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Warsaw Gp Saturday 18th April


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Translation of the PZM statement

 

 

 

Polish Grand Prix at the National Stadium ended in embarrassment. The competition was terminated after twelve races, due to poor preparation of the track. Polish Motor Union apologizes to fans, but also notes that he was not responsible for this situation. Below is the complete text of the statement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"On behalf of the Board of the Polish Association of Motor sorry fans gathered at the National Stadium during the FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Poland, as well as all fans of speedway in Poland. The events that took place on April 18, did not penetrate the fault of the organizer, who was Polish Automobile Association nor PL.2012 +, which is the operator of the National Stadium.

 

Individual Speedway World Championship (Speedway Grand Prix) operate under the auspices of the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM), which is a member of the Polish Automobile Association (PZM). National Federation shall be regulated due FIM. The right to host the FIM Speedway Grand Prix 2021 sold promoter cycle - English company Benfield Sports International Ltd. Organization Speedway Grand Prix of Poland resulted from an agreement for the years 2015 - 2017 concluded by the Board of the Polish Association of promoter Benfield Motor Sports International Ltd. In this agreement BSI agreed to purchase the material needed to build a temporary track at the National Stadium, as well as to its delivery to warehouses in Warsaw, of which he was then transferred to the National Stadium.

 

According to the agreement, Benfield Sports International Ltd. indicated Danish company Speed ​​Sport - led by Ole Olsen's only in recent years the company building the track time in the world - as a performer of the track at the National Stadium for the purpose of the competition there Speedway Grand Prix in the years 2015 - 2017 . The agreement required the company Speed ​​Sport obligation to build the track, ensure efficient appliances whole track equipment in accordance with applicable regulations of the FIM, including the starting gate and the dismantling of the track and its facilities after the race.

 

According to the agreement signed with the BSI PZM role as an organizer of the construction of the track was not to hold a competition, and all other issues relating to the carrying out, including the provision of the corresponding object. To this end, ASN has entered into a separate agreement to rent the National Stadium with its operator - the company Pl.2012 +.

 

 

 

 

 

The National Stadium was opened for Speed ​​Sport to carry out the work on the construction of the track on 12 April. Work on the actual laying of the track surface began on 14 April. On 17 April 2015 the track has been received for training by the FIM Jury - the supreme authority of the FIM sports competitions during the GP.

 

During the official, optional training most players did not take part in it on the grounds of safety and also submitted comments to the state of the track. After training there was a statutory meeting of the FIM Jury which transmitted the attention of players Ole Olsen requiring it to improve the condition of the track.

 

April 18 at 9:00 am began test drive participants in the competition, which took part in the vast majority of players. On the basis of their track Jury FIM committed to recognizing it as a competition in accordance with the rules and safe.

 

During the course of the event prepared by the state of the track Speed ​​Sport gradually deteriorated. The surface became rough and disrupted the smooth ride of players. In addition, since the beginning of the competition there were problems with the operation of the starting gate.

 

After meeting with the players after the twelfth race of the FIM Jury decided the contest. According to the rules of the FIM - there were three full series of races and professions were considered completed, and sports scores have been approved and announced.

 

With reference to the above Polish Automobile Association is considering taking legal action through the courts in relation to the BSI and Speed ​​Sports, which will inform the public.

 

We would again like to apologize to the fans for the situation.

 

On behalf of the Board of the PZM

 

President Andrzej Witkowski

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With reference to the above Polish Automobile Association is considering taking legal action through the courts in relation to the BSI and Speed ​​Sports, which will inform the public.

Who was responsible for providing the starting gate?

 

In the meantime, has anyone read the pathetic news item on the BSI website 'Hampel thanks fans'? Only the briefest of mentions of a curtailed event in an indoor stadium... :rolleyes:

Edited by Humphrey Appleby
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So they had a contract to start track preparations on the 12th but didn't start till the 14th? Why? Although I think the track was far from dangerous they should use all the time possible to get the track into the best shape possible.

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I first tried to post at 4.08pm yesterday, but for some reason it hasn't appeared. As I'm still awaiting my flight home from Warsaw I thought I would try again.

Ticket terms and conditions displayed on the SGP web site state that FIM regulations state refunds will not be given after 16 races have been completed - not 12.

Am I reading this incorrectly? Or can someone explain why 12 races was deemed enough on Saturday?

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Who was responsible for providing the starting gate?

In the meantime, has anyone read the pathetic news item on the BSI website 'Hampel thanks fans'? Only the briefest of mentions of a curtailed event in an indoor stadium... :rolleyes:

Ole Olsen, according to this -

"The agreement required the company Speed ​​Sport obligation to build the track, ensure efficient appliances whole track equipment in accordance with applicable regulations of the FIM, including the starting gate and the dismantling of the track and its facilities after the race."

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Translation of the PZM statement

 

 

 

Polish Grand Prix at the National Stadium ended in embarrassment. The competition was terminated after twelve races, due to poor preparation of the track. Polish Motor Union apologizes to fans, but also notes that he was not responsible for this situation. Below is the complete text of the statement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"On behalf of the Board of the Polish Association of Motor sorry fans gathered at the National Stadium during the FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Poland, as well as all fans of speedway in Poland. The events that took place on April 18, did not penetrate the fault of the organizer, who was Polish Automobile Association nor PL.2012 +, which is the operator of the National Stadium.

 

Individual Speedway World Championship (Speedway Grand Prix) operate under the auspices of the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM), which is a member of the Polish Automobile Association (PZM). National Federation shall be regulated due FIM. The right to host the FIM Speedway Grand Prix 2021 sold promoter cycle - English company Benfield Sports International Ltd. Organization Speedway Grand Prix of Poland resulted from an agreement for the years 2015 - 2017 concluded by the Board of the Polish Association of promoter Benfield Motor Sports International Ltd. In this agreement BSI agreed to purchase the material needed to build a temporary track at the National Stadium, as well as to its delivery to warehouses in Warsaw, of which he was then transferred to the National Stadium.

 

According to the agreement, Benfield Sports International Ltd. indicated Danish company Speed ​​Sport - led by Ole Olsen's only in recent years the company building the track time in the world - as a performer of the track at the National Stadium for the purpose of the competition there Speedway Grand Prix in the years 2015 - 2017 . The agreement required the company Speed ​​Sport obligation to build the track, ensure efficient appliances whole track equipment in accordance with applicable regulations of the FIM, including the starting gate and the dismantling of the track and its facilities after the race.

 

According to the agreement signed with the BSI PZM role as an organizer of the construction of the track was not to hold a competition, and all other issues relating to the carrying out, including the provision of the corresponding object. To this end, ASN has entered into a separate agreement to rent the National Stadium with its operator - the company Pl.2012 +.

 

 

 

 

 

The National Stadium was opened for Speed ​​Sport to carry out the work on the construction of the track on 12 April. Work on the actual laying of the track surface began on 14 April. On 17 April 2015 the track has been received for training by the FIM Jury - the supreme authority of the FIM sports competitions during the GP.

 

During the official, optional training most players did not take part in it on the grounds of safety and also submitted comments to the state of the track. After training there was a statutory meeting of the FIM Jury which transmitted the attention of players Ole Olsen requiring it to improve the condition of the track.

 

April 18 at 9:00 am began test drive participants in the competition, which took part in the vast majority of players. On the basis of their track Jury FIM committed to recognizing it as a competition in accordance with the rules and safe.

 

During the course of the event prepared by the state of the track Speed ​​Sport gradually deteriorated. The surface became rough and disrupted the smooth ride of players. In addition, since the beginning of the competition there were problems with the operation of the starting gate.

 

After meeting with the players after the twelfth race of the FIM Jury decided the contest. According to the rules of the FIM - there were three full series of races and professions were considered completed, and sports scores have been approved and announced.

 

With reference to the above Polish Automobile Association is considering taking legal action through the courts in relation to the BSI and Speed ​​Sports, which will inform the public.

 

We would again like to apologize to the fans for the situation.

 

On behalf of the Board of the PZM

 

President Andrzej Witkowski

 

 

Well at least we have some information from authority. That in itself is something...........

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After a day to reflect what a bad day it was for Speedway,i am totally gutted.I never wanted this GP series in the first place but i have come around to the idea the product is good and i have enjoyed it.But at what COST? british speedway has took a massive battering over the years because of this event and lets be honest has had the guts ripped out of the British league scene.On Saturday we all see what the series is all about GREED for some,and those people do they really care about the sport as a whole ? or just themselves.I spoke to a Polish lad i work with who mechanics for some of the Polish riders and he said Gollob was totally devastated.Riding around after with a near empty stadium his day was ruined to celebrate his career.And i believe he had words with Olsen, will heads roll ? or a big cover up should people MORALLY get there admission money back?.I just hope Eurosport do not keep showing repeats of this farce of a day the sport will do well to get over this disaster of a day.

Edited by sidney
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It does seem a bit strange that BSI purchase the material for the track, unless they mean just pay for it. It seems the rest of the problems with the gate and track are down to Ole Olsen.

Not sure it's strange. BSI buy the material, and pay Ole Olsen to make the track.

 

Presumably BSI then own the shale as an asset, and can use another track preparation company if necessary. I'm sure Olsen also doesn't want 4,000 tonnes of shale on his books either, as there's not many other customers that need temporary tracks building.

Aor a big cover up should people MORALLY get there admission money back?

I'm not sure about morally, they may be legally entitled to it back.

 

The problem though, will be that the tickets will have been sold by the PZM who'd have to stump up the cash, and then try to make a counterclaim against BSI.

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Absolute ******* debacle but can we blame temporary tracks laid in National stadia?. Wembley did it perfectly for decades don't forget.

 

To paraphrase Nigel Farage..."It's time to take our Speedway back".

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Issue for the customer may be that pzm hold off any pay out until any action against bsi is settled.

Do fim appoint the meeting officials and if so do bsi have any opportunity to counterclaim citing precedence of meetings completed on worse surfaces (I assume they don't have any such option but maybe someone can confirm). Of course we also don't know yet how accurate the pzm state ment is and whether their contract with bsi precludes them from seeking liquidated damages in any case.

Wonder when bsi will make a statement. Before or after Darcy?

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Absolute ******* debacle but can we blame temporary tracks laid in National stadia?. Wembley did it perfectly for decades don't forget.

 

To paraphrase Nigel Farage..."It's time to take our Speedway back".

I believe Wembley had a permanent track and at one time a team. Got to agree it was a farce lucky I was out and recorded it. It was dreadful just shuffling through!

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Absolute ******* debacle but can we blame temporary tracks laid in National stadia?. Wembley did it perfectly for decades don't forget".

No Wembley didn't. There was A brilliant track when Len Silver and Peter Thorogood did it in 1981 but they did it as a Labour of love and really put the work in but before that track prep varied year to year, sometimes good sometimes not so good. The main difference is that in those days the two valve and even four valve engines did not dig the sort of ruts that the modern lay- downs create, and that seems to have got worse with the silencer changes in the last couple of years.

 

However, according to Len Silvers book he was working on the track until the early hours of the morning of the Wednesday before the 1981 World Final, then slept in his car until 8am and went back to work with Peter Thorogood continuously packing and re-grading in for 10 hours. Then after practice day they went back again on race day and spent all day re-packing and re-grading once again, right up until the turnstiles opened. In other words they did all the things that the money grabbing Ole Olsen should have been doing last week.

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Absolute ******* debacle but can we blame temporary tracks laid in National stadia?. Wembley did it perfectly for decades don't forget.

 

To paraphrase Nigel Farage..."It's time to take our Speedway back".

The track at Wembley in 1975 was terrible. Some people even reckoned it cost Peter Collins a chance of winning.

 

Oh, and guess who did end up winning!

Edited by grachan
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According to this article http://www.thenews.pl/1/2/Artykul/204033,Speedway-competition-cancelled-halfway PZM's contract with BSI states that Speed Sport (Olsen) has to oversee the track prep.

“PZMot as the organizer has made every effort to ensure that this event abided to the highest standards. We had been in talks with the Danish company BSI [benfield Sports International] for over two years. The contract forced us to take on Speed Sport owned by [former Speedway champion] Ole Olsen, to oversee the organisation and the technical aspects of the track. Unfortunately, we witnessed many problems,” PZMot deputy head Michał Sikora told a press conference.

 

It would seem that PZM have a case to take legal action against BSI, therefore don't expect BSI to make any statement.

Edited by pugwash
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No Wembley didn't. There was A brilliant track when Len Silver and Peter Thorogood did it in 1981 but they did it as a Labour of love and really put the work in but before that track prep varied year to year, sometimes good sometimes not so good. The main difference is that in those days the two valve and even four valve engines did not dig the sort of ruts that the modern lay- downs create, and that seems to have got worse with the silencer changes in the last couple of years.

However, according to Len Silvers book he was working on the track until the early hours of the morning of the Wednesday before the 1981 World Final, then slept in his car until 8am and went back to work with Peter Thorogood continuously packing and re-grading in for 10 hours. Then after practice day they went back again on race day and spent all day re-packing and re-grading once again, right up until the turnstiles opened. In other words they did all the things that the money grabbing Ole Olsen should have been doing last week.

Not often I agree with Addio but I do on this one, the rubbish track is down to Olsen and he should carry the can, not for the first time either.

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According to this article http://www.thenews.pl/1/2/Artykul/204033,Speedway-competition-cancelled-halfway PZM's contract with BSI states that Speed Sport (Olsen) has to oversee the track prep.

“PZMot as the organizer has made every effort to ensure that this event abided to the highest standards. We had been in talks with the Danish company BSI [benfield Sports International] for over two years. The contract forced us to take on Speed Sport owned by [former Speedway champion] Ole Olsen, to oversee the organisation and the technical aspects of the track. Unfortunately, we witnessed many problems,” PZMot deputy head Michał Sikora told a press conference.

 

It would seem that PZM have a case to take legal action against BSI, therefore don't expect BSI to make any statement.

Does an a apology count as a statement still they might not have time at the moment as they are busy sweeping everything under the carpet
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Well back in the office after an "interesting" 4 days away in Warsaw.

Sadly it looks like it will be my last GP for a while. Took my other half to Bydgoszcz last year promising him an amazing weekend, it turned into a damp weekend literally with the rain and the stadium being a quarter empty. A year on and he forgot about that and came along to Warsaw. On returning to our hotel after the fiasco that was Saturday, his comment was "sorry, I really don't get speedway and why you want to come and watch this". Who can argue with that?

 

After enjoying the fan village for a while we headed to the stadium, it was fantastic to see so many fans and a sold out stadium...we were excited about what lay ahead. Fast forward 2 hours and we are sat in a freezing cold stadium trying to look up facebook and forums to understand what is going on as the crowd are left in the dark. An annoucement comes over in polish...we ask around what it means, only to be told a decision hasn't been made yet. Half an hour later they announce in Polish there will be no more racing!

 

Ok so I am no expert on tracks (i purely go to watch the racing) and I understand comments that it seemed unsafe. To my untrained eye it looked rideable and many were going round. You couldn't make up the debacle with the tapes and it was really embarassing explaining to my other half the issue, it makes speedway look so amateurish!

My big gripe with the night was the communication. We sat for hours in the cold not knowing what was going on, or why? Even when it was cancelled we were not given a reason and so to the spectator it looked like it was because the riders could not manage to start on a green light!!!

 

To then have the riders come out and do a parade was the final straw (i posted a video onto FB for anyone that wants to see this) and we, along with many thousand Poles left the stadium dejected. The fans were a credit that they did not react worse! Very sad that my many years of going to the GP's will end on such a sad note.

Edited by Super Nicki P
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Sometimes you just want someone to hold their hands up and say 'Sorry, we made a mistake, we will get it right next time'. Whilst that does not compensate the fans who paid to travel, it would at least acknowledge the fact they recognise things went wrong.

 

Have they not said that before??!

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