The 2009 Premier League Riders' Championship

[Shadders]

Said Ward: “I was disappointed. I’ve worked so hard all year. I came here as favourite and didn’t pull it off. If I’d have made the start in the final I would have smoked him.”

If Adrian Rymel had chose gate two in last years final he'd have probably been PL Riders Champion.

 

Ward was understandably disappointed as it's his first and only shot at the title

Edited September 29, 2009 by Shadders

[spin king junior]

Home track advantage???????????????? YES

 

What Proctor was trying to say with his comments, were, that had it of been at King's Lynn Darcy or Topinka would more than likely have more chance to have won it anywhere else the home track rider would more than likely win it, i.e. a different winner

 

I would put my life on the line and say that Ashworth, anywhere else wouldn't have even made the final.

 

In true refection to talent, Ashworth isn't even top 20 in the Premier League.

 

 

 

Should I congratulate Ashworth on his win, NO, but well done Darcy, Ty & Howe on making the top 4

 

Why be so arrogant and near minded to only congratulate the other 3. whether you like it or not Ricky is the 2009 PLRC .

[YorkshirePudding]

Home track advantage???????????????? YES

 

What Proctor was trying to say with his comments, were, that had it of been at King's Lynn Darcy or Topinka would more than likely have more chance to have won it anywhere else the home track rider would more than likely win it, i.e. a different winner

 

I would put my life on the line and say that Ashworth, anywhere else wouldn't have even made the final.

 

In true refection to talent, Ashworth isn't even top 20 in the Premier League.

 

 

 

Should I congratulate Ashworth on his win, NO, but well done Darcy, Ty & Howe on making the top 4

 

kings lynn fans will always be bad sports for many years to come, it was them who was booing him after he had won the final, you really are a bunch of sore losers.

and when they cheered as ricky fell off on first bend in one of his heats, just shows what kind of people you are

[Shoddy]

I'm not sure if anybody has mentioned this at all - haven't seen it said - but does anyone think the choice of gates cost a couple of riders?

 

On points scored gate 1 was the best in the meeting but as it went on the outside ones had more points scored from them. The numbers alone suggested there wasn't much between 1, 3 and 4.

 

If it had been my choice I'd have picked in the order of 3, 1 and then 4 but obviously I'm not a rider and I'm sure different people prefer different start positions too. The one thing I could see for sure was that gate 2 had been no good all night but sure enough Compton and Ward both picked it with second choice. If they'd gone for 3 or 4 does anybody think the end result would have been different in either/both races?

 

Is it time all riders have a statto geek in their corner along with a mechanic?!?

 

 

 

 

 

 

I can't see how everyone has managed to drag out the argument about the home advantage issue yet again - it's all been resolved before hasn't it?

 

* Of course most home winners only win because it's on their track

* We all know these events should be on a neutral track

* Until fans travel in numbers to neutral tracks to support the idea it won't change and history says we don't do it.

 

I have tended to go to big meetings on my local track but rarely travel to away venues for them so I can hardly grumble about it. Attendances would suggest the majority are in the same position so I'm afraid the 'morally correct' minority will just have to suffer. Tough but it's the way of the world I'm afraid - many of us will be in the same position after the next general election!

 

And anybody who doesn't congratulate (or who boos) the winner of any title, regardless of home advantage, is either under 12 years of age (although I'd like to say I'd give my 3 year old son a telling off if he did it) or is a few sandwiches short of the full picnic.

Edited September 29, 2009 by Shoddy

[paul84]

Home track advantage???????????????? YES

 

What Proctor was trying to say with his comments, were, that had it of been at King's Lynn Darcy or Topinka would more than likely have more chance to have won it anywhere else the home track rider would more than likely win it, i.e. a different winner

 

I would put my life on the line and say that Ashworth, anywhere else wouldn't have even made the final.

 

In true refection to talent, Ashworth isn't even top 20 in the Premier League.

 

 

 

Should I congratulate Ashworth on his win, NO, but well done Darcy, Ty & Howe on making the top 4

 

thats abit harsh isnt it??

Edited September 29, 2009 by Stoney=Legend

[Midnight_Lady]

Home track advantage???????????????? YES

 

What Proctor was trying to say with his comments, were, that had it of been at King's Lynn Darcy or Topinka would more than likely have more chance to have won it anywhere else the home track rider would more than likely win it, i.e. a different winner

 

I would put my life on the line and say that Ashworth, anywhere else wouldn't have even made the final.

 

In true refection to talent, Ashworth isn't even top 20 in the Premier League.

 

 

 

Should I congratulate Ashworth on his win, NO, but well done Darcy, Ty & Howe on making the top 4

 

You sound like a poor loser.

 

All the "ifs" and "buts" of the day make no difference.

 

The PLRC was held at Sheffield. A Sheffield rider won it. Get over it.

[dirt]

thats abit much isnt it??

 

pretty spot on. And i'd imagine if Lyons or another Aussie had made the final, the people backing Ashworth up and saying their was no advantage, and congratulating him would be evan more. If Ward and Proctor were British and Ashworth an Australian, they would surely be the one's whingeing about home track advantage. hehhehheh.

 

[Bagpuss]

kings lynn fans will always be bad sports for many years to come, it was them who was booing him after he had won the final, you really are a bunch of sore losers.

and when they cheered as ricky fell off on first bend in one of his heats, just shows what kind of people you are

 

You'd do well not to generalise....I'm a Lynn fan and I certainly did not boo Ashworth, and clapped him after his victory.

[Halifaxtiger]

i don't often defend the sheffield management (as they will testify!) but most of your observations here are FACTUALLY INCORRECT.

 

I only actually made two observations.

 

I seem to remember very clearly the riders refusing to ride and then the track being bladed in 2004. I am not sure what year the bike covers was but I also seem to remember Jan Staechmann coming on here and giving us his side of the story and saying the riders were forced to put sponsors bike covers over their own - something they were very unhappy about.

 

However, I'd be quite happy for you to put me straight, though, and give me the factually correct position.

 

Is it time all riders have a statto geek in their corner along with a mechanic?!?

 

I can't see how everyone has managed to drag out the argument about the home advantage issue yet again - it's all been resolved before hasn't it?

 

* Of course most home winners only win because it's on their track

* We all know these events should be on a neutral track

* Until fans travel in numbers to neutral tracks to support the idea it won't change and history says we don't do it.

 

I have tended to go to big meetings on my local track but rarely travel to away venues for them so I can hardly grumble about it. Attendances would suggest the majority are in the same position so I'm afraid the 'morally correct' minority will just have to suffer. Tough but it's the way of the world I'm afraid - many of us will be in the same position after the next general election!

 

And anybody who doesn't congratulate (or who boos) the winner of any title, regardless of home advantage, is either under 12 years of age (although I'd like to say I'd give my 3 year old son a telling off if he did it) or is a few sandwiches short of the full picnic.

 

In answer to your first point, yes. Are you offering your services ?

 

The thing is that everything should be done to ensure that the track is as neutral as possible - how many complaints are made about the pairs at Somerset ? Sheffield does have a pronounced home bias - you proved that yourself last year with a very fine set of statistics - so why hold the meeting there when there is a possibility of an adverse reaction and the devaluation of a riders win ?

 

Your spot on with your point about neutral tracks and its something that is ignored or overlooked. Having said that, Birmingham would definitely be a better choice. It is at least as good a stadium as Sheffield, has a bigger home support and I would say is regarded by everyone as far fairer.

 

You sound like a poor loser.

 

All the "ifs" and "buts" of the day make no difference.

 

The PLRC was held at Sheffield. A Sheffield rider won it. Get over it.

 

Yes, he did.

 

The only thing is is it necessary to 'get over it' year after year ?

 

Since 2003, the PLRC has been held at Sheffield on 6 occasions. On 4 of them, a Sheffield rider has won. On another (in 2006) as has been pointed out Andre Compton went out through injury but he was the only man on the night to haed the eventual winner, Magnus Zetterstrom. You could make a reasonable argument that only in 2008 in 6 seasons was there a clear winner from another track which contrasts very starkly with Compton's dreadful performance at Swindon in 2007.

 

We want our sport to be taken seriously. We want to attract new fans and sponsors and shut the knockers up. Holding one of our most prestigious meetings at one of more biased circuits with the result that a home rider who just scrapes into the top 20 PL averages wins it is hardly likely to achieve any of those goals.

[The SAINT]

I only actually made two observations.

 

I seem to remember very clearly the riders refusing to ride and then the track being bladed in 2004. I am not sure what year the bike covers was but I also seem to remember Jan Staechmann coming on here and giving us his side of the story and saying the riders were forced to put sponsors bike covers over their own - something they were very unhappy about.

 

However, I'd be quite happy for you to put me straight, though, and give me the factually correct position.

BOTH incidents were the same year.unfortunately i cannot/will not give you the full details other than to say a lot of politics were involved (by high profile people) that day.

[The Third Man]

I seem to remember very clearly the riders refusing to ride and then the track being bladed in 2004. I am not sure what year the bike covers was but I also seem to remember Jan Staechmann coming on here and giving us his side of the story and saying the riders were forced to put sponsors bike covers over their own - something they were very unhappy about.

 

 

 

Your spot on with your point about neutral tracks and its something that is ignored or overlooked. Having said that, Birmingham would definitely be a better choice. It is at least as good a stadium as Sheffield, has a bigger home support and I would say is regarded by everyone as far fairer.

 

 

 

Yes, he did.

 

 

 

 

We want our sport to be taken seriously. We want to attract new fans and sponsors and shut the knockers up. Holding one of our most prestigious meetings at one of more biased circuits with the result that a home rider who just scrapes into the top 20 PL averages wins it is hardly likely to achieve any of those goals.

 

first it wasnt the first PL match on sky nor was it the last so dont see your point

 

the problem with the track was as much political as aboiut the track, the main complainer seems to have a problem with sheffield and has tried at other times to cause problems.

 

you say we need to attract sponsers, when sheffield did this steachman and others refused to have the match sponsers on the handlebars (not bike covers) so whats the point of attracting sponsers when the riders dont want to advertise them?

 

sam ermolemko, an ex world champion dont forgot, could see nothing wrong with the track at all, he said it was a mans track that day

 

you seem to think that birmingham doesnt have any home track advantage, its well known that you have a problem with sheffield so i will accept that this view is based on that fact

 

ashworth was a worthy winner on a track that has got so much home track advantage that we have lost three or four at home and drawn one, that advantage seems to have disapeared a little this season

 

the meeting will only be held on a neutral track when there is enough support from all the fans who want it at neutral venue. until then sheffield it is get over it.

 

PS dont seem to remember all this fuss when Hyde Road used to be the home of the BLRC for so long,

[squall]

great venue. good racetrack, what more do you want.

we could hold it in poland. then no one would have an advantage!!

 

Except those who ride in the Polish League on that track?

[dukes1966]

I only actually made two observations.

 

I seem to remember very clearly the riders refusing to ride and then the track being bladed in 2004. I am not sure what year the bike covers was but I also seem to remember Jan Staechmann coming on here and giving us his side of the story and saying the riders were forced to put sponsors bike covers over their own - something they were very unhappy about.

 

However, I'd be quite happy for you to put me straight, though, and give me the factually correct position.

 

 

 

In answer to your first point, yes. Are you offering your services ?

 

The thing is that everything should be done to ensure that the track is as neutral as possible - how many complaints are made about the pairs at Somerset ? Sheffield does have a pronounced home bias - you proved that yourself last year with a very fine set of statistics - so why hold the meeting there when there is a possibility of an adverse reaction and the devaluation of a riders win ?

 

Your spot on with your point about neutral tracks and its something that is ignored or overlooked. Having said that, Birmingham would definitely be a better choice. It is at least as good a stadium as Sheffield, has a bigger home support and I would say is regarded by everyone as far fairer.

 

 

 

Yes, he did.

 

The only thing is is it necessary to 'get over it' year after year ?

 

Since 2003, the PLRC has been held at Sheffield on 6 occasions. On 4 of them, a Sheffield rider has won. On another (in 2006) as has been pointed out Andre Compton went out through injury but he was the only man on the night to haed the eventual winner, Magnus Zetterstrom. You could make a reasonable argument that only in 2008 in 6 seasons was there a clear winner from another track which contrasts very starkly with Compton's dreadful performance at Swindon in 2007.

 

We want our sport to be taken seriously. We want to attract new fans and sponsors and shut the knockers up. Holding one of our most prestigious meetings at one of more biased circuits with the result that a home rider who just scrapes into the top 20 PL averages wins it is hardly likely to achieve any of those goals.

Give it a rest - your hatred for Sheffield is well recorded.

[razzer]

ricky ashwprth won the meeting as he was the best rider on the night he top scored in the qualifyers and won the final beating ward twice on the way so he can have few complaints

 

of the other riders howe rode very well , proctor i thought was steady not spectacular

special mention to william lawson who gets better every visit , worth a punt for next season Mr Machin !!

 

nice to hear the " sporting " lynn fans being as generaous as ever must be something in the water down there

 

there is no realhoem track advantage at sheffiedl these days and tbh ricky hasnt been that dominat at home this season

[Shadders]

To my mind, if someone does a crap job you don't ask them to do it again, simple as. I have made the same point about the 'terrible' track surface at Rye House for the NLRC on Saturday.

That's rich coming from a Mildenhall fan who has to watch people going round with buckets every week picking up nuts and bolts ..... There wasn't much wrong with the track at Rye House, just the standard of NL wobblers (bar the top four) on show.

 

[wjm]

Ashworth done well to win that , not bad line up.

[sheffieldscot]

That's rich coming from a Mildenhall fan who has to watch people going round with buckets every week picking up nuts and bolts ..... There wasn't much wrong with the track at Rye House, just the standard of NL wobblers (bar the top four) on show.

 

 

Don't take the bait Shadders, not everyone can ride the negative camber on 1st/2nd bends at Rye. Those who can are very spectacular to watch. Many people are unaware of the actual time involved in track prep. For instance at Owlerton, track was relaid Saturday and at 11.35pm when we left on Sunday night the track staff were still working on it after the meeting. Many fans just turn up and expect it to be magic. Perhaps if we all volunteered to do a proper shift on the track, then we may be better prepared to offer our opinion.

 

Rye is a different type of track but many top class speedway riders have no difficulty whatsoever in riding it, others struggle. many riders do well at Owlerton, others struggle. Those who ride them all well are normally at the top of the averages Sorry I won't be able to make it to Rye at the weekend, but If I could I know that I would enjoy it!!!

Edited September 29, 2009 by sheffieldscot

[Midnight_Lady]

well for all those that thought home track adv. was the key then darcy and ty would agree with you all. i was lucky enough to interview both of them for the official dvd after the prize ceremony and to say they were both upset would be an understatement . Also they were both very vocal in damming Ashworth and slagging off the home ttrack advantage theory both saying that if you took Ashworth out of sheffield then the result would be a lot different. i found it a bit sad that they both couldnt find it in themselves to congratulate the champion but even worse to slag him off was more than over the top. will be worth getting the dvd from www.cleancutsports.com to see some pretty poor sportmanship IMO.

as for the home track advantage. what a load of rubbish Rickeeeeeeeeee had to ride to win that meeting and he did sheffield and great britain proud.before the meet he was so nervous but he got hold of himself and pulled out the bag a well deserved and great great victory ...well done mate...

great stadium great crowd great day.....

 

If that's true then Ward and Proctor have gone way down in my estimations and are very sore losers and as bad as some of the posters on here.

[wjm]

If that's true then Ward and Proctor have gone way down in my estimations and are very sore losers and as bad as some of the posters on here.

 

 

How ? they can have an opinion.

 

Every one on this forum can have an opinion.

 

You say some strange strange things some times.

[Midnight_Lady]

How ? they can have an opinion.

 

Every one on this forum can have an opinion.

 

You say some strange strange things some times.

 

Bad mouthing a fellow competitor isn't opinion. It's sour grapes and very unprofessional.