Leliwa

Yes Elfin, that's the one.

To elaborate a little further on Tomaz post, in Poland at the time you will have: 1. e-league round VII - 21 May CKM Wlokniarz Czestochowa - Adriana Torun (Czestochowa is about 50 miles north from Katowice) Unia Tarnow ZSSA - RKM Rybnik (Tarnow 55 miles east from Krakow) Unia Leszno - Atlas Wroclaw 2. II league round VII - 21 May Wanda Krakow - KZ Kolejarz Opole (If Wanda is going to ride at all) 3. One leg of quaterfinals of Polish Individual Championship - 25 May in Opole 4. e-league round VIII 28 May RKM Rybnik - Unia Tarnów ZSSA (40 miles south from Katowice) Atlas Wroclaw - Unia Leszno

Thanks for your kind words Gary Rico, Krakow is a great place to visit, unfortunately, it has just one little problem now ... no speedway

Rico, careful with those pierogies, we do not wannna loose you On the 3rd of May we have a match against Czestochowa in Tarnow. What time it will begin is unknown, probably around 7PM. Hope to see you in Tarnow. Get together for beer is a must!

Indeed this is very sad day for Polish speedway. I remember Mariusz Okoniewski from the 80s. Way too early for Him to go.

Ok, concerning the numbers: No 6 and 7 on a visiting team and respectively 14 and 15 on a home team are reserved for U21 riders. The new rule concerns No 8 on a visiting team and No 16 on a home team, which are reserved for U23 riders. No 7, 8 and 15, 16 are reserve riders but No 8 and 16 could replace U21 rider only if they themselves are U21. Another new rule, deriving from the opening of Polish league to foreign riders, limits GP participants (top 15) to 2 on a team lineup for particular event. This also includes Polish riders. This concerns E-Liga only, as in lower leagues GP riders are not allowed all together.

OK, the team-building period is over, it is time to talk about what we can expect ahead. Big changes in Polish speedway we all know about will no doubt make the coming season ever more exciting. To start the discussion I paste a topic from another thread, which is more appropriate here: QUOTEQUOTE(Subedei @ Feb 7 2006, 08:22 PM) Is Burza going to get many rides for Tarnow in 2006? With the new rules meaning Kolodziej is likely to be at No 8 and replacing Burza for most of the meeting? * (Leliwa @ Feb 8 2006, 08:39 AM) I have doubts Kolodziej will be No 8/16 He had issues with being the reserve rider last year and the management knows that he will be most unhappy with it. He talked abut it in the recent interviews and it seems that it is suppose to change. My feeling is that Marcin Rempala will ride as No 8, but, who knows. As for Burza, it should depend on how good he is going to be in the coming season, but ... there are always other factors in play. If he begins like he did two years ago he will ride regularly. Edit/ And here is the list of foreign riders in Poland confirmed by GKSZ: PZM announcement1 PZM announcement2

Well, this seems to be one of the reasons but not the only one. During the press conference last Monday, which was suppose to be a nice farewell event in Czestochowa, Rune said few things rather unplesant toward the management. Among other things, he also said that he had just one condition for resigning with Czestochowa, and it was getting rid of one of the riders on the team, everybody assumed that he meant Ulamek. As for the threats. How come Rune is meeting with fans in Czestochowa when he feels his life might be threaten? Just the other day he had the meeting with fans, presenting some prizes to winners of a competiton of sorts. I mean, he was talking with averybody on friendly bases. In fact, a lot of fans in Czestochowa blame team management rather that Rune for his departure.

That is Falubaz fan's trademark I would say Nothing wrong with that, like with any religion

seems like Falubaz just got a worthy oponent. Ostrow lineup looks mighty impresive: Peter Karlsson, Max, Risager, Ferjan, Jedrzejak, M.Szczepaniak, Wegrzyk this is going to be interesting

I think this is going to backfire soon enough. This particular rule is not going to limit GP format foreign riders on teams but rather Polish riders good enough to get to GP. Theoretical example: Unia team next year contracts a foreign rider of GP format to replace retired Tony, Tomek Gollob remains on the team and in GP, and Jano Kolodziej gets to GP. Who do you think the management will keep? I’m pretty certain they will let the young one go. I admit I look at it from local point of view, but such situation could as well happen in Bydgoszcz, Wroclaw or Torun in coming seasons. And I fear that in all such cases the outcome for younger riders will be the same.

On Unia Tarnow This is better than I thought. I was suspecting we will see no money from RT any more. They stay on board with around 750 K PLN. The rest of the gap is going to be filled by larger sponsorship form original Tarnow sponsor Zaklady Azotowe and some lesser sponsors. However there is still talk about introducing additional large sponsor. Anyway, the future looks good. Considering Subedei possible lineup, I do not think so. Gollob Bros are suppose to sign next week and I suspect Jacek’s place in the lineup is safe. I could be wrong but I think we will not see two foreign riders in Tarnow lineup on regular bases. Or is it just my wishful thinking? On new situation in Polish league As for the compliance with Community law, I suspect we will see no major revolution. Next season might be little bit crazy but I think it will settle down then. To me the most interesting issues are U-21 riders, now when the market is open. Example: Tarnow considers bringing Pawel Hlib however they would have to pay 180 K PLN to Stal Gorzow. Now, the thinking could be - wouldn't it be better to bring a foreign rider with potential like Suchanek for example? It is going to be cheaper. From what I heard clubs are already receiving offers from young riders around. I would have no worries about new situation if I was sure that speedway authorities will take steps to ensure proper development of young Polish riders. Unfortunately, Polish speedway is managed based on particular local present needs without consideration for near or distant future of the sport in Poland.

To continue on the issue of strategic sponsor in Unia Tarnow - Rafineria Trzebinia spokesman said yesterday that the company management did not look into matters of promotion yet and decisions like possible involvment of RT in sponsorship of Unia Tarnow are to be expected next week at earliest, after the board of directors gets to know the detail report on last 3 years of sponsorhip of speedway in Tarnow. Still waiting than

Hi, cannot confirm anything until we hear some official announcements. The thing is, that is is not the question of resigning from sponsoring but rather drafting a new contract. Current contract with Rafineria Trzebinia has expired this month after 3 years. Will they sign a new one, considering changes in management there, doubtful in my opinion. But, just waiting to see what will happen. I have to addmit I have more hopes for new strategic sponsors than for Rafineria extending their sponsorship. best, Leliwa

This just in from Tarnow - "Little Chelsea in Malopolska Region" Marcin Rempala has come to terms with Unia Tarnow and will be representing the team next season. Terms of the new contract were not disclosed. Official signing will take place in November, after his current contract expires. It seems that negotiations with Janusz Kolodziej are ongoing as well. In an newspaper interview this week Unia Tarnow manager Szczepan Bukowski confirmed that Tony Rickardsson is expected in Tarnow next week, so there is a strong chance we could expect conclusions of his negotiations. According to Bukowski Unia has come to terms with Tony concerning the number of matches Tony will ride in. Apparently Tony has agreed to ride in 10 matches. The rest is suppose to go to Scott Nicholls, also supposly negotiating, who has requested certain minimum number of events he would like to ride in for Unia. While all this sound hanky dory, we need to consider that Unia main sponsor during last 3 years - Rafineria Trzebinia's involvment in Tarnow is still up in the air. We were expecting to hear their decission this week, apparently they are still working on the future promotion plan so we have to wait a little more. Stay tuned for next developments This report is brought to you by you local friendly toyota dealer. I love what you do for me toyota

Few points to add from my side, concerning Unia Tarnow. 1. Contract with Rafineria Trzebinia expires after this season and is unlikly to be continued regardles of political situaltion. The management should have some announcements concerning new sponsors in few weeks, at least that is what they say. 2. According to managment thay want to keep the team intact more or less, this concerns mostly Marcin, Janusz, Gollob brothers and Tony. Again, money talks, we will know more in few weeks, I hope. 3. Unofficial information is that Burza had already agreed on terms with Krosno team. 4. Management officaly confirm they are going to pursue Pawel Hlib to fill up the gap after Janusz and Marcin turn senior. more will be known soon I think. Right now it is just speculations.

This one, Ladies and Gentleman, feels a lot sweeter that the one last year. In my opinion, it was harder to get and at times during the regular season we had doubts Unia could repeat. There is the general feeling that we used our chance. Now with Janusz and Marcin turning seniors and a huge gap on junior position it seems that getting to be just medal contender next year is going to be hard enough. Plus we have unclear situation with the sponsorship as the contract with Trzebinia expires after this season. Although we hear commitments from our management that the team should be intact for next year, I will believe it when I see contract signatures. For now it all looks uncertain. But, enough of worries about the future. We do celebrate here in Tarnow and it all started on Sunday. Those who cold not go to Bydgoszcz to support our team there had the opportunity to watch the match on the stadium. The turnout was quite good, about 9-10 thousands, considering. And it was all match like atmosphere. I’m one happy camper

the safe heaven no more, we have nowhere to hide now the real Unia Tarnow has been finally uncovered, better late than never. Lets bring down the evil empire, the only team in Poland that is using money to achieve success. Seriously, calling Unia Tarnow the Chelsea of Polish Speedway is small treat compared to some things we hear over here salutations,

Yah, right. Don't you think you going a little bit too far here? A lot can be said of the ref but I refuse to believe that any such scam could take place. He just made a mistake, one of many this season, but it did not decide the outcome of the whole match. I agree that Bydgoszcz could have got few more points from Pepe there, but the outcome still would be the same, around 18-20 point difference. Quite frankly, I’m fearing a little bit for our young riders Marcin and Janusz. From what I hear we can expect really hard riding in Bydgoszcz. It is possible that one rider who is in the center of attention, Jacek Gollob, wont be ridding as they suspect he fractured the collar bone during the crash. With him missing there would be an additional pressure put on them. I would rather loose the gold than see something happen to our home boys.

Sweet Jesus, Mateusz, from you report it sounds as you just barely escaped in one piece from Tarnow. Funny, Police escort is a standard procedure no matter were you go in Poland, be it Wroclaw, Bydgoszcz or Torun. Were you chaised by some chooligans? As for police in your sector, we both know why they came in, I was sitting right next to your sector, and I had a pretty good view. I admit that atmosphere got spoiled after heat 10 incident and this is too bad. As for Jacek – Pepe incident, I was sure about Jacek’s fault when seeing it live. Today morning I watch the video few times and now I have doubts, maybe because of camera angle, I do not know. One think is for certain, it was unsportsmanlike riding on his part, and even people in Tarnow admit it. However, lets not make him into such evil, I mean there are plenty of examples that even the best ride like that (Crump almost putting Hampel on boards incident in GP couple of months ago). Finally, such talk on part of Bydgoszcz management should not take place in my opinion. It sounds like they are preparing for war. Many times in such situations innocent suffer, and I would like both teams to complete their seasons unscratched.

Well, I wish it will be a fight till the very last heat, although I must say that during last year's final match with Wroclaw I was in serious need of cardiologist assistance so I do not know how I would survive it this time. For the sake of my health I would say that similar results as we had at our home track in thelast round would be most welcome, for the sake of the great speedway I do hope it will be decided in Bydgoszcz. pozdrówki,

It was a good practice last night for young Poles, nothing more. The final should be a different story. It is going to be hard to win with Swedes and Danes, but wouldn't it be sweet to win both SWC and JWC championships in one season? I certainly hope it can be done.

What can I say, a dream come true I'm way tooo "tired" to write more, I just want to say hello to Paragon and his Wife, who came to Tarnow and watch the meeting with us. I hope your stay in Tarnow was enjoyable one. It was great to meet you. best,

Match in Tarnow had some excitement up till the third heat and this largely because of exclusions resulting in heat 3 being ridden be Wroclaw riders only. Afterward it was just like a demolition derby with folowing 8 heats won by Tarnow 5:1 each. Tomek Gollob continued his superb riding although it must be noted that he was riding on Java last night with his GM motor waiting just in case. If the track is similar next Monday for Polish Individual Championship we will see superb riding on the outside favoring such as Tomek Gollob, Piotr Protasiewicz and maybe Tarnow’s junior riders Kolodziej and Marcin Rempala.

I was pleasantly surprised how Polish team rode last night. Really good effort and considering Holta’s exclusion and PePe’s chain (was it chain that went?) the chance to win it was there. Now I’m very positive about Thursday, although it is going to be extremely tough to get to finals and I expect the match to be as close as yesterday. One other thing to note, our team was looking great in national colours, finally they looked like national team. How did you like it? Grodzki's performance I will leave with no comment but it strikes me that we would be much better off with neutral ref last night.