robinsgirl

Does anyone know any history or links to find out more about this? I have come into contact with a GM engine that has VAN NYYS stamped into the rocker cover. I see that a rider by the name of Marc Andrews listed Reg Randell (Van Nyys Blueprinted Racing Engines) as a tuner on his web site.

Oh well I haven't been bitten on the bum for a while!........although it matters not for my sake or not what happens, it's just that Tai seems to have an inner drive at the moment that sets him apart from the other riders in my opinion. You're right though - it is early to tell but Tai puts in the work, doesn't just talk about putting it in.

That's great. Tai really deserves all that comes his way. I wouldn't be surprised if he makes it two in a row in the World Championship!

It will be interesting to see how they're kitted out - team colors on bikes and kevlars and such.

How do you know the new numbers do nothing for the fans? ..and yes, it is all about following it - everyone wants to know whats going on. If you can't follow the racing with a program and the commentator, you won't follow any system!

As long as the helmet colors stay I'm sure we can all follow it , new or experienced fans. Why not just be positive about it and if it doesn't work, the moaners can say I told you so.

I enjoyed this for the whole entertainment value. The small speedway track is a bit "Mickey Mouse" but those that have ridden small tracks previously were at quite a advantage. Billy J had it in the bag before Ward got a bit over excited!

It's more than sex to many people. Some have made a decision that will change their life, and the life of their family, for good. Some of those people happen to be speedway people that many either know, have met or that they are interested in. I think it is appropriate to make comment on a speedway forum and consider it bad form for those that must make negative comments about it. Really, if you couldn't give a toss about it, why comment just to bring someone down?

The key is 'Has been stationary at the start' , that's what several riders have been doing - goes beyond anticipation when the back wheel is spinning before the tapes release! I hope they keep pulling these riders back.

Thanks Humphrey, Your comments support the current system by verifying the wildcards earn their places in other sports also. Speedway wildcards may be selected by organisers but I haven't seen one yet that hasn't proven to have won races against current top form riders and therefore earned their place. It would not be in their interest to have Wildcards who are not up to standard & would consider the current form of these riders in all leagues and local competition in which they compete. Note that qualified riders often finish lower in the Grand Prix than the wildcards. Speedway has such diverse levels of entry into the Grand Prix it is impossible to have qualification that is viewed as fair to all by everyone. "are not just arbitrarily selected by the event organisers" I think at times 'stars' of golf are offered huge appearance fees to compete in major tournaments so sways towards selection.

TWK, it's a complex situation on a few fronts... right at the lowest level of qualifying such as regional, county, state and national championships going back to the early days there has never been level playing fields as with many events only allowing 16 competitors, some were not allowed in or 'chosen' so is that fair?. "Truly call speedway a sport"......... what about tennis or golf, I think sometimes their top players are seeded into world events and you'd get a few arguments saying they are not sport. It could be said that the Wildcards have earned their place by performance on the world stage, if not via the formal qualifying put in place. I think they have the mix about right, although top six might allow 2 more qualifiers.

Practicing and getting coached on gating would have to be high on the priority list. If he gates more consistently well he will threaten for the title.

A owner/ rider can choose a color to suit his kit

Best meeting for a long time, Really showcased Tomasz' ability to put his bike into an advantageous spot on the track as well as Nicki's ability to block even when not quite as fast. Disappointed for Hampel with bike problems. Loved the young guys slogging it out. Bring on more like that!!

His Aussie grounding is finally paying off

I wonder if in 20 years time we will be reading comments similar to those written in Havvy Retires thread about Darcy Ward, they may lead similar career paths?

Why not take the opportunity to tell Darcy how you feel at the very next opportunity face to face, you could just be the catalyst to his enlightenment and reform. It would do more than banging on about it on a forum that he'll never see.

A few people have indicated Darcy Ward would be earning huge amounts of money - is this known to be true, just wondering as I read somewhere he still hadn't replaced some lost sponsors.

No it won't be - the usual suspects will bang on about it for another ten pages or so

I think that on Darcy Ward's track record he can't help but get into strife. Eventually he will grow out of it but when that point is and if his career is down the tubes by that point will remain to be seen. This season will show whether he can walk the talk of his recent statement, as actions speak louder then words. He must have many of his sponsors looking at if he is a viable investment. Maybe some would love the attention, even if it is not of a good sort!

All the best Havvy, another life begins!

I can't get over the fact that on this forum no one has speculated the worst of Darcy Ward before the facts have all came out. No one has him careering down a busy public road at peak hour, full of alcohol, cocaine and bad manners, allowing drugs to full out of his packpack full of stolen goods, into the local school grounds, throwing the bird to a police tactical response unit, evading capture for 6 weeks by living with the nuns at the community convent, Everyone waited for the report that said no convictions recorded, and have now gone on to accept this and help him through his "off the rails" time. Congratulations to you all.

I think Darcy W will struggle and finish somewhere like position 6-10. Pedersen or Holder will win.

Did you have to rise to the bait?!

again, just your opinion, which you are entitled to. The use of unsatisfactory start is within the scope of the refs choices based on what he sees, and includes through the first bend,and in this case Chris H did indeed receive the benefit of his call. Won't be the first or last time used in GP's for all 4 to be back. I really don't think it will worry Chris H that this incident will be remembered as a talking point in his championship winning year.