4thbender

Did I detect a bit more muck on the track tonight, or was it my imagination? There was certainly much more competitive racing than of late and there appeared to be an inside line opening up on the third and fourth bends which offered more passing options (which should silence some of the moaners from recent weeks).

One match in and the team's already being propped up with guests. The Owlerton jinx strikes again - before the season's even started. How often in the last 3 years have we seen Sheffield lose heat leaders to injuries whilst riding for other teams?

In the landmark ‘Vnuk’ case, the European Court of Justice ruled in 2014 that the EU’s 2009 Motor Insurance Directive required insurance policies to cover all possible third-party accidents in all places and at all times. In some countries, including the United Kingdom and Ireland, governments had interpreted the law as meaning that it only applies to vehicles driven on public roads, however it is now clear that the judgment means that national laws must be changed to ensure that all mechanically propelled vehicles are insured for third-party losses regardless of type of use, in all places, at any time. This applies to everything from Formula One racing cars, to speedway bikes, to mobility scooters, to antique trams and everything in-between. Industry experts have already claimed that the risks associated with providing insurance cover to all motorised vehicles mean that they would be prohibitively expensive to insure, thus effectively outlawing all motorsport activities across the United Kingdom. HM Government opened a consultation on Wednesday 21st December with two clear options. First, to pursue the “Comprehensive option” which would involve changing UK motor insurance law to comply with the Motor Insurance Directive as interpreted in the Vnuk judgement. Second, the Government’s preferred “Amended Directive option” which would involve changing UK law on motor insurance to implement the Motor Insurance Directive as amended, should the European Commission pursue its proposal to amend it. While the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Union, the UK is obligated to make this change. We, the undersigned petition HM Government through the Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt. Hon. Chris Grayling, M.P., asking that HM Government under no circumstances implements the 'Vnuk' judgement in a way that encompasses vehicles involved in motor and motorcycle sport activities. SIGN THE PETITION HERE

In the landmark ‘Vnuk’ case, the European Court of Justice ruled in 2014 that the EU’s 2009 Motor Insurance Directive required insurance policies to cover all possible third-party accidents in all places and at all times. In some countries, including the United Kingdom and Ireland, governments had interpreted the law as meaning that it only applies to vehicles driven on public roads, however it is now clear that the judgment means that national laws must be changed to ensure that all mechanically propelled vehicles are insured for third-party losses regardless of type of use, in all places, at any time. This applies to everything from Formula One racing cars, to speedway bikes, to mobility scooters, to antique trams and everything in-between. Industry experts have already claimed that the risks associated with providing insurance cover to all motorised vehicles mean that they would be prohibitively expensive to insure, thus effectively outlawing all motorsport activities across the United Kingdom. HM Government opened a consultation on Wednesday 21st December with two clear options. First, to pursue the “Comprehensive option” which would involve changing UK motor insurance law to comply with the Motor Insurance Directive as interpreted in the Vnuk judgement. Second, the Government’s preferred “Amended Directive option” which would involve changing UK law on motor insurance to implement the Motor Insurance Directive as amended, should the European Commission pursue its proposal to amend it. While the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Union, the UK is obligated to make this change. We, the undersigned petition HM Government through the Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt. Hon. Chris Grayling, M.P., asking that HM Government under no circumstances implements the 'Vnuk' judgement in a way that encompasses vehicles involved in motor and motorcycle sport activities. SIGN THE PETITION HERE

In the landmark ‘Vnuk’ case, the European Court of Justice ruled in 2014 that the EU’s 2009 Motor Insurance Directive required insurance policies to cover all possible third-party accidents in all places and at all times. In some countries, including the United Kingdom and Ireland, governments had interpreted the law as meaning that it only applies to vehicles driven on public roads, however it is now clear that the judgment means that national laws must be changed to ensure that all mechanically propelled vehicles are insured for third-party losses regardless of type of use, in all places, at any time. This applies to everything from Formula One racing cars, to speedway bikes, to mobility scooters, to antique trams and everything in-between. Industry experts have already claimed that the risks associated with providing insurance cover to all motorised vehicles mean that they would be prohibitively expensive to insure, thus effectively outlawing all motorsport activities across the United Kingdom. HM Government opened a consultation on Wednesday 21st December with two clear options. First, to pursue the “Comprehensive option” which would involve changing UK motor insurance law to comply with the Motor Insurance Directive as interpreted in the Vnuk judgement. Second, the Government’s preferred “Amended Directive option” which would involve changing UK law on motor insurance to implement the Motor Insurance Directive as amended, should the European Commission pursue its proposal to amend it. While the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Union, the UK is obligated to make this change. We, the undersigned petition HM Government through the Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt. Hon. Chris Grayling, M.P., asking that HM Government under no circumstances implements the 'Vnuk' judgement in a way that encompasses vehicles involved in motor and motorcycle sport activities. SIGN THE PETITION HERE

The lads look remarkably reminiscent of Blue T*ts in those new race suits (no, honestly - check it out for yourself!). Who paid for those? I hope they're not made to look like t*ts when they visit Ipswich tomorrow night.

An astute move to make Kyle captain. He responded well to the call for leadership in last season's play-offs and is maturing into a fine rider. I would guess he'll finish this season with an 8.5 average. I like the cut of his jib. He could become one of Sheffield's all-time greats if he gets a good run in the team.

Well, we can all be wrong!

Now that the Lions have completed their final 7, what's the betting on a Sheffield v Leicester season opener on 30th March?

You are very lucky to have got the right man at the right time. Damian Bates is a breath of fresh air in speedway and I hope that through his involvement in our two clubs his influence can grow with the ruling hierarchy of UK speedway. His energy and ideas could be the saving grace of our great sport.

As I've said before on this forum, who says Boocock's gone? See today's announcement: "Sheffield is a very well run club now. I have good people working alongside me in Julie Reading, Pete Mole, Marc Bates and of course Eric Boocock and it's great to have Simon Stead on board as team manager." Thoughts, anyone?

Steady has just tweeted that his retirement meeting will be the season opener in March 2018.

Should see the way my two-year-old grandson rides his bike on the footpath. Anyone who sees him would be well advised to keep out of his way. As for locking him up, I don't think the jail has yet been built that would contain him.

In the landmark ‘Vnuk’ case, the European Court of Justice ruled in 2014 that the EU’s 2009 Motor Insurance Directive required insurance policies to cover all possible third-party accidents in all places and at all times. In some countries, including the United Kingdom and Ireland, governments had interpreted the law as meaning that it only applies to vehicles driven on public roads, however it is now clear that the judgment means that national laws must be changed to ensure that all mechanically propelled vehicles are insured for third-party losses regardless of type of use, in all places, at any time. This applies to everything from Formula One racing cars, to mobility scooters, to antique trams and everything in-between. Industry experts have already claimed that the risks associated with providing insurance cover to all motorised vehicles mean that they would be prohibitively expensive to insure, thus effectively outlawing all motorsport activities across the United Kingdom. HM Government opened a consultation on Wednesday 21st December with two clear options. First, to pursue the “Comprehensive option” which would involve changing UK motor insurance law to comply with the Motor Insurance Directive as interpreted in the Vnuk judgement. Second, the Government’s preferred “Amended Directive option” which would involve changing UK law on motor insurance to implement the Motor Insurance Directive as amended, should the European Commission pursue its proposal to amend it. While the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Union, the UK is obligated to make this change. We, the undersigned petition HM Government through the Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt. Hon. Chris Grayling, M.P., asking that HM Government under no circumstances implements the 'Vnuk' judgement in a way that encompasses vehicles involved in motor and motorcycle sport activities. SIGN PETITION AT: www.fightvnuk.co.uk

Your memory is slipping. As well as dominating his team's performance in the first leg of the 2016 EL Grand Final (scoring 12 + 2), he also scored the bulk of the points that got Sheffield through the play-off quarter final against Newcastle (10 and 15 + 1) and semi final against Glasgow (14 + 1 and 9 + 2). He also scored 13 and 9 in Sheffield's losing final against Somerset. I'd say he's a team man through and through. A dooosh bag? I'd settle for a team full of dooosh bags if they all showed that level of commitment.

But he's one of the two Sheffield riders who (it is alleged on this forum) lost races to "manipulate" their average downwards at the back end of 2016 in order to secure a better berth in 2017. I would suggest these are not the actions of a good team man. Kyle Howarth, on the other hand, rode out of his skin to heroically win the EL play-off final for Wolverhampton. That's the kind of spirit I hope to see displayed by the Tigers in 2017 and I would suggest that Kyle is the man to lead by example.

That's very disappointing to hear, especially since a turn on the centre green was listed as one of the benefits of joining the kids club. My guess is that the top brass are unaware of this edict and some jobsworth on the pit gate has made up the rules to suit his own convenience. The Sheffield management has built its reputation on fairness and I reckon if you write to Damian Bates c/o Owlerton Stadium the situation will be summarily remedied. If not, you'll know to keep your money in your pocket.

Well that's Christmas done and dusted for another year. The countdown can now begin - only another 11 blank Thursdays before we see some action. Anyone got a view on who should be appointed captain this year? My vote would go for Kyle (the responsibility of leadership may bring out the best in him). Opposing views anyone?

Who says he's gone?

Oh sorry, my mistake. I assumed that "dropping his average on purpose coz he didn't want to be at Redcar" referred to an illicit contravention of the rules. I now understand that what the writer meant to say was that the rider concerned "dropped his BEVERAGE on purpose coz he didn't want to be at Redcar". Silly me!

Is it being suggested that Sheffield has not one, but TWO riders who have deliberately lost races - thereby cheating the paying public - in order to manipulate results for personal gain (i.e. securing places in the Sheffield team by unfairly contriving to falsify their averages)? These are serious allegations which the Speedway Control Bureau should investigate and, if proven, take appropriate action. Remember David Layne, Peter Swan and Tony Kaye? Banned for life from professional football and sentenced in 1965 to four months in prison for "throwing" a football match. In his summing up the judge said "I also have to think of the tens of thousands of ordinary citizens who find relaxation in football and watching football. Over the years they have paid their shillings to see a football match played as they thought by experts. For those shillings, they got not a match, but a dishonest charade. It is my duty to make it clear to other evil-minded persons in all kinds of sport that this is a serious crime.” I pay my "shilling" regularly to watch a speedway match. If what you are suggesting is true then I too am paying to see a dishonest charade which, in the judges words, is "a serious crime". If evidence exists that such events have taken place it should be presented to the Speedway Control Bureau. Otherwise people should keep their speculation to themselves. Just one more reason why riders should compete fairly and maintain their integrity with the paying supporters.

It's called integrity. Promoters who fail to pay riders on time are low-lifes who should never be allowed anywhere near a speedway team ever again. But riders who give in to that sort of tyranny by not giving of their best are tarring themselves with that same brush of fundamental dishonesty, and two wrongs never make a right. Ultimately it's the fans who pay money at the turnstiles that keep speedway afloat. They have a right to expect honesty and integrity on the part of both promoters and riders, otherwise they have good reason to feel cheated (and nobody loves a cheat). As a Sheffield supporter I will never feel happy if there is a suspicion that a particular rider is deliberately failing to give of his very best to the team effort. The suggestion that we have a rider in the ranks who is even capable of withholding his best talents in some strategy for self-betterment is worrying. After all, he could do it again in 2017 if he thinks he's not getting a fair crack of the whip. I fully sympathize with any rider who is not been treated fairly by promoters, but there are ways of dealing with that without compromising one's own integrity.

I have to admit this signing worries me a bit. Someone suggested on this forum that he spent the end of last season manipulating his average downwards to secure a good berth in 2017. That's the speedway equivalent of the footballer who "throws" a game to win a wager at the bookies. If that's the case, does he not realize that, regardless of his personal differences with the management, he still has a responsibility to his team-mates and the fans who pay the entry fee week in week out? As he's now reportedly a Sheffield asset, I'm concerned as to whether he has Sheffield's interests at heart. Personally I wouldn't want to pay money to watch riders who are not 100% behind Sheffield's cause. I think he has something to prove and let's hope he responds favourably. What do others think?

A baffling array of unfathomable rules and regulations which even the sharpest legal brain would struggle to unravel. You'd never believe this sport is about four riders going four times round a dirt track. How ever did things become so hellishly complicated?

The 2016 team - had they not suffered injuries - was better than this one. I reckon we'll finish in fifth spot, comfortably mid-table (and out of the play-offs).