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Everyone in the stadium , bar Michael Breckon , saw that too . As many have said , cracking meeting tonight . Didn't think we were going to get anything like a defendable lead for most of the meeting , but we upped our game after the interval as the Somerset heat leaders faded . Some ropey looking starts , from both sides , were allowed to go unpunished before he pulled Chris Harris , of all people , back late on . I thought the Somerset bottom end would struggle , and the reserves did , but Anders Rowe did anything but struggle . Those saying Kyle Bickley should have had more rides , I can sort of see your point , but although he outscored Bailey , Bailey was the more aggressive of the pair as Bickley was easily passed by Rowe in heat 8 . And we could only replace Andersen the once . Will a twelve point lead be enough ? Very possibly the way Rasser and Cookie go down there , but it's play off speedway and anything can happen .

Huge congratulations to the Tigers. A thoroughly deserved win. After the shock of Cookie losing out to Bomber and Rowe in Ht1,it was never an easy ride for Somerset after that. Razzers Ht13 ride to go round Bomber and inside Morris was fabulous. Both Kelvin and Nigel would have had a heart attack with the blistering speed. of it. Sensational ride. Despite 3 Tigers getting more warnings for starting than the local weather forecast, they never let the Rebels get away from them First time Ive seen Sam Jensen, very impressed. Now go finish the job and win the title.

No, if that happens you could still decide it's 42.5 for the League so Ippo could decide to keep their seven or use the extra points available... If though another team over 42.5 wins the league they should be allowed to keep their seven too if they so wish, and that figure becomes the maximum figure.. It's ridiculous that fans become attached to riders who win leagues (especially younger fans who you want to engage more than ever) only for them to be often left out the year after... That simply doesn't equate to a sensible business model... You also have the nonsense of TV mentioning that a meeting involves "last year's Champions" when maybe only four of them are actually in attendance... British Speedway desperately needs some aspirational attainments, and dumbing down the leagues means no team has to aspire to "beat the best" because "the best" invariably gets diluted...

Wilson’s last meeting as he is retiring and he will be a big loss to the sport great role model for the younger lads.

Bar last year August has had more rain fall than October in recent years ...no one can judge when the rain is going to hit in the uk

The sadly missed speedway historian, Keith Farman, who was an absolutely devoted Ove Fundin fan, made a comprehensive study of all Ove's races. He found that although Fundin beat all his main rivals more times than they beat him, Craven was the one who beat him the most times.

To reiterate a previous post, I don't get why we are running our play offs in October. We could have had the season done & dusted by the end of August with the Play offs in the first two weeks of September. Between April & the end of August there were 22 weeks.

So if Ipswich win this year every team bar P/borough have to aspire to drop there team limit to 41.43 for next season ?.

dont like that falcon why on your list are poole the only club without a no1 !!??

Why have season ticket holders been short changed, and why make this statement as a non Aces fan who clearly has no idea what value Aces season tickets are? To put you straight I have a season ticket and I have got every single match that was stated my ticket included this season. Please think before you post ridiculous and quite frankly slanderous, factually incorrect comments.

You can’t rule out Kinsley, he’s very fast round the EWR and beaten some good names.

Last night's meeting just got better and better, some immense (and tense) racing to savour. Feel a little sorry for the Rebels reserves who seem to have been dismissed entirely when, in my view, they were certainly in the thick of the action last night - yes, just 1 point amassed between them in the end, but the effort was there (Connor only scored 3 and look at the effort he put in). Anyway, a 12 point advantage is more than I'd hoped for/expected, fingers crossed we can hang on to that tonight - this season's efforts certainly deserve one last hurrah before the long close season.

Take a look at the photograph plus all the GH and SH winners over time.

Another second division rider, Bob Leverenz, also qualified for the 1951 final, finishing 8th, while Geoff Mardon, a third division rider, qualified as reserve.

Same tripe from the Hog's mouth you don't know me very well ........do you really think I give a sh** who likes me on here this Forum is like a toy to entertain me when I'm bored Advantage Glasgow , Somerset's reserves cost them dearly

I don't think he beat Jack Parker. He won it from Ronnie Moore in 1952 and then held it against Moore, Freddie Williams and Split Waterman. He later won it again in 1955 when he won by default against Ronnie Moore, who was injured. He was then injured himself and didn't defend it.

Even this evening during BTs Champions league matches they showed an advert for the Speedway play offs and the final GP i do have to admit that they promote the sport well even better than Sky did. Although Eurosport may be a pan Europe broadcaster I am unsure that the big Polish sponsors will want to have banners and boards at British tracks or get involved in club sponsorship even if the racing is shown live in Poland. It has to be remembered that people will only spend so much time watching Speedway on TV and with all Polish Extraliga meetings broadcast along with lots of other meetings I’m unsure how many will watch UK racing. I know Orange sport in Poland found this when they took the Swedish league that they didn’t get the viewers they expected.

1st of April

Presumably because they don't want lose money running meaningless meetings

So we repeat the error of earning the money then handing it straight over to riders to have glorified practice sessions while their best efforts and bikes are elsewhere? Of course with Eurosport NOT being a premium sports channel it has far more subscribers, mainly those getting it as part of a basic pay-TV package but I suspect BT get higher viewing figures. Many people receive Eurosport without ever bothering to watch it. A five year deal is fine so long as it's a benefit and not blocking better options over the five years. If, somehow the sport were to see an upturn it would be locked-into a bargain deal. Regarding potential sponsors, I take it you're referring to the claim that we may tap into Polish sponsors. Why would Polish brands like Nice, Get Well, Mr Garden, Fogo want to advertise to the UK? Eurosport's inability to maintain a stable schedule, which has been the case for 30 years, plus its lack of channels and contracts like the Olympics to be taken care of in high season it threatens to be a highly disjointed service, although hopefully not lamentable enough to start live coverage at heat 19! There is one aspect of the BT deal that is overlooked. BT take speedway seriously in its channel promotions. One moment you can be watching a top football premiership match, the next it's the next speedway event being mentioned. There were regular promotions for speedway during their Champions League coverage including the final. You see a constant flow of promos for major sports, and speedway's right in there. I wouldn't liike to even try to estimate the cost of having to pay for that publicity.

Thrilled we've made the final . The updates were pretty biased , though it seems the ref in both meetings were happy to let things go at the starts . Personally if a rider doesn't break the tapes then all is good if he makes a good start . Leicester or Redcar to come , I'm really not bothered which one it is

The refresh button on the computer is now worn out. Great performance, never let them get too far away.

Looks like narcissus has done well.

I do lurve an ironic post!!

And Vissing

At least there's a silver lining if it's off,can watch Wanderers in Istanbul.

Not sure there is a list anywhere yet. If Ghostie has the time he will post signings on this thread. If you are really keen i would look up each clubs Facebook pages for signing news - that`s where i found the Zamarzlik signing news i posted 10 days ago, and i can add that Kubera has also signed a 2 year contract for Vetlanda.

There is no final.

I think Flint and Gilkes have done exceptional well and had excellent seasons. ; Bickley at CL level for whatever reason has not improved in my opinion especially his Away form. Of the field now and compared to 2018 the point is the only really "new emerging names" are Palin and Edwards. Too many in my opinion who have been there at that level for too long.

Have to disagree Lenny, so there was no possibility of, as example, a double header? No disrespect intended to the NL team, but in priority terms surely the Championship play-off has to take priority.

Now that one is funny.

Ridiculous! Where's the sense of prioritisation over any other planned fixture? - probably all simply to allow Scottie to show off another shirt this Saturday night!

No thank you.

And people go on about being a family sport.

TERRY hasn't been involved for a while. And how do you know they don't?

The second division must of been such a competitive league then, going back to those days Jack reached seven world Final's 1950 / 55 all at Wembley then reached his last one with a five year gap 1960 also one at reserve at Malmo.I often think because of Bluey Willkinson/ and Jack's success poor old fellow Aussie Vic Duggan often gets forgotten through no fault of his own.

Mainly the ex Motocross riders.

Agree, as popular as those two riders are we have to be tough and address the awful away form for next year.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/3083271 No rain on this. You should be fine. I will be warmer in front of the TV.

If both Cook and Robert are back at Lynn next year there will only be one #1 and that won’t be Cook

So SKY is not free for Eurosprt, neither is BT, neither is Eurosport Player. Is there a free way of viewing Eurosport??? I with BT and get access to the Speedway GP's and MotoGP and World Superbikes. Plus I can watch World Rally Cross so I am happy with that. I can lose British `Premiership without shedding any tears.

I'm not so sure. I can see Holder and Kurtz going toe to toe for the win

It's a long read, but encouraging news at last! AN independent report into the planning application on Brandon Stadium has firmly concluded that National Planning Policy Framework guidelines have NOT been met by the developers. Consultants WYG have reported to Rugby Borough Council after a thorough examination of documents both from representatives of the developers, and from the Save Coventry Speedway & Stock Car Campaign Group, who are seeking to secure the return of both sports to the area after the forced closure of the stadium at the end of the 2016 season. The developers submitted their planning application in January 2018, which at the time omitted a Sports Needs Assessment (SNA), which followed in September 2018. This sought to prove that the stadium was not viable, and that there was no ongoing need for a replacement, as suitable alternative provision existed elsewhere (for speedway, with Coventry operating at Leicester, and for stock cars at other venues within a 70-mile radius). The Campaign Group submitted extensive documentation to expose numerous untruths and inaccuracies throughout the planning material, and at a Public Meeting in November 2018 the former Leader of Rugby Council Michael Stokes announced the independent review would be commissioned prior to the Planning Committee hearing. The consultants met with all interested parties including representatives of the developers, the Campaign Group and governing bodies of both speedway and stock car racing earlier this year. Their report was issued to the developers and the Campaign Group in advance of going into the public domain on Monday September 30. A reminder that paragraph 97 of National Planning Policy Framework states that existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, should not be built on unless: a) an assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements [NOTE: This is the section the developers are attempting to use to justify their plans]; or b) the loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location; or c) the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the benefits of which clearly outweigh the loss of the current or former use. Key points to emerge from the report: • WYG stress the view of the government Planning Inspector regarding the Local Plan, in that when making a decision the Council need to “start from the basis of safeguarding provision, in line with the general policy for sport and recreation buildings.” Key criteria for decision making are evidence of “need, viability and alternative provision.” • In the overview of Need, WYG state that the SNA “falls short in certain areas, and there are inaccuracies… which do impact on the findings and the narrative set out by the applicant.” They also point out that the motorsports bodies were not consulted as part of the SNA, which is described as “an omission, and would have painted a different picture in terms of needs and outcomes” – as the governing bodies were supportive of the role of Brandon, its importance to the sports and the impact of its loss. • Regarding the developers’ list of existing speedway and stock car venues, WYG observe that “there are inaccuracies within the detail of the audit, which make the quantitative claims within the SNA less robust” – and that a number of facilities listed do not provide ‘like for like’ replacements as claimed, for either sport. • Regarding the condition of the stadium at the point of closure, WYG state: “The stadium was evidently fit for purpose… Furthermore, whilst investment would have been required, there is no evidence that this was over and above the level expected of a venue of its age and type, and nothing that would have pre-empted its closure on quality grounds.” They go on to say: “In the context of motorsport stadiums Brandon could reasonably be considered to be a quality venue, with no major investment required which might threaten its operation.” They note the “special significance” and long-term history of Brandon in terms of staging major events, and state: “Brandon was unquestionably still a significant motorsport venue up to its demise, and was more than just a local track.” • The final note on the quality of the stadium confirms that “the alternatives put forward in the SNA are not ‘fit for purpose’ and fall significantly short of providing the same qualitative experience as delivered at Brandon for motorsports.” • WYG have questioned the developers’ selection of a 70-mile radius for suitable alternative venues, and also backed up the Campaign Group’s response of the unsuitability of stadiums within that range, stating that “the number of genuinely accessible facilities is therefore much reduced from the case set out in the SNA.” They also stress the good, central location of Brandon – and conclude: “Despite there being no agreed accessibility catchments, it is difficult to argue that reduced provision located significant distance away… is acceptable in terms of access and passing the ANOG [Assessing Needs and Opportunities Guide] accessibility test.” • WYG deal with the re-location of Coventry Bees to Leicester, racing in the National League, in 2018, describing it as “a significant part of the applicant’s SNA case, and was put forward to demonstrate there were suitable alternative provision to justify the loss of Brandon.” However, “the reality was that the re-location was never like-for-like, the Coventry team that transferred did so to compete in the bottom division… which was a very different offering and team. It was only ever done on a short-term basis, with no long-term commitment put in place. The re-location did not work, lasting only a short time and Coventry Bees no longer race.” • WYG also point out that “stock car racing has not successfully re-located”, and also refer to the recent unfortunate closure of Stoke – which in itself never provided a ‘like for like’ re-location. • The conclusion of the Availability section states that “Lack of availability has had a clear impact in terms of speedway ending and stock car activity being curtailed. There is and has not been adequate availability of suitable alternative provision and re-location opportunities to allow the sports to continue.” • In summary, WYG state: “We are not convinced that the case has been made that Coventry Stadium is surplus to requirements as argued by the applicant.” • The developers have argued that the cost of re-instating Brandon as at 2017 was £3.73 million. WYG have noted the work of the Campaign Group, who feel the cost would be far less due to the support gained from local businesses, and the tremendous reaction from volunteers willing to give their time to return the stadium to its former glory. • WYG note that the final aspect to be explored, as set out by the Inspector, is to consider alternative provision, ie. a replacement stadium – confirming once again that the previous re-location strategy did not work. • The authors recognise that “there is evident widespread support for motorsports in the area, as a legacy of Coventry Stadium, and real capacity and a groundswell that could drive a replacement proposition. This is an important ingredient, which should not be under-estimated.” • Whilst WYG state firmly that the current stadium cannot be deemed surplus, they do question whether a re-opening would be deliverable – and so they suggest that “a replacement option presents the next step, without a stalemate position being reached. This therefore needs to be explored… The history and support behind the Coventry Stadium could suggest there may be potential to deliver an alternative.” • The section concludes with the statement that “An alternative provision strategy would require developers to accept the principle of meeting paragraph 97 b) and all parties commit to explore this route.” • However, the developers are attempting to secure permission via paragraph 97 a) [showing the venue to be surplus to requirements] – and the clear conclusion from WYG is that: “We do not believe this test has been met sufficient for Coventry Stadium to be deemed surplus to requirements.” Both the developers and the Campaign Group will have the opportunity to comment to the Planning Officer on the report, and Rugby Council have confirmed the application will not go to Planning Committee as previously expected in November. Campaign Group spokesman Jeff Davies said: “We have waited for this report for ten months, since the Public Meeting last year, and we are very pleased that consultants WYG have concurred with almost all of the points made in our representations to Rugby Council. “At no time during the last three years have we believed the fight to save Brandon was a lost cause. “Speedway and stock car racing are great family sports, with speedway having been staged there for 90 years, and both sports are vitally important to the area. “WYG consultants recommend that the Campaign Group are involved in any discussions to meet Paragraph 97b, should the developers agree this could be a way forward. “We are absolutely open to be involved in any discussions with the developers and Rugby Council which are aimed at finding a solution in order to bring about the return of speedway and stock car racing to the area for future generations to enjoy.” The full report from WYG is available to read via the Rugby Borough Council Planning Portal. Visit https://planning.agileapplications.co.uk/rugby/search-applications/ and type Coventry Stadium into the Location section. Select the second application (R18/0186), and from the Documents tab scroll down to ‘Miscellaneous Documents’ and select the Independent Review document. ENDS

R.I.P. Svein Harald Kaasa who lost his life at Hampden Park on this day in 1972

yes and no. Carter didn't have the natural talent of Lee (has anyone?). But he was better than Lee in 81, 82,85 , 86and pretty close in 83/84. Maybe that says more about Lee's decline? Carter in 82 was arguably as good as Penhall, and Penhall is certainly regarded as same class as Lee. Agree 100% on the similarities.

Well, if it is included, I hope there are no Poole riders invited, they struggle to complete 4 laps at Foxhall

Judging by the big crowd at Ipswich last night, British speedway needs to reclaim Saturday nights, the GP organisers can have Mondays lol

Tbf it’s no debate between the two. Stef had a poor season this year but on that average and down at reserve he’d be a steal round the EWR! Plus Lambert won’t go higher than a 5pt average and he could even have to start at number 2.

Shocking, if true. Pearson is becoming a scourge on British speedway in this day and age.

Sorry been told by a person with good connections, no Heathens in 2020 Management lost interest apparently