Bitza

For An other hopefully read Dan Thompson.

Not so sure about Kerrs, personally I would like to see Dan Thompson at Poole.

I haven't seen any mention of Tobias Thomsen yet on this thread, but he is definitely coming good (since I got him a proper big flag), he represents good value per his average and would give a bit of continuanuity going into 2025. Tonight he couldn't have done much more.

VF big step up this evening, somebody's been having a word in his ear I'm thinking, and to his credit he's been taking notice. Hold that thought VF and the future looks good.

Have resisted posting on this thread till now but..... VF does ride like he stole it, does look like he's on the ragged edge, and does witness quite a few offs from close up. But he is a highly entertaining rider, I'm not a great fan of his reactions to opposition fans but can see where it comes from. He will improve with time/experience, and referees will be well aware of his reputation. But the real question is "can he afford to carry on racing" at the rate he currently wrecks his bikes (he reminds me of the early years of The Who).

Thanks for that clarification. Any thoughts on where to find rider averages relevant to next season? and or what the team total will be?

When I looked at the British Speedway site, under rider statistics it says 8 meetings for an official GSA, can anyone clarify? Also where are the rider averages relevant for next season published?

All down to whether he's fit or not, anyone have any updates on his fitness?

Well Killeen riding doesn't make the job of winning the KO Cup any easier granted, but I have faith in the Pirates having the quality to win whatever, but they would need ride like they want it. Take a few risks and don't pay the top riders too much respect.

Current weather forecasts suggest Wednesday fixture off & Thursday fixture could go ahead. If Poole fixture is put back a week, there is a chance of Killeen being fit and being able to take part in one leg at least.

Yes the freeze frame parts made the incidents alot easier to understand, I was at the apex of 1/2 and in h8 you could see there was an issue long before they ploughed into the corner but didn't really know what had happened. The interview made me alot more sympathetic to our Vinnie, because I have had my doubts about his riding skill, although never his commitment. Also think it's a shame not to be competing against a full Oxford team, but that's speedway I guess. Mind you beware of the wounded beast!

It's just a mix of testosterone and adrenaline, what the Pirates could have done with on Saturday night. The advantage was for the Cheetahs tonight, I guess they didn't want it as much. A great night all in all. Particularly enjoyed heat four watching Tom giving Nicholls the minimum of room around turns 1/2 quite different to heat four on Saturday. Great result well deserved.

Well I was thinking game on tomorrow, but now you mention bouncy rain I'm not so sure.

Yup I would go with that, we've had quite a bit of rain but nothing that won't dry off by tomorrow night. Game on tomorrow I think.

OK so Middleditch has a bad oyster and erupts into a fountain of effluent, so you ending up getting the call. "seen your comments on the forum and you obviously know what you're on about, so would you stand in to manage the Pirates. So what do you say to the riders? Me.. I'd say to Sam & Tobias up the risk level, better to touch the tapes than trail around at the back for 4 laps, if you're at the back by turn 1 look for the cut back straight away, to Vinnie ignore everything I've just said just carry on as you are, to the top four don't give Masters & Nicholls too much respect if anyone is going to do any leaning-on make sure it's you not them. This is just a game. Hi

This is the rose tinted scenario, just hope it turns out that way.

Well that would be good news if Giles and Heeps perform like they did last time out at Wimborne Road. Getting the better of Masters, Nicholls and Killeen a more tricky issue.

In most forms of motorsport when the rider/driver on the racing line in "ridden into" then the perpetrator is deemed guilty, simple. The trouble is with Speedway is that there are any number of racing lines, making it such a great sport to watch. Giving the rider in front priority seems fair to me, although to riders excluded it will sometimes feel harsh.

I'm a relatively recent convert speedway spectator, and just love it. I have been watching Poole at Wimborne Road. Until last night when I made the trip up to Sandy Lane to watch the Grand Final. My question is how much do track surfaces vary and how does it effect what it's like to race on? I noticed that the Sandy Lane track looked like a finner material compared to Poole's, and that it's prepared to be drier. I'm really just guessing but it appeared that the drier/finner surface was harder to ride but if you get it right gives you a faster race. Maybe I'm way off the mark, but I'd be interested to hear any insight ex racers might have to offer.

A fair resume of the night.

There sure is winning that always gets to opposing fans.

Well that didn't go according to plan, reminded me of when Oxford came to Wimborne Rd. Even if you are right behind the Pirates you have to acknowledge that Masters and Nicholls are a class act, heats 13 & 15 we're pretty painful to watch. However the Pirates are a quality team that hasn't changed, so overturning the 12 points is doable. But 1-7 will have to show their hunger to succeed on Wednesday.

Sorry

Last minute decision I've decided to drive up to Sandy Lane in car. So if anyone wants a lift there & back let me know sharpish. I'll be leaving Central Poole around 4:30 .

Easy I've obviously got a talent with errors. Just wasn't very familiar with Gilkes (alias Wilkes) and Scott. I see they both did a fair ish job in the KO semi at Sandy Road. I'm thinking the lower order could make all the difference tonight. Toying with the idea of riding up there, but don't really fancy getting soaked on the way back home.