stevebrum

Exactly, its just a live feed that Eurosport have taken up! The only difference will be in the presentation. Thankfully (tho not for some) we get Nigel and Kelvin back for the rest.

It isn't a `general feeling`. I have seen as many pro as against.

My point is that some are happy to write him off as beating no-one and is only in to get the British vote hence why its ok to slate him before a wheel is turned. He has ALREADY shown in one round that he his more than capable of doing just that. Do i expect him to make the top 8 season end? I think you would struggle to find anyone that thinks that. Will he have some stinkers along the way (or as its known `doing a Harris?`) i would expect so yes. Will he win the odd heat and make another Semi? On Saturdays showing more than possibly. Think most people will have him down to finish 15th in what is perhaps the best top 15 in quite a while. For me the likes of Kasprzak, Zagar have just as good a chance of 15th as Tai as neither have consistency in their tank. Like you say, lets see season end. If Tai continues to take the odd win and makes the odd semi he wont be all that much adrift even if he does finish 15th.

The only predictions i think are harsh are the ones that say a rider/team will/wont do this or that. To say Tai will only see back wheels is harsh and has already shown that not to be the case. Sometimes its fun to rubbish such claims!

With some saying that he is expected to be stone last before a wheel has been turned, perhaps those comments shouldn't have been made in the 1st place! A top 8 start is a good way to start, lets concentrate on that instead.

Nigel and Kelvin are doing the others yea.

I get it Marko Its Oz style.

Decent start and decent meeting. Certainly wasn't a pass fest but had some good moments. From a Wolves perspective both Tai and Freddie looked well in the thick of the action, Tai is certainly looking like a true number one and is coming of age. Seeing as so many liked to slate Nigel and Kelvin id still rather their over the top commentary than make it up as you go along Oz commentary. Since when has Hampel ever been `hammer`? And when has Kasprzak even been `kaspo`? Must be an Aussie thing. Overall a good start from the Eurosport team, nice new slick rider identification boxes on the grids. The gaps between block of races wasn't as bad as i feared. Usually like the studio analysis and i think it was covered quite well. I stayed up to watch and it was entertaining enough to keep me tuned in and awake till 6AM. Johno came across well but he always has done well in the past, particularly explaining the basics to his fellow presenter who seemed to know nothing about speedway. Professional, but could do without the made up names!

The same could be said of Darcy Ward. Tai had and has my backing 110% Jury may have been out, but is it now? Quack quack oops Quack quack oops 2. Just plain Quack. Thankfully Tai looks like we finally have a Brit capable of putting in a challenge then! Just the 8. Spot on. Great start for the lad who looks like he completely belongs in the top 15. No doubt the whingers will say it was a one off, wont repeat it etc etc. Or they may sensibly just stay quiet.

Wonder how many will moan at the price/team strength/team effort and not go.

Makes you wonder if Poland and UK had offered him contracts whether he would have wanted to continue. That said it is always sad when a rider is forced to retire through injury. I wish Ryan well, was never a favourite rider of mine, but i wish him all the best in his retirement.

Phil Rising confirmed on BikerFM tonight that Nigel and Kelvin will do all the commentary for the GP`s, except New Zealand. So at least there will be some consistency. Let the moaning begin. Me, i am more than happy.

Sad news as Ivan remains totally professional and a role model for all riders making their way in the sport. If anyone deserves a public retirement then it`s Ivan. Thanks for the memories and dedication Ivan.

I can, thanks.

It doesn't know the meaning of nice or polite.

Disagree. He carries the same enthusiasm and passion for the sport. I am sure plenty will agree with you, and plenty with me anyway!

You just know speedway folk will whine and moan about anything. Personally i am delighted that we get to watch the GP`s and WC , would have rather it stay as it was but i am certainly not gonna grumble because it has moved channel. I would be more than happy to see Nigel and Kelvin carry on as they do a good job at portraying the excitement but doubt it with their tie up to SKY Sports. Hopefully we don't go back to the days of monotone commentary but at this stage it matters not a jot who is doing the commentary. We have GP`s on TV, be happy moaners!!

Panto boo on announcement but fairly tepid on parade. Something i imagine he will get at most tracks in the coming weeks. I don't have to tho, so long as people are grateful.

Well said, whilst some STILL feel a need to defend.

Warmly............... that's one way of putting it. I am sure Freddie and the fans that turn out tomorrow will be delighted to ALL those who made a big effort for being there. The only one that matters Sunday is FAST FREDDIE.

Why does it matter? The day is about a great servant to British Speedway not about someone hellbent on throwing his career away. I would imagine Darcy will get a tepid reaction at most tracks, that is what comes with being in the public eye.

Methinks that few of us qualify to be in control of a bike with no breaks and representing club and country either. The sooner some stop making excuses for the behaviour the better, and to justify a comment with non of us are perfect is unbelievable. Well said.

Shame all the teams he rides for doesn't follow suit.

Bit of a generalisation. I see plenty trendy kids and adults at speedway meetings. They are probably in the minority tho. Not sure its as low as just 7%. Part of the image is to do with the product(s) that can be bought at most Speedway facilities. Or lack of variety (style)

Interesting reading, a lot of it i expected in all honest. Put should be a good read for those running the sport.