johnc

Sorry Steve, I disagree. Over ten races (for example) I think Tai would beat Chris and Scott in 6 (maybe 7) of those races. I don't have any stats to back up my opinion, it is purely based on Woffindens current form and superior (from what I have seen) gating ability. The GP's are being dominated by riders who consistently make the gate, the lack of dirt on the GP tracks rule out any chance of "racers" becoming World Champion - sad but true. For those reasons, I think Tai would be an exciting addition to the GP line-up.

Is he British now that he actually won the tournament Steve?

I'm sure I heard Chris Harris declare "I came to Malilla and managed to get a semi" - most of us managed that (thanks to the white start girl) sitting in our living room Christopher...............

apparently there was "real" dissapointment at the back tonight for Hans Andersen, is Millard suggesting that the other riders to finish last only felt "slight" dissapointment and weren't actually bothered about coming last On a serious note...........yet another average GP............how many times are we going to hear riders saying "the track was completely different from practice on Friday" - "it's a lot slicker".

I'm sure I heard Kelvin say (during a race) that Danny King was overtaken by both the swedes P.S. Not having a go, I actually like Kelvin.

What about a hot summers day with the sun beating down on the track from the early hours of the morning with a gentle breeze blowing across the track..........your comment lacks respect to all the track curators up and down the country.........do you actually know what you are talking about? When it comes to track preperation, I don't, that's why I reserve judgement when a track is dusty (despite hating it as much as you)..........I agree that dust isn't great but to say "there is no excuse for dust at any meeting" and "dust is simply due to poor preperation" is out of order.

In summary, one of two things are the reason for the slick tracks we see at the GP's in my opinion. 1. Ole Olsen is being told to make the track's slick to satisfy the demands of the sponsors who want their company name / logo to be visible throughout the meeting - is this a rumour or is there truth behind it? 2. Olsen genuinely believes that slick tracks provide better racing and they produce fewer accidents meaning no "run-overs" for TV companies. If option 1 is the case then we should get off Olsen's back, he is purely a "puppet" for the FIM who are more concerned by sponsors logo's than the fans of this great sport who are being cheated of seeing the top 16 riders ride on fair, safe tracks that allow overtaking every race. If option 2 is the case then he should pack his bags - simple as that. The SWC meeting on Monday proves that tracks that are smooth, grippy and safe provide trumendous entertainment for fans at the event and watching on TV. I have commented many times on this issue over the past few months, but I fear the worst. I actually believe my first suggestion is the reality here - the tail is wagging the dog (if you know what I mean) I'm afraid. Corporate sponsorship / TV money is taking over the sport (The GP series I mean) and there is nothing we can do about it - sad, very sad indeed.

Don't speak too soon, apart from this years GP at Leszno, it is a fantastic track when prepared by the polish track staff.....not only that, there will be 4 strong riders in every heat unlike tonight - with the greatest respect to the Slovenians of course.

Hampel is a true enigma - he looks soooooo fast tonight, but on other nights he looks like he can't be bothered.......

Decent meeting this, yet more evidence that the World Cup provides better racing than the Gp's In my book, this is what we want on our screens. That race with Crump and Zagar may well have been the best race all year..

really enjoying this.....permanent track - no ruts or bumps, decent amount of dirt on the track, two / three racing lines creating some decent racing........better than ANY GP I have seen so far this year

This meeting is starting to hot up, some decent racing in the last couple of heats. Good to see Denmark not getting it all their own way - hope it continues.....

Matty, how did you know I looked like that

and the award for "worst ever thread" goes to........

Just shows the lack of enthusiasm for the GP's, when this thread was only started a few hours ago - tells it's own story really....... It's fair to say the track was better - when I say better, I mean safer. However, the lack of passing is turning the GP series into a farce...... Do I expect Cardiff to be any better?..............nope.

I really do hope you are joking.......Murray Walker didn't know what Grand Prix he was at, never mind who was driving. Cue the Martin Brundle intervention - "I think you'll find it's Webber"

I was at Cardiff last year and had a great time, but I have decided against it this year. The stadium is terrific, the atmosphere is amazing and the noise is unbelievable - it all contributes to a great night of speedway............ ...........except one thing - last year the racing was nothing better than average and the quality of tracks so far this year made my mind up for me. If I was confident of seeing the top 16 riders battling it out on a track that allowed these riders to show their talents, I would have ordered my ticket happily. Forget the credit crunch, the standard of racing is why I wont be making the journey from Scotland this year.

As your opinion is based on age, I presume you feel the same way about Greg Hancock and Tomasz Gollob?

As long as they use temporary tracks in the GP's, Leigh will never be world champion I'm afraid. At his age, he will never take the risks that the younger guys are happy to take on rutted and /or wet tracks. His body language completely changes when he is not up for it, he looks tense on the bike - not his usual armchair style we see in the EL. I really admire the guy and love watching him when he is in full flow, but at times he lacks belief when it comes to the crunch. Too often he shuts off to consolidate his position when an aggressive pass would win him the race, this lack of aggression usually happens when on a temp track as he doesn't trust the surface. The only reason I follow / support Swindon is down to Leigh Adams, so to see him struggle like he did on Saturday was tough to watch, having said that - I never expected him to make the semi's anyway. Most people would agree (I think) that if Swindon win the EL league this year, no-one will deserve their winners medal more than Leigh Adams, his service and loyalty to the club goes a long way in my book - not to mention his fantastic league scoring record. Still a legend...........as Tony Millard says "form is temporary, class is permanent"

I have commented about Millard on this thread (and others) in a light hearted way joking about his favourite 'lines' during commentary. However, on a serious note - I would never say he is terrible (or Pearson for that matter). I have always been of the opinion that you never notice a commentator when the racing is of a good standard, it's only when the racing becomes boring that a commentator comes under the microscope. With this in mind, I think anyone would have a hard job trying not to repeat themselves during the first couple of GP's we've had. Having said this, I still laugh when I hear "every turn of the wheel" and "ding dong battle"

........and it's dissapointment at the back for twice-times British Champion...............

.......................and welcome to round three of the World Gating Championships.........................

You haven't missed much..................