HGould

There really is no excuse especially at dog tracks like Oxford where photo finish equipment is already installed and can be very quickly interpreted. As a dog race tends to do a lap and a bit the beam is switched on for the finish and provides a mirror image down to one pixel or less. Not rocket science is it, technology us decades old.

The answer has been given. Extortionate amounts asked for and guarantees. That'll be 4 figure, or near 4 figure sums and a minimum guarantee that's more PL level than CL. That's a problem that has been there for years, Heat Leaders used to money the Sport can't afford any more and massive credit to Plymouth for not taking the sort of risks that have seen other clubs fall by the wayside. Hopefully Plymouth can start their season enxt week after a drier spell and at least start getting some Home Match receipts in to their coffers.

It's the High Spring Tides stupid!

Many will remember your Club as a bit of a joke until Ben Duffil came in and transformed it in to the progressive Club it is today. Your vendetta is puerile and just emphasises how apt your name tag is.

When you have a year's rainfall in 3 months it's no surprise. If they'd just left track as it was and done no changes it would still be off. Going to be more off than on if weekend forecasts are right. Needs a week of dry some sun and some high winds everywhere. Like March used to be.

If the average last year was about 500 it was at least double that. I am sure he needed 1000 last year to break even and I'd say it was more than that. Based on what was outside and what was I was told a much bigger than average inside, I'd say around 1300 to 1500 last night. I would think his break even is not massively higher as he gets substantial tv money you don't get in the CL. So he may even have made a few quid. I have rarely seen great racing in March so am sure the racing will get better.

I saw on Countryfile that South West eg Devon and Cornwall had 300% of average winter rainfall from 1 December to 29 February. I cancelled a week in mates cottage from Thursday for a week on basis of forecast down there next 10 days last weekend. Off to Portugal tomorrow. Plymouth rain off won't be because of this week it'll be past 3 months. Hopefully they can sign someone for a month as they seem confident Covatti will be back on early May. We'll done them for not paying 4 figure sums especially after Crump did them over big time

It surely begs a far more serious question that is at the heart of the long term growth and future of the sport. Are the BSPL effectively "closing the shop at 15 or 16 Clubs in the professional leagues.?? Where are the riders to fill Wolverhampton, Peterborough, Swindon, Rye House, Coventry and any others who may be seeking a way back in to the sport?? 6 man teams may create 2 new teams across a league each but that's assuming an increasing number of over 35s can be adequately replaced. It's a terrifying scenario to consider.

Won't he be tagged for 5 months or similar. I know a few footballers have played with tags but can't see someone who has such serious crimes been allowed to break curfew.

Kennett said in today's Star that he was asked but can't do due to work commitments

Birmingham have g got a Guest facility for a newly injured rider. Id imagine Plymouth may seek the same if they can evidence Covatti can be back by May. Guests far better than RR for a month in my opinion. Having said that, I vecjust cancelled an Easter week break in Exmouth as weather forecast next week is dire. Late Booking to Portugal is safer weather wise and not much more expensive.

If Riss could ride Tuesdays, and occasional Saturday, might be worth amending fixtures to accommodate him. So few alternatives of his quality available. Surely 7 men better than RR or weaker team.

Interview with one of the bravest of the brave. Incredible details I wasn't aware of. If it doesn't make you cry then I doubt you have any emotion. Ultimately though a story of incredible bravery, hope, determination and fortitude over the most awful injuries. Respect for all concerned.

Maybe they could do a Kenny Carter. With 2 legs in plaster he was carried to his bike nd won the British semi final at Oxford in 1984. Remarkable.

Putting 2 and 2 together Always dangerous but... Lewy has enquired about Danny Phillips average. Was told it was 2.01. Jusr supposing they binned Jacob Hook 4.00 Wouls allow 10.23 by my calculation to get a bid hitter with 1.99 saving plus Covatti average and the 0.48 they were under the limit with Covatti. A 10.23 rider if they could find one, more likely on a Tuesday, would upset the proverbial applecart ???

Couple of points (a) I wonder if it's time to have a dedicated NORA section to make it easier to follow IOW and Kent (and anyone else who may join) (b) I suspect the Owner of Iwade can make as much money / more money from hiring out for Track Days and Practices as he can from renting to Kent ? (c) I hope that IOW and Kent and other dormant Clubs joining in with the NORA supported Fixtures WON'T be black-balled by the BSPL for doing so, should they wish to return. It seems Kent were very shabbily treated last season, as IOW have been in the past. Other dormant clubs currently too must NOT be penalised for riding under NORA supervision. Sadly the treatment of Kent and IOW suggests that the current BSPL hierarchy will do all they can to try to punish and prevent them from running successful operations under NORA. The Sport needs all the participant it can find and not helped by the petiness of the BSPL. At least there seems to be more friendly overtures from the ACU according to the Speedway Star this week.

Riss is excellent round tight technical tracks, he has one in his back garden. Pragmatically, not a speedway trait I know, until Covatti is fit could Plymouth use Riss and switch any clashes he has to Tuesday nights. At least they'd be competitive

Erik Riss would fit nicely. They might need to juggle some Saturdays back to Tuesdays though once the main European season kicks in.

Horrible I guess the only small comfort is it looks a clean break and not shattered many bones. He's no spring chicken so you've got to fear may be career done, certainly season ending. Great shame for Plymouth who never have any luck. Moving to Saturday may limit options for replacement unless they try to get temporary one for March and April before European Leagues fully start All the best to both riders.

Looking through one of my Speedway Star yearly Binders I found some pictures of Graham circa 1882 1983 at Oxford. It was noticeable that he must have been one of the last riders to switch from the Jawa 4 valve, which looked rather heavier and more cumbersome than the Weslakes of the day. I wonder if they were ex Mauger or Briggo motors from his Hull days. That was a golden era in both Divisions.

Incredibly sad news to wake up to. A very underrated rider especially at Hull An outstanding Promoter for Brummies and a man whose opinions were always worth listening to. A genuinely nice man and family and thoughts very much with Denise. It all sounds like a very sudden illness.

I remember Pekka had a habit of winning the reserves race in the 2nd half, then the heat that qualified him for and then a few times the final with some world class riders unable to pass him. In those days the 2nd half was a real event in its own right, often with a sponsored points prize at the end if the season that home heat leaders would really race for. You'd also see away stars wanting to get one over the home riders. Sadly today's breed just want to earn more than Clubs can afford for minimal effort.

"Hi I'm Charlie, ex British Champ, says so on me van. I don't like upstart little rubbishs getting in my way, just ask Brennan Got it, get it and we'll be good"

On his day I think he's better / faster than anyone but Zmarzlik All about opinions I guess.. I think the PL Tracks would really suit him.

It appears to be equidistant to Halifax and Bradford, both speedway venues at The Shay and Idsal There is a Rugby League Stadium called Larkholme Lane lately Cougar Park, it also staged soccer this milenium. Wondering if a start up there was possible as alternative to Shay or Odsal?