Racer X Posted October 23, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 (edited) but Ben Barker delivered a couple of the most exciting races seen all year at Smallmead. If someone gets Barker on some EL standard equipment I reckon Reading could do a far worse job than get him in at reserve next year, ideally doubling up with a 'smaller' PL track than he's been used to. Easily the most entertaining visitor to Perry Barr this season. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I've always been impressed with this lad ever since we lost out on him to Oxford as a youngster. (And for me to stay keen on a rider whipped away by Oxo means he must be decent!) The BSI trials seem to have left him as a Reading asset again though and I would not object to PL racing in the least (not that I would anyway) if we saw this lad week in week out. He has the Chris Harrises about him - and you are right Col, like Chris if he goes on top quality machinery he will really start to fly. PL or EL I hope we see the guy more often at Smallmead next year. Hougaard too had an efficient meeting and rides a nice inside line too - all too rare these days. All the riders interviewed said how much "fun" it was to ride Smallmead - that's good news for getting riders to ride for Reading but shows how little home track advantage we have, and I still think that's something Wellie and co have to work on no matter what league we are in. I tend to get the impression that the top teams' management think there is nothing wrong with EL speedway and will run pretty much "as you were" with no significant help fo the half of the table that was so uncompetitive this year. That's folly in my opinion and certain promotions previously belived to be forward thinking now cannot see past their own 2008 line ups. Its like Oxford never happened and nothing was wrong at EAstie, Reading or PB.... PS Very impressed with Minder Man on the mic - he has a very sharp wit and is excellent entertainment these days. All in all a very enjoyable (if long!) show last night. Now we face a month of speculation and some more damaging times I would suggest. Edited October 23, 2007 by Racer X Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iris123 Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 (edited) Frank Facher is the German lad, sadly he can't get time off from his studies to come over, which is a shame I was so looking forward to annoucing his name! <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Pity about that.I was just asking the other day where are all the German guys trying to get themselves noticed?.We have seen plenty of Danes,Finns and others using the Open meetings.Pity no Germans have been over apart from Kevin Wölbert at Ipswich.And i gather that was through Tobi Kroner putting in a word Edited October 23, 2007 by iris123 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 (edited) I tend to get the impression that the top teams' management think there is nothing wrong with EL speedway and will run pretty much "as you were" with no significant help fo the half of the table that was so uncompetitive this year. That's folly in my opinion and certain promotions previously belived to be forward thinking now cannot see past their own 2008 line ups. Its like Oxford never happened and nothing was wrong at EAstie, Reading or PB.... Not on topic, of course, but I would imagine that if the 'one 8 point rider per team' rule was introduced as mooted that would do it, with 10 teams rather than 11 (at the start of the season) there are more EL standard riders for those 10 teams. There will be the obvious rider movement that comes with all close seasons. Under the 8 pointer ruling Poole will be forced to lose either Crump or Pedersen, Lakeside will have to lose either Jonsson or Kasprzak. I don't expect Iversen, Schlien or Hamill to wear the same race jacket as they wore this year either due to the points limit whatever that will be. Of course should Jonsson or more likely Kasprzak decide to not ride in England next year or Loram not be fit enough to start the year, that throws spanners in the works. Plus you never know we may see the return of Hampel, Protasiewicz or Hancock. Has the bottom fallen out of the Russian speedway funding yet? Edited October 23, 2007 by Col Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grachan Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 I tend to get the impression that the top teams' management think there is nothing wrong with EL speedway and will run pretty much "as you were" with no significant help fo the half of the table that was so uncompetitive this year. That's folly in my opinion and certain promotions previously belived to be forward thinking now cannot see past their own 2008 line ups. Its like Oxford never happened and nothing was wrong at EAstie, Reading or PB.... <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Where do you get that impression from? It's been said by the Swindon promotion - over the PA at Blunsdon - that the average will almost certainly have to come down as we can't have another season with bottom clubs struggling like they have this year. Nobody, as far as I'm aware anyway, has ever said it shouldn't. From what I can gather, Swindon's beef this year has been about getting criticised for putting together a team THIS year under rules that were agreed for a two year period by all the teams. They have always said that there is no way such a team would be able to be put together in 2008 and have never claimed to believe it should be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Brown Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 The minder enjoyed a good nite on the mike, even to the point of signing autographs in the bar afterwards, recognition at last <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Blimey, its become that difficult for the kids to find a hero at Reading now ?? Mind you, Chris Brown taught me all I know...!!! Is that a general statement Parsloes or just relating to Filip Sitera Knew you'd come round Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loyal royal Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 Echo All thats been said already, this was a good nights entertainment with some excellent racing. I would more than happy to go back to Premier League speedway if we were served up some of these boys every week, and i mean EVERY week ! This Seven would do nicely Wellie: Ben Barker Sam Simota Chris Schramm Patrick Hougaard Chris Mills Mark Lemon Filip Sitera Not in that order Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The H Man Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 Super night of Speedway at Smallmead last night. The boys certainly gave 110% effort and the racing was more than worthy of the occasion. Pleased to see Lemo get some success after a difficult season, whilst young Patrick Hougaard seems to set to be a very useful rider (how tall is that lad, almost looks me in the eye ) Stoj from the IOW rode really well and looked so much better than a 6pt PL rider and what can you say about young Sitera, a seriously good prospect who will be on many British promoters shopping lists. Ben Barker is certainly a lad with balls of steel and who knows he may well have made the final bar a time exclusion, whilst it was great to see Millsy and Schrambo back at Smallmead, both real good lads and I am pleased they are progressing nicely with their careers. Ritchie Hawkins and Cory Gathercole rode very well, whilst Jason King and Luke Bowen also produced tidy showings. Special mentions to Rob Mear and Nikki Glanz who both rode very well and certainly mixed it with the more experienced guys. Bit of a cock up from the pits which lead to the poor lad who was the meeting reserve being forced to come off 15 meters when he replaced the excluded Ben Barker! Great to see Shawn McConnell ride in the meeting for his late friend. To fly over especially for the meeting was a fine gesture and it was great to see him win a race as well. He last rode Smallmead in 1984, which was before most of the field was even born. Whilst it was an honour to read out a personal email from Booby Schwartz remembering his best friend. I think the fans got their money's worth, Wellie's four laps and the fireworks added to the occasion! Thank to Racer X for his kind words and to Spannerboy for highlighting my moment of fame on the forum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racer X Posted October 23, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 Ben Barker 5.99 Sam Simota 8.88 Chris Schramm 5.91 Patrick Hougaard 8.00 Chris Mills 5.96 Mark Lemon 8.64 Filip Sitera 8.00 Not in that order Or under a 40 point limit! Only just over 11 points over the limit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryn Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 The minder enjoyed a good nite on the mike, even to the point of signing autographs in the bar afterwards, recognition at last <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Ye Gods! What next? Hordes chasing Racer X for HIS autograph? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loyal royal Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 Ben Barker 5.99 Sam Simota 8.88 Chris Schramm 5.91 Patrick Hougaard 8.00 Chris Mills 5.96 Mark Lemon 8.64 Filip Sitera 8.00 Not in that order Or under a 40 point limit! Only just over 11 points over the limit <{POST_SNAPBACK}> S***, i hoped you wouldnt notice ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parsloes 1928 nearly Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 Whilst it was an honour to read out a personal email from Booby Schwartz remembering his best friend. Thank to Racer X for his kind words and to Spannerboy for highlighting my moment of fame on the forum <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yesterday was my first visit to Reading post-Bulldogs era and can I say it was a pleasure to be there. Seemed to me that a real 'family' atmosphere pervaded the place: much preferable, I think, to the froth of commercialism... And I also must say - from the standpoint of doing a bit of humble announcing myself.. - that I did think that your 'performance' on the mic was the best I've heard for a very long time. You were excellent and it contributed to a thoroughly entertaining meeting.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 Echo All thats been said already, this was a good nights entertainment with some excellent racing. I would more than happy to go back to Premier League speedway if we were served up some of these boys every week, and i mean EVERY week ! This Seven would do nicely Wellie: Ben Barker Sam Simota Chris Schramm Patrick Hougaard Chris Mills Mark Lemon Filip Sitera Not in that order <{POST_SNAPBACK}> To be honest thats probably closer to the EL points limit than it is to the PL. Ok that might have been a slight it's exaggeration 1.87 (by my reckoning) over a 40.0 PL limit before i even attempt to figure out what average Simota would be on in the PL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Brown Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 (edited) Yesterday was my first visit to Reading post-Bulldogs era and can I say it was a pleasure to be there. Seemed to me that a real 'family' atmosphere pervaded the place: much preferable, I think, to the froth of commercialism... And I also must say - from the standpoint of doing a bit of humble announcing myself.. - that I did think that your 'performance' on the mic was the best I've heard for a very long time. You were excellent and it contributed to a thoroughly entertaining meeting.. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Blimey Minder, praise from old Parsloes, no wonder people wanted your autograph In all seriousness, its good to see that things down Reading way are on the up after the mess left by the so called masters in speedway promotion. Good to see real Reading fans putting some spirit back in the club Edited October 23, 2007 by Chris Brown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racer X Posted October 23, 2007 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 To be honest thats probably closer to the EL points limit than it is to the PL. Ok that might have been a slight it's exaggeration 1.87 (by my reckoning) over a 40.0 PL limit before i even attempt to figure out what average Simota would be on in the PL. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I can tell you exactly.... 8.88. Simota finished on 4.44 for Reading this year and is a surefire bet for progress next year. Riders like him will be gold dust. IF we dropped PL next year I would be very surprised if he raced PL - I would be very hapy but I just can't see it happening. Grachan - I have answered your question on the 38 points thread on the EL section as I think it is best placed there. Throughly interesting meeting and I must admit my interest in the sport has been much rekindled by yesterday's event. I think Reading are best placed in PL racing, I just don't think there will be enough room or riders avilable for us to be allowed to build a decent side in EL. "Balls of steel" Big H? That's exactly the phrase I used to a work colleague this morning describing Ben - am I turning into you or are you turning into me? Either way its enough to scare everyone on the forum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryn Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 In all seriousness, its good to see that things down Reading way are on the up after the mess left by the so called masters in speedway promotion. Good to see real Reading fans putting some spirit back in the club <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Totally agree Browny! Both Reading and Oxford have had troublesome seasons and it really is great to see the fortunes of both the Cheetahs and the Wackies take a turn for the better as the season comes to an end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The H Man Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 Yesterday was my first visit to Reading post-Bulldogs era and can I say it was a pleasure to be there. Seemed to me that a real 'family' atmosphere pervaded the place: much preferable, I think, to the froth of commercialism... And I also must say - from the standpoint of doing a bit of humble announcing myself.. - that I did think that your 'performance' on the mic was the best I've heard for a very long time. You were excellent and it contributed to a thoroughly entertaining meeting.. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thank you kind sir, the meeting was an enjoyable one to present, which always helps. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The H Man Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 Blimey Minder, praise from old Parsloes, no wonder people wanted your autograph In all seriousness, its good to see that things down Reading way are on the up after the mess left by the so called masters in speedway promotion. Good to see real Reading fans putting some spirit back in the club <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes Chris/Bryn, it's been a tough season for us all, but hey we are all still here, still loving our respective clubs and hoping that 2008 will be less traumatic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The H Man Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 "Balls of steel" Big H? That's exactly the phrase I used to a work colleague this morning describing Ben - am I turning into you or are you turning into me? Either way its enough to scare everyone on the forum! <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey you cheeky beggar, I copyrighted that at about 9.20pm last night and have 5000 whoops OK 500 witnesses! lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grachan Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 Good to see Shawn McConnell won a race. I actually have a picture that I took of him riding round Reading in 1984! Shawn, by the way, is older than Bob Kilby and Martin Ashby were when they rode in the "Champs are Back" Golden Greats meeting at Swindon in 1988, so quite an achievement for him to get a race win. I wish I'd been there to see it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonzo441 Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 Have to agree with everything said so far on here. Really enjoyed the meeting. Glad there seemed to be a fairly decent turn out of spectators. Lemo was very good especially as he seemed to be down to his last bike and engine! His interveiw after the final seemed to point to the fact that he wishes to remain elite league next season, can't help thinking he might end up at Belle Vue due to his location. Hougaard seemed much more acomplished at this level and boy did he ride a few others hard!! Barker was just great to watch (can't understand how everyone missed that it wasn't him going off 15m when he has a dayglow stripe down the side of his kevlars, I noticed straight away and I've only seen him ride a couple of times). Shawn McConnell was just brilliant and vfm alone with that hanging off his bike style. Stojanowski looked good enough to hold down an elite league ride, which is the same as what I thought at the tail end of last season when he rode at Poole. Filip Sitera looked class straight out the box. What do we know about this rider? Who does he ride for on the continent? Is he looking for an english team next season??? Also good showings from Mills, Schramm, Mear, Glanz and Hawkins. All in all a great meeting and despite what everyone was saying before the meeting, well worth the £13 entry fee. Wouldn't mind if Reading went PL next year, but the away meeting travelling would be a big disadvantage for me personaly, with only really Rye house being local. A big thank you to the new management team for keeping speedway alive in the Reading area. Gonz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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