herman

nobody is younger than castro.... mental age of somebody that just popped out haha... nutter!

I'd say I would ride if i still had all my gear but bspa MADE me sell it cause they won't have me in NL, whereas somebody that needs any paperwork to be done before he can come over, has a team place.. I'm already here but I'm retired now thanks to BSPA...

proof of permanent residency, marriage certificate etc... I've got plenty of evidence... are they gonna let riders with ancestry ride without proof? surely, not. so the rule I would think could sound like this: Permanent UK Residents (Proof of 5 year residence required, 3 years if married) .... won't make the rule book any thicker as it already is and it won't open any floodgates, just a few riders that live over here and are in the same boat as me.

Well it must be correct, as the Nationality Checking Service confirmed it with the UKBA. They wanted to know who this 3-year-rule (with marriage) applies to. Non-EU members gain permanent residency when married to a British Citizen, and if they've been over here for a minimum of 3 years they can go for Citizenship. When I did my "Life in the UK" test, there were about 80% non-EU people there that wanted to do the same thing. and for the record. the BSPA CAN keep me out of the National League because they make the rules. and if it says "British Passport or Riders with ancestry, no matter where they're flying in from and how much sponsorship, bikes, vans and places to stay they need" then they obviously can ride in the NL... I can't see a "EU Riders that have settled in the UK for nearly 4 years, are married to a British Citizen, are British Taxpayers and are ready to go because they have got their own Equipment in their own Workshop" rule being introduced. Henning

Well I think jasper wasp summed it up. here's an update. i was going for citizenship under the 3 year rule as I married my British Girlfriend on my birthday, october last year. up to that point had been in this country permanently for over 3.5 years. but, here it comes, UKBA rejected my application. The reason given. I am an EU Citizen and enjoy the same rights and benefits as any other British Citizen (and I can confirm that being a British Taxpayer and NHS user). Shall I wish to become (unnecessesarily, i may add) a British Citizen, the Period for EU Citizens is 5 years, whether I am married or not). I forwarded my case to the BSPA in time for the AGM (that included my application form, which gives enough evidence for my residency and also a "Life in The UK" Test Certificate). I was informed I am not allowed in the National League, because it will be only Passport holders and riders with ancestry and in order to allow EU Riders, they would have to make the league "Professional" and that would rise the running costs to the level of EL/PL, which no promoter was prepared to accept. I just wonder why I can ride in any Amateur Meeting in any Class all over the UK, but for the National League I'm a professional. I'm an ACU Licence holder and have been since I came over in 2007, so I'm not even under the umbrella of the German Federation anymore. Nb. The ACU made me "British" in the Nationality section on my annual licence renewal. Shame really. To say I'm well and truly gutted is an understatement. Thanks, Henning Edit: Also I would like to add regarding citizenship. If I was from any other country outside the EU I would be a British Citizen now.

I know Rene and wish him good luck in his new role as a Team GER Manager. It doesn't matter that Rene isn't on the same level as a Kroner, Hefe or Smoli simply because he has been around for the same amount of years or even longer than some of the other riders. (even though he's only young) And he IS a rider himself. Of course he won't be able to tell them how to ride a speedway bike (I think at that level every one should know that). But he'll be good for the team spirit, being with riders around his age and I'd imagine he'd also have a different approach to the team than an "old bloke" because of the age thing and obviously because they all (I was part of it for so many years) grew up racing together ... Good choice I'd say.

...dunno... maybe because I've been doing 2nd halves for several weeks there and begged them to give me a chance in a meeting ...but I'm not so sure about that lol oh, btw. I'm not the oldest rider in the line-up

brokstedt.. my favourite german track.................... .........not!!

I'm working on it mate... will get in touch with you by the end of this week. well, I tell you what I've been doing so far this year with the tracks u mentioned: Birmingham - spannering for Ben Powell Rye House - spannering for Robbie Kessler Ipswich - spannering for Tobi Kroner Mildenhall - different story actually with mildenhall it started because I relocated there from essex as I found work there. Also, what I did on sunday at west row, was helping to put the fence up in the morning and standing between bend 3 and 4 on the centre green with a red flag.... I'm just happy that with my new work and place to stay I can still be involved with speedway and enjoy my time at the track... time will tell where this is actually going

he most definately looks a good prospect... seeing him at rye house and mildenhall, although he didn't score heavily, he's on the pace and never gives up... at both days he took the time after the meeting to go out in the 2nd halves... if he's given time he'll be right up there by the end of the season I think

nah still a nanny, but with a new family.... maybe I can even return to racing soon but time will tell...

doug, the last time I was featured in 2006 I managed to be no. 626 (with only 3 meetings at all)... still ahead of some conference league riders haha

is it the same team-building rules as in that semi? then my team GER would be: Wölbert Busch Demmel Facher Speiser/Pudel/Stanek/Wienke (not sure) but with that team they should be able to get in the mix.

haha, funniest thing I heard in ages... go germany

second halves at certain tracks might give you the answer ps: good luck