Steve Shovlar

First of all big well done to the track staff on working very hard to get the meeting on. Lots of track work and an hours delay. Huge crowd in the stadium and it would probably have been even bigger but for the rain leading up to the meeting. The track rode well. Lawson said in the press conference that he enjoyed the track and there was a fine line to get on once leading mid track. Too far out and sloppy, too far in and slippery. Ben Cook again rider of the night and next season wants to ride both leagues. Held back this year due to visa not allowing it. He had to turn down guest bookings. Pirates have a brand new mascot in Magic Pirate, who got swamped by the kids for photos. Crowd very loud, everyone went home very happy. Well done to the Redcar fans for making the very long trip down, after their rainoff at Plymouth yesterday. Unfortunately their team underperformed and it was pretty much one way traffic. Expected it to be a closer meeting but they had no answer. Next week the Championship Riders meeting.

Pirates 1 and 3.

Hammering down in Parkstone.

Don’t think the track will need watering. Thundering in Parkstone and heavy rain at the moment.

Rain is dissolving in the channel south of Poole so fingers crossed it won’t hit us now. Might get a heavy shower late afternoon but much less rain than was expected. Had none at all so far.

Looks like 2 hours of rain. Track should take it and be nicely watered as long as it’s not a deluge.

https://www.netweather.tv/live-weather/radar zoom in and press the anim on button. We are going to get heavy wet stuff for a period.

Let’s keep fingers crossed it’s not too wet. Only a tenner to get in and under 16s free. Bringing ear plugs to battle off those bloody whistles though!

I should imagine it will be big crowds at each leg of the final. Great decision from the BSPA. Be lucky to get 800 at Sheffield. Will be 2000+ at each venue in the final.

Is this on tv tonight?

Redcar sack Bickley and bring in Newman.

Adults £10. Concessions £6. Under 16 free. Gates open 6pm. Should be a big crowd for this one. Thinks it’s on BSN as well. Pirates need to win this one to keep up the pressure on Glasgow for second spot. Probably too late to get second but no harm in pushing all the way. Redcar have a good team with Charles Wright and Louis Kerr as their top two. Going to be a hard fought win. Thoughts?

He has ridden well for us until halfway through the season when he crashed. Then he went several meetings for us and Wolves without scoring. Looks very nervous on a bike like he is crapping himself. Scored well on Wednesday. Clearly a confidence issue. When he is confident he looks good, but other times couldn’t beat an egg.

Sorry to say Brits look more afraid of the conditions than others. While others are going for it, the Brits look like they are too tentative.

Bigger crowd there than I expected. Middle tier very busy.

Just got back and thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. Lots going on in the fans zone with all 16 riders signing autographs. Sure the racing wasn’t great and the crowd was down, in part to a lack of Poles, not able to get over so easily due to much higher plane fares and Brexit grief. Their numbers were massively down. Bewley bought the roof off the stadium which hasn’t been that noisy sing Chris Harris in 07. So many moaners on here. Perhaps they should have made the effort to attend, soak up the atmosphere and celebrate with Dan his win. As for Belle Vue. Do me a favour! Track is good but that’s where it stops. In a crap hole area of an industrial city which can’t hold a candle to Cardiff.

THAT was worth waiting for. Brilliant Dan Bewley.

Sitting here watching the tractors. Been possibly the worst GP at Cardiff ever. A shame ad its the 20th. Definately one to forget with dodgy track and ref. Poor racing little passing.

Just heard Steve Worrals cut out came adrift at the start of the final. Luckily no big engine expense.

A bit late in replying to the meeting but had s flat battery to sort out this morning! First of all well done to Redcar on their win. Final a huge anti-climax with Steve Worrals bike blowing up on the line. No point in Danny chasing down the Redcar pair as it would have made no difference. Could only see a Pirates win before that but those are the breaks in a 4,3,2 scoring system. Revenge for heat 20 would have been sweet but it was not to be. Pirates through down the gauntlet in the semis with a brilliant win over the Lions but lady luck deserted when it matters. But take nothing away from Redcar who were solid in the qualifiers and had 1 and 3 when they met Poole, which were best gates. Interestingly Poole took 2 and 4 in the final having done the biz in the semis. Dont think anyone can begrudge Redcar the trophy. A good night overall. Racing not great, Oxford useless, good crowd, good company. Well done to track staff keeping dust down until the last few heats . And special mention to Basso on being a class above the opposition. Poole B nearly made the final.

I am at the retail park next to the track. 36C here. Frying. They will need a swimming pool of water to keep the dust down. Heading to Cardiff after the meeting and the GP. Going to hot sleeping in my camper tonight!

Might not see Craig Cook for a good while.