Dave_minall

Poole have clearly banked their entire season on Cairns coming in in July and reigniting the team, but by then the damage could already be done.

It's basic physics - a lighter rider would increase the power to weight ratio of the machine and therefore SHOULD result in a faster race. The nuance to this is that there is a balancing act between drift and traction that makes our sport as beautiful as it is. I remember hearing Woffy say in an interview about 12 months ago stating that riders like Zagar would never be world champ because of how tall he is, but compare him to Vaculik who is arguably just as tall walk away with a Bronze medal in 2023. I think it's worth investigating, not necessarily implemented, but it would be interesting to see two riders going head to head (for instance Ben Cook vs NKI) then see what the results would be if they added weight to Cook's bike to make the weight even between the two. My opinion on it is that it probably does have an impact, but arguably not as much as some riders are making it out to be. Engines can be tuned, timing can be changed etc to suit riders and their build. Screeny was always one of the more heavier set riders towards the end of his career and he was still dominating at championship level up until his retirement.

One would assume common sense would prevail and the rider on the warning would be excluded and the rider who touched the tapes would be allowed back in the re-run, but on a warning also.

Another reason to give a P45. The track wasn't looked after well enough despite looking alright to begin with. It's a huge shame because the lack of a professional track man is hampering the team performance and therefore the crowds.

Just checked, it's John Priest. P45 please!

Who's the track man at Birmingham? Every time management from Birmingham are interviewed they say the track isn't as expected. Surely they should consider sacking him and getting a professional in. Professional tracks should never see a blue groove - it's abysmal.

From what I read Freddie was one of the riders who protested the disqualification.

Have I missed something? Why are Kelvin and Scotty talking about Kemp's saddle so much?

Josh Pickering and Jason Crump were both stellar, but unfortunately Worral must either be very nervous or just not up to the task. Sam in the pits falling all over his words and Abbie hosting don't do much to bring the excitement up either. I feel Dave Rowe wouldn't work well with Kelv, he talks way too fast and he's better suited in the role he is in. Kelvin is literally carrying this show! His back must be killing him

looking at this I'm not surprised it was called off.

I believe it may be Dave Rowe, who posted on twitter earlier that he was in Croatia.

Whilst I agree we don't know the whole picture and yes some element of discrepancy can be forgiven, but like I said I've been paying keen attention to his gear for literally years and there doesn't seem to be any new gear being used.

I've been of the impression for several years that Auty rolls over his equipment from season to season without getting new bikes/gear. Judging by this season's photos of his equipment it seems that he is still using old gear. The bloke just clearly doesn't give two hoots about the sport and being professional and I'm surprised that it's taken this long for people to notice.

This is dangerous thinking. I'm assuming you've forgotten about David Nix, a young rider many years ago was suffering from concussion and was riding at conference league level for king's Lynn, he blacked out on track and died as a result. Riders should 100% not be allowed to ride with an existing concussion. It's just not worth the risk.

I'm a little ashamed to ask this but what's the deal with the sombreros and Belle Vue?

Track covers can actually do more harm than good. They'll essentially make the track "sweat" and bring all the underground moisture to the surface. Once the covers come off and the track is open to the elements, that water will make the top surface like glass. I understand people think that covers keep the rain off the track which they do, but the underground moisture is just a big an issue than rain water.

I did a training school with Olle (what was probably) 16/17 years ago at Kings Lynn as part of his 'sliding school' programme. Lovely bloke, very approachable and supremely knowledgeable. He had time for everyone attending and it was a very enjoyable weekend!

it's funny you mention Ivan's training schools in this thread. I did one with Ivan WAAAAAY back in (what was probably) 2002 at Newport and I distinctly remember him telling me that if a rider gets a bit too close on the way to the first turn to 'give him a kick' and that will put him off on the way into the first corner

Bartosz Zmarzlik is coming in on a 3 point average I heard.

I for one wouldn't be happier to see Poole fall out of the playoffs. Year on year they find some way to bend the rules to suit them so it would be justice served if Ipswich knock them out this year

People keep saying 'we got a national stadium now' and 'it needs to be there'... You do realise its not going to house 40,000 people? The only way there will ever be a British GP not at Cardiff would be if sales dropped, or the principality said no.. 20 years on and I very much doubt that's going to change any time soon.

I'd just like to point out that the folks who were annoyed at zagar and iversen for qualifying for next year should get their coats

Is it mathematically impossible then? I've read a few times wolves may sneak in but nothing concrete.

A) he earned his rightful place in the GP therefore yes, he can. B) you do realise why he's not been in the GPs this year right? Show some compassion.