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Fancy not being able to write something about such a tragic event without prefixing it by "I wasn't a fan..etc" Nobody cares either pay your respects or just scroll past

Who was that masked man you say? well it certainly wasn't the Lone Ranger Take a bow Steve Lawson who has been ably assisted by the main man himself with the brains (and brawn and finance) behind it all Andrew Bain; also Neil "Boozer" Bewley (yes his Dad) Stuart Jenkinson; Paul and Brad Haughin; Old Ted? David Payne one or two others whose names I have forgot (sincere apologies) and of course the legend that is Alan (Unlucky for Some #13) Windbush... The effort these guys are putting in on weekends at this track is nothing short of heroic... kudos chaps and keep up the good work... Think Steve Lawson is preparing a GP track never mind a Championship one or dare I say it a one fit to host Premiership meetings on... Ooh a cant say that on here can I... oops to late... Regards THJ

Another Friday night to drool over greatness as the Tigers bring total speedway to their adoring fans . This week's support act are Berwick Bandits , who themselves look a decent outfit this year . But how will they cope against the Championship's Galacticos ? Well they have 4 ex Tigers in their ranks . 2011 title winner Theo Pijper , 2007 GP winner Chris Harris , last year's Tiger Ricky Wells and Kyle Bickley . Add to that Jye Etheridge , Leon Flint and Ty Proctor . Can they raise their game a few levels to stem the flow of home 5-1's , that's the task facing the Bandits to try and stay in the meeting as long as they can . So its along to the Stadium of Speed for another couple of hours of pure entertainment on Friday

Reflecting on this now having absorbed all the tributes and comments, it's clear that speedway, in the modern age, has lost its greatest ever promoter. I can't recall such an outpouring of grief and admiration for someone involved in speedway who wasn't a rider. Nigel spent years promoting nothing but positivity in so many aspects of speedway that his contributions were quite extraordinary and surely without precedent. Crikey, he even ghost wrote Kelvin's recent book(s)! This really is a case of you don't know what you've got until its gone. A truly tragic loss.

Those who criticise his style of commentary need to wait and see what the alternative might be. God save us from Sudden Sam. Be careful for what you wish for.

Not saying it because he's no longer with us, always loved his commentary. Sky Sports in general had that tendancy to be over the top in their presentation and Nige certainly was of that ilk. As previously said on here, speedway commentary where there are long gaps to fill, followed by quick bursts of action, is a thankless task and he did it with absolute aplomb. Due to my friendship with Phil Rising I had the pleasure of a night on the Guiness with he, Nigel, kelv and a few others. Nige was as enthusiatic in the boozer as he was in the commentry booth. But more importantly , super polite, respectful and just a lovely guy. Speedway has lost a very hard working ally, but the world has lost a bloody decent bloke. Rest east Nige, enjoy having the best seat in the house for all futre GPs.

Awww man Ruff am getting the hang of this now... Northside coming on a treat; and getting wider by the visit... Regards THJ

The poor chap has died before his time , sod his type of commentary, let your hearts go out to wife and family. Everything other is obseen

40 ??????? Seriously ? We cant allow that I'm afraid . We take our foot of the gas and let you get 40 , well it only encourages everyone else to think they have a chance at the Stadium of Speed when we all know that's just wishful thinking . No you might be better than the dodgy Diamonds , but 34 is a more realistic outcome .

Yeah what from afar says, say it wasn't cost effective using QTV again n don't think could get the people or infrastructure in place to do it in house. Quite disappointed myself, seems backwards step when more and more clubs offering it

Here we go; latest shot from Northside and I done my first white line ever on Saturday Like them Politicians I have finally had to admit to it... Took some painting in but total satisfaction for me and Brad Haughin... A can see how them Politicians and Footballers like doing them white lines its very calming for the soul... Regards THJ

Lublin v Czestochowa Sunday April 17th https://vk.com/video/@shestakovspeedway?z=video-81427162_456239161%2Fclub81427162%2Fpl_-81427162_-2 Fantastic racing- do not miss !!

I never like him as a broadcaster but that does not mean its not tragic or i cant show respect for someone who put a lot of his life into speedway or for his family who have lost there Dad -Husband etc So nothing to do with hypocracy at all .

Twins and Rowe surely did what was expected tonight? Top 4 that let you down IMO

They never had to ask him why turn money down

Some really encouraging signs yesterday, apart from Lewis having an off day everybody contributed considerably. We will be weaker once Iversen leaves of course whether he's replaced by Kildemand or somebody else but the way the team rode and were up for it under Brady's influence was good to see.

Hoping for a Plymouth win

On another note, yesterday was the first time I watched Josh Pickering live. Lynn fans are in for a treat this year, what an entertainer!

Especially in the circumstances of the present rider shortage, this analysis is spot on. As regards Newcastle, there have been decent crowds so far but also healthy away followings from Redcar and Edinburgh within them. Given that it became all too plain last season that the hard core support (the "through thick and thin" brigade) is not enough to keep the club's head above water, as I see it if there is any doubt about BWD's long term fitness and/or commitment and that GC will start to at least beat opposing reserves at home, then - funds permitting - hard decisions should be considered, and sooner rather than later, to give the team a better chance of achieving the home wins that might attract the less committed among the supporter base.

Maybe could call it rider replacement, oh......

Was very impressed by Jack yesterday. Showed good composure when in front of Palin and had a nice style. Hope he has a successful season.

Looking forward to this, haven't seen a league match since we (Swindon) put our licence ''on hold', I have been to Poland, the British Final (Adam's win) & GB's SON Gold since so not entirely without a speedway fix'. I'm not interested who wins but am looking forward to the racing which by the looks of it was decent last week.

Aye qualifying for sgp2 is fast and loose. Made a mess of that one haven't you. Suppose Tom Brennan was playing fast and loose when was winning world cup too eh?

Even you thought something along the same lines and at least i did say IF Hokey Cokey , That was another trophy the Panthers won during the wilderness years of the Ipswich Witches isnt it

It is beyond comprehension that the track was prepared in a way that did not suit home riders or at the very least they did no know it was being prepared that way

Yep looking good and looks like Redcar a little bit.Be nice if they could get a team in the top league to watch as nothing as far as Manchester.Be nice to have a few trips over to Workington again.Keep up the good work.

Oh hokey cokey , oh hokey cokey cokey

Apart from having the worst team manager, can anyone explain why Fricke was in heat 15 ?

He wasn't that bad on a bike an he's proving to be a Wiz on a tractor... Regards THJ

Really starting to look the part Regards THJ

Horley can't see the tapes malfunction directly in front of her but can spot a tiny red light on a phone on bend 3.

All this discussion about the Leagues is mainly been brought up about because Newcastle made a mess of their Team building.We all know Speedway in UK is not in good shape ,but restructuring the League because Newcastle fans are not happy will never happen.

If they do go for R/R Lawson wouldn’t be able to take one of the rides since MPT is third in the averages. This is despite him being the current number one for the league champions in the ‘superior’ Premiership. Try and explain that one to someone who doesn’t follow the sport.

Leszno v Gorzow Sunday April 17th https://vk.com/video-81427162_456239160?list=b05a986140b90fa45f&fbclid=IwAR0iI-yQCRcL8ep1kcQ7UFEMCoKKjPdalOdqPZSjeic4X1Ky7KqurPmCozo Great meeting do not miss !!

He wasn't entirely my cup of tea for various reasons, but you could never doubt his commitment to speedway. I think commentary, and particularly speedway commentary where there are long gaps to fill, followed by quick bursts of action, is a thankless task and fair play to him for not only stepping up but anchoring the role for a long time. His passing at just 52 is of course also very sad for all those around him. RIP

No argument here. Don't get me wrong was 2/3 good races, cookies now obligatory last to first, ulle and stormy had good battle. But let's face it a competitive match is what would keep people's interest

Yeah true. Richie surprising me, so good round armadale. Your top 3 be competitive everywhere I'd imagine. Looking forward to tomorrow, battles between the top boys should be good

1997 was last year ran with 6 riders. 12 programmed heats and 3 nominated as I remember

But is it permitted if the league campaign hasn't started yet , most rule changes dont come with the full information to those who follow the sport ,

I would give Congreave more time, seems pointless to fly someone halfway around the world for a handful of matches, but still don't think he'll be as good as Morley!

Surely as Allen is on a short term 28 day contract sanctioned by the authorities they can replace that rider to bring the team back up to the required number per team before the league campaign starts,

It’s just a job to many , now riding 3or 4 times a week for a good wage.Steering clear of injury is their main priority.

Such a shame for Lynn that Iversen isn’t going to hang around (as yet anyway). With him there, Lynn look a very good side. Strong top end with Iversen, Lawson and Pickering all potential double figure scorers, and a powerhouse reserve. That adds up to a very dangerous side. The fly in the ointment is obviously the Iversen/Kildermand situation.

We should all just respect the man. Nigel, whether you liked him or not, did so much for this sport. I shall miss him.. Must be so difficult for Kelvin too..

Like Jacques don’t come on the forum anymore , but this news is shocking really makes you think.Never to take things for granted and make the most of our precious time we have with our loved ones.Nigel was a real speedway nut but my main memory of him was his commentary on football with Talksport he was excellent at that .For me his main strength was his sheer enthusiasm for speedway GENIUNE he made speedway exciting like the great Dave Lanning but in a different way. RIP Nigel.

So sad to read the untimely death of what in my view was one of only a very few so committed and knowledgeable to the sport as a whole, I remember when he and Andrew Dalby did a double act at Newcastle in 2002 for Jesper's testimonial!! Rip Nigel

I know not everyone liked his shouting, but it was a big part of why I liked him. Speedway races are quick and loud, so it matched the sport and carried that energy across on TV. Watching anyone else commentating felt flat and I missed that atmosphere he created. I am not interested in darts or soccer, but I assume he had a different style with those sports to suit them. And though it did get a little annoying at times, his relationship with Kelvin worked really well too. They had built up a rapport over the years that they were a proper double act that brought the best, and worst, out of each other. He was not the first commentator I heard, nor the only one, but for me, and I expect a lot of people who only got into the sport in the past two decades, he was the voice of speedway. This year and more to come will not be the same. R.I.P. Nigel

What relevance does it have whether he’s been slagged for years by some or not though? The man has died today, nothing else matters.