rabbit

Not really sure who has fast-tracked to the top - certainly not the likes of Lindback and Hampel to name two, they've done it the same as everyone else, hard work and results - and they still have a way to go. Been given opportunities yes, but they still have to go out and race the top guys and find their level. I would agree with your argument if i could, but apart from giving lads chances to shine and then picking the best to go forward, I don't see any evidence of fast-tracking and that any of the moves afoot to give the youngsters a chance is deterimental to the sport as a whole. Has Simon Stead for example been fast-tracked? Or Chris Harris? They've done the same as everyone else - shown raw talent, been given the chance and taken it. If the places were clogged up with old boys then they may have given up years ago. The nature of the sport is such that fast-tracking would only work for those with talent - if they don't score then they're soon out on their ear. Unlike other sports, the margin for progression and failure is so much more acute and the duds soon hit the wayside. For all these lads out in the States chancing their arm in the mini-leagues, there might be one or two who will make it to the big-time. But without the chances who knows whether there's the next decades Hamill Hancock or Penhall? I say fair play to them - and good luck! A strong American scene with plenty of young enthusiastic riders is what we need for the sport worldwide! I still don't see why you are so opposed to the youth having chances though - can you not see that today's youngsters will be the stars of the future? It's OK quoting the names of riders from years long past (who I have to admit I've never heard of) but who is say that these guys who you're rubbishing don't have the same effect on some of todays fans. As I said before, it's all relative. Phew...need a lie down now. It's too early for such serious debate. Apologies MainMan for hijacking the thread somewhat. Please keep the info coming from Stateside. I'd hate for any of those taking part look in on this and think we all share Speedyguy's views.

So my response to you would be - do you consider those guys you've mentioned to be 'stars'? Because talking as an EL fan, they would hardly warrant a second glance from many fans of our league (and that's no disrespect intended to them at all, I'm just talking relative pulling power if you like). It just brings me to conclude that you can't decry the ambitions of the lads named in the American teams above, who may well be stars to some of those fans who went to see them. It's all relative who you consider a 'star' to be and who puts bums on seats. A star to you is just a rider who maybe should have quit years ago to another... Don't forget also that the main aim of the Conference League was to be just that - a fast track route to blood up and give experience to up and coming riders into the next leagues up the ladder. Somewhere along the line though, the edges became slightly blurred but I think I'm right in saying that it is still the main ethos behind the league.

Of course. This is the women's section - right?!

And just where do the stars come from? Of course, they're the youth of a few years ago who've come through the ranks. As you appear to be a supporter of a Conference League team I do find your train of thought very hard to follow Speedyguy - surely you should be an Elite League supporter if all you want are star names? I'm just glad your way of thinking is very much in the minority or todays 'stars' would be the last generation we're ever likely to see!

Thanks Main Man - good to see some many of the names from the Dream Team tour doing well in this meeting and the other you've posted. Hopefully the team experience will set some of them up for a stint in the UK or European Leagues.

Don't you start!!!!

Quality Kev. Post of the day!

It's not that Sube..I just don't think anyone else is as bothered about it as you.

You really are a cheerful soul sometimes Sube. Lighten up and don't take it all so seriously. You might enjoy it more.

And he passed Nicki P in the final and lived to tell the tale... Definitely worth a place on that achievement alone. Just joking before the NickiP disciples start buidling rabbit-shaped effigies to burn.

Thanks for the info and link. Well done Scotty!

Any news about the Czech Golden Helmet? Had a text earlier to say it's tipping it down out there. Are there any updates available?

Damn...just as I'm starting to think I'm allergic to the stuff.

Just heard from a mate that's out there that it's cost him less than a tenner for entry to both days plus programme. Talk about value for money!

Don't get me started on you with that comment Iris! What makes you think you men talk any more sense on here anyway? It's my experience you're the source of all the bitching and aggravation anyway.

I'm all for giving youngsters a chance - but all at once? Think you'll see one or two of those you've named (although not Lukas much as I would love to see him back at the top) in the series but the rest will have to wait - and why should we water it down just to give those who wouldn't ordinarily get in a place? You say of those named so far only Hampel has a chance to get into the top 8 - do you really think those you've mentioned would either?

With all due respect Sube - and ignoring Anton and Hampel as they're already nominated - the sum of the other riders you've added would water down the GP series significantly. I want to see the World's top 16 riders, and those aren't it I'm afraid - by a long shot. At least yet - IMO. Whatever you think about the merits of Andersen, Sullivan (fully fit, not the pale shadow of his former self from this season which i think will see him dropped in '06), Nicholls and Richardson, they are in the top 16 in the world and so should be in the series. The top 8 cutoff is simply that - a cutoff. Personally I think it should be top 12 and then 3 nominated plus a wildcard but hey, you can't have it all. Maybe one or two out of your 5 might get in next year, but they none of them at present have any claim over the two Brits on current form. Think even Holta or PK would be able to have more right to a place than some of those at present.

Sube - you're very vocal in your opinion that Scott and Lee shouldn't be in next year. I'm just wondering who you would name as the remaining non-qualifying riders who you feel should be in there. We're aware who you think shouldn't be - but who do you think should? You must have an idea - you can't simply damn then with no reply on who you think is more entitled to those places.

Mimmo - best idea is to click on a selection of the prices and see what seats it throws back at you. Ordered mine last night during the Sky meeting - spooky or what but we've got the exact same seats we had this year. Not complaining cos they were front row and a great view - just £5 more expensive per ticket for the priviledge. Come on BSI - I know it's a showcase event and all but the words 'fleecing the fans' are starting to edge in. £60 for a ticket and that's not even the top whack - not exactly going to encourage the casual attendee is it?

So if it had been Smoli in KKs place you wouldn't be pleased at all then? Ok...

With all the controversy, I feel very sorry for Kasper. I can see him getting no credit at all for this over something which he has had no say over at all. It's happened, he was top of the pile at the end with Suchanek after 3 rides each and is now the U21 Champion. It's not his fault it was decided this way - Suchanek didn't want to ride in the run-off so what's KK to do? Anyway well done to the guy - we're proud of him down here and it's his name that will appear in the record books this year.

Well Iris...the answer to all your questions is 42, but as this is speedway we'll make it 42.5 less bonus points (subject to special dispensation of course).

Spot on Superjoe.

No please do! I'm already looking forward to getting back out to Italy!

Fine Sube - that's your opinion and you're entitled to it. I just hate speedway by numbers and that's why I loved it. Meetings won on the fastest engine leave me cold - I'd ratter riders used their skill and cunning to pass, and capitalise on others mistakes if they make them. It was the same for everyone and after the first round of heats everyone knew how the track was riding. You made your own luck out there tonight and only the strong survived. That's what I pay my money for - if I didn't I'd sit at home and call every race.