Wild Cards 2014

[Ghostwalker]

Imo Gollob have been one of the best for almost 20 years but I think he and BSI should consider it time for Tomek to bow out of the SGP series.

In the same way as Leigh Adams did. I think Dudek would be a better choice then Gollob,

 

You can't keep clinging on to the what has been sooner or later you will have to let go.

Imo that time has come now, Sure in his best moments Gollob is still one of the best but there have also been GPs

where he didn't seem to bothered or even trying and in that case then I can't see why he should get a wild card,

[SCB]

You can't keep clinging on to the what has been sooner or later you will have to let go.

Imo that time has come now, Sure in his best moments Gollob is still one of the best but there have also been GPs

where he didn't seem to bothered or even trying and in that case then I can't see why he should get a wild card,

Yet despite not always trying, was still in 8th place when he got injured. Imagine he decides to try next year!

[salty]

HAD a long chat with Tomasz Gazinski, Gollob's manager, in Stockholm prior to the start. Gollob definitely wants to continue and believes he can win again.

 

Vaculik actually talking about a four or five year break from the SGP before tackling it again.

 

Once Holder is out of wheelchair he will be undertaking a fitness and recovery regime devised by Paul Ankers (recommended to him by Kelvin Tatum) who is a specialist in sports rehabilitation. Lots of hydro-therapy.

 

There will be at least one Swede.

 

Harris not even in the frame. Laguta's cause not helped by his snub to the SWC and problems with Russian federation.

 

Three Danes already in will work against MJJ. Unlikely that two Poles will get wild cards.

Thanks for the feedback. Bit concerning that Vaculik feels that way, 5 years is a big chunk of a career. Maybe he didn't expect such a tough time of it this year?

If they only go with one Swede I would be happy if Vaculik got another go for 2014.

[LagutaRacingFan]

Gollob is finished, Give the wild-card to Patryk "Duzers" Dudek.

Why should Vaculik get a go ahead of Jepsen Jensen?

 

The BSI wants to tap into the latvian market and that's why a wild-card for Laguta has been virtually done.

Edited September 24, 2013 by Hougaard Racing Fans

[spook]

I am suprised that Phil Rising is so certain that Harris isnt in the frame as there is no other Brit who can realistically take a spot and this works against previous behaviour of BSI/IMG ........ if this is right then they can only be looking at giving it to another Swede

 

Holder, Gollob, Lindgren are already as safe as houses as long as they are fit in time

 

................BSI/IMG are a bit backed into a corner with this one and the only name that stands out is THJ

[PHILIPRISING]

ALL being well there will be a British World Champion in the series next year. Why do BSI need another Brit? And, let's not forget, judging by this year Harris likely to get a few appearances anyway...

[spook]

ALL being well there will be a British World Champion in the series next year. Why do BSI need another Brit? And, let's not forget, judging by this year Harris likely to get a few appearances anyway...

 

we've done this one before Phil.......... why were they picking Rico alongside Scotty? Scotty alongside Rico? Bomber alongside either of them? Tai alongside Bomber? Bomber alongside Tai? ............. i'm sure Tai's stock has risen dramatically but in the end this has always been about filling Cardiff.........now the Swedes are in trouble and IMG have their own promoted events endangered there we might see a shift to overtly helping them but BSI/IMG history dictates that Bomber should be a very strong candidate................... i'm interested in why you sound so definite........... it doesnt come across like the personal opinion you suggested it was last time

 

You are right that two of the reserves have enjoyed a few GP's this year... and also last year.... but actually Bomber finishing next in line is also a great excuse for them to pick him again....... that kind of excuse is all they have needed in the past

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

reading through some of these posts though i'm amazed that some people still don't get it after all these years

 

... year after year we have thought along the lines of 'Joe Bloggs' is too good not to get in.... or 'John Doe' is too exciting and the WU21 champ so he must get in'............ and 'Bill Stickers' has already had 3 WC's (and I hate him)..... and i'm bored of 'Oldy McOldy' because he has been around since the dinosaurs

 

In the end none of it matters as I think its an annual political game strongly based on the financial self interests of BSI/IMG............ they do have some 'rules' as to how they choose their picks though based on history ........

 

with danger of revving up the 'bring back the one off/IMG are pillaging league speedway brigade' here are a few I can come up with:

 

If you are GP box office and have been injured then you will get a WC

If you are one of the best riders in the world and not yet in the GP's you will be considered

If there are already 4 riders from your nation you will not get a WC

If there are already 3 riders from your nation then it depends on the spread of riders from other nations

If there are already 1 or 2 riders from your nation then lets hope you arent from a minor nation or you arent getting in

If you dont have a home GP its going to be an uphill battle

If there are already 2 riders from your nation and you are Aussie then you are probably in trouble (untested)

If you speak out against the GP's you may not be given a WC

If you are British and international quality you have a great chance of a WC and exceptions will be made (probably also applies to Sweden & Denmark when they are in trouble as they also have IMG promoted GP's to fill)

If you finished adrift of the main pack you will not get a WC until earliest the folowing season( I believe the only exception to the rule has been Bomber)

If in the GP standings you finish behind a rider who is not receiving a WC then it is unlikely you will (a couple of exceptions down the years)

 

 

rules are there to be broken.... and they do set a new precedent occasionally but the grim reality is that actually once you get over who your favourite is, most hated is, or who is the most deserving.... it generally isn't that hard to predict who they are going to pick

Edited September 24, 2013 by spook

[salty]

Gollob is finished, Give the wild-card to Patryk "Duzers" Dudek.

Why should Vaculik get a go ahead of Jepsen Jensen?

 

The BSI wants to tap into the latvian market and that's why a wild-card for Laguta has been virtually done.

I think there is an argument that newcomers to the series would benefit from a two year stint. I can recall this was mentioned when Tai had his first go in the series and the idea does have some merit.

As for MJJ I hear on the grapevine that he doesn't want the commitment for 2014 as he is expecting a forthcoming court case to take up a lot of his time.

 

 

Spook:I agree with a number of your points regarding the selection process, however, I think you are wrong concerning Bomber.

Up to 3 or 4 years ago I would agree that BSI seemed determined to maintain the British representation at two, but since Tai dropped out after his initial year they have gone with one. I see no reason why they would be persuaded to return to two, especially for a rider who has had plenty of nominations in the past. Cardiff will still have two Brits (as in the past couple of years) where crowds don't seem to show a great decline.

Far more likely that they will plump for two Swedes, can't see past Freddie and AJ myself.

Would make a line up of...

3 Danes

3 Poles (assuming Tomasz)

2 Aussies (assuming Chris)

2 Swedes

1 Brit

1 American

1 Slovenian

1 Russian

1 German

Edited September 24, 2013 by salty

[fullbore]

the only name that stands out is THJ

 

An Elite League 2nd string!

 

Niamh

[iris123]

Sweden is the big problem for BSI i think.IMO there isn't at the moment even one rider who can bring much to the series and i can't see one on the horizon either.To put two in will bring the series down somewhat.I can't honestly see the benefit of having two riders struggling for a few points every meeting.

[PHILIPRISING]

SPOOK ... views about Harris are my own but I can add that in conversations I have heard or been part of his name hasn't been mentioned. Things can always change but think IMG are more confident of Cardiff attendances now than before and having a British rider as the defending World champion should be sufficient.

 

They also have less wiggle room with Holder and Gollob (assuming both make full recoveries) taking two of the four. One, if not two, will definitely be a Swede and frankly there isn't a really outstanding candidate like, for example, Ward this year.

 

Every year there seems to be at least one rider or riders who fails to live up to expectations. This time it is Lindback and, to a lesser extent, Vaculik. Martin is a nice guy but a one dimensional rider who might actually benefit from a spell in the UK although he is set against it.

 

Next year the concern will be Smolinski. Another nice guy, very enthusiastic and professional but the strong possibility is that he will be out of his depth.

[Gavan]

please please please can people get some sense and stop saying Jonasson the man is an elite league second string in a poorish league already!

 

Holder and Gollob are nailed on certaintys.

 

There will be 3 danes and 3 poles so effectively that means no Dudek or MJJ (not good enough) though as world under 21 champ Dudek would get my vote to be honest.

 

There will be a swede so 1 of Freddie or AJ and i would give it to Freddie (again my opinion but the last 2 years has finished above AJ)

 

Last place is a tricky 1 and Harris isnt in the frame.

 

Laguta would add some spice but isnt likely to happen as has burnt a few bridges.

 

Janowski? - to many poles

 

Vaculik is a possible but has stated he wants a year out and he may qualify again and come back stronger.

 

Only 2 aussies so may they be tempted to give Batchelor a try? Dont think they will but its no worse than some.

 

So for me Holder, Gollob, Lindgren and Laguta

[waiheke1]

well, i had a bit of time on my hands today, so i thought i'd do a bit of ststistical analysis to see who had been the best riders in the world this season. I took into into account form in (in order of priority) GPs, leagues (Polish& Swedish top flight and Elite league only), SWC, Euro Champs and GP qualifiers,

The results were pretty unsurprising - top 20 below.

 

 

1Tai Woffinden

2Jaroslaw Hampel

3Emil Sayfutdinov

4Niels K Iversen

5Darcy Ward

6Chris Holder

7Nicki Pedersen

8Greg Hancock

9Tomasz Gollob

10Matej Zagar

11Grigorij Laguta

12Kenneth Bjerre

13Piotr Protasiewicz

14Maciej Janowski

15Michael Jepsen Jepsen

16Martin Smolinski

17Patryk Dudek

18Troy Batchelor

19Adrian Miedzinski

20Krzysztof Kasprzak

 

So, the vast majority of the world's top riders have already qualified for next season. If handed out on merit, the wildcards would go to:

Holder, Gollob, G Laguta and Piotr Protasiewicz , the latter I guess being the only surprise (and not someone likely to bring too much to the series)

If we assumed one spot needs to go to a Swede, then Freddie Lindgren (27th in my rankings) would take PP's spot.

If however BSI decided against includion of either Laguta after the SWC withdrawal (as an aside, A Laguta is 21st in my rankings), and furthermore decided that no more than one wildcard should go to any given nation, then MJJ would be next in line. However, with three Danes already in the field, if they further decided that no nation should get a WC who already have three qualifiers, we'd be looking at Loktaev (30th on my list) as the next option. If a second swede was chosen, I make Peter Karlsson (28th) the next most worthy. Second best Brit behing Tai is Danny King (33rd).

 

Not sure what the above shows, probably that the current system does very well in terms of ensuring the best riders in the world are in the field, although obviously there is a circularity to that argument (i.e. part of the reasons riders rank high is there performance in GPs - which count towards qualification - and GP qualifiers). I think it also shows that the riders likely to get picks for next season genuinely do merit them, unless a second Swede (or Brit) is selected.

[f-s-p]

Next year the concern will be Smolinski. Another nice guy, very enthusiastic and professional but the strong possibility is that he will be out of his depth.

A rule should made for next years SGP that states that all kevlars and bike covers designed by Martin Smolinski or his team are forbidden... Wearing KW would probably even make him faster!

[JT]

well, i had a bit of time on my hands today, so i thought i'd do a bit of ststistical analysis to see who had been the best riders in the world this season. I took into into account form in (in order of priority) GPs, leagues (Polish& Swedish top flight and Elite league only), SWC, Euro Champs and GP qualifiers,

The results were pretty unsurprising - top 20 below.

 

 

1Tai Woffinden

2Jaroslaw Hampel

3Emil Sayfutdinov

4Niels K Iversen

5Darcy Ward

6Chris Holder

7Nicki Pedersen

8Greg Hancock

9Tomasz Gollob

10Matej Zagar

11Grigorij Laguta

12Kenneth Bjerre

13Piotr Protasiewicz

14Maciej Janowski

15Michael Jepsen Jepsen

16Martin Smolinski

17Patryk Dudek

18Troy Batchelor

19Adrian Miedzinski

20Krzysztof Kasprzak

 

So, the vast majority of the world's top riders have already qualified for next season. If handed out on merit, the wildcards would go to:

Holder, Gollob, G Laguta and Piotr Protasiewicz , the latter I guess being the only surprise (and not someone likely to bring too much to the series)

If we assumed one spot needs to go to a Swede, then Freddie Lindgren (27th in my rankings) would take PP's spot.

If however BSI decided against includion of either Laguta after the SWC withdrawal (as an aside, A Laguta is 21st in my rankings), and furthermore decided that no more than one wildcard should go to any given nation, then MJJ would be next in line. However, with three Danes already in the field, if they further decided that no nation should get a WC who already have three qualifiers, we'd be looking at Loktaev (30th on my list) as the next option. If a second swede was chosen, I make Peter Karlsson (28th) the next most worthy. Second best Brit behing Tai is Danny King (33rd).

 

Not sure what the above shows, probably that the current system does very well in terms of ensuring the best riders in the world are in the field, although obviously there is a circularity to that argument (i.e. part of the reasons riders rank high is there performance in GPs - which count towards qualification - and GP qualifiers). I think it also shows that the riders likely to get picks for next season genuinely do merit them, unless a second Swede (or Brit) is selected.

 

Nice work, really interesting reading.

 

Protasiewicz has always been woeful at Grand Prix level, but the next Pole in line, Janowski, would be an interesting addition to the series. His links to Hancock (but not his Red Bull sponsorship!), World Cup win and former status as World U21 Champion may work in his favour as well.

 

Out of interest, where does Harris sit on the list?

 

Out of the Swedes, I think Jonsson has the best shout. I know it shouldn't go on past glories, but 2011 World No. 2 should put him ahead of the serial wild carder, Lindgren.

 

Holder, Gollob, Janowski and Jonsson?

 

JT.

 

 

[Ghostwalker]

I doubt two Polish riders will get it since there are already two Polish riders in for 2014.

 

My picks would be Jonsson, G. Laguta, Dudek and Holder.

 

Also on the list, how come Janowski is higher then Dudek?

 

Dudek have a higher average then Janowski in Sweden and Poland as well as the U21 champ title.

Janowski is eight in the SEC in which Dudek does not ride. While Janowski didn't ride in the U21 championship.

 

So in my book Dudek should be ranked higher then Janowski.

Edited September 25, 2013 by Ghostwalker

[SCB]

Go with Gollob, Holder Laguta and then change the rules and have two wildcards at every GP.

[racers and royals]

Go with Gollob, Holder Laguta and then change the rules and have two wildcards at every GP.

If only for Swedish TV`s sake they have to have a Swedish rider in the series.

[The White Knight]

If only for Swedish TV`s sake they have to have a Swedish rider in the series.

 

Yes - great isn't? :rolleyes:

 

well, i had a bit of time on my hands today, so i thought i'd do a bit of ststistical analysis to see who had been the best riders in the world this season. I took into into account form in (in order of priority) GPs, leagues (Polish& Swedish top flight and Elite league only), SWC, Euro Champs and GP qualifiers,

The results were pretty unsurprising - top 20 below.

 

 

1Tai Woffinden

2Jaroslaw Hampel

3Emil Sayfutdinov

4Niels K Iversen

5Darcy Ward

6Chris Holder

7Nicki Pedersen

8Greg Hancock

9Tomasz Gollob

10Matej Zagar

11Grigorij Laguta

12Kenneth Bjerre

13Piotr Protasiewicz

14Maciej Janowski

15Michael Jepsen Jepsen

16Martin Smolinski

17Patryk Dudek

18Troy Batchelor

19Adrian Miedzinski

20Krzysztof Kasprzak

 

So, the vast majority of the world's top riders have already qualified for next season. If handed out on merit, the wildcards would go to:

Holder, Gollob, G Laguta and Piotr Protasiewicz , the latter I guess being the only surprise (and not someone likely to bring too much to the series)

If we assumed one spot needs to go to a Swede, then Freddie Lindgren (27th in my rankings) would take PP's spot.

If however BSI decided against includion of either Laguta after the SWC withdrawal (as an aside, A Laguta is 21st in my rankings), and furthermore decided that no more than one wildcard should go to any given nation, then MJJ would be next in line. However, with three Danes already in the field, if they further decided that no nation should get a WC who already have three qualifiers, we'd be looking at Loktaev (30th on my list) as the next option. If a second swede was chosen, I make Peter Karlsson (28th) the next most worthy. Second best Brit behing Tai is Danny King (33rd).

 

Not sure what the above shows, probably that the current system does very well in terms of ensuring the best riders in the world are in the field, although obviously there is a circularity to that argument (i.e. part of the reasons riders rank high is there performance in GPs - which count towards qualification - and GP qualifiers). I think it also shows that the riders likely to get picks for next season genuinely do merit them, unless a second Swede (or Brit) is selected.

 

Super Post.

 

I know I don't like the GP System - but this really is good information. Thank you for all the work you must have put in to this and for sharing it. :)

[racers and royals]

"Yes - great isn't? :rolleyes: "

 

TV is big business for BSI Pretty sure live GP`s are on a pay-per-view channel in Sweden(c more ) so it`s a no brainer not having a Swede in it.

Edited September 25, 2013 by racers and royals