JT

Not sure if anyone has posted a link to this yet, but exciting to see Tai on the front page of Autocar online. Tai versus RR Sport video here; http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-video/video-range-rover-sport-vs-speedway-world-champion JT.

There's an excellent three page article in Autocar Magazine as well. It's the end of year edition, which is their biggest issue. JT.

In fairness, Paul, if you take away Woffinden from the GB side we aren't world class either. Of course they aren't stronger than us as a whole, but you've got to hand it to the USA, they beat us in the World Cup format fair and square. JT.

Usually I’d use this forum to vent my opinion and after a while let things go. By and large, speedway seems to be run in a smoke and mirrors fashion, which we begrudgingly accept, because we love the sport. However, the news that Harris would replace Gollob, on account of his fifth at the Grand Prix Challenge, was the last straw for me. I would love it if we had more British riders in the Grand Prix, but not at the expense of fairness. Before I continue, let me make this clear, this isn’t an attack on Harris, who may have benefitted from his invite to the Grand Prix Challenge, but isn’t responsible for the way the sport is run. If Harris was next in line from the qualifiers prior to the challenge, there wouldn’t be a problem here. However, after a lacklustre display in the first round, he was 25th in line when Zagar pulled out at the last minute. We were told that everything was done to invite the next riders in the pecking order, but these riders refused their invite in the weeks and days leading up to the event, and that was that. To quote one poster, “Harris was the only one who could be arsed to turn up”. We’ve been told Jurica Pavlic couldn’t get his bikes over in time and thus refused his place. I have no reason to doubt this, he doesn’t ride here and Croatia is a fair distance away. Next in line was Krzysztof Buczkowski who didn’t have the same problem; he was riding in Britain the night before, but apparently he declined a place on the reserve list. Unfortunately I couldn’t find any contact details for Krzysztof so I have no idea whether he really did turn down his place. The next rider was a young German called Max Dilger. I’d read just after the Challenge the German’s were angry they hadn’t been invited or even contacted by the FIM, but this was swept under the carpet and I haven’t heard anything since. Anyway it transpires Max has an official website where people can contact him. I fired an e-mail off out of curiosity, asking Max whether he'd been invited to the Challenge, and if so, why he turned down his place. The following is the reply I received, make of it what you will. From: Max Dilger (max@dilger-racing.de) Sent: 11 December 2013 19:15:45 To: 'JT' Hello James, Well ist nice that someone noticed what happend. It is a shame, but I got never asked if I want to ride in poole. No contavt from the fim the acu or anyone from poole. I would have been ready to ride in Poole. I had bikes in the uk ready to go. I send a email to the fim but never got answer to it. Best regards max I have absolutely no affiliation with German Speedway, but even the biggest Bomber fan has got to admit this situation is unfair. A rider who put in the time, effort and expense to reach the Grand Prix Challenge and just fell short in the Semi-Final, found himself shut out, in favour of a rider who not only faltered in the first round, but also has a long history of receiving wild cards. JT.

You're an intelligent guy, Shawn, do you seriously believe they asked every rider ahead of Harris in the pecking order? It's irrelevant now as they've finalised everything for next year, but after Zagar pulled out, Harris was 25th in line to receive a reserve place behind such illustrious names as Roland Benko and Jakub Jamrog! GP Qualifiers Semi-Final Exit. 1.Jurica Pavlic (Croatia) - 2, 1, 1, 3, 2 = 9 2.Krzysztof Buczkowski (Poland) - 2, 2, 1, 1, 3 = 9 3.Max Dilger (Germany) - 0, 0, 2, 2, 3 = 7 4.Cameron Woodward (Australia) - 2, 1, 1, 1, 1 = 6 5.Matic Voldrih (Slovenia) - 1, 0, 3, X, 2 = 6 6.Martin Gavenda - 0, 2, 0, 2, 1 5 7.Ales Dryml (Czech Republic) - 0, 1, 2, 1, 1 = 5 8.Tomas Suchanek - 2, 1, 0, 1, 1 = 5 9.Tobias Kroner (Germany) - 1, 2, 1, 1, 0 = 5 10.Andrzej Lebedev (Latvia) - F, 3, 2, R, R = 5 11.Jakub Jamrog (Poland) - 1, 2, 0, 0, 1 = 4 12.Edward Kennett (GB) - 2, F, 0, 1, 1 = 4 13.Roland Benko (Hungary) - 1, 0, 0, 1, 0 = 2 14.Dakota North (Australia) - 0, 2, 0, 0, R = 2 15.Guglielmo Franchetti (Italy) - 0, 1, 0, 0, 0 = 1 16.Wiktor Golubowskij (Russia) - 1, 0, 0, 0, 0 = 1 17.Norbert Magosi (Hungary) - 0, X, 0, 1, 0 = 1 GP Qualifiers First Round Exit 18.Scott Nicholls (GB) - 0, 1, 2, 2, 2 = 7 19.Aleksandr Conda (Slovenia) - 0, 2, 0, 1, 3 = 6 20.Linus Sundstrom (Sweden) - 3, 0, X, 1, 2 = 6 21.Kevin Wolbert (Germany) - 1, 0, 2, 1, 1 = 5 22.Dennis Andersson (Sweden) - 1, Fx, 1, 2, 1 = 5 23.Andriej Karpov (Ukraine) - 2, 0, 0, 0, 2 = 4 24.Peter Ljung (Sweden) - 1, 1, 1, 0, 1 = 4 25.Chris Harris (GB) - F, 1, FX, 1, 2 = 4 JT.

Last point, but when you say the 'others' couldn't be arsed, do you mean the dozens of riders who finished ahead of Harris in the first round and went to the considerable expense and effort of going through the following rounds to qualify for the Poole meeting by right? The same riders who probably weren't even asked to ride at Poole (as it appears, I can't believe they all turned it down) or even if they were, were given next to no time to get there because of Zagar's very late withdrawal. We were told Zagar withdrew because he wanted to qualify by right, but apparently the guy couldn't come to this conclusion until the 11th hour, by which point only a rider based in Britain could realistically reach Poole in time. Sufficient notice for withdrawing is the first rule that needs changing next season and a heavy fine for a rider who pulls out late without a medical note. Water under the bridge now, and not Harris' fault by any means, but the whole saga has only served to weaken the series next season in my opinion. He should finish ahead of Smolinski, and maybe Kasprzak, but anywhere near the top 10 would be a massive achievement. Good luck to him. PS. My bugbear here isn't with Harris, but with the organisers and the system that has seen a track reserve qualify for a full time place in the series after a solitary meeting. Believe it or not, I quite like Harris as a league rider, but at this level I think his time has passed, and although the plethora of wild cards have obviously lifted his profile in World Speedway, overall, I don't think they've helped him improve as a rider. I hope he can prove me wrong this time. JT.

LOL! He was about 30th in line for the reserve spot in the Grand Prix Challenge from which he qualified, that's the issue us clowns have. The fact he's been heavily favored in the past, with an unprecedented number of charity picks, makes the situation all the more suspicious. If he was forced to qualify by right (i.e not rely on a free pass at almost every opportunity) I wouldn't have an issue, but I take umbrage at the way the organisers, by hook or by crook, seem to make the situation as easy as possible for one rider (maybe two, if you include Lindgren). Doesn't matter now, after a Harris-free year, he's back in it. Good luck to him. JT.

Confirmed again here; http://www.speedwaygp.com/news/article/3050/harris-replaces-gollob-in-sgp No comment on Harris from Bellamy, perhaps he's speechless. Talk about diluting your product... The Pole's aren't exactly overjoyed either; http://www.sportowefakty.pl/zuzel/403531/oficjalnie-chris-harris-zastapi-w-grand-prix-tomasza-golloba Some of the comments (apologies for the slightly comical Google translation, but you get the gist); "Smolinski Harris Totally bottom" "But as someone wrote this may be retaliation as the Poles are organizers of the SEC" "Harris starred in the Challenge as a maximum reserve of the track, so it should not be taken into account when determining the reserve GP. BSI undermines the prestige of the cycle by such strokes but apparently they have other priorities than the quality of the show" "This is a joke???????????????" "players like Harris Smolinski will smell" "This is a misunderstanding by me with Harris and where our Dudek Janowski?" "Lindgren, Smolinski, Harris, GP level will be worse than in the days when went there Chrzanowski or Protasiewicz." "It's a scandal! This is the biggest scandal since the scandal which sparked Torun escape from the Green Mountains! The wild card in place of Tom should get a Pole, and it is OBVIOUS. BSI once again spat on your head Polish speedway" JT.

Whilst I imagine the thirty or so riders ahead of Harris in the qualifying rounds will be seriously disgruntled, the 14 other full time riders will be very happy with one less world class rider in the series. Even though Gollob was inconsistent towards the end, at least he was a threat when he felt in the mood. Harris was average to dire the last time he was in the GP's and his form has dropped even further since then. The big question is why did they ask Gollob in the first place? There were strong rumours he was going to bail out after his injury. Now the series has been weakened both on and off track. A blockbuster icon replaced by a journeyman who isn't even in the Polish Elite League. A massive cock up. Good luck to Harris, it isn't his fault, but it's a shame we miss the opportunity to see an exciting up and coming rider instead. JT.

Phil Rising reaction to Gollob apparently jacking in the GP's... You couldn't make it up, could you?! Charity Harris strikes again! As if the thought of our Chris as first reserve wasn't dreadful enough, it looks he will now replace one of the all time speedway legends on a full time basis. After Jonsson got the nod instead of first reserve Dryml last season, the only hope is BSI ignore the rule book again and nominate an exciting, up and coming and world class rider, instead. I'm clutching at straws here, but with three Danes in the series, surely BSI will be looking for an equal amount of Poles? JT.

Would Henning Bager be an option? (I should've said if!) his average fits. Hardly a world beater, but has plenty of EL experience, is something of a small track specialist (despite his association with Peterborough) and scored 17 at BV a few years back. Edit; Messed up the calculation somewhat (see Phil The Ace below)! JT.

You've got to admit it's all very suspicious though, Phil. Or at the very least a massive coincidence. After finally giving up on Harris pre-season, the following happens; Whilst Harris was a full time rider (largely through Wild Card picks) the Cardiff Wild Card has gone to the highest placed non GP rider in the British Final for the past few seasons. This system seemed to work well and gave riders in the British Final extra impetus to do well. Low and behold, as soon as Harris lost his full time Grand Prix place, and heaven forbid, risked not qualifying for Cardiff, somebody decided to gift him his place, apparently without consulting the rest of British Speedway. After a truly dismal qualifying performance in the first round of the Grand Prix Qualifiers, Bomber bombs out of the qualifiers for another year. Or so we thought… Fast forward to the Grand Prix Challenge and after some dismay from riders and fans at the Cardiff WIld Card decision, Danny King is given the Poole Wild Card. Great, we thought, finally a new rider being given a chance. Then in the build up to the meeting, Zagar, Harris' former Trelawny team mate and one of the GP Challenge favourites (and a rider who was just inside the top 8 of the Grand Prix table at the time, with no guarantee of qualifying), apparently can't decide whether he wants to do the Poole meeting or not and the following questions arise; Why doesn't Zagar, after going through the effort and expense of the qualifying rounds all over Europe, just do one more meeting at a track he knows quite well? Why doesn't Zagar, when his chance of qualifying by right in the Grand Prix series is still uncertain, try to GUARANTEE his place in the 2014 series by riding just five rides at Poole? If Zagar felt guilty about taking the place of another rider, (although I can't remember compassion and Zagar ever going hand in hand before AND we are talking about an individual format, where none of Zagar's countrymen are next in line) why did he leave it right to the last minute to make his decision? If he wanted a deserving rider to take a place, i.e Pavlic, Buczkowski or Dilger, why not give them a plenty of time to get there? What happens next? Zagar, pulls out right at the very last minute, and apparently the only rider who could be bothered, or was able to reach Poole in time, was the rider about 37th in line, you guessed it, Chris Harris. This despite Buczkowski (2nd in line) being in the country the previous night… Phil Rising quite rightly points out that FIM organise the Grand Prix Challenge, not BSI. BUT. and it's a big BUT, Harris' inclusion in this meeting rested on Zagar's decision, a rider who BSI could 'unofficially' guarantee a place the following season anyway, irrespective of his finishing place. You see, given points 1, 2 and 3, I can't think of a single logical reason why Zagar would pull out at the very last minute, unless he was told his place was safe for 2014, whether he finished in the top 8 or not. Of course, I'm probably reading far too much into this, and Harris (who has also received five series wild cards) has never received preferential treatment. All of the above is purely coincidental… JT.

It wasn't intended to be a nasty comment, I was simply stating that after this year, with serious injuries to some of the world's best riders, it would be nice if the reserves weren't required at all next season. I couldn't care less if Harris is 'capable of mixing it with the best', if all goes well in 2014, we won't have to test that theory, except at Cardiff where he is sure to receive another wild card. JT.

It's exactly the same as people having a pop at Lindgren. If BSI are stupid enough to keep offering these riders Wild Cards, we shouldn't be surprised when those riders accept that charity. That said, It doesn't do the riders reputation any favours, hence why people are so disgruntled I think. Harris also did himself no favours by moaning about everyone and everything bar himself when he was in the series. You'd have thought after his freakishly fast bike speed at the end of 2010, he would've noted down his set ups etc, but if I remember rightly he changed his team around in the following years and was never got close to matching that form. Quite strange. I also think five series wild cards is excessive and does portray the riders as spongers more than anything. Shame, as league wise they are seemingly excellent servants. Unless serious injury plays a part, no rider should receive more than two series wild cards in my opinion. If BSI absolutely must have a certain nation in the series, offer it to another rider from that country. JT.

Well it goes without saying we all hope no riders in the top 15 get injured next season and the organisers don't have to resort to bringing in Harris or any of the other reserves. This GP season has been ravaged by injuries, and although we can all but guarantee Harris will feature at Cardiff, with a bit of luck that's the only time we see him at a GP next year. JT.

Zagar pulling out at the very last minute (meaning a more deserving rider couldn't travel to Poole in time), the German's, who were next in line, complaining they weren't even asked to nominate a rider, and low and behold Mr Wildcard himself, Chris Harris, given a free ride into the final, despite bombing out spectacularly in the first round. None of the expense of going to the other rounds, none of the effort, but a nice charity pick to the final and he finds himself as first reserve after a half decent meeting on one of his favourite tracks. As I said elsewhere, it's not his fault he gets offered this charity year after year (nor is it Lindgren's), but it does make him look like a bit of a chancer. The sad thing is, in every other respect, Harris would be a popular rider. Against similar opposition he can be wildly exciting and he appears to give his all to whichever team he rides for. Instead of respect for those attributes, like Lindgren, he has become irksome and the subject of ridicule. Shame. JT.

Lindgren now joins him in the five wild card stakes. Harris had a Wild Card in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012. Aside from a freak turn of form (and an amazing improvement in bike speed) in 2010 (he went from 11/12th in the standings to 6th in about 5 GP's) he has failed to qualify every season, although he did finish a Lindgren esque 9th in his first year. Somewhat fittingly, after bombing out big style at the start of this years qualifying process, Harris was given a last minute pick for the Grand Prix Challenge and managed to qualify as first reserve for next season. Fair play to Harris though, he and Lindgren have obviously impressed someone with clout along the way. It's not their fault somebody is stupid enough to keep giving them charity year after year. Most riders in their position would gladly accept Wild Cards every season as well. Impressive TV exposure and the extra sponsorship this brings, and no pressure to actually bother qualifying by right. Nice work if you can get it… JT.

Putting aside your argument that Woffinden isn't British, I found this season so much easier to watch without a token Brit plodding around at the back, moaning away in every interview. Whether YOU think Tai is British or not, he chose to ride for us and as things stand, he's the only 'British' rider anywhere near good enough at this level. Although I thought he was just another Chris Harris/Freddie Lindgren, sponging off the organisers, this season he has proven me wrong in the best way possible, becoming World Champion. For that he gets my total respect.

It must be grating for the long list of riders who went to the effort, time and expense of getting past round one of the qualifiers, that a rider who was gifted his place at the GP Challenge Final because he was relatively local, is now first reserve in 2014, on account of five half decent rides in one meeting. Especially when that said rider bombed out earlier in the qualifiers and has had more opportunities than any other rider in world speedway. Woffinden, Hampel and Ward have proven the Wild Card system can work, but there are riders like Harris and Lindgren who have frittered so many opportunities, yet time and again are given charity the following season. Limit the number of Wild Cards one rider can have to one or two (unless a serious injury means they miss more than one round). Contrast the attitude of Harris with Woffinden this year for example. One rider dined out on his nationality for most of his time in the GP's, the other appreciated the opportunity he was given, totally re-evaluated his approach to the sport and is now World Champion. Obviously Tai's far greater natural talent helped, but the effect of his off-track changes shouldn't be undervalued. It's those kind of riders we need. JT.

Fantastic, congratulations to Woffinden. I'll hold my hand up, I mocked his pick at the start of the season, thinking he was just another British charity pick, but he's shown what a bit (actually, a lot) of effort and natural talent can achieve, fantastic! Also well done to PUK, the second former Newport rider after Phil Crump to finish World No.3, legend. Just had a glance at the BBC website, such high profile sports as Archery, Handball and Wrestling on the main list, but no mention of Speedway. Hopefully this win can push our brilliant sport on to this list. I won't hold my breath... JT.

Nice work, really interesting reading. Protasiewicz has always been woeful at Grand Prix level, but the next Pole in line, Janowski, would be an interesting addition to the series. His links to Hancock (but not his Red Bull sponsorship!), World Cup win and former status as World U21 Champion may work in his favour as well. Out of interest, where does Harris sit on the list? Out of the Swedes, I think Jonsson has the best shout. I know it shouldn't go on past glories, but 2011 World No. 2 should put him ahead of the serial wild carder, Lindgren. Holder, Gollob, Janowski and Jonsson? JT.

Oh for Christ sake, surely Harris isn't even a consideration? There are about 25 riders ahead of him in the Elite League, let alone around the world. I had hoped BSI had finally seen the light and given up on him now we have a world class Brit on the scene. Contrast the effort the likes of Woffinden and Iversen have put into their careers (fitness, machinery etc), versus Harris just plodding along, constantly relying on charity. I know he's popular in some circles, but even his biggest fans can surely see he isn't Grand Prix quality?

Let's be honest, Iversen is probably still hungover. Outgated by Harris, dicing with Wells, hardly the same rider. JT.

I thought that was superb, and a highlights package, without the long delays, would be great to watch back. Some will still complain, but to my eyes that was one of the best ever GP's on a temporary track. C'mon Tai in Torun! JT.

YES PUK! Bloody brilliant. A rider who prior to this season would never receive another Wild Card in a million years, but showing hard work and not constant charity is the way to get ahead. What a meeting! JT.