foamfence

No they don't, the reason is that Speedway isn't a sport, it was conceived as a fairground attraction in Australia. People like Johnnie Hoskins and many of those who emulated him were just show promoters who retitled themselves as Speedway promoters. That might ruffle a few feathers but it's probably one of the main reasons why it isn't taken seriously by the majority of the public.

They mostly have straight forward oval racing, the TT is a variation for the same bikes and riders, it has to have right turns and at least one jump.

That sounds like Short Track TT. You couldn't do it on a Speedway bike. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tzDZPWgd_s Fun to do but boring to watch.

There are some clubs (even in the Elite League)who are running at a loss, one of the most famous clubs in the country was thought to be near to folding in mid season. Situations like that (where you can't guarantee all clubs completing their fixtures and even paying their riders properly)shouldn't be risked, the sport here should be on a stable footing, it doesn't matter what the standard of the riders is, these things have happened in the past and the sport either downsized or cut back on expenditure. It survived and many people thought it was actually better, as young British hopefuls moved into vacant places and bettered themselves as a result. The best thing would be for clubs and riders who couldn't or wouldn't accept or manage a more affordable package, should be sacrificed in favour of a more sound set up. Back to the real world! Nothing much like that will happen and things will get even more precarious. Just my thoughts of course.

What it doesn't need though, is the long list of second rate overseas riders who fill all the minor team spots.

What reason would anyone have for wanting to know? I should imagine Somerset had a lot of bonus points this season because they had such a strong team, rather than track characteristics.

If someone has a fall or engine failure he can still make the final, there is always a build up and climax with a final (as with GPs), There is still a place for the old format though. Last nights farce shouldn't be seen as an example of any sort of format though.

I think you'll find that the REAL reason for him pulling out of both Elite and Premier play-offs wasn't financial.

Many riders who double up wouldn't manage financially in one league. Even Barker had to get a job as a truck driver last winter, but he would be unlikely to get any work during the season, unless it was for a sponsor or self-employment.

I see Kus ended the season with his usual flourish.

Once again, in English please.

Would you be saying that if Poole hadn't thrashed the Brummies?

It'll need a lot more than cheering.

I remember when Glynn Taylor was at Redcar he was toying with the idea of one of those machines that they use to melt the tarmac during road repairs, or something based on that idea, to rapidly dry the track.

Thomas Jorgensen replaces Micky Dyer.

The big spoiler for me was the number of foreign riders. I don't care if standards would be lowered or about comparisons with other countries leagues (many of which are near to bankruptcy), I'm just not interested in watching four foreigners racing, much like I'm not interested when the TV shows a football match between two foreign clubs. Maybe we should amalgamate the leagues and guarantee a minimum number of British riders in every team?

Not "Never too old"?

Astonishing result! It looked like a Diamonds win for the first few heats, then they fell to pieces. Can the Bears keep it up or has this section been handed to Somerset already?

Aub Lawson. He was always a good international class rider but in his late 40s he was at his very best and reached the World Championship rostrum.

He's a weed, If Richie Worrall is mentioned he locks himself in the lavatory.

Totally agree, there needs to be more than Kus shown the door, despite Duffills usual big talk, I will be surprised if they win a single match in the play-offs. I'd be pretty pleased if they proved me wrong though. :-)

Absolutely right! For a rider of his experience it's a bit strange. When he dropped to reserve a lot of people said he would be just as big a scorer as Dyer, but he throws away loads of points through falls and sub-standard equipment.

Agree! Very well done Dean.

And then there are guests! "The thing that makes speedway work in other countries is the tv showing and how the promot speedway"Do you mean like the no overtaking rule in Sweden and Denmark?.

Idiot.