Grand Central

And Godwin's Law is proven.

I do not remember anyone posting here that they are against all riders being tested for alcohol before each GP. Just a couple of extra off duty Coppers could get through them in no time. But I fail to see what that has to do with the current situation regarding Darcy Ward. Presumably he would have failed the same test, in just the same way. Ok he may have had a couple more chums with him on the plane to Geneva if others 'got through" withitout being picked up on the random test. But Darcy would still be on the dock this time. And who knows he may have found himself there before had universal testing been done in the past. Anyone's bet isn't it?

Poor old Greg, though, in all this. Even in a thread that is supposed to be all about him. We would all rather chat about things thirty plus years ago. Says a lot in itself about the 'all-time great' question, doesn't it?

Thankfully I never contradicted BWitcher on that point. But you do agree that in his well, well, in excess of 500 meetings for Belle Vue; PC appeared in a good lot more than 90% of them in team positions that were NOT Number 1. Which was my point.

I was merely correcting a wrong assertion you made concerning Messrs Collins and Lee riding at number 1 in their respective teams. No more, no less.

Just on a point of information and not to be too pedantic ... Peter Collins almost never rode at Number One for Belle Vue. In the years from 74 to 80 he rode almost every match at Number 3 in the later years 82 to 86 he tended to ride almost exclusively at Number 5 ( sometimes 3). Michael Lee equally rarely rode at Number One in his entire Kings Lynn career. He almost exclusively rode at Number 5 for the Stars. Just for the record. In the old 13 heat formula riders at Number 3 and Number 5 met the opposing Number 1 TWICE in every match Home and Away. I hate to say it, And shall do so with tongue firmly in cheek. But ... those actually ARE facts. .

When it comes to wishful thinking, no one can fault your commitment.

They could use that for the urine test. But then that would be just taking the p!ss.

I suppose it all depends how literally one takes things. Darcy may say 'The FIM said they would contact me in a week' Whether that turns out to be exactly ONE week is moot. Darcy may have said 'The GP is postponed let's go for a drink'. Whether that turned out to be many, many more than just ONE Drink, is not so moot.

Have just read the 'Darcy Ward Appreciation Society' weekly newsletter on Page 3 of this weeks Speedway Star. The author has not been given a byline; probably at his own request. Could I request that the Star consider taking a leaf out of British Airways book. And provide complementary sick bags with future editions. .

Yes, I would agree he'd be top 15. Somewhere around the 10 to 12 position.

I feel like I am inhabiting another universe from some here. We all know that 'official' procedures take a very long time And that we all feel that it could be done a lot quicker. But it just doesn't happen like that. I was in a car crash last March 2014 and the court date that has finally been set for my claim for lost income is on May 15 2015. And the other side actually admit liability. My Mother had Cataract diagnosed last April and we should soon get a date when the operation will be done; probably in March or April this year. I have been in dispute with my Property Management company since mid 2010 and there is no sign of resolution best part of five years later. So ... P!ssed up Speedway Riders can damn well wait too!

Just not in my thoughts... ever. Truth is I have spent the last three or four months of the closed Season without giving him a second thought. Such a shame isn't it. The Current World Champion and ... nothing, really. Thank God for Darcy!

You are quite right. Any International Sporting body could operate under regulations that offer more speedier action. But they do not. In any case. Not this year, last year or for years and years. You, and me, have memories that go back to cases like Ivan Mauger in 1982/3 and his International ban by the FIM. Took an age to get sorted. Why does everyone want to make make the point now, as if it were new and pertinent to Darcy specifically. It isn't.

Perhaps, but only for overnight stays when working away from your usual home in this country. Not for all your accommodation costs living in England 'away from your home' in Australia!

I'm not sure what level of tax accountant you are. But have you done work for Jimmy Carr?

In Speedway it seems that the people with the loudest voices and highest pulpits seem the most risible. From the head of the BSPA who cannot fathom what agency operates the Visa system,. To the EL champions Manager with the low IQ and even lower standards of morals. We now have what could be a 'respected voice' from Australia who seems to think that the 2015 criteria are one jot different than those that SHOULD have been enforced for the last five years. Pity the lads that are influenced by such fools.

Think again.... 1972 World Final A well known story that has been mentioned and discussed many times over the years. On Forums and in Magazines. There was quite a lot written about it following the death of Tony Clarke last year.

Goodness knows how the Speedway Star are going to spin it next week, if the verdict is still pending. I Imagine Paul Burbidge will be reporting on the possible intervention of Amnesty International. .

Quite true. It was the underage boy in his company that was charged with rape. The clarity of that distinction is so comforting, don't you find?.

In the speedway discussions section there is an interesting chat on 'repeated concussion' And how it may affect Speedway riders over the years. Bearing in mind his long service to Eastbourne and Poole. Should we not mock Mr Middleditch. But rather call a neurologist? .

Lets hope Darcy had more intelligent representation in Switzerland than he gets here. If Starman was on his side out there he wouldn't get back on track for decades.

This does seem to be fairly normal practice by the FIM. In the Bubba Stewart case last year his drug test was found positive in April, his CDI hearing was not until the end of October. But he was not notified of his long ban until December and the full press release with all the detail didn't come out of the FIM for another week. Darcy is getting quite speedy justice really.

It is also infuriating that the guy at the top of the BSPA is quoted extensively in the article and he STILL uses the term UK Border Agency several times. When that ceased to exist in March 2013. You would think that he would have the new name emblazoned on the front of his brain after the last few weeks. It just does not reek of competence, does it?

Darcy's prospects get a boost, people. Middleditch is staying here. #enough?nojustonemorefortheroad