PHILIPRISING

THE big problem is that with the possible exception of Lambert there is a dearth of 'new faces' that would seem capable of seriously competing at SGP level.

TRUE though

VERY tricky now with Vaculik back in the frame. Millik was being talked about but has had a poor season (0 from 4 yesterday) and would tough for him to get the nod rather than Martin. With regard to Madsen, was told over the weekend in no uncertain terms that a rider who does not do the qualifiers will not be considered for a wild card. THE FIM are also desperate to get some new faces in but there could conceivably be one at the most.

HE wasn't fit enough to race on Saturday after sustaining a nasty hand injury. Says it will be a lot better in two weeks time.

HERE is a link to Ronnie's memorial service in Christchurch on Friday ... https://admin.oneroomstreaming.com/email/view/4e9f99147d

HAVE heard Dan has broken a leg, not sure how badly. Massive blow for him and BV with a double header against Wolves on Monday which could have clinched their spot in the play-offs.

ONE of those meetings that was probably better to be at than watching on TV. Great atmosphere with the crowd. Massive downpour before the start, worked wonders to get the track as good as it was. Vaculik has well and truly put the cat amongst the wild card pigeons. Lindgren far from fit. Sayfutdinov strangely subdued, don't think he has much speed. Still Tai's to lose.

I KNOW ... was at Heathrow to meet him. My only excuse, was travelling in Poland when I read Sidneys' question and didn't fully take it in. Honest

WILL get back to you on that ...

THANKS for the comment although, naturally, would prefer not to have to go down that road. Always struck in old photos, like the one of Ronnie above, how the handlebars of their day differ from the modern bike. In years gone by riders travelling by air to meetings across Europe would often take their handlebars with them as hand luggage. Wouldn't get away with that now!

IT is not being ignored. The question is asked on a regular basis but the answers are always the same. So we know as much as you do.

THAT'S more like it ... a proper dream

WHISPER it ... there was a BSPA meeting last Tuesday. Don't think they want anyone to know

PROBABLY the chain guard and chain that David Rowe thought had fallen off Sayfutdinov's bike

BEWLEY outstanding

NICE tribute from Russell Lanning, whose dad Dave had a long and successful association with Eastbourne, for Bob at his funeral yesterday.

UNQUESTIONABLY ...

OF course there are still promoters, one on your doorstep, who would like British speedway on TV scrapped.

ONE notable comparison ... top performers in both sports ply their trade around the world, representing a variety of different teams.

BT have a two-year contract... are getting good viewing figures and coupled with the SGP/SON see speedway as an asset

WHICH is exactly how this particular topic started. There is word in the air that one league has been dropped, that some CL tracks will move into the PL and NL ones into the CL.

ECHO that ... alcohol has little to do with it.

YOU might want to edit that

ALREADY signed a new contract ...

ZAGAR maybe, Vaculik probably not. Whether we like it not, nationality will always play a part. If Greg doesn't qualify I doubt personally that he would expect or want a wild card. Lambert will be in the frame. If NP remains as competitive as he was on Saturday but doesn't manage the top eight will he get one? The series needs new blood but also requires Danes and Swedes.