Report On The German Gp

[Mr. Clemens]

This report is a tad long - so I put it on its own thread - mods can move it elsewhere if they wish to do so - but here those who want to read it can - and those who don't - won't be unhappy - with it being in the way of other posts they wish to read

 

 

GERMAN GRAND PRIX

 

Deep in a dark place where no one is allowed to go – only those to whom it concerned – only those who are involved in – speedway track preparation

 

“You are all aware that the next Speedway Grand Prix is the 100th Grand Prix”, questioned the man in charge of his track-laying underlings?

Each person agreed that they were aware that such was the case

“And you are all aware that we must lay a track that brings out all that is best in Speedway racing”?

The assembled track laying fraternity agreed this was what was required for such a momentous occasion.

“But the question is,” pondered the man in charge, “how do we prepare a track that suits all those speedway riders competing to win $100,000 in prize money”?

 

For many days and weeks – the track-laying minions debated this great philosophical question – that has been known to make strong men go weak at the knees – but no one was able to come up with an answer.

Time was running out and a track had to be laid - at a completely new venue – the

Vetlins Arena in Gelsenkirchen Germany.

But finally – a track laying minion – stood in the shadows – at the back of the room - came up with the perfect answer to this great philosophical track laying question

 

“I know boss,” said the inspired minion, “why not lay a track that no one can ride on!!!

That way – the riders will have a level playing field – no one will have an unfair advantage - no one will be able to use that old out of date argument – that they are a better speedway rider than their opponents – and therefore are entitled to take advantage of their speedway riding talents – and stake their rightful claim – to take home the $100,000 prize money

 

“But what if they all complain about the state of the track,’ asked the man in charge?

“And they refuse to ride in the meeting – like they did in Sweden a couple of years ago – and we have to call the meeting off?”

 

“You know how stoical speedway riders are in the face of adversity in speedway,” – answered the minion, – “like the camber of the track going the wrong way for instance – well they will simply say – as they always do – that the track is the same for everyone – and get on with it

The lure of $100,000 dollar prize will take care of any rider protest – guaranteed”

 

“That’s settled then,’ said the man in charge of track preparation, “ we will prepare a track that no one can ride on – and that mythical level playing field – beloved of all fair minded sports fans – will be a reality.”

 

Mr Clemens – donned his Halifax T Shirt - pinned his famed Halifax woolly pully to the living room wall – sat down with – steaming plate of sweet and sour chicken and fried noodles and turned on the TV at 6pm precisely.

 

“I thought Johnny and the lads were playing France tomorrow night,” chuckled Mr Clemens – as rugby tackles unfolded before him.

But he soon realised this wasn’t rugby as we know it Jim – and it certainly wasn’t Johnny Wilkinson and friends – it was something else – but what it wasn’t, was Speedway!!!!

 

Time was ticking by and Mr C contemplated on what he was missing while watching some rugby players wallowing in the mud – but suddenly the familiar melody of the Grand Prix introduction hit the screen – with all the familiar faces on parade – and Lee Richardson – still looking a bit peaky round the gills – as an added extra

 

There was Uncle Keith and the Polish Immigration Officer Chris Louis – and in the commentary box – Kelvin Tatum and Nigel Pearson – and not a dullard within earshot – Jonathan Green – was wandering - lonely as a cloud – in the pits

 

“This is it,” thought Mr C, “let the festivities begin - we are just in time for the grand parade of world champions – as described in the All Time Greats Grand Prix series.”

 

But there wasn’t an all time great world champion to be seen – obviously the meeting organisers hadn’t read the script – and had no idea about presenting a 100 Grand Prix Festival of speedway

But there was no time to ruminate on missed opportunities – as the riders were at the tapes for heat one

 

On with the motley

 

Christian Hefenbrock wins from the gate – prompting excited visions of a German clean sweep – from Kelvin and Nigel in the commentary box

Chris Harris falls attempting to ride the outside line – that doesn’t exist – while T/G gives up looking for something that isn’t there – dirt!!!!!

 

“But Hefenbrock wins – because – he’s riding on German shale” – informs the commentators.

“So that’s it is it,” chuckled Mr C to his silly sen - almost choking on fried noodles – in the process?

 

Hefenbrock 3 – Zagar2 – T/G 1 – Harris 0

 

But there is no time to celebrate a German victory as the riders are at the gate for heat 2

 

Heat 2

Nicki P - passed by Andersen – Pedersen gets out of shape – is passed by Crump – Adams struggling to make an impression – comes in last

Something appears to be wrong with the track –it’s slick – and there is no dirt on the outside!!!!

 

Andersen 3 – Crump 2 – N Pedersen 1 – Adams 0

 

Keith comments on the huge crowd – says Harris needs to score points

 

Heat 3

Andreas Jonsson – the buccaneering pirate – with a commanding lead over Peter Karlsson - Bjarne Pedersen – and Wieslaw Jagus

 

Jonsson 3 – P/K 2 – B Ped1 – Jagus 0

 

Heat 4

Hancock gates – Nicholls gets past Holta – with Laukennen nowhere

 

Hancock 3 – Nicholls2 – Holta 1 – Laukennen 0

 

Four races have gone in a flash – it feels like the Sky TV is in a rush to catch up with a meeting – that has started without them

 

Back in the studio

Once again – to remind the speedway supporting millions – in case they’d forgotten – the viewing public are told – there is a $100,000 – prize up for grabs

The pundits – ask themselves – are the riders thinking about it – or are they thinking about – that track – and the lack of opportunity to hit – pay – dirt????

 

Jonathan Green suggests to Chris Harris – that this is a greasy track

Keith suggests that Chris Harris looks – nervous

Jonathan Green talks to Scot Nicholls – who says the track is slick – there is no dirt line – except for the inside line

But Scott is thinking about winning – and a genuine GP place for 2008 – but is in contention with Harris – as are Holta – Jagus – and perhaps Jonsson too

 

Heat 5

Adams makes the gate – Jonsson can’t get past Zagar – who has a rear wheel puncture going over the line

 

Adams 3 – Zagar 2 – Jonsson 1 – Laukennen 0

 

Jonathan talks with Adams – who looks very deflated – comments on the fact that the track has glazed over – meaning the surface is like ice – but Leigh hoped the riders would break through it – eventually

 

Heat 6

Hancock makes the gate – with Andersen in hot pursuit

Pearson – hoping for the first pass of the night – though riders have passed each other more than once in the previous races – bemoans the fact there is no drive – no grip!!!

 

Hancock 3 – Andersen 2 – Karlsson 1 – Hefenbrock 0

 

Kelvin notes – that the bikes are bouncing on the track – conditions not good

 

Heat 7

 

The riders for this heat – are ready to race – while Jonathan interviews Hancock

We are advised that – Jonathan Green – believes in fairy tales – this fairy tale meeting being straight out of the Brothers Grimm

 

Jagus makes it from the gate – Nicki is second – gets out of shape – passed by Holta – while Harris continues to struggle – he can’t get a grip on an outside line – because there is nothing there to grip

 

Pearson says – Harris is making no impression – because there is nothing there to make an impression on

Pearson wonders – is Nicki Pedersen fully fit???

 

Jagus 3 – Holta 2 – N Ped1 – Harris 0

 

The commentators agree that the track conditions are preventing the riders racing

They go on to describe how Ole Olsen has put in the track – at this new venue - and that it has to be removed - and the stadium restored to its former state - by midnight Sunday

 

Olsen is quoted as saying – ‘by Monday morning – you won’t know we’ve been there’

But the state of the track – suggests – they haven’t been there!!!!

Pearson christens the Grand Prix’s – ‘Ole’s Travelling Circus’ – slick or what eh???

 

Heat 8

Jason Crump – is determined to get third place – in the world championship overall

A bronze medal – the full set

 

But it is Bjarne Pedersen from the gate – while Crump pushes T/G out of the way – Nicholls – who was losing ground - follows through – meanwhile T/G goes - AWOL - looking for a speedway track to race on

 

B Ped 3 – Crump 2 – Nicholls 1 - T/G 0

 

Back in the studio

 

Chris Louis – advises T/G – not to go where – no man has gone before

‘You can’t do that against people like Crump – Pedersen – Nicholls

Lee Richardson says – the result of the meeting will be down to people making mistakes

 

Jonathan Green – asks of Bjarne – ‘will you share prize with me’

Bjarne says – ‘go……..yourself’ – oops sorry – says – ‘come back at the end of the meeting and ask me’

 

Keith ponders on the riders form – and who is up for it – and likely to win

Richardson thinks Hancock is a contender – and hopes he can do it

Keith thought Crump would be the main contender – but suggest that Crump is failing to rise up to his expectations – and his own – no doubt

 

The might Midglow – interviewed by Green – says – ‘the track is not producing great racing’ – you noticed Neil!!!

Which means that he feels the British riders – have not been given a track to race on – the reason Harris – in particular – is struggling

 

The general consensus is – all the riders are struggling – inconsistent – therefore the meeting is – a lottery – with a grand prize of - $100,000 dollars – in case you forgot

It’s easy to do – forget that prize money - with all these commercial breaks – and a track you can’t race on

 

We are informed that – Chris Harris has to make starts – but he’s not a gater – he’s a racer – but he doesn’t have a track to race on – and why not – you may ask – but don’t because – it’s a level playing field – and the same for everyone?

 

Keith – who has realised how grim this fairy tale meeting is becoming – informs the speedway millions that – ‘man made tracks are a nightmare’

Practice ruins the track – and there is only one night available for the track crew – to repair the damage – meaning packing the track – till it glazes over

 

‘You have to gate’ – Chris Louis

 

‘But – But – But – what if you can’t Chris’ – Mr Clemens said that

 

‘The riders are struggling to get their bikes set up right’ – Lee Richardson

 

‘Perhaps it’s because you can’t set a bike up for a track you can’t ride’

Mr Clemens said that too

 

But Peter Karlsson says – to Jonathan – ‘it’s good to be here’

The diplomatic P/K also says – ‘it’s advisable to stick to the inside line’

Heat nine is in progress while Jonathan is talking to P/K

 

Andersen leads a procession of riders – struggling to pass him

 

Andersen 3 – Nicholls 2 – Zagar 1 – Jagus 0

 

‘This track is just awful’ – says Kelvin Tatum – ‘You can’t race - on that track’

 

Kelvin agrees with – Keith Huewen - Lee Richardson – Chris Louis – and all the riders competing

‘Tell you what ‘ – what said Kelvin

‘What,’ asks a startled Mr Clemens????

‘It’s hard work if you don’t make the start’ – says the perplexed TV Pundit!!!!!’

Mr C is relieved – thinking he – and all the speedway millions – and Chris Harris – were going to be told – something they didn’t already know

 

Pearson – ‘Kelvin Tatum – saying it as it is – no holding back’

Kelvin confirms – once again – that starting is – vital – tonight

 

Jonathan talking to Hans Andersen – who says he’s doing his best

‘You feeling good’ asks Jonathan

‘Really good,’ answers Hans – looking for a fairy tale ending to his night

 

Kelvin informs the speedway public – that – ‘all the riders are looking for points’

 

Heat 10

 

Rune Holta – left at the gate – goes round Adams and Bjarne Pedersen – by moving out wide – Pedersen passes Adams – Adams chases the leaders

 

Holta 3 – B Ped 2 – Adams 1 – Hefenbrock 0

Is this track becoming a racetrack – at last – almost halfway through the meeting???

 

Holta – the Norwegian Pole – we are reminded – in case we forgot – has a hand injury – that is giving him more trouble than he is prepared to let on – so he won’t speak to Jonathan – has he has to see to his hand – unsporting or what eh????

 

The general consensus by all the pundits is – that Holta has to get into the top eight – or he won’t get picked for the 2008 GPs – which is strange – as he was one of the best riders in there – and has found some of his form again – in the latter half of the GP season

 

But the word is the IMG want younger riders in the GP’s – young riders who can rde a spectacular race - like – Chris Harris – who can’t get a grip – like Antonio Lindback – who has retired from speedway and the GPs

 

Heat 11

 

Jonsson from the gate – Harris – gets a grip – goes round Crump – who is out of shape – with the previously fast gating Hancock at the rear

Harris works the outside line – but Jonsson blocks his every move

 

Jonsson 3 – Harris 2 – Crump I – Hancock 0

 

Pearson – in total contrast to all that has been said – and all that has gone before – says – ‘we are having some – good – good – speedway

‘Jonsson’s frame is – just the ticket’ – advises a satisfied Kelvin

 

Pearson says – ‘the meeting is looking a lot better’ – as Harris scores his first points of the night – Pearson hopes that Chris – ‘can deliver’

 

Heat 12

Nicki Pedersen – cuts back off of gate four – the graveyard gate – cuts back – drives up the inside of Karlsson and Laukenen – but fails to get ahead of T/G

But Nicki – drops down a hole in the track – an amused Kelvin suggests that Nicki is thinking to himself - ‘Oh fiddlesticks’ – or something of that nature – as he struggles to stay on his bike – but this ‘mistake’ gives second place to Karlsson

 

T/G 3 – Karlsson 2 – N Ped 1 – Laukenen 0

 

Andersen leads the field on 8 points after three races going into a commercial break

 

Back in the studio

Keith hands over to Jonathan – who is – going for a stroll – in the pits

Describes Greg Hancock as – ‘the coolest man in Christendom’

Jonathan points out that the crowd overlook the pits – the reason the riders are not hanging around in there – but like Nicki Pedersen – are looking for a place out of the limelight

 

Jonathan has to settle for an interview with Alan Rossitter – high on helium – who tentatively suggests that – the track is crap

It’s OK – you can squeak it Roscoe – we all know

 

Jonathan asks T/G for an interview but – according to Jonathan – just smiles at him – in his cool Polish way – which means – like a lot of Poles – he pretends he can’t speak English – but actually understands everything Jonathan says

 

Meanwhile the studio pundits – are beginning to see Andreas Jonsson as a serious contender to take the top prize – as they focus on his race with Chris Harris

 

Keith is convinced that no one is thinking about the $100,000 prize

Chris Louis assures him they are all thinking about it

But they all agree that Nicki Pedersen is in the process of blowing his chances

Because – he doesn’t do well on manmade tracks!!!!

 

But if the GPs are all going to be presented in venues like Veltins and Cardiff – won’t all the tracks be manmade tracks – slick – or what – eh!!!

And will IMG move the Polish GP away from – Bydgoszcz – a racers track – which would otherwise - stick out like a sore thumb – amongst all those – slick – or what – tracks

 

Bydgoszcz – well known a racer’s track – abandoned – because the racing there – will remind people of what the GP’s racing is supposed to be – nostalgic for top class racing – T/G style - or what eh???

But you can’t halt progress – but if slick is the future - and if slick it is going to be – then slick it will be – but don’t panic dears - you old fashioned GP lovers – it’s not happened yet – it’s only another grim fairy tale – said in tune with - tonight’s 100 Grand Prixs - slick - festive celebration proceedings

 

Keith comments on the track – again – saying that – ‘they can cover the holes up – but then the riders will be riding blind – because they won’t be able to see them

But it will be a level playing field though – won’t it Keith???

Pundits point out that Hans Andersen has struggled in recent GPs – but is that because Hans is a racer – and requires a racing track – to ride at his best???

 

Jonathan Green finds – a bone fide all time great world champion – Sam Ermelenko – minus lap top computer

But canny Uncle Sam doesn’t need a computer to work out that this is

‘A pretty boring meeting’ – and that the riders were hoping for – ‘A race track’

But Sam had a whale of a time – meeting up with all those old world champions

Especially at breakfast time – when he poured a bowl of porridge over Hans Neilsen’s head!!!!

 

Heat 13

Nicki Pedersen – finds his legs – where have they been all night?

But Bjarne Pedersen – hasn’t got the legs – to pass Nicki –

Perhaps Nigel Pearson will go looking for them???

Hancock has lost his gating legs

Nicki indicates to his fellow riders that the track has got bumps in it

All the riders – in the pits - thank Nicki - for sharing this information with them

 

Nicki P 3 – B Ped 2 – Hancock 1 – Zagar 0

 

Kelvin Tatum – ‘the track has not improved very much’

 

Have the riders – therefore – halfway through the meeting - finally - ‘dialled themselves into this track’ - at last

If they have – slick or what eh!!!!

 

Heat 14

Keith says - ‘Crump has to get off the start’ – which he does – leads Jagus – while Hefenbrock and Laukenen scrap for third place – but the ruts in the track make it hard for both of them

 

Crump 3 – Jagus 2 – Hefenbrock 1 – Laukenen 0

 

Kelvin Tatum – ‘Crump is looking as if he could be dangerous – some people are tipping him to win’

Crump tells Jonathan Green – that he is more interested in finishing in third place in the world championship – than he is in $100,000 – but Pearson thinks Crump wants the money too!!!

 

Heat 15

Karlsson from the gate – pressed by Adams – who once more – gets out of shape

Nicholls passes Adams – Harris at the back – looking for grip no doubt

Adams can’t pass Nicholls – while pundits imagine P/K – walking off with - $100,000 – a fairy tale result – or what eh???

 

Karlsson 3 – Nicholls 2 – Adams 1 – Harris 0

 

Jonathan with Scott – points out that turn 4 is tricky

Nicholls – ‘it’s part of the job’

Pearson points out that Nicholl’s is battling his way through the meeting

Pearson also points out that –‘ Grand Prix Speedway – is the thing of world champions’

Of course it is Nigel – we all know that – chuckled Mr Clemens

 

Kelvin points out that Chris Harris’ form has been sub standard during the second half of the season – but is that because he over achieved in the first half of the season???

 

Heat 16

Jonsson from the gate – T/G makes a magical fairy tale pass – over Andersen and Holta – who are all over the place – T/G into second place

Andersen and Holta – pass each other – with Holta getting the verdict – while T/G pressures Jonsson all the way – but A/J crosses the line first

 

Jonsson 3 – T/G 2 – Holta 1 – Andersen 0

 

Nigel Pearson – on heat 16 – ‘you don’t know what’s going to happen’

Kelvin Tatum – ‘the track is beginning to break up – Jonsson under immense pressure from the hard charging T/G – super speedway again – long may it continue!!!!

 

Nigel Pearson – ‘I agree with that Kelvin – it’s going to get better and better – as they chase $100,000’

Nigel said that in case - the watching speedway millions had forgotten - what the riders were all here for – and had forgotten about – the big prize- as if!!!

 

Back in the studio

Jonathan talking with Jonsson – who is having a good time – and he’s at the top of the score board – but what gate will be pick – 1 or 2 – as the other two are crap – especially gate 4

 

Jonathan is interested as to what Andreas will do if he wins the big prize

‘Give my mother a holiday’ – says Andreas

Jonathan to the camera – ‘He’s a good boy – A mother’s boy’

 

Keith – ‘Jonathan is keeping us amused from trackside – Jonathan is a good mother’s boy too

Cue schoolgirl giggling from – Lee Richardson and Chris Louis

Keith quotes Louis – who – ‘loves it when the ruts come out’

Keith – ‘ruts making things difficult – but very interesting – this is building into a great Grand Prix – maybe for the wrong reasons!!!

 

But don’t forget Keith – ruts can make the track dangerous too

 

Chris Louis – ‘the lads are getting uncomfortable’ – but – ‘they are giving us some entertainment – not ideal’

 

Talking about Chris Harris and Nicholls GP standings – the studio pundits get serious – realising track conditions tonight – could be the downfall of Harris -

Lee Richardson says Harris is not having a good night – but he will be in the GPs next year

Nicholls battling away – but has to make starts – but already he is above Harris in the GP standings

 

Studio pundits talk about Jonsson’s bike frame – which appears to be ideal for this track – though A/J still hasn’t mastered its idiosyncrasies – but he has gone back to his original bike tuner – has that made the difference???

 

But the track conditions disrupt everyone – and a buccaneer like Jonsson – is just the man to take advantage of such opportunities

 

Jonathan Green talks to a dejected looking Leigh Adams – who will buy a 1098 Jucatti – whatever they are – if he wins the big prize

All the pundits would like Adams to win the money – as consolation for not winning the world championship – both of which he deserves to win

But all the pundits agree that Nicki Pedersen won the title because he was the more consistent of the pair

 

The cameras pan in on Nicki – who practices air guitar for the fans

‘He’s a boy’ – chuckles Keith

But not a mummy’s boy – eh Keith!!!!

Nicki Pedersen reminds Nigel Pearson of Paul McCartney

 

(Watch Nicki sing the Danish National Anthem at the end of the meeting – to see what Nigel means)

 

Heat 17

Crump from the start – Karlsson passes Zagar – while Holta battles with Crump – almost T –Boning the Australian – according to Kelvin Tatum

Crump 3 – Holta 2 – Karlsson 1 – Zagar 0

 

Nigel Pearson is backing Crump to win – but nevertheless seems to feel that Crump is still not riding to his expectations – that Jason is – somehow – letting him down – despite the fact he has made the semi finals

 

Heat 18

Nicki Pedersen rides round the field into first place – Jonsson in second place – Nicholls trying to pass A/J – but gets out of shape – because of the ruts

Pedersen in the semis – ‘with a world champion style of riding’ – Pearson

Take note Jason Crump

 

Nicholls has a nervous wait to see if he will get into the semis – say the pundits

Though others in contention have won races – which Nicholls has failed to do so far

 

More air guitar from Nicki

Pearson – ‘he has certainly hit the right not’

Kelvin Tatum almost chokes on forced laughter but says – ‘oh here we go’

Pearson – ‘oh shut up – I am enjoying myself’

Glad someone is Nigel

 

Heat 19

Kelvin Tatum – ‘the tension is building’

Nigel Pearson – ‘this track is disrupting the sweepstakes of the watching speedway millions’

 

And just to confirm this – Bjarne Pedersen from the gate – Harris battling all the way to get past B/P – Hans Andersen chasing Harris – but Pedersen gains his place in the semis

 

B Ped 3 – Harris 2 – Andersen1 – Laukenen (the most consistent rider of the night – Ace or what eh???) 0

 

Jonathan with Jonsson – enquiring if he has changed his mind on gate positions – hasn’t

Jonathan – ‘the bookies didn’t pick you to win the GP

Andreas – ‘me mum is going to get a holiday – the bookies are wrong!!!!’

 

Heat 20

Nigel Pearson – ‘All these riders are in with a chance of the semis’

Kelvin Tatum – ‘the meeting is coming alive’

Nigel Pearson – ‘Not spectacular – passing at a premium’

BUT – the prize money is in sight for all of them

 

Adams makes it from the gate – Hancock second – T/G – in third place still looking for non-existent grip – and momentum – but there is none there to be had

 

Adams 3 – Hancock 2 – T/G 1 – Jagus 0

 

Though Nicholls has failed to make the semis – Jagus’ last place means - good news for both Scott – and Chris Harris – who finish above the Pole on the overall GP scoreboard

 

Semi final one gate pick – no surprises – with Jonsson taking gate one

Semi final two – Crump picks gate two – a surprise?

Andersen gets gate one

 

Meanwhile Jonathan talks to Greg Hancock – who is ‘feeling good’ – and has ‘saved the best till last’

Enquiring of Hancock’s tactics – Greg answers – ‘WIN’

But the pundits wonder if he will do it?

 

Keith – ‘it is a special evening for Greg Hancock – romantic’

Chris Louis – ‘where’s the romance gone in speedway???’

 

‘They ditched it in 1994 for the Grand Prixs, Chris,’ chuckled Mr Clemens!!!

 

Keith wonders why Crump picked the blue helmet cover – and begins to miss Uncle Sam – his laptop – and the statistics Sam always has at his fingertips

Chris Louis – while grading takes place – ‘they can’t do anything with this track’

 

Jonathan Green – pops up with all the permutations – that will decide which riders – in contention - will finish in the top eight

Keith – in reference to Green - ‘we will have to call him Tony Millard’

Nigel and Kelvin - are baffled - by Jonathan - and his permutations

 

Nigel – saves the day – by reminding - the watching speedway millions – that – guess what – there is a $100,000 prize up for grabs – just in case we’d forgotten – again???

But really – Nigel said this - just to take our minds off of Jonathan’s permutations – Because the astute Nigel - obviously realised that – the average speedway supporters are incapable of digesting such mind numbing information

 

Semi Final one

Jonsson moves at the start – Hancock leads from the gate – with Nicki Pedersen in second place – but – according to Kelvin – he makes ‘two huge mistakes’ – which allows Jonsson into second place – and Holta into third place

Pedersen grinds to a halt – and out of the GP – and out of the money

 

Yet did anyone realise – at this point – that it was Nicki’s – ‘two huge mistakes’ – that has caused a dilemma – in allowing Holta - to score that one point which brought him level on points with the two British riders – that would have repercussions – for Scott Nicholls and Chris Harris - just a little later on in the meeting

 

Hancock 3 – Jonsson 2 – Holta 1 – N Pedersen 0

 

Nicki Pedersen takes a world championship winners lap of honour – a low-key affair – yet again - for the new world champion – because there was more important things to be decided – like – for instance – who would get - $100,000 – the reason – no doubt – Olsen told Nicki – to get round as quick as he could – and to get his bleeding arse of the track – ASAP

 

Semi Final two

Bjarne Pedersen from the start – passed by Crump – Andersen cuts up the inside – hits a rut – straightens up – hits Bjarne Pedersen – Adams misses Andersen’s head by inches – masterful bike riding from the Australian – who also avoids Bjarne Pedersen

 

Kelvin Tatum wonders how bad Andersen is injured – and confirms the referee has to exclude Andersen as the cause of the stoppage – though both Kelvin and Nigel agree the track was the cause of the stoppage

 

And finally – the consequences of a track that no one can race on - is driven home to Kelvin Tatum and Nigel Pearson

The consequences being that some day speedway supporters will witness a rider being killed before our eyes on Television

Fortunately both Hans Andersen and Bjarne Pedersen are able to walk back to the pits

 

Back in the studio

Keith – thought Andersen’s chain had broken

Lee Richardson said – ‘the rut did it – but Andersen is a tough cookie – who has had more than one crash of this nature – in recent GPs – but is always able to get up and walk away from them’

Keith – ‘that particular Dane is made of rubber’

Chris Louis praises Leigh Adams’ skill in avoiding both of the Danes

 

Jonathan Green talks with a stoical Hans Andersen – who admits – he’s gone out of this year’s GPs with a bang – and that he didn’t know what had happened

‘Back next year’ – asks Jonathan?

‘Back but better’ – confirms Andersen!!!

Jonathan announces - a $200,000 dollar prize for the 2008 GPs – though does not have the time – or perhaps even the knowledge – to reveal what that really means for the GPs – but IMG knows!!!

 

The news prompts Keith to speculate on what all this implies for GP speedway riders

Will the riders be exclusive to the GPs – and thus excluded from taking part in internationals – British championships – League championships – as it is in road racing – will that ever happen to speedway???

 

‘Yes’ – says Lee Richardson – ‘Great for speedway – if it happens’

 

Semi Final two – the rerun

Bjarne Pedersen leads from Crump and Adams – B/P takes Crump wide – Adams great cut back up the inside – and into the lead – Crump passes Pedersen – but does not catch Adams – now just one race from the big prize – along with – Crump – Hancock and Jonsson

 

Adams 3 – Crump 2 – B Pedersen 1

 

Back in the studio

Keith – ‘A night of high drama’ – because there will be a race off for the last two places in the overall GP standings – if only Nicki hadn’t made his – ‘two huge mistakes’

Jonathan – ‘Holta has improved as the year has gone on’

Chris Harris – not looking forward to the race off – but will take the chance to get a guaranteed place for 2008

 

But there is an extra added twist to the plot – has the gate cards are turned blind side – so the riders cannot choose a favoured gate – and the TV pundits debate the validity of such a move

Chris Louis thought they should do it the old fashioned way

Keith enquires of Chris – ‘can the FIM organise a piss up in a brewery?’

Chris Louis – ‘I’m not commenting on that one.’

 

But Chris Harris is happy to go blind – as no one is done any favours – though with the pick of gate two – Rune Holta appears to have the advantage over the two Brits

Thought the TV pundits don’t see this as a fair way to pick gate positions they are happy that Holta has the chance to qualify by right for 2008

Richardson – ‘Holta needs to win – he is desperate to get into next years GPs’

Chris Louis agrees the pressure is no Holta – as he won’t get picked as a wild card

 

The Race Off

Kelvin Tatum – ‘Chris Harris should have had the first pick – they must have made this up as they went along’

 

Holta makes a good start – Harris is second – goes wide – Nicholls goes under Harris then passes his Coventry team mate

Harris drives under Nicholls – into the front – Nicholls connects with Harris

 

‘Oh he’s knocked him off,’ - yells an astounded Kelvin Tatum!!!

‘It’s unbelievable’ - replies an amazed Nigel Pearson!!!

Kelvin Tatum – ‘what’s the ref going to do now???’

Nigel Pearson – ‘the ref has let the race run – therefore the result stands’

Kelvin is lost for words – ‘the ref should have excluded Scott Nicholls’

Nigel Pearson – ‘it is the most clear cut decision you are ever likely to see’

 

Pearson hopes Scott and Chris will shake hands and accept that – this is speedway – and suggests – perhaps – that Chris Harris – will be part of a similar incident – one day – and the luck – or the decision – will go his way

Kelvin Tatum is confused as to how this has been allowed to happen

 

Jonathan interviews Holta – who is obviously suffering badly from the accident to his hand – but he his happy

Jonathan looks for reaction from Chris Harris – but the action is diverted to the pick for the gate positions regarding the Grand Final

 

Adams – Jonsson – Hancock – all pick their respective gates – but Crump is reluctant to get up and take the yellow card – indicating gate 4 – the graveyard gate

Olsen indicates to Crump – that he must make the pick

 

Crump smiles and says to Olsen – ‘I’ve just realised – it was you who prepared this crap track – that no one can race on – wasn’t it Ole???’

‘No – no – it wasn’t me Jason,’ chuckled Olsen – ‘would I do a thing like that?’

‘It was you,’ insisted Jason, ‘You - Great Grand Prix Dane - you.’

 

Keith Huwen reckons it is one of the most exciting nights of speedway he has ever seen – but doesn’t think that Chris Harris will blame Scott Nicholls for his mishap

But Kelvin Tatum is incensed by what happened in the race off

But Lee Richardson - lays the blame - squarely at the door of the Polish referee – who should have made a decision

But Chris Louis is more stoical about it all – saying that Nicholls had a stroke of luck – that Harris will be disappointed – but he will be in the GPs next year – indicating that in effect – this was the perfect result for everyone – Holta – Nicholls – and Harris

 

Yet all the TV pundits - by dint of what they said – after the race was over – were all in agreement that – Nicholls did - in fact – knock Harris off his bike

But - that it was the referees business to exclude Nicholls – therefore if Harris has complaints – he should refer them to the referee – and not to Nicholls

 

But I am sure if Chris Harris – should ask Scott Nicholls why he did what he did – I am sure Scott would have said to Harris

‘Sorry Chris – in the heat of the moment – I thought you were Hans Andersen!!!!’

 

 

The Final is almost upon us

Who will win it – Hancock – providing us all with – the romantic result??

Nigel Pearson –

‘99 GPs – they said it wouldn’t work out – they said keep the old one off world final

But the GPs are here – all those years later’

 

Kelvin Tatum fancies Jonsson to win the meeting – but his heart is with Greg Hancock

Once again – the TV pundits remind the speedway millions - that this is – the richest minute in sport – and this is what it’s all about – and that everyone in the stadium is tense and nervous

 

The Final

Adams moves at the gate – immediately blows his chance of victory

TV pundits ask if the referee should have called it back?

Hancock is slightly ahead of Jonsson – who edges his way around Greg – and pulls away from the American – to win a holiday for his mother

Crump almost pulls A/J off his bike as he congratulates the winner of the meeting

 

Jonsson 6 – Hancock 4 – Crump 2 – Adams 0

 

Jonsson embraces Ole Olsen – congratulating the Great Dane – on his masterful track preparation – saying ‘what a great race track – I couldn’t have done it without you’

But Jonsson is a popular winner – the buccaneering pirate – who stole the treasure chest – from under the noses of the favourites to win the meeting

 

But will Jonsson – ask the TV pundits – become Sweden’s next world champion – and replace – the dear departed Tony Rickardsson???

 

Jason Crump interviewed – 3rd on the night – 3rd in the world – sums up his up and down year

But Jason is privileged to be part of the GPs – and pleased that they are being brought to bigger and better venues – pleased that the prize money is going up

‘We earn our money,’ confirms Jason

Jason congratulates Nicki Pedersen on becoming world champion – and Andreas Jonsson – on winning the German GP – and the $100,000

He also congratulates all the other riders in the GP – stating – ‘it takes all sorts to make the GPs happen’

The words of a gracious man – gracious in defeat

 

But there is a deeper meaning to all that Jason Crump said in this interview

Jason is obviously enthused – with the spirit – of what the GPs already are – and what they can become

Therefore it is up to all those involved in organising the GPs – to take heed of what Crump is talking about – and translate this – as yet theoretical – new spirit of speedway – from thought to deed

 

Because – Jason Crump – is the only speedway rider – who has truly grasped – the meaning of what the future of speedway will be

IMG can take speedway to new venues – providing big money prizes – BUT – the TV presentation – must improve – beyond all recognition - in order to convey this spirit – to the viewing public – that they be enthralled by what is on show before them

 

This 100th Grand Prix – should have been a gala TV – an event of the utmost importance – a festival of all that is best in speedway racing – a stage upon which – the best that speedway has to offer – could perform at their best

 

But where was the parade of world champions – to set the scene for what was to come?

The televising of the event – started late – everything appeared to be condensed into the time remaining – so much so – that interviews interfered with the build up towards each race – and vice versa – for those who wanted to hear what people had to say.

 

The TV pundits – appeared to see this meeting – as just another GP – with the added ingredient of a big money prize – even though these are the very people – supposedly in on IMG’s plans for the future of the GPs

 

Jason Crump senses all these things – being the reason – he took so much trouble – to express himself precisely – in pointing out the destination – at the end of this new road – that is being opened up – for the speedway fraternity to go down

 

For what Jason Crump was saying – is this – that people are really going to have to –open their eyes to all this – and embrace it wholeheartedly – or accept that speedway has no future – and is going nowhere

In reviewing Jason’s autobiography – I said that he was the speedway rider – who would be instrumental in dragging speedway – kicking and screaming - into the 21st century – and he confirmed that in this interview

 

‘It’s nice he says things like that,’ – Nigel Pearson’s comment on Crump’s interview

 

Greg Hancock – still wants to be part of the GPs – but it is said that IMG want young spectacular riders – like Tai Woffinden – for instance

As Josh Auty took a young girl for a ride around the track – that Monday night at Scunthorpe – after the meeting - all the while gazing incredulously at Woffinden – as he pulled endless wheelies around the track

 

But Woffinden was saying to – Auty – and anyone else who cared to notice

‘This is the future Josh – you have to be a showman – that’s what the public want’

 

Meanwhile Andreas Jonsson – was satisfied he had won his mother her promised holiday – and stated that it was – ‘up to them’ – if he was included in the 2008 GPs

Though you get the impression – that A/J wouldn’t be all that bothered if they didn’t pick him – but everyone would have to – wait and see – what happens

 

Back in the studio

Keith Huwen – ‘A unique night of speedway’ – but romance is dead as Hancock didn’t’ take the $100,000

Chris Louis – tongue in cheek - ‘where has the romance gone in this sport’

It died Chris – but is waiting to be reborn in the new GP future?

 

But apparently Jonsson needed to win – as there will be no Swedish qualifiers next year – therefore – already – a source of future GP riders – has been cut off – for whatever reason – there are no qualification races in Sweden

Does this also mean – that IMG – will dictate who rides in the GPs and who doesn’t – and that there won’t be any need for qualification meetings anywhere?

 

The presentations are made to the top three in this evenings meeting

Keith confirms that 60,000 people are in attendance in the stadium

Chris Louis insists that this venue remains second to Cardiff – nonetheless

Keith – thinks Crump looks like he’s 14 year old – reborn perhaps?

 

Jonsson receives a giant trophy – big enough to hold $100,000 dollars???

Andreas sings the extended version of the Swedish national anthem

‘It goes like this,’ as A/J instructs Crump and Hancock in community singing

But why didn’t some of those old world champions present the trophies?

Keith says – ‘it’s been a great year for the GPs – there has been some great racing in among’

‘In among what Keith – all the crap races????’

 

Presentation to the new world champion and second and third placed riders

Chris Louis imagines that Jason Crump will be disappointed with this year

Leigh Adams – looks as if his mind and heart – are elsewhere – set on deciding his future perhaps

Keith detects sadness in his demeanour – meaning his future is already decided?

But all agree – Nicki Pedersen fully deserved his world championship

He did it in the right way – for the most part – personally – in the pits – on the bike

 

Nicki sings the Danish National Anthem – conducts the crowd

Jason Crump says – ‘I’d love to join in – but I don’t know the words’ – then indicates to Nicki that he ought to sing louder

 

Keith says – ‘we have a lot to look forwards to in 2000 and out’ – Keith corrects himself – ‘2008’

‘A Freudian slip or what eh – Keith????’

 

And that’s that for another Grand Prix year

Here is a little poem for those who might think speedway has sold it’s world championship soul to the devil they see IMG becoming

 

 

THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER

 

I know

You have not forsaken me

In one moment

I hang upon the cross

In that same moment

I am betrayed by a kiss

I am riding through Jerusalem

I am here writing this song

I am at once in freedom

I am at one with you

 

I hear the sound of coins

As they rattle on the ground

Thirty pieces of silver

Betrayal is all around

Cocks crowing three times

Mesmerising rhymes

We are in our prisons

We are doing our time

 

I seek to speak eternity

Balanced on a point

The very next thing is

To rock this joint

I wait on you

There is nothing else

The stench of evil

Fills the air

Thirty pieces of silver

Rattle on the ground

 

Voices weaving through the labyrinth

Big deals coming down the line

The snake swings from the Judas Tree

That's where I heard that rattling sound

The preacher in his pulpit

While they pass the plate around

Thirty pieces of silver

Rattling on the ground

 

It is all change

And I have to go along with it

I wanted all of this

So I had to pay my dues

I put my hand in my pocket

To see what change I had

As I handed my money across

Thirty pieces of silver rattled

On the ground

 

I stand upon a green hill

Looking far away

Three wooden crosses

Behind me

From which hang

The bold and the brave

Even when you are dying

You still don't understand

So you just reach out for

Something solid and grip

Thirty pieces of silver

Tightly in your hand

…………………………………………………..

Edited October 16, 2007 by Mr. Clemens

[Trees]

1098 Jucatti

1098 Ducati ........... it's an Italian on road motorcycle MrC.

Because – Jason Crump – is the only speedway rider – who has truly grasped – the meaning of what the future of speedway will be

IMG can take speedway to new venues – providing big money prizes – BUT – the TV presentation – must improve – beyond all recognition - in order to convey this spirit – to the viewing public – that they be enthralled by what is on show before them

Oh christ, well if IMG are here to stay let's hope they learn quick too. It's a high price for the riders to pay for their inadequacies!

[marron]

Reads shorter books

 

Good read though

[colin]

Another masterpiece from Mr Clemens & his keyboard.

colin

[Mr. Clemens]

Reads shorter books 

 

Good read though 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

These posts aren't for the faint hearted marron

[Diesel]

The constant dashes - make - it a complete - pain - in the - arse- to read.

[Mr. Clemens]

The constant dashes - make - it a complete - pain - in the - arse- to read.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

I do it to seperate the text so the reader is not presented with a solid block of words on a computer monitor which I think makes it even harder to read

This being the same reason I put spaces between the paragraphs

 

If you cut and paste it onto word you can arrange it all how you want to read it

 

People have told me that they print these posts off so they can read them off the page

 

 

Thanks also to Trees for the information about the bike

I thought it was a motorbike he was talking about

 

Glad you liked the post Colin

 

But I must dash as I have things to do

[Diesel]

I do it to seperate the text

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What is wrong with the good old fashioned comma? It has been performing exactly that function for years.

[Mr. Clemens]

What is wrong with the good old fashioned comma? It has been performing exactly that function for years.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Because I prefer to do it the way I do it

[Trees]

I prefer the way you do it MrC, makes for good reading imo