SteelShoe

Good post. I did feel for Rob and the team because it was such an unfortunate time to pour with rain on the season opener. He was indeed very proactive with track work and gave it his best shot. If that track had been at a more prestige event then it is my view the meeting would have taken place. You sum up well were things need to be improved from the point of view of the paying public. I feel that the crowd have the expectation of a call off decision in the circumstances experienced nowadays so either the referee has to be stronger in getting the meeting going or the decision not to race taken quicker. It was a hard call but with everyone already there I think the riders should have given it a go, the track would have only improved.

Very disappointing travelling 180 miles for a rain off which was ultimately caused by a heavy shower about 30 minutes before start time. The second shower which came after 6-30pm only lasted a few minutes and made very little difference. These are my personal observations and thoughts : Hard to understand why the track was watered with dark clouds approaching. The PA system wasn't functioning properly so nobody had a clue what was happening, we just stood around cold in excess of 70 minutes after the advertised start time before people started walking toward the exit. Not a great advert for Rob who was just saying in the Speedway Star how they are trying to raise the profile of the sport. The track staff did a good job with the track to the point were I believed the track would come to the riders after 3 or 4 heats if racing had got underway. It was observed that the drain on the 1st bend was higher than the track, this contributed to the large puddle of water that formed there. We appreciated getting a refund quickly. It was made known to us at this time that the riders wanted to give it a go but the referee ultimately called it off.

Got to fancy a home win, so many track specialists in the Scorpions team. I'll be happy if we keep it reasonably tight and give ourselves a chance of the aggregate bonus point. UTC !

I'm normally one for sticking to the rule book, however, on this occasion given the circumstances and the clubs unsuccessful attempts to sign a heat leader I believe the common sense approach has been taken.

Cheers , just read that .

is that official ?

Hope so but we don't yet know. On the other hand Antti and Tate have had a bit of track time but has Claus had any anywhere ?

Had a look at this, for info the associated text says that it is not supported by smart TV's just computers and mobiles.

I wish Plymouth all the best in getting a rider signed, not a great predicament to be in for promotion and fans, got to feel for you guys.

Great to see the crowd so healthy. I believe the Speedway needs to be entertaining . Interested to know what Oxford are doing this season for you to label it "top class". I visited 3 times last season for the meetings against Poole, Workington and the Pairs.

That was the concensus of opinion in our group when it was announced, we shall see. It was more about not having two newbies to British Speedway in together.

Miss our trips to Highbridge especially for the Pairs . Always a good excuse to have a few days in Somerset which we never failed to enjoy, great County. Really shocked when the Rebels announced their closure , very sad loss for you fans and speedway more generally.

Riders make demands and no doubt promoters decide whether a certain rider is worth it within the constraints of their budget. In the case of Claus I would imagine an amicable compromise was reached because he has only signed in the last few days. Why wouldn't he be bothered about riding for the team ? doesn't make sense to him financially plus I don't believe it is in his make up not to try. Comets have been in a difficult position this season having to start team building when most other clubs had their riders signed up. Being a weekend track also brings the Poland scenario into the equation. All in all I think under the circumstances they have put together a team that should at the very least be strong at home. For a first season back that is very important.

Think Claus is just the rider this team needs, should score well at home on a track that will suit his style of riding, he is not afraid to assert himself on track and is a personable guy who will be a good team man. All in all from the available options I'm more than happy. Well done the promotion and a big welcome back to Claus.

Good familiarisation / reacquaintance session for the 6 riders all of which looked good. Tate in particular caught the eye with his ultra smooth transitions from straights to bends, well executed fast gates and use of different lines. Antti also looked very assured and reminded a bit of Peter Kildemand with his right leg lifts coming off the bends, great stuff. Celina was right on the pace and looked as smooth as silk. Sam has obviously grown since last season and was also very smooth, found myself thinking that some start coaching would be beneficial to him . Probably first time Batch has seen the track, he spent a bit of time later in the session more focussed on starts which looked excellent looked to me. It was good to see Cookie back on the track and it wasn't long before he was bouncing the back wheel off the kick boards. Would love him to have a good trouble free season. Excited to see who we announce this evening in the Waverley. UTC

As a Workington supporter I feel the pain of all the Panthers and Wolves fans who have lost their beloved Speedway. Please keep fighting and don't give up hope.

Tate and Celina doing laps round small training track

Gates open to public 10am. Entry by donation to new air fence fund. Season tickets available to purchase and collect. Only home straight and bends 1 & 2 open. Public access to pits allowed for fans in a cordoned area prior to riders taking to the track at approx 12pm. Rider bike warm up and pits closed to public at 11:45am. Meet the riders from 7pm in the Waverley hotel

Eric rides in Poland so weekend track surely ruled out.

I believe James isn't fit for racing anyhow.

Craig is a West Cumbrian lad who has shown over the years what a good Speedway rider he is. Local fans want him to do well for the promotion who have given him the chance when maybe most promotions wouldn't have, for the team because he has a big part to play in advising the young and new riders, and for himself . Personally I hope to see him fit and ready for the new season at P&P on Saturday, Andrew and Steve deserve nothing less.

I thought Celina's interview on BSN was great, she explained the early problems they had with getting the power down and how they had made changes. She was definitely more competitive in her last two races and was on the pace . Her English was great, she comes across as really personable and you can tell she is living the dream. Can't help but wish her all the best with the Comets in the Championship. I thought the stream was good quality, the interviews filled the grading breaks nicely and it was novel watching 5 rider semi and 6 rider final plus it was on for over 3 hours and there was some really good racing.

Comets will have a final rider of that there is no doubt. Don't know what is happening regarding Craig but if he is having issues and is not 100% committed then for the sake of the promotion and fans I hope he does the right thing.

Quite true, this young man has been riding on the beach with Dan the Man and Brady Kurtz as well as putting in laps at Northside both on the track and round the small training track on a dirt bike. Tate and his mam have also been mucking in with ongoing work at Northside. Thoroughly impressed by their work ethic, quite refreshing.

seems rider Polish commitments have done for this