manchesterpaul

On the BSPA's National League table page it clearly states under the table "PLAY-OFF PICTURE Top four teams race off in two-legged semi-finals and final to decide championship. The top team having choice of opponents in semi-finals from the other three" So that seems clear enough. However, in trying to seek confirmation that this is so i've searched the National League press releases archive and only likely references i see are; dated '1 February 2011' titled '2011 National League' In that it states the league will consist of nine teams and "And whoever finishes top of the league in 2011 will be handed silverware to recognise their achievement". Now does that mean there will not be any play-offs or simply that previous winners have never received a physical trophy!? Next likely release to look for info is dated '8 February 2011' titled 'Fen Tigers Back On Track' In that it states "MILDENHALL are set to open their doors to racing again in 2011 where they will be part of a ten-team National League." There is no mention of play-offs there either. I don't know if i'm looking too hard and missing a press release in their archive, but i would have thought the first one above, or a very similar later title, would address the make-up of the competition. Unfortunately, what is adding to my confusion is a couple of searches of the club pages carry only the nine team league reference and silverware going to the top team. I'm guilty of not following the National League so i don't know whether it is a 'given' that every season there are play-offs between the top four teams to determine the champions. Apologies for that lol. Then again any newcomer to the sport or journalist would not automatically know. I really haven't got time to plough through every club's website looking for a reference or every archived BSPA press release that does not clearly refer to the make-up off the league. Therefore, am i safe in accepting that their statement on their league table page is correct?, namely, "PLAY-OFF PICTURE Top four teams race off in two-legged semi-finals and final to decide championship. The top team having choice of opponents in semi-finals from the other three". Sincere thanks in advance for clarification.

That's what i was thinking until Ghostwalker pointed out the weather patterns in Sweden would guarantee that would actually be the solution. As prestigious as it is to hold a GP in such a magnificent stadium, i can't help but agree a packed smaller stadium serves the sport far better than one with the awful sight of a mass of empty seats. Maybe Gothenburg needs to take a time out until the sport can attract attendances as it did in the past. That's a valid point. No good moving Gothenburg up if it forces the other swedish GP to later in the year risking bad weather for that one.

OMG! have you still not found the thing in life that gives you joy yet! (see my post above lol) Lol only joking....everyone 100% allowed to express their opinions etc. But you will be challenged in the future unless you cheer up. I'm being dragged out the door for a night out, wish everyone a good evening that has finished a little too early in some respects. Good night all.

Ladyluck with respect i seriously am starting to wonder if you have mental health issues lol. It is very rare i ever notice or glance as to has made a post. I solely react on the contents of a post and not the poster. I couldn't help but notice the other day your name was cropping up on odd/contrasting views to the general concensus and.....more significantly....finding a negative aspect in 99% of cases on a topic. You clearly seem to be one of those people who if found a five pound note in the street would respond by moaning that you know of someone who a few years ago found a ten pound note. I've just done a recent search on your posts and it is negative....negative....negative....critical....critical....critical. Let's be clear the riders who 'performed' tonight, to such levels that they did, deserve utmost respect. I could go on but helllll end of.....utmost respect accredited and i'm off for a good night out, pleased that i saw as much entertainment as could be expected in the conditions. For goodness sake we only got one life as far as we know and if speedway displeases you to such an extreme extent.....gooooooo away and find something that gives you joy and not untold misery and angst lol If this fantastic sport displeases you so much....please leave it and let the rest of us enjoy it. I certainly will be critical and come down heavily on things that i consider damaging to the sport but.....wow.....i don't think i've ever come across a case of the opposite example of 'every cloud has a silver lining' as yourself lol.

Love the way Sky now saying "Chris Holder OF COURSE is the winner of the grand prix"!!! Well excuse me! but try telling that to your graphics department and studio team. Are you really unable to programme software to such a basic degree? I am not remotely educated in computer programming software or website design, however, i've enjoyed years of my own spreadsheets etc. compiled on a need to do basis which, shockingly, still continues to keep me CORRECTLY informed on so many levels. OK girlfriend pleased we setting off earlier than expected for a night out lol, i still enjoyed the GP despite the weather having such a bad effect.

Lol thank you anyway.

There you goooooo! The australian colour commentator agrees with my own speadsheet Holder is in the lead lol. I so got to find the time to make it available as a FREE download if can somehow grab the time. If not i might simply make it's presence felt by putting it online as a SGP Speedway Update page. It instantly updates the meeting and series updated standings heat by heat, including next to the rider line-up for each heat. Also automatically gives the draw order for the semi-finals etc. etc. etc.

OMG! Ghostwalker such an amazing detailed reply are you a Cyborg or Supercomputer meshed within a human body? Lol

Have the commentators got it wrong again??? Hancock and Holder same points, same number of wins and seconds, but according to my interactive speadsheet Holder is in the lead because he beat Hancock. Certainly their graphics should not have Hancock ahead of Holder whether the meeting is called off or not?

Should the meeting continue? I certainly want it to a good race just now between Harris and Pedersen.

What a shame the rain is no getting so heavy as those who are leading deserve truly reward for their efforts so far. Just seen your reply Ghostwalker, i did actually wonder if that was the case. Thanks for info.

OK guess it's a case of 'sod's law' then, or if you in america it called 'Murphy's law' not sure what the swedish term is.

What are the weather seasons like in Sweden? It always seems to rain at Ullevi, i mean is Gothenburg pretty much guaranteed sunny/dry weather in June/July? Is there a considerable risk in staging the meeting this early in the year in that part of Sweden or the same risk if moved to later in the series?. Would high summer give us for sure a great track and crowd?

You've got to admire the bravery of the riders.

Does anyone know who the australian colour commentator is? He usually asks some good questions

To answer the commentator nooo Gollob doesn't lead the championship!

It is nice to see the swedish fans so enthusiastic and loud. This sort of weather can often dampen a crowd vocally.

Will the cream rise to the top? Gollob and Pedersen up now they stragglers so far lol

Points in order gates 1234 22-8-11-19 Win in gates order 5-0-2-3 = Gates 3 4 ok

Weeeeeeee! despite the conditions Emil shows superb ability and bravery

Why on earth did Gollob choose not to cross the finishing line when a last place counts more than a non-finish! He may regret that in the event of a countback.

Three-way tie at the top of the series right now UPDATE Sam just echoed my observations on Sky 16 races needed for a result by the way

Gollob, Hampel, Sayfutdinov and Pedersen all outside the top eight after two races!

Dear oh dear lol...do you know what?....whatever!....maybe i'm just a glass half full person and you are a glass half empty one I'm off to enjoy myself anyway and despite the webcams showing a fair bit of rain now one lives in hope of a good GP. Enjoy all.

Wow superb links both. In the one of the stadium you can nearly see the track lol. Don't suppose i can stretch your talents to getting a street level cam, forget the rain threatening the GP, i want to see pretty blonde swedish ladies walking by lol. Yes i know i really need to go to Sweden to accomplish that. Ahead of the meeting i'll be keeping an eye on the one covering the stadium to see how many fans are making their way to the meeting. Fingers crossed we get a nice surprise and see a healthy crowd and not 1,2,3,4 from the gate remaining 1,2,3,4 to the chequered flag. We need GP's with good racing in the early part of the season to keep casual viewers and maybe create new fans to the tracks.