Because junior riders want to race whenever and wherever they can, and accept track conditions they get to ride on, lets be honest normally they are riding after the main meeting the track is worn through to the base with a few crumbs of shale pulled back over it by the tractor. Where as profesional riders on the other hand have to think of where and for who they are riding for the next night and of course there income. Injury at this stage of the season could be very expensive for them around Europe. There is no way a profesional rider is going to risk anything like that.  One has to ask why the track staff did not pack the ruts in the track while they prepared it for the meeting? If the ruts can be seen before a wheel has been turned surely something is wrong. I can remember back in the day (yes its that quote again) the likes of Len Silver before a match at Hackney or Rye house  driving round and arround the tracks in his car packing it in before taking the tractor around once more making it safe and as rideable as he could. Different era, different bikes and different riders I suppose.

Maybe some comets fans are traveling soon and can leave WCSC stickers somewhere 😜

Sadly we haven't actually won much in the last ten years.

Guests are 100% not a necessary evil, as, if they were, then all leagues would have to use them.. The very fact they don't shows the sport can be ran without them... The issue is that now it has become part and parcel of the operating model in the UK, and fundamentally ingrained in the way the sport is ran... Providing promoters with lazy, easy to implement options, (and even a chance to improve ther team), and it gives riders a chance to earn some decent money, (sometimes more than their own teams guarantee and points money)... In short everyone is happy... If there are not enough riders then reduce the number of riders per team, (Denmark seem to run well with five per team, and eight teams)... If implemented this could free up 12 riders for next season's current six teams, with these riders, as you suggest, riding in tier two but coming in on short term replacement contracts... Or just implement a fit for purpose RR system which doesn't involve your No1 being replaced by two second strings, (or reserves if the manager chooses).. Riders 5 and 3 should be allowed to cover all the missing No1's rides, (f the manager chooses), and for the rest of the team, then the riders above and below the missing rider can take two each.. With a number eight coming in for a missing number seven.. You still then win or lose as a "proper team" and credibility is maintained.. The way UK runs its Speedway is just lazy and contrived, as they can plan in fixtures, with known clashes, and then just use Guests to cover the missing riders... Removing the Guest "Get out of jail free card" would mean a far more disciplined, and much better thought out, and organised approach, to the whole running of the sport.. Which can only be a good thing... NB. Tier two can still do "whatever they want", but the top tier should always be seen as a credible bona fide, professional, sporting league...

Republica sing “Ready to Go” Europe is of course “final countdown”

Sad news, other sharing the same name, 'Crash' was one of my favourite riders back in the day as I thought his white face mask, distinctive red leathers with white & black stripes looked so cool.  He was popular at Hull, Boulevard days, guested for the Vikings helping secure a few away wins. The nickname, Crash, was a true misnomer, Martin was one of the safest riders in the sport, think it came after a spill very early doors in his career, it rhymed & so it stuck.  RIP Martin....