crescent girl

I would highlight the exceedingly-severe (season-ending) injuries incurred by (for example) Chris Holder at Coventry, Jason Doyle at the Torun GP in 2016 and Tom Brennan at Eastbourne. In each case a bike lifted the fence and the following rider slid through unimpeded to hit an immovable object. Had there been regular foam-fences at these tracks, these accidents might not have had such severe consequences.

Does no-one remember Alan Hunt? Certainly one of Birmingham's all-time top five riders........ 'Way more deserving if a street-name than 90% of those suggested....

I would say yes, the Berwick foam-fence has needed virtually no maintainance since installation some years ago. I believe the same is true at Glasgow (and King's Lynn, where the first such fence was installed, and like Arlington, is also a stock-car venue). There is no tedious inflation/deflation time required before or after matches and no delays where a punctured air-fence segment is removed and replaced. At Berwick, the fence just sits there all week, gets a quick power-wash after a meeting, and is ready to go next race, next meeting, next season even, without any setting-up work. Much-more importantly, I have seen several huge impacts into the foam-fence over recent seasons -- Shielfield is a high-speed circuit -- yet I can recall no serious injuries which came from a rider hitting the fence. Equally, when there have been such impacts, there has been no damage to the fence, either! No hold-ups to racing. In short, a foam-fence -- in my estimation and opinion -- is a worthwhile investment.

The extra turnstile! Been a mainstay at SOME tracks since time began. That's a very good point, as people won't carry cash for programmes, burgers, drinks, as well as admission.

As has been noted many times, Berwick speedway have for years issued free lifetime passes to any rider who has ever raced as a Bandit (excluding guests!) be it for 400+ matches (Rob Grant) or just one like Manuel Hauzinger (30 yards).

Oooooh, I think we're all quite relieved -- on so many levels -- that you aren't the Somerset boss............

Why? Berwick have Jye Etheridge signing for Wittstock and Leon Flint for Rybnik. Both will continue to race CL for the Bandits.

It'll all end in Tiers

I believe the BSPA bond, if surrendered, would be used to pay off the speedway-specific debts (riders, BSPA/SCB fees, maybe insurance premiums) ahead of any claims from outside the sport. But be assured, the BSPA will do all in their power to keep speedway at Brough, and to help Rob Grant get his show on the road.

Debbie Hancock might agree with you on that last point!

The two-at-a-time GPs were a necessary novelty, no more.

But surely Dan Bewley will be there, as the U21 rider? What UK need is a second senior rider, who - - in this emergency - - must obviously be Bomber, no?

Do we know the full line-up for this event, please?

Well, we're all watching.........

A short session is planned at Duns this Saturday afternoon (19th) from noon until 3pm. Speedway, flat-track and mini-bikes all welcome, £20 for the session. Book in by messenger....

So, before we get to a third page on Covid, what are our thoughts on the weekend's GPs?

Do t bet on it. Over half the more-recent cases have been in the 18-25 age group. Who think they're bullet-proof. But then go home and infect their grannies. Who die.

I'm amazed the "Golden Heats" match hasn't so far featured in this series.

Are you sure it is going to be on TV?

As has been stated elsewhere, Ipswich has a much bigger outdoor seating area and it should also be noted that Greater Manchester is currently a Covid hot-spot, where local authorities might not be happy to have a 'test event' on their door-step.

Good to learn of the young Bandits, and Academy riders such as "oor wee Luke" getting pointers from the greatest Australian rider of all time. The GHT Academy at Duns is running on Sunday August 23rd, open to riders of all classes and experience. £35 per rider, must have your own equipment -- social distancing will be observed (of course).

Why?

Poole currently are in the best league. As you'll hopefully find out.

Wherever it is staged, Britain are looking good with Tai and Robert L --- but who will be the third rider?

With all holders being admitted free to the meetings still being planned for this year