Fourentee

Way OT, so apologies, but this reminded me of the late John Peel's celebrated comment when he went to see a Billy Joel/Elton John concert and was asked afterwards how Joel had rated. He said it was just like watching Elton apart from the songs, the costumes and the sense of fun.

Yes, he certainly got close to the team captain at Cardiff.

I think you make a good point there, Grachan. I couldn't see the sense last year of blooding the kids in the race-off, when there would be more pressure, rather than the first match. If you're going to do it, it seems to me that this is the right way round. Having said that I would have picked Richardson like a shot but fair play to Rob Lyon: He set out his stall from the off, said we had to bring the young ones through and named his side accordingly. At least he practises what he preaches.

Must add a note of thanks to racers and royals for repeatedly flagging up these matches and the link. Most appreciated.

Ah, but are you looking at the horses for courses approach here or the longer term? Should King then be in the race-off side?

I like Danny King, but come on. Woffinden rode well when blooded in last year's World Cup competition and is averaging seven points a match in his EL debut season. And if you think Rob Lyon picks his men according to who shouts loudest on Sky then there's no hope for you.

Sadly, yes. Lee is a good writer and in a way that makes it worse!

Pretty much our experience too. Hard to work out if you and we were just lucky or whether that was the general experience and the ones who had problems were in the minority.

Fancy them all being called Hanna. What are the chances?

Unexpectedly, and admittedly rather late, I have a spare ticket which anyone is welcome to have for free (assorted friends have already made their own arrangements). I can meet in Cardiff to hand it over; alternatively, as I'm driving anyway, the recipient can have a lift from the West Midlands too! Anyone interested just drop a PM. Edit: I now have a taker for the ticket.

Unexpectedly, and admittedly rather late, I have a spare ticket which anyone is welcome to have for free (assorted friends have already made their own arrangements). I can meet in Cardiff to hand it over; alternatively, as I'm driving anyway, the recipient can have a lift from the West Midlands too! Anyone interested just drop a PM. Edit: I now have a taker for the ticket.

Anybody know when GB have to name the side?

Huh, a point out. Call yourself a pundit??!! Seriously, many thanks for the link. Worked a treat.

Six and one reserve.

Good luck to Wolves duo Woffinden and Haines; teammate Nicolai Klindt safely through the Mseno round in third place today.

Qualifiers: Wolbert 14, Laguta 13, Klindt 13, Kus 11, Petersen 11, Mitko 11. Laguta won the run-off for second with Klindt. Well done Nic, fingers crossed now for Joe Haines and Tai Woffinden at Rye House tomorrow.

And Haines!

Exiled Wolves fan Steve Evans, who now promotes at three tracks on the other side of the pond, on the past and future of American speedway. Edit: Story and video interview. http://www.expressandstar.com/2009/03/30/e...american-dream/

Zagar, Richardson (Brit bias) and PK at a guess. Would love to see Puk go well but suspect the injury might prove too much.

Kindly engage what passes as your brain before posting with that kind of language. I am the adoptive parent of a blind teenager with Down Syndrome and every time I see this kind of stuff it goes straight to my heart. A moment's thought is all it takes.

Are credit cards accepted on the night? Mrs Fourentee doesn't normally trust me with money.

So if GB win they're stuffed because the Danes will have had a good look at Vojens in the run-off. If the Danes win GB are stuffed because the track will then probably be prepared one way for the run-off and another for the final. Seems as if GB's best chance is if Sweden win tonight! Surely the Danes wouldn't switch preparations if they were in both meetings?

I certainly think it affects his riding – it makes him better. He's clearly one who thrives on adverse crowd reaction. This from the Express & Star in September 2006, when asked about the home fans' response when he rides at Wolverhampton: "I love it every time they come and boo me," he said. "They only boo me because they actually are jealous I don't ride for them. "It makes me stronger. Then I can go out and show them I'm definitely the best in Wolverhampton – and that's nice!"

Exactly. A selection theory that fails on all sorts of levels. One, many people will not be convinced that Stead/Allen is stronger than Kennett/Woffinden. That, however, is the team manager's call and fair enough. Two, if you want to blood the youngsters surely you do it in the home round in welcoming surroundings. Then, if they take to it (and the team progresses) they look to step up a level in the race-off or final. The first experience shouldn't be abroad with elimination likely – that's not going to breed confidence. Three, what kind of incentive is it to Stead/Allen anyway? Bust a gut for the flag and then be told: Thanks, but no thanks?

Blood? Carnage would be nearer. It's hardly going to improve their confidence if that team gets massacred. Put one or two in, by all means – fitness permitting I would go Nicholls, Harris, Richardson, Kennett, Woffinden – but the idea is also to qualify if possible, is it not?