ozpirate

Apart from the riders that finished on the podium, the two guys that really impressed me last night were Sam Masters who only recently stepped onto a 500, and 4th placed man Steven Reid. The 350 racing was top shelf - what a great innovation for Australian Speedway. You could throw a blanket over Darcy Ward, Tyson Nelson and Alex Davies in most of their heats.

Although I rarely make contributions to the forum these days, I just wanted to say that I totally agree with Lunchy and Spider on their assessments of the U21 event. Thanks for your company on the spectator mound over the past 2 nights guys. I'm also glad you got your mobile phone back Spider. It was an absolute corker of a meeting and with a bit of added controversy thrown in for good measure. I totally agree with Spider in that Troy was definitely entitled to gate 4, but what was inexcusable was his tantrum and disreseptful behavour - which I'm sad to say is becoming an all too familiar pattern. This came to the fore once again during the presentation speech which was totally lacking in humility and sportsmanship. I feel Chris Holder is more than a tad lucky after lifting badly coming out of turn 2 and taking Batchelor out ain the process. Having had a good view of the incident I was very surprised with the "all 4 back verdict". Take nothing away from Holder though, he was a class act and will be a good U21 ambassador for his country.

Taylor Poole had a fall in his 2nd ride which cost hime dearly. Darcy Ward also had a fall and exclusion first time out and had to win all his remaining rides just to qualify for the final. Some superb action from the Juniors tonight. One to really watch out for in the near future is young Arthur Sissus. He can put the bike anywhere on the circuit and has a text book style - he finished 6th overall.

Dave Booth provided the Labrador faithful with many thrills in recent years at the Gold Coast venue. Apart from being a quality racer, he was always on hand lending encouragement to the juniors. Fans and riders alike will have their chance this Saturday night to remember Dave at this excellent looking meeting to be staged in his honour. Dave Booth - A time to reflect on a great ambassador for the sport of speedway motorcycle racing.

I believe Nathan Simpson was living down Adelaide way. I saw him ride at Gold Coast Labrador Speedway about 5-6 years ago. He still looked pretty sharp.

Thanks BrizHeathen, Do you know exactly where it is so I can tell my relations? They have never heard of Jason Crump <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Joanne, The Rockhampton Speedway is staged at the Rockhampton Showground which is bordered by New Exhibition Road and Lion Creek Road. As Whowasthatberntpersson so rightly said, this track is a favourite of mine with the 1998 ISMS round at the venue being the best speedway meeting I've ever witnessed. Below is a link showing the layout of the Showground: http://www.horseexpo.com.au/pdf/Horse05_SiteMap.pdf

As Whowasthatberntpersson has indicated, the Gold Coast Labrador track is a comfortable 1 hour's drive from Brisbane. It's a 4 lane freeway each direction which makes for a very easy, "no hassles" drive. However, if you're staying in Brisbane I'd be happy to give you a lift down and back. It should be a good meeting including Junior U16 solos during the late afternoon, followed by 20 Heats of solo action interspersed with sidecar racing. Labrador is a unique track which generally produces cracking racing. Please let me know what you decide and if I can be of any help during your time in Brisbane.

Diamond, It's raining speedway meetings in Queensland (Sorry any Belle Vue readers) during April. In addition to Lee's 2 meetings in Townsville, we also have a super solo program set down for April 2 at Labrador (Gold Coast). See my other post in Aussie Speedway Season for more details.

Don't Despair "Diamond Exile". Looks like you will have the opportunity to take in plenty of speedway when in Queensland. In fact, there seem to be meetings on 3 consecutive April weekends April 2 at Labrador Gold Coast - A great line-up of 16 riders from NSW and QLD is programmed. After the meeting you can begin your long trek North to catch the 2 meetings at Brandon and Pioneer Park as recently mentioned by my old Labrador Comrade now domociled in Townsville - Lee. If you'd like any further information/assistance with the April 2 meeting at the Gold Coast - please feel free to make contact. Brett

Glad to see you are settling in up there in the tropics. Terrific to see that North Queensland speedway is alive and well - sounds like there could be plenty of action down the road from you. I hope the Townsville track gets up and running - last I heard it was idle. We pinched your regular chair in the grandstand at the last Labrador meeting a fortnight back - I hope this was okay? It's yours when you return.

Christian Henry won the Final of the Labrador meeting

Whilst the heart says Australia, the head says Denmark. Nonetheless I think Shields might raise some eyebrows if he gets a few rides.