BigFatDave Posted October 24, 2010 Report Share Posted October 24, 2010 Thought I'd better get this one going early so's we can add to it as we find out more. Thanks to the Mildura Motorcycle Club and the Speedway Sidecars Riders Association of Victoria for the info. Australian Legend Leigh Adams has announced that 5th January 2011 will be the date of his Testimonial meeting, to be held at his home track of Olympic Park, Mildura. Adams has just about wrapped up his final year of European competition and hopes to go out with a bang on January 5. The meeting will feature a very strong field of senior riders, some Junior competition, as well as Australia’s top sidecar riders and a host of other cameo appearances by champions past and present, including Swedish Champion Tony Rickardsson as well as ol' mates and seasoned visitors like Simon Stead. As is Leigh’s specific wish, the senior meeting will be preceded by a full Junior meeting, which will start around 6:00pm. Following that the senior meeting should kick off around 7.30pm. “The Sidecar field is nearly sorted” Leigh reckons, “and all but one of the competitors rode in the Australian Championship this year”. The odd men out are actually the brilliant duo of four-time Australian Sidecar Champions Glenn and Nathan O’Brien, on the comeback trail, who jumped at the chance to take part. Don't forget there's a Testimonial dinner being held the night before, Tuesday 4th in the Auditorium of Mildura Motorcycle Club's main sponsor, The Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club, which for those of you who dont know is on the Silver City Highway in Dareton, NSW, 20 kms north of the Murray River, between Mildura and Wentworth Hopefully there'll be a coach laid on for this as I can't see too many wanting to drive from Mildura, and a taxi'd not be cheap. Still, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do to get there & back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFatDave Posted November 2, 2010 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2010 Latest News from LAR: Poland’s current World Speedway Number 2 and all round good guy, Jaroslaw Hampel, is a definite starter in the Leigh Adams Testimonial scheduled for Mildura’s Olympic Park on January 5. Hampel is a team mate of Leigh’s at the ultra fast Leszno circuit in Poland and clearly will start as one of the favourites on race night despite never having previously seen the venue. Speaking from the UK, Adams said; “We are delighted that ‘Jarek’ has committed to come over – he’s one of a new breed of young stars currently getting the job done at world championship level and I’d say the public will get a huge kick out of being able to see him up close on the tricky Mildura track. “He’s a really good fella and has his head screwed on that’s for sure, I’d suggest that it may be many people’s only chance to watch this future world champ in action – he ticks all the boxes I believe”. This is a massive coup for the event organisers and comes hot on the heels of the news that 6 times World Champion, Tony Rickardsson, will also be in attendance (though not competing). Adams continued; “The Testimonial is shaping up as a really good event and I’m overwhelmed by the support I’m getting from people all around the world. If everyone that says they’re coming turns up we might have to run two days in a row to fit them all in,” he laughed. Doubtless Rocket Rod Coquhoun, who runs Leigh's site, will let us know any other developements in plenty of time, but if you haven't booked, time to get your finger out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFatDave Posted November 20, 2010 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2010 The Adams Family should be back in Oz by now so doubtless the updates on this one will soon be flowing thick & fast, but in the meantime a bit of a bonus for SA Speedway Fans with the news that after the Farewell Meeting the senior riders who took part plus the entire travelling entourage will all be heading down to Gillman for the meeting on Jan 8th - an event that promises to out-GP a fair few meetings in Europe - definitely Not To Be Missed! It'll be great to see how Jarek Hampel comes to terms with Australia's best Solo Speedway Track: maybe Leigh'll show him his special line - halfway up the fence on the back straight! Alas I'll be Oop North in Brisvegas for the Aust Under-21s & Under-16s but doubtless I'll cop a few abusive texts from the usual suspects! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFatDave Posted November 29, 2010 Author Report Share Posted November 29, 2010 Tickets are now on sale for 'A Night with the Stars' the Leigh Adams Testimonial Dinner, 4th Jan 2011 at Coomealla Club, NSW. www.coomeallaclub.com.au. The event is 6.30pm for 7.00pm start. Dress semi-formal. Tickets $50 each. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFatDave Posted December 3, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 3, 2010 EmCee for the Dinner and Guest Announcer for the Meeting will be David Tapp. Bit of a who's who of Aussie Speedway attending so far with many familiar names coming out of the woodwork. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy6 Posted December 8, 2010 Report Share Posted December 8, 2010 Got my ticket booked, i am looking forward to it. you will be jealous of the company i'm keeping with at the table bFD. I remember being at Lyonsy's testimonial dinner at the Coomy Club, that was a hoot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFatDave Posted December 8, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 8, 2010 (edited) Got my ticket booked, i am looking forward to it. you will be jealous of the company i'm keeping with at the table bFD. I remember being at Lyonsy's testimonial dinner at the Coomy Club, that was a hoot. These Dinners usually turn out OK; just four of our mob can make the nosh so we'll be terrorising some unsuspecting folks - "pass the Fingerbowl please - SWINE! You've eaten 'em all!". Good one in Sydderney a few years back with Joe Screen & Fast Freddie Lindgren on the same table turned into a long night! Edited December 8, 2010 by BigFatDave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFatDave Posted December 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2010 Latest news - the Coomealla Club dinner AKA the LAR Supper is booked out, so if you fancied a feed you're stuffed! We're still waiting on a list of riders & sidecars but Phil Crump, John Boulger and Tony Rickardsson will all be doing laps - don't know if Phil will be on his Harley, but! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bezza Posted December 20, 2010 Report Share Posted December 20, 2010 Is anyone filming this meeting for us folks here to watch on DVD in the UK? Regards Bezza. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFatDave Posted December 23, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2010 Latest news from LAR: Retiring 10 times national speedway champion, Leigh Adams, says he’s excited about his Testimonial meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 5, at Mildura’s famed Olympic Park. The former world number 2 and 3 times World Cup winner says whilst it’s been a mountain of work the night itself shapes as an absolute cracker. “Look, we’ve put so much time, money and effort into this that it should be an absolute blast,” he said yesterday. “I’m literally gobsmacked by the rider support I’ve had so far and without doubt it is the best array of bike and sidecar talent ever assembled for one night in this country. “We’ve got Phil Crump, Tony Rickardsson, Jarek Hampel, Darcy Ward, Josh Waters, Chris Holder, Jamie Stauffer, Darrin Treloar, Glenn O’Brien and so many more – it will literally blow the people of Mildura away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little-End Posted December 24, 2010 Report Share Posted December 24, 2010 Latest news from LAR: Retiring 10 times national speedway champion, Leigh Adams, says he’s excited about his Testimonial meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 5, at Mildura’s famed Olympic Park. The former world number 2 and 3 times World Cup winner says whilst it’s been a mountain of work the night itself shapes as an absolute cracker. “Look, we’ve put so much time, money and effort into this that it should be an absolute blast,” he said yesterday. “I’m literally gobsmacked by the rider support I’ve had so far and without doubt it is the best array of bike and sidecar talent ever assembled for one night in this country. “We’ve got Phil Crump, Tony Rickardsson, Jarek Hampel, Darcy Ward, Josh Waters, Chris Holder, Jamie Stauffer, Darrin Treloar, Glenn O’Brien and so many more – it will literally blow the people of Mildura away. Add Jason Rodney Lyons to that list at a guess , He`s Home this Year , and seen recently having a skid at Olympic Park on one of Leigh`s Armchairs Have a good day Leigh (wish I could be there - just 1 Year late !) Lucky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy6 Posted December 27, 2010 Report Share Posted December 27, 2010 Add Jason Rodney Lyons to that list at a guess , He`s Home this Year , and seen recently having a skid at Olympic Park on one of Leigh`s Armchairs Have a good day Leigh (wish I could be there - just 1 Year late !) Lucky and Steven Paul Johnston aswell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFatDave Posted December 29, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 29, 2010 Event Poster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFatDave Posted December 29, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 29, 2010 A bit of bad news with the event less than a week away, but here's the latest info from Rocket Rod Colquhoun: Mildura’s Leigh Adams has expressed his dismay at the eleventh hour decision by World No 2 Jarek Hampel to withdraw from his Testimonial to be staged at Mildura next week. Adams has been left dismayed by the circumstances surrounding Hampel’s decision and is clearly unhappy. “I’m really not sure what has happened”, says Adams . “He (Hampel) was all systems go and we have forked out some serious money on flights and accommodation etc but he’s let me and everyone else down big time. “I’m not going to make excuses for the guy – we have ridden together for the last five years and he said he’d be here, so I’m just very let down by the whole scenario”. I don't know if Leigh can get a refund on the dollar$ laid out for airfares etc; could be a golden opportunity for someone else to use the tickets otherwise - any volunteers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddy6 Posted December 30, 2010 Report Share Posted December 30, 2010 Absolute piss poor effort on Hampel's behalf if this is the case. It probably wasn't on his agenda at the start of this year to be travelling half way around the world to do a testimonial in January, but if he gave Leigh his word then that' that. Hampel should take a look at Leigh to find out what professionalism is all about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dexter Posted December 30, 2010 Report Share Posted December 30, 2010 Great example of how top riders of "the most professional speedway league in the world" perform in situations like that. Hampel is not the only one. Gollob used to do things like that in the past and so did Protasiewicz. Remember how they were banned from meetings in Elite League? Stay cool, Hampel. Australia and Leigh will do just well without your attendance... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFatDave Posted December 30, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2010 I've just received an email from our anonymous Track Announcer: "Alas poor Jarek, Leigh knew him well!" Just goes to show you can't make a Hamlet without breaking heads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little-End Posted December 30, 2010 Report Share Posted December 30, 2010 I've just received an email from our anonymous Track Announcer: "Alas poor Jarek, Leigh knew him well!" Just goes to show you can't make a Hamlet without breaking heads. There`s 2 sides to every Story , But till we hear the Polecats , As far as I`m concerned he`s a 100% <removed> ! , Hardly have a conflicting reaaranged Meeting will he ! ! Lucky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFatDave Posted December 30, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2010 (edited) Long term forecast for Mildura next Wednesday is slightly chilly at 19 - 32C - memo to self - don't forget your thermals! Oh, continuing the Shakespearian theme, I've just received another email from our anonymous Track Announcer, and I quote: "Not partaking is such sweet sorrow" J. Hampel. Disturbing news from Milly is that Ryan Sedgmen had to have the top of one of his fingers surgically re-attached following a practise skid yesterday - reports that it's his ring finger will not stop him picking his nose, however another part of his anatomy might be left unattended for a while, until he can get up to scratch! Onya sEDgY2!! "But soft, what light from yonder window breaks - it is the Sunrise in the East, time to go down the beach! See ya!" Edited December 30, 2010 by BigFatDave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFatDave Posted December 30, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2010 From Aust.Speedway Forum - Line-up (TBC): Adams, Batchelor, Doyle, Johnston, Kling, Gathercole, Holder, Lyons, Proctor, J Sedgmen, Ward, Smith, Stead, Sweetman, Woodward, plus 1 other. The reserves are Anderson & R Sedgmen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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