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Everything posted by Mr. Clemens
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A Noble Deed A Noble Post
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Tomasz Gollob World Champion 2010
Mr. Clemens replied to Daniel Smith's topic in Speedway Grand Prix and Speedway World Cup
To my mind it was the plane crash that woke Gollob up - made him realise the 'god given talent' he had It was the fact that the plane crash woke him up to what he could have done over the years, as opposed to what he did. My feeling was, he'd decided to 'make up for lost titles'. As such, myself, I thought he'd win it last year - but it didn't happen -as his title challenge faded way - as, seemingly - that 'revelation' he had must have lost its potency. But not so - he kept at it and finally fulfilled himself. For me he's one of the most exciting entertaining riders I have ever seen and a worthy world champion. I knew I was right to include him in my All Time Greats Grand Prix -
Yep we was there and with the score 31 - 16 at heat 8, we were ruminating on what a bit of a walkover it was and why we hadn't gone to Belle Vue instead. Being a Zenon Plech fan though was the reason I was there. We even calculated what they had to do to beat the Dukes, which we dismissed out of hand, as it was unlikely they would get five 5 - 1's Didn't even think they couldn't do it as there was no indication in the way the meeting was going it was ever likely to happen. When they did, of course there were thoughts of subterfuge flying around, but really we just wrote it off as a strange state of affairs, that we hadn't seen happen before or think likely to happen again.
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A REMINISCE OF OLD HALIFAX AND OF A DEAD SPEEDWAY RIDER Inspired by the Eric Boothroyd story in the Speedway Star Those words written Reminded me of yesteryear Days gone by And all the time I was thinking that I Should go and speak with A dead speedway rider But I was thinking of Days gone by I looked at the sky And then looked down I saw myself on my way To that old speedway ground I saw myself getting into my car Driven every week by my friend Who said I didn’t go fast enough for him We always set off at 6:30 pm sharp To arrive at the Shay at a quarter past seven The place where they said ‘You can’t recreate heaven’ Parked the car on the main road Walked down the slope To the turn style gate paid our money Walked right in to watch them take a spin And all the time My thoughts kept returning To something else on my mind I knew I should go and speak with A dead speedway rider But I was already busy with Buying my program Putting it into my folder The one with the white elephant on Then walking onto those concrete steps You would always find us on Step number fourteen Two yards from the concrete wall That divided us from those Who wanted to sit down But in this dream There was no one there The stadium was bare Recreated in this thought All these reminisces we share Stood in that bowl That holy hole in the ground Not a sound was heard But the one provided by A mild breeze blowing The dust from the track Swirling round arising Even as I put out my hand To catch the grit swirling I just knew I ought to go And speak with A dead speedway rider gone A time so long ago On the left hand side of that holy bowl That hole in the ground No one stood on the steep bank That sweeps down to the old white fence Along the back straight We stood there once and never again Even now you can see the people Living in the block of flats Watching the racing Sat on their sofas Sipping from their cups of tea But even so I knew I had to go And speak with A dead speedway rider But my thoughts reminded me Of the bus crews who Hung over the wall To watch for nothing The life and the soul Watching the riders go by And we always ask why Some of them have to die We walk down the front Past the grand stand Right down to the pits Passed that dapperly dressed man With his brown coat and fur lined collar Who would nod his head at you But we never spoke There was nothing to say We thought we would Always be there Stood on that concrete stair For ever and a day But everything changes Nothing ever remains the same And we walk out onto the track Place our feet on that holy dust Why don’t they bring it back The should never ever have left And we walk round and round Lap after lap Going faster and faster Riding round the banks Going wider and wider And we always thought They would sort everything out And we would always be there But they made the mistake of Taking it elsewhere It was right then I just knew I had to go and speak with A dead speedway rider They took it somewhere else And right there the dream almost ended Ripped out the heart and the soul of All we had supported together You could simply give up going Or find yourself deported To some strange place I think they called Bradford But that old track is still there Because even as you look at All those old pictures You immediately feel that breeze blowing Your hand still held out reaching For the pieces of grit floating Through the ether Where all those memories live Yes right there where No one can touch them We can see it all clearly Deep in our minds eye Where all of these dreams unwind Where it will always live I am there right now Stood on step fourteen Living in the dream Smelling the aromas Floating through the rafters Then we got racing Served up for ‘afters’ And I finally go to speak with A long dead speedway rider A long, long time gone And I said to him ‘What is it like in Valhalla’? He said ‘All of us can ride Any track you put before us And all those other souls departed Joined in the chorus Come up some time and watch us’ And I said ‘Is all this not magnificent then’!!! As all of us caught grains of dust In our hands And thought of that strange land we called Our Paradise The Shay
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Well Done Denmark !
Mr. Clemens replied to Phil The Ace's topic in Speedway Grand Prix and Speedway World Cup
Well done Denmark Tonight's meeting is what speedway is all about Gripping from start to finish At least for those who stayed on their bikes -
Well done Mr Gollob
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Leszno Gp May 10th 2008
Mr. Clemens replied to Blazeaway's topic in Speedway Grand Prix and Speedway World Cup
well done leigh adams a worth winner -
Slovenian Grand Prix
Mr. Clemens replied to driver17561's topic in Speedway Grand Prix and Speedway World Cup
Well done Mr Gollob -
Hello Sandie
Looks a very interesting set up doesn't it
I will have to explore it all when I have more time
But it looks good to me
See you later
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Big Meeting At Poole
Mr. Clemens replied to Saint Rob's topic in Speedway Testimonials & Individual and Shared Events
Odd innit we read a million threads about British Speedway needing to cut costs and then..................................... -
Oxford Under 15's Final Round ...
Mr. Clemens replied to spuds-r-us's topic in Youth Speedway and Development Leagues
My mistake well done Daniel Greenwood I just wrote another long post and my brain wasn't working good job Daniel's was and yours too of course Rob That's a phenonema isn't it -
Oxford Under 15's Final Round ...
Mr. Clemens replied to spuds-r-us's topic in Youth Speedway and Development Leagues
Congratulations to all the riders who took part in the Under 15's meetings They are the future of the sport and should be commended for their dedication and effort to make it in a difficult dangerous and expensive sport to take part in I hope they will have more opportunities to ride in an expanded series next year as I - like many others - haven't seen them riding at all this year They need to ride before a crowd of supporters so that they are not only learning their trade - but can receive the plaudits for their efforts that most speedway supporters feel they deserve - something both sides of the fence have been deprived of this year Well done James Sarjeant the champion Most of them will have the chance to shine another year given the opportunity by the powers that be Good luck to all of them in the future -
Gary Stead Benefit Meeting : Stoke I could feel the memories as I ran my fingers over the metal of the fence surrounding the track at Stoke Memories of a young man speedway training to ride a speedway bike My boss’ son falling on the track – and taking him to hospital - that was my last sight and memory of Stoke Speedway track from 1987 twenty long years ago In years to come – other people – might run their fingers along that metal and recall Gary Stead – who he was – what he is – and what he meant to the patrons of Loomer Road Like the Sheffield meeting – this was a meeting I wasn’t going to miss My route was already laid out – over the moors – through Mottram – M60 – A34 – follow the Industrial Estate signs and there you were - only I weren’t There was a queue of traffic at the foot of Mottram – that didn’t look as if it was likely to move in the next few days I turned into Glossop and followed the – Buxton – Leek – Stoke route – up and down hill and vale – as I drove along I imagined I was on the Redcar racing strip The higher into the hills I drove – the foggier it became – the rain was falling hard But right then – I decided I was going to Stoke – for even if the meeting was rained off – I was prepared to pay my entrance fee – then party till dawn with those who showed up – to celebrate Gary Stead – but the rain was already abating when I drove through Stoke – so the chances of seeing some racing was looking promising I drove into Stoke looking for the IE signs – but they are never around till you’re about half a mile from them anyway But I knew I had to get to Newcastle under Lyme so I followed that sign – turned left on the A34 – and after awhile realised I was going the wrong way – turned around and eventually those IE signs appeared Only one other person was there when I arrived – (a Belle Vue supporter) - making me think that perhaps it had been rained off – but I decided there would have been a notice on the gate saying it was off it had have been The BV supporter was a nice guy to talk to – he told me where to park in the stadium – and told me how they took your entrance fee from you as you sat in your car – this was drive through Speedway at its very best Having arrived there at 5 pm – there was awhile to wait before other supporters descended on Loomer road – so I decided to look around the old place And what an old place it is – but having visited a few run down stadiums following speedway since 2005 – I knew it was what happened on the track that mattered – not the décor I could see the riders riding round the track on training day – the memories were vivid hanging around – waiting for them to be relived – perhaps Gary Stead was looking down at the track – at all those memories gathered their – waiting for him to relive them too – as the wheels of speedway bikes turned on the surface of that raceway? It was nice to meet Peter Adam’s brother – who – when I told him – he looked like the man in charge – said that he was having a hectic day – getting things organised for the big night – but he said the racing would take place I imagine this man – was one of those instrumental in getting this benefit day on for Gary Stead – and deserve the praise for getting a meeting on – in those dreadful conditions People were arriving – the stage was being set – the riders were there – I hadn’t seen Gary Stead anywhere – but this was a different stage – from that at Sheffield An event for the ‘home crowd’ – and for those – like me – who were determined to be there – to show respect – for a rider – who I had rarely seen on the track – but how had given his all for the sport – and paid – the highest price – almost The track had – had a good soaking earlier in the day – so I wasn’t expecting the riders to – do something on the track – that wasn’t possible to do – race competitively There had been four bad falls at Sheffield in the first meeting – Richard Hall is still struggling with his injury But unfortunately – Gareth Isherwood had to withdraw from the meeting – with a broken wrist – after his second ride – let’s hope the injury is not too serious - and he recovers soon from this The riders were slipping and sliding round the track – there were a number of falls – with riders being reinstated on the insistence of the Race Director – in the pits No it wasn’t Ole Olsen – King of the Slick – it was – Gary Stead – orchestrating the meeting from behind the scenes Ben Barker was looking good – riding hard - determined to win this meeting – as was Rory Schlein – sole Elite League regular – who stalked Adam Allot – who got a rolling flyer - finally passing him – round the outside on lap three In his second race Schlien slowed after three laps – it being obvious that he thought the race was over for some reason – but he was so far ahead – that when he realised – the race was still on – he opened the throttle – and cruised round to win all the same This incident prompts me to mention the dipsh*t who decided it was a cool thing to do – to put their sidelights of their vehicle on – AGAIN - during this particular race The reason this person gets special mention is this – bearing in mind the circumstances we all were in attendance at this meeting I was stood at the fence talking to three people – when – as the meeting first started – everyone saw this car parked on the bank – directly in line with the track – from tapes to first bend – turn their side lights on That this person knew what they were doing was obvious because – A: If they were there to watch the racing – sat in their car – why was the front of the car facing away from the track – and not towards it??? B: I had looked in that direction more than once – immediately before the racing started – and there were no red lights shining then – or everyone would have noticed – and they would have been asked to turn them off C: As soon as the first race started – the sidelights came on – so why would they be turned on – other than the fact – they who turned them on – turned them on purposely Those stood with me – who I talked with through the meeting – agreed with me – the lights were not on just before the meeting started D: When Rory Schlein slowed – I noticed the red lights on again – the kid with the two adults – asked me now I knew it was the same car – and I told him – because the car that put the lights on the first time – was parked next to the white van – and the second time they came on – it was the car parked next to the white van There was a later incident of this type – another car facing forward – had their car headlights shining down – between the tapes and the first bend Stoke’s track clown – headed towards the offender – to tell the owner – to turn out the lights – but they went out before he got there – so he turned round and came back But he should have gone to both drivers of each car – gave them the clown’s wig and the red nose – and said – ‘here you have them – your need is greater than mine’ The racing improved all the time – as the track dried out – but Rory Schlien wasn’t going to be beaten – while Ben Barker was busting a gut to keep in touch with the Coventry Bee – in case any mishap suffered by Rory – worked to Barker’s advantage Luke Preist was out there on the track – good to see him back – winning a race – getting back into the fold – being there for Gary Stead The riders were interviewed after the meeting – naturally the interviewer – should wish to congratulate Rory Schlien – not only on his win on the night – but the triple with Coventry – but Rory wasn’t having any of it – he was there – he said for Gary Stead – and for no other reason – Rory knew he could celebrate tomorrow – today was something else When Ben Barker spoke – it was obvious – winning the meaning – meant a great deal to him – you could tell by his emotion when speaking – that this was his intention – and he was beating himself up for not doing what he intended – but what he might now realise – is – that he was a winner – by being there – trying as hard as he could – for one reason – Gary Stead – who I am sure told him as much after the meeting And congratulations to – George Stancl – third placed – and to all the riders who competed on that treacherous track – with red lights ablaze – all there for one reason to acknowledge – but for the grace of God go they And there was also – the veteran speedway riders racing Les Collins – Alan Grahame – Gary O’Hare – Rob Hollingsworth I had seen them racing at Sheffield – and was impressed by Alan Grahame in particular – who looked then – as if he had never been off a bike – and looked as if he could still do a job in racing – if called on to do so Les Collins won race one – and Alan Grahame won race two – but it was their last race that set the place alight Something happened in the last race – that held the audience spellbound No one might ever know what happened but – they went through the second bend onto the back straight – and it wasn’t like the old days – no not at all It was the old days – you could have thrown the proverbial handkerchief over all of them It might have been a world championship decider – for no one was giving an inch It was blood and guts – no quarter asked or given And the place was – ELECTRIFIED – old codgers swooned – young fans didn’t believe what they were seeing – we were – one and all – transported – for those few seconds – to the world where speedway was speedway Then Alan Grahame emerged – ahead of the crowd through the third and fourth bends To win the race The crowd was in raptures – car headlights were flashing all along the back straight – headlights dipped in tribute – to the grand old masters of speedway – doing their thing I spoke with Neil Machin – at Scunthorpe today – he was there at Stoke He happened to mention Peter Collins and Chris Morton – in reference to riders being cornerstones of teams – in contrast to riders now – some of them who are here this season and gone the next – because of enforced team changes – from the powers to that be This reference of those riders – reminded me of the racing at Stoke by the veteran races – and I said to him – ‘you saw them last night’ – and immediately his eyes lit up – and a broad smile crossed his face – in recollection of what – we had all been privileged to see at Stoke – four top class racers of yesterday – turning it on for us – and for Gary Stead I don’t know what most people think of Neil Machin – but I have found him to be a gentleman – he even gave me a cigarette and a Sheffield Speedway cigarette lighter I shall treasure it always – well at least till the lighter fuel runs out Talking of promoters - you could see also – how - what happened to Gary Stead – has affected deeply – the emotions of Dave Tattum What happened is a cut that runs deep through Mr Tattum’s psyche I don’t think he has come to terms with it at all yet – and maybe it never will But it showed last night – that here is a man – who cares deeply about his riders Many people remained behind after the meeting – to take part in the auction going on in the bar after the meeting So many people were there you could hardly move I saw that Andy Smith was there – which didn’t surprise me at all – him being there for a fellow rider I don’t know how much money was made during the auction – as the bidding was taking place – round the bar area – and it was almost impossible to get down there – as there was so many people trying to get down there too I had a conversation – with a stranger – they know who they are – an interesting chat about things concerning speedway – but time was slipping by and I had a two hour drive to make – taking the original route – I was going to take – only finding out that the mileage was the same – whichever route I took The event was finally over – it was time to move on – to get on with life – as we all have to – and has Gary Stead has to – and with this thought – I could hear echoes – of what this year has meant to Gary Stead – Stoke management – riders and supporters And to all of us – the speedway family – and here is what those echoes said to me Now and Forever We can carry all this as a cross We can think about all we have lost We can think about All the things we do In life And count the cost The results of all this We carry with us Now and forever And then we think of This fallen rider And think of The price he paid To deliver to us What we desired And thus we come To lay at your door All the tribute we owe you Now and forever We gather all of us together To stand and applaud All he has given us We admire his resolve To keep a smile on his face No matter how many obstacles He has to climb over Each day from this moment on Now and forever And then we can go home And slide into bed Satisfied we have done our duty Curl up snugly Legs tucked in Warm and cosy Is it then we remember That he will never be able to do this Now and forever Do we believe Because we have Made our contribution In gathering together To pay this our tribute That we can forget you Now this moment Of our deliverance has passed Are we with you just for now Or forever …………………………………. This thought is for all the riders who have fallen this season And for those who have paid the highest price There is an old Fats Domino song that sums up the love of a rider for their speedway - the first line says it all 'Oh what a price I had to pay For loving you'
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Report On The German Gp
Mr. Clemens replied to Mr. Clemens's topic in Speedway Grand Prix and Speedway World Cup
Because I prefer to do it the way I do it -
Report On The German Gp
Mr. Clemens replied to Mr. Clemens's topic in Speedway Grand Prix and Speedway World Cup
I do it to seperate the text so the reader is not presented with a solid block of words on a computer monitor which I think makes it even harder to read This being the same reason I put spaces between the paragraphs If you cut and paste it onto word you can arrange it all how you want to read it People have told me that they print these posts off so they can read them off the page Thanks also to Trees for the information about the bike I thought it was a motorbike he was talking about Glad you liked the post Colin But I must dash as I have things to do -
Report On The German Gp
Mr. Clemens replied to Mr. Clemens's topic in Speedway Grand Prix and Speedway World Cup
These posts aren't for the faint hearted marron -
This report is a tad long - so I put it on its own thread - mods can move it elsewhere if they wish to do so - but here those who want to read it can - and those who don't - won't be unhappy - with it being in the way of other posts they wish to read GERMAN GRAND PRIX Deep in a dark place where no one is allowed to go – only those to whom it concerned – only those who are involved in – speedway track preparation “You are all aware that the next Speedway Grand Prix is the 100th Grand Prix”, questioned the man in charge of his track-laying underlings? Each person agreed that they were aware that such was the case “And you are all aware that we must lay a track that brings out all that is best in Speedway racing”? The assembled track laying fraternity agreed this was what was required for such a momentous occasion. “But the question is,” pondered the man in charge, “how do we prepare a track that suits all those speedway riders competing to win $100,000 in prize money”? For many days and weeks – the track-laying minions debated this great philosophical question – that has been known to make strong men go weak at the knees – but no one was able to come up with an answer. Time was running out and a track had to be laid - at a completely new venue – the Vetlins Arena in Gelsenkirchen Germany. But finally – a track laying minion – stood in the shadows – at the back of the room - came up with the perfect answer to this great philosophical track laying question “I know boss,” said the inspired minion, “why not lay a track that no one can ride on!!! That way – the riders will have a level playing field – no one will have an unfair advantage - no one will be able to use that old out of date argument – that they are a better speedway rider than their opponents – and therefore are entitled to take advantage of their speedway riding talents – and stake their rightful claim – to take home the $100,000 prize money “But what if they all complain about the state of the track,’ asked the man in charge? “And they refuse to ride in the meeting – like they did in Sweden a couple of years ago – and we have to call the meeting off?” “You know how stoical speedway riders are in the face of adversity in speedway,” – answered the minion, – “like the camber of the track going the wrong way for instance – well they will simply say – as they always do – that the track is the same for everyone – and get on with it The lure of $100,000 dollar prize will take care of any rider protest – guaranteed” “That’s settled then,’ said the man in charge of track preparation, “ we will prepare a track that no one can ride on – and that mythical level playing field – beloved of all fair minded sports fans – will be a reality.” Mr Clemens – donned his Halifax T Shirt - pinned his famed Halifax woolly pully to the living room wall – sat down with – steaming plate of sweet and sour chicken and fried noodles and turned on the TV at 6pm precisely. “I thought Johnny and the lads were playing France tomorrow night,” chuckled Mr Clemens – as rugby tackles unfolded before him. But he soon realised this wasn’t rugby as we know it Jim – and it certainly wasn’t Johnny Wilkinson and friends – it was something else – but what it wasn’t, was Speedway!!!! Time was ticking by and Mr C contemplated on what he was missing while watching some rugby players wallowing in the mud – but suddenly the familiar melody of the Grand Prix introduction hit the screen – with all the familiar faces on parade – and Lee Richardson – still looking a bit peaky round the gills – as an added extra There was Uncle Keith and the Polish Immigration Officer Chris Louis – and in the commentary box – Kelvin Tatum and Nigel Pearson – and not a dullard within earshot – Jonathan Green – was wandering - lonely as a cloud – in the pits “This is it,” thought Mr C, “let the festivities begin - we are just in time for the grand parade of world champions – as described in the All Time Greats Grand Prix series.” But there wasn’t an all time great world champion to be seen – obviously the meeting organisers hadn’t read the script – and had no idea about presenting a 100 Grand Prix Festival of speedway But there was no time to ruminate on missed opportunities – as the riders were at the tapes for heat one On with the motley Christian Hefenbrock wins from the gate – prompting excited visions of a German clean sweep – from Kelvin and Nigel in the commentary box Chris Harris falls attempting to ride the outside line – that doesn’t exist – while T/G gives up looking for something that isn’t there – dirt!!!!! “But Hefenbrock wins – because – he’s riding on German shale” – informs the commentators. “So that’s it is it,” chuckled Mr C to his silly sen - almost choking on fried noodles – in the process? Hefenbrock 3 – Zagar2 – T/G 1 – Harris 0 But there is no time to celebrate a German victory as the riders are at the gate for heat 2 Heat 2 Nicki P - passed by Andersen – Pedersen gets out of shape – is passed by Crump – Adams struggling to make an impression – comes in last Something appears to be wrong with the track –it’s slick – and there is no dirt on the outside!!!! Andersen 3 – Crump 2 – N Pedersen 1 – Adams 0 Keith comments on the huge crowd – says Harris needs to score points Heat 3 Andreas Jonsson – the buccaneering pirate – with a commanding lead over Peter Karlsson - Bjarne Pedersen – and Wieslaw Jagus Jonsson 3 – P/K 2 – B Ped1 – Jagus 0 Heat 4 Hancock gates – Nicholls gets past Holta – with Laukennen nowhere Hancock 3 – Nicholls2 – Holta 1 – Laukennen 0 Four races have gone in a flash – it feels like the Sky TV is in a rush to catch up with a meeting – that has started without them Back in the studio Once again – to remind the speedway supporting millions – in case they’d forgotten – the viewing public are told – there is a $100,000 – prize up for grabs The pundits – ask themselves – are the riders thinking about it – or are they thinking about – that track – and the lack of opportunity to hit – pay – dirt???? Jonathan Green suggests to Chris Harris – that this is a greasy track Keith suggests that Chris Harris looks – nervous Jonathan Green talks to Scot Nicholls – who says the track is slick – there is no dirt line – except for the inside line But Scott is thinking about winning – and a genuine GP place for 2008 – but is in contention with Harris – as are Holta – Jagus – and perhaps Jonsson too Heat 5 Adams makes the gate – Jonsson can’t get past Zagar – who has a rear wheel puncture going over the line Adams 3 – Zagar 2 – Jonsson 1 – Laukennen 0 Jonathan talks with Adams – who looks very deflated – comments on the fact that the track has glazed over – meaning the surface is like ice – but Leigh hoped the riders would break through it – eventually Heat 6 Hancock makes the gate – with Andersen in hot pursuit Pearson – hoping for the first pass of the night – though riders have passed each other more than once in the previous races – bemoans the fact there is no drive – no grip!!! Hancock 3 – Andersen 2 – Karlsson 1 – Hefenbrock 0 Kelvin notes – that the bikes are bouncing on the track – conditions not good Heat 7 The riders for this heat – are ready to race – while Jonathan interviews Hancock We are advised that – Jonathan Green – believes in fairy tales – this fairy tale meeting being straight out of the Brothers Grimm Jagus makes it from the gate – Nicki is second – gets out of shape – passed by Holta – while Harris continues to struggle – he can’t get a grip on an outside line – because there is nothing there to grip Pearson says – Harris is making no impression – because there is nothing there to make an impression on Pearson wonders – is Nicki Pedersen fully fit??? Jagus 3 – Holta 2 – N Ped1 – Harris 0 The commentators agree that the track conditions are preventing the riders racing They go on to describe how Ole Olsen has put in the track – at this new venue - and that it has to be removed - and the stadium restored to its former state - by midnight Sunday Olsen is quoted as saying – ‘by Monday morning – you won’t know we’ve been there’ But the state of the track – suggests – they haven’t been there!!!! Pearson christens the Grand Prix’s – ‘Ole’s Travelling Circus’ – slick or what eh??? Heat 8 Jason Crump – is determined to get third place – in the world championship overall A bronze medal – the full set But it is Bjarne Pedersen from the gate – while Crump pushes T/G out of the way – Nicholls – who was losing ground - follows through – meanwhile T/G goes - AWOL - looking for a speedway track to race on B Ped 3 – Crump 2 – Nicholls 1 - T/G 0 Back in the studio Chris Louis – advises T/G – not to go where – no man has gone before ‘You can’t do that against people like Crump – Pedersen – Nicholls Lee Richardson says – the result of the meeting will be down to people making mistakes Jonathan Green – asks of Bjarne – ‘will you share prize with me’ Bjarne says – ‘go……..yourself’ – oops sorry – says – ‘come back at the end of the meeting and ask me’ Keith ponders on the riders form – and who is up for it – and likely to win Richardson thinks Hancock is a contender – and hopes he can do it Keith thought Crump would be the main contender – but suggest that Crump is failing to rise up to his expectations – and his own – no doubt The might Midglow – interviewed by Green – says – ‘the track is not producing great racing’ – you noticed Neil!!! Which means that he feels the British riders – have not been given a track to race on – the reason Harris – in particular – is struggling The general consensus is – all the riders are struggling – inconsistent – therefore the meeting is – a lottery – with a grand prize of - $100,000 dollars – in case you forgot It’s easy to do – forget that prize money - with all these commercial breaks – and a track you can’t race on We are informed that – Chris Harris has to make starts – but he’s not a gater – he’s a racer – but he doesn’t have a track to race on – and why not – you may ask – but don’t because – it’s a level playing field – and the same for everyone? Keith – who has realised how grim this fairy tale meeting is becoming – informs the speedway millions that – ‘man made tracks are a nightmare’ Practice ruins the track – and there is only one night available for the track crew – to repair the damage – meaning packing the track – till it glazes over ‘You have to gate’ – Chris Louis ‘But – But – But – what if you can’t Chris’ – Mr Clemens said that ‘The riders are struggling to get their bikes set up right’ – Lee Richardson ‘Perhaps it’s because you can’t set a bike up for a track you can’t ride’ Mr Clemens said that too But Peter Karlsson says – to Jonathan – ‘it’s good to be here’ The diplomatic P/K also says – ‘it’s advisable to stick to the inside line’ Heat nine is in progress while Jonathan is talking to P/K Andersen leads a procession of riders – struggling to pass him Andersen 3 – Nicholls 2 – Zagar 1 – Jagus 0 ‘This track is just awful’ – says Kelvin Tatum – ‘You can’t race - on that track’ Kelvin agrees with – Keith Huewen - Lee Richardson – Chris Louis – and all the riders competing ‘Tell you what ‘ – what said Kelvin ‘What,’ asks a startled Mr Clemens???? ‘It’s hard work if you don’t make the start’ – says the perplexed TV Pundit!!!!!’ Mr C is relieved – thinking he – and all the speedway millions – and Chris Harris – were going to be told – something they didn’t already know Pearson – ‘Kelvin Tatum – saying it as it is – no holding back’ Kelvin confirms – once again – that starting is – vital – tonight Jonathan talking to Hans Andersen – who says he’s doing his best ‘You feeling good’ asks Jonathan ‘Really good,’ answers Hans – looking for a fairy tale ending to his night Kelvin informs the speedway public – that – ‘all the riders are looking for points’ Heat 10 Rune Holta – left at the gate – goes round Adams and Bjarne Pedersen – by moving out wide – Pedersen passes Adams – Adams chases the leaders Holta 3 – B Ped 2 – Adams 1 – Hefenbrock 0 Is this track becoming a racetrack – at last – almost halfway through the meeting??? Holta – the Norwegian Pole – we are reminded – in case we forgot – has a hand injury – that is giving him more trouble than he is prepared to let on – so he won’t speak to Jonathan – has he has to see to his hand – unsporting or what eh???? The general consensus by all the pundits is – that Holta has to get into the top eight – or he won’t get picked for the 2008 GPs – which is strange – as he was one of the best riders in there – and has found some of his form again – in the latter half of the GP season But the word is the IMG want younger riders in the GP’s – young riders who can rde a spectacular race - like – Chris Harris – who can’t get a grip – like Antonio Lindback – who has retired from speedway and the GPs Heat 11 Jonsson from the gate – Harris – gets a grip – goes round Crump – who is out of shape – with the previously fast gating Hancock at the rear Harris works the outside line – but Jonsson blocks his every move Jonsson 3 – Harris 2 – Crump I – Hancock 0 Pearson – in total contrast to all that has been said – and all that has gone before – says – ‘we are having some – good – good – speedway ‘Jonsson’s frame is – just the ticket’ – advises a satisfied Kelvin Pearson says – ‘the meeting is looking a lot better’ – as Harris scores his first points of the night – Pearson hopes that Chris – ‘can deliver’ Heat 12 Nicki Pedersen – cuts back off of gate four – the graveyard gate – cuts back – drives up the inside of Karlsson and Laukenen – but fails to get ahead of T/G But Nicki – drops down a hole in the track – an amused Kelvin suggests that Nicki is thinking to himself - ‘Oh fiddlesticks’ – or something of that nature – as he struggles to stay on his bike – but this ‘mistake’ gives second place to Karlsson T/G 3 – Karlsson 2 – N Ped 1 – Laukenen 0 Andersen leads the field on 8 points after three races going into a commercial break Back in the studio Keith hands over to Jonathan – who is – going for a stroll – in the pits Describes Greg Hancock as – ‘the coolest man in Christendom’ Jonathan points out that the crowd overlook the pits – the reason the riders are not hanging around in there – but like Nicki Pedersen – are looking for a place out of the limelight Jonathan has to settle for an interview with Alan Rossitter – high on helium – who tentatively suggests that – the track is crap It’s OK – you can squeak it Roscoe – we all know Jonathan asks T/G for an interview but – according to Jonathan – just smiles at him – in his cool Polish way – which means – like a lot of Poles – he pretends he can’t speak English – but actually understands everything Jonathan says Meanwhile the studio pundits – are beginning to see Andreas Jonsson as a serious contender to take the top prize – as they focus on his race with Chris Harris Keith is convinced that no one is thinking about the $100,000 prize Chris Louis assures him they are all thinking about it But they all agree that Nicki Pedersen is in the process of blowing his chances Because – he doesn’t do well on manmade tracks!!!! But if the GPs are all going to be presented in venues like Veltins and Cardiff – won’t all the tracks be manmade tracks – slick – or what – eh!!! And will IMG move the Polish GP away from – Bydgoszcz – a racers track – which would otherwise - stick out like a sore thumb – amongst all those – slick – or what – tracks Bydgoszcz – well known a racer’s track – abandoned – because the racing there – will remind people of what the GP’s racing is supposed to be – nostalgic for top class racing – T/G style - or what eh??? But you can’t halt progress – but if slick is the future - and if slick it is going to be – then slick it will be – but don’t panic dears - you old fashioned GP lovers – it’s not happened yet – it’s only another grim fairy tale – said in tune with - tonight’s 100 Grand Prixs - slick - festive celebration proceedings Keith comments on the track – again – saying that – ‘they can cover the holes up – but then the riders will be riding blind – because they won’t be able to see them But it will be a level playing field though – won’t it Keith??? Pundits point out that Hans Andersen has struggled in recent GPs – but is that because Hans is a racer – and requires a racing track – to ride at his best??? Jonathan Green finds – a bone fide all time great world champion – Sam Ermelenko – minus lap top computer But canny Uncle Sam doesn’t need a computer to work out that this is ‘A pretty boring meeting’ – and that the riders were hoping for – ‘A race track’ But Sam had a whale of a time – meeting up with all those old world champions Especially at breakfast time – when he poured a bowl of porridge over Hans Neilsen’s head!!!! Heat 13 Nicki Pedersen – finds his legs – where have they been all night? But Bjarne Pedersen – hasn’t got the legs – to pass Nicki – Perhaps Nigel Pearson will go looking for them??? Hancock has lost his gating legs Nicki indicates to his fellow riders that the track has got bumps in it All the riders – in the pits - thank Nicki - for sharing this information with them Nicki P 3 – B Ped 2 – Hancock 1 – Zagar 0 Kelvin Tatum – ‘the track has not improved very much’ Have the riders – therefore – halfway through the meeting - finally - ‘dialled themselves into this track’ - at last If they have – slick or what eh!!!! Heat 14 Keith says - ‘Crump has to get off the start’ – which he does – leads Jagus – while Hefenbrock and Laukenen scrap for third place – but the ruts in the track make it hard for both of them Crump 3 – Jagus 2 – Hefenbrock 1 – Laukenen 0 Kelvin Tatum – ‘Crump is looking as if he could be dangerous – some people are tipping him to win’ Crump tells Jonathan Green – that he is more interested in finishing in third place in the world championship – than he is in $100,000 – but Pearson thinks Crump wants the money too!!! Heat 15 Karlsson from the gate – pressed by Adams – who once more – gets out of shape Nicholls passes Adams – Harris at the back – looking for grip no doubt Adams can’t pass Nicholls – while pundits imagine P/K – walking off with - $100,000 – a fairy tale result – or what eh??? Karlsson 3 – Nicholls 2 – Adams 1 – Harris 0 Jonathan with Scott – points out that turn 4 is tricky Nicholls – ‘it’s part of the job’ Pearson points out that Nicholl’s is battling his way through the meeting Pearson also points out that –‘ Grand Prix Speedway – is the thing of world champions’ Of course it is Nigel – we all know that – chuckled Mr Clemens Kelvin points out that Chris Harris’ form has been sub standard during the second half of the season – but is that because he over achieved in the first half of the season??? Heat 16 Jonsson from the gate – T/G makes a magical fairy tale pass – over Andersen and Holta – who are all over the place – T/G into second place Andersen and Holta – pass each other – with Holta getting the verdict – while T/G pressures Jonsson all the way – but A/J crosses the line first Jonsson 3 – T/G 2 – Holta 1 – Andersen 0 Nigel Pearson – on heat 16 – ‘you don’t know what’s going to happen’ Kelvin Tatum – ‘the track is beginning to break up – Jonsson under immense pressure from the hard charging T/G – super speedway again – long may it continue!!!! Nigel Pearson – ‘I agree with that Kelvin – it’s going to get better and better – as they chase $100,000’ Nigel said that in case - the watching speedway millions had forgotten - what the riders were all here for – and had forgotten about – the big prize- as if!!! Back in the studio Jonathan talking with Jonsson – who is having a good time – and he’s at the top of the score board – but what gate will be pick – 1 or 2 – as the other two are crap – especially gate 4 Jonathan is interested as to what Andreas will do if he wins the big prize ‘Give my mother a holiday’ – says Andreas Jonathan to the camera – ‘He’s a good boy – A mother’s boy’ Keith – ‘Jonathan is keeping us amused from trackside – Jonathan is a good mother’s boy too Cue schoolgirl giggling from – Lee Richardson and Chris Louis Keith quotes Louis – who – ‘loves it when the ruts come out’ Keith – ‘ruts making things difficult – but very interesting – this is building into a great Grand Prix – maybe for the wrong reasons!!! But don’t forget Keith – ruts can make the track dangerous too Chris Louis – ‘the lads are getting uncomfortable’ – but – ‘they are giving us some entertainment – not ideal’ Talking about Chris Harris and Nicholls GP standings – the studio pundits get serious – realising track conditions tonight – could be the downfall of Harris - Lee Richardson says Harris is not having a good night – but he will be in the GPs next year Nicholls battling away – but has to make starts – but already he is above Harris in the GP standings Studio pundits talk about Jonsson’s bike frame – which appears to be ideal for this track – though A/J still hasn’t mastered its idiosyncrasies – but he has gone back to his original bike tuner – has that made the difference??? But the track conditions disrupt everyone – and a buccaneer like Jonsson – is just the man to take advantage of such opportunities Jonathan Green talks to a dejected looking Leigh Adams – who will buy a 1098 Jucatti – whatever they are – if he wins the big prize All the pundits would like Adams to win the money – as consolation for not winning the world championship – both of which he deserves to win But all the pundits agree that Nicki Pedersen won the title because he was the more consistent of the pair The cameras pan in on Nicki – who practices air guitar for the fans ‘He’s a boy’ – chuckles Keith But not a mummy’s boy – eh Keith!!!! Nicki Pedersen reminds Nigel Pearson of Paul McCartney (Watch Nicki sing the Danish National Anthem at the end of the meeting – to see what Nigel means) Heat 17 Crump from the start – Karlsson passes Zagar – while Holta battles with Crump – almost T –Boning the Australian – according to Kelvin Tatum Crump 3 – Holta 2 – Karlsson 1 – Zagar 0 Nigel Pearson is backing Crump to win – but nevertheless seems to feel that Crump is still not riding to his expectations – that Jason is – somehow – letting him down – despite the fact he has made the semi finals Heat 18 Nicki Pedersen rides round the field into first place – Jonsson in second place – Nicholls trying to pass A/J – but gets out of shape – because of the ruts Pedersen in the semis – ‘with a world champion style of riding’ – Pearson Take note Jason Crump Nicholls has a nervous wait to see if he will get into the semis – say the pundits Though others in contention have won races – which Nicholls has failed to do so far More air guitar from Nicki Pearson – ‘he has certainly hit the right not’ Kelvin Tatum almost chokes on forced laughter but says – ‘oh here we go’ Pearson – ‘oh shut up – I am enjoying myself’ Glad someone is Nigel Heat 19 Kelvin Tatum – ‘the tension is building’ Nigel Pearson – ‘this track is disrupting the sweepstakes of the watching speedway millions’ And just to confirm this – Bjarne Pedersen from the gate – Harris battling all the way to get past B/P – Hans Andersen chasing Harris – but Pedersen gains his place in the semis B Ped 3 – Harris 2 – Andersen1 – Laukenen (the most consistent rider of the night – Ace or what eh???) 0 Jonathan with Jonsson – enquiring if he has changed his mind on gate positions – hasn’t Jonathan – ‘the bookies didn’t pick you to win the GP Andreas – ‘me mum is going to get a holiday – the bookies are wrong!!!!’ Heat 20 Nigel Pearson – ‘All these riders are in with a chance of the semis’ Kelvin Tatum – ‘the meeting is coming alive’ Nigel Pearson – ‘Not spectacular – passing at a premium’ BUT – the prize money is in sight for all of them Adams makes it from the gate – Hancock second – T/G – in third place still looking for non-existent grip – and momentum – but there is none there to be had Adams 3 – Hancock 2 – T/G 1 – Jagus 0 Though Nicholls has failed to make the semis – Jagus’ last place means - good news for both Scott – and Chris Harris – who finish above the Pole on the overall GP scoreboard Semi final one gate pick – no surprises – with Jonsson taking gate one Semi final two – Crump picks gate two – a surprise? Andersen gets gate one Meanwhile Jonathan talks to Greg Hancock – who is ‘feeling good’ – and has ‘saved the best till last’ Enquiring of Hancock’s tactics – Greg answers – ‘WIN’ But the pundits wonder if he will do it? Keith – ‘it is a special evening for Greg Hancock – romantic’ Chris Louis – ‘where’s the romance gone in speedway???’ ‘They ditched it in 1994 for the Grand Prixs, Chris,’ chuckled Mr Clemens!!! Keith wonders why Crump picked the blue helmet cover – and begins to miss Uncle Sam – his laptop – and the statistics Sam always has at his fingertips Chris Louis – while grading takes place – ‘they can’t do anything with this track’ Jonathan Green – pops up with all the permutations – that will decide which riders – in contention - will finish in the top eight Keith – in reference to Green - ‘we will have to call him Tony Millard’ Nigel and Kelvin - are baffled - by Jonathan - and his permutations Nigel – saves the day – by reminding - the watching speedway millions – that – guess what – there is a $100,000 prize up for grabs – just in case we’d forgotten – again??? But really – Nigel said this - just to take our minds off of Jonathan’s permutations – Because the astute Nigel - obviously realised that – the average speedway supporters are incapable of digesting such mind numbing information Semi Final one Jonsson moves at the start – Hancock leads from the gate – with Nicki Pedersen in second place – but – according to Kelvin – he makes ‘two huge mistakes’ – which allows Jonsson into second place – and Holta into third place Pedersen grinds to a halt – and out of the GP – and out of the money Yet did anyone realise – at this point – that it was Nicki’s – ‘two huge mistakes’ – that has caused a dilemma – in allowing Holta - to score that one point which brought him level on points with the two British riders – that would have repercussions – for Scott Nicholls and Chris Harris - just a little later on in the meeting Hancock 3 – Jonsson 2 – Holta 1 – N Pedersen 0 Nicki Pedersen takes a world championship winners lap of honour – a low-key affair – yet again - for the new world champion – because there was more important things to be decided – like – for instance – who would get - $100,000 – the reason – no doubt – Olsen told Nicki – to get round as quick as he could – and to get his bleeding arse of the track – ASAP Semi Final two Bjarne Pedersen from the start – passed by Crump – Andersen cuts up the inside – hits a rut – straightens up – hits Bjarne Pedersen – Adams misses Andersen’s head by inches – masterful bike riding from the Australian – who also avoids Bjarne Pedersen Kelvin Tatum wonders how bad Andersen is injured – and confirms the referee has to exclude Andersen as the cause of the stoppage – though both Kelvin and Nigel agree the track was the cause of the stoppage And finally – the consequences of a track that no one can race on - is driven home to Kelvin Tatum and Nigel Pearson The consequences being that some day speedway supporters will witness a rider being killed before our eyes on Television Fortunately both Hans Andersen and Bjarne Pedersen are able to walk back to the pits Back in the studio Keith – thought Andersen’s chain had broken Lee Richardson said – ‘the rut did it – but Andersen is a tough cookie – who has had more than one crash of this nature – in recent GPs – but is always able to get up and walk away from them’ Keith – ‘that particular Dane is made of rubber’ Chris Louis praises Leigh Adams’ skill in avoiding both of the Danes Jonathan Green talks with a stoical Hans Andersen – who admits – he’s gone out of this year’s GPs with a bang – and that he didn’t know what had happened ‘Back next year’ – asks Jonathan? ‘Back but better’ – confirms Andersen!!! Jonathan announces - a $200,000 dollar prize for the 2008 GPs – though does not have the time – or perhaps even the knowledge – to reveal what that really means for the GPs – but IMG knows!!! The news prompts Keith to speculate on what all this implies for GP speedway riders Will the riders be exclusive to the GPs – and thus excluded from taking part in internationals – British championships – League championships – as it is in road racing – will that ever happen to speedway??? ‘Yes’ – says Lee Richardson – ‘Great for speedway – if it happens’ Semi Final two – the rerun Bjarne Pedersen leads from Crump and Adams – B/P takes Crump wide – Adams great cut back up the inside – and into the lead – Crump passes Pedersen – but does not catch Adams – now just one race from the big prize – along with – Crump – Hancock and Jonsson Adams 3 – Crump 2 – B Pedersen 1 Back in the studio Keith – ‘A night of high drama’ – because there will be a race off for the last two places in the overall GP standings – if only Nicki hadn’t made his – ‘two huge mistakes’ Jonathan – ‘Holta has improved as the year has gone on’ Chris Harris – not looking forward to the race off – but will take the chance to get a guaranteed place for 2008 But there is an extra added twist to the plot – has the gate cards are turned blind side – so the riders cannot choose a favoured gate – and the TV pundits debate the validity of such a move Chris Louis thought they should do it the old fashioned way Keith enquires of Chris – ‘can the FIM organise a piss up in a brewery?’ Chris Louis – ‘I’m not commenting on that one.’ But Chris Harris is happy to go blind – as no one is done any favours – though with the pick of gate two – Rune Holta appears to have the advantage over the two Brits Thought the TV pundits don’t see this as a fair way to pick gate positions they are happy that Holta has the chance to qualify by right for 2008 Richardson – ‘Holta needs to win – he is desperate to get into next years GPs’ Chris Louis agrees the pressure is no Holta – as he won’t get picked as a wild card The Race Off Kelvin Tatum – ‘Chris Harris should have had the first pick – they must have made this up as they went along’ Holta makes a good start – Harris is second – goes wide – Nicholls goes under Harris then passes his Coventry team mate Harris drives under Nicholls – into the front – Nicholls connects with Harris ‘Oh he’s knocked him off,’ - yells an astounded Kelvin Tatum!!! ‘It’s unbelievable’ - replies an amazed Nigel Pearson!!! Kelvin Tatum – ‘what’s the ref going to do now???’ Nigel Pearson – ‘the ref has let the race run – therefore the result stands’ Kelvin is lost for words – ‘the ref should have excluded Scott Nicholls’ Nigel Pearson – ‘it is the most clear cut decision you are ever likely to see’ Pearson hopes Scott and Chris will shake hands and accept that – this is speedway – and suggests – perhaps – that Chris Harris – will be part of a similar incident – one day – and the luck – or the decision – will go his way Kelvin Tatum is confused as to how this has been allowed to happen Jonathan interviews Holta – who is obviously suffering badly from the accident to his hand – but he his happy Jonathan looks for reaction from Chris Harris – but the action is diverted to the pick for the gate positions regarding the Grand Final Adams – Jonsson – Hancock – all pick their respective gates – but Crump is reluctant to get up and take the yellow card – indicating gate 4 – the graveyard gate Olsen indicates to Crump – that he must make the pick Crump smiles and says to Olsen – ‘I’ve just realised – it was you who prepared this crap track – that no one can race on – wasn’t it Ole???’ ‘No – no – it wasn’t me Jason,’ chuckled Olsen – ‘would I do a thing like that?’ ‘It was you,’ insisted Jason, ‘You - Great Grand Prix Dane - you.’ Keith Huwen reckons it is one of the most exciting nights of speedway he has ever seen – but doesn’t think that Chris Harris will blame Scott Nicholls for his mishap But Kelvin Tatum is incensed by what happened in the race off But Lee Richardson - lays the blame - squarely at the door of the Polish referee – who should have made a decision But Chris Louis is more stoical about it all – saying that Nicholls had a stroke of luck – that Harris will be disappointed – but he will be in the GPs next year – indicating that in effect – this was the perfect result for everyone – Holta – Nicholls – and Harris Yet all the TV pundits - by dint of what they said – after the race was over – were all in agreement that – Nicholls did - in fact – knock Harris off his bike But - that it was the referees business to exclude Nicholls – therefore if Harris has complaints – he should refer them to the referee – and not to Nicholls But I am sure if Chris Harris – should ask Scott Nicholls why he did what he did – I am sure Scott would have said to Harris ‘Sorry Chris – in the heat of the moment – I thought you were Hans Andersen!!!!’ The Final is almost upon us Who will win it – Hancock – providing us all with – the romantic result?? Nigel Pearson – ‘99 GPs – they said it wouldn’t work out – they said keep the old one off world final But the GPs are here – all those years later’ Kelvin Tatum fancies Jonsson to win the meeting – but his heart is with Greg Hancock Once again – the TV pundits remind the speedway millions - that this is – the richest minute in sport – and this is what it’s all about – and that everyone in the stadium is tense and nervous The Final Adams moves at the gate – immediately blows his chance of victory TV pundits ask if the referee should have called it back? Hancock is slightly ahead of Jonsson – who edges his way around Greg – and pulls away from the American – to win a holiday for his mother Crump almost pulls A/J off his bike as he congratulates the winner of the meeting Jonsson 6 – Hancock 4 – Crump 2 – Adams 0 Jonsson embraces Ole Olsen – congratulating the Great Dane – on his masterful track preparation – saying ‘what a great race track – I couldn’t have done it without you’ But Jonsson is a popular winner – the buccaneering pirate – who stole the treasure chest – from under the noses of the favourites to win the meeting But will Jonsson – ask the TV pundits – become Sweden’s next world champion – and replace – the dear departed Tony Rickardsson??? Jason Crump interviewed – 3rd on the night – 3rd in the world – sums up his up and down year But Jason is privileged to be part of the GPs – and pleased that they are being brought to bigger and better venues – pleased that the prize money is going up ‘We earn our money,’ confirms Jason Jason congratulates Nicki Pedersen on becoming world champion – and Andreas Jonsson – on winning the German GP – and the $100,000 He also congratulates all the other riders in the GP – stating – ‘it takes all sorts to make the GPs happen’ The words of a gracious man – gracious in defeat But there is a deeper meaning to all that Jason Crump said in this interview Jason is obviously enthused – with the spirit – of what the GPs already are – and what they can become Therefore it is up to all those involved in organising the GPs – to take heed of what Crump is talking about – and translate this – as yet theoretical – new spirit of speedway – from thought to deed Because – Jason Crump – is the only speedway rider – who has truly grasped – the meaning of what the future of speedway will be IMG can take speedway to new venues – providing big money prizes – BUT – the TV presentation – must improve – beyond all recognition - in order to convey this spirit – to the viewing public – that they be enthralled by what is on show before them This 100th Grand Prix – should have been a gala TV – an event of the utmost importance – a festival of all that is best in speedway racing – a stage upon which – the best that speedway has to offer – could perform at their best But where was the parade of world champions – to set the scene for what was to come? The televising of the event – started late – everything appeared to be condensed into the time remaining – so much so – that interviews interfered with the build up towards each race – and vice versa – for those who wanted to hear what people had to say. The TV pundits – appeared to see this meeting – as just another GP – with the added ingredient of a big money prize – even though these are the very people – supposedly in on IMG’s plans for the future of the GPs Jason Crump senses all these things – being the reason – he took so much trouble – to express himself precisely – in pointing out the destination – at the end of this new road – that is being opened up – for the speedway fraternity to go down For what Jason Crump was saying – is this – that people are really going to have to –open their eyes to all this – and embrace it wholeheartedly – or accept that speedway has no future – and is going nowhere In reviewing Jason’s autobiography – I said that he was the speedway rider – who would be instrumental in dragging speedway – kicking and screaming - into the 21st century – and he confirmed that in this interview ‘It’s nice he says things like that,’ – Nigel Pearson’s comment on Crump’s interview Greg Hancock – still wants to be part of the GPs – but it is said that IMG want young spectacular riders – like Tai Woffinden – for instance As Josh Auty took a young girl for a ride around the track – that Monday night at Scunthorpe – after the meeting - all the while gazing incredulously at Woffinden – as he pulled endless wheelies around the track But Woffinden was saying to – Auty – and anyone else who cared to notice ‘This is the future Josh – you have to be a showman – that’s what the public want’ Meanwhile Andreas Jonsson – was satisfied he had won his mother her promised holiday – and stated that it was – ‘up to them’ – if he was included in the 2008 GPs Though you get the impression – that A/J wouldn’t be all that bothered if they didn’t pick him – but everyone would have to – wait and see – what happens Back in the studio Keith Huwen – ‘A unique night of speedway’ – but romance is dead as Hancock didn’t’ take the $100,000 Chris Louis – tongue in cheek - ‘where has the romance gone in this sport’ It died Chris – but is waiting to be reborn in the new GP future? But apparently Jonsson needed to win – as there will be no Swedish qualifiers next year – therefore – already – a source of future GP riders – has been cut off – for whatever reason – there are no qualification races in Sweden Does this also mean – that IMG – will dictate who rides in the GPs and who doesn’t – and that there won’t be any need for qualification meetings anywhere? The presentations are made to the top three in this evenings meeting Keith confirms that 60,000 people are in attendance in the stadium Chris Louis insists that this venue remains second to Cardiff – nonetheless Keith – thinks Crump looks like he’s 14 year old – reborn perhaps? Jonsson receives a giant trophy – big enough to hold $100,000 dollars??? Andreas sings the extended version of the Swedish national anthem ‘It goes like this,’ as A/J instructs Crump and Hancock in community singing But why didn’t some of those old world champions present the trophies? Keith says – ‘it’s been a great year for the GPs – there has been some great racing in among’ ‘In among what Keith – all the crap races????’ Presentation to the new world champion and second and third placed riders Chris Louis imagines that Jason Crump will be disappointed with this year Leigh Adams – looks as if his mind and heart – are elsewhere – set on deciding his future perhaps Keith detects sadness in his demeanour – meaning his future is already decided? But all agree – Nicki Pedersen fully deserved his world championship He did it in the right way – for the most part – personally – in the pits – on the bike Nicki sings the Danish National Anthem – conducts the crowd Jason Crump says – ‘I’d love to join in – but I don’t know the words’ – then indicates to Nicki that he ought to sing louder Keith says – ‘we have a lot to look forwards to in 2000 and out’ – Keith corrects himself – ‘2008’ ‘A Freudian slip or what eh – Keith????’ And that’s that for another Grand Prix year Here is a little poem for those who might think speedway has sold it’s world championship soul to the devil they see IMG becoming THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER I know You have not forsaken me In one moment I hang upon the cross In that same moment I am betrayed by a kiss I am riding through Jerusalem I am here writing this song I am at once in freedom I am at one with you I hear the sound of coins As they rattle on the ground Thirty pieces of silver Betrayal is all around Cocks crowing three times Mesmerising rhymes We are in our prisons We are doing our time I seek to speak eternity Balanced on a point The very next thing is To rock this joint I wait on you There is nothing else The stench of evil Fills the air Thirty pieces of silver Rattle on the ground Voices weaving through the labyrinth Big deals coming down the line The snake swings from the Judas Tree That's where I heard that rattling sound The preacher in his pulpit While they pass the plate around Thirty pieces of silver Rattling on the ground It is all change And I have to go along with it I wanted all of this So I had to pay my dues I put my hand in my pocket To see what change I had As I handed my money across Thirty pieces of silver rattled On the ground I stand upon a green hill Looking far away Three wooden crosses Behind me From which hang The bold and the brave Even when you are dying You still don't understand So you just reach out for Something solid and grip Thirty pieces of silver Tightly in your hand …………………………………………………..
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P.l.r.c
Mr. Clemens replied to MattyHart's topic in Speedway Testimonials & Individual and Shared Events
Congratulations to James Wright on his PLRC win He's great to watch round BV when he's on the pace This should be great boost to his confidence and subsequently for his career Well done -
World Final V Grand Prix
Mr. Clemens replied to longlivefrankie's topic in Speedway Grand Prix and Speedway World Cup
In the sports section of the October issue of the Sky TV magazine there is an article concerning the American NFL In this article it tells of American Football history being made when a crowd of 103,467 people in Mexico City watched the Arizona Cardinals versus the San Francisco 49er’s. As the article says – this was the first regular season game held outside the USA The success of this convinced the NFL – to take the show on the road And curtain up is at Wembley Stadium England on Sunday 28th October 2007 Teams playing are the Miami Dolphins versus the New York Giants This is a real match – not an exhibition match – nor is it a warm up game This is the real thing There were 500,000 applications for tickets Thousands will fly in from Miami for the game – as the game is home match – therefore the ‘home team’s fans’ were guaranteed a ticket allocation In the 1990’s – Rupert Murdoch – owner of Sky TV – bought up the TV rights of what was then the English First Division – in order to monopolise the broadcasting of what subsequently became the Premier League Football In the years after the formation of the Premier League – what can be called the ‘favoured’ football teams – those with the largest fan base – the so called ‘rich clubs’ - came to forward to dominate the game These being primarily - Manchester United – Arsenal – Liverpool – while various other clubs fought to gain – ‘favoured football club status’ – and break into - the fabled ‘top four teams’ – eligible to compete in the European Champions League Around the same time the movement began – that was intended to eventually lead to the formation of a European Super League – incorporating – the favoured football teams of each European Nation – that played under the UEFA flag But for a European Super League to take shape – these favoured football teams – would not only have to withdraw from UEFA but from FIFA too It was made very clear - this was the intention of a number of the elite European football clubs – that this was their future – and they intended to put this plan into practice Being one hundred percent aware - this was going to happen – Murdoch attempted to buy Manchester United - in order to have control of the television rights for the games that involved United – in the event that this European Super League – came into existence FIFA - aware what was happening – and what it meant to them - and what it meant to them - was – that the power base of FIFA – would be undermined - put a spanner in these works – by making it known – that those players who played in this European Super League – would lose their registration with FIFA – and therefore would no longer be eligible to play international football for their countries As a result of these manoeuvres – the formation of the European Super League – was stopped in its tracks – and the Champions League was brought into existence – as a compromise – in other words European football fell between two stools – where it languishes to this day Fell between two stools because – the established – old fashioned routine of European football no longer existed – but neither was the new version of European football presentation fulfilled – so European football on TV – pauses now at the half way house between – what football was – and what football will become Once FIFA had successfully put the spanner in the works – Murdoch immediately dropped his interest in the purchase of Manchester United - like a hot potato Man U fans were quite happy that Murdoch pulled out of buying their club – because they knew what was going to happen – if he managed to buy Man U And what was going to happen was this – exactly what is now happening with the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants The European Super League games – would – eventually – take place – all over the world For example Man U would play Juventus in Tokyo Japan – and the game would be broadcast all round the world – and to these two clubs respective fans – sat in their own stadiums – watching it all – on giant TV screens – while Mr Murdoch – would have reaped the rewards of the ownership of Manchester United – that FIFA subsequently denied him Alex Ferguson is also aware of all this – being the reason he has already said – that international football is dead in the water For Ferguson believes most devoutly in the ‘manifest destiny’ of Manchester United to truly be the greatest football club on earth – in every sense of that concept And this can only come about if the European Super League is formed and Manchester United become truly – A World Football Club – with a fan base in every country – they are invited to play in – in essence playing in front of their – ‘home’ supporters – every other game For this is what Mat Busby meant – when he said he wanted Manchester United to be the greatest club on earth – but Busby was looking at the situation within the context of the old UEFA and FIFA dominated system – not in the shape of a European Super League – he might have foreseen it – but it couldn’t have happened in his day In the Sun newspaper today there is on page 67 – an article concerning Arsene Wenger – with the title – ‘English football has lost its soul’ The article talks about all these foreign buyers coming in and buying up all the football clubs – that have the potential – to develop to the point where they can be classed as – real contenders for all the top honours in domestic and European football The reason these wealthy business men – Americans – Russians – et al – are buying up English football clubs is – that at some point –European football - stalled at the halfway house – described earlier – will free itself from the restraints put upon it by FIFA – and the European Super League – will become fact And European football – will be played anywhere in the world – in the country of the highest bidder – prepared to lay out a fortune – to be visited by these teams This is the reason the Glazer’s bought Man U – and the reason the fans protested so vehemently against it – to no avail – and to their eternal regret – as the future unfolds This is the reason Abramovich bought Chelsea – the reason those two Americans bought Liverpool – the reason that other American bought Aston Villa The reason – another Russian billionaire is in the process of buying Arsenal They all want a piece of this forthcoming satellite TV money machine And Arsene Wenger is the ‘dinosaur’ – the ‘boring old fart’ – that sees what’s happening – and sends out a dire warning to one and all – that football might die a long and bitter death Arsene – on the other hand - sticks to the tried and tested concept of what football was – but no longer is – nor quite yet – what some require it to become And already his position at Arsenal is being undermined – by the Russian billionaire creeping in there – buying up shares – even though – Arsenal is solvent – in fact the richest club in England – despite the fact Wenger didn’t spend his allocated transfer budget – and thereby prove – that football doesn’t need this new money – as much as it likes to think it does Despite the fact he has shown – by example – that billionaire ownership isn’t needed in English football – Arsenal will still become owned by this Russian – and Wenger disgusted and dispirited will no doubt retire from active participation in football – and spend his declining years saying to people – ‘I told you that football would die if the designs of all these people – with attitudes alien to the true spirit of football – were allowed to own football – mind - body and soul’ This ‘stance taken’ by Wenger invites parallels with Ole Olsen I- circa 1975 – when he won his world championship that year – mounted on a two valve bike – in defiance of those who were already switching to four valves – determined to show his fellow riders – that there is progress and there is progress – and the general adoption of the four valve bike – wasn’t necessarily progress - conducive with the competitive spirit of the sport of speedway And what in fact – you may ask – has all the above to do with Speedway???? Well – as it has been stated – Murdoch – wanted to buy Man U – in order to have his feet in both camps when it came to broadcasting this - European Super League By owning Manchester United – and the Satellite TV broadcasting rights But FIFA put their spanner in the works – for the time being In the meantime - Murdoch – with this idea for the world wide presentation of football - on his mind – but unable to bring it about – needed a guinea pig to test out these ideas in practice – so he cast around for some sport – suitably down on its uppers – that could do with – both a financial boost and TV exposure – and through Sky TV found – Speedway And none other than Ole Olsen himself – that great innovator of the presentation of speedway – stepped forward - with an already tested out plan of action – to promote speedway - in a different form than previously – the Speedway Grand Prix series – and Speedway fell- like a ripe plum – into the hands of Sky TV The Speedway Grand Prix series - would replace the old Speedway World Championship format - that previously - speedway riders - had to compete in – in order to become World Speedway Champion In the beginning – there were six GP’s in the series – which has grown now to eleven in 2007 Initially the rights of the Speedway Grand Prix series – were owned by BSI – and now they are owned by IMG It is IMG’s intention to make of Speedway – that which the top European football teams - wish to make of the European Super League - a world wide Television franchise – a money making machine And the presentation of the SGPs – will take place – in various countries around the world – within the countries that - IMG believe - will respond positively to the idea of presenting a Speedway Grand Prix – all of which will be broadcast by satellite – and fed into the homes of – the World Wide Speedway Grand Prix Supporters Club Thus speedway – like the NFL – is going to go through – a sea change – in what it is as a sport – the way it is presented – and the way those involved in speedway – react to all these changes – as they unfold And all this is being done – to test the ground – for the inevitable transformation of European football – into a world wide TV franchise – which will come about – when all these billionaires – buying out English football in particular – are ready to pull European football – out of UEFA and FIFA – to form – the European Super League And once football falls into line – with this TV master plan – every other sport will follow on obediently – into the world wide TV broadcasting fold It’s not often speedway leads football in innovations – but in this particular case it is doing – and will continue to do so – till football accepts the inevitability of its future Those actively involved in speedway – be they promoters – riders – mechanics – administration – the FIM – the BSPA – are all of them aware that something is happening – to the sport they live and breathe for Some of them might have no idea what it is – others might have an inkling of what it is – and others definitely know what it is – and all the above is it But for all of this to bear fruit – in the manner desired – requires that speedway be a vibrant forward thinking sport – on every level – in as many countries as possible The master plan Relies on – a strong senior speedway league – e.g the Elite League Relies on – a strong intermediate speedway league – e.g the Premier League Relies on – a strong breeding ground for young riders – e.g the Conference League Relies on – all of these leagues to be strong and vibrant In order that they feed the SGP – with a constant supply of up and coming riders – with the required professionalism – to compete in the SGPs – in the manner required of a top class international speedway rider Because it is obvious – that you can’t have the one thing – the SGPs – without the other – League Speedway – taking place in the traditional European hotspots And wherever leagues can be established worldwide Because you have to have speedway leagues – and their speedway teams – in order that supporters – will have local speedway to support – so they will be suitably motivated to tune into the world wide SGPs – broadcast on TV British Speedway – has found itself at the most profound crossroads in its entire existence – on the eve of its 80th birthday With the current BSPA – in the position where – the decisions they make – will take speedway in Britain – to a bright new future – or to its extinction And the IMG will take the cream of speedway – riders who no longer have a commitment to a speedway team in GB – to perform in their extended series of GPs – perhaps 20 of them a year But the final number will be the one – deemed most practical – to all those taking part – especially the riders - in particular – expected to perform in them But league speedway can survive in GB – but without senior league speedway – it can be in danger of becoming an amateur sport – in the truest sense of the term Young riders – looking for a future in speedway – will find the doors closed to them – the opportunity of becoming a speedway world champion – will be a distant – and destined to be – an unrealisable dream - unless they can afford to go live and ride on the continent – and make such an impression – to catch the attention of the SGP organisers But grassroots speedway – can seen to be in danger of extinction in GB – sacrificed on the altar of expediency – because Elite League speedway – requires top class riders now – which in the main – so promoters seem to believe - can be acquired from abroad – rather than can be bred to order – in sufficient numbers – in this country – without solid – consistent – financial investment But for Sky TV – to see its plan for the future of football to work – it is necessary for them – to have a successful testing out of that plan – in the shape of speedway Therefore – to follow this test through – it is not beyond the realms of possibility – that Sky would inject money into British Speedway – in order to keep it afloat Keep it afloat until – at least – and at last – the European Super Football League – is formed – and the real master plan is put into practice – then speedway having served its purpose – might well be find itself - once more - out there on its own – left to its own devices - to live or die as it chooses -
World Final V Grand Prix
Mr. Clemens replied to longlivefrankie's topic in Speedway Grand Prix and Speedway World Cup
Define blistering <{POST_SNAPBACK}> blistering = with finesse class dash style and spirit And I can define the meaning of life if you want too