R87

Terrible decisions are Jim Lawrence's specialty

Very sad news. I knew he had had problems with his health in recent months, but still very sad. A remarkable career and a highly polished broadcaster. Without wanting to turn into an anti-Pearson and Tatum topic, they could learn three things from Benaud: (1) commentary is not a forum for personal opinion; (2) hyperbole is a poor substitute for an articulate and accurate description of the actual events unfolding in front of you; and (3) neutrality is everything. RIP Richie

One thing about last night is it reminded me why I wouldn't touch Craig Cook with a bargepole. Another British rider who thinks he's better than he actually is.

Freddie wasn't dominating races at Monmore in his last season with us, so hard to see him doing it now. His ride in Heat 7 was bordering on amateurish. I still believe he'll do well to maintain his average. Some decent racing tonight. I thought Tomasz looked more comfortable as the night went on, Ricky Wells put himself about and bullied Fricke a couple of times too. I think our strong area will be at reserve, as Blackbird will get better as will Bates.

Not just the presentation itself, but the choice of music leaves a lot to be desired. I remember being at Birmingham about 7 years ago when they rode Somerset and they decided to play "I've got a brand new combine harvester" over the tannoy - obviously thinking they were being witty and clever. Its amateurish, juvenile, childish and just not funny.

Plus he likes to give the impression that he knows better.

Stunning performance from PK which kept us in the meeting, but asking to much to get a win when too many riders were passengers. Coventry had stronger reserve displays which ultimately swung it their way. I was impressed with the idea of going into the crowd with a microphone. Much as the idea of Peter York interviewing me isn't exactly a thrill, its a good way of trying to get the crowd more involved.

I think the main obstacles to all of these rules will be how strictly the referees enforce them.

Tai didn't break any rules in the British Final. OK it may not have been in the spirit of competition or whatever you want to call it, but there was nothing in the rule book to say he was doing something illegal. There was nothing to stop the other 3 riders going out and doing the same, but they chose not to. That said, I don't think you'll find anyone complaining if meetings become slicker, rather than standing around waiting.

Interested to read Jim Lynch's comments in the star. Obviously is saying what most of us have been saying for years, but I think most of of what he said is correct. I think it says a lot about the current setup that Lynch is critical of the fast track scheme, and then 2 pages later we have Neil Vatcher declaring it a "100% success".

Very worrying if rumours of stock cars at Monmore are true. Thats absolutely the last thing the track needs. Hopefully not the end for Cradley, fingers crossed you'll be able to sort something for 2015.

I seem to recall a week after the suggestions was published in the star that Len Silver wrote a letter to the SS and rubbished every idea suggested....

Herein lies the problem with young riders in the UK. Having fancy slogans and cool helmet designs is all very well, but they need to put the hard work first to establish themselves. Speedway riders are effectively businessmen as well, so need to organise a stable financial footing before trying to impress their mates. Ultimately, its down to being badly advised

In fairness, the promoters don't tend to receive bar takings as they are not the landlords. Referees need to take some responsibility on this though. Frank Eldon - for all his faults - at least knew hoe to keep a meeting moving. Some if the meeting I go to are more of an ordeal with how they drag on. Tony Steele is one of the worst culprits for it.

Agree something needs doing with the fixtures. Particularly in the EL. The current March-October span is too long and means clubs often go weeks without fixtures at peak times of the season. I'd like to see the season begin on Good Friday with all of the teams in action on the opening day (tricky to implement as it changes every year I admit) and finish on August bank holiday (again with all of the teams in action on same day). Followed by a condensed play-offs following in September (semi-final leg on Monday and Wednesday in one week and then the same for the final the following week). I'd rather see a shorter season with more regular fixtures than a longer campain with weeks of inactivity.

One things for sure. Love him or hate him, you cant ignore Nicki. GP will be a poorer place when he calls it a day. As I said last night, it was a poor decision. Riders will quite often touch going into the corners (especially early in the heat). Had KK gone down straight away then the argument to exclude Pedersen would be stronger. Pedersens catalogue of misdemeanors means few people will be prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt when hes the innocent party. Not to sure I agree with that. Tai was pretty quick towards the end of the meeting. I think Hancocks got too much integrity to start throwing races - unlike another American I can think of!

Justice done

Have to say I don't agree with that decision. Pedersen's reputation has got him excluded there.

Well done Greg. An amazing achievement to win a world title at the age of 44 after starting his career back in 1989 © Nigel Pearson.

Strange thing to say when you consider how we're struggling to get through the play-offs this season (and last season too)

Well done to Belle Vue for getting to this point. Its been a lengthy process (too long probably for the club and other parties), but at least now thing appear to be moving forward. The advantage they've got is that Belle Vue is probably the most iconic club operating today. To be able to stage the sport in a top class venue as opposed to the ramshackle tip they run at now, will only be a good thing. Out of interest, do we have any idea for the timescale on the construction? I would imagine 2015 will see Belle Vue running at Kirkmanshulme Lane with the new stadium in place for 2016?

Pretty good game, although graphics are a bit basic. Ive done a couple of golden greats championships using the GP format on here with all of the riders who have been world champions. I didn't know you could create your own formats though. Might have a go at setting up the current GP scoring system, as most recent one is 2005.

Sadly, the attitude of the BSPA towards people who criticize the way speedway is run seems to be "If you don't like it, then don't come".

I remember (not long after he took the job) that he rubbished the notion of an independent body running British Speedway as "speedway works here very well". The fact that as the chairman of the BSPA, he was in office during the farcical winter in 2010/2011 would have seen him out of a job in most other sports. Lets not forget also that he promotes a club which had to go cap in hand and plead poverty to their own supporters - these two sagas hardly make him the most credible of chairman. Sadly, with the way the sport is current (mis)managed here, moving him on and replacing him with another current promoter will be like shuffling the deckchairs on the Titanic. I think there are a lot of forward-thinking promoters within British Speedway (Rob Godfrey at Scunthorpe has always impressed me), but with too many older promoters set in their ways and determined to keep things as they are just because it "suits them", then I don't see speedway moving forward - I hope I'm proved wrong, but I don't see it.

Problem is that, despite the promoters grumbling about riders not turning up, but these same riders get picked by other gullible clubs the next season.