salty

Have a long and happy retirement. Thanks for the entertainment.

The issue wasn't with the noise at the meetings - covered by planning permission - but the noise late at night following meetings - which (afaik) was not covered by planning.

Five Aussies in 2003 (out of 22)...including Jason Lyons https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Speedway_Grand_Prix

In 2003 you can add Sullivan to those 4 - though that was when there were 22 riders in the series.

The 4 nominations are generally given to 1) riders who have just missed out in GP series (finishing 9th or 10th) 2) riders who have missed out due to injury, 3) riders who have good seasons - with good appearances as wild cards or in the World Cup 4) riders who benefit for commercial reasons because of their nationality. Ward can't fit the first two categories and it would appear he may only have a wildcard slot at Melbourne to push his claims for category 3. So his best hope is category 4. Whilst his Monster sponsorship and his undoubted talent would make you feel that he will get a slot, he might be sweating on the make-up of the other 11 riders who qualify automatically - for example a lack of Poles and/or Swedes or too many Aussies

Thought it was a good meeting considering the weather problems, with a decent crowd. Great to see Lindback riding so well, but sad to see KK struggling so much.

Update re Mildenhall... http://www.racingpost.com/news/greyhounds/supreme-court-verdict-goes-against-mildenhall/1921063/top/

I don't agree he should get a wild card for next years series, bit harsh that he wouldn't be back until 2017, but thats the nature of the qualifying system. Having said that I think it will be a "monster" surprise if he isn't handed a wildcard for next year. I suppose a lot will depend on the nationalities of the 11 who qualify by right.

At least when we got to 20 heats and went back "to the studio" we didn't have to listen to Pearson banging on and on and on and on.... about calling it off after 20. He reminds me of that Pater Kay sketch about the playground supervisors who used to get the kids in the second there was any moisture in the air. Janowski's pass of Pedersen in Heat 17? proved to be the winning moment.

Diagnosed last night by Doctor Kelvin with a broken arm. Update from real medics...http://www.swindonrobins.co/news.php?extend.2475

At least with the Darcy orgasmafest we only had time for 3 or 4 Middlo interviews tonight. Reckon Swindon will be the "Sky" team for the rest of the season now. Top stuff from Charles Wright tonight.

But the unsatisfactory start rule has covered all sorts of 1st and 2nd bend incidents over the years. Generally resulting in an "all 4 back".

Surely would have been called back for an unsatisfactory start and an all 4 back. Which I feel it should have been anyway.

Rotten decision imo, should have been all 4 back. Not a bad meeting - good to see Mr G doing himself justice and delighted Emil won.

Can't remember Jennings on the radio or TV but I loved the books. I envy you that collection Norbold. I'm fairly certain I wanted to go to boarding school at one point just because of the Jennings books, then I seem to recall watching a documentary about Eton and that put me off.

Rotten news. RIP Shazzy.

Yes Norbold are you sure there is any Speedway in it? Because if there isn't then this thread should clearly be in general discussions and I'm so glad Gustix has brought this important (potential) oversight to our attention. The BSF has clearly gone to hell in a handcart!!!

Though they way this thread has deviated since Gustix found it you might question that claim?? Got your book stashed away ready to read when my holidays start on Tuesday.

Was in Sainsbury's in West Belfast on Friday afternoon and saw the paperback edition of this tome on offer at 3.99. Couldn't resist. Slightly surprised as it's subject matter is hardly a natural fit for your typical West Belfast denizen - mind they also stock Speedway Star.

Congratulations to Sweden, shame Kildemand didn't get a gold medal, he rode brilliantly. Cracking meeting.

I would say even calling it "pretty poor" was over optimistic. Utter garbage.

As SCB keeps saying "Don't go wide!!!"

The only thing I hate more than the joker is Pearson banging on and on and on about it!

Good second by the Gaffer - not so useless! The Russian fightback begins. Loved Brandon's response to Cieslak saying there should be a reserve "that's not possible". Why?

When it's a televised meeting the ref has diddly squat to do with whether the meeting goes ahead. That goes down to the meeting steward who is there to do Russell's bidding, in other words do everything to keep Sky happy. You can't blame Sky for the continual farces but you can blame Russell. His determination to keep the TV boys happy has resulted in some shocking meetings, tracks and decisions in the past few years, and why we are saddled with Ronnie - the Man with the Sadim touch.