customhouseregular

So much for my powers of prediction...I had Kildemand as a sure-fire winner, subject to him not being too jaded after last night.

Re Harris...I have been of that persuasion all year, but the guy has ridden a blinder and qualified as of right, No back door entry or wildcard needed so let's give the guy his due. One thing is for sure...he is a battler and an out and out trier so let's get behind him.

His form over the past 3 weeks has been top-drawer and although I have been frustrated by his inconsistency, he has shown tonight he deserves another bash.

It's called grabbing a chance with both hands!

AS I am interested in what others have to say I have read your comment which, though being a tad patronising is a valid response, So iris123, I shall avoid further comment on the subject and say thank you for replying.

Not what most of us want to hear.

I'm getting tired of hearing about Darcy Ward. The world of Speedway will not come to an end if he is missing for a while. When he grows up we can all enjoy watching him again, but until then how about giving the subject a rest?.

He has precious little chance of finishing top 3, but that did not stop him last time. Did he not finish 5th. and still get in to the GP for this year?. As you say...all credit for determination though.

I remember seeing Dave Jessup having his first rides as a 16 year old. Now he wasn't too shabby once he found his feet.

I can forgive Suzy Perry anything!...must stop drooling.

I could not agree more. The opposite of variety is boredom. Fans won't pay good money if they are bored with what's on offer, but will come if they have something different to watch. I think back to the 60's..we had a strong league programme, London Cup, K,O, cup, London riders championship, Tests, World Champioship qualifiers, Golden Helmet match race etc. etc.. something to keep us coming back every week.

Speedway fans dream of Speedway Utopia but the t...s who run the sport don't know where it is.

They do everything late in Italy!

I have a signed copy of the book "Hammerin' Round" which is essential reading for all us old Hammers fans. On page 85 there is a photo of the scoreboard taken during a West Ham v Belle Vue match.I don' t know the year but I would guess c. 1948. It shows the time of the last race as 81.4 seconds and the average speed 44,7 mph. This would have been on the old 440 yard track (c. 406m.). I would be very interested to know the race times at last night's SEC round in Czestochova, as the track is very similar to the old Custom House track.

The stadium is so vast that even a good crowd by British standards would look sparse. If one could guarantee a spectacle a SEC round at say Kings Lynn would attract the crowd, but would need more than 1 Brit i feel.

Sadly it went missing some years ago---I think my wife threw it out, but at one time I had my Grandad's West Ham autograph book from 1936. It had the signatures of Bluey Wilkinson, Tiger Stevenson and others from that year. Grandad must have kept his book going after the war as it also contained Eric Chitty, Jack Young, Tiger Hart and many others. My wife is still with me!!!.

At the rate British speedway is declining there will be little choice what you watch and where you watch it. The whole structue needs shaking up but one rule needs to be followed, which is the rule I always followed in business...KISS. For those not familiar with the acronym...Keep it simple, stupid. p.s. I'm not calling anyone here stupid.

Having just checked the confirmed line-up for tonight it's hard to see anyone beating Kildemand, unless he is shattered from last night and the journey to Italy. Hard to see Harris making the top 3 and I can't see him getting a wildcard so Tai likely to be only Brit in GP next year. Apart from Kildemand I wouldn't like to guess at the qualifiers as it's quite an open field.

Am I the only one who feels this thread is getting out of hand and has now run it's course?.

highlights on Eurosport 2 tuesday 23rd. sept. @1.35p.m.

So...no World Champion for Emil in 2015. This is GP's loss but you can't keep a good man down.

I think I need a lie down. I obviously have to ask..."where, what and when"?.

She loved her speedway. I attended my first meeting before I was born...my Mum went to Custom House when she was pregnant with me. As a young girl my Mum went to Custom House with her Dad...he used to walk from Millwall with my Mum on his shoulders. Can't remember when I've seen a better one.

One would think the Russian Speedway Federation would want to capitalise. A Russian GP at Togliatti would be something...as long as Emil and Grigory had wildcards.

I can't remember a meeting I have enjoyed more. Sadly before my time but my Mum remembers him.