Bryce

I agree that in many ways the Hawks experiment at Lakeside was not a failure, not least in terms of the invaluable experience afforded to the younger riders. Brandon Freemantle, the Bens, et al can only have benefited from the opportunity. As a fan, I was happy to pay a little over the odds for the product to help develop these boys careers. Unfortunately, not enough people felt the same, and I can totally understand the clubs point of view in terms of the financial situation going forward. I applaud Jon Cook and co for at least trying to make it work.

The main cafe was open last time, but the smaller outlets remained closed. They were not financially viable for the number of customers they served in the previous weeks.

He has stated several times that it was financially unsustainable with the numbers of paying customers they were getting. The last few meetings it's been noticeable how sparse the crowd was. I even joked on my way in that as a paying customer I must be a rarity. The guy taking the cash didn't argue. Apparently anything over 400 was a good night; and I doubt there were that many at the last 3 matches. It's a shame that the Hawks won't run at Lakeside next year, but I don't think people could reasonably expect the club to swallow the large losses they must have been enduring this year.

Agreed. He looked so gutted when he made the gate in heat 14 and it was then stopped when Chessell came down. But he gated again and looked full of confidence. Very impressive. Was there any news on Shane's hand injury? It was obviously nasty enough to force him out of the meeting, but hopefully it's a quick healing thing.

When I enquired about Hawks merchandise at Arena last week I was told there might be some badges coming soon, and that's all. No clothing, boards etc. No merchandise at all right now. In other words no chance of Hawks supporters showing their colours unless they're in possession of very very old gear.

Once again we're reminded that all speedway riders are crazy and brave in equal measures. Glad there were no serious injuries.

That's good to know. Thank you.

Have the commentators said anything about the condition of the young man that crashed there? It looked a nasty one. Hope he's okay.

There we go, that heat was better.

That is very true. I can think of a fair few I've attended down the years. I'm still watching

It is remarkably similar to Portsmouth's isn't it?

Thought I'd give this a go. Been watching since heat 7, and have yet to see a single pass after the first half a lap. Hope the Polish League lives up to the hype soon.

LOL So you did. My brain isn't that great late at night. I always think back on that night in 81 at Wembley. Simply the most thrilling meeting and atmosphere I ever experienced, and I guess that colours my perspective. The races against Olsen and Knudsen still make me tingle to this day.

I think it says it all about how awesome Penhall was that he retired in 82, and is still top of both these lists. I'd largely agree with the names here, and maybe include Eddie Jancarz and Zenon Plech, who could only dream of the kind of backing the top Poles get these days.

Amazing isn't it? Just can't quite manage to be truly gracious can he? Trick was great all year, no question. But check out the scorecharts Steve, Crump is THE Champion. Be nice if you could show as much class in defeat as Trick himself did.

Well Vincent, since the huge majority of the people on the forum think your criticism of Middlo is unjustified, you'd best hope that we all stay. Otherwise you'll have a very small audience for your wind ups. Oh and BTW, I have never met anyone involved with Team GB other than as a fan on the terraces. They are not my mates, and I have no personal loyalty to them. I just think you're wrong about Middlo.

Great minds Dave!

In my opinion, Karlsson was always going to win that heat, and what Hans did didn't affect the result. Fair play to Sweden, they deserved their win. However, that does not mean that Hans' actions were acceptable in any way. His move in the race was just a silly thing to do, and then to compound matters he blatantly lied about it. Entirely because of Hans, the main talking point of what had been a wonderful tournament is whether or not race fixing is a part of speedway. For that alone, Hans should be ashamed. But so too should some of the posters who have gone way too far in terms of personal abuse. By all means be critical, but there is no call for threats or swearing. If we want to be taken seriously in our legitimate concerns about Andersen's actions and attitude, then we have to make our points in a reasoned and civilised way.

As I recall, the winter olympic gold winning curling team were all Scots. I was as delighted for them as I would have been any other British team. They seemed proud to be the British team. Unfortunately, there does seem to be a bit of a chip on the shoulder of some of our Celtic cousins in these areas. Witness the number of Scots that wanted anyone but England to win at Euro 2004. Yet I and most other English people happily cheer on the Scots in football events. It's such a shame that we can't all pull together as ONE nation.

i've yet to see anyone say Sweden didn't deserve their win. They surely did, and well done to them. The controversy is really about Andersen's tactics which have taken the discussion away from the racing. He was bang out of order, and not for the first time. It's just a shame that his actions have diminished what was a great world cup.

PK was flying all night and may well have won anyway, it's true. We'll never know if Scott could have caught PK. But we do know that Andersen made CERTAIN that he wouldn't. And for that he has to be condemned.

he allowed PK to beat him in the last heat decider. Than lied about what he did in the interview after. It was soo blatant, and he was so smug looking about it too. I think he just made himself hugely unpopular in this country. (Yes even more than he was)

just watching middlo's tears on the interview. The man gave his all. What 5 mins after the defeat you want him gone? That's really very low. I think he did a great job. Well done GB, great effort. Congrats to Sweden. Hans Andersen? What a muppet the man is.

Set your videos and record the repeat. Then show it every damn time anyone tells you speedway is boring. One of the best meetings I've seen in 30 years of following speedway. Awesome.

He certainly seemed to have a problem didn't he?