WembleyLion

A very interesting subject and one that I have monitored closely having been to all 31 countries that staged Speedway (including Ice) since I missed Switzerland’s last staged Ice meeting 2017. The last country I missed before then was Bulgaria in 2016. I thoroughly enjoyed travelling the world to accomplish this and I could probably write a book about my experiences. Sadly I saw pretty much the last Speedway in both Canada and South Africa. I also saw at first hand the decline of tracks in Europe with many countries just down to one operating track Lack of interested riders with few youngsters coming through was a common theme. Some countries were still very reliant on riders who had ‘retired’ some years earlier. Speaking to those riders left in Canada and South Africa I was told that getting parts and bikes were very difficult The machinery was often very old. Kyle Legault was riding a bike he rode in the UK when I saw him at Welland in Canada. I did notice that Flattrack racing seemed very popular in most places outside of Europe. Also in Europe it seemed to be doing well in some countries such as Austria, Holland and Belgium. Seeing the decline first hand was very sad but I’m glad I visited several of the countries when I did as I am not certain I would be able to see Speedway at some of those places again in future.

Now Poole leg definitely on 4 Nov

I went to Coventry v Ipswich on 1 Nov 1998 which is presumably the other one. In the 70’s and 80’s they were quite plentiful. Anyway back on topic and it looks like we’ll have two more next week.

See Arnie’s response re. being a year out

King’s Lynn - Craven Shield Final

That seems quite likely from what I have just heard at the track but let’s see!

They have there end of season awards on 30th so it probably won’t be then!

I’m not entirely sure of the logic but that’s what the rules state - no replacement allowed!

BSI have missed out on a big marketing opportunity for white ink!

Agreed. I think it might help though if the basic rules were clearly published in the programme (I acknowledge there is a flow chart on page 10 that assists) or on the SON website as it might help to stop the guessing and confusion. Talking of the programme the score chart is very poor with no place for recording times or total scores for individual riders.

65.06

Were you there Arnie?

Nonsense I have a text from someone in the pits well before 6:30pm confirming the Ambulance breakdown and also on this thread it was also mentioned well before the time you state. If the call didn’t come through until 18:45 as you say what was the reason the riders didn’t start to warm up their bikes then? Did you not think that odd ? Perhaps if you had asked why they were not preparing to race they would have told you!

I think your timeline is a little bit out as I knew well before 6:30pm that the Ambulance had broken down and I’m only a mere mortal of a fan.

We are in the hands of RAC and whether they can patch it up/ get it going! Not sure if I was a rider though I would be too happy at the thought of a patched up Ambulance being there for me! UK Speedway 2021!

I think one can assume the fact that the riders have yet to start warming the bikes up is not a good sign!

I think he is due to start feeling much better in the next couple of hours!

No broken down and they have just told the fans at 6:53pm when they have known for quite a while.

I wonder when they plan on telling the fans anything! Not a word so far!

Looking forward to both legs which seem evenly poised.

I didn’t think it was possible to prepare such a poor race track at Torun but tonight it has been proved that it is. Feel really sorry for the riders.

Looking at the new averages it is just as well Harris and Andersen had poor performances v Sheffield and then engine failures when well placed v King’s Lynn! Anyone might have thought it had been planned!

I attended as a neutral as I have done for all but one of the meetings at Perry Barr this season. As expected there is much debate over where the blame lies for the events last night but one thing for sure is that as ever the fans always suffer on these occasions and the sport seems incapable of preventing such self inflicted damage.

Yes indeed always a concern when certain riders are programmed and the track is not perfect!

At over 200 miles from home I don't get to visit too frequently but I'm glad I did this evening for what was a thoroughly enjoyable meeting.