tomcat

What a cracking result for Team GB and also British speedway. Agreed, not the best racing to start, but the scores kept the meeting interesting and the fans on the edge of their seats. Sorry Aussie boys, but thats what you get for being arrogant. After Stead was excluded, they were all walking about laughing and then that display in front of Holders helmet cam... what a bunch of pillocks. As the saying goes, It Aint Over Til The Fat Lady Sings, but you obviously hadn't heard that one. Had Crump and Adams been there tonight, they wouldn't have let that kind of behaviour happen, of that I'm sure. Apart from that, the Aussies were pretty darned good. Roo Boy looked out of sorts and Batchelor wasn't having one of his better nights either, but Watt did ok, Holder the same and Ward will learn that in any World Championship speedway meeting, the riding his always going to be hard. They'll learn from tonight and won't make the same mistake again with the cockiness, of that I'm certain. And what about Tai...woofy woofy woofy.... Now lets see people say he isn't British... rode his socks off all night, took a hit for the cause, stood in the pits with his GB team mates and then was seen singing the National Anthem at the end.... How the heck can anyone question his committment now. Even when he realised that he had lost the point to Ward on his slow down lap, just see the reaction.... he was gutted. Just so chuffed for the whole team tonight. Maybe we won't win the thing, but at least we're in the Final and you have to be in it to win it. Go Team GB....

Well, maybe people could actually write letters of support, via the e-mail given on page one of this thread, to RDC. I've already e-mailed Dave Coventry and hope that others will do the same. It is a sorry state of affairs, but its the club that needs support, not any promoter. As I put in my e-mail and its also mentioned on here by someone else, anyone purchasing or renting a property near a Motorsports stadium HAS to be informed that one is nearby. We had just this situation at Ipswich, some years ago, when they built a new housing estate along the Foxhall Road, towards the Town. The Estate Agents were correctly telling buyers that the stadium was there, but and this was the laughable part, they told the buyers that it would be gone within 3 years. Well, hey ho, something like a decade or so later and Ipswich speedway and the stockcars are still there. So, this mystery complainer HAD to be informed of the Mildenhall Stadium, what was run there and when, so they had a blinking choice. The really really stupid and daft thing about all this is, the Airbase. How much more noise can something make than that?? As for Villigeidiot and his son, I really am saddened to read that you are owed money by the current promotion, something that is most definitely not on. I hope you get whats owed, sooner rather than later and your lad gets to continue with his racing career.

Crikey, this issue is pretty darned good, even if I do say so myself. Simmo doesn't pull any punches does he and he is absolutely right in what he has to say, as is Bruce Penhall. Shame that some of our younger forum members didn't get the chance to see our beloved sport in the 70's and 80's, as a few You Tube clips really don't do it justice I am afraid. As the topic seemed to be on tracks in the Simmo piece, I just watched the replay of the 2009 WTC Final on Sky, as todays opening round fell victim to the weather. Take the track as it was at the start of that meeting and you will get an idea of how tracks were back in the day. There is a thread on the General Discussions page on here, re tracks and it makes quite interesting reading, with one or two people seeing what others have been saying for a long time now. Tracks are way too slick and those arguing that todays engines can't handle dirt have had that argument well and truly blown out of the water. The track for last years WTC Final had dirt a plenty, grip and was obviously well watered to start, due to the rain the previous day and during the night. Those riders willing to attack it got their rewards, those that ponced about got nothing, but it did show that even todays laydowns could handle the dirt, it was down to throttle control and riding ability, until it became slicker towards the latter part of the meeting. Anyway, I await the usual attacks, but you cant deny what was there in front of your eyes people and as I have said a few times on the Way Ahead thread, sometimes you have to look at the past to move the sport forwards. Also read the very good thread on the 70's on here too.... what happened to our sport? Like many others, I too loved getting things like the Rosettes, badges, patches and having a hand painted proggy board. Bearing in mind I was just a pimply kid back then, I came across a really nice ornage pullover, which soon had me sewing black tiger stripes on, which I proudly donned to meetings, which I attended via the Speedway Special (Bus) from Felixstowe, I also used to ride to meetings on my racing bike, pedalling to and from Witnesham, which was a fair old haul for a kid back then. The fun aspect has gone from the sport and it really is all about who has the most money now, both from the riders and promoters point of view, which is pretty sad really. TMc... Keep up the fantastic work and Thankyou for enabling me and many others, to enjoy what we deemed to be the heyday of British speedway, although others will deem the 60's and before as the best, but to us, the 70's were it...

Well Howdy neighbour...We've been here 5 years now. Yep, itch well and truly scratched now.

As did mine... talk about great timing. Salty... are you the poster who is in Belfast? Just asking as in Lisburn myself mate. I'm always pleasantly surprised as to the amount of NI folk that have a good knowledge of speedway, even one of my friends from the world of WW2 Living History is in the STR and regularly rides in the Men In Black races. He's another of us English folk that came over to this fair and pleasant Country and enjoys being here very much. Anyway, at least I have my Backtrack fix now... loving it so far. Managed to get through the Mike Lee pieces before wifey started, will read the rest when I finally get to bed...

I'm getting withdrawal symptoms here... need my Backtrack fix... Please.

As expected..... and as usual, where are the Moderators?

Being one of those that was 'Incensed' at your anti Gollob post, I have to say that it takes a real man to come on here an post the above, for that I commend you. If the truth be told, we're probably a lot alike, in that we wear our hearts on our sleeves. Good for you for taking the time to post and Gollob was something special Saturday, but that EF robbed him of the chance to lay his Cardiff hoodoo to rest, although 12 points went a long way to achieving that anyway. Glad you had a grand time at Cardiff, funny enough, my lad asked me about us going next year.... have to see how the pennies go for a while...maybe we'll fly over. That would be my first live speedway for over 5 years, as we don't have any speedway at all over here, just road racing, Moto X and Trials riding, none of which float my boat at all. Anyhoooo... well done.

Just for information... The Torun advertsisng on the GP race jackets is because Torun will be the European City of Culture for 2011 I believe. The advertising space on the race jackets is there for any company to bid on, which says to me that Torun offered to pay the most to have their name on them, quite simple really. The individual GP meeting sponsors are normally placed on the front fork covers of each and every rider taking part in said GP, including the two track reserves, add the meeting sponsors are also placed on the centre green and airfence normally, then they get plenty of coverage. I saw the Royal Navy logo plastered all along the safety fence, particularly on the home straight at Cardiff. The original post just comes across as anti Polish to be honest. Just be Thankful that our current coallition Goverment didn't get the chance to bid for the race jacket coverage, just imagine seeing Cameron and his dull sidekick splashed over them all season long....

Cheers for the update. Sorry I didn't see this sooner, as once again the Mods have seen fit to remove my original thread and not inform me.... Be nice if they actually told the instigator of threads, A: The reason for moving them and B: Where they have moved them to. Glad that Kenneth is going to be fit to take his place at Cardiff. Also looking forward to seeing the whole thing on Sky Saturday evening. Can't see the GB 1,2,3 that the Sky team kept going on about somehow, but at least one Brit on the Podium would be nice. Also got my fingers crossed that a certain Mr Gollob finally lays his Cardiff hoodoo to rest, this HAS to be his year for the main title. Can't quite believe that I'm actually enjoying a GP series this much, but then the racing has been far better this year, whether that is down to the track preperation, or that the riders have upped their game somewhat, either way, its a closer and more exciting title race this year. Roll On Saturday.

Does anyone know how the Mighty Midget is after his spill at Eastbourne on Monday? That was an awful looking fall onto his left wrist and with the subsequent icepack being applied, I wondered if he is going to be fit enough to race on Saturday. Be a shame if he missed out at Cardiff as I reckon he will be there, or there abouts for the Title come the end of the GP series. So...does anyone know how he is? Cheers, TomCat

First of all, I'm glad that Noddy isn't seriously hurt. Despite what the children on here say, he is a talent on a speedway bike and definitely shut me up, as I was one of a few that thought he may struggle. Also glad that the other fallers were all able to walk away unscathed too. Lets be fair here, several riders hit that bad patch/hole and had the bike leap up and out of control. And anyone that understands the characteristics of a speedway bike will know, that unlike a conventional bike, when the power comes away from the rear wheel, it grips and drives, which makes the bike unpredictable to handle. Hitting a rut/hole or unexpected dirt will make the thing go nuts and even the best rider can struggle to hold onto it. Yes, I know Bjerre etc rode through the rut/hole, but they didn't collect it in as big a way as Holder and Mzrocka did. I have never been fan of the GP series, but this year is starting to sway that towards a liking, as the racing has been far and away the best to date. The tracks have been pretty well prepared, whether they have been slick or have had dirt on them, which shows that if you have someone that knows what they are doing, then good close exciting racing will happen. Its great to see the younger riders starting to excel, showing the old guard that their time at the top is nearing its end. Holder, as I said above, has impressed me thus far. Hampel, although not exactly new to the GP scene, has started the season on fire. Emil the Russky was doing well, until that nasty accident and arm break, Woofy is getting there, slowly but surely and the evergreen youngster Zorro.. is proving he was well worth his qualification. How about Greg Hancock and his superb show of sportsmanship, loaning Zorro a steel show for his last ride. As always, Grin is the ultimate professional. Nice to see Tomasz on top of the pile, lets hope he stays there this time, as the last time he was in this position, he got hurt badly and missed the chance to win the top prize. I actually felt sorry for Nicki P tonight, that was an awful crash and like everyone else, I expected to hear he had broken something, such was the impact with the track. IMHO, it was a 50/50 call, as to who was at fault for that and it was a shame that anyone had to be disqualified, but someone has to go and it was Nicki that copped the short straw. Jonsson looks like he is struggling in a big way at the moment, don't know if its down to the man himself or his machinery, but he looks down on power at times. Holta is the one thats an accident waiting to happen. Over riding, chucking his bike at other riders and looking increasingly desperate at times. One to forget for Harris this time, but I feel sure that he will raise his game for Cardiff... as will Woofy and Scotty too. As for the Ref.... yet another of the FIM's 'From the list of Plonker Refs' Medzienski(sp) should have never been excluded for that obvious first bend bunching incident... thought a couple of his calls on dead heat situations were dodgy too, but then I wasn't in line with the finish line, sitting in my lounge watching it on Sky. Well, here's hoping that Cardiff is just as good and may a Brit win it for us in its 10th year.

And you make me ashamed to be an Ipswich Witches supporter. Gollob is not an animal, AJ left the gap, Gollob went for it, AJ then decided he didn't want to play and down he went. Gollob was in front at the point of the alleged contact and was turning left into the corner. It could have gone either way. The absolute garbage you have spouted on here is shameful at best. I don't know how much speedway you have seen in your life, but this turning left business happens a lot, so why you single out Gollob and for an incident that happened in another meeting, is beyong me. Nicki Pedersen IS the worst of the dirty riding culprits, FACT. Gollob has had more than his fair share of incidents too, so I'm not claiming he is whiter than white, Hans Andersen is another, AJ can stick it about a bit too, when he gets desperate and so the list could go on and on..... The fact of the matter is, it happened, regardless of who was involved, at fault etc, the meeting is now over, the result stands and the official records will show that Tomasz Gollob won the Czech GP 2010. You need to move on and enjoy life... too much anger aimed at one individual is not healthy...

Have to congratulate Tony Mc and his staff, fantastic edition. Thoroughly enjoyed each and every part. Keep up the good work, I'm hooked and loving it.

To say I am shocked is an understatement. I had no idea that Jean was so ill, or had been so for so long. Jean PM'd me on here a few weeks back, about a comment I posted on a Mildenhall thread, which tickled her a bit, we then had a few chats via PM re the club and so on, which brought about a friendship, albeit online. A wonderful lady and will be sadly missed here. Keep strong Ray and sincere Condolences to you and your family. RIP Jean, one of a kind.

I see the Hans Andersen/Chris Harris debate is ongoing with gusto. Sorry, but you have to be blind not to see Andersen come under Bombers arm and physically push upwards. Anyone that couldn't see that needs to get a very quick eye test sorted, and I'm not in anyway a Bomber Harris fan as far as the GP's go. Look at how Crump executed the self same pass a few heats later, clean and safe. And as for Tatums comments, he never had the gonads to even consider such a move, let alone actually try it and he too needs to get his head out of his backside and start commenting on what actually happened, not what he thought happened. Likewise Huewen in the studio.... "Nice to see no crashes tonight"... what GP was he watching? Harris had to bail off, or he wouldn't be racing much more this season, thats a certainty. You only have to look at Andersens reaction when interviewed, if he seriously thought he was the innocent party, he would have been kicking up a heck of a fuss. He knows he was at fault, hence no real argument. Brave attempt by Andersen, but he misjudged it and that was that. Shame the weather ruined the first part tonight, but a huge Well Done to ALL of the riders tonight, for getting on with it. Congrats to Bjerre, who certainly looks a class act right now and how about Zorro, not quite the spare part that many predicted.

Absolutely agree with your good self and Trees. I laugh my socks off at some of the younger posters on here, they think they know everything about speedway, but if they could have seen how the sport was run in those past days, maybe they wouldn't be so damn smug. The trouble is, they see a couple of clips from past years on YouTube and think thats it. There was so much more to our sport and unfortunately the younger generation just will not see, or accept, that there is much to be learn't from those Golden Days. Mind you, its not just speedway thats a Money orientated, win at all costs thing. I just had the best laugh in years this past weekend. I run a small WW2 Living History group, we try to do many of our shows for little or no fee. There is a former club of mine, who charge ridiculous amounts for even the smallest show, but they came unstuck this time. Approached the Royal British Legion, who have their 90th Anniversary next year, to do a show for them. The Legion Secretary asked how much they charge, when told the figure, which I am reliably told was near £2,000 for an afternoon, they were politely told where to get off. We have been contacted by the same guy at the Legion, our fee? Absolutely 100% free. The whole point of what we do is to honour those that fought in any conflict, although our particular area of interest is WW2. How on earth the other lot can justify charging our Veterans that amount is beyond me and also disrespects the memory of those that have fallen. Sorry, that was off topic, but I had to share that with someone, as it made my day.

As it was in the 70's too. The competition still had a lot of prestige for the riders and fans. What also made it special was that some unfancied riders could come along and take the Helmet from a more established rider. Unfortunately, my era's for the Golden helmet are a complete reverse of yours, I never saw the 50's or 60's as I didn't come along until 1963, my first meeting was when Ipswich re-opened in 1969. But I've heard many many stories about the way speedway was back then. I get called a dinosaur on here, but oh for those days back again.

Exactly Old Saint, my sentiments to a tee. What I want to say doesn't always come out well on these forums... Just thinking back to those match races brings back some cracking memories.

Only now getting around to commenting on Saturdays GP. Got to be one of the best I have seen in many a year. The track looked great from start to finish, plenty of close and hard racing, plus plenty of passing..... Do we miss Ole Olsen.... do we heck... Hopefully the rest of the series will be somewhere near as good. Well done Tony O, for allowing the local track staff to do it their way, as was mentioned on Sky during the programme. Well Done to Crumpy.. If thats how you ride when not fully fit, God help the rest when you are 100% fit. Pleasantly surprised by Chris Harris, but then we all know that when there is some grip on the track, he can compete and do well. Young Tai will have learn't a lot from that I would imagine, so we should see some improvement as the series goes along. I thought Chris Holder did particularly well and again, he surprised me, as I really didn't think he would be able to live with the top boys in his first year. And how good was it to see the so called also rans stuff the long time GP stars. Nicki P running lasts, Gollob struggling and so on. Maybe they got caught out, expecting ultra slick conditions, as per past years and surprise surprise, its grippy. Anyway, thoroughly enjoyed the racing and looking forward to round two in a couple of weeks time.

Hi BritMet, The best of 3, home and away, is the best format I ever saw. And having those match races opening a meeting, was and still is, the best buzz I got at speedway. Although the idea that your own top rider held the helmet was the tops, it was in fact the whole match race scenario that excited me on a personal level. Never ever liked or understood that daft one heat rubbish, after a meeting had finished either.... and at the end for an old Gauntlet, not a helmet, that had been badly painted with some cheap gold spray paint. It was a bit like two modern day Gladiators going into combat, where there could only be one winner. Apart from those magical series that John Louis was involved in, I also traveled to other tracks, just to see the Golden Helmet match races, involving other riders. There was just something very special about those races. We get the usual people that knock the past, but I believe that sometimes we need to go back to the past, regarding some aspects of speedway, as well as embracing modern idea's. A return to the Golden Helmet, in its 70's format, would IMHO, be a good thing. I understand the riders are over stretched, riding in so many different countries, but all the authorities have to do is look at the fixtures lists and make their nominations each month from those. So they would know who qualified to take part and who was available and when. Its not hard to do, if anyone really wanted to get this off the ground again and make it compulsary for a rider that is nominated to ride, or face a fine. All anyone has to do is look at the recent Troy Batchelor/Chris Harris fiasco. Troy was booked to guest for Coventry, only to find that Harris was at Poole and ready to race. No-one had bothered to inform Troy that Harris was there, so he travelled all that way for nothing. The point being, that riders are prepared to travel regardless, so it would work I feel. Its not rocket science to organise and who knows, it may even entice some former fans back again, as many don't go anymore, as things have changed way too much for them. As I said, sometimes a step back is a step forward.

Along with a lot of other riders through the years.... and your point is? At the end of the day, Sagey was a solid team man and whilst not a World beater, he was reliable and steady.

Wondeful times indeed WL... As you say, the Witches always seemed to go very very well around Waterden Road, almost like a second home track for some of the Witches riders. I remember in particular, that John Louis and Billy Sanders used to love the place, always scoring reasonably heavy points there. No wonder Len Silver doesn't get along with JL these days, he's probably still smarting at all those defeats..... The Spring Gold Cup... those were the days.

A Huge Thanks to everyone.... It's good to know that Sagey is still about and seemingly doing well. I hadn't realised about the appearance side of things. Come to think of it, I cant actually remember him missing any Ipswich meetings, he always seemed to be there, come hell or high water. One of speedways true unsung hero's I would say.

Reading through the various threads on here, about former riders and what they're doing now, does anyone know what former Ipswich Witch and Birminghal Brummie Alan Sage is up to these days? Or where he even is? Just wondering about a lot of former Ipswich riders in truth. I know Shrimp Davey is well and doing ok, having seen and spoken with him over the years. Likewise Ted Howgego, Mike Lanham and Mick Hines. Sad to read about Sandor Levai, another of my first Ipswich Hero's too. Any news on Sagey would be greatly appreciated.