a feeling that Eddie's mind is with Rye House not Lakeside.

SEE above ...

EVERYONE except Dave Rowe and Sam Ermolenko who didn't pick upon it.

CALL 020-83351113 ... Dave will mail you one

WHAT a shame especially that his father built the lovely track in Gorican for him.

FULL scale races on the track apparently. "Awesome," said one rider. Doesn't erase the memories of March 19 but at least underlines what lies ahead for this stadium.

WHAT about in-between

OFFICIAL ... Natalie Quirk will front BT Sports SGP coverage along with Scott Nicholls. Natalie first cut her presenting teeth at Belle Vue and then joined BT Sports and is, obviously, a big speedway fan. Good choice.

IF anyone has missed out on our big issue due to postponed meetings, call 020-83351113, talk to Dave and he will send one off in the mail.

SORRY but we don't run Royal Mail. All subscribers' copies leave Surbiton at the same time. Ask your local mail delivery office for an explanation.

THINK it was Sky who baled out ... understandably under the circumstances

IT'S a fluid situation! Think they are leaning on the side of caution. SORRY but that's a silly remark. Whether it is next week or next month, this will still be the best speedway facility in Britain by a country mile.