Wee Eck

I don’t think I said anything about having a disastrous start to the season. I said I’d hoped he’d get back to his pre-2020 form. Or even his 2020 form when he ended the season with a 10+ average. He has the ability, in my opinion, over the last couple of years, something seems to have got in the way. Bike preparation? Illness? Temperament? Who knows? But, in this weakened league, I think he should be better. His spat with Basso was unnecessary - not knocking him off the bike, but the ill judged Twitter comments.

So Cook says the problem was his bike and Harkess says it was ill health. Who is right? I had hoped Cook would get back to his pre-2020 form, even if only for one more year, but on the basis of his performances so far this year and his foul mouthed petulance after his disagreement with Basso, I think my hopes will be dashed.

And so he should. All teams have to pay an entry fee to get into the league, whether that’s to the previous rights holder or the BSPL. The overall cost of entry was one of the things that caught out those trying to restart Eastbourne

I’m struggling with this one. Which rider topped both averages? I can only think of Sam Masters

Damn it! I think you win that one!!

The final race of the 2011 Australian championships - a run off between Darcy Ward and Davey Watt for overall second and third - finished at quarter past midnight. The meeting had started at 7.30 but had regular lengthy delays for track grading including a complete regrade after heat 3 that lasted well over an hour.

Final scores: DEN 49 GB 33 CZ 32 UKR 6 GB (Bewley) won heat 20, maybe helped by Denmark using their reserve?

I am waiting for the final scores but am told GB have qualified as best 2nd place. Final will be Germany (hosts) Poland, Denmark, GB

After 16 DEN 41 GB 26 CZ 24 UKR 5

Danes are romping it. Only defeats have been Lyager by Ellis and Jacobsen by Milik

I’ve had confirmation from the track that it’s going ahead but there don’t seem to be any links

I can’t see anything anywhere! Should have started by now.

He certainly looks like he’s “bulked up” over the winter. Usually these guys start the season at their lowest weight then gain it during the year as late nights and takeaways start to take their toll. Perhaps Cook is experimenting with doing things in reverse?

Thanks. Just spotted that. Easy win for Scunny now. No excuses

What’s up with Wright?

Did Rory Schlein not have a farewell meeting? Swindon and Edinburgh as well, but they don’t count!

It most certainly was. A mixture of bad contractors and a promoter that believed in miracles!

The first PCMT? In 1967? I’d have thought with the ultimate winner, Ivan Mauger in the lineup it would have been anything but ordinary. Or did you mean the first at the NSS? I assume that was 2017 as I can’t see it having been run in 2016. Winner was Kenneth Bjerre but also featured Kurtz (x2), Batchelor, Fricke and Zagar

Ah. The good old days of rider control where the southern teams got first pick and could chose to keep whichever riders they wanted. The further north you were, the harder it was to build a decent 1-7. The likes of Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow often had to look to Europe to sign relatively unknowns, mostly Scandinavians, otherwise they’d be completely uncompetitive. I’m not sure when the “10 years on one team’s retained list earns the right to a testimonial” rule came in but it must have helped riders compulsorily moved on by the rider control committee.

Any idea who Ipswich were also trying to bring in? Lambert for the play offs?

At least you don’t have to pay for this one!

Yes. I corrected it. Not like you to slip up!!

The SCB rule book? It’s been on the SCB website since 6 March (corrected for timing error)

Good write up in today’s Star. Hopefully the weather will play ball - it’s looking like only a little rain over the next few days so track should be good and racy!