Seb the Snail

Mrs Snail and I went this year and flew into Milan. Aim to stay in Verona if you can, which is beautiful and under an hour away from the track. There's very little in Lonigo itself apart from the track, so don't be tempted to stay there. This year the racing was excellent and there were plenty of spaces in both the seated and standing areas. Tickets on the night were cheaper than we had paid in advance which was slightly galling, but it would have been a long way to travel only to get locked out! You'll have a great time if you go, that's for sure!

Maybe it's beacuse orion has slapped the missing £2k down on him?

Just back from Italy... I can see that the meeting has been analysed in great detail here already, and so will just add a couple of brief comments... Great circuit for racing, although slightly disappointing that the stands were far from full. This must surely place the future of GPs being staged in Italy in some jeopardy? Amazement (and relief) in most quarters at the exclusion of Zagar in the semi final. Scott certainly looked the "primary cause of the stoppage" from my vantage point! Credit to Leigh for finally making a final for the first time since Lonigo last year! Just a shame that he couldn't make the gate from 4 in the final; maybe 2 would have been a better option? At least he has a squeak of another rostrum finish if he can make some more finals between now and the rest of the season. Superb stuff from Scotty. Will he be our sole representative in the GP next year? And finally, roll on 2007 as this year's series has been over for weeks. Crump v Andersen meeting on meeting looks a mouth-watering prospect!

I have if you PM me your e-mail address. Cheers.

See my post on page 1 - the draw was made last week. I assume that Hans just takes TRick's place in the relevant heats?

Indeed! This week’s forecast has the temperature above 90 degrees every day bar Thursday when it dips to a chilly 88! I see from the other thread that Hans comes in for TRick. This should make the meeting more competitive, and potentially, more controversial!

You are right, of course. It is very easy to be critical after the event. On balance, however, there is no doubt that Heat 20 was far easier for GB on paper than Heat 19. Hancock and Gjedde are a far different proposition around Reading than Correy and Iversen. Fortunately it didn’t matter a jot. Britain and Denmark were in total command of the meeting from the moment that the first round of rides had been completed and there was no benefit from finishing first or second on the night. Qualification for Saturday was everything. Hopefully Middlo will be more astute tomorrow – we need everything in our favour if we are going to have a glimmer of a hope of getting our hands on the silverware.

I think that the final is a match between Australia and Denmark. The "Big 4" of Jason, Leigh, Nicki and Hans should all score heavily, so the title will be decided by the level of support that they receive lower down. ie Ryan, Todd and Travis / Rory against Bjarne, Charlie and Niels. For me the Danes just shade it, although it has all the makings of a classic if the meeting gets the racing surface that it deserves.

Totally agree. The difference in the standard of racing from Sunday through to Thursday was staggering with responsibility falling squarely on the condition of the track. The World Cup Final deserves better; sadly I don't think that it will get it.

Oh come on! It's bad enough having another anti-Hans thread without dragging other riders into it. Boring. Quality post! What a boring sport we would all follow if there weren't a few "villains" around. There is a fine line between ruthless determination and reckless riding, and some riders push it to the extreme, but that's what makes them winners and provides us all with so much entertainment.

The draw for the Italian GP has now been made: http://www.speedwayworld.tv/draw/2006/draw_italy.php The Wild Card is Mattia Carpanese and the Track Reserves are Daniele Tessari and Simone Terenzani. Are any other Forum regulars making the trip?

I don't know, but the draw is scheduled for midday next Tuesday, so we'll know then if not before...

Good plan sirmatty! Any chance that you could tolerate a Budgie in your chosen establishment next year? I think that I got back from Edinburgh last year quicker than I managed from Cardiff last weekend!

My sources tell me that Hancock was the rider to shine out in practice yesterday. I shall be seeking out some 10-1 in a moment if there is any still available. Apart from that, a token bet on AJ at the price and a sentimental bet on Leigh. I shall also be seeking out sirmatty to rob him of his cash on Lee Richardson. Would 6,660-1 do you matty?

Yes, should be great for Cardiff on Saturday. Half a chance of a shower on Sunday for the Pairs in Swindon for those thinking of attending, although hopefully the forecasters are wrong on that one...

I've made one for exactly the same reason. If you send me a PM with your e-mail address I shall be happy to forward it to you. Cheers.

My sentiments entirely. There is a huge gulf in the attitude and application that Adams and Rickardsson demonstrate to the Elite League. No one can fault Rickardsson's record, but I don't believe that he has won many friends in achieving it, at least away from Wimborne Road. Adams on the other hand always gives 100% whatever the occasion and is a true ambassador for the sport. It is sad to see him currently languishing in 6th place having made the podium for the first time last year, and while I can see no way of him catching Jason and Nicki this year, a win in Cardiff would at least see him in with a chance of equalling last year's achievement.

Totally agree with all of these sentiments. Mr Clean was awesome in his semi until he lost all power on the final lap; fair play to Crump for making the most of the opportunity that this provided. Hopefully for Leigh's sake he will enjoy better fortune in a fortnight's time. Nicki was a deserved winner, but like bananas, the cheers at the New Inn had more to do with who was trailing in at the back rather than who was taking the chequered flag. Could it be a case of 6 and out for Tricky?

The way that you were dancing at the Pit Crew Bash you should apply to get up on stage with the backing singers! Isn't that your new anthem at Oxf**d this season? I reckon you'll be singing along with the rest of us Sir M!!! Absolutely right! Mrs Snail still treasures her GP ticket as she managed to get him to sign it before the gig! It's just a shame that she approached him to get it signed at the cashpoint outside the stadium... I'm sure he thought that he was about to be mugged when she tapped him on the shoulder! Gave him the fright of his life!

Rickardsson to be in a league of his own once again. Crump, Adams and Nicki to scrap out the minor honours. Scotty and Lee to improve on 2005 Pepe to race to glory in Cardiff, leaving Frigbo to rue his quote of 1,000 to 1!

Mr and Mrs Snail have booked up this week... are any other Forum regulars making the trip? If anyone has been before and has any helpful hints and tips, they would be much appreciated...

Fantastic News! The return of Pepe to the Big Stage! Good luck for '06 from all your fans in Wiltshire! (Well me, anyway)... I wonder if Frigbo will be laying me 100-1 on a Pepe GP win again next year?

Agreed. Let's hope he does himself justice on the big stage. Actually this is getting quite worrying - I've agreed with you twice this year now, even if the first time was about Sam from Big Brother! Happy days!

Make sure it doesn't clash with any bingo, Matty! Word on the street is that you have been putting it ahead of speedway in recent weeks

Sad news for both riders concerned, but am I the only one to find the replacement selections slightly bizarre? I'd have far rather seen someone with a serious chance of joining the GP circus next year, whether they are new blood, such as Kasprzak or Stead, or making a return like Holta or Pepe...