East End Fan

Is there some suggestion that Jenkins has not been paid ? I really find that hard to believe. Does anyone know the facts ?

Is that what happened to you ?

I think it is quite clear that top international riders are very intelligent indeed. When you hear comments and conversations from riders like Tai Woffinden during TV interviews, it's obvious that there is an acute brain in there.

New Cross Ranger...there's a name to bring back my memories of early post war Speedway in London. Used to love to go down the Old Kent Rd to the "Frying Pan" when the Hammers rode there. Eric Chitty was a master of New Cross, but the greatest of all was the king of balance, Ron Johnson. Very pleased that, like myself, you are still a keen fan. I now go every week to Sittingbourne Central Park as the Hammers are no more. I like the comfort and viewing, suits my tired old legs ! Not a bad young team either !

I bow to your obvious superior knowledge. I had no idea that the sport was so spiteful. So when I see riders clearly enjoying each other's company before and after meetings it must be all a big "front" How sad.

Now there's a clue....ex-rider. At what level ? The view he has tends to make me think that he was a lower end rider trying to make his way and finding it difficult. Then the world would have seemed to be against him, hence the jaundiced view of Speedway life. I'd love to know the truth..

Wow ! What a jaundiced view of life in our sport. Is Adonis an ex-rider ? Or maybe a present rider ? He must be to have formed the opinions expressed. In past years I was closely associated with a promoter/manager and I certainly don't recognise the description of them by Adonis. And "cesspit" for the Pits ? If that were true, most riders would jack it in I imagine. I don't make a habit of visiting the Pits so maybe I am wrong ? Is there anyone out there who DOES visit the Pits ?

Shame if Ablitt will not ride again, he looked very good in those matches that I saw. But the Mulford boy looks even better. Spectacular in the extreme and was certainly the reason for Kent's win over Belle Vue IMO. I am told he is very good on Grass which brings to mind the bad news I head this morning that James Shanes has had a very bad Grass accident with some very serious injuries. Whatever our allegiances, everyone on this forum will wish him a full and speedy recovery.. That's for sure.

Never read such rubbish in all my life. What on earth do you mean, and what are you talking about ? Who are all these riders that Kent have alienated ? Which riders have been "treated in a negative light" ? And what does that mean anyway. Not the first time I've found "Sings" spouting nonsense. I'm an ex-Hammers fan who now attends most Mondays at Kent. The team has been hard hit by injuries this year, yet are still in a strong position. So what's to criticise ?

With the rule about only one rider who has ever achieved a 4 point average in the next league up being allowed ( daft rule in my book), Kent did not seem to have a choice. Word was at the end of last season that Paul Hurry was to be included. I presume it was that rule that stopped it...totally daft. The point is that it was no surprise that Kent went for a young side. The injury to Ledwith ( far from young! ) has not helped.

What originally looked like win bankers for Kent now look quite the opposite. With Gilkes no longer at reserve and both Ablitt and Mulford seemingly unavailable (at least for some of the matches), while Ledwith is still out there is no certainty of any points. Have just heard that Kemp won the Under 19 at Redcar. Well done to him.

Yes, a very good meeting with lots of excellent races...one or two poor ones as well. Horror crash for Verge and Extance and there were 3 ambulances on the track when I went home. Must have been serious. Hope both riders make a full recovery. Spoiled a good evening for me.

I have only seen the new Belle Vue on the telly and I must say, it looks awesome. Too far for me to travel these days. I think I read somewhere that the shale came from Scotland. Don't know the truth of that, but I have heard that it is now the only place that real red shale can be obtained ( think it was on this forum). Would be very expensive for the transport to Plymouth, but it might be the answer to their prayers.

Cityrebel makes a very good point. We were told that the track had been under floods of water on Sunday, easily an excuse for cancelling a difficult fixture I would guess.

We were told that Chris Hunt had been on the phone all day to try to find a rider, but failed. Without their full strength, this was always going to be difficult, and so it proved. Perks and Hume were outstanding and it was those two that got the win for Leicester. In the first race I think Perks would have taken the track record but for a mistake or two in his line. Still a very fast time. While watching the meeting, I felt that Leicester were over-rated, even though they won. My impression was that if Kent had had just one more of their normal side, the result may well have gone the other way. Gilkes was sadly missed.

Well, Old Bob. How would YOU deal with accidents ? Just decide not to attend to injured riders, let them lie where they fall and continue the meeting ? Actually, when I go to Kent, which is almost every week now that Lakeside are shut, most weeks I am leaving the stadium just after 8 O'Clock following a 6.30 start. Accidents are the only hold up. Personally I can't think of a solution to that. I will be pleased to learn something from Old Bob of Herne Bay.

Apart from Spooner crashing because he lost a chain, most of the injuries to Kent riders have happened away from home. Bowen's knee injury last year came because James Shanes hit him in the middle of the straight, nothing to do with the track. I am also amazed at the number of times when riders go through the fence, they get up and walk away. In my experience, on almost every track I have known over the years, a collision with the fence resulted in at least a minor injury, and many times much worse. The Gilkes crash when he was stuck in by his opponent ( who got disqualified) is a case in point. Whole fence demolished but both riders walked away. Astonishing.

I watched last night's meeting with astonishment at the quality of the racing, the young riders showing skill beyond their years. When the two crashes occurred that demolished the fence, it clearly was not the fault of the track. The vast majority of the riders of both teams were doing 4 laps at full throttle. I have never been a rider, but I doubt if you could do that on any track that was below standard. Sour taste left by the delaying actions of Cradley to stop heat 14 with the curfew. They should be ashamed of themselves, but I doubt if they are. Shame. By the way, is blueherb777 a track prep' expert ? Or NOT a client of Specsavers !

Thanks for that. Pity that Ablitt is still out, but good to see Gilkes again. Very excited by this kid, looks to have a future about him.

I have heard a rumour that Gilkes is back racing on Monday against CH. Does anyone know if it is true ?

With half the Kings not fully fit yet, and still missing Gilkes, IOW could spring a big surprise. I was told that Rowe looped his bike at the start on Friday, so him and Ledwith may well be in pain from back injuries. Looks like a close thing and I'm looking forward to it.

Seems there are big doubts about Ledwith after his crash on Monday. No sign of Gilkes yet and Ablitt still on compulsory rest. Will "gift" the Plymouth some points for sure. Jacob Clouting has moments of speed, but too rare in my book.

Cannot see Kent replacing Jenkins. I don't think he has any broken bones, as I understand it, just very heavy bruising, so a young man like him should recover pretty quickly. He's been unlucky with minor injuries so far this year and I'm sure we have not seen the best of him. Looking forward to seeing Luke Bowen tonight. He always creates excitement. Does anyone know if that grass track kid is riding tonight. Jake something, looked very good last Monday.

I agree with WalterPlinge. Fans seem to forget that the very talented Gilkes has been an absentee since the middle of May and, as a powerhouse reserve, his influence on results is massive. Loads of other injuries too, so, hats off to the Kings for 100% effort all the time. No one can expect more and the few comments on this forum asking for team changes are not living in the real World. Will be tough for a while until all riders are fit.

When is the World ( and the BSPA in particular) going to wake up to the fact that the National League is a great product which deserves to be treated better ?