False dawn

Rather than get into the blame game, I am just very sad that a classic play off final is in danger of not taking place. This year anyway. And if that wasn't bad enough, we're facing the possibility of it taking place when the NDL is no more.

I know Freddie is not down to ride, but do you know he won't be there?

Ok. So if we're going down that route perhaps the BSPA should be organizing formal track days to attract riders from other bike formulae.

I never quite got the objection and eventual banning of ghost teams. If you start with the objective of organizing a racing environment whereby young riders can get competitive track time on a regular basis and enough people are willing to pay to watch them, what's the problem?

The fact that the BSPL has never shown any interest in youth development is very much their fault.

At least that would save the 20 minutes prior to heat 15 we get now where the teams works out who they want to nominate. The four riders we've worked out several heats earlier.

But I want to watch the last 5 heats of both matches. I'm happy to nip off for a pint at the end of the first match. I'll get my coat

What dirt?

My fear is that Oxford will announce they are running the play off meeting on the same day. Given that 6 of the Cubs team are named in the U19 line up, this might cause a bit of a problem. Not to mention the fact that I want to support the Cubs and I've got my readmission ticket for the U19 meeting.

This has nothing to do with the starting marshal. This "offence" took place behind the pits and was reported to the referee by the machine examiner.

There were a lot of unhappy fans at Leicester tonight. The coach load of Mildenhall folks must have been especially put out. The ones I spoke to were, for sure. I understand that there was rain around 3:00 this afternoon. If that caused the so called track problems, there was plenty of time to call off the meeting. One or more local riders (the twins for example) could have come to the track early and tested conditions.

A racer on a proper racing circuit. Priceless:

Sorry people. Sarcasm is perhaps not called for. I've no idea of the difficulties that Birmingham have had re-staging this event. I just want to see the competitors on track racing for, what is to them, an important achievement in their careers. I've become a big fan of the youth arm of our sport. I've learnt a little, just how difficult it is for young riders to break into an expensive career. And putting "U19 / U21 champion" in your CV is a big thing. I really hope this meeting doesn't fall off the end of the fixture list.

That would be nice. By age, some of the riders hardly qualify now.

The AGM

Fair comment. Ignore my rubbish comment.

I'm told that there is nothing to stop Artem or Emil entering the qualifiers next year and joining the series in 2024 (which they certainly would).

Has there been an announcement saying when the wildcard picks will be made public?

A premiership promoter, backed up by one of the commentators. Not FIM insiders, I'll grant you. But close to those that will make the decision.

You're not wrong. But the word coming out of the FIM is that there is almost no chance that they are going to allow the Russians back.

You're right but this whole discussion is complicated by the fact that Tai is currently no.1 in the Sheffield averages but as of Sunday Tobi moves into the no.1 slot.

He's 16 and very inexperienced. We've all seen some surprising results from the lad, and some zeroes as well. Let's give him a chance to show if he's really any good or not, eh?

I think it's not a done deal. Should make good television. Let's hope so. Eurosport might give us more (or at least the same amount) next year.

Do they play two meetings to settle the final, swapping changing rooms at half time? Seriously....... Thank you for bringing this to our notice. I, honestly didn't know the MDL was running. It's good to see some new names coming into the sport (even from the FGA).

Given that Tai's average would be enhanced by 5% at home, couldn't you have Jack as a guest?