Alan Hunt Trophy, Perry Barr 18-03-09

[Shadders]

Courtesy of Speedway Updates

 

Winner-Seb Ulamek...Second-Shane Parker...Third-Jason Lyons

 

Start time 7.30pm

 

Texter: Stevebrum

 

Updater: Shadders

 

 

Line Up

 

1. Ludvig Lindgren...2, 0, 3, 0, 1 = 6

2. Josef Franc...F, 2, 0, 3, 3 = 8

3. Tomasz Piszcz...3, 0, 2, 2, 1 = 8

4. Andre Compton...1, 3, 3, 2, 0 = 9

5. Jason Lyons...3, 3, 3, 1, 2 = 12

6. Ben Taylor...1, 0, 0, 0, 0 = 1

7. Phil Morris...2, 1, 1, 1, 2 = 7

8. Marek Mroz...R, 1, R, 1, 0 = 2

9. Richard Sweetman...0, 2, 1, 1, 1 = 5

10. James Wright...2, 3, 0, 3, 2 = 10

11. David Howe...1, 2, 2, 2, 1 = 8

12. Claus Vissing...3, 0, 2, 2, 2 = 9

13. Ben Barker...0, 1, 2, 0, 3 = 6

14. Sebastian Ulamek...3, 1, 3, 3, 3 = 13

15. Shane Parker...2, 3, 1, 3, 3 = 12

16. Robert Ksiezak...1, 2, 1, R, 0 = 4

 

Res. Lee Smart

Res. Luke Priest

 

 

Heat 01: Piszcz, Lindgren, Compton, Franc. (Awarded, no time)

From the gate.....Franc fell bend 1 lap 3 when well adrift

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Heat 02: Lyons, Morris, Taylor, Mroz (ret)...59.4

From the gate....Mroz pulled up last lap when well adrift

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Heat 03: Vissing, Wright, Howe, Sweetman...59.5

Close between the first three...no passing yet!

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Heat 04: Ulamek, Parker, Ksiezak, Barker (fell, rem)...59.7

Barker fell on the 1st bend. He seemed to think it might be stopped and re run...Another race from the gate....Ulamek is a class above.

 

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Heat 05: Lyons, Sweetman, Barker, Lindgren...58.7

At last a pass!!!!....Sweetman passed Barker bend 2 lap 2.

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Heat 06: Wright, Franc, Ulamek, Taylor...59.7

Wright took the lead bend 4 lap 1.

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Heat 07: Parker, Howe, Morris, Piszcz (fell, rem)...59.6

Piszcz fell on tight first bend with Howe.....Howe passed Morris back straight lap 2

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Heat 08: Compton, Ksiezak, Mroz, Vissing (fell, rem)...61.5

Vissing lead until he fell bend 1 lap 2...Compton passed Ksiezak bend 2 lap 3

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Heat 09: Lindgren, Howe, Ksiezak, Taylor...61.0

Shocking gate from Howe...He passed Taylor bend 2 lap 2, then passed Ksiezak back straight lap 3 and nearly stole the win on the line

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Heat 10: Lyons, Vissing, Parker, Franc...59.5

From the gate

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Heat 11: Ulamek, Piszcz, Sweetman, Mroz (ret)...60.9

Piszcz challenged on the 1st lap...Mroz gave up on the last lap.

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Heat 12: Compton, Barker, Morris, Wright...61.0

A decent heat...Good opening lap with Barker sweeping wide into second place on bend 4 lap 1 and was gaining with every bend. Tight finish on the line.

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Heat 13: Ulamek, Vissing, Morris, Lindgren...61.1

Tight opening bend...Lingren went too wide and was out of contention...Vissing swept past Morris bend 3 lap 1.

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Heat 14: Franc, Howe, Mroz, Barker (fell, rem)

Barker fell bend 2 lap 2 while leading

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Heat 15: Wright, Piszcz, Lyons, Ksiezak (ret)...60.9

Ksiezak's bike packed up back straight lap 1.

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Heat 16: Parker, Compton, Sweetman, Taylor...61.3

From the gate...

 

********************INTERVAL********************

 

Heat 17: Parker, Wright, Lindgren, Mroz...60.4

From the gate

 

Heat 18: Re run Franc, Morris, Sweetman, Ksiezak...61.3

Morris and Ksiezak fell 1st bend...May have had contact with Franc...All4back.....Morris pushed all the way in the re run

 

Heat 19:Barker, Vissing, Piszcz, Taylor...61.0

Vissing pushed all the way

 

Heat 20:Ulamek, Lyons, Howe, Compton...61.3

Lyons pushed hard without threatening....Ulamek wins the meeting

 

Second Place Run Off: Parker, Lyons

Parker gates, but Lyons sweeps under bend 2...Parker passes back 4th bend and pulls away

 

*************************

 

Additional Comments:

 

Line up confirmed.

 

© 2005-2009 All meetings are copyrighted to Speedway Updates, permission must be sought and we must be fully credited before they are used elsewhere.

[paul84]

Well done Andre all good practise for the Comets looks like it was a real hard meeting i hought Howe would have got a couple of wins mind you? As i say its all good for getting back into the swing of things!!

[Brummie Kev]

A decent opening meeting tonight, plenty of heats from the gate but there were some excellent heats. Heat 9 was a very good one, Howe making an absolute mare of a gate, even outgated by Ben Taylor. He then chased down Taylor passed him then Ksiezak and only just missed out to Lindgren on the line.

 

Heat 12 was another decent one, Compton made a cracking gate but he was chased down Barker. Barker was very erratic tonight but in that heat he gave Compton a real run for his money but Compton held on.

 

I thought Heat 20 was the pick, Ullamek was away after the first bend, Lyons and Howe were wheel to first lap. Lyons pulled away from Howe but Ullamek was some way clear. Lyons then proceed to chase down Ullamek getting closer and closer but Ullamek held on just. One more lap and I think he would have caught him.

 

Theres no doubt Ullamek deserved to win the tonight, showed his class. Parker as ever did extremley well at Perry Barr, I wish he wasnt retiring at the end of the season. Compton I thought was Brilliant, Gating was good and theres no doubt he will do a very good job at Workington. Howe was a bit disapointing, looked fast in some heats but was inconsistant with his gating. James Wright was very good, on the pace all night always seems to do well at Perry Barr. Franc got better in his last two rides not great early on.

 

As for the brummies, Lyons was excellent gave it his all in heat 20 to chase down Ullamek . Piszcz looked good pity he fell in heat 7 as he would have gone round the lot of them, think he will average 9 in the PL this season. Lindgren for me showed glimpses of his talent, gating was fine even in his fourth ride when he came last. He just went too ride on turn 2 and lost position. He looked slow in some rides, espcially last one. Sweetman and Ksiezak were hit and miss, Ksiezak had mechanical problems in last two hopefully they will get better. Didnt expect too much from Ben Taylor and Mroz in this meeting.

 

 

[Col]

Not a great meeting, but they never seem to be this early in the year still good to have the smell of methanol in my nostrils again, best heat was when Howe missed the gate and Barker chasing Compton. Both Howe & Barker appeared to be testing equipment all night, expected more from both. Other than that Vissing impressed me, he's come on leaps & bounds since he was at Stoke.

 

Ulamek was utterly clueless the once when Franc out gated him, but every other race he was well clear as he hit the first turn.

 

And whats with this new 7:30 start, I missed the first heat (it was 7:45 start time all last season).

Edited March 18, 2009 by Col

[21st century heathen]

For the most part that was boooooooooring. There seemed to be something not quite right with the track. It looked fine so I certainly wouldn't point the finger and say there was a big cock-up by the track staff. But in many heats the riders were well spaced out with no line working when they were chasing. Even Lyons was tailed off in heat 15 and was just losing ground rather than coming through from the back as usual. The race times were way off the track record too. The track record is 56.60 but the fastest time of the night was 58.70, but 10 heats were 61 seconds and over. Not every meeting will see very fast times but something isn't quite right when the times are consistantly 3-5 seconds off and the heat winner is generally well clear.

 

There was some action though. Compton put a good move on Ksiezak, Howe (as mentioned) rode the race of the night to come from nowhere to pass Taylor and Ksiezak before closing in on Lindgren to miss out by about half a bike length, Wright passed somebody but can't remember who and Barker swept around Morris (if memory serves). It was a wierd night for Barker. Rather eratic. Started off slow and fell in his first, quicker by his thrid ride and grabbed a good second, then fell while leading and looking much faster (picked up too much drive and did well to achieve a controlled and harmless fall) and finally finished off with a win (had to get around Vissing on the first lap to truly taste fresh air). The night was rounded off with a superb opening lap by Parker in the run-off. He went very wide on turn one after making a clean start. That allowed Lyons to creep around the curb and pass him on the back straight. Into the third turn and Lyons had it by a wheel, but Parker headed for the fence again and held a superb line around the outside to pass and pull well clear of Lyons. He stayed out wide on the fast line and after a lap it looked as though Lyons realised there was no point and just finished the race.

 

Oh, and an interval after heat 16. Who's bright idea was that?

[21st century heathen]

And whats with this new 7:30 start, I missed the first heat (it was 7:45 start time all last season).

 

It's been well documented. Where have you been?! It gives them an extra 15 mins before the curfew. Smart move. I always thought 19:45 was a bit odd to be honest.

[Brummie Kev]

And whats with this new 7:30 start, I missed the first heat (it was 7:45 start time all last season).

 

I know when the start time was 7.45 there wasnt an interval in alot of meetings so perhaps its been moved back because of that. Also last season because meetings went on too long they didnt run the Academy team the bulls every week after the meeting.

[SCB]

YAWN! 4 heats with passes and no other heats where you thought there was even a chance of a pass.

[Col]

It's been well documented. Where have you been?! It gives them an extra 15 mins before the curfew. Smart move. I always thought 19:45 was a bit odd to be honest.

 

I've barely looked at the forum for months! Too many pointless posts, couldn't be bothered after the signings were announced.

[stevebrum]

Just to add on from my footnotes on the text updates.

DULL meeting with little passing.

Ulamek, despite one duff ride was easilty the pick.

Lyons looked the quickest until after his 3rd ride.

Parker got better as the meeting went on.

 

Well done to the top 3.

 

As for the rest -------

 

Ludvig - started with a decent 2nd and a win in heat 9 when he took advantage of getting daylight ahead of Howe who had to pick his way through the field.

Franc - was mediocre in the first half then looked superb in his last 2.

Piszcz - certainly tries and not outclassed.

Compton - did pretty well even tho he isnt really that behind any other riders considering he didnt miss anything when he `retired`. In the big heat 20 he needed to win to force a run off was left wanting.

Taylor - as expected completely outclassed.

Morris - always has a go.

Mroz - with the Brummies reserve pairing its going to be a VERY long season. Looked way off the pace.

Sweetman - first chance to see him and he looks like he could be useful.

Wright - a duffer in heat spoilt a chance of a top 3 finish. Had some pace without over impressing.

Howe - woeful gating - even taylor outgated him! Finished without a win which surprised me as was in the thick of the action.

Vissing - looked very fast and impressive. His fall cost him a potential rostrum place.

Barker - 2 falls - one very unlucky when leading. Looked to have the speed but looked a bit hit and miss.

Ksiezak - hardly set the track alight. Well need big improvements for the Brummies to have any chances this year as its looks top 2 and nothing else on this kind of showing.

[czechhero]

Just to add on from my footnotes on the text updates.

DULL meeting with little passing.

Ulamek, despite one duff ride was easilty the pick.

Lyons looked the quickest until after his 3rd ride.

Parker got better as the meeting went on.

 

Well done to the top 3.

 

As for the rest -------

 

Ludvig - started with a decent 2nd and a win in heat 9 when he took advantage of getting daylight ahead of Howe who had to pick his way through the field.

Franc - was mediocre in the first half then looked superb in his last 2.

Piszcz - certainly tries and not outclassed.

Compton - did pretty well even tho he isnt really that behind any other riders considering he didnt miss anything when he `retired`. In the big heat 20 he needed to win to force a run off was left wanting.

Taylor - as expected completely outclassed.

Morris - always has a go.

Mroz - with the Brummies reserve pairing its going to be a VERY long season. Looked way off the pace.

Sweetman - first chance to see him and he looks like he could be useful.

Wright - a duffer in heat spoilt a chance of a top 3 finish. Had some pace without over impressing.

Howe - woeful gating - even taylor outgated him! Finished without a win which surprised me as was in the thick of the action.

Vissing - looked very fast and impressive. His fall cost him a potential rostrum place.

Barker - 2 falls - one very unlucky when leading. Looked to have the speed but looked a bit hit and miss.

Ksiezak - hardly set the track alight. Well need big improvements for the Brummies to have any chances this year as its looks top 2 and nothing else on this kind of showing.

Pretty well summed up I'd say.

One thing I will add though is I think we'll miss Phil Morris.

Edited March 19, 2009 by czechhero

[Moorski]

Totally agree CH, Morris should have been in the 7. As for the meeting it was a typical opener with some riders simply finding their feet as so to speak.

[21st century heathen]

I've barely looked at the forum for months! Too many pointless posts, couldn't be bothered after the signings were announced.

 

Should've checked the Brummies website.

[Pirio Barre]

For the most part that was boooooooooring.

 

Not a great meeting

 

YAWN! 4 heats with passes and no other heats where you thought there was even a chance of a pass.

 

Just to add on from my footnotes on the text updates.

DULL meeting with little passing.

 

 

One thing I hate is people commenting on meetings they weren’t at, and i was not at this meeting but in this case I feel I must make an exception.

 

I highlight the above comments as they are from neutral fans and best represent the feelings of a new comer to the sport and not a harden Brummies fan.

 

Would love to see the attendance figures for the meeting

 

 

I’m sure the 6000 that were there last night will see this as a stunningly successful opening by the Birmingham promotion and will return all year long and can’t wait for next years opener.

 

When will this outdated promotion learn?

 

They ruined a golden opportunity to grab the public’s support for the new Birmingham team two years ago. Yet they still purist with this opening fixture which to any new comer expecting to see a team to support end up having to watching a bunch of individuals following each other round the track.

 

The promotion does a good job spreading the word of the Birmingham speedway team during the build up to the season but then toss it all away with an individual meeting. Birmingham should take a leaf out of Rye House’s book and start your season with a team fixture against lesser opposition that way insuring a handsome home victory and sending the fans home happy and wanting more.

 

And yes you may think this is a valuable practice for the home riders on there own track but at £15 people don’t want to see valuable practice they want to see there team winning.

 

And remember I only make these views as if I was new comer to the sport not harden supporter. But ask yourself as a new fan supporting a team, which is more likely to get you coming back next week Rye House’s victory on Sunday or a victory for a rider your never going to see again all season.

 

 

 

[czechhero]

Fair points, well made.

[brum_57]

Pirio makes some good points, I'm not a great fan of Indiviual events myself, indeed at the old Perry Barr the second city trophy was the one fixture I used to give a miss and spend my hard earned down the pub instead.

 

I wouldn't say that the brum promotion are outdated having the Whacker trophy as a season opener, the fans are gagging for speedway after the winters break, so there is no better time to slip in a indi meeting which gives the team a chance to blow away the winter cobwebs and also gives any newcomers the chance of a runout against some decent opposition. I'm not sure having an opener against lesser opposition is a good idea myself as I have already said, I'm sure any newcomers to the team would appretiate a run out against a bit of class rather than a bunch of trundlers and winning by huge amounts is not what it's about in my opinion.

 

Having said that, give me team racing anytime

 

Kev.

 

 

 

 

[Adam 74]

Congratulations Seba, great win fully deserved...

[stevebrum]

Pretty well summed up I'd say.

One thing I will add though is I think we'll miss Phil Morris.

 

thanks czechhero

 

 

One thing I hate is people commenting on meetings they weren’t at, and i was not at this meeting but in this case I feel I must make an exception.

 

I highlight the above comments as they are from neutral fans and best represent the feelings of a new comer to the sport and not a harden Brummies fan.

 

Thanks Pirio. I always like to call it as i see it. Of course most hardened home fans usually disagree with your opinion usually but every opinion is valid - usually!

As for your other comments on starting the meeting with a meaningless open meeting.

On some levels i agree - think that most fans would prefer team action any day.

Although of course nothing can distract from the facts that the GP meetings (which are `open` meetings in a sense) attract the best crowds.

Plus you only have to look at how many meetings that are planned for the first 2 weeks of the season that seem to have been well recieved ans gettings fans excited about. From what ive heard or read the attendances at Swindon and Sheffield were good.

So i think it comes down to the actual open meeting itself that opens your season. If its just a filler then its likely not to suceed in the long run.

The Alan Hunt meeting im sure is destined to stay only because of the association.

I think the line up is always the key. I love PL open meetings that have elite riders in . Thinks its interesting for the PL fans and is likely to bring along elite fans also.

Think the line up at Brum was , for my liking, pretty weak.

And when you compare it to other open meetings you can attend or have been able to attend its one of the less attractive ones.

Maybe it was the track - i dont know - but the racing was by and large dull and mostly decided on the first lap.

Track preperations can always be difficult at this time of year . However saying that we witnessed several cracking heats at Wolves on Monday on a great track with very quick race times.

The key to me is always the track.

if i know that Brum will run a slick track next seasons opener its highly unlikely ill bother to go.

Plus having the Brummies 1-7 in the Brummies 1-7 is great for home fans but watching the likes of Ben Taylor and Mroz in an open meeting wouldnt exactly get me digging into my pockets again.

Just more thoughts

Edited March 20, 2009 by stevebrum

[Moorski]

Good points SteveBrum, I think that the clue is in today's Evening Mail newspaper where Drury hints at having to work within a tighter budget, hence the lack of top riders (Ulamek apart) outside of the PL and even the team line up for this season, IMO that is.

[stevebrum]

Good points SteveBrum, I think that the clue is in today's Evening Mail newspaper where Drury hints at having to work within a tighter budget, hence the lack of top riders (Ulamek apart) outside of the PL and even the team line up for this season, IMO that is.

 

Thanks Moorski