g13webb

Your not even close to being right.. having just watched the race again, Niels has made the start, Bomber's been left. Coming out of the 2nd bend, Niels is yards clear, Like you say he went down the back straight mid track, But as with all the races, the racing line into the 3rd bend is to come in close. Whereas Bomber has tried to power up the inside from way back. but he was never going to beat Niels into that corner. As Niels was in front he wouldn't have seen Bomber, whereas Bomber could see everyone. Niels was in the corner before Bomber nailed him. This wasn't a racing accident, it was pure recklessness that caused a nasty accident. Just pleased both are OK, but no thanks to Bomber though.

You sure talk some rubbish. Racing accident be buggered. That was reckless in the extreme. What Bomber did last night was totally unacceptable. There was only ever going to be one outcome of that move, and he knew it . His run across to see Niels afterwards was an admission of guilt. Had that had been Nicky Pedersen causing that accident, he'd had been publicly hanged. Just because Bomber is a nice guy we have all the excuses in the world. Racing accident!!!!!!, yeah.....

This season, all but over, and for whatever reason we again failed to qualify for the play-off's. We can look back and think, If Only... or, not more injuries. But we could also say there were riders who didn't want to ride, or there were some who rode but didn't perform. Sometimes, there were some, whose machinery was rubbish, There were some who didn't try. But not one of these reasons can be directed at NKI. I been coming to Lynn more years than I care to remember. I've seen some brilliant, world class riders, in the Stars colours. We can talk about the Lee's, Betts, Simmo, Crumps' Rickardssons, But I believe Niels fits into that groups of top class riders easily. He's everything a Promoters wants. Brilliant Rider, Ultimate Professional. The perfect gentleman. you know that every time he rides a bike he will give it 150%.. Mr Consistent. If he's not at saddlebow road next year he will leave a massive hole, one that probably can't be filled.

I thought it was a real good meeting, Not the best I've seen, but a lot better then some that's been shown. The track was ok, good really in the sense that the winner could come from any gate position. Good in the sense you could come from the back, But on the downside, it developed ruts, and showed patchy grip and therefore we got some strange results, But hey we can't have all ways. I think what made the meeting special, was the program of unforeseen incidents that added to the occasion. Never expected, Gollob and Woffy to get injured, never expected Pedersen and Hampel to score low points at the start. all these things added tension to the proceedings. No, not the best SGP I've seen, but one I thoroughly enjoyed.

I don't often agree with you, but in this case I think your spot on. What Woffy did last night was immense, the pain he was going through, was there for all to see. But it was imperative he got some points on the board and to keep the preying pack at bay. I think he showed what a true Champion he is.. Well done Woffy ........ Also special mention to Neils. Probably the best I EVER seen him ride... Sheer Brilliance

The reasons for the demise of our sport Part 2. The importance of League Racing The importance of league racing is paramount to the survival of speedway. It’s the place where we watch the bread and butter racing on a regular basis. It’s where the new riders start on the long road to stardom. Its supplies rational helpings of keeping interest in racing at a local level. A connection that most people recognise. League racing can come in many forms, and of different standards. When run successfully there should be a progression in standard of the leagues that most people recognise. They can be seen as a stepping stone for the talent, and one which all riders want to climb. For this reason, you cannot overemphasise the importance of league racing When we look at the shambles that now exist in the Elite league, you wonders how it has survived this long. Tell me another example when a second division team take preference over that of a top team. The way the rules are altered to accommodate whoever, reeks of conspiracy. Whatever way you look at it, it’s Pathetic. No wonder it has almost died. And people are leaving in their droves. The most worrying part for me, is that the people that should know and are able to make the changes needed, are not prepared to do it, can’t be bothered too, or else they’re part of the conspiracy. That’s a big worry!! Going back to what I mentioned earlier about league racing and qualifying for the SGP. The FIM should take on board the importance of this and totally govern the rules for each of the 4, named countries, top league on similar basic. Same team format; Same programme; Same Points limit; Same number of teams; Same average calculation; Same everything, with the only difference being the race night. That could be say: - Poland on Sundays; Sweden on Mondays; Denmark on Tuesday and England on Wednesday. Limits the riders to compete in maximum of 3 leagues only. That way, all four countries would be attractive to all the riders, knowing they needed a top 3 finish to qualify into SGP. There would be no more missing riders, no more RR, no more guest. No more fixture clashing. Sounds too good to be true, but it’s not. Let’s imagine the top league is competed by 10 teams, which would produce 9 Quality home meetings for each track, probably one every other week. With play-off and finals to follow, as per some countries aboard. Running alongside this could be more leagues governed by each country’s control board, i.e. (BPSA). The clubs that compete in the top league could even have another team in lower leagues as well and on other race night’s if wanted. All these leagues needs to do, is be competitive and progressional. Some top clubs might have problems running their speedway on a specific night of the week, but this would have to be conditional of entry. Clubs who can’t move their race night would have to race in a lower league. As you can imagine, I have given this, a great deal of thought. Dictated by all the problems that exist at the moment. I know times have moved on and the sport changes in so many ways. But, I feel unless a new structure or something similar is taken on board the sport is a good as dead. How much longer can we survive like this? We need this structured approach to encourage new talent and to get rid of the mercenary rider approach. The club should and HAS to be bigger than the rider, and the sooner the top riders and the top brass realise this, then better the chance of survival. It is this or give up now.

My thoughts about the demise of our sport. Part 1: Sold down the river. After watching the sad demise of Team GB in the recent SWC, I have spent considerable time, delving into the problems that now bestows our beloved sport, I have concluded that the blame lies firmly in three areas. I feel that the Top Riders and the Promoters (BSPA) have to admit their share of the blame, but, the majority has to be laid firmly at the doors of the FIM. They were the top brass, people who should lead and govern the sport, but they have in effect washed their hands of all their responsibility when they have, in effect, sold the rights of the World Championship to an independent organisation namely BSI/IMG. Please don’t think I’m knocking BSI, they have taken this opportunity and marketed SGP into a successful brand, one, that generates considerably interest. But given the licence to ‘Cherry-pick’ the cream of the world’s best riders, it’s hardly surprising the success it has gained. Unfortunately there has been massive repercussions with the bread and butter issues of league racing and the promotion of local speedway presentations. Since the introduction of the SGP, the riders, can now pick and choose where they ride, based purely on the financial rewards and the available schedules. Even though the BSI are an independent body they have this incredible power to totally dictate the sport, by the way, the SGP‘s are actually run. The ‘Cream Riders’ don’t need to ride in League matches anymore, they are assured of a place in the SGP whether they ride or not. This has turned the majority of these riders’ into nothing more, than mercenaries, performing for the biggest wedge. Of cause, there are one or two exceptions but not many… Geographically, England was always going to be the hardest country hit, as it is far easier for riders to concentrate their earning potential in mainland Europe. The knock-on effect of this is, has reduced the number of class riders competing in our league, which subsequently has lowered the actual standard of racing here. The knock on effect of this means that even the British riders, who compete regularly in our league, still need to race in other countries to home their skills of that of the world status. But it gets worse. By allowing the BSI to govern the qualification system of the SGP, they organise series of meetings, scattered all over the world, throughout the year, not giving a thought, or caring a damn, to the disruption they create by taking the riders away from their league commitments. What make this white elephant even more annoying is that the majority of these riders won’t ever have a realistic chance of ever qualifying for the SGP’s. The FIM can change all this so easily. They have to understand the importance of the connection between the bread and butter league racing and that of the World Championship. Their failure to recognise this, has all but destroyed the sport, and if we carry on like this, there will be no cream left for the BSI to cherry-pick. The ‘Qualification’ to the following year’s SGP has to be achieved by the riders competing in league matches. Let’s imagine, the top 3 riders from each of the leagues of the four main countries, namely, Poland, Denmark, Sweden and England. Those 12 riders would then join the 3 top riders from the previous year’s SGP leaving the opportunity for the organisers, to include a home rider to attract in the local support. This one rule change would immediately alter the way speedway exists. It would: 1: Put more importance into all the league matches and the riders would put more emphasis into competing in them, especially ours, knowing the only way to qualify for the SGP was to finish high up in the averages; 2: It would put Promoters in a far stronger bargaining position when negotiating with these class riders; there would be no more of these high ransom fees that are being paid to top riders, this therefore, would create a bigger and better draw for the spectators who would be able to afford to watch. 3: These riders would have to perform every meeting to the best of their ability just to insure their averages was high up the list. It would create far more intensity into league matches, No more of this going through the motions like some riders do. Turning up with sub-standard equipment will be a thing of the past. 4: It would be a much fairer way for all the riders to reach the SGP status. To me it has always been wrong to award qualification on a top ten finish, or to a permanent wild card entry. This is only done so the organisers can dictate their choice of riders. 5: It would totally eliminate the clubs problems with missing riders that incurred when these so called Qualifiers are being held. Riders are usually away for 2 days at least, and have to be replaced with a guest or R/R. Neither of which is satisfactory. I’m not suggesting BSI should not be involved, far from it. They do a wonderful job of presenting and putting on a good show. There’s no reason why they can’t continue doing the same. Each rider who finishes the season high up, near the top of the averages is a class performer. Therefore the quality of the series wouldn’t necessarily change, purely the structure that identifies their success. The BSI, the Riders, the Promoters, the Spectators, in fact, everyone will know how the system works and who and what can be achieved from one year to the next. This should be set in stone.!! There is not ONE good reason why this can’t happen. Either the World Championships are run for the benefit of the sport, or run for the benefit of BSI. All it needs is for the right people to take control of the sport. Let the qualification and the organisation be left to the people who should govern. The FIM. Part 2, More thoughts to follow ……..

Would it make a difference who you support, Really, you sure are some specimen if that is so important to you. With you gloating over another teams mis-fortune, not sure anyone would want you as a supporter any way.

I too, thought Lynn had the makings of a decent side this year, and were more then capable of holding their own in what looked like a competitive league. But, Lynn have been unfortunate with injuries this year and therefore any hopes of being successful have long gone. But this hasn't taken away the enjoyment I get from going to Saddlebow Road. To me, I sit up in the stand and watch the races. I enjoy them all, the ones we win as well as the ones we lose. especially the closely contested races. So I will continue to watch the Stars in both leagues, whether the team is at the top of the league or the bottom, to me, it makes no difference....

Its not the fact that of the supporters knowing all the rules, that can be understood, But the biggest problem is that the Promoters and Referees are missing the understanding of the rules and that the biggest problem. If they have difficulty with the so-called rules what chance do we supporter stand. Shovlar has been brought it to anyone's attention that Lynn apparently fielded Kozza in the match against the Panthers wrongly. BUT, If the rules are that complex that neither Lynn, Peterborough nor the Ref was aware of the wrong doing, then surely this is a indication of how pathetic these rules really are.

The fact that in the recent SWC, his own country and fellow Aussies, thought he was that bad, they would rather pick someone who rides in the PL then going with Rory. There isn't a bigger snub then that. I hear he's having a few problems as well as machinery issues, but these need to be sorted pronto. You can't expect the supporters to keep paying good money to watch someone, who quite frankly, is second rate. I hate to think what he's cost the club, that's counting the points as well as the money.....

As long as we don't have RR, the score will be close and could go either way. To me that what it's all about. I like nothing more then a good close contest that goes to the last heat. I'd take that, Win, Lose or draw.....

Some of the crap you write is beyond belief. The track at Lynn was brilliant. it had everything you want from a race track the close racing was thoroughly enjoyed by those who went..and having watched the meeting again on the tele again, I still cant believe you think that way. As for the choice of track to exploit out strength, we need to face up to the fact that we aren't good enough whichever track we choose. How you can question the race track at NA , when you usually watch your speedway at one of the worst tracks in the league is laughable.

Bearing in mind, We were 6 point down after only 2 heats, we didn't do to bad in the other 18.. :rofl:

Tonight we have the chance to win a place in the World Team Cup Final. Although the opposition is relatively weak it's going to be a big struggle. Only Darcy and Herbie have the speed to trouble Tai and Bomber. although Batch can be a spoiler, but the ace in our pack, HAS to be Middlo. If he can get his tactical decisions right and implement them for the biggest advantage we have a wonderful chance. I shall be glues to the box with plenty of refreshments........... Wish em the best of luck...

I don't think Middlo done himself any favours the other night, judging by some of the decisions he made . To most people it was an ideal opportunity to include Worrall in his first international. Racing the NA most week would have used the good grounding and I am in no doubt he would have done well in this class field. But you elected to use Kennett and then sub him after one pathetic ride. He rode that race like a novice, but even he deserved the benefit of another go. The competition the other night was not about Denmark, they were always going to win, it was about beating Sweden and USA. To have use all your eggs by heat 7 is not my idea of a good manager. As it happened the competition was poor and we progressed through, but that was more to do with luck then the decision made by our management. I feel it was an opportunity missed and riders like Worrall would have benefitted big time. Also, I thought Cook equipped himself pretty good . he was not outclassed and I can understand his frustration of being dropped . I don't think his replacements will fear much better, after all we're not talking about a Michael Lee or a Peter Collins just a pair of the same PL standard riders.. And to think, we once had more class riders then all the other nations put together. How times has changed

Since when have the BSPA made the right decisions. I find all this talk of, this rider, or that rider, all quite tiresome and irrelevant . The bottom line is we are just not good enough. We don't encourage, development, we have no youth development or put any importance in a program of such. , we give no help at all and riders like Lambert has had to go abroad. We don't deserve success. If it wasn't for the other countries misfortunes, we wouldn't be in with a shout of sneaking in the back door. and until things change we will always be that way...

I too were not impressed with the track, it seemed the fastest bike always won. When someone like Darcy Ward misses the gate and can't make it up then there must be something wrong. Darcy is probably the most skilful of riders yet he was always struggling coming from the back and if he cant do then what chance has people like Watt and Doyle got. ?? Probably this is what people like too see, but I enjoyed the EESG match last Friday far more when you required SKILL and SPEED to succeed.

That's the 64 dollar question. Going back to Michael Lee's time, there was a queue as long as your arm wanting his signature, and the money was plentiful, far more then what Lynn were prepared to pay, but in the end it was down to who he want to ride for. I appreciate it's a lot different now with more money on offer, but I'd like to think Lynn will get the nod......

Having watched the young Stars last night against Mildenhall, probably be a good idea to incorporate young Lambert into the Stars team after his sensational 21 point max. Either from the gate, or from behind this was very impressive, winning each race by 50 yds. or so. His winning times were miles quicker then anyone else, the fastest being in the 59sec bracket. I've heard comments saying he is better then Lee and Darcy Ward was at that age, I don't know about that but sure was impressive. What also pleased me is that all the riders last night were young British riders. It opened my eyes as to the talent that is coming through. Pleased I went, instead of watching speedway on the tele. Always catch up with that later. Thoroughly enjoyable night..........

It's nice to know, some people from Swindon have some sense, unlike some of the rabble on here. Well said SIDNEY....

You bet.... The petrol was also more affordable. and you are right , the crowds were a lot better.

Obviously this comment was a tongue in cheek remark, Not wanting to be Judgemental as far as PJ is concerned, I'm sure he is not the only person capable of fine tuning an engine. If, Buster is trying to get Michael Lee to supply an engine for Lebedev, then I'm in no doubt it will be a good one, and far cheaper then one from the legendary PJ. When Michael was racing, his bikes were always quicker then most...........I remember going to Halifax once to see Lee in the Golden Helmut match race against Kenny Carter, He easily won 2-0 winning each race by the length of the straight . Carter was amazed by the speed he had that night........so please don't think for one moment that Lee's bikes will be slow...

Yeah, Wonderful news, Could be a terrific signing.......

Sidney, 1981 was a great meeting. Like you I went to many Wembley finals and yes some were poor meetings with little racing. But 1981 was special. Bruce Penhall, Ole Olsen, Knutsen, Gundersen, Jessup Carter all figured in exciting races, far better then we saw last night. I think that final will be the one that I will always remember......... 90,000 people ( Full House) watching speedway as it should be ....brilliant, unforgetable meeting.... The Buzz from the crowd when Penhal went by Olsen will live with me forever.....