Fim Team Under-21 World Championship

[Mateusz]

Horrible news, the guy's just 20

[flagrag]

Sad to hear about the young german lad good luck to him I agree I probaly didn't word my last post like how I wanted to say. I should have said if GB had a full team it would have probaly been a different meeting but the lads that went did the best they could. I think it will be between Sweden,Poland and possibly Denmark

Edited June 1, 2009 by flagrag

[TwoMinuteWarning]

This is terrible news about Sonke Petersen.

 

He has actually ridden in the UK, and some of you may have seen him.

 

He was here with the German Under-15 team that rode against GB in 2001 at Kings Lynn, St Austell, and Newport. At just 12 years old, he was the youngest member of that team. He rode here again when the German team returned in 2003, riding at King's Lynn, Buxton, and Stoke.

 

So sad that one brief moment in time can alter a young man's whole life.

[iris123]

Very sad to read about Sönke.I have seen the lad progress since i have been here in Germany.He rides for my local team,Brokstedt.I wish him and his family all the best for the future.I know his father is quite old and not in the best of health himself,but has been a constant help to Sönke.

[spook]

shocking news and it is hard to comprehend the challenges ahead of him now

 

I agree with Ghostwalker that all future official world meetings should take place using an airfence............ in fact I really do think we have reached the point where there is just no excuse for a lack of an airfence full stop......... speedway is not cheap to promote and in the grand scheme of things 15k is not the end of the world.......... its certainly cheap if it helps to stop things like this

[spook]

Total respect to a rider prepared to travel hundreds of miles at personal expense to represent his country.

 

 

"Rob Lyon isnt in charge of the U21, If I remember correctly, isnt that Dave Crouchers job?"

 

 

Sorry, but Lyon is in charge of the "Team GB" set up and should take responsibility for this fiasco. Don't blame the monkeys when the organ grinder is in control ! All we have heard for the last two years is "let's develop the youngsters", and we can't even field a full team !!!!!!!!

 

isnt this one of the issues though?

How much power do these guys actually have?

Is everything still done on a complete string budget? Didnt Peter Oakes have to pay for race bibs out of his own pocket a few years ago?

 

tbh i'd like to know where this large volume of people saying 'lets develop the youngsters' have been because I havent been hearing it...... and its obvious that its not there to be seen with the exception of a few clubs (well with british youngsters anyway!) ..........

 

the promoters have no intentions of putting together attractive budgets for our national representatives which is at least on a par with other nations...........let alone being interested in bringing them on at league level

 

this farce has been going on for far too long ...... I cant see it changing soon while so much is being invested into danish, swedish and aussie youngsters because of assessed averages and the asset system

[andy james]

surely there is some kind of subsidy scheme to help these lads get all their kit to a track to race in an international event.

:lol: :lol:

 

[piratewoman]

What appalling news about Petersen. :sad:

[bdjfan]

Terrible Terrible News our thoughts are with Sonke and his family at this time.

[BobC]

First and foremost, my heartfelt Best Wishes to Sonke Petersen and family. Brendan, his Dad Dave ,PhilK and myself were unaware of the extent of Sonke’s injuries until I received texts from Rabbit. We were told at the track, via interpreters, that he suffered a possible broken hip. He was driven from the circuit in an ambulance. So now reading that he was airlifted directly to hospital came as a huge shock to us all.

 

I will try and answer some of the questions raised in other posts. Please note I am NOT a BSPA spokesperson, just a fan with a little knowledge from the meeting.

 

Many people have asked how Brendan was nominated for this event. The answer is, he was asked and said yes! It really is a simple as that. When riding in the British U21’s series, the riders sign a contract to ride in any subsequent U21 meetings, subject to availability. The riders are then asked, in finishing order, if they would like to ride here or there.

 

For whatever reasons, those above Brendan in the British U21’s either couldn’t or wouldn’t go. I don’t know their reasons so will not speculate further. When they got as far a Brendan, the answer was an emphatic YES. He recently rode in Debrecen in the European U19’s Championships, along with Jay Pickard. He also rode in the World U21’s Championship in Krsko, along with Paul Starke. This hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Authorities, which is one of the reasons why he was selected for this meeting.

 

The budget from the BSPA is very poor, imo. Generally its £250 towards costs. For the 3 meetings Brendan attended, it cost just over £1200 in fuel alone. It was more for this meeting, as the Hotel rooms were paid for. I cannot give you precise figures.

 

While driving over, I heard that we would be a rider short. Many riders were asked, but were unable to make it. One of the stumbling blocks appears to be paperwork. To ride in an FIM meeting, riders must have a full medical, and eye test to gain their licence. The BSPA were unable to process it all in time to get anyone else out there. At least, that’s my understanding of the situation.

 

The comment about using 4 riders covering all rides was an error on my part. I should have said we could use a tactical substitute if we were 6 points behind the meeting leaders meaning all our lads COULD possibly take an extra ride each My apologies for mis leading you on that one. Don’t shoot Rabbit!!

 

Thomas H Jonasson and Lewis Bridger tangled on the 1st/2nd turn. Both seemed to wobble before touching and falling awkwardly. Hard to say from my angle (in the riders enclosure in the pits) who was to blame. Bridger was excluded, yet in the pits afterwards, it was discovered that THJ had actually shed a chain, which caused the accident. Cant really blame the referee for that one, he couldn’t possibly know that at the time, as they were literally inches apart.

 

Lewis was complaining of a dead leg while lying on the track, and couldn’t see properly. Thankfully, this cleared after a short while. With one leg ‘dead’ and the other still badly cut from his recent crash on Sky (v Swindon), he wisely withdrew from the meeting. Shame, as he was looking awesome until then. Although limping, he seemed to be getting better as time went on.

 

Practice is not compulsory. Both Darcy Ward and Tai Woffinden were missing, as they were riding in Poland. Tai and crew drove through the night, getting to our hotel at 8am! Mitch Davey was riding for Glasgow.

 

The track. It was excellent in practice. However on the day, it rutted up very badly indeed. Strange to note that while the track was in reasonable shape, the Germans looked quite ordinary. When it started to rut up, they came back strongly. Coincidence? After the meeting PhilK walked the track with Brendan, to see for himself what was causing all the trouble. I will let him reply fully on that one, but one rut was well over 6 inches deep.

 

The track fence is indeed very, very hard indeed. Makes Kings Lynn’s look like cotton wool! It didn’t in my opinion contribute to Sonke’s injuries. He fell very awkwardly. I do agree that any track with FIM accreditation should have an air fence.

 

Race jackets etc. According the FIM ‘bible’ of rules, says that each team should bring their own race jackets to the meeting. U21’s Manager, # Name Removed #, had some specially made for the event. Only to get there to find that the host club had a set made for all teams! Lucky really, as Boycie turned up with an old set of jackets, with Crump, Adams etc on the back. Gaffa was coming to the rescue!!

 

Sweden were deserved winners. All in brand new team Kevlar’s, very professional outfit. Congratulations. Simply must mention Darcy Ward. Fantastic performance. In his last race,he went down the back straight,4/5 bikes lengths behind early leader,Facher,(Ger).Quite how he made up the ground to not only pass him,and come across the start finish line 4/5 bike lengths AHEAD of Facher, at the end of the first lap,I honestly dont know.Superb,all the same.

 

Team GB. Not a good result, that’s obvious. Team spirit was top-drawer stuff, in difficult circumstances. I have been a critic of Lewis on more than one occasion. Having seen him at work, chatting over dinner, I can honestly say I have a new found respect for the guy. Both he and Tai were immense towards Brendan and Simon. Anything they needed or wanted, they were both there for them. They BOTH had spare bikes and engines if required. Rob Woffinden deserves a mention as well. Happily helping and chatting, doing whatever was required. I genuinely cannot praise them highly enough. Understandably,heads dropped a little when Lewis was injured.

 

Thanks guys, you have set a very high standard of expectation Awesome is an over used word, but from my perspective, it fits you all perfectly.

 

Again, Best wishes to Sonke and family at this difficult time.

Edited June 2, 2009 by BobC

[TwoMinuteWarning]

Brilliant post, BobC, good to get the true facts of the situation.

 

Thank you

[Bryn]

First and foremost can I add my own best wishes to Sonke Petersen plus his family and friends and this very sad and trying time for them. I certainly remember seeing Sonke in action on his two trips over here. Such a tragic and sad end to his racing career.

 

And can I also in addition to TMW thank BobC for his excellent posting and would confirm that he's spot on regarding the lack of time to get paperwork processed in time to get another rider out there.

[Bagpuss]

Sorry, but Lyon is in charge of the "Team GB" set up and should take responsibility for this fiasco. Don't blame the monkeys when the organ grinder is in control ! All we have heard for the last two years is "let's develop the youngsters", and we can't even field a full team !!!!!!!!

 

To blame one person who is five minutes into his job seems a bit harsh to me......the BSPA need to re-evaluate how they treat and regard our young riders. Why is there no organised racing for them way before they reach fifteen? And why are they not making it as practical as possible for our U21's to ride abroad?

 

The whole thing needs an overhaul.

[ajh]

First and foremost, my heartfelt Best Wishes to Sonke Petersen and family. Brendan, his Dad Dave ,PhilK and myself were unaware of the extent of Sonke’s injuries until I received texts from Rabbit. We were told at the track, via interpreters, that he suffered a possible broken hip. He was driven from the circuit in an ambulance. So now reading that he was airlifted directly to hospital came as a huge shock to us all.

 

I will try and answer some of the questions raised in other posts. Please note I am NOT a BSPA spokesperson, just a fan with a little knowledge from the meeting.

 

Many people have asked how Brendan was nominated for this event. The answer is, he was asked and said yes! It really is a simple as that. When riding in the British U21’s series, the riders sign a contract to ride in any subsequent U21 meetings, subject to availability. The riders are then asked, in finishing order, if they would like to ride here or there.

 

For whatever reasons, those above Brendan in the British U21’s either couldn’t or wouldn’t go. I don’t know their reasons so will not speculate further. When they got as far a Brendan, the answer was an emphatic YES. He recently rode in Debrecen in the European U19’s Championships, along with Jay Pickard. He also rode in the World U21’s Championship in Krsko, along with Paul Starke. This hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Authorities, which is one of the reasons why he was selected for this meeting.

 

The budget from the BSPA is very poor, imo. Generally its £250 towards costs. For the 3 meetings Brendan attended, it cost just over £1200 in fuel alone. It was more for this meeting, as the Hotel rooms were paid for. I cannot give you precise figures.

 

While driving over, I heard that we would be a rider short. Many riders were asked, but were unable to make it. One of the stumbling blocks appears to be paperwork. To ride in an FIM meeting, riders must have a full medical, and eye test to gain their licence. The BSPA were unable to process it all in time to get anyone else out there. At least, that’s my understanding of the situation.

 

The comment about using 4 riders covering all rides was an error on my part. I should have said we could use a tactical substitute if we were 6 points behind the meeting leaders meaning all our lads COULD possibly take an extra ride each My apologies for mis leading you on that one. Don’t shoot Rabbit!!

 

Thomas H Jonasson and Lewis Bridger tangled on the 1st/2nd turn. Both seemed to wobble before touching and falling awkwardly. Hard to say from my angle (in the riders enclosure in the pits) who was to blame. Bridger was excluded, yet in the pits afterwards, it was discovered that THJ had actually shed a chain, which caused the accident. Cant really blame the referee for that one, he couldn’t possibly know that at the time, as they were literally inches apart.

 

Lewis was complaining of a dead leg while lying on the track, and couldn’t see properly. Thankfully, this cleared after a short while. With one leg ‘dead’ and the other still badly cut from his recent crash on Sky (v Swindon), he wisely withdrew from the meeting. Shame, as he was looking awesome until then. Although limping, he seemed to be getting better as time went on.

 

Practice is not compulsory. Both Darcy Ward and Tai Woffinden were missing, as they were riding in Poland. Tai and crew drove through the night, getting to our hotel at 8am! Mitch Davey was riding for Glasgow.

 

The track. It was excellent in practice. However on the day, it rutted up very badly indeed. Strange to note that while the track was in reasonable shape, the Germans looked quite ordinary. When it started to rut up, they came back strongly. Coincidence? After the meeting PhilK walked the track with Brendan, to see for himself what was causing all the trouble. I will let him reply fully on that one, but one rut was well over 6 inches deep.

 

The track fence is indeed very, very hard indeed. Makes Kings Lynn’s look like cotton wool! It didn’t in my opinion contribute to Sonke’s injuries. He fell very awkwardly. I do agree that any track with FIM accreditation should have an air fence.

 

Race jackets etc. According the FIM ‘bible’ of rules, says that each team should bring their own race jackets to the meeting. U21’s Manager, # Name Removed #, had some specially made for the event. Only to get there to find that the host club had a set made for all teams! Lucky really, as Boycie turned up with an old set of jackets, with Crump, Adams etc on the back. Gaffa was coming to the rescue!!

 

Sweden were deserved winners. All in brand new team Kevlar’s, very professional outfit. Congratulations. Simply must mention Darcy Ward. Fantastic performance. In his last race,he went down the back straight,4/5 bikes lengths behind early leader,Facher,(Ger).Quite how he made up the ground to not only pass him,and come across the start finish line 4/5 bike lengths AHEAD of Facher, at the end of the first lap,I honestly dont know.Superb,all the same.

 

Team GB. Not a good result, that’s obvious. Team spirit was top-drawer stuff, in difficult circumstances. I have been a critic of Lewis on more than one occasion. Having seen him at work, chatting over dinner, I can honestly say I have a new found respect for the guy. Both he and Tai were immense towards Brendan and Simon. Anything they needed or wanted, they were both there for them. They BOTH had spare bikes and engines if required. Rob Woffinden deserves a mention as well. Happily helping and chatting, doing whatever was required. I genuinely cannot praise them highly enough. Understandably,heads dropped a little when Lewis was injured.

 

Thanks guys, you have set a very high standard of expectation Awesome is an over used word, but from my perspective, it fits you all perfectly.

 

Again, Best wishes to Sonke and family at this difficult time.

 

Thanks Bob for that excellent insight into the meeting. Nice to get some first hand information from someone who was actually there.

 

Hope Brendan enjoyed the experience. I'm sure he would of got a lot of it (unfortunately not financially of course )

 

Terrible news about Sonke. I remember him riding at King's Lynn in the U15 meeting all those years ago

Edited June 2, 2009 by ajh

[gypilgrim]

 

Many thanks to Bob C for a terrific post. More light shed in this one statement than we will get from the BSPA/SCB/ACU in a monthof Sundays.

 

My posts yesterday were made in anger and reflecting today I should have toned down the Lyon baiting a bit!

 

However, both Lyon, and Lynch before him, came into the "Team GB" (horrible name !) manager job saying basically the same thing, i.e. "Yes, we may be crap now, but we will nurture the youngsters, just wait till they mature in a couple of years".

 

Any "maturing" by Woffy, Bridger et al will be in spite of the authorites rather than with their help. The financial backing for the juniors is next to non-existent.

 

Is the total income to British Speedway really less than Sweden/ Denmark/Germany ? All of these countries seem much more supportive of their U-21's. Meanwhile, a country with enough resources to support 28 profesional teams/promotions cannot give over a defined budget for youth development ? We always seem to be "hand to mouth" at these offical events overseas.

 

Lyon (indeed, any GB team manager) is the public face of the British Speedway establishment. Why take on this job without the power to shake up the British "status quo" and actually DO something positive. As far as I can see all that the Manager does is talk to Sky while re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

 

 

 

[PhilK]

First and foremost, my heartfelt Best Wishes to Sonke Petersen and family. Brendan, his Dad Dave ,PhilK and myself were unaware of the extent of Sonke’s injuries until I received texts from Rabbit. We were told at the track, via interpreters, that he suffered a possible broken hip. He was driven from the circuit in an ambulance. So now reading that he was airlifted directly to hospital came as a huge shock to us all.

 

I will try and answer some of the questions raised in other posts. Please note I am NOT a BSPA spokesperson, just a fan with a little knowledge from the meeting.

 

Many people have asked how Brendan was nominated for this event. The answer is, he was asked and said yes! It really is a simple as that. When riding in the British U21’s series, the riders sign a contract to ride in any subsequent U21 meetings, subject to availability. The riders are then asked, in finishing order, if they would like to ride here or there.

 

For whatever reasons, those above Brendan in the British U21’s either couldn’t or wouldn’t go. I don’t know their reasons so will not speculate further. When they got as far a Brendan, the answer was an emphatic YES. He recently rode in Debrecen in the European U19’s Championships, along with Jay Pickard. He also rode in the World U21’s Championship in Krsko, along with Paul Starke. This hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Authorities, which is one of the reasons why he was selected for this meeting.

 

The budget from the BSPA is very poor, imo. Generally its £250 towards costs. For the 3 meetings Brendan attended, it cost just over £1200 in fuel alone. It was more for this meeting, as the Hotel rooms were paid for. I cannot give you precise figures.

 

While driving over, I heard that we would be a rider short. Many riders were asked, but were unable to make it. One of the stumbling blocks appears to be paperwork. To ride in an FIM meeting, riders must have a full medical, and eye test to gain their licence. The BSPA were unable to process it all in time to get anyone else out there. At least, that’s my understanding of the situation.

 

The comment about using 4 riders covering all rides was an error on my part. I should have said we could use a tactical substitute if we were 6 points behind the meeting leaders meaning all our lads COULD possibly take an extra ride each My apologies for mis leading you on that one. Don’t shoot Rabbit!!

 

Thomas H Jonasson and Lewis Bridger tangled on the 1st/2nd turn. Both seemed to wobble before touching and falling awkwardly. Hard to say from my angle (in the riders enclosure in the pits) who was to blame. Bridger was excluded, yet in the pits afterwards, it was discovered that THJ had actually shed a chain, which caused the accident. Cant really blame the referee for that one, he couldn’t possibly know that at the time, as they were literally inches apart.

 

Lewis was complaining of a dead leg while lying on the track, and couldn’t see properly. Thankfully, this cleared after a short while. With one leg ‘dead’ and the other still badly cut from his recent crash on Sky (v Swindon), he wisely withdrew from the meeting. Shame, as he was looking awesome until then. Although limping, he seemed to be getting better as time went on.

 

Practice is not compulsory. Both Darcy Ward and Tai Woffinden were missing, as they were riding in Poland. Tai and crew drove through the night, getting to our hotel at 8am! Mitch Davey was riding for Glasgow.

 

The track. It was excellent in practice. However on the day, it rutted up very badly indeed. Strange to note that while the track was in reasonable shape, the Germans looked quite ordinary. When it started to rut up, they came back strongly. Coincidence? After the meeting PhilK walked the track with Brendan, to see for himself what was causing all the trouble. I will let him reply fully on that one, but one rut was well over 6 inches deep.

 

The track fence is indeed very, very hard indeed. Makes Kings Lynn’s look like cotton wool! It didn’t in my opinion contribute to Sonke’s injuries. He fell very awkwardly. I do agree that any track with FIM accreditation should have an air fence.

 

Race jackets etc. According the FIM ‘bible’ of rules, says that each team should bring their own race jackets to the meeting. U21’s Manager, # Name Removed #, had some specially made for the event. Only to get there to find that the host club had a set made for all teams! Lucky really, as Boycie turned up with an old set of jackets, with Crump, Adams etc on the back. Gaffa was coming to the rescue!!

 

Sweden were deserved winners. All in brand new team Kevlar’s, very professional outfit. Congratulations. Simply must mention Darcy Ward. Fantastic performance. In his last race,he went down the back straight,4/5 bikes lengths behind early leader,Facher,(Ger).Quite how he made up the ground to not only pass him,and come across the start finish line 4/5 bike lengths AHEAD of Facher, at the end of the first lap,I honestly dont know.Superb,all the same.

 

Team GB. Not a good result, that’s obvious. Team spirit was top-drawer stuff, in difficult circumstances. I have been a critic of Lewis on more than one occasion. Having seen him at work, chatting over dinner, I can honestly say I have a new found respect for the guy. Both he and Tai were immense towards Brendan and Simon. Anything they needed or wanted, they were both there for them. They BOTH had spare bikes and engines if required. Rob Woffinden deserves a mention as well. Happily helping and chatting, doing whatever was required. I genuinely cannot praise them highly enough. Understandably,heads dropped a little when Lewis was injured.

 

Thanks guys, you have set a very high standard of expectation Awesome is an over used word, but from my perspective, it fits you all perfectly.

 

Again, Best wishes to Sonke and family at this difficult time.

 

Excellent post Bob, leaves little for me to add.

 

I too would like to send my very best wishes to Sonke Petersen, and his family at such a difficult time.

 

Like you I was nothing but impressed but Lewis and Tai, two very professional, dedicated and driven young men, and I can assure everyone that although the result was dissapointing, the team spirit was excellent and the lads stuck together as the afternoon just got tougher and tougher for them. As Bob said Rob Woffinden too was tremendous, a true gentlemen, quietly having words with Brendan on more than one occasion, offering suport and guidance as the going got tough for him.

 

As for the track, when we walked round before the meeting it wasn't great, very loose in places, but by the end it was terrible. I am a few inches taller than Brendan but one hole I stepped into left us at the same height!!! There was ruts everywhere and some very deep holes, and it only increased my respect for all riders who put on entertainment for us supporters in such difficult conditions.

 

As I said Bob has posted most of what needs to be said, but I like to say what an excellent job Dave # Name Removed # did in very difficult circumstances yesterday. Dave is a larger than life character and probably because of that easy to have a pop at by those so inclined, but he really held the show together and was doing everything he could to get the best out of the riders and extract the best result possible from the situation he and they found themselves in. His love and passion for the sport shone through

 

The last three days have really opened my eyes about speedway, and I would like to thank Brendan and Dave Johnson for giving me the opportunity to attend with them and view the sport from a totally different perspective, and Dave # Name Removed # and the riders and their teams/families for reminding me that speedway people really are a different breed, they all have my total respect.

Edited June 2, 2009 by PhilK

[bluejam]

Very distressing news to hear of Sonke Petersens accident.My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this most difficult time.

[iris123]

Here is a short tv report on the meeting.At the time the teams didn't know how serious Sönkes injuries were

Abensberg

Edited June 2, 2009 by iris123

[spook]

Many thanks to Bob C for a terrific post. More light shed in this one statement than we will get from the BSPA/SCB/ACU in a monthof Sundays.

 

My posts yesterday were made in anger and reflecting today I should have toned down the Lyon baiting a bit!

 

However, both Lyon, and Lynch before him, came into the "Team GB" (horrible name !) manager job saying basically the same thing, i.e. "Yes, we may be crap now, but we will nurture the youngsters, just wait till they mature in a couple of years".

 

Any "maturing" by Woffy, Bridger et al will be in spite of the authorites rather than with their help. The financial backing for the juniors is next to non-existent.

 

Is the total income to British Speedway really less than Sweden/ Denmark/Germany ? All of these countries seem much more supportive of their U-21's. Meanwhile, a country with enough resources to support 28 profesional teams/promotions cannot give over a defined budget for youth development ? We always seem to be "hand to mouth" at these offical events overseas.

 

Lyon (indeed, any GB team manager) is the public face of the British Speedway establishment. Why take on this job without the power to shake up the British "status quo" and actually DO something positive. As far as I can see all that the Manager does is talk to Sky while re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

 

 

the trouble is that whether their intentions were/are good when coming into the job or not it ultimately just becomes waffle.............. Lynch did not field a radically young team..... in fact he didnt field anymore of a youthful team than picked itself anyway.... with the possible exception of picking Tai although it could still be argued that the decision made sense considering the form of others................... he did however continue the policy of encouraging the young squad members to be present after they werent picked............ but lets face it other nations have been doing this for years

 

Rob Lyon has immediately indicated that the keyword is youth and yet do we really expect him to pick any other team than Rico, Harris, Nicholls + 2 youngsters who will most likely be Ed + Lewis/Tai???................... as much as i'd love to see a policy of only one of Rico or Scotty make it I just cant see it happening...... which begs the question of how is the likely team going to be any more about youth than if the manager was someone who wanted to go for experience? Ultimately the team picks itself this season

 

They have been talking about youth because their situation and choice has been dire and 'youth' sounds good as a plan b doesnt it?.....imo we are yet to see it really being about youth and the BSPA backing that up....... it is a good job that the youngsters have been riding well because the team we would have if they hadnt doesnt bare thinking about

 

 

the real nuts and bolts of the whole 'youth' thing doesnt lie with a couple of GB Managers PR offensives ................ it lies with the promoters and their agendas ............. I remember being told by a certain announcer that the BSPA had great things lined up for grass roots level.............. it turned out to be a few training sessions........................ From where we are at the moment I would describe 'great' as sensible assessed averages that didnt encourage asset hunters and those looking for riders to put 2,3,4,5 points on their average.......... a staggered 5 year plan of protected reserve slots in the PL and EL for British riders.....and eventually protected 2nd string slots in the PL as well........... national representation budgets that show that the end result actually matters - at the moment the bspa are pretending that they care what happens with these riders and teams representing us and no doubt they would be outraged if no rider bought into it anymore - but who would blame the riders if that was the case?

 

and if they cant even do the right thing at PL and subsequently EL levels how do we expect them to work their way down to bringing the right funding and encouragement to those only just starting out?

 

I started a thread in the GP section a while back asking who did the tuning for which national team because come SWC time we appear to be the only nation not set up collectively...... with once again it being about the rider sorting themselves out regardless of what their own personal financial situation is...................... Is it any wonder that we have results like the last two finals when we dont have the organisation, backing and support that the other nations benefit from? Who in the BSPA is currently courting Ash Holloway to see what kind of deal they could get for the whole team to be setup? Has Peter Johns ever been asked? Something convinced Brian Anderson to work with Bomber a couple of seasons ago ... if it was money would he be too expensive for a 2 week project like this?

 

I understand that we do not have the money that the Poles have .... or probably the advertising that the swedes or danes have (why is that?) ..... but I do not believe that we should be any different to the Aussies and yet the reality is that we are

[speedy den boy]

Think someone from GB SPEEDWAY SHOULD GET IN TOUCH WITH ashley holloway who is based in poland ,spent a lot of time stting up his business and already has the wonder kid on his books.If WE make the WTC final ashley has to be approached by someone