Bagpuss

And as is very often is the case you are reading things which just aren't there. I never said that he wasn't a great rider, good ambassador, nice bloke, couldn't be appreciated etc etc. He is all of those things and I respect him as a rider and a fine competitor, especially at his age, but I find watching him incredibly dull, regardless of his ability. Most of his races involve him gating like a rocket and riding the fastest line to a tee for for laps, just doesn't do it for me personally. Respect him enormously though, who wouldn't.

Seconded. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder of course, but he just doesn't do it for me.

In this kind of situation where a rider has been contracted to a promotion/club for ten years would it not be better to grant a testimonial once he has totalled ten years of riding for that club even if not consecutive? SCB's general point is correct, testimonials are handed out far too readily nowadays.

Birks and Ellis will be one of the better reserve pairings IMO.

IIRC his patriality was too far back in his family for him to be a three.

A pity its two of the same sides again although excited by seeing Latvia. Hope the racing is better this year!

In other words rather than you trapping off with smugness one or two of them are......best not dish it out if you can't take it

It was a general point about Glasgow really, if Garrity has been tapped up and jumped ship accordingly then that is of course pretty poor form. But its a pity people are jealous of the money which has come into Glasgow rather than being pleased for the sport as a whole. Its a British trait unfortunately.

We did, Latvia will be a big improvement on Italy but its all a bit samey and we have the prospect of Hancock gating his way to another hatful of points. Disappointing.

Of course, had forgotten the Friday night clash. Glasgow's new owners seem to have got under your skin anyway, you haven't shut up about their wealth since they popped up great to see a bit of money and ambition come into our sport if you ask me.

Why? IF Sedgemen was ruled out by visa issues (seems he will be ok though) then there aren't too many options around to replace him and Garrity is a small track man with a fair bit of potential. He just needs the right environment to get the best out of him at PL level. Forget the fact that he was a wally at Armadale last year. FWIW I think he'll be at Glasgow which should spice up the numerous Scottish derbies nicely

Apparently Kozza did and didn't make top four so that strengthens the argument against him. My sympathy for those two is based on the fact they averaged seven in 2013 and probably would have done last season but I agree that exceptions can't be made and the rules MUST be stuck too. Can certainly see there being some convenient state title results next winter.

Not just doubling up but he wasn't able to guest or ride in open meetings either. I bet he's regretting it now though. You have to feel for him and Alex Davies but rules are rules.

The Norfolk Arena track record is 57.6 by Nicki Pedersen set on 11th Sept 2002.

Good to see another young Brit getting a team spot.

Good riders will always adapt to a new home track if their attitude is correct. Freddie Lindgren hated Monmore once upon a time.

I'm sure Lakeside & Coventry fans would love to see Cook test himself when the Aces come to town instead of breezing to maximums round Armadale with his eyes shut but there we are.

Agree with those six, I think they stand out from the rest by quite a margin on paper.

Heard exactly that about Cook, and that he didn't perform a back straight practice start on his way to the tapes for that very reason. Who knows.

Deleted as misread above post.

In this case the rule is a bit daft, Chapman would be punished for being a late starter in speedway. A promising newcomer shouldn't be prevented from riding both NL & PL.

We often have MDL as a second half at Lynn. I think 90 minutes from tapes up of heat one to chequered flag of heat fifteen is about right if there is a second half for people to stay and watch if they wish. Meetings are dragged out to increase bar takings and while that is fine on a summers evening it's not fair on people if its cold.

I think your description sums up how much of a clue you've got.

Brum v Lynn 2008, PL match, Kozza was chasing Birkinshaw in one heat and wiped him out from behind on the second bend which resulted in and injury for JB. Kozza was a bit mental that year (his first over here) and took a few riders out but calmed down a lot after sustaining a few injuries of his own in 2009.

Ah, so a personal grudge. We are getting to the crux of it now. I was there that night, the move itself was reckless but typical of his over exuberance that year (2008). Can't comment on the other bit but seems a bit silly to still trot this stuff out seven years later.