EnglishRoundabout

I had a superb view of Craig Cook's gating abilities at the OTA last Friday. He tried to anticipate the start in heat 5, but only penalised himself and ended up losing control on the second bend after attempting a blast around the outside of Charles Wright (who wasn't giving an inch). Thereafter, Cookie made three magnificent gates. Moreover he was 'statue still' when doing so. It's a few years since we had a British rider (Woffinden apart) who is able to trap as well as him.

Poole are certain to use Brady in my opinion. They will look to loan him out to the Rebels.

Really? You should get out more.

Starman hassle? I don't think so. Loves his speedway, goes to POole and Somerset to get his fix and has an opinion. Don't get sucked in by him Springdale.

He scored 11 with two good wins last time at the OTA I think coomie. Can't recall how many he got in his first match, but I do remember his close encounter with the safety fence after Olly Allen showed him who was boss!

Kennett is a decent replacement at the OTA for the skipper. He's capable of double figures and I can see him enjoying the added responsibility and pressure that a grand final brings.

So if say the club has lost money during the season, you wouldn't try to at least regain some financial ground with an opportunity like this? Clubs can't simply continue to lose money by the bucket loads. They are after all running a business!

The ELRC would be a decent start.

Nevertheless, you thought it was 'boring' and 'the straights aren't long enough'. Sounds pretty negative to me!

Worrall, Tungate, Heeps and Hawkins all gave it their best, trying different lines. Mandates was desperate to resume riding but the track Doc made the decision to withdraw him from the meeting. A bang to the head and a damaged crash helmet (similar scenario to that of Pontus Aspgren)

Have to say, a top effort from Ipswich. They were definitely up for this and despite their poor scores, both Tungate and Heeps battled really well. Richie Worrall led the way with a couple of fine wins during the early stages, backed up by a fighting display from skipper Richie Hawkins. The Witches faded after heat 8, but gave the Rebels a scare for sure. It took a mid match team meeting to kick start the Rebels, who really upped the gas for the remainder of the meeting. Once again, a super meeting with plenty of passing. Olly Allen and Todd Kurtz were in brilliant form and credit must go to the Rebels who turned this around soon after losing Aspgren in a frightening looking fall in heat 5. Excellent atmosphere tonight and a decent size crowd. Should be a couple of cracking meetings against the Monarchs.

I too have been to both tracks lewy and agree that the OTA is faster. The SBA is a terrific little track which provides some super racing with often all 4 riders very close together.

That era still had rain offs, too many guest riders, riders delaying the starts, and rider replacement though

Yes I'm with you on enjoying technical tracks. However the big fast tracks ensure a different technique and in my opinion, plenty of courage. The racing at the OTA this year has been first class with numerous passing in almost every meeting. The Newport fans you mention must have attended a meeting that I didn't perhaps. Interestingly, the OTA gets good press from a large majority of riders and Referees, so there must be something in that.

the The OTA gate and go? I have to ask you the question, have you actually been there?

Interesting that you choose those two before the OTA Halifax.

I reckon the Witches will put up a decent fight on Friday (as they did in the cup match at the OTA). However, if the track is prepared as it has been most weeks, the Rebels will be far too strong. Not sure of the forecast for Friday, but if the track is soaked, this will be a leveller and will give Ipswich a real fighting chance.

About time you got yourself along to the OTA Sidders. You are missing some cracking racing their this season.

Super win for Scunthorpe. Backs to the wall stuff and in my opinion, against the odds. Just a home win required now for the Rebels!

Easy win for the Rebels. 50-39

Nothing has changed from last year though. Alex needs to improve his form away from the OTA hence why the management were happy to loan him to Plymouth for a season or two.

Tommy Jansson always crops up on your list Sidders. What was it you liked about him? Yerropes earlier mentioned Ed Stangeland. I I seem to recall him being signed mid season around 75. It was a dire season from memory, but Ed seemed to brighten things up with his blasts around bends three and four. 'Norm the storm Hunter' also joined the Robins around that time and provided some entertainment too with his unusual style, left leg leading as he entered the bends. Good times, awful Swindon teams though!

Now now Oldtimer

Scunny will be thrashed at the OTA. A good battling win for them tonight but their season ends next Wednesday.

Hyde Road and the Shay were the best from the past, more up to date, British tracks that I have seen which produce consistently good racing, Peterborough and Somerset.