Steve55

Rob Godfreys' performance with the mic on the centre green was one of the best I've seen or heard at a Speedway meeting. His interviews with Damien Bates and Neil Machin were great, especially his 'sign offs', to Damien - "you can get back to the wife now" and to Neil - "Your history now anyway!" Brilliant, who writes his scripts?

It didn't look good, the county ambulance came and took both of them (I believe) to hospital. It was a typical first bend melee where the riders from gates 2, 3 & 4 all 'went for it' and got in a tangle. Two of them seemed to hit the air fence together and at least one of them went over the top! It was difficult to see from where I was as the air fence panel lifted on impact and flew into the track. Another was on the track and he was having gas and air before they put him in the ambulance. Just one observation is that once the air fence panel 'lifted' behind it was armco crash barrier, in front of the earth banking. That's ok for the first rider hitting it (provided they don't then go over the top!)but if there's another following on and the air panels gone!!! That's just my observation, I believe at Sheffield the barriers in front of what was the existing fence, a much safer proposition in my view! If anyone knows different I would be interested in finding out.

I would have given him Pooles last ride in heat 14, but I think Joe wanted them all to get as much track time racing, building up the team spirit as he says! I also didn't expect a win at the EWR this afternoon, but what a pleasant experience it was. Think there's more to come from the Scorpions though, but don't think they missed Douglas that much as Sergeant scored his average, putting on a good display in the process. Don't think he could have done anything more in heat 14 even though his engine packed in. Have to admit I was impressed by Josh Bates performance today, think he had a point to prove and hope he continues with this attitude, especially his determination in heat 14, only the experience of Birks got him the win! All in all a good team performance with some action that entertained all the fans. Even Rob Godfrey commented on that didn't he, "the cheques in the post referee." It was so obvious to everyone in the stadium!

Taylor told Simon Neilsen that he's OK, but his bikes in a mess. (That's missing the 'aussie' terminology that he included in his message!)

Does it really matter what a teams kevlars look like? The most important thing is that their sponsors are visible and even if they are kitted out as a 'team' their bike covers usually identify them as an individual on track, don't think I've ever had a major issue seeing who is who with visiting teams in 'team' kevlars! The term is 'halcyon days' BTW!

There are some photos' on @Tigers Speedway twitter of a 'closed doors' session where all the team were on track, plus Joe Screen. Steady let Ryan Rhodes have a go too. No sight of an air fence though!

Great to see Tiger Cubs entered in the Midland Development League this year, something I really missed last year, watching second half racing. Mind you it probably would have been better than the actual meetings on some nights!

Like what's happening in the season opener (Air Fence Fund Bonanza). Got some decent riders to come in and give our top five some competitive practice. Whilst pitting Bates & Neilsen up against some lesser competition so they've got an idea of where they are with the track/set ups etc. Can't wait for it to start - bring it on!

Don't know if it was because Dave Hoggart wasn't there, but at last Wednesdays 'Legends' evening it was Ian Hunter (Sheffield Window Centre)that was thanked & congratulated for being the 'middle man' between the new consortium & Neil Machin, during the long distance negotiations over the winter! If so it would appear Hoggy wasn't so important to the new guys even at that stage!

Don't have traffic wardens in Sheffield any more - PCSOs' now and they daren't say 'boo' to a three year old, plus they don't go out in the dark! Like I said if they stay out in the car park and prevent car crime - OK, that's what I pay my £2.00 for.

The security is only needed in the car park, first to politely park paying patrons in the correct part and secondly to prevent vehicle crime. They've got radios so if they're required (in the unlikely event) to sort a drunken riot when the pork sandwiches come on sale in the Panorama room, they can be summoned. Unfortunately they seem to have plenty of muscle and too little brain, from the sounds of the experiences some have had!

Right from the off there has been a certain curtain of mystery surrounding the "new consortium" who have taken over at Sheffield. Then after quite an amount of speculation Damien Bates was announced followed by the naming of Peter Mole & Simon Parker. A strange trio one might think, but each one has something to offer towards the running of a speedway club/team as did Dave Hoggard, who however much he was involved was never identified as one of the consortium!. Before they were named there was 'much a do' over team building and how it was difficult to negotiate deals with riders whilst the take over was not completed, yet two riders were named quite early on, a third was talking about his new kevlars and how he couldn't wait for the new season just after christmas and a fourth taken from Swindons Elite league team - but that was nothing to do with the new owners as I was told on this very thread. Well like a lot of others I think there is more to our new consortium than they are letting on (see my post 1189), but as another has already told me on here, let's wait and see!

Looking at the statement put out by the Club you can read into it what you like, but somewhere along the line the members of the consortium (the three that have been named) and Hoggy don't seem to agree on the direction that they wanted to take the Club. Like the previous posters I think this is not good for the club at this time, with vast knowledge and experience they are losing. To add to that on Wednesday night Neil Machin vowed to 'stick around' to advise and assist where necessary, I just hope that is in a positive way and we don't see any of the negativity of the last two years!

Like everyone else there last night was surprised by Hoggy's absence. He didn't give Reg Wilson an early lift home did he? Although it was a good turn out there were others (known to me) that disappointed me by not showing up! I understand that over 2k was raised last night, brilliant, well done to all those who showed up and were thoroughly entertained by Nigel Pearson's interviews with our heroes of the past & present!

Sheffield had two team managers 'cos (IMO) one of them was a retired Police Inspector who hadn't a clue about Speedway! Getting Joe Screen in will be a master stroke for the coming season - I hope!

Apparently the length of the track is measured one metre out from the inside kerb. Therefore if the centre green has been lessened by widening the corners on the inside, it follows that the length of the track will have been shortened! The SCB man/men will have to bring their little wheel measure to do an official distance of the track. If it is an official new track length you will have new track records! (For what it's worth!)

I agree with what you're saying, but also for the reason that there are four riders on the track at any one time, god forbid, there being a serious incident involving all four, one ambulance is not enough. It wouldn't make a lot of difference at Sheffield though (don't know about other tracks), but as someone's already stated, they have to wait for the doctor to be back on station before the meeting can continue. Also I've seen instances where it's taken an age to repair/replace the air fence after an incident.

Give him a chance. Started last season like he could have easily put at least 1.5 points on his average until he got injured. Then unfortunately he became his usual self. Be optimistic is all I'd say! It's all you can be I'm afraid.

So opening night (27th March) is the 'Air Fence Bonanza'. Steady, Ash Birks and Rory Schlein first three confirmed riders in the individual meeting. Can't wait for the season to get started!

On web site today - new management hoping to stage a minimum of 25 meetings this year which makes a £300 season ticket look like a worthy investment! BTW not seen it mentioned anywhere, but Taylor Poole tweeted earlier in the week that he's got his visa - good news eh!

Last year was he second year and he was same for both. He did struggle a little with the track in his first term, but when they made it ultra-slick on the inside he was ok. Like I stated he was our best rider last year (he was the only one that stayed fit throughout), but he really didn't respond to the fans even when he'd pulled off good passes etc and got the response from the terraces. He struggled to lift his left hand to acknowledge the applause. Hope he does well for you as he is quite a gifted rider and will no doubt prove his worth in some of the away meetings - as long as it's not at Sheffield!

Has anyone else noticed that the 'Legends night' on 5th March clashes with England's 1st pre World cup warm up with Denmark. Think that might have an effect on the turn out. Can't understand why it's not on a usualThursday night - race night! Unless there's something else on. They put the press & practice back a week for the Cheltenham Festival.

Can't believe all this nonsense about visas for people from what is one of our 'Commonwealth Countries'. They are mostly more 'British' than those strolling into work from EU countries. We weren't bothered about all this red tape when they were coming over here to fight on our side during WW1 & WW2. It's about time we got out of the EU, mind you that'd make more money for the Chancellor with all the europeans having to pay for visas. It all seems a mess from what I've read on here!

It's always been a problem since the road was altered, but the longest wait is getting actually onto the road out of the car park. Much easier getting out of the Scunny car park, no traffic lights and not much traffic! I'm looking forward to the 1st meeting at Scunny.

So obviously born in the USA - compared to the 'not' rider from the US Ricky Wells - 2 years at Sheffield - No wheelies, no fist pumps and certainly no smiles. Struggled in his first year to get to grips with the track, best rider we had last year. Unfortunately this fella has no idea how to interact with his supporters. Gino looks like he'll have some fun at Foxhall - win or lose, seems to be a really nice guy, the kind you need to keep everybody's head up.