rabbit

I believe I've already answered that in my post above yours.

Err excuse me - I have ridden a speedway bike, and I have full respect for the skills of the riders. I'm just more realistic about the reasons why riders actually ride bikes... Perhaps we shall have to agree to disagree....

I think I've been on here long enough to know all about the topics and threads, and I'm well aware of the risks that riders take, and the unfortunate fact that some get injured and worse. I certainly don't wish to belittle that. But just like people in plenty of professions get injured in their line of work every day, I'm just saying keep a sense of prospective in this hysterical 'they risk their lives for you' malarkey - I've spoken to plenty of riders over the years and they ride this sport because they love it, not because they're heroic in putting themselves out for us on the terraces is all. And yes I have ridden a speedway bike actually. But what does that have to do with anything?

And there's me thinking they do it for the thrill, the buzz, the damn good lifestyle plenty of them have which beats a mundane 9 to 5 existence. I think if you ask most riders why they ride speedway, entertainment of the crowd comes quite a way down the list... Soldiers out in Afghanistan and Iraq risk their lives week in and out on the front line - these guys ride bikes cos it's what they love to do! A little sense of perspective is needed here me thinks...

Out of order JT

I wouldn't doubt what Shovvy says - he's a man of many talents you know Another good article in the Daily Express again today - have to say I'm impressed with their speedway section online. Never really looked at it before - there's a good piece on tonight's PL Pairs in there too.

Bit unfair there Rob. Over the last few years, the level of entertainment thrown up in all of the 'Young Gun' meetings that Poole've put on in World Cup week has by far surpassed that supplied by the senior team levels. If there was one meeting a year I'd make a point of going to, it'd be this one. I'd get yourself along, you might be pleasantly surprised...

Aah yes, now you've mentioned it, I remember. Oh well, different meeting, different situation. As I said, first race at Poole is always around 7.45ish, never 7.30, so the meeting was only 10-15 minutes late starting. And we Poole fans are used to the meeting being delayed for certain big meetings, so not really a problem

What happened on Sunday? Beside first race at Poole is always 7.45ish week in, week out. Parade normally starts at 7.30, not the first race. Last night was exceptional and the parade was held up to allow people in to see Boycey brought round for the crowd. Often get the start of the meeting delayed a few minutes at Poole when there's a large crowd - doesn't matter how early you open the gates, some people just always leave getting there until the last minute. Guess being a work-night and people not being able to get there early might have something to do with it. I'm not a great fan of testimonial type events on the whole, but it seemed a good one and everyone who appeared got a good reception. Nice to see King Shane make the effort to be there despite not being able to ride - shame that a couple of his fellow countrymen don't have the same character in supporting a friend and ex-team-mate.

We actually made the mistake of paying to see her as a headlining act at a gig in Bournemouth many yonks ago. One of only two concerts I've ever walked out of soon after the start. Don't expect too much...

Hi Peatbog - thanks for the tip but my version of XP doesn't seem to have this unfortunately... Cheers matey! Great footage but my Gawd, that makes me feel so old. I can remember little LD when he was knee high to a grasshopper and now he's huge! Great style though and very smooth - hope Matt's keeping an eye on him for the future...

Probably not, and you're just the type I get stood right in front of me at gigs too (although they tend to have long flowing locks or big hair too)...usually 5 mins before the start when I'm so chuffed I've been able to find a spot to see. I support equal rights for short-ar$es! Sue - thinking back I did find it a little dark in the under-tier last year, but as i said we were right in the corner and I was a fair way back. Given the choice I would definitely go for a higher tier, but that's just me.

I sat in the lower tier last year Sue and I know that like me you are vertically challenged ...I found that everything was OK but people had a tendency to stand up every time it got interesting on the 3rd/4th bends and that really restricted me seeing a lot! Having said that, I was right up in the corner by the entrance/exit to the pits. I think if i was paying for tickets, I'd try higher up so you're looking down on things rather than being levellish and losing sight if the tall boogers decide to stand up!

Have one for me DD in the same spot as last year. I shall be there in spirit.

Cracking meeting today in front of a decent sized crowd. Some entertaining clashes - as others have said Heat 19 was one of the best you'll see, and was very impressed with the efforts of Zengota and Wells, as well as William Lawson. Good to see the saltire on his race jacket alongside the lion and the appropriate flag given to him on parade. Nice touch. Of the top three, don't think anyone will have any complaints on the result - all put in determined and professional displays - Tai even assisting Bridger to a much needed win, waving him onwards at one point, and then saying when interviewed how he knew he himself was through, wasn't going to chase him down as it was another Brit through - such is the confidence of this kid! I'd have loved to seen him top the podium today but Troy deserved it with a slick performance and Tai's time will certainly come. Big well done to Uncle Len & co for a great afternoon's entertainment. Very impressed with the stadium and set-up, so much changed since my last visit and given the chance I'll come back again. The track rode well - plenty of lines and some good moves by those who dared. My only gripe being the bunch of abandoned sprogs on the sand in front of the stand who squealed, grizzled and generally annoyed through the meeting. Still, I'm sure their parents had a lovely peaceful afternoon. Finally, good to see some forum members there this arvo - LW, WvH, KevH, Jo, B4E, Shadders, PhilK, BrendanFan to name a few and thanks to BobC, Piratewoman, Ferndown Racer for the chat and company through the day.

I'd better get a move on, or I'll be walking up me thinks. I'll be with Bob - the short one in black and white that does bite.

Oi, not so much of the old, young 'un! Pretty decent GP with some interesting racing, and pleased to see Glob cleaning up in the end. Thought the Dryml/Freddie crash was just a racing incident, but Lukas was in hindsight lucky to stay in, and both were doubly lucky to walk away from a horrific looking tangle. Did think it was strange that Lukas was then excluded from the re-run for missing the two minutes, and then the subsequent attempt of the remaining riders to get to the track was held up because of the fence still requiring attention - begs the question whether the track was ready when he was on 2 minutes and excluded. So now on to the big night in two weeks...

Blimey Andy...sorry Max! It isn't til Sunday, bit soon to be looking on that score isn't it?!

He's scary good!

Reckon someone's getting a bit squeaky their boy might get shown up a bit liberally throwing these accusations around on various threads. Looking forward to coming up to this - a cracking line-up and looking forward to just going and watching the stars of tomorrow doing their thing. Think the qualifiers are in the main probably quite easy to call but as long as it's an entertaining meeting I'll be happy. Haven't been to Rye since a BSPA Cup match I think it was, back in the early 90s, will be interested to see how much it's changed. Any forum members in the vicinity, would be nice to say hello. Even Beavis

Is there waxing involved?

Blimey, talk about the irresistible force v the immovable object. Can't you two agree to disagree? Or is that not a manly thing to do?

More fool him then. Just hope it's a move which doesn't back fire and end up with the lad having an even bigger stint out injured.

Aah OK. Can't say I really took much notice to be honest, just thought it a shonky decision and one of many 'oddities'

Can't say I did really, I was already mentally switching off with boredom at the stage. My interest only piqued at any passing.