False dawn

The plan to rerun the British Final after Cardiff seems a bit daft. There is some kudos in being British Champion but not a lot anymore, unfortunately. The real interest comes from the prize of going to Cardiff. This rerun will look like a bit of a dead rubber. And there has to be some logic in sending an in form rider to the British GP as the wildcard. Sending someone who was in form last year does not pass this test. A run off (best of three plus any super heats if necessary) at a neutral venue between the top 3 would surely be more satisfactory than going back to last year's meeting. At least it would be decided in a set of straight races rather than race times or drawing lots (heavens forbid). If the neutral track was streamed on BSN, there are commercial possibilities (barring any problems with Eurosport over the rights, of course). It just feels like we've ended up with a result that pleases no one (apart from Adam E, of course). I've got nothing against Adam. He was a deserved winner last year and it's a real shame that Cardiff didn't run. But I just feel empty in thinking about this decision.

You're right. But running it on 4 consecutive nights on the same track cannot be a good idea. At the very least, we lose the two day final. But the worst of it is that the track has to set up slick and hard to withstand the wear and tear and then it's a gate and go competition. France demonstrated this more certainly than any team last night. They were first or last depending on how good a gate they made. We can hope that more shale will be shipped in tomorrow for the senior final and we can then, hopefully, see some more competitive racing.

Phew!

They're giving big orange lollies as the top prizes. Hence the name, "The Jubbly Cup"

Max Clegg's gate and 1st and 2nd bend in heat 11 was top drawer. His blast around the outside was straight out of the Bomber play book. It truly stunned the crowd and we all watched in real surprise as he put 4 faultless laps together in the 6th fastest time of the night. Kyle wasn't covering his back or holding up Bomber. In fact the three were quite spread out by the end of the race. I've had my own doubts about this signing. But credit, where credit is due.

OR You could load them your stadium!

It reveals a lot about our minds that I had the exact same thought I'm sure it won't happen. On a serious note I don't have a problem with Connor guesting for Berwick today. If the roles were reversed, we'd be saying what a master stroke. It's actually an opportunity for Connor to show how he can perform at home in the Championship. Mind you, if he scores significantly in an away win, I won't be quite so happy.

The best deal was to wait for the July GSAs and do a one-for-one replacement. A redeclaration would have decimated the team. On this basis, a rider with an average up to 4.53 was needed. If people don't like Max, perhaps they could suggest alternatives within that average constraint?

I think it's "sun". But I need to get my coat

Decent each way bet, I guess

Sad news that Roger has passed away. Roger gave significant financial support to the Leicester Lion Cubs and was a proper speedway fan. Often seen at away fixtures despite his advancing years. Thanks, on behalf of many young, upcoming riders.

1 62.15 2 64.00 3 61.44 4 62.31 5 61.50 6 61.62 7 62.94 8 63.59 9 62.06 10 61.94 11 61.82 12 63.78 13 62.87 14 63.38 15 62.50

Let's hope that the rumoured relaxation of the "rules" in Poland comes to pass next year. Then maybe earning mega bucks there and riding in Britain won't be mutually exclusive.

There's no such thing as bad publicity.

I know what you mean. But we had the real pleasure of Tom as our guest at a recent meeting of the Nuneaton Speedway Supporters Club. He voiced a strong allegiance to British Speedway despite the obvious lure of "big bucks" in Poland.

I contacted Oxford direct, weeks ago, simply to get a start time so that I could plan my onward journey to Cardiff. I'm glad I didn't hold my breath. Edit: I see the meeting is listed on both the Oxford and BSPL websites as 7:30 start

Oh, there are many ups and downs when you (loyally) support "your" team. I've followed my team to league championships and to wooden spoons. Sometimes an odd unexpected win from a second string is all you get. But still you go. I'm currently doing missionary work in Leicester and I support them faithfully, even internationally (if you count Scotland). But I'm still a Bees fans, through and through.

He dislocated an ankle according to the BSPA website, which sounds very nasty. I hope we have a good turn out from the Oxford faithful tonight. The Cubs have a decent following and this is a top of the table local derby. A good away following is always welcome.

There was a time when riders' were proud to don their national colours. Maybe I am really getting old

Got you worried?

It does look like Sam Masters and Josh Pickering had a night to remember and that made heats 13 and 15 very difficult for Poole. But that doesn't explain heat 14?

There are arguments for and against here. The way I see it, is that the team results have to expunged from the league tables since there is no fair way to leave them in. The rider averages are, however, a measure of their current riding ability whether the races that contribute to that average are from expunged meetings or not. I don't, however, see why new averages should be subsequently calculated at year end removing the expunged meetings (if that is what you're saying happened last year reference Eastbourne).

We cannot raise the importance of the British Final back to the days when it was a step on the road to the one off World Final, but at least the prize for winning the National Championship can have some real significance. The chance to step out in front of the biggest of crowds at the British GP and hopefully nick a few points is surely a big incentive. I love seeing the British Final winner at Cardiff.

I think we can guess.

Quite right. Maybe they could get Chris Morton to help out. Listening to him and how he helped recreate the old Hyde Road circuit when they built the NSS was fascinating.