The White Knight Posted January 26, 2011 Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 And a pretty strange opinion at that! The best riders are in the GP. The others can qualify by right through the GP Challenge. Some get a wild card spot based on their efforts in world speedway in the previous year, some admittedly because of their nationality. However, they dont get there because they are rich, invited in because of the sponsors they can bring with them, or purely their commercial merchandising value, which are three big reasons to get yourself into Formula 1 or MotoGP. I can only mention Jerzy Scezakiel (spelling) 1973 - was a no hoper who was allowed to chase his dream in the World Championship. He took his chance and won it after no less a Rider than Ivan Mauger fell. THAT is a great example of the unpredictability of our Sport. Jack Young won the Title as a SECOND Division Rider. He would not be able to do that today. Why??? Because of the System. Why should Riders be SELECTED or given Wild Cards.?? I doubt very much whether a Premier League Rider could win the Championship these days - why??? Because of the System. The Speedway GPs are rigged - they always will be rigged as long as Riders are selected and do not earn their place. It is not enough to say that because they finished in the top eight THIS year that they should be invited back the next by right - that is wrong. Half the thrill in the old days was to see the odd 'Star' fall. Not much chance of that these days - it's just not allowed to happen - how can that be right?? The reason the 'Stars' are 'put through' is because of that magic word MONEY. BSI are only in the GP Series to make MONEY - nothing wrong with that - but - it is not in THEIR interests to have a Star Name tumble out in the early Qualifying Rounds. So currently the System AWARDS places to quite a lot of Riders. Those places should be EARNED not AWARDED. Because of the Awarded positions - and I include Wild Cards in this - the System lessens the chances of a 'bread and butter' Rider getting through - it can happen in rare cases but the chances are considerably reduced. All I ask for is a fair and even playing field for ALL. How can anybody argue with that??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ImpartialOne Posted January 26, 2011 Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 I can only mention Jerzy Scezakiel (spelling) 1973 - was a no hoper who was allowed to chase his dream in the World Championship. He took his chance and won it after no less a Rider than Ivan Mauger fell. THAT is a great example of the unpredictability of our Sport. Jack Young won the Title as a SECOND Division Rider. He would not be able to do that today. Why??? Because of the System. Why should Riders be SELECTED or given Wild Cards.?? I doubt very much whether a Premier League Rider could win the Championship these days - why??? Because of the System. The Speedway GPs are rigged - they always will be rigged as long as Riders are selected and do not earn their place. It is not enough to say that because they finished in the top eight THIS year that they should be invited back the next by right - that is wrong. Half the thrill in the old days was to see the odd 'Star' fall. Not much chance of that these days - it's just not allowed to happen - how can that be right?? The reason the 'Stars' are 'put through' is because of that magic word MONEY. BSI are only in the GP Series to make MONEY - nothing wrong with that - but - it is not in THEIR interests to have a Star Name tumble out in the early Qualifying Rounds. So currently the System AWARDS places to quite a lot of Riders. Those places should be EARNED not AWARDED. Because of the Awarded positions - and I include Wild Cards in this - the System lessens the chances of a 'bread and butter' Rider getting through - it can happen in rare cases but the chances are considerably reduced. All I ask for is a fair and even playing field for ALL. How can anybody argue with that??? I have to disagree. Jerzy Szczakiel was not a worthy World Champion, neither was Egon Muller. Ok they won it and what a thrill for them, but it did nothing for speedway. A second division, or Premier League rider does have a chance to be world champion via the qualification rounds. Carl Stonehewer was a lower league rider when competing, and holding his own in the GPs only some 8 years or so ago. The reason they don't qualify is that generally they aren't good enough to. Not many Division 2 riders made a World Final. Apart from your example I can only think of Jan Staechmann. I was totally against the complete selection method of the mid 2000s which was all about money and if your face fitted. I don't wholly agree with seeding the top 8, I think the top 4 is enough which would make the riders push harder to survive and open up more qualifying places but to say it's rigged is way off the mark. In general we have the best riders in the GP with the possible exception of Hans Andersen this year. I'm not sure what a Premier League rider could bring to the GP that we don't already have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROGER KLINGON Posted January 27, 2011 Report Share Posted January 27, 2011 I doubt very much whether a Premier League Rider could win the Championship these days - why??? Because of the System. Or because there are none good enough. Dinosaurs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hackett Posted January 27, 2011 Report Share Posted January 27, 2011 Pedersern at 10s seems decent value ... If you can get 12s would be worth an e/w shout. Has put together a new team behind the scenes + would be most unlike the Dane to have another season like 2011. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted January 27, 2011 Report Share Posted January 27, 2011 (edited) I have to disagree. Jerzy Szczakiel was not a worthy World Champion, neither was Egon Muller. Ok they won it and what a thrill for them, but it did nothing for speedway. A second division, or Premier League rider does have a chance to be world champion via the qualification rounds. Carl Stonehewer was a lower league rider when competing, and holding his own in the GPs only some 8 years or so ago. The reason they don't qualify is that generally they aren't good enough to. Not many Division 2 riders made a World Final. Apart from your example I can only think of Jan Staechmann. I was totally against the complete selection method of the mid 2000s which was all about money and if your face fitted. I don't wholly agree with seeding the top 8, I think the top 4 is enough which would make the riders push harder to survive and open up more qualifying places but to say it's rigged is way off the mark. In general we have the best riders in the GP with the possible exception of Hans Andersen this year. I'm not sure what a Premier League rider could bring to the GP that we don't already have. A sense of surprise, the possibility of something different. Even if this hypothetical Rider embarasses himself - at least he has had the opportunity. If Jack Young could do it - maybe somebody else could too - given the chance. It COULD be possible, even today, given a level playing field. It won't happen though - the System is rigged so that the so called 'Superstars' get into the Grand Prix EVERY year. If that isn't rigging - then I'm not sure what is. I know I am/will be regarded as a bit of a Dinosaur - but whatever happened to honesty, integrity and straightforward good sportsmanship. I don't see much evidence of that in the Grand Prix selection System. Ooops!! - should I have said Qualifying System??? - I DON'T THINK SO!!!. Edited January 27, 2011 by The White Knight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikec Posted January 28, 2011 Report Share Posted January 28, 2011 Wouldn't argue with many of the comments about Crumpy - fully fit I feel there's another world title there for him. From what I saw of Kolodziej last season I'd be well surprised if he doesn't finish top 6 in the series - fantastic to watch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dexter Posted January 29, 2011 Report Share Posted January 29, 2011 (edited) There have been a few more surprises in speedway than just Szczakiel and Mueller that in opinions of many would not deserve their titles. Bronze medal from Hungarians in 1989 world pairs, bronze medal from Craig Boyce in Vojens World Final 1994, Gary Havelock's gold medal in Wroclaw 1992... One could keep listing these endlessly. The thing is that we are dealing with a sport here and nothing is certain. As for GP 2011... I am also hoping to see Crump in gold once again as well as one of the Danes returning to the top 3. Gollob and Hampel will not give it up easily. As for Holder... I think his form in GP is still a bit to erratic but he might strike top 5. As for Kolodziej... it is quite unpredictable. He is not a tough rider like Crump, Gollob, Pedersen but still can make it to top 8. IN his previous years he often struggled with his bikes and since GP is a new experience for him, he should be especially prepared for this. Edited January 29, 2011 by Dexter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinny Posted January 30, 2011 Report Share Posted January 30, 2011 Nicki Pedersen will be back up there challenging for honours in 2011, I have no fear about that. It was clearly his mechanical setup which hampered him in 2010. Looking at the new team he has in place, I would definately put money on him being 2011 world champ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superguest Posted January 30, 2011 Report Share Posted January 30, 2011 Nicki Pedersen or Emil Sayfutdinov as the best outside bet to challenge Crump and Gollob. Both have the crazy adrenline and speed to be WC. Just need to stay fit! Jarek Hampel and Janusz Kolodziej to be threating that pack too. Rune Holta, to be just behind these two. AJ and Kenneth Bjerre likely battling it out for 8th spot. Can see Freddie, Harris and Holder struggling, the GP series looks so strong and these guys rely more on talent than speed. Hancock also in this group. Lindback and Laguta, well, they will have their moments, but throw in some low scores too. Definitely an interesting season ahead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phillipsr Posted February 1, 2011 Report Share Posted February 1, 2011 i actually hold the opnion that Holder will fall out of the top 8 this year. i think the competition is much stronger this year than last and can see him struggling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Humphrey Appleby Posted February 2, 2011 Report Share Posted February 2, 2011 HOW can Sebastian Vettel call himself World Champion ... I drive a car but wasn't allowed to compete. If you fulfil the qualifying criteria (i.e. obtain a FIA Super Licence) then you almost certainly would find a drive. The requirements for entering your own F1 team are also laid down, even if they are quite stringent (and expensive). I might just pay a visit to the Speedway Star archive in the loft though, to dig out the editorials railing against a closed GP system... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenny bee firefly Posted February 24, 2011 Report Share Posted February 24, 2011 I personally think Holder will be top 4/5 in 2011. Odds of around 12-16/1. Not ready to win it yet but give him 3 more seasons and he will be there or thereabouts. Certaily on a par with Emil. Kolodziej has very fast bikes. I expect him to suprise many and will be in in a few A finals. Saifutdinov will chalenge no doubt but again not ready to go the whole way yet. Out with the old and in with the new. the days of Crump and Gollob are waining. Nicki P hasn't got back his form of a few seasons ago. Hancock has done well to last so long but will be a shadow of what he was IMO. Hampel and Lindgren will be in the mix. I reckon we will have a first time World Champion in 2011. In a couple more years time we will see the old guard swept completely away. Ward will be in it as well to stir things up. Going to see some great GPs with Holder, Ward, Emil, Kolodziej and Lindgren battling it out, Shame there's no Brit on the horizon. Cant see how holder can be top 8 !! Top 4 or 5 you are living in cloud cuckoo land im afraid !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladyluck Posted March 1, 2011 Report Share Posted March 1, 2011 I can only see Gollob or Crump being crowned. People can hammer on about the dying days of the so-called "Old Guard", but year after year they're still there. Gollob was being written off as a "one track pony" a few years ago, but last season he was dominant. Hancock was being dismissed early on last season and yet at the end of it all he was fifth. I've heard it said that this is one of the strongest GP line-ups, but to me it looks fairly weak. Was last year's really as strong as people made out? Harris sixth? I expect Kolodziej to do well and Hampel too, although I feel Hampel lacks the nerve to be a genuine contender. It will be interesting to see how Sayfutdinov gets along. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mothorsen Posted March 2, 2011 Report Share Posted March 2, 2011 I haven't seen what most riders have done in winter, so it's just an oppinion based on last year's performance, and some hopes of my own. To see Holta crownned world champion would have been great! However, that might be a longshot, but based on his form last season, I think he could get a medal this season. Gollob will be keen to keep his crown. Crump will be eager to get it. Has Emil become less kamikaze? Will Pedersen regain his form? Will Kolodziej mount up to people's expectations? Could any of the swedes step up? Ahhh! I'm getting all worked up, and it's still two months left! Thank Lemmy for YouTube, SpeedwayOnDisc, beer and hard rock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spook Posted March 2, 2011 Report Share Posted March 2, 2011 (edited) very much looking forward to this season and seeing what 2011 brings us.... this year is every bit as tough as last season so it can only be a win win for us fans One prediction that i'm willing to make is that bike testing and commitment to making sure that the competition is fair will be running at a minimum.... i'd like to be proven wrong on this though as SGP deserves it i'd never bet against Crumpy.... and Ladyluck is right, it is folly to write him off ... especially after what he did last season with one arm! and yes Bomber got 6th Lady.... he also finished 2pts off 4th..... he was also in title winning form in the final third of the season...... please tell me that you arent going to go on another anti Bomber/brit campaign this season and 2 months Mothersen? .... there was me thinking it was near .... oh well supercross and motogp will have to fill in Edited March 2, 2011 by spook Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trees Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 I'll probably get bored with the championship after about 6 rounds again as usual ...... same old same old Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Know Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 (edited) I'll probably get bored with the championship after about 6 rounds again as usual ...... same old same old i would of agreed with you in 2009 but found 2010 to be a great year for the sgp. i am looking forward to my regular trips away again. Edited March 4, 2011 by The Know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Know Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 very much looking forward to this season and seeing what 2011 brings us.... this year is every bit as tough as last season so it can only be a win win for us fans One prediction that i'm willing to make is that bike testing and commitment to making sure that the competition is fair will be running at a minimum.... i'd like to be proven wrong on this though as SGP deserves it i'd never bet against Crumpy.... and Ladyluck is right, it is folly to write him off ... especially after what he did last season with one arm! and yes Bomber got 6th Lady.... he also finished 2pts off 4th..... he was also in title winning form in the final third of the season...... please tell me that you arent going to go on another anti Bomber/brit campaign this season and 2 months Mothersen? .... there was me thinking it was near .... oh well supercross and motogp will have to fill in i think chris will have a really good year. he seems to have come on really well in the sgp last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trees Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 i would of agreed with you in 2009 but found 2010 to be a great year for the sgp. i am looking forward to my regular trips away again. How people complain about seeing the same team again and again in the leagues yet some seem to have no probs watching the same set of riders every fortnight over 7 months in this competition, very odd! It's overkill! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HenryW Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 How people complain about seeing the same team again and again in the leagues yet some seem to have no probs watching the same set of riders every fortnight over 7 months in this competition, very odd! It's overkill! Personally, I can do without seeing Glasgow racing Edinburgh 5 or 6 times a season, but I don't think I'd ever get bored of seeing the very best the sport has to offer going head to head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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