cinderfella

It's not the 4 guys turning left 9n fast bikes with no breaks that's the issue. The issue is the way the sport is run and administered by the BSPA and SCB. Until there is a totally independent ruling body we are never going to move forward and the sport will continue to be diluted. As someone who has been watching since the glory days of the 60s when we had 20 teams in the top division, each with at least two international class heat leaders averaging 9 I truly wonder how we got to the stage where we barely have 20 teams in the top two divisions with riders doubling up and until the business end of the season top British riders decline to ride here. And you claim the sport is healthy?

Interesting that 4 of the teams have Friday as their given race night and 2 a Wednesday. Are we going to have a prolonged season with teams 8nsisting they ride 9n their chosen night or will some have to change? As a Glasgow fan I just hope no one trys to get us to race on the weekend of 16/17th when Bomber will be chasing the World Long Track Title.

Wonder how much of this silence from BSPA/SCB has to do with the obvious dislike of Mr Chapman by his fellow Promoters and if its payback time. But in the long run it's the sport and fans that are going to lose out

A meeting had to be abandoned last season because of substandard tyres. From memory Ben Basso had a big off as a result of a tyre disintegrating.

Yeah considering Chapman was head honcho for years he certainly appears to be doing nothing to ensure the future of Peterborough. It does make you wonder if the fans are not being given 5he whole story?

Indeed. I'm assuming he did but perhaps wasn't getting the referee's full attention to the seriousness of the matter.

From what I've heard the Plymouth Promoter was acting in the interests of rider safety re a concern about tyres. I'm sure arider of Kyle Howarth's experience knows enough about tyres to raise his concerns. For the match referee to declare that punctures are a part of speedway and telling the riders to get on with it is what needs investigating imo

Maybe because he wants nothing to do with Peterborough and to concentrate on KL? Though maybe after last night's result he'll realise he has the makings of a team worthy of challenging for honours next season and suddenly develop an interest?

I think the key is the reserves out-scoring the visiting reserves and hope Bomber's off night was last night.

Agreed. Folk have said that the groups could be chosen with geography in mind but I don't think many of the Poole riders reside within the Poole area so distance should be a factor in choosing the opponents.

TBH I don't think either Oxford or Poole will fear Glasgow over two legs given the bottom end of the team. I think Redcar would prove to be more of a hurdle.

Perhaps it will be balanced out over two legs though when you consider he will never have seen the tracks before?

Yeah reality is only thing tonight is good for is giving the new bloke some laps before the two home play-off meetings. Can see attendance being down given there is a wee soccer match being played too.

So is it going to be r/r for Claus tonight after his accident in Denmark on Wed?

Problem being if his mental health issues are treated with medication he may not pass drug tests. Sadly he has to think long term and if that means retiring early although he may feel he has a few years then it must surely be worth it especially as he has a young family. Can but wish him all the best and thank him for the entertainment he has given us over the years

Yeah but their bottom end is the problem. I think the dark horses will be Redcar.

You are obviously assuming Richie is guilty before all tests and facts are known. Dangerous ground to be on.

From reading Berwick's various statements I wouldn't be surprised if they are planning to ride at the lower level next season. The wording almost SUGGESTS they know there is going to be an amalgation of the PL and CL next season and clubs who may elect not to run in that league would join NDL teams in a lower division. I could be way off the mark but its just my interpretation of Berwicks wording

Yes and they can turn up at an athlete's home or place of work unannounced. There was a case a few years ago of a well known international athlete who somehow managed to avoid testers by living with friends and family for months until the anti-doping agency served him with legal papers stating he would be banned until he provided a sample. Im not sure if the rules have changed but it used to be that you could be tested outwith your sports normal season.

Monarchs will just book Sedgy if required for Cookie. Just think a Birmingham rider as guest vs Poole then a Poole rider as guest vs Birmingham and Birmingham could use a Poole rider as guest too. Only in speedway lol

Which is another reason why we need a TOTALLY INDEPENDENT ruling body.

A Finnish flag would be useful as a backup to the b&w chequered flag

Don't get too excited - doubt there will be a top league next year

Do they know about altering handlebar positions, changing length of wheelbase, tyre pressures or old boiler suits (or even pyjamas) these days, I recall one Glasgow rider having a telescopic brooly in his toolbox (he did claim it was for fending off adoring female fans)

Trigger Morris has a ring to it