False dawn

That's an eminently sensible analysis. But it only makes sense in an individual meeting such as the GPs. This was a team event. Ipswich only needed 1 (and a bit) points to secure the victory. JD did not need to get involved with his talented team mate in front. The outcome could have been very serious for numerous competitors including himself. A racing brain would have made a split second decision to hold back.

I remember Soldier Boy at Blackbird Road when he was a big Ray Wilson fan. He stood right by the starting gate and was a well known character. He later supported Ole Olsen before Ole came to Coventry. It was about that time that I last saw him, sadly. Replaying those memories reminds of the trumpet player from Ipswich who seemed to be on the terraces everywhere the Witches were riding. Those were the days when Ipswich was a British club. No foreign riders. Oh how times have changed.

Erik is clearly very ill. He has not only stopped racing in this country, he has withdrawn from the long track championship where he was expected to be a front runner. I've read reports that he has pressure on his brain which sounds very scary. I hope people join with me and wish him him a speedy recovery.

It's entertaining. If that's the only thing we can criticise, I think we're lucky. Given their resources, I think BSN put on a good show. At least they try to focus the camera on where the real race is happening, unlike TNT. This is the first year that I've subscribed, but it won't be the last.

Ah but. Have you seen who is the referee?

He does seem a bit vague when it's mentioned during the TNT presentations. It's a bit hard to judge, but it wouldn't be a huge surprise if he retired. I hope not.

What happened to Max James last night? Joe Crewe seems to have taken his place, but can't find out why.

I must admit, I was more than a touch surprised. But I was reminded of the time that Bomber was dropped by Leicester and then he was seen chatting to Stuart Dickson a week or two later. It was said at the time that you can't afford to bear a grudge; it's too small a community. If Nick Morris came in and started scoring anywhere near the points Luke was putting on the board, I suspect people would have very short memories.

I get where you're coming from. However, BZ only scored 2 more than Dan did last night, in the Warsaw GP.

All that you say is true. However, it can't be good that some fans did not get into the temporary stand until heat 5. This was despite a large reduction in the security checks being carried out at about 6:30. And although I didn't try them myself, massive queues for food and drink doesn't please a lot of folks. Mark Lemon pulling pints is commendable but hardly a good advert for the behind the scenes organisation. But what a speedway meeting? The racing was breathtaking in many races. I was there and I can't remember a meeting with so many close races. And given the uncertain weather forecast the track staff are to be applauded (Phil Morris did come over to track staff on the 3rd bend after the meeting and did appear to give his thanks). It's hard to see how tonight's meeting can top that. But hey, I'll be glued to my TV (can't be there in person).

I've got a note in my diary - 12th July

Not sure if it's significant but there is a qualifying programme on Friday on Discovery+ but not on Saturday.

Forget the past. Bomber is value for money wherever he rides. And let's just exam the facts. He was that close to being crowned British Champion on the same track the GPs are going to be run.

From the reports Ace Pijper pulled up (slowed, at least) in Heat 12 whilst leading. How bad is that?

Likewise. I'm sure someone will put us right, but a "Dried Off" is a new one on me as well.

I'm ever so tempted..... But I'll resist. 😁

You're completely right of course. Unfortunately there is a significant percentage that enjoy watching their team get 5-1 after 5-1. I've subscribed to a full BSN pass this year (for the first time) so I've been watching a lot of speedway, much of it as a neutral. As others have noted, there has been too many one sided meetings this year. Not what I call entertaining "racing".

That comment feels like déjà vu. We're back to talking about the GP scoring system if we're not careful (which has move even further away from this principle this year - qualify 10th and still have a chance of winning the meeting 😕)

You're assuming that the Berwick management knows more. The impression is that Craig has just gone to ground.

Where did you see that news? It's a shame, because Erik is going really well just now and is entertaining to watch.

Thanks. I don't need the Live Updates now 🤣

I would like to follow this meeting on Live Updates. But it appears they don't have a texter. Can anyone help them out?

It does seem that Mark Lemon is hinting there was a "mechanical issue" that hit the whole BV team. To me, this can only mean a bad batch of methanol e.g. a bit old, which means there could be absorbed water from the atmosphere. What's the current ruling about the fuel both teams use. Is it mandated that they use a common source or do they provide their own? Obviously, if everyone uses the same fuel, it is odd that only one team is badly affected.

I guess it's the right time of year for old chestnuts. And that has to be the oldest.

"pay off" sounds bad. I assume this was a typo for "play off" 😱