salty

Totally agree, I don't suppose its worth worrying about until it happens, but if Lindgren and KK have to rely on nominations then it means the scramble for a top 8 finish will become even more hectic. Previously those finishing in the first 12 have often got the nod, but it might be top 11 at least this season. Personally would love to see one of the Russians get through but can't see it happening at a track like Vojens.

To be fair his exclusion was incorrect and he suffered bike problems after the fall. Certainly on the pace at the start of the meeting.

I thought it was quite a good meeting last night and it was especially good to see Mr Gollob back to something like his best. One thing though, why is it when Speedway riders put on their aggrieved voice it always comes across as a high pitched whinge? I always thought the Danes voices changed because they are speaking in a foreign language, but I think Crumpy, Adams and Scotty are all guilty of this affectation. Perhaps the best example of all being Rosco. Certainly makes 'em look a bit daft imo.

The first Reading rider (1981) is Mark Leslie ?. The '85 Peterboro' pic is Ian Barney I think, but not sure it is the right year.

The only ones I can help with are Hull 1 - Dennis Gavros? Milton Keynes - Robbie Vigus Newcastle 2 - Fairly certain that its Bobby Duncan too. Think I should know the Ipswich and Kings Lynn ones but can't recall the names at the minute.

Does anyone know how much Olsen has to do with the track preparation? The Speedway Star Cardiff preview had a lengthy article on Colin Meredith and his prep of the Cardiff track with no mention of Ole and I remember when the Swedish GP had to be abandoned a few years ago it was the local track guys who took the rap.

Fond memories of his time with Cradley. RIP Speedy Pete.

Seem to remember when the Poles won 2 years ago it was widely reported that their Federation had spent a fortune providing the riders with top quality equipment for the Final. It would be interesting to know what sort of assistance the Brits riders got on Saturday night.

Despite the name, Geraint Jones isn't Welsh. He was born in Papua New Guinea and brought up in Australia.

A good point Steve in that we should not have had high expectations. One point I would make though is that we have to make more effort to gain expererience on foreign tracks. In the past 2 years Kennett has given the World Under 21 Team Cup a miss, to ride a Saturday night at Rye, and this year has not bothered with the GP qualifiers. Whilst he has his reasons, surely the experience he would have gained at such events would have stood him in good stead for the future? If we are to get some "better" days then our new young riders need to get this experience of riding on the continent.

Delighted to see the Poles win that, they really did well in the last group of 5 races. Started with Holta's brilliant ride in Heat 21 and all 5 of them did the business when it mattered. Surprised that more wasn't made of Nicholls being up against Andersen in heat 25, 3 years on but a bit of payback I think. Disappointing effort by the Brits, Kennett and Stead way out of their depth.

Can't do it without the raw materials can we? In those 7 years you forget to mention the riders Middlo has had to try and win the thing with. If anything I would say that they have over achieved in Middlo's reign. Can't see them overcoming Denmark or Poland this year especially on Polish shale. But I would be surprised if they don't have a good go.

Agree that Jagus's poor performance on the man made tracks may mean he will be an attractive price when the series returns to Eastern Europe. Slightly surprised to see Lubos get the wild card, I figured it would go to Lukas, but good experience prior to the GP Qualifying Final.

Judging by the performances of Gafurov and Gizatullin in qualifying to the GP Final and that of Safjutdinov in the Under 21's, I'm hoping the Russians will put up a strong performance on Monday. Hope they arrive at full strength with good competitive machinary. If they make good use of practice I would be hopeful of them getting 3rd place and then having a good go in the run off later in the week.

BWin have it priced as 5/4 Denmark 6/4 Poland.

What will happen as a result of Lewis's no show, hefty fine, ban or slap on the wrist? Anyone know? Great to see the Gaffer through!

Crayford 83-1 is Trevor Barnwell I reckon and I would also go with Mike Spinks for the second action shot. The other fella i haven't a clue.

I think the Birmingham rider is Ian Stead, not certain though... Best guess for the Long Eaton rider is Glenn Parrott, pretty certain about that one.

I guess you must be joking about Hancock, considering he had just lost a GP on the final bend he was extremely gracious. He helped Crumpy steady Bomber whilst on the victory parade and was happy enough to be lifting him on his shoulders. If you want to look for bitter read Nicki's post GP comments.

Share your frustration with his decision. Surely it would have been of benefit if only for the experience. Having said that I can see a scenario where, if Kennett gets a rostrum place in the Under 21 Final, and Nicholls fails to kick on from his encouraging performance in Cardiff then Kennett may get a nomination for the Gp's next year. His failure to attempt to qualify will probably go against him though.

Surprised that more GP riders like Holta and Jagus haven't tried the qualifying route. Thougha couple of good Gp's may well get them challenging for the top 8.

There was good article in The Independent on Saturday morning, featuring mainly on Bomber. Would expect to see a report in Monday's paper as well. Usually the only coverage in the paper throughout the year.

Fantastic performance by Bomber, he was always overshadowed when younger by Stead and Howe amongst others, but what he did last night is the best thing to happen to British Speedway for years. After all the doom and gloom surrounding Oxford and Reading hopefully Bomber's emergence as a bona fide contender will get Speedway talked about for the right reasons. Also like to echo what a couple of others have mentioned, Hancock and Crump were both excellent in terms of they way they congratulated Bomber and conducted themselves in the post meeting. Credit to them both.

By the look of that neither did the 2 Brits! Only Richard Hall left in makes for a pretty poor performance. F-s-p, if you go back to the original link it has Kauko down as 9 points, which means he is in and Jesper B is only reserve!

Russia are in the other semi, looking forward to seeing them around Brandon.