PHILIPRISING

NO. I repeat that the only way to fully rectify the track issues at Poole is a major overhaul, back to the base, a complete rebuild. I also understand that in the current climate that prevails over speedway as a whole (see Mediman) this is financially impossible. But without a decent (at least) track it is hard to provide the sport of entertainment that we all know speedway can and which would undoubtedly help increase attendances.

HAD huge respect for Tony Millard, a long time friend, but his gaffs were legendary, as has been the case with many high profile commentators, including Murray Walker over the years. An aside, Murray once had to comment on the Internationale at Wimbledon for the BBC. One camera in middle of the centre green alongside Murray with me there to help identify the riders ... speedway wasn't his strong point. We all went round in circles until we were dizzy. Believe me, things have got better!

THERE is a lot of utter rubbish spouted on here but this one probably takes the biscuit... congratulations

IT has

FOR SGP/SON events, BSI provide the TV coverage including commentary. BT cover their own studio with Natalie and Scott. For domestic speedway, the TV production company are provided with a budget to cover all costs including those of Natalie, Kelvin and Nigel.

BUT it is the promoters who don't want freedom of movement and rely on the assets system.

CANNOT argue with any of that but the fact is that good tracks produce good racing and bad tracks bad racing. If every racing surface was like Belle Vue at one end of the scale or Scunthorpe at the other chances are speedway attendances, despite all the other issues, would be greater than they are now.

WHY would you have to pay a transfer fee for a rider who has no contract? Riders move around quite freely in Poland and Sweden once their contracts have expired.

AND if they had been complaints when and where would you have heard them?

TV is a vital component of major (hopefully international speedway still falls into that category) sport and whenever possible they require that an event goes down to the wire. Having an event where the result is known halfway through is literally a turn-off.

CHRIS may have his passport back and be able to enter the UK but as yet we don't know whether he has a work visa. My knowledge of track preparation is probably zero but wiser heads than me (not difficult) say that the only way to fully rectify the problems at Poole is to start from scratch.

BEEN called many things but never cute. Was trying to point out, unsuccessfully it seems, how tough the working conditions at Teterow were and will be again for KT and NP.

WHEN was I making an excuse for Teterow?

IAN, Brian Larner and Wally Mawdsley went to California. I was there. Basically told Ole that if he signed they would immediately sell him to Coventry. Already had talked Briggo into coming out of retirement for a season with Hull.

ONE would hope so. The deal with the BSPA is for two years which may help.

ALSO think they have got the pricing wrong.

ABSOLUTELY ... 15 grand I believe.

SORRY no. I know you have misgivings about the SON, as do I, but have heard nothing but good reports about the racing at the NSS this year so, unlike Teterow, worth going.

LINDGREN v Woffinden might just add to that ... might also attract a few Wolves fans who are missing seeing their former top two in live action.

YOU may be right. I wasn't making excuses for Teterow, just pointing out that providing the TV from there is fraught with problems.

STILL a big hole on turns 1/2 apparently

CANNOT make riders go where they don't want to... although British speedway used to do that with the old rider control. Ole Olsen to Hull springs to mind.

BUT he is in a studio. KT and NP have to speak non-stop for the duration because there are no breaks in the world feed coverage. Teterow is particularly testing because the commentary position is poor. In fact they cannot see riders coming off the fourth bend. And being outside it is very noisy plus having talk-back in one ear and the director in the other.

SAME graphics guys as SGP

BUT it wasn't the same teams competing for an accumulated score with a result only on the second day.