Halifaxtiger

I am pretty sure that I cannot be the only one who had noticed the quite superb irony that the three tracks treated so shamefully as regards race nights have all made the play offs

Not up to the high standard of meetings I have seen at Workington this season but the fact that it went ahead at all is commendable, particularly after it chucked it down about an hour before the start. Might have been a few wobbly moments but, in reality, the Comets always looked like winning against a Peterborough team that didn't seem that interested. Huge credit to all the riders, though, for getting on with it without complaint. I am sure that we can all think of some that would have voiced opinions in no uncertain terms. The speed at which the meeting was run was all important, because just after heat 15 it absolutely threw it down, and did so several times on the way back. Again, credit to all concerned. I thought Steve Whitehead overstated it a bit but there's no doubt that Workington have been treated pretty shabbily this season by both the BSPA and other championship teams. For that reason, and the fact that they a brilliant little club, its fantastic to see them make it to the play offs

I too went to Lakeside - or Arena Essex as it was then known - in 1984. In truth, it hasn't changed that much up to today if my rusty memory serves me correctly. It was then situated in what can only be described as a wilderness, an area of wasteland like something on the moon. That most certainly has changed I think it acquired a poor reputation for racing during the Ronnie Russell years but that was most unfairly held against it once Stuart Douglas took over. It might not be the perfect shape for a track but it was always one of my favourites and I can remember a number of occasions when a few mates have come along and been pleasantly surprised at the quality of the speedway. Having checked with the updates site (I was texting on that occasion), my favourite meeting there was on 8 April 2016 against Poole. On an absolutely freezing cold night (I have had more than one or two in Purfleet over the years) I saw a superb meeting highlighted by a brilliant performance from Lewis Bridger. The Hammers were being beaten early on, only for Kelvin Tatum to turn up slightly late and put some real fire into them, especially Bridger. I, for one, am sad to see it go but wish the promotion every success at Rye House. Ride on the correct night and that could be a real winner.

Depends on which forecast you read because as usual they are all bloody different Overall should be ok. Just waiting for my lift.

Any weather reports will be welcome

There's no question that Belle Vue's gates have been radically affected by racing on Mondays and I very much hope that changes for 2019. I'd point out, though, that Isle of Wight race on Tuesdays and Thursdays - not much different to Mondays and Wednesdays.

Weymouth was very tight and very small but I saw some very good racing there. Not as good as Plymouth, but still good. My point was - and remains - that custom built speedway tracks are better than those that are fitted into an existing stadium. Belle Vue is better than the others, but Scunthorpe and Somerset have established reputations for high quality racing, and Plymouth has always been one of my favourite tracks. I am sure we all want more tracks like Belle Vue - I certainly do. But your obsession with having all circuits like that is ridiculously impractical. Just where are Isle of Wight - and every other club in the country - supposed to get the funds to adapt their existing track or build a new one from ? In a sport that is in dire straits financially, that's simply not going to happen. Personally, I would say the true measure of a promotion is not simply the quality of the racing that their track puts on but far more about how successful the club is - on, but more importantly, off track. After all, if people are paying their entry money on the basis that the speedway is only part of the night out, what does it matter ? Isle Of Wight's racing isn't as good as the NSS. But, in a straight comparison with the previous promotion, they have now increased average gates 5 fold and sponsorship has increased massively. They have attracted almost unanimous credit and praise from speedway fans from across the country for their attitude, enthusiasm and spirit. Finally, according to Barry Bishop they have broken even for the last two seasons. Belle Vue, despite their superb race track, don't even come close to a record like that (to be fair, nor does anyone else).

Fingers crossed Just one thing. I know a track where to get a pits visit and a go on the centre green you don't have to pay, be a season ticket holder or even a home fan Isle of Wight. They really do set the standard for promotion.

Little pessimistic. The attendance wasn't good but Belle Vue, like others, have been badly affected by the move to FRN. Mondays and Wednesdays simply don't attract the same number of people as Fridays. For myself, I would have bought a season ticket had they stayed on Friday, as it is I have been an occasional visitor only (fortunately Wednesday was one of them ) This match was also out of school holidays and on the television. What is of relevance is that when the Aces changed stadiums by most accounts gates more than doubled. The really interesting thing about that truly stunning race is without the play off system - and Belle Vue's need to get a result on Wednesday - its entirely possible it wouldn't have happened.

Somerset certainly wasn't doctored when I went to watch Belle Vue there the other week even though they had every reason to do it. In fact it was quite superb as this race proves : I defy anyone not to be impressed, too. However, given that I saw both and you did not, I am the only one of us qualified to give a judgement on any comparison. Belle Vue was better but the one at Plymouth wasn't far behind and I'd point out that while you had the World Champion, a GP star and two of world's best young riders in one of the races in the other there were 2 riders who haven't even ridden Championship speedway, never mind Premiership. I am seriously suspecting you have never been to Plymouth, because no--one who has would ever use that word about the speedway there. For a start, because the track is much smaller the speeds seem faster. Secondly, you very rarely get the riders spaced out (Workington and Isle of Wight are two of my favourite destinations but that happens a lot at both places, simply because of the size) so the possibility of racing and the closeness of the riders is greater. Finally, the first turns are unlike anywhere else in the country. Because the run is so short, the riders are much closer together and many a time I have looked away expecting carnage - that actually very rarely happens. Its been somewhat spoilt by a promoter who thinks he knows better than an experienced track curator but SBA is still a brilliant little circuit. I like Lakeside and have said so many times. Just because it is different does not mean it cannot be good. Its no coincidence that the best circuits in the country are purpose built speedway tracks (Belle Vue, Somerset, Scunthorpe and...…….. Plymouth). For many, though, its a question of shoehorning a track into a stadium whilst not damaging any of the other facilities. If speedway is reintroduced at Odsal, its a problem they will most certainly have.

Really ? I only commented today that the best race I had seen this season until last night was heat 13, Plymouth v Mildenhall. Taken from the thread : 'Heat 13 was absolutely top drawer. Whatever level you enjoy our sport, this race was right up there with the very best. Pearson and Tatum would have exploded with compliments. Three riders side by side for two and a half laps, with all combinations of results happening on every turn. 3-3 to 2-4 to 1-5 to 2-4 to 3-3 and back again. It is probably the best ever race at the SBA. Extraordinary stuff'. To suggest that high speed is necessary for good racing is nonsense. Redcar has been better than it is but it is still decent enough, and Lakeside is the most underrated and over-criticised track in British Speedway - I have seen some brilliant stuff there in my time.

To be honest, mine is a wild guess. It does surprise me that 1,700 is a 'disappointing' crowd. I would think that about 75% (or possibly more) of tracks would be delighted with that.

Have to agree. 1,200 at most and probably less Huge shame, but with the holidays ending, a Wednesday night and it being on the box the gate was bound to have been affected. I think this would have been a cracking meeting without heat 13 due to the closeness of the scores and some good racing but that was just stunning. Standing on the third bend, I was watching Cook trying to pass on the inside and only noticed Fricke as he catapaulted off the last bend to go round the three others. Great stuff

I would, every time. Whatever the circumstances of their departure from Belle Vue, without their determination, effort, hard work, doggedness and passion the NSS would not exist. Pretty decent legacy, that. You only had to read the pages of this forum to see the scepticism, cynicism and sheer contempt that existed amongst supporters that it would ever be built and I am reliably informed that that went all the way to the top in the BSPA. It says everything that despite his self imposed exile at the anniversary meeting earlier this season the loudest acclaim was reserved for Chris Morton and I don't know a Belle Vue fan that wouldn't have him back.

Little pessimistic given that the Aces won at Somerset only a couple of weeks ago (albeit with Bewley in the side). It'll be close, though, and given the good weather predicted and the superb track at the NSS could be a real cracker. Good move by BT Sport to put it on live. By my reckoning Fricke should be at No 1 and Tungate gets a RR ride.

I think you're forgetting that he was a run off away from competing in next years GP series. He might have struggled this season but clearly he's close to that level.

I thought it was Barker's fault but I would never suggest that it was a deliberate action designed to take Aarnio out. Barker simply lost control. To imply that it was intentional is to believe that one rider is perfectly prepared to see another get injured - possibly seriously, possibly worse than that. Reckless, maybe. Lethal, never.

Plymouth have cited difficulties with drainage in the past, particularly around high tide times.

No question in my view - nor, indeed, in anyone around me. The white exclusion light was greeted with disbelief by Redcar and Newcastle fans alike. The way I saw it, Barker went hard under Aarnio, lost control for a moment causing him to straighten and as a result T boned him. Boz hits it bang on for me in his description of Barker's move, although I do not accept that hitting Aarnio was deliberate. This is what Redcar have to say : 'The Bears man made a move up the inside and appeared to make contact with Aarnio'. Newcastle's George English was a little less subtle : "It looked like we were in control early on until that moment when Tero was brought down and the referee disqualified him! Unbelievable decision,' Ps Nice to see my fame has spread I probably won't be back until next season, but say Hi if/when I am.

This wasn't a bad decision. Unbelievable would be a more accurate description.

Heaven only knows. Absolutely no question that Barker lost control and T boned Aarnio into the fence. Given how obvious it was, probably one of the worst decisions I have ever seen.

To be fair, you said that the Colts could beat Wolves on Monday (only partly in joke, I suspect). You're right that they had everything to ride for, but the chances of them actually getting anything were pretty small.

Impressive from Belle Vue considering they got 1pt from Bewley's rides. Cook was brilliant - easily the best I have seen him at NSS this year - and never looked like being beaten. The track was dreadfully wet to start with but there was still some decent racing.

Hoggy has highlighted the exceptional circumstances prevailing at Workington so I'll accept there is no subterfuge here. You seem to be saying that even if there was, its OK. Its not (and yes, I am naïve). One of speedways biggest problems is the vicious self interest that prevails as teams seem to constantly trying to seek and advantage over rivals, to the latter's detriment. Its also one of the reasons why the sport is on its knees as fans get sick and tired of the culture of cheating, one upmanship and manipulation. I would have thought that any Comets fan would be totally against that, given just how much Workington have suffered at the hands of a BSPA decision made almost certainly at the behest of Scunthorpe Speedway and to suit their needs. I would accept that the difference between the two is huge, but both are an attempt to better the chance of your own success at the expense of others.

Definitely I lost count of how many times he apologised and the teams performance was probably why he wasn't his usual droll self on the mic. While I would maintain the team was rubbish on Friday, I think it is most unfair to be critical of Rob Godfrey for the way things have panned out for the Scorpions this season. A very decent side has been destroyed by injury and he can do little about that. I don't think for one single second that with performances like that he will believe that 'nothing is wrong with things'. Indeed, you'd have to be a supreme self deceiver if you did.