*JJ

Which 'old' tyre? The hard Barum tyre introduced a few years ago used to break up instead of wearing down.

Result from Speedway Updates: Redcar Bears : 46 1. Charles Wright - 2', 2, 3, 1, 0 = 8+1 2. Leon Flint (G) - 3, 2', 0, 2, 0 = 7+1 3. Michael Palm Toft - 3, 2, 3, 3, 1 = 12 4. Jordan Stewart - R/R (LF-2', JS-0, JJ-0, JA-3) = 5+1 5. Jake Allen - 3, 3, X, 0, 3 = 9 6. James Sarjeant - 3, 0, 1, Xt, 1, 0 = 5 7. Jordan Jenkins - 2', 1, 1', 0, 1 = 5+2 8. Alex Goldborough - Did Not Ride = 0 Birmingham Brummies : 44 1. Chris Harris - 1, 3, 3, 2', 2' = 11+2 2. Valetin Grobauer - R/R (PC-R, JS-1, PC-3, AM-2') = 6+1 3. James Shanes - 1, 1, 2, 2, 0 = 6 4. Ashley Morris - F, Fx, 1', 2', 1' = 4+3 5. Erik Riss - 2, 3, 2, 3, 3 = 13 6. Paco Castagna - R, 1, 1, 3, 1', 2, 2 = 10+1 7. Jack Thomas - 0, 0, 0 = 0 8. Luke Muff - Did Not Ride = 0

Well, I did this, and a fortnight later, no copy has turned up.

So why didn't Berwick protest it? Anyway, even if Nichol's score is removed, you would still lose!

No use being bitter ... Grobauer was at an FIM meeting. In any case, the meeting was won by Birmingham regular riders - Harris, Morris,etc - not the guests.

Which is probably why Birmingham tried to put the match back (like the Edinburgh and Newcastle ones) but Berwick refused.

I haven't been able to buy a copy of last week's Star, which I particularly wanted as the season opening edition. Can I order one, or will some be available at track shops at any time?

Bear-faced cheek!

He is usually in fancy dress ...

Allegedly, Tony Mole spent a quarter of a million in setting up the Perry Barr track: and that was in an existing stadium.

Some years ago, I transported a rider to meetings. George Rothery was his main rival in Novice class at Scunthorpe back in 2014! George once smashed Chris' front wheel in an over-enthusiastic overtake, which annoyed Chris' step-brother considerably, but personally I think that it was just racing. I am glad to see that George is progressing so well.

Why not? No Aussie with any sense would come here except for a bit of tourism or temporary work, such as riding a speedway bike.

On this morning's news, the talks were said to be going well. The rest of your comments is a non-sequitur: while the fuss over the Romanians was justified, I can't see that 25 million Aussies will want to come here. They are better off at home, except for a season's speedway.

There is some talk now about closer ties with Australia now that we are out of the EU, so no more need for visas for Aussies coming here, and for Brits going there.

All of which is beside the point. Why were the 'ghost teams' a 'thorn in the side' of the BSPA? The result of this decision is to sharply reduce the opportunities for riders to develop into team riders proper. In any case, all MDL teams - including those theoretically attached to league teams - were run by 'enthusiasts' in my experience.

'Amateur' means that they don't get paid - but pay to enter instead.

I do bear this in mind, and always stop for a break half way along a journey. As for accidents: most are caused by young men under 25!

Actually, all this business is just some busybodies (who, of course, know what is best for the lower orders) being silly as usual. I am 76, and will be taking my caravan to away matches, Redcar, Plymouth and Poole, Berwick and Newcastle and so on. I have always had good night vision and still have.

It is true of a surprising number on this forum, but not all of us.

Is that good or bad, then?

Depends on whether Godfrey or Mason offer him the most cash!

Non sequitur ... I am not sure what you are argueing? It doesn't answer my point.

You've been watching 'Once A Jolly Swagman' again! This hasn't happened for very many years. Nowadays, the standard is so high that except for a minute number of hyper-talented riders, nearly all have to go through the ladder of training sessions/amateur racing/MDL/NL to reach Championship standard.

It's what happened. No-one could have forseen that Garrity would go insane and get locked up?

Or Birmingham!