Fourentee

Masters unwell, tight guest restriction for Becker, Schlein perhaps a year past his peak away from Monmore. Plus, while no-one 'tanks' a ride (they all want to earn!), sub-consciously the knowledge of a fairly overwhelming first-leg lead may have had an impact. And Belle Vue are perfectly capable of giving anyone a whopping at home.

Despite the large turnout, it didn't feel cramped or uncomfortable to watch. The bowl set-up, looking down on the action, works a treat and being able to watch from any point round about three-quarters of the track helps spread everyone out. It's an absolute gem; I feel sure you'll love it.

Some excellent points here, IMHO. The quality of the landscaping, viewing, access points layout, high stewarding level etc are all small but significant details that shout "long-term project". The track itself is a masterpiece. I don't think you need a lot of passing in a speedway meeting -- but you do need the threat of it, inside and out, and this circuit has it in spades. Steve Lawson's mantra has been the avoidance of pinch points, to let the action flow, and frequently you'd see four riders all confidently choosing different approaches to the corners rather than queue up behind each other on the one line. And if you go right out beyond map and compass territory, to the steeply banked land of the brave where the white line is in the next postcode and you have to steel yourself to keep it wound on, you reap a fabulous dividend of momentum. Bailey in heat 10 (to my strangled comment of "where's he going?") and Sam McGurk later both did it and promptly rocketed past opponents on the back straight. So, a day of triumph and great promise. But it's a promise that can only be fulfilled with public support at the entrance gate. The likes of the hobbit, 520-mile round trip, and I (420) are not going to be regulars at every fixture. Next week's crowd obviously won't match that of the opening day. But I do hope that speedway fans locally, amidst the cost of living crisis that's affected so many people around the country, feel able to turn over their hard-earned cash and help make the venture thrive.

It's off.

Because, IMHO, he didn't. As I saw it, Douglas had the pace, tried to squeeze through, couldn't quite manage it, the machines appeared to get tangled and that was it. Racing accident, no malice, but Douglas correctly exc -- sorry, disqualified.

Usually a three-year rolling deal at Monmore, apparently. Ironically, CVS said he was delighted at the prospect of the extra year.

Replace him with whom?

Wouldn’t argue with any of that. Eleven last places in a home match is always going to leave an uphill struggle. And the way the team is built, probably the one rider you don’t want to lose to R/R is Riss.

The statement is a grim read for any speedway fan, let alone Peterborough supporters. A huge shame.

There's been odd pockets of rain today, but it's been really blowy and occasionally sunny so as Wolfie observed they'll probably end up watering the track. Surprising, but there you go!

That’s a wealth of detail I wasn’t expecting! Thanks so much.

As a postscript to this opinion on Zach Cook, I’d be interested in the views of any Poole supporters who happen to dip into this thread. Thanks in advance.

Much the same as after the Masters testimonial, really. Neat, tidy, seems confident on the Monmore track. Early days, of course.

I certainly wouldn't say "can't"; he's been perfectly competent at Monmore in his days as a Wolf and occasionally exciting, too. But it's fair to say I would never categorise him as a track specialist!

I take the point in general, but Lynn didn't improve in the final five races, Palm Toft did! He and Jakobsen took seven of the 10 rides and scored all bar one of the points. Bit puzzled by Lynn, to be honest. Klindt looked blindingly quick in his second ride, but nowhere in the other two. Palm Toft picked up and should be a solid scorer; Jakobsen is clearly a gem and Edwards, after a strong end to last season and a fine opening night at Redcar, looks like a rider on the up. Jorgensen should be OK and I really rate Pickering, who gives his absolute all but just doesn't get Monmore. That just leaves Kasprzak, who has always struck me as a "how goes the first ride, goes the night" kind of confidence rider. He was, and it genuinely pains me to say this, woeful on Monday. Such a shame to see in a rider of his pedigree. At this stage of his career no-one expects the form of his world No.2 days, but I hope he can rediscover some semblance of his ability. All that being said, I agree that as a team they did look rusty. I would expect them both to improve and to win the return match.

FWIW, Cook impressed me. Neat, tidy, confident and on the pace. I know it was a testimonial meeting, and so lacking the intensity of a league match, but that was a strong field with competitive action. We've all seen riders completely at sea early in their Monmore acquaintance, and this year's pre-season practice was rained off too. I thought he did well.

Got 21pts there in '06 days after neck damage sustained on his children's trampoline...

Presumably the concern would be third-tier racing rather than second. FWIW I think NDL is the right level (for now) to establish a base and build on it and I echo your comments on both the competitive nature of the side and the racers within it. The track looks superb and I think the huge bends (so big they almost have their own run-off areas!) will encourage the youngsters to wind it on. Really looking forward to the first meeting.

Lion conservation is a good thing (sorry, couldn't resist!)...

Sheffield look to carry extra consistency after their changes and, while I would be more than happy to be proved wrong, I see the Tigers progressing comfortably. Was talking to a friend last week, before the rain-off and the Ipswich/Belle Vue first leg and both of us would far rather have faced the Witches, despite them winning twice at Monmore this season.

And joined this evening by 2018 Comets teammate (admittedly not Cumbrian...)!

FWIW Nic has just tweeted "good night for me, minus knocking off my mate bomber in heat 15" which would appear to support your view!

Yes, but to be fair it changes in next month's figures!

Masters not eligible to take an RR for Douglas.

Didn't think you'd get a nibble there Steve, in all honesty!