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Everything posted by chunky
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You may be right, but obviously the GP system has changed so much since it was introduced. We know that BSI want certain riders from certain nations, and while I think the GP system is very good, I think that the qualification process for the series could be vastly improved. Sad thing is that in the 70's and '80's, British fans wanted world speedway to revolve around British speedway, because it was the best, but it has really deteriorated into Tai being the ONLY true world-class rider. Everyone was horrified when Trevor Hedge was the only Brit to qualify for the 1970 World Final, but there were still many world-class riders (the Boococks, Betts, Ashby, McMillan etc). Steve
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Americans generally aren't interested in complicated league scenarios or closely contested matches. They only things that mean anything are wins and losses, and lots of goals/runs! Take snooker against pool. Americans don't like snooker because it is harder to pocket the balls, and it involves scorekeeping. Pool, they just have to pocket a few balls, and then the 8-ball. Steve
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Some of what you say is true, but some isn't... I understand the concept - particularly as far as injuries are concerned - but I am not totally convinced with wild cards. However, there were always limits (certainly in mainland Europe) where countries were allotted a certain number of places in the FIM events based on the quantity and level of their riders. However, a system like that is never going to be fair or equitable, and some riders were always going to penalised because of their nationality. Steve
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Like I said, I preferred the atmosphere, and the spontaneity of the old system, but in fairness to the riders, I totally support the idea of a GP system. The problem is that most who liked the old World Finals have probably not been involved in serious competitive sport. As someone who has been involved in such sport for some 40 years, I appreciate the value of fairness to the competitors. Steve
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A league/GP/round robin format is designed to find the best - and most consistent - over the period of that system. A knockout system is designed to find the best on each individual occasion. People keep on about, "But they have playoffs in football!" Yes, they do, but NOT for a league title... Steve
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I'm not worried about your preference. You stated that, "If we want the BEST rider to win what would be the point?" What is the point of having sporting competitions and contest if they are NOT designed to find the BEST competitor? If an individual or team is the BEST over a contest (or series of contests), why should they not be rewarded for that? If we want "winners" at random, based on luck rather than skill, then why do we put in the effort to be better, faster, more accurate, than everybody else? If that doesn't merit rewards, then everything is worthless... Steve
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That's fine, but the World Speedway Championship is designed to find the best speedway rider in the world, not to please Colin Mills... I preferred the World Finals, but I am perfectly okay with a GP system that generally provides a much stronger competition overall, and reduces the luck factor. Steve
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Yes and no. Maybe you would lose a World Final because of a fall, and e/f, or one poor gate - but that is hardly fair either. Look at PC in 1975, or Jessup in 78, for example. However, as far as qualifying rounds, things like the Commonwealth, Overseas, and Inter-Continental finals were the complete opposite. The top 9, 10, or even 11 would qualify for the next round. So, there are flaws whichever way you look at it, but a GP system is much fairer for EVERYONE, and reduces the chances of one small thing costing you a title that you have worked hard all year for. That cannot be a bad thing... Steve
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Firstly, I just want to say that I HATE YOU! ALL OF YOU!!! I just wish I was able to make it over to Torun. If only it were as easy and cheap to travel around Europe while I was still there... Secondly, let's forget about Woffy and Bartek; it is a very interesting battle for the top eight now. A great last ride from Sayfutdinov has given him a great chance of overtaking Dudek. Laguta and Zagar are both also in range. That leaves Dudek to get a wild card, and I think Vaculik deserves one too; what a crazy year he has had... Then what? Steve