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Morning Just to put a smile on your face and apparently its all true and it really happened (cough cough) Husband: My wife is missing. She went out yesterday and has not come home... Sergeant at Police Station: What is her height? Husband: Gee, I'm not sure. A little over five-feet tall. Sergeant: Weight? Husband: Don't know. Not slim, not really fat. Sergeant: Colour of eyes? Husband: Sort of brown I think. Never really noticed. Sergeant: Colour of hair? Husband: Changes a couple times a year. Maybe dark brown now. I can’t remember. Sergeant: What was she wearing? Husband: Could have been pants, or maybe a skirt or shorts and a top. I don't know exactly. Sergeant: What kind of car did she go in? Husband: She went in my Audi Sergeant: What kind of Audi was it? Husband: (sobbing) Audi A6 Avant Black Edition, Ambient Lighting pack - A6, Front and outer rear heated seats, Valcona leather - Lunar silver + super sport seats, 3 spoke heated sports leather multi-function steering wheel with paddle shift, LED Matrix headlights with high beam assist, Pearlescent paint, Audi drive select, Audi parking system plus with front and rear sensors, Audible and visual fasten seat belt warning - front and rear, Cruise control, Driver's information system, MMI SD card Navigation, Mobile telephone preparation, PAS, Service interval indicator, 3 point seat-belts on all seats, ABS-EBD, ASR traction control, Curtain airbags, Driver and passenger airbags, Driver-front passenger side airbags, Electro-mechanical parking brake, Electronic stability control, Front passenger airbag deactivation, Hill hold assist, Tyre pressure monitoring system, Warning triangle and first aid kit, Anti theft alarm, Anti-theft wheel bolts, Immobiliser, Key-less Start, Remote central locking, Audi music interface, Auxiliary input socket, DAB digital radio module, MMI Radio plus with CD player and bluetooth interface, SD card slot, USB connection, 12V power in rear centre console, 4 way electric lumbar support, 4 zone climate control, Aluminium door sill trims, Black cloth headlining, Double cargo floor, Electric front seats + driver memory, Front centre armrest, Front head restraints, Front-rear floor mats, Height adjustable front seats, Isofix front passenger and rear seat preparation, Jack and tool kit, Load lashing points, Luggage compartment cover, Luggage rails, Perforated leather gear-knob, Rear headrests, Split folding rear seat, Auto dimming rear view mirror, Automatic headlights + automatic windscreen wipers, Body coloured bumpers, Body coloured door mirrors and handles, Body coloured roof spoiler, Door sill trims with S line logo, Electric front-rear windows, Headlight washers, High gloss black door mirrors, High gloss black finish B pillar, High gloss black triangular aperture at rear door, LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights, Light sensor, Platinum grey front lip spoiler, Privacy glass (to rear of B post), Rain sensor, Rear wiper, Alcantara door trim, Piano black finish inlay, Space saver spare wheel, Black Styling pack - A6 Avant, Non smoking pack - A6, Diesel particulate filter (At this point, the sobbing has turned into a full cry.) Sergeant: Don't worry buddy. We'll find your Audi Regards THJ

"Confessions of a speedway promoter" is still an excellent read and head and shoulders the best speedway book I've ever read. There's some far fetched arguments comparing John Louis and Tony Davey favourably with Peter Collins, which are obviously coloured by bias and possibly a grudge? But it still presents a fantastic insight of the challenges of speedway promotion. There is one observation that is relevant to this discussion where Berry talks about the need to prioritise the casual fan and general public above the hardcore, who will come rain or shine anyway. That's bang on and something that the sport as a whole has lost sight of. You are also quite right Sidney to highlight that there is still talent within the sport. To tar every promoter with the same brush would be unfair.

Not really.... I only drink twice a week.... Once for four days and once for three... I have also been told to have a well balance diet... the best way to do that I have found is to have a drink in each hand.... Regards THJ

Recommended. Worth a read and a re-read. Tony Mac should be paying me for this

I knew John Berry well, when he was running Wimbledon. He could be a funny guy with a great sense of humour, he also had a very serious side when it came to speedway. I got on well with him, he was a pleasure to work with.

When I used to run a regional MMA promotion we knew we could not get the big names domestically as they were all signed to domestic shows who had the TV deals for which there were really only two of those. So we focused on amateur talent plus those upcoming professionals who could use us as a stepping stone for the big show. So in terms of selling shows the fighters actually sold the tickets for commission to friends, family and fans however we still had to promote the event to the locals or casual fans who didnt have a personal connection So we basically used the local talent and promoted them to sell the show and to make them "stars of the show" who people would recognise over time We had the local fighter who become known as the guy fighting in the blue and white star shorts Another guy was a polish fighter who was part of the olympic wrestling squad in the past who walked out to a polish rap performer doing his ring walk A local young lad who had the look and the body that women die for The local ticket seller whom sold 220 tickets to the shows that had a 1000 capacity as he was so well known if you didnt buy a ticket to watch him you'd at least recognise his face on a poster We developed mini stars in our catchment area that people came to see... many loved the polish guy and people would say theyve come to watch Rafal... plus having a big local polish community... it drew people in to watch their countryman One of my amateur champions has just signed to the UFC and the guy in the star shorts has just lost a title fight in the biggest promotion in europe. The same belt that was once held by Conor McGregor Most have gone on to perform on the biggest platforms across Europe. So with domestic speedway stars and personalities can be created through the right promotion and the special thing about speedway is the opportunity for rider and fan interaction

Indeed he was, I could have watched him all day long when he was in the mood, one of the most naturally gifted riders of any era imo. This was another enthralling race, I watched it on tv but I was leaning all over my chair like I was in the race, brilliant speedway. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf7A27TP0WY Tony Millard's finest hour I reckon. RIP Tony.

Well a didn't want to mention his girlfriend or the other plums mother... Regards THJ

Honeslty Chatted to him last year and this (including his current main sponsor) and he would have come back but he needed security... the two warring parties we had as promoters couldn't agree on anything one was bailing out and taking his bat ball and dummy with him and the other clown was going to take us into the National League... What was Steve supposed to do? Hang on and wait for something to break whilst slots in other sides were filling up rapidly... he nearly got his fingers burnt the year before when he signed for Worky and they folded... (sorry my bad) Steve got a good offer off Poole and absolutely zip off Newcastle... no brainer for him.... and to be fair I have known him (and Richie) since they first come to Newcastle and sponsored both of them off and on over the years and I have no reason not to believe him... I also think he will score big at Poole this year and they have a cracking top 3/4 and if we ever do get any action this year it will be interesting to see how Stevie does and the rest of the Poole team for that matter.... bloody poxy Covid 19.... Regards THJ

I think you'll find that model has a gun metal grey front lip spoiler, on a side note, did they find his wife ?

If the Prison Warder and the Printer could have sorted their differences out and confirmed that Newcastle were running Steve Worrall would have come back to Newcastle and it was only while the club was under threat of closure that Steve signed for Poole. (and that was also why Robbo had to go with Redcar for his farewell meeting. I spoke to Robbo at the Redcar/Newcastle meeting and he said he was shocked after he had spoken to one of the promoters who told him that the club were looking at closing down and they couldn't guarantee him a date for this year and his final meeting) The majority of riders had this season (2020) sorted before the 2019 one had ended; Poole will definitely benefit from a fitter and more healthier Steve Worrall this year with the rod removed from his leg; their gain is definitely Newcastle's loss. Its a pity Rob didn't get the club sooner than he did as one thing for sure love him or loathe him Rob Grant is his own man and will run the club in the way he thinks best which isn't a bad thing as far as I am concerned; at least he can make a decision; also if Rob had come in maybe just before the end of the 2019 season he would have had a much larger pool of riders to choose from and the team may have looked much different. Not that IMHO do I feel we have a bad team at present. Lets also be "Totally Honest" here; Steve wasn't the only one who was paid late this year as he was just one of three that I am aware of (and there could have been more) and last year for that matter with riders waiting until after the season had finished before getting settled up and again there were 3 or 4 who had to wait for final payments with two of them having to wait until after the Christmas period to see their final cheques "land on the mat". So those who have knocked Rob Grant need to think long and hard because if we were left in the hands of the Prison Warder and the Printer we would have no club. The era of St George has ended and thank the lord for that as far as I am concerned because neither him or the Prison Warder could run a bath let alone a business. St Rob is a businessman and he will make the hard decisions and take the club forward in my view and long may he reign... Regards THJ

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1098746058/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1

Isn't there a form that the captain has to sign to say riders have been paid? Was Steve your captain last year? This is why I find that the system is wrong when riders that do not get paid, withhold their services until they do get paid, but get a 28 day ban!

Don't know what Shawn is doing now a great rider who was box office just like Kelly(RIP). I have seen his DVD and was amazed and shocked on how Shawn said he lost his nerve it just shows how we all forget just how dangerous speedway is.

Yes it was packed. Canny Eric Boothroyd held a meeting at the Shay later that day. It was packed. Happy Days

Individual racing in yesteryear was fine, but now apart from the odd meeting the market for that type of format on a regular basis has long gone.As much as the.level has dropped in the UK most fans still enjoy league racing i certainly do.I for one would not be happy with limited meeting's and just individual meeting's.I would rather have a lesser product clubs running and being prudent and only paying out what they can afford.

I would add m,y very best wishes to this. Both Martin and Barry are excellent people as well as fine examples of how to promote sport.

He ain't the only 1 lol

Don't forget my invite biggin

I must shut up. I'm drifting off topic, harking back to the 'good old days'!

Think you got a drink problem THJ

So,,, wa ffffed really then???

He would have done if... and it was only if... they (you know who) could have committed to the club running this year.... his mind was made up for him I think early in the September... when one promoter was telling anyone who woukd listen that he was walking and the other one was saying he was taking the club down a league... so if we had one of the promoters saying we were definitelty running Steve told me he would have stayed... well for one promoter not the other... but neither of the goons would give an inch and through their own arrogance put the whole club in jeopardy... so if Rob Grant had of been in the picture then it may have been a totally different story... but al tell ya what their kid has a job on in Forest Hall with his groundworks business and he told me two week ago just before the lockdown when I dropped in to see him that... and dependant on Covid 19 restrictions... there kid was gonna come up for a couple of weeks to do a bit of graft... we had arranged to go out for a beer and a bite to eat but that has been scuppered for now.... but when we do get together I will ask him again... I very much doubt he has changed his mind... however I will report back what he says.. Howzat grab ya... Regards THJ

I think they should re run the 1973 world final?!

Actually just picked the JC covered edition from the mailbox... So make it thursday delivery for this week. I like my magazines in paper, never been that fussed about digital newspapers or magazines. And now that I've changed my main occupation, I stare at the screen (actually I have two) 7-9 hrs a day so reading my Speedway Star from the screen just dont feel that appealing...

Both these books are a superb read! It's also quite sad how Berry could see how speed should and could be ran and sadly how his predictions of how the sport would end up is pretty much bang on. A great man with so many forward looking ideas however just like some before him and more since the BSPA sucked all the enthusiasm and energy he had for speedway out of him.

Bossy or bullie

And the more British riders that get success, the better the national team becomes.. And the better the national team becomes, the more the mainstream media are interested.. The more the mainstream media are interested, the more domestic speedway can feed off the back of it.. The cricket and rugby union's organisational leaders saw this year's ago and brought in central contracts for their elite so they could control their training, diets, health and well being etc, and development plans to bring through home grown talent to ensure that if the elite go off into other more lucrative playing zones, that a conveyer belt of talent is there to replace them... They knew that nothing generates high media interest in their respective sports more than a strong, successful national team, and then, on the back of that, they would get better crowds and sponsorship for their domestic game.. Saracens, Wasps, Leicester etc winning the Championship in Rugby, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Essex etc winning the County Championship in Cricket. Won't bring anywhere near the coverage for either sport that a World Cup win would bring for the national team. Their respective organisations knew this and did something about it.. UK Speedway instead seemingly must have had a plan to help train up every other Speedway riding nation's riders, often replacing UK riders to do so.. All to try and win a title, that the only recognition you get is a buffet in the town hall and a selfie with the mayor..

If you are a Facebook user, we are having a weekly speedway quiz on our usual Thursday race night. The questions and instructions are posted on the Wightlink Warriors and Wightlink Wizards Supporter’s Club Fb page at 19.00 with the answers posted the following Sunday. No prizes, just a bit of fun. Why not have a look and try your luck?

It is indeed a VERY goord read, highly reccomended as is the follow-up 'More Confessions'. Tony ain't paying me either ....

Sorry John, the name was "Willson", not "Wilson". Wally and Winnie Willson emigrated to Canada, and used to keep in touch with my late grandmother.

Curtis ? is referring to Curtis sports it certainly is not and would ask you to remove this comment . Thank you . By the way i have nothing to do with Curtis sport but a very good friend of mine is the owner . Where have you even got this information from ?

This is why if the main event in british speedway was an individual championship for British riders all the promotion can go into this and developing stars no matter whether they end up in poland or not then interest could then drop to local teams etc as well

You can see the riders here: https://sportowefakty.wp.pl/zuzel/pge-ekstraliga/statystyki/2019 The first drop down let's you select the league.

I have no technical/mechanical expertise but it may have someting to do with differing tyre widths and/or compounds/up right compared to lay down engines etc? Interesting observation all the same.

Yes your idea Falcon is a very good one something needs to change in my opinion, and if your suggestion happened i would go with It because i love speedway.Will things change i think not it never has in my lifetime and the chance they had years ago to let the late great John Berry revamp the sport was lost.The real shame of it all is we do have talented people out there who could try and implement change ( i.e.) Bishop,L.Kilby, Painter, Vatcher.

My experience of watching racing in Poland is just that it’s better. Even when the big names aren’t in the meeting. It is cheaper to get in, the meetings are run at a better pace and the racing is more competitive. That goes for league and individual meetings. I’ve seen seemingly more effort from riders in a “meaningless” individual in Poland than from others racing in our play-offs.

Totally agree with you on most points Ove , but for me personally individual racing all of the time would bore me .Your main point is spot on about the team riding aspect disappearing yes that has gone there is the odd race that happens and you think hey that was just like the good ol days.!!!!! The series is on once a fortnight and that is anough for me i am not really a converted fan of the series so my hope for the future is to try and make all league racing in the UK more enjoyable.

IT is indeed but that doesn't mean we should do everything we can to help, which Dave certainly does.

If your Copy fails to arrive a Phone call to Dave sorts things out no problem, in the Post same day, the guy is a legend in my book, nothing any bother to him.

The majority of fans want a swiftly run meeting. Standing around for hours doesent appeal to everyone. That's what i like about football, it runs like clockwork.

and mine arrived on time as usual on Friday noon here in Bavaria No problems at all

The Russian Chlinovski was excluded, but instead of awarding the race to Plech, the referee inexplicably gave the win to Collins, meaning that Plech missed out on joining Mauger and Szczakiel in the run-off for the championship.

JUST to clarify, copies for subscriptions that started this week were mailed out this morning direct from our office. For the duration of the subscription, copies will be mailed direct from printers on a Wednesday. WE realise that with no actual speedway taking place our editorial team have to work extra hard to provide content that is worthy of your money. We will do our best to weather what is undoubtedly the biggest storm Speedway Star has ever faced. Thank you ...

I do feel sorry for all those who are self employed and those that live from hand to mouth, which runs into millions. In my opinion, globally, it has become an over blown hysteria. I blame the hysteria on the media and social media, which have both put severe pressure on the worlds governments. If this had happened, say, 10 or 20 years ago, when social media was still in its infancy, it would have been in the news yes, but not wall to wall and 24/7 and it would have been another seasonal virus that we needed to dodge, if possible. But the Genie is out now and God help us all! The worry for me, is not so much the virus, but the way man has reacted across the world. Two words worry me, civil unrest

I'm sure that he does what HE considers is in HIS best interests. Just like when a British promoter sacks a foreign rider to facilitate signing someone else and to keep within the averages... you could just as equally say that the British promoter is taking the P*ss out of that foreigner. What's good for the goose, and all that.