FlyinRyan

Britain wouldn't win it if all the other countries were handicapped. The biggest handicap in British Speedway is that not enough money is being invested in the grass roots of the sport, instead it's funding Bentley's and the like.

I don't like Andersen that much, but I think his treatment by BSI has been disgraceful.

On recent form Loram would be a third heat leader or second string anywhere other than Arena. It's pitiful watching him these days, he should have packed it in after his last injury, he is nowhere near GP standard, which is a real shame. We only have Nicholls who I would consider a decent class of rider, although he will never be World Champion imo. Richardson is lucky to be in next years series, how embarassed will he feel if Andersen gets chucked out.

I don't think they can change the format after one year even if they wanted to, I think it's a two or three year agreement with the FIM.

Nope I think he belongs there, just needs to calm down and ride the bike instead of letting it ride him, if you know what I mean.

Ah! but if it was done on riding ability then Richardson should not be in. Where in the rules does it say there must be two Brits? The fact that it would appear Andersen is not going to be in it despite finishing ahead of Lee would, to some people, be construed as discrimination by BSI. All I can say is, is that it is a good job Lindback just finished ahead of Andersen, otherwise this particular card would have no doubt already been played by someone.

Zagar is a Premier League rider who will get in the GP series courtesy of a sponsor. In my opinion he is not ready and his inclusion could do him more harm than good at this stage of his career.

Yeah and he's probably the 43rd best rider in Sweden and England on this years averages.

Trouble is he's crap everywhere else.

Well actually I don't think it is fair enough. Looking at the stats Andersen made five semi's and one final. Richardson one semi and one final. Richardson gets an entry, bizarre. Of the others already named, Andersen made more semi finals than any of them. Admittedly Hampel missed three GP's and Lindback made two finals, but none of them made as many semi's. To say he's been harshly treated is an understatement. I do also think there should be some sort of qualification system, but can't see it happening.

I think you will find Richardson was sponsored by Meridian last season not this. Richardson is a lucky boy to still be in the series.

Can only see Chrzanowski and Sullivan being dropped. Both to be replaced by Poles - Kasprzak and Holta

Nicholls - agreed Lindback - agreed (although I do think he is wreckless) Hampel - agreed Richardson - agreed, but without doubt the least deserving Kasprzak - agreed and the new World Under 21 Champion (even though it was farcically decided by lots) Iversen - Your having a laugh! Oxford second string - no thanks, wouldn't pay to watch him. Zagar - A few weeks ago I would have agreed, but think he was found wanting in Lonigo - the GP's are a lot easier when they are raced on a track where you've raced all your life like Krsko. Jury out.

And the good news for most of them is that they will become Oxford assets by the end of the season.

Unfortunately I think it will be a different story in the final with four quality riders in each heat. I take Poland to sneak it from the Swedes and the Danes. GB will almost certainly finish 4th imo.

Have to laugh, we'd probably have been up to page 103 had it been Nicki Pedersen and not Trick.

I think it's you that needs to wake up and smell the coffee as you obviously have no idea what happens behind the scenes at the GP's.

Think you have your facts wrong because I know for sure that ALL machines are examined before practice and before the GP and that tests are carried out for titanium. Random fuel tests are also carried out during the GP even though the fuel is supplied and random machine examinations are also carried out during the GP. The rostrum finishers machines are also subject to examination directly after the meeting, they are not even allowed to return to their pit bay. I don't think there is anything shocking about that.

I'm taking six people who have never been to Cardiff before. Five of them have never been to Speedway before, I reckon Cardiff is the best place to introduce newcomers to the sport.

Good point, Zager I would suggest has a real chance of a nomination. You can also discount Max - I forgot about Lindback. I'm going for - Andersen, Richardson, Sullivan, Nicholls and Zager.

Mark Loram is also used in the advert, though it's not quite as obvious. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hans Andersen - A dead cert, two podium finshes including a win and the second highest scoring Dane in the series and he puts bums on seats. If anything he has heaped pressure on Bjarne who is probably sweating now. Lee Richardson - A dead cert, has to be a Brit in the series, he was the highest finishing Brit. Ryan Sullivan - Virtual cert, has been consistenly at the top of the series for years and has had a disasterous 2004. He will come good again next season. As for the restm, any two from: Bjarne Pedersen - No means a certainty, will be a third Dane in the series and this could look bad on Ole if he is selected. However if there is a second Danish GP then his selection would be almost guaranteed. Runa Holta - Had a poor season but improved right at the end. If there is a round in Norway, it would seem likely he will get a permanent place. If there isn't a Norwegian GP (and after Saturday looking at the crowd size and the state of the track) then I doubt he will be selected. Scott Nicholls - Blighted by injury, but selection not as certain as Richardson. Cardiff being the jewel in the GP crown may just sway it. Michael Max - Two GP's in Sweden could sway it for him. Pepe Protasiewicz - Already three Poles asured of a place in the series, he's a gonner. Mark Loram - Being beat by Forland in Norway probably ended any slim chance he had of being in next years series. Kenneth Bjerre - Is first reserve in next years series, if Rickardson (or anyone else in the top eight) decides to retire from the series (it is possible), will he get the call, thereby ending Bjarne's case? My guess: Andersen, Sullivan, Richardson, Nicholls and Holta.

He's a great rider, deserves to be world champion, but is, i am afraid, as mad as a hatter.

Just another 'know nothing', who's just sailed up the river on a doughnut. More mischief making from the ill-informed anti-Crump brigade. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I trust you've read further down the thread now and found out what I said was true. I await your apology and for your information I am not anti Crump. I would very much like to see Crump be World Champion, he deserves it.

Sullivan has had a torrid season. His equipment is definitely lacking this year. I think he deserves a wildcard on his performances over the last two seasons and he will get his equipment sorted for next season, I am sure.

According to one of my contacts Crump lost it big time in the pits at Slovenia and started fighting with Zagar's mechanics, before Crumps mechanics piled in and there was a mass brawl. Some mechanics were expelled from the pits area, I believe. Anyone else got info on this?