fatface

Good to get the endorsement of a rider - thanks Steve. Also, Gem your post sort of confirms what I suspect. Brandon seems like a great track to ride, but not a great track for racing.

Unlike many other sports, it seems to me that speedway - or British speedway at least - doesn't bother with coaching much. Why? I think Louis Carr has some sort of youth development role with the BSPA. But I'm talking about with EL/PL Teams and GB as well. Many are advised by team managers who have never even ridden a bike. I thought the Brits battled well with limited resources at the World Cup. But looking to the future I see the likes of Simon Stead, Chris Harris and David Howe and it doesn't fill me with a great deal of hope. I think they are all talented, but are missing one or two vital ingredients. Wouldn't it be good if they could turn to someone - say Peter Collins - who really help them move in the right direction. As it is, it seems like these guys have to make it despite, rather than because of, the system.

Agree totally. The promoters regulate themselves - that's just crazy. Can you imagine in football if Alex Ferguson had a direct influence on things like players suspensions, transfer windows etc. :? Question is, are the promoters willing to give away their power?

I'm always surprised at supporters who don't like a track that delivers plenty of overtaking. Yes, there were a few ruts, but this is off-road motorsport, not road racing. Easy tracks make for poor racing. Stick someone in front of the TV who has never watched speedway before, ask them which they found more entertaining, follow-the-leader from Cardiff or the chopping and changing at Vojens. It was also a track that sorted out men from the boys. Take Crumpy's burst from the back for example - he couldn't have done that on a billiard table track.

I think we should be fair to those not wanting the Aussies to win and I include myself in that group. Its not simply down to any form of prejudice. Its just that with 3 of the world's best in their team, they were overwhelming favourites. Its human nature to get behind the underdogs instead. Also, imagine if the Aussies had won again, how boring. Variety is the spice of life, its good to have a different winner. Next year, we'll see if they can rise to the challenge and regain their title. It's a bit more exciting than seeing if they can win it for the fourth consecutive time.

:? What's gone on here. ML's post has changed and a few have gone missing :? :?:

I've seen a few disparaging remarks about the track for Saturday's Final on the forum. I have to say, from a spectators point of view, it delivered good racing and I liked it. There were different lines allowing riders to overtake inside or outside - that's what you want for good racing surely. Some riders might say otherwise. But, it seems to me, riders sometimes want a billiard table to race on, which allows little opportunity for overtaking. Cardiff seemed to get more praise from the riders than ever this year, and yet the racing was the worst its ever been.

I think that has to do with the fact that Messrs Carr and Collins are representing Scottish teams, whereas the perception is that Team GB is really England, not helped by some of the Sky presenters referring to the team as England. Nowt to do with it RogH. The Scots don't need any encouragment from the media - trust me.

Aye, but there is no Scottish or Welsh speedway leagues, no Scottish or Welsh speedway governing bodies. All clubs run under a British structure. Therefore it should be a GB team. Must say I'm amused at some of the typical Scottish comments around the World Cup. I'm English and live in Scotland and am used to this sort of thing. Funny, but you'll see them cheering their little "bravehearts" out for Peter Carr and Les Collins every week. :?

Best make it a big pie. I think i should have a slice too. I wonder if the boys have had a look on this website, cos if they were looking for any more motivation, they'd have certainly found it here. C'mon GB!

Nice in theory, but in practice its a big no-no. Imagine say an Australia v Slovenia match. It would be an absolute walkover and would be of little interest to anyone. The current format means there will always be at least two decent teams in each meeting and with TV people to please too, a meeting with 4 or 5 teams is always more attractive to an international audience.

I went to Glasgow Speedway for the first time this year. They play the Police hit "Don't Stand So Close to Me" everytime George Stancl wins a race. Singalong and you'll get it...

"The Magnificent Seven" - used to be played on BVs lap of honour at Hyde Road. "Fanfare of the Common Man" - played before tapes up at many places. Couldn't tell you who they are by though. :?

Aye we have. But talking of Peter Collins, I was sent some old videos from the 70s/80s the other day from a kindly soul. And my God, I'd almost forgotten how brilliant he was. One race I watched was from the 84 Long-Track. PC went absolutely storming after Egon Muller, caught him and they rode shoulder to shoulder for a full lap at full throttle. Then PC gave him the elbow and won the race. Superb stuff.

Preben Eriksen :twisted: Vaclav Verner :twisted:

It was also sad to see him coming back in 1991, when clearly he was past his best. I remember seeing him in the early 80s going to Halifax and wiping the floor with Kenny Carter and doing the same at Belle Vue against Chris Morton. Not many could do that, British or not.

In a strange sort of way it is a compliment when people talk of Mike Lee as a wasted talent. After all, he won the lot - World Final, World Pairs, World Long Track, British Final, World Team Cup. So, when people say he wasted his talent, they are saying he had such rare ability that he could have won all of the above again and again and again.

Oil of Olay ML. I've read a lot and those guys mentioned all come across well, both in terms of their records and abilities.

Would've....could've...... Obviously Nigel Boocock is an all-time hero for Coventry. But his record at the very top level cannot compare with the likes of Peter Collins, Peter Craven, Jack Parker, Mike Lee, Freddie Williams. I'd love to say Chris Morton - he's my all time hero - but I'll judge this with my head not my heart.

Not that can of worms again......... :roll:

The best I have seen would have to be Peter Collins, but I'm sure there will be a pretty convincing case for the other PC - Peter Craven.

1. R Sullivan 2. J Crump 3. T Rickardsson 4. L Adams

A 16-year-old Joe Screen made a cracking debut as I remember - winning a couple of races for the Aces. There was lots of hype around another 16-year-old - Paul Dugard, but he never really looked the part.

Welcome Leg Trailer. Or should we call you Aladdin? Gem is dead right. That's a gold mine you have up there. Speedway certainly has its share of collectors, check e-bay - you'll be amazed at the speedway stuff on there. And priceless as it is to you - that England jacket would certainly fetch a tidy sum.

Amen to that Jeff