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Hi everyone. A big thank you for all your comments and messages - they mean a lot. After a serious concussion/head knock all scan results have come back clear, which is a huge relief. I’m feeling a bit second hand today. I just need some time to recover but luckily I’ve escaped injury. I’m hoping to leave hospital later today. Ben Fantastic news.

Hi all, I don’t often comment on here but I do feel the need to clear this up. we did plan to run rr at home as we felt it was the best option and would reasonably cover for tofty, plus give our riders an extra ride. However as some of you know Kyle’s partner is heavily pregnant and is due anytime and late Friday night he informed me that she was having what they thought maybe contractions, it turned out to be a false alarm but myself and Rob felt it was too much of a gamble to run rr incase something happened before the meeting. Kyle also had my full support in whatever he chose to do. Getting a suitable guest was difficult, we tried all these riders and more but for whatever reason couldn’t or didn’t want to do it, it was never a financial issue as it never got that far. Ashton was more than happy to do it and yes it didn’t work out for him but if we had run rr and something had happened to Kyle Sunday morning the club couldn’t have put a team out as we had already exhausted all avenues, ok granted it didn’t happen but it could have. well done to Poole on their deserved victory yesterday, they are a formidable team that just keep coming at you heat after heat but I won’t let it take the shine off what has been a good year, we just came up short at the end. cheers David

Some people want to see the crash to process what has happened and move forward, I understand that you don’t and neither do others and that’s fine but others might and that’s fine too, personally I want to see every crash, not because I like it but because it’s how I process it

Wherever he ends up he should be encouraged rather than vilified a young kid who clearly has talent but a raw talent. Starting a thread questioning if a young kid is dangerous is over the top.

What a very strange & insensitive comment. Clearly, as stated, the family have decided to let Tai decide when & what details are released regarding the injuries and treatments he has had to endure. In the meantime, his wife & mum have taken the opportunity to sincerely offer heartfelt thanks & recognition to the folk who in the immediate aftermath of the incident made all the right calls to save Tai from an outcome far more final than from what you think are newsworthy injuries. Those of us who share concern over the health of one of speedways greatest riders have been please to read the message and will continue to abide by the request not to speculate any further in preference to waiting for further official updates to be released at a time whenTai and his family decide is appropriate.

It's better late than never. Perhaps you should have re-read you post as well...which is considerably shorter. Stop having a go @TTT, he posted an update (which perhaps he should have read, although it's pretty obvious it's a translation issue), he's now edited it and has been very courteous about it, which is more than can be said of you!

Introducing... Elsie Kew

Emil has put this on instagram, one very lucky guy! emil.racing.speedway89 Hey everyone!!!!! After last night crash I have been taking to the hospital in Sheffield. They scan my body and they confirm that I have no broken bones which I feel that on the track already. I have big cut on my right buttock which one have to be stitched together. So this will keep me in hospital for sure up to Saturday. In that case I would like to say thank you to all paramedics at the stadium and the hospital. All rider who was helping me at the track All club members and managements... Really appreciate all this And now thank you to all fans!!!! You all are legends!!!! I have got so many messages whit good wishes So we will updated you all how things looks for my back racing. Have great night all of you. Emil 1 hour ago emil.racing.speedway89

I just don’t understand the riders attitude like Lawson of not wanting to ride, firstly it’s the British championship, then you have the carrot of a GP outing of which 95% of riders will never get that opportunity again and they may not think it or even care but they are contributing to the downfall of speedway in this country, I would of jumped at the chance to ride even if that chance was no chance of getting anywhere, I honestly believe some of the modern riders are just oblivious to the privilege of earning a living from something they are supposed to love doing and are showing absolute disrespect and contempt to the fans of our great sport

Another thread ruined by bickering childishness

It's scandalous that the Championship dropped the process - both reserve positions should be British newcomers in the 2nd tier No non Brit should be allowed near a 2nd tier reserve position

With all the feeling of Groundhog Day with the injuries yet again, one thing has gone under the radar and that is the consistent form of Danny King. He’s already fully justified his selection and proven just how much that hand injury was holding him back last year. So pleased for him he’s one of the good guys is Danny.

Thanks to the responders who helped with our travel plans. This was our first time at Cardiff. What an incredible experience! Us adults really enjoyed - my 8 year old loved the immersiveness. He was sure the louder he shouted, the faster bewley, lambert & brennan were going. There were many empty seats but that didn't stop the crowd. Fantastic atmosphere. We are the described "new fans" - my Dad took us to watch in Glasgow when he could lay his hand on free tickets (there was 4 of us kids, so I'll give him a pass 😆). We, all 20's and 30's now, have a rekindled love for the sport, with my 8 year old. It's a shame to see so much negativity- there are new supporters coming into the sport: most younger folk are simply unaware that is in existence. Word of mouth is incredible - I've not known anyone I've recommended to attend - even at that much lower championship level - to not enjoy it and have a fantastic night and either want to or actively go back. The amount of "gatekeeping" by older fans is laughable - not all, of course, but those "diehards", my best example being that I still can't comment on our local teams fan page! - these need to be verified and have waited for 1+ year! Please, be more accommodating of us newbies! I certainly hope Cardiff goes again next year. I'll be one of the first in line for tickets and will be recommending to many others - may even put on a bus (we also had no response to the glasgow one, despite it being broadcasted of availability on here..). Very open to all of your knowledge and experience. Welcoming of suggestions for tracks to visit, and other GPs for us to plan around our holidays next year!

I keep reading on this forum - mainly the premiership section - that speedway has loads of problems, for example, track preparation, no atmosphere, no kids, no young adults just 'old folk', riders not interacting with fans and missing riders. Track preparation - Despite the heat, it was still 25C when I got home at 10.30pm, there was no dust whatsoever and there wasn't an over watered track just a superb smooth one that provided fantastic racing. No atmosphere - the main stand which was virtually full, roared when the 2 youngsters got their first 5-1 in Heat 2 and thereafter when Barker and Howarth, etc, etc had great battles yet again people got to their feet cheering, clapping and clearly enjoying the evening's entertainment. Nicolai Klindt seemed amazed at the applause he got on his laps of honour and came around again after his last race. The back straight terracing and other stands also were busy. No kids - there were a lot kids some of whom participated in two races one for under 10s and one for over 10s - an idea I believe pinched from Plymouth! No young adults - again good numbers some of whom had brought along their kids. Old folk - yes quite a few but all happy to let some of the new fans know what was going on. No interaction with fans - laps of honour saluting the fans and lots of autographs later. Missing riders - both teams a full strength. Yes speedway has problems but last night was just pure entertainment. There were a couple of fans from Leicester in the stand and they seemed a bit surprised by the whole package. Proved you don't need to doctor tracks to win meetings at home, Mr Dixon 😉

A real pity they didn't split the wild cards, one each for Wright and Harris would have been good.

Let's be fair here, it's not at all Abi's fault. She's just doing her job. The nonsense chat is usually requested from directors through an earpiece. Man or women, it's irrelevant. Even Tatum & Louis (whomever is partnered with Kelv) chat absolute s#!+e most weeks. The discovery team as a whole has no idea what the watching viewers want to hear or see. Camera work, commentators, trackside presenters, the lot is absolutely dreadful. Terrible to just out the Lass, just doing as she's told.

Think he is getting married the weekend we are at Edinburgh. So I’ve heard.

Tate has released the following statement from his hospital bed:- Tate Zischke 1h · Hello everyone just want to jump on and thank everyone for all the messages and hospital visits this means a lot I haven't been able to get back to everyone but thanks everyone. It's going to be a long bumpy road to recovery I will spend the coming weeks in hospital fighting to get better each day. It has been a rough few days so far but we will keep flighting. So far I can let you all know I have fractured 7 vertebrae and 5 ribs and have a nasty entry and exit hole in my left bum cheek where I was penetrated by my bike when I followed by bike into the fence. I have so far had 1 surgery on my ass cheek and have been told I will need a couple more in the coming days. I want to let everyone know this crash was 100% a racing incident and nobody is at fault. I will keep everyone updated on what is happening next Good to read that he doesn't blame Keynan Rew in any way for the accident. Wish him well.

Sounds a bit on an arrogant comment, no rider should risk injury for any team, but why should Cairns play it safe for Belle Vue when he's not even riding for Poole yet?

The blame game has started I see. Shocking accidents happen all around the world in speedway so see no need for people to be saying "Poland again" or words along those lines like I have read elsewhere on the forum and social media. Garry Stead and Lawrence Hare both had nasty accidents which left them in wheelchairs in the UK and there are many more. Its a dangerous sport and accidents will happen. Main thing is Woffy makes a full recovery. The way they went into the fence, I would be amazed if the outcome would be different on any track in any country.

Crump and Adams you dumped after a year after bringing them over. Doyle and Chris holder both started at I.O.W before Poole and Jack holder started at Plymouth before Poole. As lewy has also pointed out Zack cook started at Plymouth also. So not really invested in the Aussies either, oh dear. So your point is utter nonsense.

E-mail message from SCS Campaign. EIGHT years after speedway bikes and Formula 1 stock cars last raced at Brandon, our efforts to have the venue reinstated back to its established use as a leading motorsports stadium continue. During those eight years there have been numerous hurdles to overcome and battles to win, and a lengthy process was always likely in a situation where the site owners have their own different aspirations. Matters came to a head over the last two years when a planning application was unanimously refused by the committee members of Rugby Borough Council, and then even more significantly when that refusal was upheld on Appeal by a government-appointed Inspector. Despite the attempts of the applicants to circumvent both local and national planning policy and the clear ongoing need for the site as a motorsports venue, the outcome of the Appeal was that there is no prospect of the site having housing potential, regardless of whether or not a 3G football pitch is added. However, given that the decision was taken nearly a year ago, and there has been little apparent activity since then, many observers have quite reasonably been asking what happens next? In our previous communication over the summer, we made reference to the changing political landscape in the area, and in particular the fact that Rugby Borough Council is now led by Labour, with support from the Liberal Democrats, and with Councillor Michael Moran taking over as Leader. A reminder that the Rugby Labour manifesto states: “By 2035 a Labour-led council would ensure that health services meet population needs and that Rugby and the villages have thriving commercial centres where key buildings and venues, such as St Andrews Church and Brandon Stadium, are maintained with pride.” It’s important to note that on the specific matter of Brandon there is cross-party support, and with the formal planning process now exhausted there is a natural window to determine a route forward. So with the Council clearly of the view that Brandon Stadium should exist as exactly that – a stadium – we are pleased to confirm that we have entered into talks with Cllr Moran and the new administration, with the aim being to demonstrate how a viable and sustainable future for the stadium could be delivered. It is already public knowledge that there is significant interest from those who would wish to operate the venue, both for speedway and stock car racing, and several individuals spoke powerfully on this matter at the Appeal. The need for the sports to run at Brandon, and the desire to make it happen, is not in question. What we are currently working on is establishing a clear route to delivery, and an indication of the organisational structure once the venue is operational, and the viability of both of those strands. After eight years it seems almost perverse to ask supporters for patience, but both ourselves as a Campaign Group and the Council are in agreement that it is in nobody’s interest for matters to drag on for any longer than they have to, and substantial work continues to take place in a bid to accelerate matters. We have also been delighted to read confirmation of the plans for the commercial development of British Speedway, and the increase in television viewing and streaming figures, along with the highly impressive social media activity. With the increasing number of top riders competing in the UK, it all enhances the view that British Speedway is in an improving position, and the one thing that would turbo-charge that improvement would be the return of venues which should never have been taken away from the sport in the first place. It has also been most encouraging to follow another successful season of stock car racing, a sport which would receive another boost from the return of one of its most prominent venues. We urge everyone to remain positive and thank you for all the support you have given to help get to this stage, and we will report further as soon as we can.

No wonder the sport is on its arse with posts like that

I do however think there should be a test for some fans before they can access social media

Just to let everyone know, all that can be done is being done. We have had unprecedented amout of rain this month. Last Fri I pumped off any standing water, Saturday I let it dry , was best to stay off the track, you can do more harm than good if you try and work it while it's to wet. Sunday I worked the track for 6 hours, it was bladed several times, wheeled many times, spun in, then graded, finally packing it for an hour with the lorry, if I knew how to post a pic of how it looked on Sunday I would, it looked really good. Monday and today we have had nothing but rain! My pump has been working since a week last Sunday. Sam has been up today to get any surface water off, horrible job in the wet and cold. As soon as is possible the track will be worked on tomorrow and Thurs, we are trying, very hard !!

Was this the picture?

But due to the silly scoring system. You had Fricke score 12pts and Lambert 7pts from their 5 rides. After the LCQ Fricke ends up with 8pts Lambert 11pts!! So you had one rider have a fantastic night. Has one bad ride and another ride has an average night ends up getting 5 pts more than guy who was far better on the night!! Stupid scoring system. What was wrong with the system where every point counted ?

Which, for many, could be classed as worse!

That will go down in history as one of the best speedway races EVER!

I do wonder how many of the keyboard warriors attacking a 30 minute break were actually AT the Meeting on Saturday. I have to admit I wasn't, and I'm not keen on extended breaks BUT my Grandson and 3 of his mates went, 2 of the 3 mates for the first time and the newcomers , indeed all of them took part in the traditional Plymouth interval Running race. He sent me pictures, and very proud too that he has inducted 2 new fans to Speedway and plans already for my Daughter (who lives in North Devon) and the 3 other lads parents to take it in turn to attend matches in the coming months. These lads are primarily soccer and rugby playing kids with a "summer sport" needed to fill their time. It would appear from social media that pLymouth had another bumper crowd, another reward for Kids going free and another opportunity to build a fan base for the future. Another point, given the issues PLymouth have again had with break in's. Don't attack an Owner desperately seeking sponsorship for engineering an extended break when his paying and non paying customers will be encouraged to spend money in the Bar, in the Cafe and in the Track Shop, all delivering much needed funds. I do wonder if some keyboard warriors would love to see Plymouth / Birmingham and one of 2 other Clubs close, just so that they can gloat. Maybe they need to gloat on the fact that if the sport loses 2-3 more Clubs that the current crazy barmy model becomes a step closer to extinction. The dinosaurs of this forum may have been bored but a whole new generation of fan weren't and are being created.

Because You can see it for yourself and be able to judge the possible seriousness of the situation instead of guessing and not really knowing what happend. No harm done posting this video. If You don't want to see it, don't click it. Thanks for posting the video @BluPanther

The legendary Polish former National speedway team coach, Marek Cieslak, commented in sportowefakty.pl results of Poland’s sport Personality 2024 plebiscite announced yesterday. When mentioning fifth placed achieved by the 5-times world champion, Bartosz Zmarzlik, and problems with speedway, Marek Cieslak said this: It is a complex issue. We need the successes of our national teams, which we do not have. We have achieved the best league in the world, which has great viewership. The problem is that the Grand Prix series cannot keep up with this at all, and it is folding down. This is visible, for example, in the locations. There are no new ones, and in addition, large stadiums are slowly disappearing. The FIM and the promoter Discovery are responsible for this. In addition, the best riders in the world do not ride in the series. The recent nominations for wild cards and their translation into geographical terms are a joke. All this means that the Grand Prix arouses interest in fewer and fewer countries. I have the impression that even here (i.e. in Poland) it does not generate the same emotions as it used to. If it were, the successes and the phenomenon of Zmarzlik would have a much greater echo in the country. Do you think that it is time for Artiom Łaguta and Emil Sajfutdinov to return to the series? Initially I was against them, but now I think they should be in the series. Zmarzlik would also benefit from the presence of Artiom Łaguta or Emil Sayfutdinov. I have no doubt that he would still win, but then his successes, this rivalry with the Russians would arouse much more emotions. In this way, the audience would be larger. Please remember what rivals Tomasz Gollob had. He had to compete with Tony Rickardsson, Greg Hancock, Billy Hamill, Jason Crump, Mark Loram, Hans Nielsen, Leigh Adams, Ryan Sullivan and many other great stars. Each of them had papers for the title. Now the series lacks such figures.

As much criticism as Plymouth get for not replacing missing heat leaders (Kennett & Covatti) how many other Championship clubs have been able to replace injured heat leaders in recent years? While there haven't been a great many long term injuries, clubs have struggled to even sign riders willing to ride on a temporary basis: Berwick (Schlein), Birmingham (Auty), Edinburgh (Pickering), Redcar (Riss / King) & Workington (Zischke) have all ran with guests & r/r in the last few of years rather than finding a temporary or permanent replacement. Berwick couldn't even find a replacement for a reserve, happy to run with guests for Borke. Only heat leader I can remember being replaced is Steve Worrall & that was by someone with a second string average. So while it's certainly not ideal Plymouth running two out of the last three seasons missing a number one, before people keep criticising them, think to yourself - would other clubs have done any different?

I can't help but feel sorry for Cardiff, especially all of those good folk who have already booked up accomodation, transport etc. Bit of a kick in the teeth really. As a Belle Vue fan, I am, of course, very pleased a Grand Prix has been given to Belle Vue, but Cardiff has really done very well for Speedway over the years. We should be very grateful to them. A very sad decision for me.

League table: 1. Ipswich 2. Belle Vue 3. King's Lynn 4. Sheffield 5. Leicester 6. Birmingham 7. Oxford Play-offs (As selected by Phil Morris in April) Ipswich v Birmingham Belle Vue v Newport Winners: Newport

I think fans who discredit this idea is taking the p!$$ to be honest. Woffinden has almost singlehandedly lifted Great Britain back on the world stage. Without this guy, we'd be nowhere near the medal tables in the 'Speedway of Nations', 'World Cup', 'Speedway Grand Prix'. He has given our up & coming young lads something to believe in & aim for. The belittling of his achievements & service by many to British Speedway overall is nothing short of absurd. Disgraceful in fact. Tai Woffinden IS a true 🇬🇧 legend

😁

I actually think she has improved a lot and is quite good now.

I’m talking about real time action,at the time of the crash it was a close race at the back but the cameras are focused on the front 2 that are spread out, they do this all the time, they are so amateurish, BSN are far better on a fraction of the cost, BSN capture the essence of speedway, Eurosport are like cable network channel from the 90s

Replace - attending Speedway Retain - £23

You don't need to be experienced to look at a monitor, (several times), see Max Fricke lift and wipe out an opponent, and then exclude him... Nor need to be experienced to see the same thing happen in two races, and make the same decision on the second occasion that you made previously... It is glaring you in the face in slow motion several times... I am truly amazed that anyone could make so many, not even close decisions, so poorly... Especially given you get the chance to watch them back as many times as you need to...

Sitting on your sofa with your hand in a bag of Doritos for the last 20 years is what has brought you to this conclusion. The man has just been brutalised against the fence/track and trapped under both bikes involved in the incident. His priority is himself and to leave the other rider for the medical professionals.

I can't believe all these people slagging Cardiff off and not attending. It's the biggest showpiece event in our sport (or at least it used to be) and all many can do on here is moan about everything to do with it... well I hope you're all happy it seems you've got what you all wanted! You'll be moaning about ticket prices at Belle Vue next year, complaining you've got soaked to the skin in the rain and complaining that there's nothing to do around the stadium. £23 for a world class event in a state of the art stadium... with a roof! And all you can do is moan because you've lost your sense of adventure for 1 day of your life and need a comfy bed for a night instead of driving there and back in one go or staying somewhere away from Cardiff... you ought to be ashamed of yourselves! Remember where it was before Cardiff? Hackney, Bradford, Coventry... you don't know what you've had until it's gone. Well done everybody that stopped going!

Whatever individual track loyalties are, I cannot believe that any true speedway fans on here are not 100% supportive of what the Panthers Consortium are trying so hard to achieve!

This sport attracts the most miserable b@stards ever I swear to god 🙄

... and the Leicester crowd goes wild 😴

Posting here with no agenda either way, I attended this match as a neutral and have to say how enjoyable the evening was. Never a fan of Ben Barker but he had some great charges from the back and was battling throughout, until his first ef in heat 13. Sitting near the pits entrance it was noticeable what a great captain he was too. A very controversial exclusion in heat 12 when it seemed Cluff was wiped out by McDiarmid didn't help the home cause. Neither did the class act that Sam Masters is, with a much deserved full house. My last visit to Plymouth saw the only people enjoying themselves being on a stag party, but the new centre green presenter, with a few self admitted teething cock ups, tried hard to build an atmosphere and drag presentation out of the 17th century so well done to him, and the Facebook links which were a huge hit. How many children were in the kids' race? Dozens, which hardly supports the usual standard fan profile we are supposed to believe. And, shall we say, the more mature supporters alluded to, proved you don't have to be miserable to be old, joining in the fun. Also more than enough fanatical yummy mummies present, to stir this poster's grateful groins. A near 4 hour drive home after the meeting, means I won't be a regular here but certainly will look to take in a couple more matches. Maybe the miserable forum effers who have to post negatively about everything, with zero factual base, should actually attend a match or two. You may even enjoy it.

Who, knows, we have been struggling for some free Fridays if you don’t count the 8 we have had in the last 10 weeks.