Gresham

Indeed ;-) I only live in Bristol...would get the last train back, but it's been cancelled so many times before, that I'm not going to risk being stranded. Only downside to Cardiff, is there aren't enough hotel rooms for a capital. Always over priced too on a Saturday. Plus I'm taking someone to their first ever speedway meeting, so want it to be fun and stress free. I'm sure it will be fun ;-)

The score line doesn't really reflect the closeness of the contest. Some good close racing all night...not too many passes...but it was certainly close in a lot of races. Kennett was on fire, he had some good close races with Josh. Robson and Nielsen also impressed. There was a cracking race in heat 6 which BWD won, but he was much slower than Josh and Robson. Josh tried his hardest to protect BWD, but in doing so allowed Robson to find a line to overtake him. Shame...as I've noticed so much talent in BWD, he's doing so well, but he's ringing that throttle dry trying to find more speed. He'd be top 3 if he could find another half a second or so. Another cracking race in heat 11 when Jake found speed and grip down the back straight...was like a bullet...almost took Kennett out, but controlled it and was all over him like a Spitfire on an ME 109 ;-) Kennett held on in another cracker. Was great to see the Wildcats of Weymouth facing The Falcons from Exeter in the second half...brought back memories of Wigg and Yeates, Autrey and co. Both tracks I loved visiting.

Agreed...also depends on how BWD does at number 2. Looked good again last night, maybe a little down on power...seems like that the past few meetings...must be frustrating, when you have that much talent.

I'm going to have to drive to this event...I usually take the train. What are the best car parks to use for the day? Also...can anyone recommend any decent hotels, that don't cost £200 for the night a short distance from Cardiff? Thanks in advance :-)

Cool...would be good to meet. Was there last night. Will try to get there on Tuesday, weather permitting...shouldn't we be drinking wine, or is the Vin des Rebels a bit on the dodgy side? ;-)

Wish I was able to go to this...should be a cracker. Think it could go either way...too close to call.

I'm in...its sunny and breazy...and the beer tastes good...track looks bone dry. Get here if you are doubting the weather

Touch and go then...the sooner Speedway tracks find a way of introducing some way of protecting the track from rain the better...another case of not wanting to travel two hours in traffic at the risk of a cancellation. Fingers crossed for some sunshine between now and the start.

Was looking forward to this...hoping it's still going to be on, hasn't stopped raining all day here in Brizzol. What's it like down in Highbridge? Anyone?

I thought this was a forum frequented by people who know a little about speedway and how it works...how wrong was I...feck me...this thread is hilarious...can't believe fans don't know about how speedway riders move bikes, engines around. How can people talk with such authority and have an educated 'opinion' when they can't even get the basics right. This thread is so cringe worthy it's unbelievable...stop it now...you're making my eyes bleed.

Yes...but thanks for pointing it out...this was the DVD I was referring too...I'm actually on it :-)

Cheers fella...yes I'm aware of that footage. There is a DVD of some footage from both knowle and Eastville, but it has very little racing on it. I've actually never seen any footage of the Bulldogs racing away from home....especially from 77 and 78. I used to have the old commentary cassettes you could buy from Speedway Star...I'm just surprised there isn't more video footage online. Hence my opening post...there must be loads hidden away.

I'm neither a fan or a close follower of Tai. Imo, certain people are missing the bigger picture...this isn't a reflection on Tai Woffenden...it could be any rider in his position. It's more a reflection of British Speedway. All the problems that occur, can be traced back to why the majority of great riders are putting Poland and Sweden before the UK. If this wasn't the case, Tai or whoever would probably be riding here and less abroad.

I found this Thames news footage of the lead up to the 81 final at Wembley...some great footage and interviews. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuivbOfzGa0 There must be loads of footage still in the archives of local news broadcasters, that will probably never see the light of day. I remember many years ago contacting my local broadcaster, and they said they had loads of footage from home meetings of Bristol Bulldogs, but wanted an absolute fortune to access it...such a shame, as I can imagine a lot will just deteriorate. What's more annoying, is there is very little Bulldogs footage in the public domain. Anyone else tried contacting local broadcasters?

For all the money in the world, I wouldn't want the life of Tai Woffinden. He say's himself, he isn't the brightest button academically. So he's found himself a way of making a very decent living from something he's good at. I suggest anyone who's not see it, watch it... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MoH6ayPbKo It'll give you some idea of what he's been through in his life, how he copes with it, and the amount of hours he travels....and the very little sleep he gets. As someone who has to fly a lot with work, I can't describe bad enough, how tiring, monotonous, and stressful this experience has become. Let alone all the driving on congested roads. As a professional sportsman at the pinnacle of his career, you need to find ways of keeping to your optimum performance level. I can totally understand why he's dropped riding in certain meetings over here. Daft to suggest, that he should 'think of the fans' if he knows he won't be able to perform at the best of his ability. He's found what works best for him...fair play to him. I'd love someone to tweet him this thread...Who'd blame him, if he never rode in Britain again after reading it...it's cringe worthy.

It's very apparent some people actually like doing it...it's like they have to have their say, and continue until they are blue in the face... Not sure what's worse... lol

No I don't...but I also don't think he pays £15,000 for one. He will have his engines expertly tuned by PJR and also his rolling chassis made to his specific design. I would take that as a given. However...as a two time World Champion and much sought after for sponsorship and endorsements...would you actually put your years wages on the fact that he actually pay's more than £15,000 for each of his bikes out of his income? I wouldn't.

Fantastic finds...I've seen the Swindon one before, but not the Weymouth. Great footage. Thanks for sharing. I maybe mistaken, and memory is hazy, but two of those riders look like Ralf Gramstad and Steen Mastrup at Weymouth training.

Whilst I agree Speedway costs a fortune...with respect, where did you get the idea that £15,000 wouldn't buy a bike? Going on the high side... An assembled GM engine is approx. £3500 A rolling chassis approx. £3250 A complete JAWA £5000 The likes of Tai would be sponsored riders...as tuners and engine manufacturers want their name attached to such riders...so costs would be according to that 'sponsors' package. As for putting his life on the line...yes speedway riders do...but the majority do it for the money, not our Entertainment. For them, it's a quick way of making good money, from a passion they do well...and better than having a normal job. If they weren't racing Speedway for a living...and had a 'normal job'...they'd more than likely be riding some form of motorcycle sport in their spare time,to get that buzz.

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/motorsport/451717/EXCLUSIVE-hadn-t-made-speedway-have-been-brickie-Tai-Woffinden Well according to this, has houses paid for, a collection of cars and paid £15,000 for a Neckless....so not too Shabby. I should imagine most of the riders in the GP over a period of time, will become Millionaires through wages and sponsorship deals etc.

Factually right... I think that's what the OP is trying to reduce...in both senses ;-)

What's left...ermmm...enough to be a multi millionaire by all accounts and move next door to an F1 driver in Monaco...oh the hardship ;-) Check out what the thread started about...those costs would be lessened if riders weren't spending a lot on engines, that are tuned to right on the limits looking for that milli second of extra speed. So bloody annoying when you see a class rider struggle, because this week his bike isn't fast enough. Ridiculous when you think about it. Once a rider gets to a certain standard like they are in the GP's, it's basically about who's got the fastest engine and best set up. That's what you are actually paying to watch...basically which rider has lucked out this week with his set up and tuner on board. It's almost like F1 now...it's like watching Lewis Hamilton struggle in a Lotus, because they haven't got the 'set up' that the top boys have. If you stuck all the GP guys on standardised engines, in their own rolling chassis, I'm betting the likes of Chris Harris wouldn't struggle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceS_jkKjIgo ;-)

It's quoted by Danish journalist Paul Ferdinand in last weeks SS. Quote by Pedersen...'I don't give a F**k about the Danish Championship' and admitting to using the meeting to test equipment. Funnily...they then mention that if it was Tai saying it, that he would be crucified on social media. They also mention that Pedersen is one of Denmark's richest sportsmen... a multi millionaire...and that he has upped sticks to leave Stevenage to live in Monaco. And some people say there is no money to be made in Speedway. Funnily, I re watched the Gary Havelock documentary yesterday.... Eric Boocock saying he rode Speedway, because he could earn in 5 mins on a bike, what his father earned in a week....and that riders rode because of the money they could earn. Always makes me chuckle when certain people say, 'Speedway riders put their lives on the line to entertain us'... they don't do it to entertain us...they do it to earn money, and if they can make it more 'Entertaining' then they know more people will come, and hence more money in their pocket. Riders race Speedway because of the money, and because they love racing...and if they can get paid for doing it, then it's better than doing a 'normal' job. If they had a 'normal' job, they'd most likely race some form of motorsport in their spare time as a 'hobby'. I was told recently, that one PL rider is on £150 a point plus paid for each race. Over 3 Grand a meeting some nights. Not bad for a PL level rider. Couple meetings a week at PL level...plus 'doubling' up...soon adds up.

I'm glad he doesn't read this clap trap and that he doesn't let him concern him. Lets face it...it's just a bunch of sad old gits voicing concern about a Speedway rider, and arguing amongst themselves....and pretty much looking stupid doing it. Reminds me of all the jealous, wasp chewing woman at the end of the cul de sac, bitching about the young girl in the street, who drives a nice car, has a nice house and family, works bloody hard for it, yet ignores them all with dignity, whilst getting on with her life...while they claim their benefits, scrubbing around in ever expanding tracksuits and leggings due to the amount of donuts they cram down their throats every day...but guess what...they still have a right to tell her what she should be doing!