Jonny the spud

I claimed a bit of responsibility too !

Maybe instead of trying to standardise the engines just handicap the riders like in horse racing? Bike and rider weighed before the meeting and ballast added to the bike so that they’re all on a level playing field. Simple and effective, no flyweight will spend thousands on tuning if he has to have 10kg or more to his bike

I’m sorry I don’t know who your son is, does he have a mentor … an experienced rider who can point him in the right direction ? These things do eventually come with time and he’ll be able to work things out for himself, but as we’ve seen with UK speedway, promoters don’t give time. It’s ruthless

Ok, I’m probably biased as my son is 25, but what is considered young ? I think the UK should accept they’re not going to produce an U21 world champ for a while and encourage our young riders to start hitting their peak a bit later. It’s far too much pressure on a 17/18/19 year old. The team GB set up is working, let’s get the basics right before putting too much pressure on young shoulders. Before someone comes back and points out that the Poles have a conveyer belt of young talent …. Yes, but they also have the facilities and budget that we can only dream of.

I dip in on this forum from time to time… there are some interesting and knowledgeable people on here, but they’re in the minority. It’s easy to see why most riders avoid this place like the plague and why despite two decades of TV coverage the sport still can’t find a league sponsor.

This aged well……..

I’m hoping he does well, but remember it was this meeting a year ago when he was taken out from behind which resulted in 3 fractured vertebrae and a couple of months in a back support.

He’s flying out today. Battered and bruised but will try his best tomorrow

Loads of chances …. Rode in two meetings sorry that was a reply to an earlier post

Very emotional night here in Bordeaux, I may have Indulged in a glass or two. to say I’m proud is an understatement, thank you all for the lovely messages. Jon xx

I’ve been looking but can’t find a thread for this meeting… any ideas where it is ?

I hope so. anyone got it ?

I think he bought his A game eh ? He loves it there. I can’t wait to get over and see him next month.

In the next French heat when Bergé jumped early, pulled back and mucked up his own start. He was last, therefore penalising himself.. instead of being left to run it was pulled back. Then they got another 5-1 from the restart. After that I asked my mate what was the nationality of the ref. ( bet you can’t guess)

I just said someone… you took it as you. as I said. If the cap fits …..

Do you have to attend a meeting to have an opinion? Certainly not, but if someone who knows absolutely nothing about what went on, the conditions,track,opposition or ref decisions and just base their insulting opinion on the final result, then they just come across as a bit of an internet dïckheäd. still… if the cap fits.

So you weren’t there, didn’t know anything about the meeting, track, opposition, conditions, refs decisions? In fact you knew nothing at all except what you read on the internet? Well they say opinions are like ar$eholes because everyone has one. I think all you did is prove the point. as to hitting a nerve ? Don’t flatter yourself mate, any real fan laughs at people who spout off with no knowledge of what they’re talking about. yeah, my boy did ride. He also top scored. Embarrassing…? Nope. I’m proud as hell.

What an insightful summary… so what did you think of the meeting… the track… the “interesting” refereeing decisions? Also can you point out where the embarrassment was exactly so that I can pass in your opinion ?

Bomber to do 7 rides ….. trying to sell speedway as a genuine sport to the TV masses.

Yeah….. 14 points away. huuuuge mistake

Thanks. I was on there but after 55 minutes they’d only done 4 heats. I was wondering if there was something wrong.

No updates anyone ?

Having sat at home in France and watched online as he was taken out in some foreign country, frantically texting his girlfriend at the scene, waiting for what seemed like an eternity to find out if he could move his legs… it’s hard. It’s really hard. I despair at the organisation in the UK who really take for granted the talent they have at their resources. The lack of foresight and any semblance of a cohesive plan to forward the sport has been obvious for years. Britain could win world cups and world titles if only the powers that be could realise it’s no longer 1974. The world’s moved on. British speedway hasn’t.

They’re all self employed riders, riding their butts off and risking their lives to make a living. People moan about Poland …. Well Poland has the money, because the clubs got off their backsides and looked for sponsorship and paid the riders what they’re worth. if you don’t want “your“ rider riding for someone else, find the money to pay him s decent wage that means he doesn’t have to. how many years now despite TV coverage have the powers that he failed to find a league sponsor ??? grrrr( nothing personal) …. Rant over

And this anorak style post is why speedway won’t appeal to the masses.