thebaron

Not great news on Ryan 4-6 weeks blooming de-rails his season that. Alex riding thru't pain barrier! We might be stretched using r/r; definitely better with a No1; but sure Ash will be on the gas and we will give it a go. Reserves; and Alex being race competative despite his bumps and bruises will be key.

Am I not liking what I am reading. If Speedway cannot sort its own house out; then there needs to be an independent enquiry into the whole operation of the sport before its too late. This has to take in rider safety as its No1 priority. Reading that Wilko has supposedly pulled out the meeting when his only bike blew up ? cannot think that this would have happened back in the day. Remembering when we used to wheel out the track spare at Odsal/Halifax if a rider had no bike. Or perish the thought your team mate lent you his!. I know the expense of these bikes these days might make you reluctant to loan a bike to a team mate. But this is supposed to be what we are A TEAM. I hope I am wrong; because I am not there and don't know first hand; but for someone who still actually believes in this sport; its disappointing to have to read it.

Man Down ! just watched Jarek Hampel go a purler in Gniezno sent full steam into the air fence ! no chance of bailing off - broken leg according to Poles team boss Cieslak !. Lindback was hellish lucky to get away with pulling a locker and being chucked over the bars and then the Russian nigh on t-bones Jonsson and piles into the fence. Its carnage out there every god damn time ! Will the last man standing please turn out the lights !

Man down ! Ryans cracked a vertebrae for gods sake ! Anyone heard how Alex is ? We are right out a luck you know. How longs this going to put Ryan out? Summats wrong with speedway with all these injuries. Back in the day you could welly it round Halifax or Exeter and play russian roulette with a steel fence, and still go through a season wit same 1-7 ! Not to mention going headlong in t'Romford Brooklands concrete homestraight wall and even over top into crowd and still get away with it !. There is something fundamentally wrong with speedway today bikes? tracks? air fences ? riders themselves ? Take your pick. Get well soon Ryan & Alex am right brassed off I tell you.

Firstly hope Ryan and Alex are ok; and Christian Henry Alex's looked the worst as Kerr just straightened in front of him and he had nowhere to go.Track looked real inviting for those wanting to get out in the dirt Trouble is most of our lot fancy the same bit of track!. Circa Ryan and Wilko and Ryan on his backside in Ht9 Rob made a point of that. Nike also going for the same bit of track Ht12 piles into Ryan. Am thinking for gods sake hes just arrived back from a bad injury! Be careful but thats speedway and we all wanna be going for it. Including Flyin Ryan. But Ben Barker was different class what a pass he made on Stevie Worrall going into turn two lap two! Ht10. Jeez he was literally sat on his shoulder as he sqeeeeeeezed it round. Chased him down like you would not believe. Then when he paired up with Benjamin Wilson in Ht13 shadowing him round on the outside to thwart Lindgren and his thumbs up to Ben W as he coaxed him to the finish. Ben Barker was the difference being able to go out and dictate races. Take out his points and go R/R and we dont go up to Rough with a 16pt advantage in the bag. Brilliant Ben a honoury Scorpion. Where we can and Rob hinted at this; if Ben wants to do it and can we need to book him as guest. Hes heading to Berwick Saturdays just call in Scunny Friday Ben on the way. Ben Wilson showed what we signed him for 12+2 with that great Ben-Ben 5-1 over Lindgren Ht13. Ben is like Lewis Blackbird/Gaz Irving a rider at reserve who can come in be effective in all his races. Full credit to the Diamonds though stretched to the limit with Henry down and the reserves worked solid all night. Top three Diamonds all sparkled and it was the two late 5-1s that opened the tie up a bit. All up to Rough Park then and everything to race for. Thoroughly enjoyed the meeting despite the enforced Sunny Scunny sun break! But we gotta be safe and we all understand this.

Wuff wuff wuff..

Game changer ! more than 10 in this for Scorps to take to Rough Park !

Think this will be a tough tie; if we can take 10pts to Rough Park I'll be happy with that. Should be more great action at the EWR and the forecast is sunny for Scunny.

I'll stick my neck out NBT and go as far as to say we can win this !

Yeah heard same me self; but if he fancied a skid reckon he might nab a few points ?

That was a real tough meeting against a team with three top riders Kurtz; Grajczonek and Worrall + a resurgent Leigh Lanham. I remember suggesting we look at Lanham last winter on a 4+ average and getting my understanding questioned but by the by. Paul Starke for Rebs at reserve is also a quality rider so further added to the level of difficulty for us. But you cannot fault Ryan straight into it 6 rides! or Ben who was up with it considering it was his first competitive racing for a while. Nike again is getting points and his heat 12 last ditch effort after Ryan came off was great to see. Wilko and Theo-carrying a foot injury were down on their recent efforts round Scunny so without a big hitter Rebs always had an answer. Did Josh say he might be two months out because if that was the case I might be thinking guest/rr is going to wear thin particularly the guest bit-state of riders available to call on ? Notice Plymouth have just redeclared with Todd Kurtz in-thinking ahead to our next match. Any chance we could get Brady in for us at St Boniface ? Hes actually lower than Josh in the aves. Dispite the scoreline the racing was again top draw with the Rebs exploiting the dirt line that bit more. But we go forward and I agree with management theres lots more to come from us once Ryan and Ben are up to speed again. But that No1 to go up against the like of Brady Kurtz and Grajczonek is the key what ever way we elect to sort it in the weeks ahead. Whats ex-Eagle and Nikes compatriot Timo Lahti doing over the next few weeks ? Could he do a job? sure all options are on the table. By the way enjoyed the 4TT second half with the Halifax Dukes coming out winners. Dave Speight again good value round the EWR and also Rob Shuttleworth for Stags. Really would like to see the Dukes find a home track over here in Halifax because theres plenty of riders at this level around here wanting competitive track time. If we could find some land like Scunny and get it up and running folks in Halifax would back it for sure. Would be great to have an National League team and more opportunity for some of these riders to develop. Up the Scorps and keep backing the team.

What a bloody fantastic advert that was for speedway last night. Alex Davies in Heat 4 WOAHHHHHH! hammer and tongs with the superb Rockets Lykke/Jacobson! ; but not content with that he goes and rides out is skin before "high siding" off the bike turn four; lap two Heat 11! - told you "the Thunder" is a real rider; he will be a bit sore this morning but revved about his efforts for sure. Josh; totalled it Heat10; looked alarming as he cart-wheeled into the air fence; he just ran out of room on the outside and again to me the bike is sucked into the bottom of the air bag and throws him off. Its a season staller for him is this; and if it is six weeks out; is a stretch to cover. Guests I suppose. We don't want to be throwing too much at Ryan either; we need him to settle in and remember he is coming back from injury. But the expectation is bound to be there. We need him but we need to be sensible with him. What to make of the changes; do I take it; that it is Ryan for David Howe; and Ben Wilson for Ellis?; I am perplexed by David Howe; why has it all gone so quiet; he does not appear to be around on race nights; you might expect that he would be as skipper; is this some sort of sabbatical for him and he's standing down. He rode himself back to No1 last season for us; and rider of the year for me; so to me a fit David Howe can play a big part. I am confused. Ellis; come on what chance has he had?; I said I wanted us to stick with the team and now it seems Ben Wilson is in for Ellis. Personally I think there is a lot to come from Ellis and we will realise that when he's hitting scores elsewhere. So I am not sure about this one. Did not like what the centre green chap said about Matty O last night; "he's out of his depth at this level" get blooming lost fella no way was Matty off the pace in the races with Kennett and the superb Jacobsen (he going to be a rider) in Heats 13/14 !. We were all less than pleased he said that over the mike. He always gives 100%; bloody hell; if Wilko had covered him in Heat 14 he is efforts getting out in front of Lykke and Aspegren might have paid off. Superb Matty and take absolutely zero notice of the what was a bang out of order comment. Rob: have a word ! with the mike muppet. and another word we might do well to have is one with the Scorpions Go To Rider; Nicolai Klindt - fancy six weeks cover work fella ? Keep backing the team ! so much going on track last night I was struggling to keep my eyes on it! - thanks to all the riders and the management for serving it up.

Scorps top four will need be on it; Konopka might dig out something;hes clearly a trier;witness his efforts at Glasgow last night. Having gained points at Rye; we dont want to be chucking them away again at home. Kennett might go through the card! Anders sure to be amongst the points. An interesting evening lies ahead.

Great two points last night at Rye Arse; and agree entirely about the reshuffle; when Ryan fly's in May 22 but its a great problem to have and one that the Management are going to have to box clever with. Theo's been top notch this far; and is a really good technical rider; and safe; always looks for the right line and is in full control when he's out there. Wilko's been everything you would ask of him and Alex Davies will just go on getting better and better. Josh is non-negotiable; as Mr Excitement. In fact the team is actually doing what it said on the tin; producing some great action; albeit we have gone down three times at the EWR!. So this is a dilemma; I am 100% a David Howe supporter but the injury reoccurring is a concern; and we need him back and fit and as soon as possible. At this stage we have our ace to play with Ryan on his way; and then for sure this is a difficult decision. Nike is doing well; visiting tracks for the first time; and would be picking up more in my view if he was on better machinery?. Ellis has not really got into his stride; but he is a talent for sure. So do I not envy the Management making this call; but all the riders can do is keep doing their utmost and lets see where we are come the end of the month, But interesting times are ahead at Scunny for sure.

Blooming superb Rory Schlein in for GB !. This should be standard any Aussie or NZ rider part of the Queens Commonwealth should be eligible for GB!thats how it used to be. Back in the day we used have Ivan; Briggo, Ronnie in a GB jacket and smashed em all out of sight We need to expand this so Rosco needs to explore more avenues to get Roos into GB jackets!. With a fully fledged Right Govt now firmly in place I expect to see scrapping of Visa requirements for Commonwealth sportsmen and a full merger of all Anzac riders into the GB pool. Speedway implements UKIP policy straight off! I love it. Roscos a top man.

Alex Davies was absolutely awesome yesterday; hitting the dirt and tearing through to the front. 15 blooming points and top scorer "get in!". Ok we came unstuck 40-50 but lets be fair Monarchs had three out and out top points men in Cooky; SaM and Wolbert that's race wins. That outside gate worked time and again for who ever was on it mind. But the racing was great; and not too down about it really we don't come up against the Monarchs every match. Josh, Wilko; Nike and Theo were all in there battling; but with a man down and Matty O coming in to it a bit cold; we were running out of options a bit at the end. Nike's two minute exclusion in Heat 11? think the ref was wrong on that; and Rob was rightly frustrated. But it did not alter the final outcome. Its not what we need another home reverse; the crowd seemed fairly decent for Bank Holiday Monday; but all must have enjoyed the action served up. Stags v Dukes NL Challenge had some good racing; Wayne Carter could still do a job in the Conference; or dare I say it PL! in my humble opinion. Very unlucky to cut out; when a second was all the Dukes needed. Nice to see the famous race jacket back on track. David Speight was great to watch; had me worried at one point though hanging off the back of the bike and heading for the airbag turn one!. Great skill to control it and avoid a big bash!. Enjoyed the afternoon; and ended a great weekend for me; with the Daughter getting married all very memorable. Heads up Scorps and onto Rye House next Saturday. Keep backing the team. Anyone know how much we raised towards Nike's engine repairs? R

Is this right that we have replaced Ellis already?; come on for goodness sake what chance has he had to get dialled in proper and in his first full season?. I realise we will have a decision to make anyway when Ryan rocks up 22 May. I said we should stick by the team and let it develop. If we can fit in the likes of a Todd Kurtz; then fair does but feel sorry for Perks if this is the case. When's Howie back; will he be fit for Monday next?

Not worried; although would have liked to win this; to avoid another home defeat; particularly seeing as Rob said "crowds crap". Another great show from Theo Pjiper 10 from four rides; and could have been more but for; missing Ht15 having been hit by a flying stone in the eye. Wilko's Ht14 "match race" scrap with Matej Kus was a highlight. As ever Wilko's always pressing where ever he finds himself in the race; and there is no easy ride for the opposition. Josh by his own admission should have settled for second in Ht15 but was "locked on to" Teddy Bjerre; tries to squeeze past at speed and totals it into turn three on lap three! - alarming; but he's up and walks away thankfully. Brave stuff Josh brave stuff. Nike was way down on power and his Ht2 crash; crikey how close did he come to collecting Ben Morley coming up fast behind !. Alex seems to take two Hts to dial in; but gets a win Ht9 and a 5-1 with Wilko; it is early days and I am sticking by my firm belief Alex will prove a great signing. I was pleased to see Anders Mellgren in Scunny colours as guest for Howie; he showed what me missed out on last season; and for me will always be welcome. Lasse "Teddy" Bjerre was quick of the starts after his first ride; and Tommy Gun was always a great choice as guest for them. Graversen we know about; he's a bit of a spoiler; not great technique but nicks points off better riders. I like Konopka who is honest enough and seems to be developing. Kus is very unpredicatable. I read Bears fans are not too happy with things at the moment; but this win had some positives for them. Lets not take anything away from the opposition; they made a fight of it; fair play. Thing is don't get carried away; very early days and we still have our "Ace" to play; listen to Rob he has a cunning plan. On to Edinburgh and back for the return week Monday at the EWR. Get behind the team.

What a meeting last night really really enjoyed the racing; it has some key ingredients ; Nike Lunna living up to his billing from the off ! his fearless charge around the fence to grab first on the line in Heat 2 really got the night rocking. Then the Scorpions treating us to a long forgotten Speedway Art - the TEAM RIDE ! Howe-Pjiper Heat6; Davies-Wilko-Heat9; Howe-Auty-Heat13 and then Ellis Perks jumps out Heat14 and Wilkos covering his back all the way. The Heat times evidenced the Scops attempts to tactically slow the race down and ride together; its brilliant that the lads used this tactic because it always was part of the sport; but has got forgotten down the years in the chase for more power more speed. On Theo; he did well at Redcar and again last night. I like Theo already; he's got bags of experience and track craft. I like the Howe-Pijper pairing two vastly experienced riders who compliment each other on track; and clear can build a trust. Also Wilko-Davies. All those coming on with concerns about Alex - told you he's a good rider; needed track time. As he told Rob last night; he has had to sit it out for a year; and he needs to dial back in. He's a hard rider is Alex (always a threat with Somerset) and rides intelligently. Wilko; you just know the race is never over; he'll be all over it first or last. So another good pairing. Nike Lunna; its hard to come in an live up to your hype; his reputation as a thrill merchant; the blonde mop; crowd pleaser. But you know what he only pulls it off! In Speedway there have been riders; where you think to yourself...got to see this because something's going to happen ! . Well Lunna is one of those riders; "no guts no glory" approach to it. Hells teeth in Heat12 he was really going for it on that outside before he "air bagged" in line with his reputation. But he has all the skills; so you trust him; he is in control and knows where he is going. But fearless he surely is and an entertainer. I knew somebody who used to give me the same vibe; Kenny Carter. Just like KC; Lunna is a rider who you would pay attention to and go to watch even if he was not riding for the Scorpions. Kenny had that affect. Josh entertaining as ever; Ellis Perks showing he is competitive with a great second in Heat14. David Howe showing his quality and experience; leading by example with what could have been a 15 point max!. David's last in Heat10 might easily have been a first; the race was a blanket on all four riders at time. Then to crown it off the last heat home 5-1 from David and Josh to send everyone home talking about it. Rob's bob on with this team; it will give us a load of entertainment this season at the EWR. And....we still have our Ace to play when Ryan's back. So on to Berwick tonight; would have loved to go up and watch but; after Redcar and last night confident we can stick together as a team and do well in both meetings. I have Monday off; so I might try and get to Rough Park tomorrow; I am really fired up after last night. COME ON YOU SCORPS. and well done to all the Management & Staff for putting on such a great meeting on a superb race track.

Plenty of positives for me in last nights meeting. Davies - looking like Alex Davies! some real determined racing for 6 solid points. He's a real hard rider is Davies; always rated him at Somerset. He is one of those riders who comes up with valuable points in the middle order and borders on a heat leader when he's on it. Its difficult to take a year off and then hit the ground running. Davies will come up trumps. Pijper - out the gate and great effort in Heat 8 as the Scorps came back into it; and then again in Heat 11 after a titanic scrap with Bjerre to the line!. Theo might be here longer; even when Ryans back and he will be another trump card. Wilko;- again excellent in Heat7 for the 8-1 with Davies; no shortage of commitment in all his races. Lunna - lots of expectation; but two meetings in and for me; its about getting to grips with things; gating needs to sharpen up! but when it does he's got the track craft in spades to sort this league out. He is only going to get better and better. Ellis - zero score; totally out of it in Heat 6 but his other three races were on the pace; again he just needs to get to grips with it and he will be a rider. Josh - all action; all the time; its the gating that catches him out; but he's full value coming from the behind and attacking it! This can be a big year. David - seemed to have some mechanical problems and never got into the meeting; but he has all the know how(e) to sort things out. Lets give the guys a bit of space to get into the season; two meetings 10 days apart tells me nothing other than it is too long to be with out a meeting !

Shads your reet on one thing it aint 1940 but if you cant market Lunna then it would be embarassing I make no apologies for pitching a real bit of easy marketing. Vote Monster Raving Lunna because I dont reckon theres much else worth worth voting for. Now if I said I were voting Liebore thats embarassing !

Took no time at all to come up with that. Its like Johnnie Hoskins used to do in 40s-50s if folks wernt talkin about the speedway or there was no news; then just make summat up that gets them talking.

Fed up of political parties saying the same old things ?;Brassed off with Millipede and the Scots Crankies ? Then there is an alternative VOTE MONSTER RAVING LUNNA!. If I were promoting Scunny I would get a big all action colour shot of Nike Lunna and jam it on a campaign bill board with Monster Raving Lunna all over it. Big megaphone and cart it round Scunny & surrounding areas; spreading the Scunthorpe Speedway manefesto. Never been a better time to do it!; knock out a manefesto leaflet; big rosettes; stickers;all decked out in Lunna race livery; wigs and it will certainly grab attention and get folk talking. Folks are expecting to see and hear all the usual clap trap from the main political parties but the ain't expecting to see this! Its just easy publicity by hijacking the General Election theme. So Get Out And Vote! Vote Scunthorpe Speedway ! Vote Monster Raving Lunna Screaming Lord Clutch.

Blooming belter of an issue; always love the way it "thuds" as it hits the mat - annual event now; there's only the Speedway Star March pre-season issue that makes that noise ! the Grattans Catologue issue is what I always call it. Congratulations to all involved; and in these days of being short changed; Speedway Star definitely not short changing any of us.

Talk about rush to judgement; did you watch the Scorps 2014? DH Rider of the Year; a Scunny Legend ! Come on get a grip for Gods sake.