BigFatDave

Oh I'm sorry, Trees. I fail to to understand why anyone would expect a parade of past champions at a current GP - I've been to a few and never seen it before, so what makes the difference with this one? Perhaps you'd like to explain your reasoning for those poor misguided simpletons among us who actually attend and enjoy GPs and obviously aren't as clever as you, rather than responding with a snide remark?

I take it you'd like to see the holes in their hands, Cyclone? Quite why you continue to belittle anyone with the temerity to disagree with you escapes me: it must provide some personal satisfaction to you to be the only person marching in step.

None of us go to GPs for a stroll down Memory Lane, sidney, we go to see the GP. One of the aspects of attending is that if you go to the various gathering-points and watering holes around the city you'll get to meet plenty of former and current stars of our sport. Quite why the stay-at-home viewers should demand to have a say in the programme of events escapes me. Bit like Mildura, eh, Humphrey!

Cyclone, I wasn't implying anything; I was stating a fact. Now I see you're trying to denigrate Bill Buckley. Obviously personal abuse is the preferred method of the Red (Herring) Brigade.

It's just another red herring from the "Denigrate Johnnie Hoskins' Achievements (at any cost to their own personal credibility) Brigade", Kennylane, and should be treated as such. I see it as the usual forum posting of someone who desperately wishes to be seen as 'In The Know". Who gives a stuff anyhow? As has been proven on this thread time after time, these people will argue Black's White in order to prove their own twisted agendas; they attempt to rewrite History to suit themselves and are not to be relied upon as a source of fact.

A very astute man, Bill Buckley, with a great knowledge of Speedway, which is as you'd expect from someone who owns his own Speedway Stadium and finances his own country's GP, whereas how many of our amateur historians on here simply rely on a collection of dubious anecdotes culled from the internet or publish fatuous commentary designed to grind their own personal axes and denigrate the real heroes of Speedway's past in order to self-aggrandise, rather than doing the on-the-ground research that's required? Have you seen our plaque, Humphrey, or even travelled to Maitland? Oh so easy to pooh-pooh anything from the comfort of your own lounge-room.

Boxer Price played first grade Rugby for Penarth while in his sixties.

Couple of interesting quotes from the programme for the inaugural NZGP; naturally Johnnie Hoskins gets a guernsey since he was born in Kiwiland: Here's one about him that's indisputable - "The man who arguably invented Speedway as we know it today". Couldn't agree more, since we've been arguing about it for months! Here's the opinion of Bill Buckley, the man who put his money where his mouth is and brought us the show: "Speedway has the 'Kiwi Brand' stamped all over it; it was invented by Johnnie Hoskins, a New Zealand-born Promoter, who started Motorcycle Speedway promotion in Australia in 1923". That's Bill's opinion, and I'm sure he's entitled to it, and I'm equally sure that our amateur historians and self-aggrandisers on here will argue against it until they're blue in the face; much good may it do them.

Why? Does he organise the program of events?

It's the first GP of the season, for pity's sake. One Swallow doesn't make a summer (although one made my Sunday arvo in Auckland!)

Grandstand was apparently left over from the Rugby World Cup - great for seeing the try in the far corner but no good for us - I watched the starts on the little big screen before I wandered off in search of better viewing. The organises have offered to refund the difference between general admission and grandstand seating on presentation of a scan of a ticket, so they're obviously aware of the problem. Beer was cold but. Did you try the Mussel Fritters?.

Thanks Kiwi for putting up the times, Cuz! Not bad times for a quarter-mile oval. Some very good juniors coming through in UnZud, and the ones I know of have a game plan all sorted and plenty of support - look for a few to pop up in the UK in the next two or three years.

Got that right, Kiwi! The Start Girls put on the best show I've ever seen at a GP, live or otherwise. Certainly did more than some of the highly-paid 'Models' we see in Europe. I suppose some folks will always find something to whinge about.

At least he scored a Max! Couple of clips from the GP - Nikki's dive - and the Final -

You know what they say, Paul - anything more than an armful's a feast! Must admit I pigged out! ...and I wasn't the only one -

But wait - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150767752322848&set=a.10150107747707848.310852.755092847&type=1&theater - there's MORE! (As Haza found out!)

One of the really good things about Monster is that they provide each punter with at least four sheilas, two for each arm! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150767764922848&set=a.10150107747707848.310852.755092847&type=1&theater&notif_t=like

Highpoint of the day for me was after the heats - I'd just popped into the dunny for a snake's hiss on the way to the bar and was standing at the urinal next to an ol' Kiwi mate of mine, who just happens to be a six-time world champ and well-known bookseller, when a voice behind me said "I know him! That's BigFatDave!" Good to see he got his priorities right! How good was this - a ripper evening's entertainment from go to whoa - can't do better than that! Some of the comments on here really make me laugh - those pathetic excuses for speedway fans who managed to find fault from afar with this meeting have already pretty well established themselves as the Forum's laughing stocks, but most of us already knew that anyway. Maybe one day they'll get a life - who knows? No Airhorns made for a quieter meeting, and doubtless the organisers will take on board suggestions for improvement. I'll be back for sure.

Bjerre had a flat tire on his second DNF

Of course, you can see so much by staying at home, can't you? Those of us who prefer our Speedway live will just have to put up with your prognostications I suppose, but in the meantime the track looks great: plenty of dirt and plenty of lines. Heaps of Poms out here, a few Poles and lotsa Aussies.

get there early; it'll be chokka!

http://www.martincreely.com.au/photos/home/mcreel..._html/photos/SPG%20FLYER.pdf - could be the go after practice.

G'day Tomasz, hope yer well? I'm sharing an apartment with Lunchy, and the Kirbies & Marge are in the same hotel - what on earth could go wrong? (Answers on a postcard please, or write to this address!)

D'you need a lift?

If nothing else this discussion has proved that no-one 'invented' Speedway, but it also hasn't dis-proved my opinion that Johnnie Hoskins should be regarded as the Godfather of Modern Speedway.