Subedei

And the altercation happened while Krzysztof Kasprzak was lying on the track after being shoved into the fence by Holta. But Holta loaned Kasprzak a bike for his last ride tonight, so I guess there's no hard feelings. I'd expect to see Walasek in the race-off. But I think it'll be Protasiewicz or Kasprzak that'll make way for him.

Think it was better than all the racing at Swindon on Sunday put together.

But, on second thoughts (because I posted a TR-TG race-off earlier), would the "Big T" have been in the race-off. The rider of the night, scoring wise, for Sweden was Andreas Jonsson. I'd guess TR would've gone in the race-off, but Jonsson was superb on the night and would've deserved to be in it. Also, he'd beaten Gollob, although he was very hard on the Pole, earlier in the night. Edit: And yes, Jonsson was superb this evening. Like Gollob, he seems to pull it out of the bag in the SWC. He was outstanding for the Swedes last year as well.

Got to agree there. I don't think Gollob would've managed a second win over TR on the night.

Ah, but they did use the Joker. They used the Joker in the referee's box. How TR wasn't thrown out of Ht 24, I'll never know.

Well, Australia used it in the last heat of the race-off last year. And, like Poland tonight, it didn't work out for them. But Australia got the use of the Joker in this meeting, it'd be unfair if Poland hadn't got the same chance. I actually do think Australia will make it to the final. I can see the Danes dipping out in the race-off.

Gollob's best two rides in recent years have probably been in the SWC. His defeat of Crump in Ht 25 of the race-off last season and this incredible ride in Ht 25 tonight. Such a shame he didn't win it, but Adams really rode well and wouldn't really have deserved to lose it. I'd expect to see Walasek replace Kasprzak in the race-off.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Tony Steele taking the final.

Gollob on a Joker ride traded places with Leigh Adams for 4 laps, with Smolinski in the mix and PK at the back. Gollob's riding really defied belief at times in the race. It was amazing. Adams was outstanding as well. But it really was a throwback to the Gollob of old. Hanging off the bike, hurtling into the bends at impossible speeds and maintaining control somehow.

Holta goes down far too easily. Correct decision in my view. So far tonight TG and Jonsson have been shoved shoved about on the track, but they didn't bale out.

Well, if he doesn't later on in this meeting, he probably will in the race-off or final. Maybe both.

Don't think you'll see better racing than Hts 13, 14 and 15. Certainly miles better than anything at Swindon on Sunday. Sullivan pretty pathetic thus far. Still think the Australians will get through to the final AndyM?

I guess we were blinded by the hype surrounding the Danish team.

Personally, I think the Danes will struggle to qualify for the final.

It's being held in Poland, they want to win and Holta adds strength to their line-up. The Poles have some fabulous young riders coming through, but Holta, an experienced GP rider, is less risky than say Kolodziej or Rempala.

Wouldn't like to be in Holta's shoes if the Poles don't win and it's because he has a couple of poor meetings.

The Australians had Crump, Adams and Sullivan last year as well, but they didn't make the final. I guess you'd have sad it was madness to predict the Australians falling in the race-off last year, but they did. And the Poles certainly weren't as strong last year as they are this. That said, I actually think the Australians will make it to the final this year. My guess is that the Danes will miss out. They were awful at Swindon and Nicki P's the only genuine class act they have.

And that's the point. It simply doesn't need gimmicks.

Will Germany even register a point? That Polish line-up looks strong 1-5. I think they'll win on the night.

And he qualifies to ride for Britain, but chooses not to.

Who on God's own earth decided to call it the "Joker"? It conjurs up images of "It's a knockout" and Stuart Hall laughing. Actually, he'd be howling with laughter if someone explained to him the various corruptions of speedway's rules since Sky came on board.

Just like Britain generously went to the race-off last season. Hang on, no they didn't. Well, maybe the Danes a year earlier? Nope, they qualified straight away as well. BSI might well want the Poles in the race-off, but the Poles will want to be in the final as soon as possible. Money is not a consideration, except for BSI. The race-off could be better than the final.

BSI would probably prefer Poland to be in the race-off, but my guess is that most Polish fans would prefer to have them safely in the final rather than in a highly competitive race-off. The Poles will be going all out for victory tomorrow night.

Dear me, the final will be the dampest of squibs if the Poles aren't there.

Just a thought, but if Sweden qualify directly and then Denmark and Australia win the race-off, how the hell are Poland getting into your final line-up?