Jump to content
British Speedway Forum
Sign in to follow this  
DutchGrasstrack

Barker & Worrall In Argentina

Recommended Posts

This amazes me. What did the two Brits expect in Argentina? V.I.P. treatment? A five star luxury hotel? Big appearance money as they deem themsleves as true Superstars of the game? Do the other foreign riders get this? I don't think so.

 

Fact is, that Barker and Worrall have returned home now, after spending ten days in South America, with (as Richie Worrall says) "their money still in their pockets."

 

Fact is, that the Argentinean promoters are well out of pocket having payed for the two riders' air travel tickets and accomodation.

 

Fact is, that Barker and Worrall did not honour the contract, which they had signed, that's to ride in the International speedway series over there.

 

Comparing their behaviour with that of other European riders, who have ridden in Argentina in previous years, I can not recall many, if any at all, who have abandoned their time over there, for the reasons cited by the two Brits in this case. .

 

As I see it, the Argentinean promoters, who are not very rich, still struggle to overcome the effects of that tragic fatal accident of Matija Duh there a couple of years ago. An unfortunate accident that could have happened anywhere else in the world. Yet it is always used as an argument about how dangerous and poorly organised Argentinean speedway is. But the tracks in Argentina are since fitted with air fences. Not different to many of the tracks in Continental European countries.

  • Like 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest

This amazes me. What did the two Brits expect in Argentina? V.I.P. treatment? A five star luxury hotel? Big appearance money as they deem themsleves as true Superstars of the game? Do the other foreign riders get this? I don't think so.

 

Fact is, that Barker and Worrall have returned home now, after spending ten days in South America, with (as Richie Worrall says) "their money still in their pockets."

 

Fact is, that the Argentinean promoters are well out of pocket having payed for the two riders' air travel tickets and accomodation.

 

Fact is, that Barker and Worrall did not honour the contract, which they had signed, that's to ride in the International speedway series over there.

 

Comparing their behaviour with that of other European riders, who have ridden in Argentina in previous years, I can not recall many, if any at all, who have abandoned their time over there, for the reasons cited by the two Brits in this case. .

 

As I see it, the Argentinean promoters, who are not very rich, still struggle to overcome the effects of that tragic fatal accident of Matija Duh there a couple of years ago. An unfortunate accident that could have happened anywhere else in the world. Yet it is always used as an argument about how dangerous and poorly organised Argentinean speedway is. But the tracks in Argentina are since fitted with air fences. Not different to many of the tracks in Continental European countries.

 

Well said. It does tend to look like another case of ....poor old Brits abroad...similar to the tales we used to get when British holidaymakers turned up at foreign hotels and found it was not The Savoy!!

Edited by Guest

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well said Bavarian the track at Bahia Blanca is great, better than a lot of the english tracks, pits, facilities and track are of a high standard and they have a safety fence. Barker and Worrall have both raced at tracks a lot worse. As for the accommodation I remember Legault and co causing a bit of damage when they were there and so can't blame the promoter for giving them something basic.

 

Barker and Worrall was saying in the local press on the 22nd dec how good everything was and they were looking forward to racing?

 

This is bad press for argy speedway which they could have done without. On the positve side barker and worrall got a free holiday:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

 

Barker and Worrall was saying in the local press on the 22nd dec how good everything was and they were looking forward to racing?

 

This is bad press for argy speedway which they could have done without. On the positve side barker and worrall got a free holiday:)

 

Plus they would of sold the parts and engines they took with them. So not just a free holiday some profit as well.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't profess to know all the facts but it does appear Barker and Worrall have done themseves and British speedway no favours at all.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The Russian kid seems to have no problems at all. He told speedway-press.ru about his journey so far, and there is no mention of the 'horror' the two British riders had. He's happy to take this opportunity, and it payed off with a great second place in the first round.

  • Like 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This amazes me. What did the two Brits expect in Argentina? V.I.P. treatment? A five star luxury hotel? Big appearance money as they deem themsleves as true Superstars of the game? Do the other foreign riders get this? I don't think so.

 

Fact is, that Barker and Worrall have returned home now, after spending ten days in South America, with (as Richie Worrall says) "their money still in their pockets."

 

Fact is, that the Argentinean promoters are well out of pocket having payed for the two riders' air travel tickets and accomodation.

 

Fact is, that Barker and Worrall did not honour the contract, which they had signed, that's to ride in the International speedway series over there.

 

Comparing their behaviour with that of other European riders, who have ridden in Argentina in previous years, I can not recall many, if any at all, who have abandoned their time over there, for the reasons cited by the two Brits in this case. .

 

As I see it, the Argentinean promoters, who are not very rich, still struggle to overcome the effects of that tragic fatal accident of Matija Duh there a couple of years ago. An unfortunate accident that could have happened anywhere else in the world. Yet it is always used as an argument about how dangerous and poorly organised Argentinean speedway is. But the tracks in Argentina are since fitted with air fences. Not different to many of the tracks in Continental European countries.

I don't profess to know all the facts but it does appear Barker and Worrall have done themseves and British speedway no favours at all.

 

What it seems to me is that there is a combination of a few issues. Firstly, feelings in Argentina towards the British are not exactly caudial, so maybe there is something to what the riders are saying...

 

Secondly, where the hell was the advice and assistance from the Foreign Office and/or the BSPA/SCB to the British riders who were, rightly or wrongly, going to represent their country and fly our flag? If you want to go to some parts of Africa or Asia or a remote country, you can get advice from the Foreign Office about what to expect when you go there, what to look out for, what the dangers are etc etc. My money is that these two riders are so internationally inexperienced that they didn't even think to ask for advice or guidance and that the lack of international street-wisdom is a direct result of the lack of international exposure that British riders get compared to foreign riders who cross borders several times a week. That said, if they did ask for advice though, I'd hate to think what they'd have got from the authorities.

 

Thirdly, were they on their own or did they have a "tour manager" there to look after their interests, look after the paperwork, and to make sure that they had a base of operations, equipment, support services etc?

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My money is that these two riders are so internationally inexperienced that they didn't even think to ask for advice

 

?

Is "internationally inexperienced " a euphemism for stupid ?

 

To get to the top in modern speedway you have to not only be a good rider, you also have to be a good organiser , knowing before the season starts where you are riding ,what the travel arrangements are , wha t the money is, who is paying it and what bikes you will be riding. It has to run like clockwork. If these two can't even organise an off-season trip to Argentina it does't bode well for a busy international career. Amazingly they both see themselves as serious contenders for a Team GB place. No surprise nobody has even offered them an EL place yet and both are stuck in the PL going backwards.

  • Like 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Secondly, where the hell was the advice and assistance from the Foreign Office and/or the BSPA/SCB to the British riders who were, rightly or wrongly, going to represent their country and fly our flag? If you want to go to some parts of Africa or Asia or a remote country, you can get advice from the Foreign Office about what to expect when you go there, what to look out for, what the dangers are etc etc.

Foreign office advice is pretty generic and not much use, and in fact doesn't suggest avoiding Argentina at all. The notion that the SCB/BSPA would have any better idea of foreign politics is even more laughable, assuming they were officially representing them rather than going as privateers.

 

My money is that these two riders are so internationally inexperienced that they didn't even think to ask for advice or guidance and that the lack of international street-wisdom is a direct result of the lack of international exposure that British riders get compared to foreign riders who cross borders several times a week.

Running around Europe is very different to other parts of the world, as virtually everywhere is quite civilised and reasonably safe, and most people involved in tourism speak at least some English (which is useful for people who aren't English too!). It's not until you get further east that you start running into corrupt officialdom and rampant criminality, and where it's less advisable to do things independently.

 

I've never had any problems in Latin America myself, but it is different and there seem to be more complications in getting things done. On the Malvinas thing, it seems to depend on where you go in Argentina, because there's also a sizeable ethnic English community there too.

 

I don't think I'd really rely on official advice, but ask other riders who'd been what their experiences were.

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Barker rode with Covatti why didn't he speak with him, he also knows Sanchez he could have got good advice from both these rider.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Barker rode with Covatti why didn't he speak with him, he also knows Sanchez he could have got good advice from both these rider.

 

He could indeed but as neither are British, they couldn't give the whole picture (assuming that there is any animosity to Brits because of the Falklands)

 

I seem to recall reading that this promoter is fairly new so would Covatti or Sanchez have ridden for him or a previous promoter?

Edited by Star Lady

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes covatti and sanchez have ridden for this promoter for a few years now. I have been to bahia blanca and other parts of Argentina and everyone has been very friendly and helpful and no animosity at all. Barker could have also spoken to Complin he was good friends with him at stoke.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't profess to know all the facts but it does appear Barker and Worrall have done themseves and British speedway no favours at all.

 

Just ask a few Lakeside fans and they will give their thoughts on Mr Worrall.

Edited by tocha

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

OK I will try to find a couple of lakeside fans but that won't be easy

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
Sign in to follow this  

×

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. Privacy Policy