moomin man 76 Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 At the end of the day, the SWC means far more to us fans than it does to Tai Woffinden. From his perspective, the World Championship is his absolute goal at the start of each season. The SWC means little, as in reality as this year showed, it doesn't matter how many points he might score, Great Britain has no chance of winning the gold medal. As fans, we can all talk about the pride a rider should feel about riding for his country, but from a riders perspective if appearing for his country leaves him out of pocket there is far less incentive to ride. I can't say whether that applies to Tai Woffinden, as I wouldn't wish to speculate how much each Great Britain rider earned, but if expenses exceed earnings it is as good reason as any not to ride. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickRushbrook Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 I don't see any issue at all with Wolves tracking Tai. Yes, his cma isn't reflective of his true ability but he attained that cma whilst riding for Wolves. It's only right that Wolves benefit from his low cma as they had to endure the 'under achievements ' the season prior. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E I Addio Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 As a neutral and no particular fan of Tai, I think a lot of different things are getting tangled up here. I don't really see how Tai has a particular obligation to ride in UK Speedwáy. He is a professional in a career that could come brutally to an end at very short notice, and if his best income is from abroad, so be it, just as is the case for any other sportsman, musician, tradesman or businessman. We don't know why he won't ride for GB but we doknow the BSPA have an abysmal record of paying riders late and so little they are out of pocket. It's not Tai's fault the rules allowed him to be drafted in to the Wolves team on a ridiculous average. I find it rather distasteful that it happened but Tai was only a pawn in that game. It's not for him to decide what's right or wrong in that respect. He got a job offer that suited him and he took it. I do however think he does himself no credit with his public pronouncements and the language that he uses. Nicki Pedersen has the personality to take on the pantomime villain role and get away with it. Few others can. Tai is not particularly articulate with his adjectives and to my mind shows himself up. He could and say the same things far more low key and far more effectively . He almost invites slanging matches. To illustrate, look at the thread about Peter Karlsson. Everybody he agrees he is a great rider and a great bloke. With Tai, the plaudits are likely to be limited to great rider. He has neither the personality nor the vocabulary to be impressive in his public staements, but he could still be a great champion all round by conducting himself with a bit more decorum, a bit more like PK. Bottom line I suppose is that those fans who were winding Tai up were paying £19+ to do so, and in effect paying his wages. The same can't be said for the BV announcer though who really needs to sacking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebrum Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 We can only deal with what he actually said, or posted, the quote you posted stated fans were scum for booing him. Only one poster on here has said they actually heard anything specific and they said it was about his dad, if true that is unforgivable but other than that it's just booing and chanting who are ya. Plenty have said how the crowd helped to ramp up the already tense atmosphere, surely that is a positive, booing comes with the territory if you want an atmosphere. I dread to think what would have happened if he'd slid off in his tac ride, Aces fans would be accused of cheering a fallen rider blah blah blah. So, one person has said they heard abuse mentioning Rob and we all latch on to that, fair enough. It was a fantastic final and it's a shame this thread has ended up with backbiting about something someone random happened to hear. no one knows what Woffy did or didn't hear. Maybe he was already riled by the excessive booing. Either way he had the last laugh. You say 'Aces fans' but how do you know it wasn't just one? Hardly likely to have been heard by Tai anyway as I'm sure with his big mouth he would have said something during one of his interviews. I can't see anything wrong with a bit of 'Who are ya?' chanting, which I could hear on YouTube when watching the match later. It all seemed to add to the atmosphere. Aces fans/Aces fan.does it matter? Comment was despicable, the who are ya comments is going to wind anyone up. However the result is more important, wolves and Woffy won, Aces fans nil. Music to my ears! Yes, but if he called them that for just the booing then that is out of order imo. that's debatable, hence why it's still being discussed. Trouble is Woffinden has turned his back on the EL until it suited him, then told Rosco to stick TeamGB up his jacksie. Does he really still think he is our popular World Champ? He is, the fans at Cardiff proved that and will again next season. Must try harder. Just catching up with this meeting. All this talk about Woffy being unprofessional. Ht9 Richie Worrall swears when interviewed - very unprofessional. Ht10 Cook virtually storms across in front of PK on the 4th bend and could have been nasty if he clipped Peter yet behaves like a petulant child when it's done to him. Don't dish it if you can't take it back. Ht11 the belle Vue team manager swearing in an interview prior to the race. Even worse professional behaviour. Haven't yet heard any Wolves swearing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alkadera Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 (edited) So when are teams allowed to strengthen up? Whenever a team makes a change it will be unfair on some other team - maybe a team that hasn't ridden against the 'before changes' team. Why should it matter when...every team is still trying to win the competition. Edited October 7, 2016 by alkadera Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace no.5 Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 I didn't really listen to the announcer, he was telling us it was going to be a "sensationally close finish to the meeting" after heat 14! He didn't incite the crowd either. There were a decent number booing Tai from the off but as soon as he gave the birdie after his first ride the numbers multiplied. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProperSport Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 (edited) I was at Belle Vue but frankly was enjoying my Burger and Hot Dog to much to give anybody any stick : ) Life is to short , it was a superb meeting and congratulations to Wolves - deserved winners Tai is a quality rider and double world champion , met him on a couple of occasions and not a lot of time for the chap in honesty but not denying his ability on a bike but not my cup of tea / but may mature with age But the 15 Year old daughter thinks he is great and thats what got her into the sport so not all bad , she's like a walking TW shop and it does generate conversation amongst her friends and her pride and joy is a Tai Race Jacket so what makes her happy makes me Edited October 7, 2016 by ProperSport 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gavan Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 Got to laugh at the usual Poole fan so so so jealous that his team missed out on the final and then has the total audacity to complain about a team strengthening up in time for the play offs!! It's hilarious how many times Poole have changed their teams over the years for the play offs and we are told it's because 'Ford is a wonderful promotor and the others never act'. Well guess what Wolves bought in the World Champion on a legitimate average so no wrong doing at all. Unlike Poole who replaced 'a long term' injury victim with a mercenary in Lindback (10 years since he rode here?) who is on the world top ten on a totally false average. Poole tried a masterstroke and failed. What a great advert for our sport that second leg was and the banter with Woffy was just that. Used to love the old days when we would boo the opposition top rider all in good nature and it made for a good night with no morons overstepping the mark. I remember Ermolenko and Correy at Foxhall getting a 5-1 in the last heat and riding round on the stock car track standing up cupping their hand to their ears with loads of boos. All good fun. Oh and Woffy called some fans idiots which said Poole fan can't stand his attitude but defended everything Darcy Ward did....laughable 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve0 Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 Woffindens inclusion in the Wolves team was for one reason only. To strengthen up for the playoffs. No other reason. Poole had the change forced on them when Andersen badly broke his hand. He attempted to ride again but hasn't ridden since. One change tactical, one an injury replacement. Think its clear one team gained hugely while te other team never covered the injuries suitably. You've heard the phrase "cheats never prosper". Wolves won the EL, Poole didn't QED! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BWitcher Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 (edited) I like Tai and I was a neutral between BV and Wolves but it leaves a sour taste when clubs can bring in such as Tai and Antonio, just to try and grab the silverwear. I'd prefer it if the four clubs had to stick with the team that got them to the play-offs in the first place (they shouldn't be able to gain from so called injuries and other dubious absences). There's enough nonsense in Speedway already, without having to try and explain this sort of stuff to newcomers. Lmao.. the old 'newcomers' line. I'll tell you exactly what 'newcomers' would think... what on earth is the other team moaning about! I didn't really listen to the announcer, he was telling us it was going to be a "sensationally close finish to the meeting" after heat 14! He didn't incite the crowd either. There were a decent number booing Tai from the off but as soon as he gave the birdie after his first ride the numbers multiplied. The announcer was inciting from the moment the teams were introduced. Where was this 'birdie' given after his first ride? I didn't notice it on the night and on the tv coverage he simply rides down the home straight with a slight wave... it cuts off before he reaches the pits but I'd expect to hear some noise from the fans if he did that and there is nothing... The last shot you can see, as the scores disappear from the screen Tai is just beginning to walk off track.. and everyone is sat quietly in the stands... surely if he's just given them the birdie they'd be on their feet shouting? So, as said, interested to know when this birdie took place? Edited October 7, 2016 by BWitcher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace no.5 Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 It was to the part of the grandstand next to the pits. Where most of the original "banter" was coming from. It happened. I guarantee it. And it happened again after his 2nd and 3rd rides... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BWitcher Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 It was to the part of the grandstand next to the pits. Where most of the original "banter" was coming from. It happened. I guarantee it. And it happened again after his 2nd and 3rd rides... Fair enough, as said, can't see that part on the TV coverage. All adds to the fun though! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aces51 Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 Woffinden has edited his Facebook scum comment and taken that word out. By doing so he must be accepting he shouldn't have said it in the first place so credit to him at least for that. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BWitcher Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO0000000000000000000000000000000000ring is this really still carrying on Yep, folk are still talking about one of the best meetings they've attended in years. You're right, we don't want that.. it's booooorrring. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil The Ace Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 (edited) Yep, folk are still talking about one of the best meetings they've attended in years. You're right, we don't want that.. it's booooorrring. I.dont mean the meeting. I mean the tai thing. I'm sticking up for tai here. We booed, he finger saluted us, we booed more, bloody brilliant. Edited October 7, 2016 by Phil The Ace 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hodgy Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 Opinions! Usually influenced by ones own allegiance, it's very natural to lean towards the team you follow. Without doubt so many opinions would differ if they supported the other team. It's human nature. Entertaining meeting on a great race track - can't beat full throttle Speedway. Wolves deserved play off aggregate winners, BV gave it a go and great send off for PK, a true Gent. Top drawer speedway, as KT would say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin wood Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 Got to laugh at the announcer was enticing the crowd bit.It was done very much tounge in cheek how anyone can think differently needs to lighten up it was all part of a great speedway meeting. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Endeavour Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 Have read a good deal of the posts on this thread. I am a bit biased as I am a Cookie fan. Have always admired Freddie Lindgren and have noticed he is riding a bit harder this year in GPs and the league. Hard and calculated move? Yes. Deemed acceptable nowadays? Seems so. Worry about riders safety when machines are so fast. Tai Woffinden? Admire how talented he is but no time for his petulance or how he conducts himself off the track. Sometimes silence is golden. Do your talking on the track. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BWitcher Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 (edited) Got to laugh at the announcer was enticing the crowd bit.It was done very much tounge in cheek how anyone can think differently needs to lighten up it was all part of a great speedway meeting. Don't be daft. Of course it wasn't done tongue in cheek. Those were the thoughts of the Belle Vue promotion, as we heard when Gordon took the mic at the end of the meeting... not that there were many Belle Vue fans left at the end. Just to add, I didn't have a problem with it personally, it simply added to the occasion. Edited October 7, 2016 by BWitcher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 Have read a good deal of the posts on this thread. I am a bit biased as I am a Cookie fan. Have always admired Freddie Lindgren and have noticed he is riding a bit harder this year in GPs and the league. Hard and calculated move? Yes. Deemed acceptable nowadays? Seems so. Worry about riders safety when machines are so fast. Tai Woffinden? Admire how talented he is but no time for his petulance or how he conducts himself off the track. Sometimes silence is golden. Do your talking on the track. It was a hard move from Lindgren but he did get a bit of extra grip that cased him to lift a little and it took him across the track a bit and got closer to Cookie than he meant to IMO .Dont like Tai's attitude but It didn't spoil my nights entertainment. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.