lastword

We usually get there an hour before the first heat and always see both teams doing their track walk and checking out the gate positions. Then, usually about a half hour later the tractors and water truck are out ,and the gate positions are relaid/torn up/whatever. My point being that the track potentially changes between the track walk and heat one anyway.

Yes the riders in question are Max Fricke, B.Zmarzlik and Tai Woffinden. Leaving aside the fact this new development was introduced without the presence of the defending champion the whole idea of introducing heat times as a way of giving choices of gates in the actual event is surely flawed. Just a gimmick borrowed from Formula one (where it IS beneficial to get a place on the grid) which just cannot work in speedway. How many times have we as supporters watched the best race of the night being in the slowest time?

I had to smile when I saw this. Whitehaven (where Cook comes from, and is based) is over 150 miles from Manchester. King's Lynn is nearer!

I detect a slight attempt at sarcasm in that response............... but it was a genuine enquiry.................

Can anyone fill me in on Pawel Miesiac? Looked impressive today.....................but research tells me is 35 years old. History?

Nice to see the NSS featuring again on this 'heat of the day' but agree that they could have found a better example from today's meeting. In truth it wasn't among the best meetings at the stadium but there were better races than this one.

Got a draw......feels like a loss. Not going into all the arguments about how the track was watered today.............same for both teams. Interesting though that in the the post meeting press conference Max Fricke stated that he really doesn't keep up with the team scores during the meeting. Often heard this from riders before, but Fricke is captain for heavens sake!

Excellent meeting at the NSS tonight. Usual close racing and 100 percent effort from both teams. But disappointing crowd. Perhaps this was due to the fact that this was Peterborough's second visit in three home matches? Who decided that this was a good idea? Let's hope that this is the reason because if not then it's worrying.

Thanks Rob for that information. I'm currently at home hours after the meeting and would have appreciated knowing that when I was stood watching. Maybe I missed it but I don't recall any announcement at the track explaining that. But irrespective of the reason and whether I missed any announcement (?)................I am more concerned how any newbies in the crowd would have reacted to the long delay. Like you I'll be there next week and every week after until my legs finally give out but any newcomers might not be.

When a delay like this occurs in a match it is immaterial who is to blame providing the crowd are kept informed as to the reason. In this case we were all just standing there like idiots not knowing what was going on.

Sums it up for me too. You can only take so much of mascot Chase the Ace (who does a great job, don't get me wrong!) clowning around on the centre green with a few kids. And it's worth saying that all this clowning was taking place in front of the grandstand anyway...................at the opposite side of the stadium so completely ignoring those of us in the South stand. And constant playing of old standard 'pop' hits to fill the delay doesn't help. The comparison with the Colts meeting a couple of days before are completely justified. And yes, as with 'keepturningleft' I am an 'old timer'! But take out all the old timers from an average speedway crowd and you won't have too many people left! EDIT: I am behind the BV promotion in everything they are trying to do to keep the Aces viable. But they shouldn't be afraid to accept criticism when well meant.

Just got back from the National League meeting at Belle Vue. 1 p.m. start. Hottest day of the year in Manchester by a mile, but the water browser was out about every three heats (for just a few laps) and the meeting was completed in one hour fifty minutes. No dust at all! It can be done.

As someone who was there I think it does seem an odd choice from a meeting that DID produce some really good racing at times. Perhaps it was chosen because it featured the two young kids at NSS this season getting at 5-1?

If you want a grandstand seat you will have to pay at the box office at the front of the stadium. For the South stand (standing terrace only) you can pay cash at the turnstiles at that side of the stadium. (There is a car park there as well)

Going back to the attendance at the BEN meeting. The photo posted on twitter/Facebook showed a long queue that I would estimate at about 100 yards. And all these people being served by what I can only describe as a 'hole in the wall' box office. Is this really the only way to get into the stadium or are there other ways?

Bollocks! Sorry but there is enough negativity around our sport today without this sort of nonsense. I park in the Pink Bank Lane car park every week (the car park nearest the South Stand) and believe me this claim of a grass banking is absolutely wrong!!! The other issue about the South Stand fans not being able to access the facilities in the grandstand are correct. But any suggestions as to how this could be addressed would be welcome as I cannot see how it can be solved. Truth is if you want a seat and the facilities that go with it ,then you pay for a grandstand seat. It's a matter of choice. And I speak as a South Stand supporter.

Last time I bought a £90 pass was in 2016. Used the Pink Bank Lane car park. Saw no priority being given to pass holders then. Since then just turned up but tend to arrive early so not had any problems. On the other hand when it has been a 'big' match I saw no sign of any priority being given to pass holders. In fact on the odd occasion we arrived a bit later were told to use disabled places. Always assumed that we had just been lucky in getting there with plenty of time. Maybe worth asking the club if you get any benefit for your 90 quid. (If you do then my apologies for appearing negative). Incidentally no criticism of the car park staff intended. Always found them a pleasant bunch.

http://speedwayplus.com/ then go to 'programme generator'

Fixtures will be announced on Thursday. https://sportowefakty.wp.pl/zuzel/799586/podjeto-decyzje-ws-nice-1-lz-w-czwartek-poznamy-terminarz

You just don't get it do you? Andy rode for Aces from 1982-1900, 1998-2001 and 2005. Andy and his missus gave birth to Jack. (And those of us who stood on the home straight at Kirky Lane will remember a scruffy young kid running up and down supporting his Dad). That was Jack. Move on a few years and look at a table in the main stand at the NSS on nights when Jack was riding for the Colts. His mother and many other family members always there to support Jack. And in the pits his father Andy acting as mechanic/manager. Like I said.............you just don't get it do you?

Err...........Andy?.......British Champion 1993/94/95. Aces in 1982-1990, 1998-2001. Jack is his son for God's sake!!

Should make for an interesting 'supporters evening' at the NSS next Thursday................... https://bellevue-speedway.com/

Slightly off topic but I recall that when the current management took over at Belle Vue they had to come up with a new logo as the previous one had been copyright to the then management. Cost a few bob too as even the large sign affixed to the front of the NSS had to be replaced.

Eric can be seen every week in the Craven Suite at Belle Vue meetings. He also sponsors a heat in the programme via his business in Padiham.

Many thanks to all the Updates contributors. Long may it continue!