SteveLyric2

Seems as though British Eurosport have learned their lesson after 2 weeks of rain-offs! The programme schedule for Tuesday 19th May lists a 1 hour (presumably highlights) at 8pm!!!

Pedersen supposedly feeling 'groggy' and a bit dizzy after his crash this week. Hope he's not allowed to put other riders at risk!!

They at least thought they understood it as they increased the team building limit by 2 points as the best alternative?!?

None of those on the 25th May - their next home meeting!!

Crikey, a few hours away and it all kicks off again. Those 'Monster Vodka' cocktails clearly stronger and less hydrating than Darcy realised!? Having now read the statement in full, rather than selecting the odd paragraph to suit an argument I note the main issue of contention/mitigation - among a few other technical asides - was whether the drinking could have been construed as 'out of competition' rather than 'in-competition'. The FIM rightly admitted that there was the possibility of some misunderstanding on Ward's part, but still decided it was 'in-competition' - the meeting only being 'deferred' to the following day rather than cancelled and rearranged! Hence the relatively short and reasonable punishment. As my signature has stated from the word go, I said that Ward should be punished appropriately and he has been. End of. Can't wait to see him back racing for Poole (as this is the Poole thread)whether this season or next! PS. I believe it was journalist and ex-promoter Peter Oakes that did the story about the 'off-duty policeman'!!

Technically it depends where the blame lies?!

OK, lets see how much stick this post/thread gets?! In yet another local paper interview (Bournemouth Echo today - not yet online!) MF reveals he proposed a 20% reduction to the final averages of all EL 2nd strings at the 2014 BSPA AGM. He was obviously outvoted and the alternative of a 2 point increase in the team building limit was voted in instead!! Clearly it would have benefitted Poole - specifically with Josh G - but other clubs as well. Thoughts? Constructive if possible..........!!

Probably in July when Darcy's back!!

...especially when testing engines!!

His interview in the Star this week repeats that the reasons are 'private' and personal/family oriented - nothing to do with how the club has treated him!! (Despite Norrie Allen's unpleasant and unnecessary outburst in the same issue!). He is hopeful of sorting them out and has not ruled out a return to the EL if they can be overcome.

Its r/r for home meetings and a 'suitable' guest for away meetings according to the SS, in the hope that Musielak is back quicker than anticipated!!

Yes, but this time he would still be allowed to stay at Middlo's!!!!

Just to give things a little better perspective - Prior to his ban, Darcy was always one of the first riders to agree to race in the 'Remembering Rico' meetings!!

Please feel free to share - anybody!!

Just to be a little more precise, this thread is to discuss Darcy Ward in the context of the SGP and WTC - as this is the section we are in, and the section in which his offence/punishment occurred!!

It'll all depend on the end june/ 1st July averages. If Darcy's revised 20-meeting average is even higher than 8.70 (after the FIM punishment) then if Swindon use him to replace Miedzinski, they are already virtually on the 34 point team building limit. Leicester have more scope to take him as they are/will be looking to make more than one change!!

Always.......! I think its typical of Matt, being the great promoter that he is, to do what is best for EL speedway. Get him back into British speedway asap - extra bums on seats at wherever he signs - its what every EL Promoter wants to see, even if some (very few) of the fans disagree!! Leicester, Swindon and even Wolves could be options on current averages.

I thought you were a fan of Ward's on-track exploits. And weren't you one of many that criticised the signing of North?! 17.4.2 A Teams combined MA for the top 5 positions must not exceed 34.00 points nor include more than 2 x Riders, whose MA exceeds 7.00 or 2 Doubling-Up Riders (satisfying the same conditions as for the initial Team Declaration) when re-declared, either permanently or temporarily, except where the MA of the introduced Rider is equal to, or lower than the Rider being replaced.

Is that a proper exclamation question mark??

Lets not forget that any redeclaration can only have 2 riders over 7 points!! The original 'pre-Ward ban' plan was to have Darcy and Magic as the 2 x 7+ heat leaders.

Back on a bike today. short video on the Forkrent Racing FB page!

Brilliant!!

I don't disagree with your argument about the choice of guest on this occasion - merely emphasising the probable reasons why team managers prefer the right guest over r/r!

There can never 'always' be a true and good relationship with all supporters, as you clearly demonstrate that not all supporters share the same view!! The business aspect of any club should always come first as without the business being right, there wouldn't be a team to support!! Not sure where you are coming from really? The club has a thriving supporters club (R.E.F.), many new and long-standing sponsors and has had a successful team for most of the seasons since MF took over! OK I haven't always agreed with every team signing, but that's the same in any sport, no matter who is in charge. If there's a reason for any fall off in attendance, imo its down to the cost of admission (the same at most clubs) and if/when the team isn't winning its home meetings. Attendances will shoot up if/when Darcy Ward returns even though it will mean other changes in the team - deserved or otherwise, or even if he's loaned out in the best interests of British Speedway!!.

With so many riders getting injured during meetings and the IR/R rule coming into use - it makes some sense to start with a guest rather than AR/R!!