False dawn

The Bees have signed Emil as a late season addition to the team. Having not ridden in England for several seasons, Emil is assessed on a very low average and is able to join the Bees to replace injured Jason Garrity (get well soon). Having redeclared their side, the Bees realised that they had a few points to play with and Greg Hancock also makes a welcome return to Brandon. We might see a few fans return to the terraces, eh?

I think there is a lot confusion going on here. Tai is the reigning World Champion and remains a devote Brit. In terms of the current (and future) individual World Championships, he is a national hero of the highest order. We take pride in his achievements and support him with our best endeavours. Then we look to the World Cup. Tai did not come 2nd this year anymore than Danny King or any others in our team. As I used to say to my driver when I was a sidecar passenger, "We win or lose together". Team GB came 2nd this year and we applaud every member of that team, including Adam Ellis who did not ride. This was historic in every sense. Every year posts a new result in the records books and any rider should be proud to contribute to our national placing in the outcome. Take a moment to reflect on some those sporting stories we see every day on our TVs just now. I quote, "I've worked more than 4 years for this, and 7th place, I'm proud of that". Moan about the sport's management, complain about the lack of investment in the development of riders for the future, get cross about the lack of vision, but never forget, when it comes to the team event, it is the team score that counts. And when you wave your Union Flag, it's for the team you cheer.

Well I said I wasn't giving up.... But now is not the time to relax. Sure, we'll be watching speedway at Brandon next March. But that is a short term stay of execution. I read with interest the idea that whereever we get permission to build a new stadium, they should build the houses and leave Brandon alone. Simplistic? Maybe, but it is clear that Rugby Borough Council are keen see to see speedway continue at the existing site. The current owners are sitting on a very large investment in the site and are surely open to a better solution than having their capital tied up with the planning authorities for even a year, let alone three.

Well I haven't given up. I didn't see the reported rubbish in the pits because I was in the stand cheering on my side. And those Bees nearly pulled off the greatest comeback since Lazarus. We pulled off a spendid win at King's Lynn and last night was an exciting turn around. Look at the stats and you'll see we have some exciting riders. What they are doing with early meeting set up and some of their gating is anyone's guess. But they pulled out all the stops and almost pulled off a famous win. Throw in the towel if you like but keep the faith on here and elsewhere on the net. We are all that's left.

Let's face it, we were beaten by a better side. But I think Dan had a bad day, he's better than that. Maybe his early fall had something to do with it. Also RTD had his number one bike wiped out. Having said all that, we could use some gating practice. Keep the faith. These lads need our support and there will be better meetings.

I can't believe what I'm reading (again). The Bees website has announced that the National League meeting at Belle Vue on Saturday has already been postponed due to the ongoing track repair. What are they doing? Maybe it's been said before, but don't they lay a track and run a GP in Cardiff every year in a week? Get someone who knows what they are about and fix this. This is a national disaster for an already niche sport. This can only adversely affect the view of sponsors, TV companies and the paying public.

At the Coventry Wolves match it did not seem to me very polite to bring the home side onto the track on the truck when our guests were left to walk on. In fact you could almost argue it should be the other way round.

1,2,3,4 let us hear the Brandon roar. B E E S Bees. We chanted that for more years than I care to remember. Try bringing it back.

Does anyone know the draw for Cardiff yet? I don't seem to able to find it.

Any chance we can get in on the act please?

I agree. I've never seen so much attention given to so little shale, sorry dust. The momentum of this meeting was completely destroyed by the constant grading and watering. Some attention to the track every 5 races would have been acceptable but 20 minutes?

Why start apologising now old friend? You never did back in our day. Just keep telling those rude jokes and you'll be fine.

Go Danny Boy The best of British (not counting Joker points). Okay I'll admit it. I didn't think he was a good choice but I was proved wrong. A solid third place performance from Britain

The form book says you'd be silly to bet against Greg. But that cost me £5 last year. Oh well, once bitten, twice a winner.

Thanks to all concerned. My PDA is suitably loaded and ready to go.

Fear not my generously proportioned friend we'll get you there. Google will show you a bunch of empty paddocks because that is where we go racing. The clue is in the name, "grasstrack". We shift the cows or sheep out of a field, stake out a track and go racing. The information I have so far: The grid reference is TL616137. Go to http://www.multimap.com to find this location. Practice starts at 11:00. First race is 1:30 In fact if you want the complete details of this meeting, go to http://www.grasstrack.net/regs-pdf-z/500-12-july.pdf

There had to be someone somewhere racing sidecars on ice! Here's a link to a site in Canada: click here

Thanks for all those links etc. people. But 2 things..... 1. Nowhere is there any evidence that a 1000cc outfit has ever been seen on ice. I'm still thinking there is an opening to become a member of the first crew ever to do this. Hmmmmm! 2. And don't forget the real reason for this thread. I'm still looking to car share with 1 or 2 people to this year's meeting.

You're right, I was forgetting. They have that sidecar at Assen that has a snowplough and rotating brush that prepares the surface between races.

No I'm not extending my CV although I'm always open to offers. Just off to watch a very exciting form of racing that I fell in love with 2 years ago at the same venue. Why don't you come with us? I've never have seen sidecars on ice. But I did offer to organise a 1000cc outfit to appear at Telford a few years ago (with me on the back of course). However I was told that this had been done at a previous Telford meeting. Actually I think it was a 500cc outfit but I never found who it was or which year it took place (anyone know?)

Two of us are going to Assen for the ice speedway. We're flying into Amsterdam (details below) and are considering hiring a car. If there are 1 or 2 other folks who want to share the car with us it will obviously keep the costs down for all. Plus we have the flexibility of a car during the 3 days while we're there. Arrive Amsterdam Friday 13th March 09:10 Depart Amsterdam Monday 16th March 18:55 We're staying in a hotel in Groningen PM me if you're interested

Happiness is 40-38. Hmmmm

The Barry Briggs patented "Double Action Flicker" no less!

Hey, I'm from Mars, same as you Bob! P.S. Silly me, I now see to what you were referring. For the record, it's a quote from the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy that I "borrowed".

I did used to like the mechanics bringing the bikes onto the track prior to each race and seeing the riders walk out from the pits. It always had the sense of gladiators coming out to do battle.