SCOTLAND1314

Why is Ferjan coming in on a 7 point average? What was his last UK based average?

Well my Aussie speedway experience is coming to an end. What a fantastic 6 weeks of entertainment. The UK promotions could learn a thing or three from some of their Aussie counterparts. I'm not saying it's perfect but the Aussie speedway experience is the best value for money you'll find on the planet, IMO. Senior solos Junior solos Sidecars on the majority of race nights I attended. Out of all the racing I saw, whilst the Leigh Adam's senior event and the three Aussie title rounds I attended (Gillman, Broken Hill and Mildura) were great the cream of the racing came from the junior ranks. The meetings at Sidewinders were absolutely fantastic action (despite the commentary ;-)). I don't know the talent that is coming through in Sweden, Denmark, Poland and the like, but Australia are more than well off for young guns coming through. I just feel absolutely privileged to have seen them, my only hope is that they all make it at senior level. If they do, the world of speedway will be delighted with what is coming its way. They will be coming to a UK track near you in the next few years, perhaps earlier. If they do turn up for second halves etc, stay behind to watch them. IMO there are approximately 8 to 12 of the crop that look like they can make the grade at the highest level, if only Scotland had half that number, but that's for another day. And I'm sure I've witnessed at least one future world champion. And last but no means least to the company I kept in Oz, Spider, Howard, the Kirby's, Frosty, Mike, and by no means least BFD. Thanks for the travel, tickets, socialising but work on those jokes... ;-). These guys went out of their way to make me feel welcome, much appreciated gents and I won't forget it. ATB and I hope to see you all soon. To anyone that out is out there who may have thought about going to Oz for the speedway, do it just do it, you won't regret it. I'll be going back that's for sure, hopefully at the end of the year. If I can offer any advice or if you have questions just ask me. Now where are my six layers of clothing Scotland beckons....

I'm not too sure what you look for in a hotel, cost/location/cleanliness etc However, last time I was in Gothenburg (last season's GP) I stayed in First G Gothenburg Hotel http://www.firsthotels.com/en/Our-hotels/Sweden/Gothenburg/First-Hotel-G/ Very nice, clean, not too expensive and located near Ullevi and not too far from some decent nightlife.

If it tasted as good as the Bundy I'll give it a bash next time.

Sounds like Kurri Kurri was a success all round, pity I couldn't be there. Really looking forward to Gillman, Broken Hill and Mildura rounds as well as the Sidewinders (x3). This Oz experience could begin to be a permanent fixture in my calendar.... really can't recommend it enough. Now where is that suntan lotion...

Thank you or should that be dziekuja BFD. It was just the Sidewinders stuff I wasn't too sure on. Shall hope to bump into you at some point, will brush up on my Polish accent....

My travel plans have been changed (with the kind help from Spider) to take in Broken Hill 26/1 and Mildura 29/1. Plus I will be attending Gillman 22/1. I'm likely to attend all Sidewinders meetings. Could you do me a favour and remind me of the dates and start times please? Ta

What a superb couple of days in Mildura. Not too sure where to start. Shall start with my thank yous. BFD and Spider many thanks for organising my tickets for the dinner and the race meeting, plus the transportation to and from the venues. The banter was excellent also, I've learned one or two new Aussie phrases. The meeting was amazing value with non-testimonial like racing i.e. these guys were going for it. Some notable races Leigh on Batch in the heats, Justin on Leigh in the heats and Ward in his last heat. With a cracker of a final. Junior Solos were superb, Sissis and Fricke looking classy with one or two (even younger) looking very useful. Mad sidecars ... great racing with no holds barred. Another meeting with 40 ish heats. Throw in a few Bundaberg and cokes.... If you haven't done Oz speedway, I highly recommend it. Next stop Gillman.

Can I bags Hampel's vodka quota. Really looking forward to this meeting and the previous night's din dins. Any idea of the Juniors on show?

Undera speedway was a magic night out. Max Fricke really impressed during the Vic Junior Solo Championship. The wee man was largely untroubled but even when he was behind he was cool picked his moment and nipped by his opponent. Others that looked good were Jack Halls, Cooper Riordan, Jack Fallon and Lindsay Phillips. As for the Vic (senior) Solo Championship, Justin Sedgemen was unlucky, Mark Jones got off to a decent start but faded, Joey Ringwood was someone I'd never heard of but looked very good in all of his races, Jake Anderson looked the best I'd seen him race, Cory Gathercole started slow but built up to a good race with Proctor in the final, Proctor was the entertainer of the meeting with a third to first tussle in his first and a ding dong battle with Gathercole in the last. The two solo titles plus some mad sidecars provided 48 heats of entertainment and a good night out. Thanks to the said 'announcer' (and BFD for putting me in touch) for transporting me to the stadium, it was much appreciated. Next stop for speedway action... Mildura.

Any news on a replacement?

When Tony Rickardsson was in the SKY studio during the Cardiff GP it was evident that even he was in awe of what Tomasz Gollob does on a speedway bike, that says it all for me. Gollob is simply a speedway genius, no less. It is absolutely fantastic that his abilities and effort have finally been rewarded with a world individual title. The young up and coming Polish riders I've no doubt has been influenced by the great man as well, this may be Tomasz's greatest legacy to world speedway.

Yes well said that man. Many thanks to R&R. Re today's meetings quite enjoyed the Torun v Wroclaw meeting, some very good races in that match. Shame about the weather re the Leszno v Zielona Gora match, that said the supporters still turned out in tremendous numbers. Great to see Leigh Adams win a league title in his last year and also a mention for Jarek Hampel, it's been a good season for the guy on an individual basis and it is good to see his efforts coming to fruition at a team level as well.

Nicely put. Looking forward to this, hopefully a big crowd will turn up to Leszno.

Fantastic performance tonight by the big man a most fitting World Champion. There will be one or two of his Scottish based fans with a sore head in the morning.

Simply Class

I bumped into Midnight Lady this evening and ordered 2 Scottish versions. Thank you.

Superb performance by the big man tonight, keep it going big chap ....

Close, he could be heading to Armadale as the latest team change.... I can dream...

Thanks for that.

Ahh I forgot about woffinden being there, just trying to get a wee edge on the bookies. Not sure Woffinden will be it though.

Have any of the GP field (with the exception of Pavlic) ever been to Gorican before?

And they largely performed very very poorly.... the more things change the more they stay the same....

I felt very sorry for Janus this evening. I hope he'll get a wild card pick for the entire 2011 series. Very entertaining rider just exactly what the series needs. Glad to see Artem Laguta get through.

Cheers chap. Really looking forward to this one. I hope the track has at least a wee bit of grip on it...