False dawn

It's odd isn't it? Simon nearly always looks miserable on TV and at times has that "rabbit in the headlights" look. But he came to the Nuneaton Speedway Supporters Club meeting a while back and he was a completely different person. Chatty, friendly, he even smiled a few times. I must admit, I changed my view of him that evening.

So the rule saying riders must sign to say they've been paid for the previous meeting obviously has no teeth whatsoever.

Crickey. That meeting must have dragged on 😁

I think that's what's called "hedging your bets" 🤣 This tie is quite interesting. Both sides have something to prove and there is a fair chance they'll meet in the semis (or the final!?). Can't see Sheffield doing anything but being on top form, but Leicester just don't seem know when they're beaten at the moment. So it could be close. But not to sit on the fence, I think it'll be around a 48-42 win for the home side.

On the one hand, allowing Emil and Artem back into the World Championships would generate a lot of interest. Whether they are real contenders or not. On the other hand, in the current political climate, bringing the Russians "back into the fold" could generate some less than positive publicity inside and even outside the sport. Imagine the coverage if one of them won it? Either way, it's all publicity. And as Barnum (and others) said, "There’s no such thing as bad publicity". And as speedway fans, surely we want two of the best in the series?

I think Stewart Dickson made his feelings about Drew very clear on air on Monday. If Drew doesn't get the message and respond in a positive way I think he's going to find it a bit sore sitting down until he does. 🥾

Always assuming of course that Nicolai has a good night. 🤔

Four points. 1. The rule covering the 2 minute warning has been specifically changed to say that riders must be ready to race within the time limit. 2. We don't have a consistent application of this rule. Did I not see a meeting report recently where 2 riders were disqualified in heat 15 for not being ready? And then clearly, on TV, we see riders pulling up to the tapes after the time clock has reached zero. 3. If riders arrive at the tapes with 30 seconds on the clock, they garden for 20 seconds and then settle to race. If they arrive with 1 minute and 45 seconds on the clock, they garden for a minute and a half. I know it's a bit more technology but can't we have a maximum of 30 seconds once all four riders have entered the "starting zone"? 4. Perhaps when the starting marshal calls riders to the tapes, they should be obliged to comply and not completely ignore him. We could ban all gardening I suppose. Maybe not, eh?

Well I get annoyed when my choice isn't even in the the list of choices. Why can't we vote for any of the 14 riders?

I was there at the NSSC meeting when Phil Morris strongly hinted that there was a brand new club interested in running speedway. The rumours at the time were that this was Northampton but Phil never said that. But if it was and if that is still a possibility it is a good catchment area. Also, if they only entered at NDL level, there would be local derbies with Leicester and Oxford. Ah well. We can dream. The best laid plans of mice and men eh? P.S. Glasgow moving up is an obvious candidate. However, the loss of all those relatively lucrative local derbies with Edinburgh is surely a factor.

The socks are a nice touch 😁

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?