British GP 2013

[PHILIPRISING 7,298]

LET'S just clear up some mis-information ... time taken to lay the track was same as in previous years, material was same as in 2012 and had been kept in an environmentally controlled storage facility which should (and I repeat should) have ensured that it retained no more than a seven per cent moisture content. That moisture content is supposedly constantly monitored and BSI provided with regular updates.

 

When the material was laid the moisture content was higher and how that happened (possibly in transportation when the Cardiff weather was extremely wet earlier in the week) will obviously be the subject of a later investigation.

 

The riders wanted the chance to test the track, hence a limited practice schedule to determine what needed to be done. They have a huge amount of equipment on hand at the stadium and they will be working through the night to completely relay the track. On Friday the roof of the stadium was opened but only certain areas of the track were exposed to the sun and they were by and large okay.

 

Ole Olsen, who is in charge of preparing the track before handing it over to the Race Director (which hasn't happened yet) is confident that they have enough time to rectify the situation and to have a track up to recent Cardiff standards. Conditions inside the stadium, the state of the materials and the equipment on hand is very different to Gelsenkirchen but obviously as far as BSI are concerned this is their worst nightmare.

[JC! 142]

 

 

Ole Olsen, who is in charge of preparing the track before handing it over to the Race Director (which hasn't happened yet) is confident that they have enough time to rectify the situation and to have a track up to recent Cardiff standards.

 

Thanks for the update Philip. Difficult to see the above being the case in reality - if Olsen can be 'confident' to have a track prepared in this short a time to meet previous standards why would they not do it in that time frame every year?

[PHILIPRISING 7,298]

THEY do once the fences are installed and the material (over 40 truck loads) has arrived and is on the track. The racing surface was ready on Wednesday but yesterday (Thurs) some areas started to soften as moisture came up to the top.

[Chris Brown 542]

This photo taken at 11.50 tonight shows how much work is neededhttps://twitter.com/nickipedersenDK/status/340601624894529536/photo/1

[The Doctor... 1,478]

Thanks for the update Philip. Difficult to see the above being the case in reality - if Olsen can be 'confident' to have a track prepared in this short a time to meet previous standards why would they not do it in that time frame every year?

 

There is a difference between laying the meat of the track itself, and creating the whole track area (fencing etc), which having seen it at close quarters in the past, can often drag things out.

 

They obviously wont be laying the entire track area, so they obviously fancy their chances of pulling it off.

 

Cheers Mr Rising for the sensible update.

[JC! 142]

I understand that, but why would they prepare it midweek if they are confident that (after fences etc put in) they could get the actual track prep done to the same standard in a few hours. There is obviously going to have to be considerable compromise in my opinion as it is inconceivable for it not to go ahead. Good luck to all concerned.

Edited May 31, 2013 by JC!

[Dietbowers 522]

No doubt there will be some people digging up the dirt to find out what`s gone wrong....

[dave69 1,534]

Should be some "interesting " racing.

[500cc 309]

 

 

There is a difference between laying the meat of the track itself, and creating the whole track area (fencing etc), which having seen it at close quarters in the past, can often drag things out.

 

They obviously wont be laying the entire track area, so they obviously fancy their chances of pulling it off.

 

Cheers Mr Rising for the sensible update.

Which is fine providing we have a raceable track for a 5pm start time later today. Anything else and BSI will have run out of excuses.

 

Must say we were in stitches this afternoon. It was announced that practice was delayed until 6pm due to further track preparation. What happened was nothing; it was a variation on watching paint dry, except we were watching a track dry, not that it was puddle wet of course.

[Parsloes 1928 nearly 495]

I wonder if any programmes have been printed...!!!

[nigelb 6]

Has there been any official statement about this? absolutely crazy situation to be in, hope the rumours of delays and cancellations are unfounded - disappointed to only pick up this news via the forum and twitter and no official comment, not the best way to manage one's communications

[Griff 5]

The silence from official sources is deafening. They know fans will be desperate for news. Speedway logic again. Treat fans like mushrooms. It's akin to the recorded message "no rain so far, meeting definitely on". Or am I an old cynic? Still setting off at 8am! They don't deserve us!

 

[The Doctor... 1,478]

Has there been any official statement about this? absolutely crazy situation to be in, hope the rumours of delays and cancellations are unfounded - disappointed to only pick up this news via the forum and twitter and no official comment, not the best way to manage one's communications

 

Probably no announcement in light of the fact that in their eyes, business is, to a point, as usual. They plan to start at the time they have to. What goes on in the days and hours up til then isnt important.

 

They think they can pull off a raceable track by the time the fim open the meeting, and it's up to them to do it. If it goes wrong on live tv, then thats their beef.

 

It will be on.

[manchesterpaul 447]

This is a shocker indeed, who did they get to drive the lorries transporting the shale in order for it to get wet, If that is the case? - sorry i only just got in and with horror am quickly reading the thread. Was it left uncovered in the transport depot before going on the road? but surely you'd need a mini monsoon to get so deep into all the shale?

 

Oh well if it is driver/depot error then next season i look forward to seeing an episode of the Eddie Stobart TV series showing our Cardiff shale being lovingly cared for and protected all the way on it's journey to the stadium.

 

I agree that no official press release giving any details on the eve of the meeting is very poor form indeed. A statement at 6am on the day of the meeting, that starts one hour earlier than other GP's. is puzzling. I surely hope it's not that early because they think that will curtail fans from travelling etc, if it's likely to be off, then announce it the night before.

 

Seeing as the GP takes precedence over the Polish leagues maybe they are going to go for a Sunday staging?. Albeit despite the drastic effect on the attendance and the large number of fans who can't, be it for logistical or financial reasons, stay overnight in Cardiff.

 

Then again maybe they'll either risk the rider's safety by demanding they race, or risk the sport looking comical when riders can't/won't attempt to race and trundle round for the 12 heat cut-off margin for a result?

Edited June 1, 2013 by manchesterpaul

[Butch 1]

Manchesterpaul.. please don't think i'm having a pop at you! but when have speedway promoters or governing bodys ever given a flying proverbial about the fans? The track may be sorted out, if it is then backs will be patted and hands shaken, if it isn't no one will ever take the blame, it will be no ones fault, but who pays.... we do! speedway has always taken from the fans and never given back!