Leliwa

Our prezio said that he was always interested in speedway 'Interested' my ass!!

Yah, you can easly add the other 6 eLiga country stadiums to the list as not a single one is immune to this type of idiocy. Sometimes I wish we could cut the attandance by half and finaly have an easy going attitude toward this sport.

ready to help

Agreed. I used media example because for us speedway fans in Poland it is a sore issue. Seems like the only time they talk about speedway on national TV is when something bad happens, accidents or any kind of "scandal". I do not have to explain what it does to sports popularity. Indeed it is a complex issue. I would really like speedway to be amongst most popular sports in Poland but I do not think it is there (yet, and any more at the same time). But than again, maybe I'm biased because being a speedway fan I'm not happy with what we have and would like more and more of it But one thing is certain, and I'm sure most speedway fans in Poland would agree, our speedway authorities are not doing enough to extend sport's popularity right now. Hope this will change.

Number of spectators does not necessary translate into overall popularity of the sport on a national level. Without a doubt, number one sport in Poland is football, despite the fact that just few years ago number of spectators at the football games was just half of what we got at speedway meetings. Football gets bigger crowds now with the rise of the level in our leagues. But as far as popularity, speedway could not even compare (except for 60s and 70s when 100 thousand crowds were turning up for some large speedway events, but that is a thing of the past). Unfortunately, speedway cannot compare with many other sports like volleyball, track and field, winter sports and some other, simply because speedway is a niche sport, popular only is some places in Poland and it gets very limmited covarage in the media. Just like someone mentioned, try to ask about speedway in Warsaw, Krakow, Lodz and some other major cities and you are in for strange looks and 'what the heck you mean' answers. Try to find information about speedway on national TV in Poland. Close to impossible. You will get extended coverage of anything but speedway. And coming to speedway towns, just look at the indicators. Tarnow, Zielona Gora, Leszno are places where apart from speedway you do not get other chances to watch sport on the higher level. And than you have Wroclaw, large city where you have more of a choice. And despite their speedway team being on the top in Poland right now they get just and average attendance. Maybe this last example shows the real popularity of our sport. We do not need to like it but that is the fact.

After ten long years Jacek Rempala returns to Tarnow. Nice. He will have to fight to get on the lineup, we cannot expect much from him really, but for older fans it is sooo nice to have him back in Tarnow. It will bring out the memories. Happy to see him back.

And we are quite happy here. It brings to mind 1993 when young Tony Rickardsson signed with Unia Tarnow. Who knew back then that only a year later Tony will be crowned a world champion. I hope that we will continue on this tradition on signing future champions Suprise, suprise, Marcin Rempala is going to talk with the club about him staying for next season. I wonder what it means. Possibility 1 - management is fearing that Tomek might be gone so it comes naturally to keep young Rempala. Possibility 2 - not getting good enough offers, young Rempala is desperate to stay in Tarnow Possibility 3 - one that my good friend Champion would have much to say about Let's just say that it concerns nocturnal activities generally speaking

Peter Ljung is going to sign with Unia Tarnow for minimum 10 matches the management announced today. Janusz Kolodzej is very close to finalising talks with Unia, which makes me a very happy camper!

To fill the void after Scott’s departure you mean? What viod? Last season he was only a back up to Tony, got more rides only after Tony's departure from speedway. We are filling void after Tony, supposedly with Rune, since he agreed to terms with us. And frankly speaking, after Nicholls' performance last season he will not be missed much in Tarnow.

Well, not my favorite rider but, considering how limited is the market this year and the need for Tarnow to replace gap left after Tony’s retirement this is the only possible move. The gap will not be filled completely, but Holta is 10+ point riders so should be ok. More news and speculations from Tarnow camp: Talks with Tomek Gollob and Janusz Kolodziej are ongoing. I really hope for successful completion of the negotiations although one has to always consider that one of them could choose to ride elsewhere. An absolute must is signing of Kolodziej, he is our local boy and loosing him means loosing a lot of fans support. Jacek Gollob would like to stay but his contract would have to be restructured after his terrible season. Stan Burza will consider his options, one thing is certain, riding in lower league will allow him more rides that he had in Tarnow, so he has a lot of thinking to do. Hlib is uncertain, but letting him go right now would be bad from the business point of view. It was too large of an investment to let him go right now. Marcin Rempala, hmmm, here is the question mark. My feeling is that he will be gone. As far as new names few are being mentioned around. Rafal Szombierski from Rybnik is one of them. He is interesting in coming to Tarnow but he has a running contract there and Rybnik club wants to get too much from this. Next year he will be free to go anywhere and they will not get a penny so no wonder. Other name floating around is Tomek Chrzanowski. We will see how it goes. There are still some money issues being solved but I think in two weeks time we will know more or less what to expect next season.

On the contrary, true Polonia fans will always want Torun to be there in E-league. Just to taste another victory over local rival. Am I right Mateusz, or am I right?

I think it is fairly clear by now that Jason and Hans will remain in Wroclaw for the next season. At least that is how it seems. Subedei, Tarnow’s financial problems are being straighten out, and now with two big companies: Zaklady Azotowe and Poldim buying shares of the Unia Tarnow ZSSA it looks like we should be all right financially for near future. The question if Tomasz will stay in Tarnow is going to be answered soon. I have a feeling that we will part with him, and it is not because of finances. It is no secret that Gollob was one of those Tarnow riders that got all the money on time throughout the season. He was supported by the City of Tarnow, and city authorities are quite happy with the promotion they got through this arrangement. To this extend that they are willing to support team star in coming season. The question is, who the star will be. There were some developments in recent weeks that might suggest that Unia will look past Gollob for that matter. But, these are just speculations, who knows how it will end up. Anyway, we are in for some interesting off season moves here in Poland.

You did not understand what I meant. I'm saying that if anything Gollob, Rickardsson or Nicholls are the only riders who are actually being paid. As for the second part and the quote, do you imply that the track in Tarnow is actually unsafe? Come on, give me a break. I could just the same look out for many quotes from riders and coaches who commented favourably on our track throughout past few seasons, but I do not think this is the point.

Hi, there can be just one answer from me come to Tarnow. Seriously though, the choice is yours, both places guarantee good speedway, there is a lot at stake for all 4 teams so it will be good competitions. If you chose to come to Tarnow I can show you around the town, small but nice historic place, and the stadium. Just let me know and I will provide you with some contact details. best,

There is no doubt there are problems in our club, and I'm pretty sure there are financial problems. But, the likes of Gollob, Rickarsson will be the last riders to feel the financial problems. It is much of the issue for other guys on the team. So, I do not think it has anything to do with Gollob, Kolodziej and Hlib refusing to ride. As for the magical term "the track is the same for everybody", sure it is, fully agree here. But maybe some did not see the point of just riding circles on such track as the one in Rzeszow, when every attempt to complete seriously could create a very dangerous situation for all riders involved. I did not see the point and did not want them to ride. What kind or riding was it? fighting to stay on the bike, riding like they just passed a license exam? I will risk an opinion that the only reason nobody got hurt on Friday was because they did not complete on the track. As I said before, I do not have a problem with the track that gives asset to home riders because they know its ins and outs. But the track has to be safe and safety should be always a priority. I question if safety of riders was the priority in Rzeszow on Friday. I do not think I'm biased here, if such thing would happen in Tarnow I would criticise it just the same.

And I will comment on the Friday events in Rzeszow. In all 24 years of attending speedway matches just couple of times have I seen such a travesty of speedway as a sport. It is a common practice in Poland to prepare track so home riders would feel at home. I can live with this as long as it is a safe track. Recently these ‘preparations’ are going way over the top, and the whole idea is to make the track as much guest unfriendly as possible. What I have seen in Rzeszow on Friday was a joke. The track was not ready for the match, it would not pass any point from the rules book concerning track preparation. Still Wojaczek lets it go despite clear rules in this regard, no surprise here. I just wish all our team would refuse to ride in such conditions, unfortunately they were not unanimous on this, too bad because it could send the message to the authorities that this have to stop. I did not want them to ride in such conditions, but seems I’m in the minority, most fans in Poland think that riders should ride regardless of the condition since this is their job. I say no, I do not want them to put their health at stake only to entertain us, when it is really unsafe to ride. The sad thing is that Rzeszow would have won the match regardless even on the regular track they always have in Rzeszow. We had key riders missing and we were expecting to lose. But we would lose after a battle that all speedway fans would enjoy. Instead we got no fight at all, riders doing circles minding to stay on the bike and get safely to the finish line. Just another sad day for speedway in Poland and I cannot see it improving as long as the pressure on wining at all costs continues. The change is needed. The change on the part of fans, to loosen up a little bit, winning is not everything. The change on the part of club officials, this is a dangerous game you play, one day it will get out of hand and people will suffer.

Some remarks on the Tarnow semifinal. Track was different to what we have at the league matches here in Tarnow, hardly any passing and the ‘orbit’ did not hold much, only at the very end we could see some good riding on the outside. Why is it that when it comes to GP, GP qualifiers there is always an issue with the track condition? Now to the riders. Hans, a class act, would be perfect if it wasn’t for his fall. In that heat he leads with good 30 meters, should ride smartly and easy. Instead in the third round he got way too close to the fence and we were all surprised, and in the fourth round when he entered the turn we knew he would not make it. Strange, such experience rider should not make this happened. And there were no holes there, the track was smooth all around. Janusz Kolodziej struggled all night long. He still felt banged up after his fall in GB last week. To make it worst his best engine for Tarnow track gave up in his first run so he was riding on his reserve bike not as good as his top one. Only because of his extraordinary skills and knowledge of the home track he was able to get through. Lukas Dryml, such bad luck. We were witnessing a real metamorphose of Lukas on the Tarnow track. So far he was struggling big time here, and before the meeting we did not give him much chance. Seeing him ride I thought he finaly found the set up for Tarnow track. Only later we learned that Lukas was riding on Stanislaw Burza’s engine and had help of Burza’s mechanic in the pits. But I hope he now knows what is needed for this track. Rory, nice kid. My friends and I, we really liked his riding, too bad he did not make it. I can see him being one of the top riders in near future. I would like to see him more in Tarnow. Good riding from Jagus and Holta. Surprising Laukkanen got a lot of applause for his riding as well as Russian guys Gafurov and Gizatulin. Overall it was a good night with lots of, lots of speedway.

Looking at it now, Tarnow is not a Championship caliber team. Thankfully we still have a half of regular season and final round to go. Wroclaw is so strong right now that it is quite logical to put them as a front runner. What will decide in my opinion is the bonus points situation. For Tarnow gettinh bonuses from Rybnik, Bydgoszcz, Czestochowa, Rzeszow and Leszno is a must. Without it we should not even think about getting gold again. Bonus with Torun is gone in my opinon. Decisive could be result of Wroclaw -Tarnow duel. If by any chance we are able to hold to the bonus then in the final round anything could happen. But I have doubts we will be able to get a good score in Wroclaw. Anyhow, after coming round I see Wroclaw, Tarnow, Czestochowa and Bydgoszcz in the top 4. Just a prediction.

Concerning Robert Flis, the scan showed some fracture on his foot bone. After consulting his doctor in Gorzow today they will decide if the cast is needed or maybe small procedure. Anyhow, it is not as bad as it looked on the track. No concussion, just his foot.

Apparently AJ hit the bump during his last ride and hurt his foot. He complained of pain in the foot he injured last year. Fearing the worst he was taken to the hospital. I hope he is all right. More I'm sure when Mateusz comes back. Coming back to the match, this is great win for us, although, there is a lot to be improved. Basically 3 guys keeping the score might be good for Leszno and now Bydgoszcz, but when we go to Wroclaw it is not going to be enough. Good timing Rob, beat me fair and square

Thanks Mate

Hi Peter, one question for you. The on-line stream of DK4 is available for paying subscribers only, is that right? I found the amount of 160 DKK as a subscription fee, could you tell me if this is the annual fee or one time payment? My Dannish is, how to say it, non existent so I would greatly appreciate your help.

Few notes from Tarnow before the long awaited start of the season on the home track. And we start with even more awaited e-league derby between local rivals Tarnow and Rzeszow, after long 7 years. The rivalry will heat up once again. One problem is the track condition in Tarnow. We did not have many dry days after the winter and now we had rain for few days. I spoke with Tarnow coach yesterday and he said that the track is liquid now, and he is full of worries. We need next days to we warm and sunny if we want to have the track prepared for the match. Otherwise it will be a struggle for both teams. Weather sucks this year. Compared to the lineup in Leszno, Lukas Dryml will be replaced by Stanislaw Burza. It was set before, but in addition we got news that Lukas was injured last night in Prague so Burza will be riding in all coming matches. Rzeszow announced their lineup for the Monday match and it goes like this: 1. Nicki Pedersen 2. Tomasz Rempała 3. Tomasz Chrzanowski 4. Dariusz Śledź 5. Rune Holta 6. Dawid Stachyra As number 7 we can expect Pawel Miesiac, and under 8 Andriej Karpow. I woonder if Tomek Rempala will be replaced by Maciej Kuciapa. Probably. Tarnow preliminary lineup has been also announced: 9. Tomasz Gollob 10. Stanislaw Burza 11. Jacek Gollob 12. Janusz Kolodziej 13. Tony Rickarsson 14. Kamil Zielinski 15. Pawel Hlib 16. Marcin Rempala

Well, if you are looking for the base from which you could get to some speedway places you have few options in Poland. I would suggest Wroclaw, Krakow and Poznan. Beside speedway, Wroclaw and Krakow are really nice places to visit and stay, reach in history, full of places to visit and with great night life In case of Wroclaw, beside local team you have Leszno in e-league and nearby Rawicz, Opole in lower leagues. In case of Krakow you have e-league teams nearby in Rybnik, Czestochowa, Tarnow and Rzeszow. Poznan in my opinion is not as interesting to visit as Wroclaw and Krakow, but it has one advantage. From there it is close to e-league Leszno, Bydgoszcz and Torun, 1st league Gorzow, Gniezno and Zielona Gora, and not to forget about new 2nd league team in Poznan in the superbly located stadium right next to city center. As far as public transportation is concern, trains is the safe bet for you, although I do not share such nice opinion about PKP as Hazzman has Late trains are common, mostly the regional ones. Express and Intercity trains are running on schedule most of the time, no problem there. Hope this helps

Tarnow has faxed his lineup to Leszno yesterday, and it was quite a surprise. On the paper it looks like this: 1. L.Dryml 2. M. Trytko 3. J. Kolodziej 4. J. Gollob 5. T.Gollob 6. K.Zielinski Of course it is certain that Mateusz Trytko will be replaced with Tony. It is first time probably Tony is going to ride at No 2. At No 7 we can expect Pawel Hlib, and 8 will be Marcin Rempala, providing he is fit to ride after bruises he suffered in Gorzow the other day. Such lineup, although looking strange at the first glance gives some possibilities. One is that in heat 13 we will have Tomek and Tony riding together. I’m soo eager to see if this lineup will do the job. Of course one thing that worries most of us here in Tarnow is the fact that our second line did not have much opportunity to practice. Considering this, I suspect it is going to be very tough match for us and frankly I just want them to get over with the first match safely and the score is the secondary thing. Small loose is acceptable in my opinion, considering that Leszno is at home and they are practicing on their track for some time now. I just have to response to the nice introduction Hazzman made about the most hated clubs in Poland and I'm not gonna talk about my home team Tarnow. I will defend Leszno for that matter. It is obvious that you are influenced by the local rival Zielona Gora fans, but let me assure you, in other parts of Poland Leszno is treated with due respect. In fact it all depends where you are and who you are talking to. If you hang out with Tarnow fans it is probable you will here that Rzeszow is the most hated club. Try to talk with random Torun supporter and you will here some nasty words about Bydgoszcz, and vice versa in every case I'm sure. Local rivalry is a fine thing when taken in moderation, unfortunately it is getting out of hand with time. I base my opinion on 25 years of watching speedway and going to matches all of the country. What you can hear now at the matches is going well overboard, and it happens everywhere, at my home track as well, for which I'm quite ashamed. And it is not only during league matches, it spills over to events like GP, where you suppose to leave club matter behind and concentrate on favorite rider or support home country riders. No such luck, unfortunately. This is one thing that I just cannot stand.