Jemma

What time is it all starting on Saturday? I'm down in Newcastle at the moment, finishing off the New Year holidays, but we're back home to Brisbane, via Armidale on Friday. Might be able to see my first speedway meeting in about 3 years!

I stick with the riders I've named - because they have all been world champions and therefore have shown that they do have the mental toughness, that something extra required to do so. The fact that they may have been beaten (or put under pressure) by another rider who went on to win the title is irrelevant - no-one can be expected to be an automaton and be mentally tough enough to win on every single occasion. The day comes when even a champion meets his match or has had his day. However the point is that all those riders had shown they had what it took at least once. Most riders will never have the talent, or most importantly, the strength where it matters the most - in their head - to get there even that one time.

I suspect he just may not be mentally tough enough to up his game to the required level to win at international level. Maybe he never will be? He's not alone there, and there's nothing wrong with that - after all that's why so few ever make it to be world champions at their chosen sport. Talent, potential, sponsorship etc etc aren't necessarily enough. You have to have that something extra, that something that marks you out from the rest and leads you to beat the very best. Look at past champions - Hans Nielsen, Tony Rickardsson, Jason Crump, Nicki Pedersen, to name but four... All extremely tough competitors, and mentally very strong under pressure. That is what it takes to really succeed at the top level.

I agree, it might just help. Or at least give the impression that having a successful British squad is something British speedway actually wants and is prepared to invest in. Unfortunately I suspect the word 'invest' is where the problem lies - who'd pay for a week's training camp? British Speedway is run by a group of individual promoters and I'm not certain the promoters are keen to pay into anything that doesn't directly affect their own club. It'd be kind of typical to send our squad off to Latvia for a week's hard labour...er I mean training, and then expect the riders to pick up the tab. The whole British team just seems to have an air of lack of interest in it all round for whatever reason. On a separate note, I went to Coventry last night on a whim, only my fourth meeting of the year (last year I was going to two meetings a week). I've lost all enthusiasm to go this season, and frankly, if I needed any confirmation that my decision to draw a line under my speedway supporting years was a good one, last night provided it. The product, the track, the racing - p1ss-poor and lousy value for money.

I'm sure I'm being quoted out of context.... Still you know I luv you two clowns to pieces

As you know boys, I was undeniably quite impressed

Hmm, looks like I called it right 21st.

Hmm I see Mr Tomicek is in the line-up....may have to gather the troops and make my first trip to Birmingham. Should think Howie will walk it though.

Very true Matt - and both are big I could see you, your hair and camera quite clearly from my position in the main grandstand

Britain/England vs Rest of World maybe? Think that's what happens at Telford.

So what's the consensus, on or off for this one? I'll have to leave by about 11:45ish from here. Was hoping I wouldn't have to have another meeting at Brandon in rain/drizzle - it makes some of the scoreboard-turn regulars really grumpy

I can't point out where you've gone wrong as I never got to grips with the scoring system! However Rob Peasley has put all the gory details on the Oxford website, so see here: http://www.oxford-speedway.com/index.php?name=News

Hmm, the forecast for Sunday doesn't look great does it I hope it will be re-arranged (and the Oxford meeting I was going to in the evening, also starring Mr Sitera) if the weather doesn't play ball. Think I'd better start organising a plan B for Sunday, just in case.

I'll give him a cheer for you Sandie - though I'll be shouting for Oxford's very own Brendan Johnson as well of course!

Would agree with all that Sandie! I love Brighton, it's a great day out, and good chance to catch up with people and gossip about who is going to be signing for who in 2008, among other things lol. Haven't a clue who is going with me this year from down Oxford way, but I do know that I will be staying with my mum in Brighton in a few weeks and buying my tickets from the box office at the same time. So don't all rush at once if you want to get a seat next to me