OveFundinFan

Barrycuda, interesting you say that because I was thinking something similar. I dont know why I thought that, I have no "proof" to back up what I was thinking, I was just thinking is action (or non action as it was) being taken to make a point to someone (or something as in "an organisation"). There it was, a showpiece meeting in the capital of a country that desperately wants speedway to take off in that city and for some reason it all goes wrong........... but then again even if someone wanted failure to happen, how does one persuade others to go along with the plan?

I watched the 12 heats of Warsaw last night on You Tube, fast forward through the delays - just wanted to see the track again and how much it deteriorated from heat 1 to heat 12 Ok, I know I was not riding it, nor have I done speedway (but grass tracks I have ridden been pretty rough), but I am surprised it was called off because of track conditions. Its got to be refereeing or the green light issue, or maybe a combination of all three, track, ref, green light that made the riders pull out.

The track was more then rideable, it was raceable - as demonstrated by the 12 heats run. The reffereing was questionable right from heat one. Heat one with Batch could have gone either way but after that it went downwards. The starting gate - a shambles. Cant believe no backup. As already said there must be something more up to date then having tapes wafting about. Transponders like F1 and Moto GP already in use and work, so why not speedway. The green light system seemed to work very well anyway. Plus point - Harris performance. I was very critical of him last year and I stick by that - he should not have been in the 2014 GP series the way he rode. But Saturday was different. I never saw him in his "good years" but Sat. he gated, raced, passed....the full monty. Just hope he can keep it up. To those who say they not going to Cardiff because of Saturday..... have no worries, they dare not get Cardiff wrong this year, and if they can get it right at Cardiff then that sets the stage for all other indoor meetings. And I reckon there could be a chance for anyone on the forum who fancies taking on temporary track preparation, if heads must roll it seems arguably the most popular one to go is Ole Olsen. Anyone fancy starting a new business in track preparation? And very possibly there has not been many statements form the various organisations involved with Saturdays event because every word spoken/printed will be examined by lawyers. Its just like being involved in a road accident - you are advised to never admit guilt. The legal guys will already be working on this because I reckon there will be serious consequences following last Saturdays let down.

Good find, thanks for that

Yep, you missed it, loads of tributes and rightly so too.

Watch most motor sports, MX, F1, trials, snooker, crown green bowling, equestrian, tennis, bit of golf, dont like football, rugby even less, most winter sports - I just admire the skill of top sportspeople

I still think it is disgusting the GB is not represented in this event. Problems can be worked around - if there is a will.

Picked up a copy at the local Tesco, was about 6 copies on the shelf today.

Have I missed something ??

Received my second issue just the other day, moving through it nicely The Cyril Crane interview and I also have read the Geoff Maloney info as well. This is my first subscription of Backtrack, and am glad I took someones advice in paying my subs.

Thank you for those shots.

A few good races, impressed with Doyle and Hampler, there again, they both had not so good races. Same as others, cant understand why GB not there with Tai plus an up and coming young un.

"I'll get me coat." I'll help you on with it.

Getting early treatment is the best thing he could do. I wish him well.

Its not the fact the 2 minute clock is being sponsored, its the meeting or series that is sponsored. Its obvious that the 2 minute clock is a brilliant place to have your sponsor banner (advertising), after all the tv cameras will be focusing on one of the 3 (4 if you add the pits clock-see post #10), great advertising for Meridan Lifts I reckon, what a shrewd move..

Would have been good if GB had a team there, full stop. Cant understand why not, the international future of GB is not good if they dont play on the world scene (or European scene) BUT I like those Latvian riders, they are racers and fighters, and each can rise to the occasion on their good day - be nice if they all hit a good day on Saturday.

On Eurosport in the UK this Saturday 6pm - 9pm...... cant wait especially if the 3 Russians are there. The whole line up looks very good.

I could think of a main contender as chief tester for this research taking place in Australia

I read that Tai has been training for this year right after last season finished. He feels in better condition then 2013. I wonder if Darcy is in training yet, after all, he now knows when he can ride and its only a matter of 12 or so weeks away.

Having been "away" from speedway for over 30 years, I never saw CH when he was at his peak, but from the last two years I do like his style, but he missed the mark both years as a gp rider. I know he cam third last Saturday, but if he was so determined to do well in the gpp's this year he should have been winning that event, after the winner is not in this years gp series, and 2nd was at his first meeting since a terrible accident in one of last years gp's and he has not ridden comparatively since. Well done NKI

Read that myself RPNYC and though the same as you ie not really good prep for a gp season where and the end of last year he was basically saying "watch me", I got things sorted.

Thanks to all the guys putting up the video clips. Brilliant stuff. For those who havnt put up the video for whatever reason, I sure would like to access your memories, just to see what you are remembering. Really good thread, and its probably a long way off being finished. Bring it on.

I am with Sky basic tv package and thats enough for me to pay. It gets me Eurosport as well so I can watch the speedway. Eurosport used to do the Motorcycle GP's but last year that went to BT Sport so that was another chunk of money I didnt want to spend. I dont mind paying for something good, but as I am not into football, rugby, tennis, golf I cant afford to keep paying different suppliers for bits of the sports I watch, like speedway and tiddlywinks.. Shame really.

Yup, I enjoyed that. Amazing how wide the handlebars were in those days compared to now. And the riding style too

Good question White Knight. I wish i knew the answer. but I think after the election I think the man in the street will be worse off. I reckon figures can be fudged to show we are better off but in reality we are probably not and new austerity plans will hit hard again.