g13webb

Sat and watched the SGP as normal, but what amazed on what was on offer. A truly terrible meeting, on a ridiculous track, that did no one any favours, lest of all the sport. If this is the best that can be offered to the public, one has to question those whose makes them decisions. The worse Grand Prix for some time........ Just pleased no one got injured

I can remember when JAWA ruled the roost, and were the undeniable leaders of speedway bikes and equipment. From various articles on the net, and comments from others, apparently they are now struggling to compete with the new demands of the sport. Taking on board what Phil said, was for the FIM, to approach Jawa, about re-tooling their factory and manufacture a new Standard upright styled bike that was governed to standard equipment. Hence lowering the cost of the sport, that would also encourage new young riders, that are lost to the sport because the costs are way too high to venture into......... Like he also said, making today's bike so fast, the cost of lowering the track times is costing arm and leg, but the excitement is no different than it always was......just a fraction slower....

It was good to read some constructive ideas from riders of the past. It has been so obvious for a long time something has to be done to save this sport of ours from disappearing altogether. Phil first posted his thoughts on Facebook, but now they are again published in this weeks SS. He speaks a lot of sense. No doubt there are posters out there that will contradict what he suggests.

Thoroughly enjoyed a brilliant meeting. On a track where conditions were not ideal, the racing was of the highest order. No quarter was asked or given as everyone wanted to win. So pleased Doyle's accident wasn't as critical as first seen and wish him a quick return. Australia were well served by Holder and Watt to win on the night. But I think the supporters were the overall winners. If all meetings were like this Speedway would be up there with the top sports of the world. Thought tonight, Niels was unbelievable,...... bordering on the line madness......... Pity his partner couldn't keep up with him...........

Terrific meeting to watch and well done to the Panthers on their victory. Must feel sorry for Newcastle, everything possible went wrong, the score would have been much closer without all the mishaps. Cant imagine they would have won, but a point would have been some reward for the fighting display they showed. Lewis Kerr was such a let down. Four times he made the gate and each time his bike packed up within a lap. Surely someone could have let him a bike, but to persevere with that machine last night was wrong.... You can always sort out problems another day, not when the paying public is expecting more from you than just a lap each time...... Can't imagine Buster and Rob Lyon being too pleased if that happens again tonight....

Yeah, Darcy was unlucky when Smolinski 'tee-boned' him, and in that instance, I agree about him being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But I thought he was lucky when he got reinstated the first time, when he bailed out and came to ground. Before the rerun, Crumppy called it before the start, of what was going to happen, but Ward hadn't learnt as well as he ought to have done, and did exactly the same as the first time. This time the Ref done the correct thing and excluded him. I don't like to see anyone get hurt and hope Darcy is back before too long.......

It was a brilliant SGP that can only restore some much needed enthusiasm that has been lost over recent years. Since when was there a GP when 10 out of the 16 riders actually won a race, such was the openness and competition on the night. There was no follow the leader, and all gates were used to win . Most of the predicted name fell way short of expectations and the finalists were not on everyone favourite list. Last years top 3 of Woffy, Hampel and Niels languished in the lower regions, but have no doubts they will be back, near the top, come the next rounds. Darcy Ward can be added into that equation as well. This could result in 2014 being a real showstopper this year, with a dozen or so riders in with a shout of winning a round. What was impressive about this one, was that everyone was able to race on a fair track that favoured no one. Cant wait for the next..........

Thoroughly enjoyed the first SGP . If all speedway was like this we wouldn't have any issues with the lack of support. Unpredictable, Exciting, Fast, the meeting had it all. I don't agree with comments aimed at Nicky Pederson. He was consistently the best rider today, coming from the back and from the gate, and in the end was unfortunate to finish second. You cant knock Smolinski though, waited while the others were fighting between themselves, then took his chance for a brilliant win.. Although a bad nights for NKI, If all the SGP are like this I won't complain....

I take on board what you say and can now understand why you thought I was referring to the BSPA. Making comments on this thread, I was trying to keep in content the fact this boy is just 15 yrs old, and when that young, you tend to say things without appreciating the implications. Probably the people who was doing the article should have been more helpful, instead of thinking about making him look 'the big I am' . they were aware and should have explained how he was coming across. either way, the opinion I have is that comments have been way over the top for someone so young and innocent.

Typically you have taken what was written in the wrong context. The jealousy factor was aimed at those posters on here, who were coming out with all the flack, such as: ' If he's not British then he cant ride this year' and he'll have to alter his average so he can't ride for Lynn' etc. etc.. as if he's committed the biggest crime in the world. Never once, was that comment directed at the BSPA. As for the rules , I am well aware of the restraints in place for 14yr olds, but you can't knock someone who has the ability to go places where he was allowed to race......

I wasn't aware he was questioning his nationality. Just saying he didn't want to ride for England. I believe the rules relate to the riders nationality and not his racing licence. I'm sure Rob Lyon is well aware of how he feels and thinks. To repeat what someone else has already said. Britain needs Lambert far more then Lambert need Britain. The whole thing reeks of jealousy that Lynn has unearthed a talented youngster. He didn't take the draft route on offer to other British youngsters, he wanted to go the whole hog, the full package. Give him the credit he deserves. Instead of chastisizersing him for something he said, that was purely published to help sell magazines

I've just spent several minutes reading this thread and am amazed at the flack, that has started because, something that a schoolboy of 15 yrs has said. When you see some of the crap written on here by Shovlar, talk about pot kettle black....... What posters should realise, Robert Lambert a young talented rider, who has got where he's at, without no help from the BSPA. He had to go aboard to race and propel his career rather then wait until the rules here allowed him to. Sure he may have said things that some don't agree with , but I can understand his grievances. If he was to read the flack he's received on here, it's no wonder he has the desire to race elsewhere. I suggest we give him some slack and let him show you his talent. Probably in a few years, when he's more adult minded, perhaps his attitude will change and he will want to ride for his homeland. Until then, lets enjoy watching him and see how he progresses in the competitive world of Elite League racing, rather than jump on him, just because someone didn't like what he said

This is not the first time Coventry have let the fans down with bad track preparation. That should be easy to solve, the obvious answer would be to get a new track man. The bigger problem seem the contempt of the supporters. These are a dying breed, and to be treated as they were last night was a disgrace. Any ideas I may have had, about going to see the Elite Riders on Sunday has gone out of the window now.

It's only natural to remember the good times, and Speedway is no different. Life now, to what it once was, has completely changed, and when looking back it's easy to distort feeling with what was actually facts. Years ago we never had any of the X boxes, Computers , or Smart phones. We led a boring existence and looked upon any past time as wonderful. Speedway fell into this category. This is why the crowds poured in and created all the atmosphere and excitement. I look at all the SGP and really enjoy the spectacle. And yes, it is as good if not better then anything we use to watch in those glory days. Back then speedway was not regarded as full time sport and most riders supplemented their riding doing a part-time job. I remember once when attending a season Press and Practise day at Lynn, Michael Lee was the only person, who was turned out with all the sponsored leathers and equipment. The rest was just in black dirty leathers, probably still got last years dirt on. The difference now is that most riders are professional and are all turned out like Lee did. I find it annoying when posters rubbish the greats of yesterday. Top riders like Mauger, Olsen, Briggs, Penhall, Lee, Collins, Gunderson, Nielsen were really special and would have coped with todays stars very well. I feel speedway today is better in so many ways. Machinery, Tracks, Organisation, Media have all help to move the sport forward. What a pity that the greats from the past will never have the benefits that todays riders enjoy......

I take on board what people say and can understand their comments. But the facts remain, we DID have the best League in the world, We DID have ALL the best riders riding in this country. But the biggest difference was the crowds. Most places had a big support factor, creating atmosphere, was so that much better.. Like some say, probably the racing was no different then that of today, but It just seemed more enjoyable because of the packed crowds and electric atmosphere. There was so many more supporters prepared to travel to away fixtures and all this added to the excitement of reverie banter. So I will always refer to the 'Good ole Days' with good memories......

Cheek!!! He rode in this league when it was ' The Elite League' in the world. Now it's just a name of our top league, but it's not the best in the world anymore......

That's impressive when considering the quality of the opposition. This was the time when British Speedway ruled the world, and EVERYBODY wanted to race in our league. Wonderful memories, Wonderful times, Brilliant Speedway. So pleased I was able to live and enjoy the iconic period of 1970's (Make love not war !!!)

I agree with all those things. I was referring to the racing spectacle when I said it was the best ever and is a wonderful advert for the sport. The FIM is like the Mafia, and what they say governs. The argument is all about money. But too make riders choose between the two is creating a disaster area that the sport can ill afford.

Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. Absolutely ridiculous decision. The SGP is the best speedway events EVER. why risk destroying the biggest draw the sport has known?????? Plain Crazy...........

Thanks, you gave me the best laugh I've had in ages. Most people talk with their mouth.

It is said that Michael Lee would put a 1000 people on the gate, whenever he rode at Lynn. Because of this, it must have been very difficult for the Promoters, to penalise him, knowing the effects a ban would have on the finances.. Going back to the day of the 5 yr ban, Lee was riding for Poole then, and the crowds at Saddlebow Road had dropped alarmingly. This night, with the return of the prodigal Son, the place was heaving. Just like old times. Everybody had come to have a good night, all except for the joker who pretended to the Referee. Because of his personal vendetta, he picked on Lee at the first opportunity and ruined every supporters night out, when things went astray. He banned him from the meeting, when a bit of common sense should have prevailed. That ref that night, done a lot of unseen damage to the sport, as supporters turned their backs on the sport for good. I could name at least 20 people who haven't been to speedway since that evening. Total Carnage.........

100% agree with that . A crap track can be any shape and size. Just because the track is of an ideal size, it can still be badly prepared.. If track men followed Buster's work ethics, crap tracks would be few and far between.

I was of the impression the forum was based on people ideas and opinions. They will never all agree. When you talk about a work situation, that's totally different. If you were then ask an opinion, I would assume you are a professional, one that was experienced and somebody who would take all your knowledge on board to give a structure response. Some times Facts are not available to substantiate your opinion, sometimes they are. I class myself as an educated person, who was involved with higher management for some years before I retired. Sometimes FACTs point to an obvious answer. I don't always like to except the obvious. Opinions are what separates us into individuals. No way can they all be the same........ Yeah I agree that Tai was the top rider last year, but why is the thread comparing him with Darcy. I thought Hampel and Niels done better than Ward. ( My opinion)..

Never known facts to govern opinions, why should it start now....... .

To pick out one specific track, I liked, that has closed is a difficult task, cause there are so many. Unlike today, I use to go to many away tracks, not necessary because I actually liked the track, but because of the entertainment on offer. An example of what I mean was Wimbledon. Every Whit Bank Holiday we went to see the class field assembled for the INTERNATIONAL. Riders trying their hardest to win the Jawa Bike on offer. Another date in the dairy, that was never missed, was Hyde Road, for the BLRC. The track created far better racing then that Plough Lane, but both the occasions were looked upon as the same. I would never class Wembley as a good track, but again The World Finals were always paramount and were never missed from ’63 till the close. I used to followed the Stars to many away meetings and regularly went to other places like:- Ipswich, Leicester, West Ham, Hackney, Exeter, Halifax, Reading, Cradley, all of which could offer it's merits to the best closed track, all have either closed or changed from what they were. But to get back to the question in the thread title I would have to go with White City just ahead of Blackbird Road, Leicester, both good race tracks which generated exciting speedway meetings…