customhouseregular

Me again Wackie, If you read the Lee Richardson and Leigh Adams threads from the beginning I believe you will find that many forum members share your thoughts on both riders. Whilst I agree that Poole and Ward do seem to get an above-average post ratio, I'm not sure about there being far too many people...possibly just an obsessed few.

I have to agree that 5,000+ posts about Darcy Ward is disproportionate. The subject should have ceased to have had any interest long ago. However, the Darcy Ward thread is not the place to comment on Lee Richardson, Leigh Adams or any injured or deceased rider. There are already threads in existence for you and I to express our feelings. In my opinion mentioning Ward and Richardson in the same sentence elevates Ward to a position within the sport he does not deserve.

Well said and well reasoned...Thank you.

Please add my thoughts and condolences. Though I never saw him ride, a former rider's death at a ridiculously young age is a reason for sadness.

Yes, yes, yes, yes and No (as commenting on posts is not sticking one's nose in). If people don't want their posts commented on, why post?. Similarly, if all that is wanted is agreement then a forum is the wrong place to be.

Dear Wackie, Your opening paragraph was all about Rico, was it not? I doubt there is a single forum member who does not view Rico's death as a tragedy. But...is there a need to mark the 3rd. anniversary of his passing and is not doing so showing a lack of respect?. I think not. What does demonstrate a marked lack of respect is members calling each other names...Cut it out!.

Certainly not moaning, just making a wry comment

And thanks from me too

Almost as bad as Schlien riding against Australia last week

Competitors in F1, MotoGP, WSB etc don't have to compete in leagues. For riders to compete in 2,3 or 4 different leagues plus 12 GP's, SWC, SEC etc. is far too much. It would make sense re health and safety but not financial if the 15 GP riders rode GP, SWC, Continental and National Championship meetings solely. Of course, Promoters would scream foul if they lost their stars, but they are losing them too often through injury caused by the overcrowded schedules. Sadly, in my view, we are never going back to the 1936-1994 days but if the GP 15 did not compete in leagues, we could increase the number of GP's to say 16. That plus National and European Championships, SWC and Full-status Tests would give the 15 a full and rewarding season.

Us old-timers can remember the days when we could watch meetings like this in England. What do we get now...

A Belgian GP in Bruges would top it though. I have stayed in Bruges 12 times and adore the place. Throw in a GP and I'll book my ticket.

Countries would not participate in Tests without reserves, GP's would not run without reserves and so on. Making a team compete without a rider in 3 or 4 races in a FIM sanctioned event is grossly unfair. Russia may still have won but teams and spectators were short-changed.

I'd wager this was a far better meeting than the Pairs shown on Eurosport last night. Pity the cameras were in the wrong Country.

Reigning European Champion and winner of more GP's than half the current GP field, yet he is missing from the series. Get back to where you belong Emil.

You tell 'em WK

Well said.

Absolutely spot-on re Tai but how did Hancock and Crump kick british speedway?. Greg is an American based in Sweden. Jason is Australian and free to ride anywhere. Perhaps they are "adored" because they are both 3-time World Champions...not just "for some reason".

In answer to the question...most probably Yes.

Speedway, like most sports is an International affair. Sportsman compete where they can best further their careers, which in no way stops them being patriotic. Irrespective of where a sportsman plies his trade, if he is good enough for the National team he deserves to be picked.

Very pleased about this. He needs to be in the GP's and the GP's need him.

On the basis that every sportsman wants to be the best he can be, why would they not want to be GP riders. Both are better than half the current field in my opinion and the series would be all the better for having them there. However, last year's SEC was a great advert for speedway and GP's loss is SEC's gain, with Emil, Grigorij and the 2 Martins.

Grigorij for European Champion 2015 anyone?. Has he entered the GP qualifiers this year/...he needs to be in the GP (as does Emil).

A great meeting for Grigory and I can't wait to see him and Emil in the SEC this year. As I have posted elsewhere, we are the poor relations now where International speedway is concerned. A dvd issue of the best of European meetings would be good...SEC, Pairs Cup and meetings such as yesterday's would make good viewing. Give us back our Speedway.

Absolute ******* debacle but can we blame temporary tracks laid in National stadia?. Wembley did it perfectly for decades don't forget. To paraphrase Nigel Farage..."It's time to take our Speedway back".