Main Man

Cheers Bryn . Pass on my best to Ben Barker too after the nasty crash at Stoke last night mate. Cheers. Laurence

Thanks Malcolm. Also to those down under trying to make contact for me. My fingers are crossed (and everything else) for Shaggs and that good news will be forthcoming. I have watched his progress from day 1 in the UK and tracked him, finally signing him for Kings Lynn when I stayed with them two winters ago, then his unfortunate accident at Coventry when he shattered his elbow riding for the Starlets (and on max that night too!!), then not coming back this year , this news comes as a great shock and I am sure the big speedway family out there will join with me in wishing John all the best.

Having met some of these young German lads during the World U-21 quarter and semi-finals at Pardubice and Lonigo whilst looking after Chris Kerr, they are a good bunch of lads with a lot of potential. Full marks to them for their efforts despite not getting , as expected, many points. They will have all gained from the experience and this will stand the Germans in good stead for the years to come. They could have had the likes of Robbie Kessler, Stefan Katt, Steffen Mell etc , riding but in all honesty they would not have gone much nearer the tough opposition they were up against in the Swedes, Poles and Aussies. Good forward thinking by the German Federation to give the kids a chance. Christian Hefenbrook amd Mattius Schultz have impressed me this year and I would think that they will be given their chance in Britain in the very near future joining Martin @ Coventry and Thomas at Kings Lynn in the el and pl.

Happy Birthay George --how's the acting going ??? Have a good 'un !!

Can't get through on either mobile or house numbers and have lost his e-mail address after my computer hard drive went wrong --so at moment no way of getting hold of them. If anyone is in contact can they get them to call or e-mail me . Thanks Laurence Rogers

Thanks for the news Lunchy. Must give them a call later 2 find out.

I'll check it again --but that what Peter Oakes has in the Whos who book and I'll just have to archive the file on him to check but I'm sure it's correct as he was 19 when he rode for me at KL.

Thanks to all. Contact now made (and my accomodation for November sorted!!--cheers Lee). It was a) as the answer. New phone no. now logged in my phone. Thanks to his brother Jay for surfing the forum and seeing my message --so those who were going to contact Lee (Redolph Racing etc all now sorted). See you in Sydney November 23rd!!

Well I was a Star!! See That Tomas has been snapped up by the Pirates. Good lad (hope his English has impoved though!!) Brought him over to ride for KL along with Jan Jaros in the BL Cup two years ago and he looked a good prospect then.

7/4/84. was 21 in April.

If anyone sees Lee Herne can they ask him to contact Laurence Rogers please. Sent a few texts to him but no reply so he may have either a)lost his phone, they're not getting through --or c) he doesn't want to talk to me!! Hopefully not the latter !! Thanks folks!!

Thanks mate. Prob make Nov 26th --any idea of meeting format or is it too early to say ??

On a completely different theme -- when is Gosford opening and what dates are you running ? May well fly in to Sydney in November (as long as the Hernes will put up with me again!!) then on to Adelaide for Parks meeting at Gillman on Dec 3. Thanks. Laurence

Thanks --wondered why no reply!! Will have to dig out their e-mail address as since my hard drive went down I lost all the addresses I had. Laurence

Good luck to Shaggs!! Just sent him a txt wishing him all the best. Will look at the results when I get back from Parks' Testimonial at Glasgow .

Nice to know my voice can be heard so far away!! Just looking after "one of my boys!". Sending him an e-mail and txt today to see how things are going --we want to see Shaggs back in Britain in 2006 so I hope he's working hard and saving his dollars .

No John Oliver for Queensland ?? What's Shaggs up to ????

what are the teams ?

If you do go from the airport to the city on the bus then underground watch out for the "Mafia Boys" who say they are going to help you and even pay for your ticket but try to rob you so hide your wallets and purses folks!! Don't wear a bum bag with them in as they can easily get into them. Lovely country, great people, superb cheap beer and food, gorgeous ladies --but a rogue element to beware of too!!

If you are looking for accomodation I suggest you get on to it quick. From what Armando Castagna told us the other week when we were there for the World U-21 semi there are no hotels in the Lonigo area left!!

Yes it was an unbelievable ride but he came down and was excluded in his last ride . Still went on to win the final though. Congrats to Wrighty ("any tomato ketchup with it ??" --private joke from the few days we were all together at Armando Castagna's!!) and bad luck on Ed with only 7 qualifying from this semi. Must admit never finished a speedway meeting so late --and so hot!! With two Americans to look after in the end with Brian Yarrow getting five rides due to two riders pulling out, as well as Chris Kerr , it was a bit hectic but enjoyable!!

9pm start (nice late finish --then a drive back to Milan to get a morning plane back to UK for me!!)

Brilliant atmosphere at Hyde Road. I really enjoyed announcing there --doing an Aces war-cry was awesome with everyone stamping their feet and making so much noise!! The racing was absolutely breath taking --watching the likes of Mort, PC, Chris Pusey, Wilky, Paul Tyrer etc hurtling round there. Like Cradley -happy, happy memories!!

Nice one Parks!!! If I remember I think he won this two years ago as well ??

Thanks Nina . I am hoping that a certain Chris Kerr can make it through from Lonigo --so the hotel details (I hope!!) will come in handy!!