Cheekee Raylee Monkee

Call me old fashioned but I would like the series to consist of riders there on merit - I think that the nomination of wildcards sucks. Without going over the old ground of GP's v. World Final and the imperfections of the qualification system for a world final, at least every rider in the world final had to qualify via a number of meetings. I think that the top 8 should qualify for the next year's GP series and all the rest should qualify on the race track and not smoke filled rooms.

The fact is that when you compare the set up in England for giving kids an opportunity compared to places like Denmark & Sweden - well there is no comparison. I know that times have very much changed, but when I think about the old British League Division 2 and how it produced the GB/England teams of the golden time for our international success in the 1970's and early 1980's and then think about the state of our domstic setup now, I could weep. The conference league was a chance to retrieve things at least to some degree, but inevitably the British Promotors have mucked it up yet again. The league is now clearly not what it was supposed to be when it was created. Then we had the good idea in the Premier league of the graded reserves to 'promote opportunities for young British riders'. As soon as there are signs of success (messrs Boxhall and Armstrong - and yes I know, Jon is hardly a youngster) the Promoters moved with uncharacteristic speed and decisiveness and punish those who were doing well. I've said before on another thread, we need a body to rule British speedway that does not include promoters (but consult with them). Only then will short termism and petty jealousy be avoided. Maybe then there will be a medium to long term plan that will help the sport in the UK. As for the crazy rules, continuous rule changes, special dispensations etc. - well, don't get me started. But I don't ever lose sight of the thrill that is 4 guys out there on the track shifting the shale !! So come what may, enjoy your speedway everyone. Its still a terrific thing.

I thought that the boys were tremendous and it made for a thrilling night of speedway. Its a tough call for Middlo but if Mark is fit I also think that he should come in for Screeny. This is no slight on Screenie - it took all 5 riders to win the meeting and he rode his heart out (as they all did). I think that Bomber and Steady deserve to go to Poland. We have to take the long term view. They came of age to a degree on Sunday and they have earned the right to be 'blooded' at SWC final level. Also, who else could Middlo choose from that would deserve it more?

Aha! - know your enemy!!!

Hey Orion - what happened to the picture of Waggy? Made me guffaw(!) every time I saw it. There is a lot to be said in favour of Sky - and despite various gripes BSI. However, I'm with Uncle Albert on this one. We often lament that speedway isn't taken seriously when it is such a great sport and spectacle. But world championships should be on merit and for that reason I do not think that it does the sport any crebibility to artificially enhance a teams performance. I also despair that riders do not have a chance to compete to break into the Grand Prix series. Yes there should be some automatic qualification based on performance in the previous years GP but I think it is a great shame that riders can only break into the series on the whim of BSI and whoever has their ear. I'm not anti BSI and certainly not anti Sky. But I think that the sport will be enhanced by addressing these issues.

For those of us that can be bothered to follow the link - and also enjoy rest of the excellent Speedwayplus site, the Giffy interview is thoroughly entertaining and I recommend it to anyone.