Fourentee

Ah, poacher turned gamekeeper!

Tell me about it. Had the odd nightmare during my subbing days...

OK, thanks. Seemed something of an anomaly.

Don't answer this if there are reasons not to, but the overwhelming majority of Speedway Star's output is bylined. Any particular reason why this should not be the case here?

True as far as it goes, but a big difference even in these days between top tier and a (broadly) third tier event.

The relevance of which, true or not, would be what?

Steady on!

Ah, come on Dean, you can't possibly bait the hook and not discuss the catch!

This is a tricky one for me. On one hand, I don't like the artificial nature of double-point moves but on the other quite accept that the old tac sub was just as artificial in its way. The former tactical ride off 15m at least gave a balance of risk (that the chosen one would score poorly, not physical risk before anyone starts!) and reward. To further confuse my outlook, I'm all for a set-up which enhances the challenge to, and influence of, a team manager. Way back when I can remember a Workington/Ellesmere Port match where the move and counter-move of TMs Ron Bagley and Joe Shaw was almost as interesting as the track action. So I'm pretty confused, basically!

Results below. The Mauger lots start at No.139, I believe. http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24131/?category=results#/m0=0&aa0=1&MR0_length=90&aj0=lot_number_asc&w0=results

Congratulations to Belle Vue who have been so close to success in the last few years. A great effort by Wolves, IMHO, to take it to the deciding race in both play-off and KO Cup finals. Best wishes to all injured riders.

Not sure what options Workington had when a rider calls in sick at 2.30pm on the day of a meeting in Glasgow. Quite agree that Belle Vue have suffered damage in the fallout from something not of their making.

That would be a tough break if Bjerre is out or carrying a knock. This fixture appears cursed. Edit: Bjerre mentions the meeting on his Twitter account but doesn't record any problems, so hopefully all good.

I rather liked the Ribena one, hadn't heard that before (poor Nic!). Graham Jones, the butt of the American psychic joke, took it well; good for him! Must have been on the wrong end of a few from Adams down the years...

Indeed he did. Some good gags; Pete clearly misses Nicolai Klindt as the main target of his wit.

No, though he did make a point of thanking other staff for their help and support, particularly at the meetings he was unable to attend.

I wouldn't argue with much of that, though I don't necessarily agree that tracks are set up from the basic premise of home advantage. There is a distinct danger (of which you're doubtless aware) of coming across as just a tiny bit patronising. The NSS is, by its very title, almost morally obliged to provide the best possible racing experience and by all accounts has done so. We (by which I mean British speedway supporters) are very lucky indeed to have it. The issue, of course, is that most British top-flight clubs don't have the blank sheet of paper to start with; they have dog tracks to work within or other parameters that restrict their efforts. While the premise is laudable, what one might term the reality is not always quite as straightforward. I'm trusting that you take this post as the broadly (if not wholly) supportive stance for which I'm aiming and would be interested in your response.

You surprise me, Steve. Judging by some of your efforts down the years, I wasn't aware you did irony...

Certainly very close. When I left the restaurant just one fan remained, and he was sitting through the video rerun specifically to see that moment again.

Nicki was cheered to the echo by a couple of Wolves fans at Monmore in a pre-match introduction a few years back. They said afterwards they were hoping to mess with his mind! Didn't work, but you had to admire the psychology.

PK, while of course amazingly deadpan (like his brothers, especially Mikael), could actually be quite demonstrative at times, I can recall him having a great night for Wolves at Poole when (from memory) he dropped his only points in an unsuccessful last heat decider. I congratulated him on a fine night as he returned to the pits and he chucked his crash helmet onto a bench and growled "We win if I do my job." Bit harsh! After a bad crash he had a custom-built titanium knee brace made and there was some concern among fans about whether it would reduce his effectiveness and competitive nature. First match back was at Eastbourne with (again from memory) PK on gate one in his first race next to the Eagles' top guy, one N Pedersen. Lights on, tapes up, clutch dropped, right elbow inserted into third rib, Pedersen veers off stage right and Karlsson away... Some years ago the local paper had a Local Heroes awards night, glitzy presentation evening. PK was named a Local Hero; I thought this was a fairly inconsequential thing but Karlsson was, genuinely, absolutely made up to get that local recognition when his home was in Scandinavia. He had a little shelf in his corner of the pits and cleared it just to plonk this award on in pride of place. Also recall him testing an engine one night and reporting back to Graham Jones: "It's OK out of the start, but it's a bit Nyeeeeeaaaaooowwww (makes banking aeroplane gesture) into the first turn". And Jonah knew what he meant! Finally, that wonderful Black Country/Swedish accent. When he rode in the 2009 play-off final at Swindon, celebrating Wolves fans came into the pits afterwards. PK posed in front of them for a pic and one over-jubilant supporter threw an arm round him from behind and grabbed the collarbone. He reeled away and I picked up some new words with interesting pronunciation.

Must confess that I only read today about the promotion/relegation matches that apparently took place in the subsequent two years. They whizzed past me likewise!

Was that the last time that the higher league team took the drop? There was a promotion/relegation play-off in 2008 when Wolves retained their status by beating Edinburgh.

I suspect the answer to the final question you posed would still be no...

Gave of his best, struggled for pace on the night and tried three bikes. Not his evening; down Wolves way (not that I speak for anyone else) I reckon we accept that, congratulate Swindon and their excellent supporters and move on.