lucifer sam

BUSY WEEK FOR SCORPIONS HENDERSON INSURANCE Scunthorpe Scorpions are involved in three meetings in as many days this week, which will decide their fate in this year’s League Cup. In the middle fixture of the three, the Scorpions entertain Sheffield Tigers in a local derby encounter at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Friday evening (7.30pm). Sandwiching that home match are visits away to Sheffield on Thursday and Leicester on Saturday. The League Cup is split into four regional sections, with the winners of each section progressing to the semi-finals later in the season. The Scorpions won their opening fixture on Good Friday with a 46-44 victory over the Leicester Lions, while Leicester defeated Sheffield 47-43 on Easter Saturday. The remaining Sheffield v Leicester meeting takes place on Thursday, April 11th. Scorpions’ team manager Richard Hollingsworth said: “We will approach one meeting at a time. We’re more than capable of winning all three meetings; we’ve won at both Sheffield and Leicester in the last couple of years. “Ideally, to put ourselves in a strong position to qualify for the semi-finals, we need to beat Sheffield at home on Friday, and win at least one of the two away matches. “There’s also local pride on the line for the Sheffield clashes. “Up until last season, we always saw Sheffield as a big brother – a successful local team, who had been established for longer than us, had more success than us, and also held the upper hand in clashes between the two sides. “But we turned the tables on them in the two Premier League meetings in 2012. “For the first time ever, we went to Sheffield and beat them – it was a fantastic feeling because we have a lot of respect for the Sheffield promotion and we knew it was no mean feat to get one over them at their place. We ended the season as Premier League champions, while Sheffield only just avoided the wooden spoon. “Sheffield will want revenge this week, whilst we want to beat them home and away again!” The narrow win against Leicester last week was a real team effort, with every member of the Scorpions team coming up with vital points at one point or another during the meeting. “We just need a little more consistency”, said Hollingsworth. “All the boys had good races. But, apart from Josh Auty, each of the lads also had at least one pointless outing. However, I'm sure nearly all of them were from the middle gate positions. I'm sure, as we move to evening meetings, there will be a bit more dirt created and, in turn, we will get even more passing than we saw last week. “I was delighted by the performances of the two reserves, Ryan Douglas and Josh Bates, in the Leicester meeting. “The Premier League is a very tough league; every rider in the Premier League is a good rider. To come into the league for the first time is tough for a youngster. “But we saw real signs of what is to come from both Ryan and Josh. It was a beautiful ride around the outside by Ryan on the first lap of Heat 12, and once he hit the front, there was no catching him. And Lasse Bjerre put Josh under real pressure in Heat 7, but Josh fended him off for a fine second place. “With those two lads, we don’t put them under any pressure, we just let them get on with it and see what they can do. This week will be a new challenge for them, with their first two away meetings with the Scorpions. They will have the backing of the rest of the side.” Meanwhile, the Scunthorpe management would like to send their best wishes to Leicester’s Adam Roynon. Roynon competed in the meeting at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Good Friday. Both he and Josh Auty then travelled to Brandon for the evening Coventry v Birmingham Elite League fixture. Roynon took a heavy fall in Heat 14, and Auty found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, and was unable to miss the stricken rider in front of him. Roynon was rushed to hospital with a head injury. But the good news was that, within a day of the accident, Roynon was conscious and active on his Twitter account from the hospital. Hollingsworth said: “It was a shock to learn of Adam’s injury, just a few hours after he had been riding at the Eddie Wright Raceway. “Fortunately, there was soon some good news in that he was awake and posting on Twitter. He’s a nice lad, and everyone at Scunthorpe wishes Adam a speedy recovery.” Teams for Friday (English unless stated): Henderson Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Josh Auty, 2. Thomas Jørgensen (Denmark), 3. Michael Palm Toft (Denmark), 4. Ashley Birks, 5. David Howe, 6. Josh Bates, 7. Ryan Douglas (Australia). Sheffield Tigers: 1. Simon Stead, 2. Facundo Albin (Argentina), 3. Joe Haines, 4. Richard Hall, 5. Ricky Wells (United States), 6. Damien Koppe (Australia), 7. Jake Knight. There is a six-heat Castleford v Milton Keynes Midland Development League fixture in the second half. Scorpions Info Thomas Jørgensen has now scored over 600 points for the club (605 to date). Michael Palm Toft has now scored over 500 points for the club (501 to date). Sheffield Tigers at EWR Ave Ave Best Name Lge M R Pts BP (no BP) (w BP) Performance Facundo Albin DEBUT PL MEETING @ EWR Joe Haines PL 13 57 83 6 5.82 6.25 16 from 6 rides (inc 4 pts T/R (2009)) Richard Hall PL 41 188 350 23 7.45 7.94 17 from 6 rides (2008) Jake Knight DEBUT PL MEETING @ EWR Damien Koppe DEBUT PL MEETING @ EWR Simon Stead DEBUT PL MEETING @ EWR Ricky Wells PL 7 32 44 7 5.50 6.38 8 + 3 from 5 rides (2012) Other Notes Facundo Albin 2011 Argentinean Champion. Riding in his debut PL season. Joe Haines Has ridden for the Scunthorpe Scorpions at both Premier and Conference League levels. Member of Scunthorpe's 2007 Conference League Championship, KO Cup and Trophy Winning Teams. Member of Workington's Premier League Four-Team Championship and Young Shield Winning Teams in 2008. Member of Wolverhampton's Elite Shield Winning Teams in 2010 and 2011. Richard Hall Has had two spells riding for the Scunthorpe Scorpions at Premier League level. Member of Peterborough's Elite League Championship Winning Team in 2006. Member of Peterborough's Elite League Shield Winning Team in 2007. Jake Knight Made National League debut in 2009 for King's Lynn. Riding in his debut PL season and will also ride in the National League with King's Lynn Young Stars. Damien Koppe Finished second to Steve Jones in an Amateur Meeting held in October 2012 at EWR. Riding in his debut PL season. Simon Stead Three times British Under-21 Champion (2001 to 2003). Youth Development League Riders Champion 1988. Has ridden in 4 GP's and 5 World Cup Tournaments including 3 Finals. League Championship Winner with Peterborough II in 1997. Member of Peterborough's Premier League Championship Winning Team in 1998. Member of Sheffield's Premier League Championship and Young Shield Winning Teams in 1999 and 2002. Member of Sheffield's Premier Trophy Winning Team in 2001 and KO Cup Winning Team in 2002. Three times Premier League Fours Winner (1999/2000 with Sheffield and 2004 with Workington). Member of Workington's Premier League Pairs Winning Duo in 2003. Member of Belle Vue's Elite League Pairs Winning Duo in 2006. Member of Belle Vue's Elite League KO Cup Winning Team in 2005. Member of Coventry's Elite League Craven Shield Winning Team in 2008. Member of Swindon's Elite League Winning Team in 2012. Named as a 'doubling-up' rider with King's Lynn for the 2013 Elite League season. Ricky Wells Twice USA Under-21 Champion (2007 and 2008). Member of Wolverhampton's Elite Shield Winning Team in 2011. Named as a 'doubling-up' rider with Wolverhampton for the 2013 Elite League season. Sheffield Tigers' Results at EWR 23 October 2005 CH L Scunthorpe 47 Sheffield 43 30 October 2007 CH W Scunthorpe 44 Sheffield 45 21 March 2008 PT W Scunthorpe 41 Sheffield 48 11 April 2008 KOC W Scunthorpe 44 Sheffield 48 15 August 2008 PL W Scunthorpe 43 Sheffield 47 20 March 2009 CH L Scunthorpe 60 Sheffield 32 05 May 2009 PL L Scunthorpe 57 Sheffield 38 19 March 2010 PT L Scunthorpe 43 Sheffield 33 30 August 2010 PL W Scunthorpe 41 Sheffield 51 18 March 2011 CH W Scunthorpe 43 Sheffield 47 10 June 2011 PL L Scunthorpe 46 Sheffield 43 04 June 2012 LC W Scunthorpe 40 Sheffield 50 17 August 2012 PL L Scunthorpe 51 Sheffield 42 Sheffield Tigers' 2013 Results 28 March 2013 CH H L Sheffield 30 Birmingham 60 30 March 2013 LC A L Sheffield 43 Leicester 47 (stats courtesy of John Eyre)

Match report now added to Scunny website. All the best Rob

I will be posting a full match report - including interviews with Rebecca Parnaby and Olly Greenwood - on the Scunny website in the morning. In short, the Saints recovered from a six-point deficit, with a fine paid maximum from Ryan Douglas. All the best Rob

What a shame!!! I was looking forward to the hundreds of pages of complaints for late-arriving tickets again, for those daft enough to buy their tickets in advance when there's always tickets on sale on the day!!!! All the best Rob

RETURN OF THE SAINTS THE teams have been confirmed for the second meeting of the Good Friday double-header at the Eddie Wright Raceway. Following the Scunthorpe Scorpions v Leicester Lions League Cup match (start-time 3pm), the Scunthorpe Saints will take to the track in the first of a series of National League challenge matches, entertaining a Long Eaton select side. Saints’ team manager Stuart Parnaby said: “It’s great to keep the Saints team alive, even if we aren’t running in the league. “It will give opportunities for riders to complete in meetings of a National League standard at Scunthorpe. Hopefully we can get in the odd away meeting in as well.” Parnaby praised Scorpions’ team manager Richard Hollingsworth’s determination in making sure the Saints took to the track in 2013 in one capacity or another. “When Rob (Godfrey, Scunthorpe promoter) made the difficult decision to pull the Saints out of the National League on financial grounds, it hit Richard the hardest out of all of us”, he revealed. “We were all disappointed – Rob, Rebecca (Stuart’s wife and Saints’ co-team manager) and myself. But Richard was really gutted. He co-ordinates the amateur meetings and practice sessions at Scunthorpe, and the disappearance of the Saints left a big hole. “I take my hat off to him, for putting together a plan which would enable the Saints to continue in challenge matches. This is Richard’s baby.” Parnaby - who will also be down the pits for Scorpions’ meetings as the mechanic for Thomas Jorgensen and Ryan Douglas - is looking forward to the Saints’ first meeting. “We’ve got a tremendous team out for the Saints. We’re at the start of the season, so both Scorpions’ reserves Ryan Douglas and Josh Bates will be riding for us, to get in a bit more practice. “Oliver Greenwood, Max Clegg and Danny Phillips need no introduction, as they all rode for the Saints regularly in 2012. Danny hasn’t got a National League team this season as yet, so this is a chance for him to go out, score a few points, and if one of the NL teams suddenly needs a new rider, maybe they will look in his direction.” The Saints team is completed by Adam Kirby, a member of the Scunthorpe Stags Midland Development League team in 2012, plus a new name – Matt Williamson. Williamson has already turned a few heads by qualifying for the final of the British Under-21 Final at Wolverhampton. Parnaby said: “Matt is no stranger to Scunthorpe. He’s ridden at Scunthorpe a few times already – in the amateur meetings. He’s riding for Buxton in the National League this year, and this gives him the chance of some extra competitive rides.” Teams for Good Friday: Scunthorpe Saints: 1. Ryan Douglas, 2. Matt Williamson, 3. Oliver Greenwood, 4. Max Clegg, 5. Josh Bates, 6. Danny Phillips, 7. Adam Kirby. Long Eaton Select: 1. Lee Dicken, 2. Lee Geary, 3. Shane Waldron, 4. Luke Chessell, 5. Ben Morley, 6. Nathan Greaves, 7. Conor Dywer. Double Header Admission Prices: Adult: £16.00 Student/OAP: £14.00 Child (10 - 16): £5.00 Child (0 - 9) Free (accompanied by paying adult) Family Ticket £37 (2 adults, 2 Children 10-16) Match Programme: £1.00

ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR GOOD FRIDAY DOUBLE-HEADER HENDERSON INSURANCE Scunthorpe Scorpions are all set to beat the recent bad spell of weather on Good Friday. The Scorpions take on Leicester Lions in League Cup action (start-time 3pm) in their first meeting of the season at the Eddie Wright Raceway, before the Scunthorpe Saints take on a Long Eaton select in a National League challenge match in the second half. The heavy snowfall that has hit some northern and midlands areas has largely avoided North Lincolnshire. Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “Friday’s meeting is definitely on. The weather forecast for the next two days poses no threat, while the track is in perfect condition. “Many speedway fans across the country have found themselves starved of any racing so far this season. This is a chance to make up for that. “Our meeting against Leicester promises to be a fantastic match between two of the leading contenders in this year’s Premier League. In total, we are putting on thirty heats of action for just £16 for adults.” Double Header Admission Prices: Adult: £16.00 Student/OAP: £14.00 Child (10 - 16): £5.00 Child (0 - 9) Free (accompanied by paying adult) Family Ticket £37 (2 adults, 2 Children 10-16) Match Programme: £1.00

EXCITING OPENING FIXTURE AHEAD ON GOOD FRIDAY DEFENDING Premier League champions Henderson Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions face a tough opening fixture of the 2013 season on Good Friday (3pm) with the visit of highly-fancied Leicester Lions in League Cup action, in what promises to be a cracker of a meeting. And there will be thirty heats of Bank Holiday action on offer, with the Scunthorpe Saints taking on a Long Eaton Select in a National League challenge match in the second half. Scunthorpe Scorpions’ team manager Richard Hollingsworth is cautiously optimistic of his side’s chances on Friday. He said: “It’s the first meeting of the season for many of our riders. As always with the first meeting, you can’t be quite sure what to expect. The riders are still looking to get into that groove and build up confidence, so there can be more of an element of surprise at this time of year. “Leicester have a good side this year, but so do we. I think all our riders have managed to get some practice in, and that could work in our favour. Michael (Palm Toft), Thomas (Jørgensen) and Ryan (Douglas) all arrived a few weeks ago and have been here for the good part of a month. “I’m sure what we will see on Friday is some high quality racing between two strong and highly-rated teams.” The Scorpions have retained five riders from the 2012 championship-winning side and Hollingsworth believes another exciting season lies ahead. “I am confident that we have a good team again this year”, he added. “I have complete faith in the riders. “Just looking ahead to the Premier League campaign for a moment, the minimum we want is to make the play-offs, and once we’re in those, there’s every chance of winning another league title. “We have a young team, with plenty of room for riders to progress. In particular, I look at the middle order of our team - Thomas Jørgensen, Ashley Birks and Michael Palm Toft - and each of those could substantially improve their average. “Josh (Auty) and David (Howe) will form an excellent spearhead, although of course David is returning from an injury; while we have two raw and exciting talents in Ryan Douglas and Josh Bates at reserve, who are both new to this level of racing. “I’m convinced some more exciting times are ahead for this club this season.” The League Cup is split into four regional sections, with the four group winners qualifying for the semi-finals. Scunthorpe have Leicester and Sheffield in their group. Friday’s adult admission price for the double-header is £16. It’s just £2 more than a single Premier League meeting at the Eddie Wright Raceway, for 15 extra heats of action. The circuit rightfully won the award last season for being the best racetrack in the Premier League, so a full and exciting day of racing is ahead. Double Header Admission Prices: Adult: £16.00 Student/OAP: £14.00 Child (10 - 16): £5.00 Child (0 - 9) Free (accompanied by paying adult) Family Ticket £37 (2 adults, 2 Children 10-16) Match Programme: £1.00 Teams for Good Friday (English unless stated): Henderson Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Josh Auty, 2. Thomas Jørgensen (Denmark), 3. Michael Palm Toft (Denmark), 4. Ashley Birks, 5. David Howe, 6. Josh Bates, 7. Ryan Douglas (Australia). Leicester Lions: 1. Kauko Nieminen (Finland), 2. Jan Graversen (Denmark), 3. Lasse Bjerre (Denmark), 4. Adam Roynon, 5. Kevin Doolan (Australia), 6. Simon Nielsen (Denmark), 7. Lewis Blackbird. Scunthorpe Saints: 1. Ryan Douglas, 2. Matt Williamson, 3. Oliver Greenwood, 4. Max Clegg, 5. Josh Bates, 6. Danny Phillips, 7. Adam Kirby. Long Eaton Select: 1. Lee Dicken, 2. Lee Geary, 3. Shane Waldron, 4. Luke Chessell, 5. Ben Morley, 6. Nathan Greaves, 7. Conor Dywer. Leicester Lions at EWR Ave Ave Best Name Lge M R Pts BP (no BP) (w BP) Performance Lasse Bjerre PL 4 21 36 2 6.86 7.24 11 from 6 rides (2011) Lewis Blackbird PL 1 4 3 0 3.00 3.00 3 from 4 rides (2012) Kevin Doolan PL 8 39 63 2 6.46 6.67 14 from 5 rides (2008) Jan Graversen PL 18 79 88 24 4.46 5.67 9 + 4 from 7 rides (2012) Simon Nielsen PL 1 4 3 2 3.00 5.00 3 + 2 from 4 rides (2012) Kauko Nieminen PL 4 18 29 1 6.44 6.67 13 from 5 rides (2008) Adam Roynon PL 3 13 12 2 3.69 4.31 8 + 1 from 5 rides (2012) Other Notes Lasse Bjerre 2011 Danish Under-21 Champion. Member of Denmark's World Under-21 Team Cup Championship Winning Team in 2010. Member of Ipswich's Premier League Fours Championship Winning Team in 2010. Lewis Blackbird Member of Mildenhall's National League KO Cup Winning Team in 2011. Captain of Mildenhall's 2012 National League side, which won 5 major trophies at that level. Will also ride in 2013 for Dudley in the National League. Kevin Doolan Member of King's Lynn's Premier League KO Cup and Young Shield Winning Teams in 2005. Member of King's Lynn's Premier League Championship, KO Cup and Premier Trophy Winning Teams in 2006. Member of Workington's Premier League Four-Team Championship Winning Team in 2009. Member of Ipswich's Premier League Four-Team Championship Winning Team in 2011. Jan Graversen Former Scunthorpe Scorpion who won the Kenny Smith Memorial Trophy in 2010. Member of King's Lynn's Premier League Championship, Premier Trophy and KO Cup Winning Teams in 2009. Simon Nielsen First rode in this country, making his Premier League debut in 2011 for Workington. Winner of the 2005 Individual FIM Youth Gold Trophy (80cc), unofficial Under-16 World Championship. Kauko Nieminen Three times Finnish Champion (2009, 2010 and 2011). Three times Finnish Under-21 Champion (1998, 1999 and 2000). Member of Workington's Premier League Fours Championship Winning Teams in 2004 and 2008. Member of Workington's Premier League Pairs Winning Team in 2008. Named as a 'doubling-up' rider with Belle Vue for the 2013 Elite League Season. Adam Roynon 2006 Conference League Riders Champion. Member of Mildenhall's Conference League Championship and KO Cup Winning Teams in 2004. Member of Rye House's Premier League Championship Winning Team in 2007. Member of Dudley's National League Shield and Four-Team Championship Winning Teams in 2011. Member of Dudley's National League Shield Winning Team in 2012. A member of Workington's Premier League Pairs Winning duo in 2012. Named as a 'doubling-up rider with Coventry for the 2013 Elite League Season. Leicester Lions' Results at EWR 08 July 2011 PL L Scunthorpe 53 Leicester 40 16 September 2011 PL (Ph 2) W Scunthorpe 43 Leicester 50 16 March 2012 KSMT L Scunthorpe 46 Leicester 44 10 August 2012 PL L Scunthorpe 51 Leicester 42 (stats courtesy of John Eyre)

Well, I've made some poor predictions in my time, but I've never tipped a team not in the league to win it. Incidentally, where did you tip Scunny to finish last season? All the best Rob

Sad to say, meeting postponed. All the best Rob

DAVID’S BIG DAY THE big day at Scunthorpe’s Eddie Wright Raceway is nearly here! On Sunday, the David Howe testimonial starts the ninth successive season of racing at the North Lincolnshire circuit (3pm). Howe joined the Scorpions at the start of the 2009 season and is a club legend. He is both the clubs’ all-time top points scorer and also its current captain. 31-year-old Howe is in the prime of his professional career, which began in the old Amateur League (now the National League) in 1997 with the Peterborough Thundercats when he was just 15. Uniquely he won three successive league titles with Peterborough at three different levels – Amateur League in 1997, Premier League in 1998 and Elite League in 1999. He joined the Wolverhampton in 2002 and spent six of the next seven seasons at Monmore Green, the exception being 2006 when he was loaned to Oxford. A former British Under-21 Champion, David also knows what it's like to race at the highest level as he has made three Speedway Grand Prix appearances – in the British GP twice (2003 and 2007) and the Slovenian GP (2003). As well as riding for Scunthorpe this season (his fifth successive season with the Scorpions), he is also aiming to make a mark on the 2013 World Longtrack Championship. He missed the majority of 2012 due to injury and will be looking to bounce back from that. Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “Every club needs a guy people can relate to and when you say David Howe now, straight away you think ‘Scunthorpe Speedway.’ He says he wants to be at Scunthorpe for the rest of his racing career and we want him to stay. “It’s his fifth season with us and in that time, he’s not only become a good servant to Scunthorpe, he’s become a good friend too. “I sincerely hope his meeting is a huge success, and we get a great crowd in for him.” Prices for Sunday’s meeting will be at the usual Premier League admission prices for the Eddie Wright Raceway. There will be 22 races in the main meeting on Sunday (20 heats plus a semi-final and final), plus support races, so it is excellent value for money. It’s a top quality field including both Elite and Premier League stars. Five of the 2013 Scorpions are included in the line-up, and all five could be contenders on Sunday afternoon. Other leading contenders will be King’s Lynn Elite League rider Mads Korneliussen, the winner of the recent Ben Fund Bonanza at Berwick; Simon Stead, the No 1 for local rivals Sheffield and a team-mate of David’s way back in 1997; and Elite League stars Patrick Hougaard, Ty Proctor and Cameron Woodward. Full line-up: David Howe, Josh Auty, Thomas Jorgensen, Michael Palm Toft & Ashley Birks (all Scunthorpe), Simon Stead (Sheffield & King’s Lynn), Mads Korneliussen (King’s Lynn), Kevin Doolan & Kauko Nieminen (Leicester), Cameron Woodward (Eastbourne), Ricky Ashworth (Berwick), Richard Hall (Sheffield), Leigh Lanham (Ipswich), Simon Lambert (Rye House), Ty Proctor (Plymouth & Wolverhampton), and Patrick Hougaard (Peterborough). Reserves: Ryan Douglas & Josh Bates (Scunthorpe). Admission Prices: ADULT £14 STUDENT/OAP £12 CHILD (10-16) £5 CHILD (0-9) free (accompanied by a paying adult) FAMILY TICKET £33 (2 adults and 2 children 10-16) There will be a bumper 36 page, colour souvenir programme available on the day priced at £3 with quite a few embarrassing photos of David inside. Other information: • Gates open at 1.30pm • Bar and cafe will be open as usual. • Raffle tickets and programmes available from usual place but also raffle tickets will be available by the disabled stand between turns 3-4 before the meeting and available on the souvenir table. Raffle will be drawn in the interval, 1st prize tickets to Cardiff GP. • There will be 125cc class racing on the day, which includes Kieran Douglas, Jordan Jenkins, Kyle Bickley and Macauley Leek. • Also a 250cc class including Lewis Whitmore, Dan Miles, Luke Woodhull and Ben Woodhull. • After the meeting there will be an auction of goodies in the bar, all welcome to come along for a drink, warm and chat! The winner of the meeting will receive the Kenny Smith Memorial Trophy for 12 months. KENNY SMITH 1954-2009 A legend of Scunthorpe Speedway Kenny Smith died in 2009, after a brave battle against throat cancer. He was both co-promoter and team manager of the Scorpions. Just two days before he was passed away, he was taken around the Scunthorpe track on the back of David Howe’s bike for two emotional laps of honour. Kenny’s grandfather was one of the pioneer riders in the sport’s early days back in the 1920s. Kenny began his own racing career in grasstrack, before taking up speedway in the late sixties at Doncaster. However, he is best remembered for his involvement on the other side of the speedway fence. After being involved at Middlesbrough, he switched to Newcastle when the Teesside club’s Cleveland Park track closed. Newcastle boss George English, soon made him Assistant Team Manager and Kenny took responsibility for the Newcastle Gems when they entered a side in the Conference League. With speedway returned to Scunthorpe to 2005 after a twenty-year absence, Kenny offered his services, as the Gems had withdrawn from the Conference League following the 2004 season. He was taken on board as Scorpions’ team manager, and was delighted when the Scorpions carried all before then to sweep to successive Conference League titles in 2006 and 2007. Kenny’s unswerving passion for the sport and the Scunthorpe club was rewarded in 2007 when he became a co-promoter and the club could have never wished for a greater ambassador.

This meeting is Scunny's normal PL admission prices... so you'll get 22 heats for £14 All the best Rob

... at tiddlywinks. However, he is a much better Speedway rider. Is that how your sentence ended June? All the best Rob

Both Worralls were always in the line-up. All the best Rob

Probably the most disappointing thing was that several riders had intially verbally said yes to the Ben Fund meeting, only to then say no once the Tomas Topinka meeting was added to the calendar. So the Tomas Topinka meeting has taken several top riders away from the Ben Fund meeting. But the Ben Fund meeting will still be a cracker, with quite a few riders who wouldn't normally be at Berwick. I'm looking forward to it. I also hope Tomas's farewell meeting is a success, even though the organisers have been naughty in putting it before the Ben Fund meeting. All the best Rob

It would also be nice to try to work out exactly who won the league, as both Crayford and Oxford declared themselves champions. I think both teams beat each other at home, and don't seem to have dropped points elsewhere. I think it was an incomplete league table, so it might come down to who staged the most matches!!! All the best Rob

I think it is somewhat disappointing that Tomas Topinka's meeting is allowed to take place before the Ben Fund meeting, the traditional season opener. I wish Tomas all the best with his meeting, but it doesn't seem quite right that it is somewhat stealing the thunder of the Ben Fund meeting. Looking forward to the Ben Fund meeting - less than two months to go All the best Rob

Just a little suggestion. Maybe the title of the meeting should now be amended to simply "The Cracker" for the February restaging. All the best Rob

1. Per Sorensen 2. Jimmy Nilsen 3. Tony Langdon 4. Bob Kilby 5. Leigh Adams 6. The late David Smart 7. Kevin Smart All the best Rob

In the case of Lady S, she'd like Craig or John Branney. I'm sure Paul Ackroyd will do an excellent job with the line-up as in previous years. Looking forward to it already!! All the best Rob

Statman, will the restaging take place with as many of the original line-up as possible? All the best Rob

Any results for this event? Just checked the Short Track UK website and I can't see a result on there. All the best Rob

Scunny season starts with the David Howe testimonial on Sunday, March 24th. Confirmed dates so far: Sunday March 24th - David Howe testimonial Friday April 12th - Scunny v Newcastle (Premier Shield) All the best Rob

Surely one alternative would be to allocate the riders the best riders the better gates in order of the points scored. E.g. Gate 1 scores 40 points, gate 2 scores 32 points, gate 3 scores 18 points, gate 4 scores 30 points. Therefore in semi 1: 1st highest scorer from heats gets gate 1 (best gate) 4th highest scorer gets gate 2 (2nd best gate) 6th highest scorer gets gate 4 (3rd best gate) 7th highest scorer gets gate 3 (worst gate) Likewise with semi 2. Therefore the top scorers are still rewarded with the best gates, but without the delay of having the semi-final draws. All the best Rob

White Knight, you still haven't answered my question: who should have won the 2000 GP series then? Because whoever you think it should have been, he scored less points overall than Mark Loram. All the best Rob

So if Mark Loram wasn't the best rider in the 2000 series, then who was? Someone who scored LESS overall points points than Loram?????? Mind you, Lionel Van Praag was 1936 champion, even though Bluey Wilkinson scored a 15-point maximum in the World Final. All the best Rob