Grand Central

The lists referred to on here are clearly not exhaustive as they do not cover all the heats that took place every year. Bruce Penhall's appearance is not one that I remember watching personally either on TV, but it did happen as there are a variety in photographs available that show him with the T shirt at the event with the other participants. In addition being at Cradley that night to watch Kenny Carter win that was the reason given for him missing his first ride.

How right you are. Especially if you spend the Wednesday night in a Budget Hotel on the South Coast with a group of friends.

Bruce Penhall did appear in Superstars. Back in 1982 he missed his first ride in the Golden Hammer at Cradley because he was late arriving after filming his episode that afternoon.

BAAAH .... Now we know

Just realised which TV programme you meant. 'Run' was the one with Olivia Colman who covers up for the misdeads of her sons. I remember spotting the brief appearance of Speedway in that. I thought it looked like the graphics of a GRT media video, probably from Berwick. Which was particularly strange as the series was set on a hideous estate in inner London.

Yes it really is a pity that SCB made such a calamitous factual error relating to Darcy as it tends to undermine the rest of his, and others, points on the 'toothless' nature of the Star. As is so often the case with all threads that invite a small discussion on Speedway Star it so often gets bogged down into the usual Pro and Anti camps. The original specific question getting lost in a barrage of competing posturing from either 'side'. Just to get back to the question of the Star being toothless, or not, for a moment. I think on that one point there is quite a lot of agreement between just about all posters that this is true. Clearly all the people wanting to take a 'pop' at the old lady certainly feel that she isn't sufficiently challenging of authority and lacks an enquiring interest into the murkier areas of the Sport. But it is also true to say they most of the people who have posted in support of the Star have actually voiced their understanding and tacit agreement with the 'softer' stance as bring in the best interests of the both the Mag and Soeedway. Philip Rising himself also tends to agree that one or two molars may be missing from the old dears top set now when he points out that Richard Clark has a much less combative style to his own when he sat in the Editor's chair. I seem to remember quite a few battles that PR waged in his his youth and that 'edgier' stance did give the magazine a 'personality' and a bit if 'soul' that it has been lacking for quite a few years. The classic headline 'POCKING HELL' is certainly one could never imagine being considered today. That just feels like a real shame to me.

Surely not. I'm sure that BSI and OneSport will make every effort to cooperate on this and all matters for the benefit of Speedway as a whole.

999 numbers (less just the few taken) and HE has taken my favourite of 40 years. I have changed my favourite number. It clearly is not as 'lucky' as I thought.

Indeed we are. This illustrates one of the things that elevates Mr Rising's own contributions here above so many others. I don't think he has ever resorted to 'defending' the Star, or it's editorial stance, by reference to anything so demeaning as that we should 'just be grateful' for what we get. I find it amusing that others choose to do so. .

I think a pause for you to gain persepective may be needed. We are talking about a TV deal with Sky. Not all out-war with the Nazis. Chill pill for the man in Black and White. I feel.

Your answer is to confuse the role of a journalist in these matters It is not the job of Speedway Star to 'announce' anything. They can and will 'report' anything as important as an 'announcement' by the BSPA, GoSpeed or Sky. And they should investigate and question anything they wish concerning the background of any story. Whether the participants are ready to 'announce' or not. I think that the Belle Vue v Poole issue of 2013 is the one that festers with me the most. In years to come the de facto journal of record will show nothing at all untoward relating to that Monday of shame. No journalist should be happy with the Star's position on that night. Brian Burford can 'unearth' material on events of thirty plus years past. But wo betide anyone talking with candour about the present.

Thank you for adding a degree of levity to the thread which many feel to be boring. It is always amusing to be reminded of what SHOULD happen. And then to contrast it with what ACTUALLY happens.

Riders do, indeed, face the difficulty of having no evidence of a TV deal in place when approaching or negotiating with sponsors. And it is, as you say, no secret at all that such a deal is in place. So what would be the problem in running a news piece along exactly those lines in the Star? The lack of official confirmation could be mentioned and, indeed, may deserve a little editorial comment. A page two or three lead with the fact that there is a deal would help those riders immeasurably. The boring detail of the deal would be of no interest to their potential sponsors.

.Clearly. In post 517 he states categorically that the IS a deal for TV coverage. And that it is with Sky. But he CAN'T announce it in Speedway Star yet. Even though he just did, here! .

Which, funnily enough, is the strapline of the North Korean Daily News.

. That's catchy. There are exciting weeks ahead as we hear of each fascinating choice of number. My favourite integer is 37. I do hope it Is chosen by someone. .

I was just wondering which of the participants had got that weirdo Charles Saatchi to do their PR? GoSpeed, BSPA or Sky.? Our sport is bedevilled with a long history for ballsing things up. But it really takes a genius of 'cock up' to waste all the 'Good News' vibe of a long term TV deal quite as perfectly as this. The publicicity-shy MrFord, the ever-cryptic Mr Rising and the SGP guy here all profess to have enough inside knowledge to tease us so that the eventual announcement will be a total damp squib. Meanwhile no one has been able to utilise the advertising potential of a TV deal for sponsorship. All winter. But next week we will apparently be told ... with accompanying fanfare ... That Sky will be televising the Belle Vue v Swindon match on April 7. Whether that turns out to be the case or not. I shall stifle my yawn.

But are Speedway Riders really that thick? Do they really think that the reason they are not making any money at all from personal merchandise is down to having the wrong number? If you look at the examples online of the lamentable type of merchandise being offered by them it is pretty obvious that getting their preferred number will not change the bottom line. Poor choice, poor design and ridiculous high pricing policies all need to have attention paid rather than bleating about numbers. Just look at the awful 2014 cap being offered by Greg Hancock for just under £20. http://www.shop.greghancock.org/viewcategory.php?groupid=2 I mean ... who in their right mind would want that monstrosity on their head?

Has there ever been a thread that has generated so much hot air about such a piffling subject? As a measure of just how bored we all must be this winter this thread should be viewed as our collective 'cry for help'.

Some people campaign against miscarriages of justice.Others to save endangered species. Or raise awareness of impending environmental catastrophe. Speedway riders 'campaign' for the 'right' to have their favourite number on their bib. Nelson Mandela's legacy of fighting for true freedom in the world is in safe hands. .

QED

The short list of 10 contenders for this year's award is being announced tonight, November 26, on 'The One Show' on BBC1 between 7pm and 7.30pm. Fingers crossed for Tai!

In any discussion it is perfectly possible for someone to prattle on to their heart's content. Anyone is entitled to spout gibberish if they wish. I merely put my fingers in my ears. And shout. SHUT UP. Unfortunately, you often find that the daftest of the lot, still don't.

And as the person who actually started this thread. I am delighted that other Polls have been featured here. Please allow me to say, joyfully. Well done, Tai. And. SHUT UP, Gustix.

You have to laugh at the BSPA statement, though. Promoters are often said to look upon the BSF as a haven of nutters who just want to rant among themselves. The BSPA feel that they would be above listening to any of these idiots. Then a 'Mr A Harkess of Edinburgh' writes a letter to the BBC where he rants in a similar fashion. Perhaps in green Crayon. If he were being quoted on 'Points of View' I bet they'd get Rab C Nesbitt to 'do' his voice. Oh, the irony.