PHILIPRISING

HOW did you arrive at that figure? And, who in your opinion, is the recipient of the three million quid? A daily newspaper ...how can you compare that with a weekly publication? And are you seriously suggesting that Speedway Star appeases to a higher power?

WHETHER or not it is in the public's interest to know how much Sky are paying is debatable but if neither party are prepared to divulge the information that is their prerogative whether we like it or not. STILL the better option and would not have wrecked Havvy's night...

THINK you will find UK speedway appearing on various days of the week rather than essentially Mondays during the up-coming season... their summer schedule is quite light.

DOESN'T need SS to underline that Havvy is the innocent victim here and, as I have posted elsewhere, is simply a gigantic BSPA cock-up...

ACTUALLY doesn't seem there is much to investigate in my view. Seems like a typical British speedway cock-up. Doubt whether there is any sinister motive behind it that insightful reporting is likely to uncover. The piper calls the tune, Sky stage soccer matches on nights of their choosing so why not speedway? The BSPA/Go Speed whoever should simply have told Sky that in this instance it wasn't possible to have and screen the ELC on March 21 because of Garry Havelock's pre-arranged testimonial. They could have gone for a week later, might even have been able to tie in with GP riders assembling in London on the 30th to fly to New Zealand. The actual terms of the new Sky deal (how much they are paying) is a matter for the BSPA and SKY and unless either is prepared to reveal the sums involved (which they are not) that's how it will stay. But there is plenty more in the interview we are carrying with Terry Russell (sorry, does that constitute another free ad?) next week.

WE have been been and never will be an official mouthpiece for the BSPA ... suggest that to anyone at Rugby and they would probably choke with laughter.

"WEATHER in England in March is more or less assured" ... haven't laughed so much since Morecambe and Wise were on our TV screens

MAYBE not quite that far ... grapevine suggests the meeting (involving four champions from Denmark, GB, Poland and Sweden) might be held in Poland... where else! Lots of discussions and dis-agreements currently taking place.

TERRY Russell and Go Speed represent the BSPA in their negotiations with Sky so obviously not cut out of the loop. Not sure where you (The Pedaler) came up with 40% commission. The arrangement between Go Speed and the BSPA is freely entered into so whatever rights TR has he is entitled to under the terms of his contract which quite rightly is not something either party will want to divulge to the public at large. Why should they? With regards to your last paragraph (Pedaler again) regarding amongst other things Speedway Star regurgitating press releases... you obviously don't even read Speedway Star so I won't waste my mind commenting on your latest diatribe. I am very proud of Speedway Star, never more so than this week. The feature on Tai Woffinden is journalism of the highest class and in my humble opinion could not be bettered in any publication.

THANKS for the info ... must admit I had no idea that is why SS had to hold fire THOUGHT you didn't like fixes! Sorry, only joking...

BUT if Buckley wants Bunyan, which he does, then the MNZ, FIM and BSI will go along with it

NO but shouldn't be too long ... just need to get all their ducks in a row

GOT there in the end and, as suspected, Sky wanted to lump it in with other deals. Just disappointed that they and the BSPA wouldn't sanction a release in Speedway Star today. There will be interviews with Terry Russell, Nigel Pearson and Kelvin Tatum next week.

WOULDN'T disagree but Buckley sees great value in having a 'local' man on site NOW and readily available for publicity, promotional events running up to April 5th. It's his call. Jason may not cut the mustard on the track but he is very articulate and media savvy off it. Not ideal but not the end of the world either.

SPOKE to BSI this morning ... still a few minor details to settle regarding media deals, etc, so a further delay but shouldn't be too long before tickets are available

FANTASTIC (can say this because I wasn't involved) features on Tai in this week's Speedway Star... anyone who still isn't a fan will be after reading them

WILL see what I can find out but doubt whether it will be any time soon

WORLD Champion Tai Woffinden on his way from Perth (Australia) to Auckland to take part in some pre Grand Prix publicity events. Might not sound or look very far but near seven hour flight and across three time zones. Just enough example of how hard Tai is prepared to work as speedway's premier ambassador right now.

TA...

SHOULD have been on the SS thread ... have apologised elsewhere. Mind you, unaware that I am not allowed to comment on SS content on here.

POSTED this in error on the Sky deal thread ... meant for here IN response to those who suggest there is nothing in SS that cannot be found elsewhere ... our winter Best of British series has proved tremendously popular and this week's spotlight on Tai Woffinden is outstanding. Deputy Editor Andrew Skeels, who hails from Scunthorpe and occasionally 'spannered' for Rob Woffinden, has done an excellent job, delving into his intimate knowledge of the family, and Peter Oakes has weighed in with a piece on Peter Adams and his role with the current World Champion. There is also an excellent feature on the demise of the Isle of Wight and a lengthy interview with Garry Stead. In answer to the query about readers' letters ... over the past two months SS received on average around six per week. We are considering using some that do not find their way into SS to be included in Speedway Star Xtra, which is currently attracting around 2500 hits per week.

IN response to those who suggest there is nothing in SS that cannot be found elsewhere ... our winter Best of British series has proved tremendously popular and this week's spotlight on Tai Woffinden is outstanding. Deputy Editor Andrew Skeels, who hails from Scunthorpe and occasionally 'spannered' for Rob Woffinden, has done an excellent job, delving into his intimate knowledge of the family, and Peter Oakes has weighed in with a piece on Peter Adams and his role with the current World Champion. There is also an excellent feature on the demise of the Isle of Wight and a lengthy interview with Garry Stead. In answer to the query about readers' letters ... over the past two months SS received on average around six per week. We are considering using some that do not find their way into SS to be included in Speedway Star Xtra, which is currently attracting around 2500 hits per week.

NOTHING in SS this week on Sky TV deal ... we have again had to hold an interview with Terry Russell because Sky refuse to say anything publicly although off the record info says it will still be this week. Frustrating or what?

I THINK you will find that Sky, for one, weren't interested in showing Polish speedway - or any speedway come to that - on a Sunday afternoon or evening. And, of course, they would have had to add an English commentary, etc.

ACTUALLY don't know whether that will be the case or not ... last time I spoke to SS office today they were still waiting for official confirmation which may not have been forthcoming before press time. NOT far away either... EXACTLY!