salty

At least we're now talking part in these competitions. A few years ago we weren't. Good to see that there now seems some realisation that this is exactly the sort of experience the lads need.

To read the BBC report it would seem that it clears the way for the football club to move in, but as you say, that is a skewed view of what the report actually says.

As I mentioned in an earlier post Dag does suffer from a back condition caused by a racing accident. Clearly the OP has Dag right when he talks about Newcastle, Oxford and the World Pairs meetings alongside Reider Eide. Rolf's accident (if I recall the same weekend that Penhall won at Wembley) was some 5 years after Dag retired.

The vibe I'm hearing is that Hills are to continue pouring money into the Derby next year.

Funny you should use the word trivial on a thread about whether the Speedway Star used to put a "g" next to a guests name in their match reports. Just saying like.....

If I remember rightly Dag stuck with a 2 valve Jap in 1975 at Oxford and in 1976 at White City. With most other riders on 4 valves that would certainly have put him at a disadvantage around the big White City track which would account for his slump in average from 10 plus at Oxford. Never broke a bone either I don't think (in reply to the OP), but suffers from a bad back after Reider Eide stuffed him into the fence at Newport.

Sad news. RIP "Super" Simmo.

Was one of my favourite riders in the 70's. Can't think why to be honest, he wasn't particularly spectacular, but I followed him from his tough first season at Brough Park to his breakthrough as a heat leader at Reading. Was a big fan of his brother Ulf who had a short spell as a Heathen in 1974 and was a silver cloud in a very dire year.

Horrible advert for the sport. Some compensation in that Matej popped his GP cherry (as he put it). Hope he can kick on and nab a few more.

According to this weeks Speedway Star, Heather McNeilly said she was phoned by Jarno Kosonen back in February and asked to do the meeting. Her family are long time friends of Jarno's apparently.

Really sad to hear this! Loved watching Simmo around Plough Lane when I moved to London in 1981 and his visits to Dudley Wood in the 60's and 70's. I've also enjoyed reading his book and column in Backtrack. Best wishes Simmo.

Really disappointing to see that only Adam Ellis has travelled to these qualifiers. I suppose we should be grateful that we have one on home soil. I know they are costly events to travel to for the riders, but surely there should be some sort of assistance to the riders as the experience gained is invaluable.

Forgive me if I've missed this on another thread, but did GB give up one of their places in the qualifiers. I thought Kyle Howarth was supposed to go to Italy? Also anyone know why Garrity wasn't given a slot after his performance in the British Under 21 Final? Did he decide not to do the qualifiers again? If so, it is sad that our youngsters aren't getting this vital experience.

Clearly it's all gone to pot since Rosco took over. Bring back Middlo!!!

Sad news. RIP Tony.

You can't just re-declare with a rider in the team after you have publically announced his removal from the team the week before. Well I know you can, but it's totally wrong. No way should Roynan be banned for last nights fiasco. Otherwise anyone can declare anyone in their team.

Come on! You can't ban Roynan for 28 days! He was sacked last week so surely that ends his contract with Sheffield. If they re-declare with him back in the team they surely must have his agreement to do so?

I reckon its his bikes. Last year he had a big advantage with his machinary - the difference in speed between him and Emil at places like Latvia was marked. This year they seem down on power.

According to the "Homes of British Speedway" Harolds Cross hosted 4 open meetings in 1928. Still holds dog racing, a couple of miles to the south of Dublin city centre. Search Bord na gcon for more details.

Josh Bates and Stefan Nielsen ride at Leicester - with Ashley Morris and Tom Perry as reserves. Kyle Howarth travels to Terenzano and Adam Ellis to Straslund.

The Templeton brothers and the McMillan brothers rode in the same Glasgow team. The Templetons were Uncles of the McMillans.

Great race in the final and a great result. Well done to Smoli!!

Rooting for Smoli as the underdog - great to see him do so well. Missing Emil and Mr G though....

No offence Phil and Ian but last time I saw photos like that was on Crimewatch. At least some of the others smiled. Top issue by the way.

Congratulations to you all!