Presenter

Ipswich have 3.27 left for their final rider, as Keynan Rew is assessed at 5:00 and not 4:00 Chris Louis confirmed this at the staff signing-on night on Thursday.

Chris Louis was on the telephone to the printers at 9.00am on Friday as he had a number of issues with the programme on Thursday, one being the presentation of the race card. The issues are being addressed and an improvement should be noticed on Thursday

I am the "guy on the mike" - I have no idea what you are referring to here, but I certainly did not, or would never, say anything along these lines.

I'm sure Danny's club will see him right and conduct a collection to assist him. The impromptu decision to conduct a collect yesterday (raising £650) was taken as everyone could witness, first hand, the skills and professionalism of all involved in helping Danny. Bearing in mind that the Air Ambulance services are charities and rely on donations to fund their work, I'm sure yesterday's collection from all the supporters in the stadium, will help in some way.

Who'd be a promoter eh? There is always plenty of speculation when any team makes changes (whether that's through poor form or bad luck) You can be sure of one thing; whatever Chris Louis decides to do, there will be still be a lot of the "shoulda, woulda, coulda" crowd quick to have their say. Of which, naturally, they are entitled to do. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to both Danyon and Nico and hope that they are both personally back to full fitness soon, so that we may enjoy watching them in action again in the near future.

https://www.facebook.com/nicolas.covatti/posts/10155400161679015

I'll make just two observations from yesterday's meeting: The weather was unseasonably hot (23 by the time we started at 3.00pm) - so very hot with a strong cross wind. The track had received a good soaking the night before and was being constantly watered from first thing Sunday In the past the first few heats have had to be sacrificed in a way in order to keep the moisture in. But everyone was confident that with the preparations in place the track would hold up for the meeting. A 20 heat format, so an additional five heats However, the more telling factor (I believe) was the referee. At a time when speedway is losing far too many referees, the sport needs to find and train new ones. At yesterday's meeting Mick Bates had a probationer referee with him, which would account for some of the delays/decisions. As there would naturally be consultation between the two of them. Running day time meetings is far more challenging and the track staff work tirelessly to keep the show on the road. The dust was becoming an issue (especially on 3rd/4th bend as the wind was blowing in this direction). But, to be honest, supporters could consider the circumstances and could relocate to a different area of the stadium Yes, I know they shouldn't have to, but that is an option open to them in order to avoid any dust clouds Overall the racing was keen, with some riders really getting stuck in and providing good racing. It was a very healthy crowd, and one would hope that the majority can evaluate the circumstances and return to enjoy more meetings at West Row Regards

I write to express my gratitude to Richard Garrett from Sound 4 Pro Audio and Ian King from Kingsound, who are the guys that have come in to Foxhall and sorted out the PA system. Without going into a load of detail, they found numerous faults with the system that have now been rectified and I think you will agree if you were in attendance last night (vs Berwick) that the PA is the best it has sounded in a very long time. We spent time before the meeting going round the entire stadium, balancing the amplifiers in each area to ensure we had the optimum settings in each area. There is just one area that remains to be recified (round the 3rd/4th bends) where the actual speaker units themselves need to be replaced. Richard has begun discussions with Deane Wood (from Spedeworth) and has put forward some initial proposals in terms of replacement of the entire system, as in Richard's words "He has got the car through the MOT, but with numerous advisories!" The system (in its current setting) will not be effective in the stands on the backstraight (owing to the angle of the speakers etc) and as has been said before, this would require a detailed site survey and proposal agreed with Suffolk Coastal District Council, who have a very strict noise abatement policy and procedure in place for the entire stadium. But the foundation for future works has now begun and I, for one, will continue to campaign for a satisfactory, long term resolution for all concerned. But when I visited "The Massif" last night, I noticed the difference in the audibility of the system, so I think progress has been made and we are working in the right direction. I certainly have received numerous positive comments from many supporters following last night's meeting, who have said how much their enjoyment of the event was enhanced by being able to hear the announcements etc - along with more clarity from the system. So thanks again to Richard and Ian for conducting the work and also to both Ipswich Speedway and Spedeworth for commissioning the improvements. Regards

To add a little more detail to the PA system. At last week's meeting we only had one of the three amplifiers working. So there was limited PA in some areas of the stadium which was disappointing, given the size of the opening night crowd. I had also spent time with Richard from Sound 4 ProAudio, during the week helping to install external ariels etc for the new microphone system, which was going to offer more clarity and range. Again, owing to the system failure, the benefit of this new system was negated. After the meeting on Saturday, Chris Louis (in conjunction with Spedeworth) arranged for Richard to conduct a site survery of the system and arrange for a repair to be conducted. The survey was conducted on Monday with Richard returning on Tuesday to undertake the work. It was clear that the amplifiers and associated equipment had not been regularily mantained, which has been a contributory factor in the poor quality of the PA system. Along with a colleague, Richard completed the works required and lead two members of the stadium team to comment that it was the best he had heard in years, whilst another could not believe the difference in quality. All of this through the existing system. However, Richard has reported his findings back to Spedeworth and explained the issues he found and informed them that "the car has passed teh MOT but with numerous advisories!" So, the stadium PA is back up and running, and the longer term goal would be to get the entire system updated and replaced. But let's be grateful that this work has been undertaken, so quickly and professionally in order for our next meeting on Thursday. In regard to the repositioning of speakers on the backstraight (in order to service the "Massif" area for example), this would require a lot more detailed planning and consultation with the SCDC (Suffolk Coastal District Council) who have for a long time had a very detailed operating formular that covers all aspects of activities within the stadium (including the PA), which satisfies all the requirements of noise abaitment etc. So, in a nutshell, that is a summary of what has taken place this week at the stadium and let's collectively hope that the results are as impressive as being reported. Cheers for now

Practice OFF today - will now be Tuesday and Wednesday

Not at all! Just EVERYBODY ! (Which still remains my favourite phrase)

I never nicknamed Kim "Kimakazee" - but Kim Jansson EVERYBODY ! Was me

Sending my warmest wishes for a cool Yule! Merry Christmas, everybody! Xx

12.45pm - Weather Update A lot clearer now, with the angry black clouds being replaced with some nice white fluffy ones - even some blue sky and hints of sunshine Still blowy though, so wrap up warm tonight folks!

I'm at work at Trinity Park (Home of the Suffolk Show! - Christmas Parties still available folks!!) and current at 9.45am there are dark clouds looming and we have just had a very light shower. The positive thing weather wise today is that it is fairly windy, which is moving on said clouds quite quickly. If you go by the forecast, then after lunch it is supposed to clear out and leave a dry afternoon/evening.

What's happened to The Massif Facebook profile. I'd shared it to my own timeline for friends to view. I was receiving some nice comments, but now it's all disappeared

There are very few occasions when I am left speechless, but tonight is one of them! You sold me a dummy by saying that Danyon Hume was your winner, only to turn the tables. Many have spoken about the contribution that The Massif have made to Thursday nights at Foxhall. It truly has been an amazing transformation in the atmosphere at Foxhall and that is totally down to you guys. It has spread to the Home Straight stand also, who make a significant contribution to the evening also. Walking round the stadium tonight, there was a great sense of excitement amongst the very healthy crowd and the fans were giving the riders so much encouragement. There's no doubt that a winning, entertaining side contributes to that. But also the infectious enthusiasm that has spread from The Massif. I've loved coming over and engaging with you guys, and you never know if our stadium landlords Spedeworth invest in a new PA system, you may even get to hear some of what is being said. Wishful thinking I know. Once again, my sincere thanks for the award; truly grateful. Cheers xx

Talking of alternative awards, it reminds me of 1997 and my first year of hosting the End of Season supporters event (which was used, unbeknown to me by the management, as an audition for the centre green job in 1998) Anyways, I suggested that we liven up the proceedings with some alternative awards, to be presented alongside the usual Rider of the Season etc If memory serves we had best 5-1 of the year (which I believe went to Svab and Rickardsson, for fending off Jason Crump at Peterborough, in one of the most exciting heats I've EVER seen) As there were so many Supporters Club Away coaches then, we'd always visit some kind of fast food outlet. So we had Fish & Chip Shop of the year. Which was one by the Chippy in Swindon, run appropriately by Mr Fry. He won mainly because his product of exceptional value. He used to have a sign up saying "Skate £1.50". When I enquired where the rink was and whether it was ice or roller, it drew a rather blank expression from the girlie behind the counter! We had a "shredded wheat" award which was presented to James Easter, for his Grand Prix tours (and we actually had a trophy made out of said cereal!) We were crazy kids back in the day. Happy days which live long in the memory. I certainly think a "Massif" trophy would be a great idea, with the criteria the only thing you guys need to decide!

"Riding a stormer!"

I try to make my postings on twitter of a positive nature, so you're not in any danger of my mentioning your posting

I brought Nico out initially to wish a lady, who was sitting on the 2nd bend, a Happy Birthday. Then I thought whilst we were there I would show him your support. He was very impressed to see all the different instruments you had and I asked him if he was at all musical and played anything. The fact that you are having to ask on here what was said speaks volumes (pardon the pun) about the state of the PA at Foxhall. I'm fast coming around to the idea that I am wasting my time, if the majority of supporters can't hear. Especially those, like yourselves, who are putting the effort in, in order to generate some atmosphere. It would be great if the banter could be reciprocated, but if you can't hear me what's the point. I'll assess my position at the end of this season and if there are no planned improvements in the PA for next year, it may be time to call it a day at Foxhall. It would be great if we could get that whole stand with noise making instruments. I imagine it could be really effective. Perhaps it could be a condition of entry to the stand that you have a bell, whistle etc Carry on the good work. Regards

It was such a glorious night for watching speedway i thought i would go for a wander tonight and see if we couldn't get some engagement going and generate some atmosphere. I was absolutely amazed that from the stands on the back straight, YOU CANNOT HEAR ANYTHING other than a muffled noise from the PA system. When there was the incident with Andersen/Douglas i had to wait to here the outcome through my earpiece. I then was telling fans around me in the stand what the verdict was. Hence the reason for my rant when i got back on the centre green and appeal to fans who may feel like emailing spedeworth to try and generate some support to get some improvements made: Suggested routes would be: Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Spedeworth-Motorsports-153926001380399/?fref=ts Email: info@spedeworth.co.uk Foxhall email: foxhall@spedewoth.co.uk Contact us on the website: www.spedeworth.co.uk We can only try !

Mill Lane in Cardiff (a stones throw from the stadium) is by far the best place to eat. We have been going to Cardiff every year and for the past 15 years we have gone to the same restaurant every year. Las Igunanas is a fantastic restaurant and we have a table booked for 12.30 on Saturday! It's a great place to meet other friends and its now as much of part of our tradition as the meeting itself! Here's hoping you have an enjoyable trip - you're more than welcome to come and join us for lunch (there is usually about 10 of us!) if you won't know anyone else in town!

http://rerunproductions.co.uk/sgb_events.html