Terry

My sister used to say if they could bottle it she'd use it as perfume! It seemed less prevalent as we moved into the 80's..I guess they changed the formula.

I can't remember my first race as I was a baby when my speedway-mad parents first took me to the Wick in the late sixties. My first memories are of the colours of the leathers...Hackney+yellow=Dag Lovaas and Rye House+red&black check=Brian Foote.

True, at least he makes an effort. Madsen also said a few words in Torun. Dziekuje.

I don't understand why riders who race in Poland every year don't learn the language. Is it too difficult? I notice riders like Emil, Zagar, Vaculik, Milik etc all speak Polish when being interviewed...Do the Slavic countries have a similar language? I feel sorry for the little bald Polish guy who chats to a Brit, Aussie, Dane or Swede and has to interpret it all back to the viewer, while the riders' hanging around looking bored!

A meeting that doesn't finish with a grand final? How absurd.

Enjoyed watching Ted at Hackney and Rye House, and also cheering him on to a couple of rostrum places at the NLRC. RIP

Any Poole fans remember this lot from when you first dropped down? Bear, Smith, Yeates, Biles, Bisson, Wilson, Dole. You did alright..2nd out of 19.

I was maybe a bit harsh on Mr Goddard. It's probably because he's on his own doing the Elitserien. I prefer it when there's a co-commentator. (Even Sam!)

It was. Eddie made a few visits to Waterden Rd, entertaining the fans with a few jumps during the interval. I remember Chris Galvin (Andy's dad) being talked into putting his new Rolls Royce on the end of a line of motors. He wasn't too happy about it, but Eddie cleared them comfortably! He also had a go at the regular Saturday training sessions I recall. Sad to see the situation he's in now, but he obviously still enjoys his motorbikes.

If Iversen was brought back to beat Ellis Perks, he's done his job tonight..

Great stuff. Beats John Davis' song!

At least Sam adds a touch of comedy with his pisspronunciation of worms. Thank you Ronnie Barker!

Must admit I never knew that. Well he deserves even less praise in that case

Never gonna happen. They're liked by the TV companies and most fans. I much prefer Nige and Kelv to the monotonous commentary from Dave Goddard on free sports.

I was thinking the same. 30 years ago youngsters like Loram, Screen, Dugard etc were scoring double figures and beating world class riders. Whereas Perks is nicking the odd point or 2 and people are going overboard with the praise. Fair play the guy's a battler but keep things in perspective. I guess it's a sign of how much British talent has fallen down the years.

I love it when Kelv says "you could throw a blanket over all four riders," when there's 40 feet between first and last. He must have a massive bed.

Hmm, I'm edging towards Poland to nick this!

You've gotta admire Becker's balls!

Exactly. Tatum said he'd have done the same. Riders have always done it, it's only recently people have started making a big deal about it.

Yeah a light-hearted comment (hence the wink!) However, putting on my serious expression I've always hated these 'four free passes' that they hand out each year. I remember in the early years of the series all of the riders had to qualify and if you missed out, tough.Tomasz Gollob didn't get seeded into the 96 series, even though there were no Polish qualifiers and, believe it or not, 6 Brits! That's how it was until 99 when Billy Hamill got a season-long pass. I think everybody knows Lindback only got his place because of his nationality.

Third charity pick for Woffinden. Hmm, turning into the next Harris methinks..

I was devastated when Thommo left Hackney in 81, although it didn't turn out too bad as he was lining up for us most weeks as our number 8. Plus scoring big in the NL meant he scored well for the Hawks as he was full of confidence. Of course 'the messiah' came home in 84 along with six other riders who I didn't have a clue about, but 'Angel' Andy Galvin, Paul Whitt and good old Moggo turned out to be Hackney legends. It was no more than Thommo deserved when he was part of our fantastic league and cup double year of 88.

Always makes me chuckle when people say 'this rider' or 'that rider' deserves to be in the series. The only riders who deserve to be there are the 11 qualifiers. Still, we have to go through this charade every year, so I guess Woffinden and Hancock are obvious, along with Michelsen (Euro champ) and Drabik (U21 champ.)

Well done to Bartosz. Worthy champ and won me a few quid!

The ref's on Zmarzliks side. Perfect start from Doyle.