RPNY Posted February 24, 2020 Report Share Posted February 24, 2020 On 2/20/2020 at 10:50 AM, TheReturn said: It probably wasn't, but it's still bad considering he had an entire year away from the track to make a decision. I am surprised he didn't claim he was pulling out to give a younger rider a chance! Firstly, there are reserves in place who are well prepared to come in at any point. And the chosen first reserves especially will know from recent history that there is a good chance they will be called into action. Secondly he desperately wanted to ride and have another shot at being world champion again, unfortunately his wife needs continued treatment for the cancer and he didnt want to be away from her and the family. So its a bit harsh to say he didnt make his mind up soon enough 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheReturn Posted February 24, 2020 Report Share Posted February 24, 2020 On 2/20/2020 at 4:09 PM, RobMcCaffery said: That only applied to Britain, SGP excepted. For the SWC at Belle Vue? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheReturn Posted February 24, 2020 Report Share Posted February 24, 2020 (edited) 45 minutes ago, RPNY said: Firstly, there are reserves in place who are well prepared to come in at any point. And the chosen first reserves especially will know from recent history that there is a good chance they will be called into action. Yes, but you're missing the point. Last year didn't Lambert say he struggled in some GPs because of his full calendar after originally opting for the SEC not expecting to do the SGP. I don't know what Smolinski and second reserve had planned for this year, but one would assume they have to change their entire season plans at this late stage. 45 minutes ago, RPNY said: Secondly he desperately wanted to ride and have another shot at being world champion again, unfortunately his wife needs continued treatment for the cancer and he didnt want to be away from her and the family. So its a bit harsh to say he didnt make his mind up soon enough He was never going to be that after being out all of last season, and that's why I felt the decision to give him a wildcard was ridiculous. I have all sympathy for his wife, I wish her well and I respect Hancock for retiring to be with his family, I respect him for his World titles too. But that doesn't mean I respect some of the things he's done in recent years, the bullying against Nicki (the website post Hancock made), the lame excuse to pull out of riding at Belle Vue to say he wanted to give younger riders a chance (rather than admit he didn't want to ride) and the fact he took a wildcard in October and waited until now to retire all of which were dicking actions. Edited February 24, 2020 by TheReturn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OveFundinFan Posted February 24, 2020 Report Share Posted February 24, 2020 MAYBE, he was hoping his wife would recover to such an extent he could confidently ride this year. MAYBE she not responded so well, such he taken the decision to stay home. I do hope his wife is doing well, but if not, there is a lot been said on here that should not have been said - like he thinking of himself, he is selfish etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RPNY Posted February 24, 2020 Report Share Posted February 24, 2020 FWIW, I believe that although we only found about it last week, people on the inside knew a while ago... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iris123 Posted February 24, 2020 Report Share Posted February 24, 2020 As I said before it looks that way. Why else would Smolinski be looking for a new mechanic for GP's etc at the end of January-start of Feb and also in the Poland/Czech area....... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andout Posted February 25, 2020 Report Share Posted February 25, 2020 Smolinski says his goal is top six.......well done if he can do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iris123 Posted February 25, 2020 Report Share Posted February 25, 2020 His comments caused a bit of debate, with some saying ‘what planet is he on?’ And others asking ,what is he supposed to say ? ‘I’ll be happy if I don’t finish last’ !!! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OveFundinFan Posted February 25, 2020 Report Share Posted February 25, 2020 If you go into an task with a negative attitude, the likely thing is that you will fail. Have a positive attitude, and surround yourself with others who are positive then you have a better chance of succeeding. Smoli is doing it right, investing in new engines and fresh mechanics. Would be nice if he did what he did in the final of the NZ Gp few years ago..... that would lite up the forum. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topaz325 Posted February 25, 2020 Report Share Posted February 25, 2020 I like Martin Smolinski , brings something to the GPs, all the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted February 25, 2020 Report Share Posted February 25, 2020 Smolinski has to have ambition and he will try very hard. Doubt he is good enough for top 10 but you cant hold anything agaunst him for effort and having ambition. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cee the bee Posted March 1, 2020 Report Share Posted March 1, 2020 All the best for a happy future for your family Greg. And Smoli. Good luck with your promoted status. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted March 9, 2020 Report Share Posted March 9, 2020 At least Smoli does his best to Promote the sport in a positive way and seems to able to attract Sponsors and comes across in aProfessional manner.Good luck to him. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RPNY Posted March 11, 2020 Report Share Posted March 11, 2020 Was robbed by a stupid flagman in the GP Challenge so justice is kind of served Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waiheke1 Posted March 15, 2020 Report Share Posted March 15, 2020 On 2/15/2020 at 8:55 AM, therefused said: Most overrated rider ever Well, i guess he is probably the worst 4 times world champ of all time.... I think if anything he is under rated, 4 world titles but few would include him when discussing the top 10 riders of all time. Not my favourite rider, nor impressed with his reactions to a couple of incidents on last few years, but still think he's for the most part a genuinely nice guy, and a true speedway legend. Wishing him a well deserved and happy retirement. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norbold Posted March 15, 2020 Report Share Posted March 15, 2020 16 hours ago, waiheke1 said: Well, i guess he is probably the worst 4 times world champ of all time.... I think if anything he is under rated, 4 world titles but few would include him when discussing the top 10 riders of all time. Not my favourite rider, nor impressed with his reactions to a couple of incidents on last few years, but still think he's for the most part a genuinely nice guy, and a true speedway legend. Wishing him a well deserved and happy retirement. I agree with all of that. It is very hard to overrate any rider who won four World titles! The only caveat I would add to that is that, after winning the title in 1997, he didn't figure greatly again until after the era of Rickardsson, Crump, Pedersen and Gollob was over, which, I guess, must mean something in where we rate him in the "Best Ever" category. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
False dawn Posted March 15, 2020 Report Share Posted March 15, 2020 1 hour ago, norbold said: The only caveat I would add to that is that, after winning the title in 1997, he didn't figure greatly again until after....... There's always two ways of looking at things eh? After the era you describe, Greg, at he age of 40, completely reinvents himself and goes on to win the WC, three more times. Not a bad comeback from total obscurity, one might say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norbold Posted March 15, 2020 Report Share Posted March 15, 2020 28 minutes ago, False dawn said: There's always two ways of looking at things eh? After the era you describe, Greg, at he age of 40, completely reinvents himself and goes on to win the WC, three more times. Not a bad comeback from total obscurity, one might say. So, just coincidence then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidney the robin Posted March 15, 2020 Report Share Posted March 15, 2020 2 hours ago, norbold said: I agree with all of that. It is very hard to overrate any rider who won four World titles! The only caveat I would add to that is that, after winning the title in 1997, he didn't figure greatly again until after the era of Rickardsson, Crump, Pedersen and Gollob was over, which, I guess, must mean something in where we rate him in the "Best Ever" category. Was never a fan racing wise but he was always great with the fans had time for a chat and his record speaks for itself.Hope he has a great retirement and hopefully stays involved in the sport in one way or another. Ricko, Crump, Gollob, Pedersen, Hancock , it would be interesting to see how fans rated Greg in amongst that great lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted March 15, 2020 Report Share Posted March 15, 2020 6 minutes ago, Sidney the robin said: Was never a fan racing wise but he was always great with the fans had time for a chat and his record speaks for itself.Hope he has a great retirement and hopefully stays involved in the sport in one way or another. Ricko, Crump, Gollob, Pedersen, Hancock , it would be interesting to see how fans rated Greg in amongst that great lot. Have to say Sid he was a great exponent of the lost art of team riding a colleague home (certainly what I saw of him whilst riding for Oxford) unlike some others that I could mention...Rickardsson in particular! 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.