SR1953

Congratulations to Sheffield. Unlike the commentators, I don't think it was at all surprising that Sheffield pulled this back, Ipswich have too many weak links on away tracks. The only surprise for me was that it was only 4 in the end, it looked like it was going to be more at heat 10. It wasn't much of a watch, they seemed to be rushing with a bit too much haste to heat 10 at least so they would be guaranteed a result. I'm not an Ipswich fan, but there are still unnecessary digs at their track, and also at Jason Doyle. Can't people just enjoy their win?

As someone with no team to support any longer, I genuinely had no preference as to the winners of this Final. Having heard Robert Lambert, I now hope it's not Sheffield. Although, I have to say that Pickering's interview was excellent, so...

I'm one of those who think the racing is more important than the "occasion", because once all the pre-meeting stuff is over the rest is ALL about the racing. But I can see that others disagree and understand that. What I don't quite follow is how the GP being at Cardiff is so good for speedway in the UK. It's not exactly thriving is it? The vast majority of those interested in going to the GP, or even watching on tv, are already speedway fans. It doesn't bring in new fans - or if it does, the evidence is hard to spot.

My first visit to Cardiff for some years. Enjoyed the day, and the atmosphere. But the racing was dreadful, and that's what I went for. I also didn't enjoy the Welsh presenter and his bongo cam - for the kids, though, I suppose. I'm also not a fan of air horns at these events - the sound of 40,000-odd people roaring is far more exciting than the dismal drone of the air horns, blocking out everything else. But I seem to be in the minority on that!

Thank you.

Going to Cardiff for the first time in a few years. The Principality Stadium website security section says small bags are allowed - 35x40x19cm, which actually seems quite a decent size to me. Can anybody who's been in the last year or two tell me if they have had any issues entering the stadium with bags or backpacks?

As a fan no longer with a team to support, I decided to take the long journey for my first visit to the NSS. I seem to have picked the worst meeting they've had! It wasn't good, certainly, but I half-expected it because of the time of day and the weather - added to which King's Lynn were disappointingly uncompetitive. However I was mightily impressed with the stadium and, in fact, extremely jealous. On the whole, I enjoyed my visit. Incidentally, I didn't think there was anything wrong with Craig Cook's behaviour. I was getting pretty impatient myself! One more thing - can a BV fan tell me whether Lidsey is one who only wins when he gates, or does he come from the back? Today, his one poor gate was his one last place.

My first visit to Peterborough for a while, but with no Lakeside any more I needed to see some speedway. I enjoyed it. The racing wasn't brilliant but it was fast and furious, and Chris Harris was always worth watching; and best of all they got on with it, the 2-minute warning coming on pretty much as the previous race finished. I certainly didn't miss a centre-green presenter, and actually liked the fact that the introduction was limited to the captain and TM - with the presentation already starting 10 minutes late I wasn't looking forward to the introduction of all 44 riders (plus reserves perhaps)! I too was unable to hear the announcer - I was in the stand at the entry to the first bend - and I could have done with a shorter interval between the Semi Finals and Final. But all in all a very enjoyable afternoon, and good value with 34 heats (I didn't stay for the run-off).

I could agree with flipper11, and there were some good races, mostly involving Alfie Bowtell. But there were too many frustrating delays yesterday and while I accept that young riders have to learn their trade, and no fault is placed on them for the hold-ups, I do object to paying £15 for the dubious privelege of watching them learn. In fact, I object to paying very much at all. So I won't, not often anyway.