Mr. Clemens

Best rider on the night - because he was involved in a horrendous crash - that could have put him out of the meeting - rest of the GP's - and the world title chase But he picked himself up dusted himself off - got on with it - made the final - finished third - and for me was the - best rider of the night - because he did all that - in other words you pays your money and makes your choice - and for me that made him the best rider on the night

It was like an old world final - reminded me of the 1976 world final Nicki is coming of age and has the potential to be a great world champion He is doing everything right - developing into a consumate professional Rides in four leagues - scores points - turns up on the night - puts on the same hard rding show - everywhere he goes - and long may he continue to do so The problems with his forearms have impeded him in the past - but now that problem is seemly gone - the sky's the limit for Nicki Nicki Pedersen is becoming a credit to the sport and long may he continue to do so Tomasz Gollob - a master of that track - pity he can't or won't do the same everywhere he goes - for if he did he would have been a multiple world champion And it could be said that - perhaps - Gollob is building himself up to make the supreme effort next year - to top off his career with a world championship win Otherwise why should he have all of a sudden turned from a disinterested bystander into what could have been a realistic challenge for this years world championship - if he had turned it on earlier Perhaps that plane crash has turned some sort of light on inside his mind that has told him that he can be world champion - for once you have had that kind of brush with death - some people are freed from a lot of negative inhibitions that previously chained them down Perhaps that's why he could contemplate a return to Elite League racing next season Does that also mean that quite a few riders are beginning to 'realise' that racing in GB is more of a necessity than recently has seen to be the case - by them All of this will no doubt remain to be seen Gollob's performances in the last two GP's will be an indicator as to what sort of challenge he will offer next year As it has been said - it's a pity it was a slick track - the racing would have been even better if it had been - but perhaps the 'drizzle' dicated that the track preparation would make it slick - just in case there was a downpour Gollob was masterful in his last race - there is a thread asking for your opinion on what is the best GP race you have seen I was simply going to say any featuring Tomasz Gollob - at his best But for me Nicki Pedersen was the best rider on the night - despite the Gollob magic - because he's done it throughout the season And tonight he did it despite that horrendous crash that could have put him out of the meeting - out of the GP's and cost him the world championship He's the main man at the moment and good luck to him the rest of the way But watch out for Gollob - something is happening with him - and it could be a world title As for myself - I'm hoping for the wild card in the German GP as I could do with $100,000

Not too bad a meeting Nicki was great both on and off the track- especially his comic turn with the waste of space polish ref - Nicki was grinning from ear to ear with his tongue in cheek remarks And his 24 point lead rubber stamps his credentials for becoming 2007 world champ

Speedway World Cup Final Before I even start – Tomas Gollob is and always will be – in my book - one of the greatest speedway riders that ever rode a speedway bike – when he feels in the mood. Quote of another World Cup Hans Andersen on Chris Harris: ‘He looked me straight in the eye – and turned left – then laid the bike down!!!!!’ ‘AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRGGGGGH’ Chris Harris in response: ‘This is one Team GB rider you won’t be riding, rough tonight old love!!!!’ With the wife away for a fortnight at - Kolonia – that’s the Polish Scouts for those who want to know!!!! Uncle Mr Clemens replete with famed Halifax woolly pully and tasty sweet and sour chicken and crispy fried noodles sat down to watch what should be a great world cup final. This meeting was set to be a tasty starter to two weeks of travelling the country to watch speedway…..BUT Questions were hanging in the air asked by the results of the previous rounds. Could the mighty Mid-Glow motivate his intrepid team of British riders to cause an upset in Leszno.? Thursday night the mighty Mid-Glow was wheeled into the alfresco pits interviewing area - in Hannibal Lecter’s wheelchair – but someone failed to put the brace round his head to prevent him biting Georgi Thompson’s face off (More’s the pity some might say – and some might not – thought Keith Huwen might) Dressed all in black and displaying his knobbly knees to the viewing speedway millions the mighty Mid-Glow promised that GB would do their best – as they always do. Scott Nicholls – obviously very impressed by the Mighty Mid-Glows sartorial demeanour – guaranteed to put the fear of God into the three teams in opposition - inferred to our favourite TV pundits that third place might well be a triumph for Team GB – BUT – would it work out like that???? Already the world cup was wobbling as Uncle Sam almost knocked it off the table – but no one was watching Sam – so don’t worry thi sen abart it mate – the cup was runneth over anyway!!! The team line ups were announced – with Team GB unchanged Australia put Davy Watt in instead of Rory Schlein Denmark remained unchanged as we all knew they would be BUT ….What’s all this about…..???? The famed Norwegian Pole Rune Holta back in the team – looking for another medal he couldn’t get anywhere else – except in a car boot sale…..???? And Greg Walasek in - instead of Balinski – when it was obvious from the race off – that Balinski was more at ease – in the team – and on this track - than Walasek was - on Thursday night…..???? Once again the Polish speedway authorities were showing a distinct lack of faith in their own Polish riders – feeling the need to draft in a rider from another nation. This being a Polish speedway that supposedly boasts an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the quality of their home grown riders – who they appear to have no faith in at all BUT….if they feel the need…..nivver mind eh….????? One more question – how is it that one of the most stirring national anthems you are likely to hear – which stirs the blood and sets a person up for the evenings proceedings - was ruined on Thursday night – and again tonight – by TV technicians who contrive to make it sound like it was struggling to get out from some bottomless pit…..???? But on with the motley Heat One. Heat 1: Kasprzak 3. Andersen 2. Sullivan 1. Richardson 0 K/K from the gate – with Andersen passing Sullivan – with Richardson nowhere. Poland 3 Denmark 2 Australia 1 Great Britain 0 Heat 2: Hampel 3. Crump 2. Bjerre 1. Stead 0. Hampel gates – followed by Bjerre – but Crump makes his way past the Dane – with Stead nowhere Poland 6 Denmark 3 Australia 3 Great Britain 0 Heat 3: Gollob 3. Iversen 2. Holder 1. Kennett 0. T/G with a lightning start – chased by Iversen – Holder over takes GB rider – leaving Kennett nowhere Poland 9 Denmark 5 Australia 4 Great Britain 0 Heat 4: Holta 3. N Pedersen 2. Adams 1. Harris 0. Norwegian Pole – from the gate – a lot of needle between Adams and Pedersen – with Harris nowhere – but this was the first interesting race of the night Poland 12 Denmark 7 Australia 5 Great Britain 0 Heat 05: Watt 3. B Pedersen 2. Nicholls 1. Walasek 0. What a refreshing change – a rider from another team realises there is a world cup to be won – Davy Watt – while B. Ped and Nicholls have a great battle – the Dane just edging it over Scottie Poland 12 Denmark 9 Australia 8 Great Britain 1 Heat 06: N Pedersen 3. Holder 2. Richardson 1. Walasek 0. A determined Nicki P. – half in control of his bike – pushes Walasek out of the picture – with Holder and Richardson taking advantage – Team GB score a point – disturbing the symmetry of the individual points table on my pre-printed score sheet The Polish fans not happy with Nicki – but that’s racing – and it is the world cup!!!! Poland 12 Denmark 12 Australia 10 Great Britain 2 Heat 07: Kasprzak 3. Adams 2. B Pedersen 1. Stead 0. K/K quick from the gate – Adams and Bjarne locked in battle – Stead - nowhere Chris Louis – famed Polish Immigration Officer – interviews K/K – looking for the secret to the success of the Polish team thus far K/K happy to tell him – secure in the knowledge it won’t do Team GB a blind bit of good!!!! Poland 15 Denmark 13 Australia 12 Great Britain 2 Heat 08: Hampel 3. Andersen 2. Watt 1. Kennett 0. Hampel from the gate – Andersen struggling to keep in contention – Watt takes care of Kennet – who is nowhere At this point this meeting is beginning to resemble round one of the World Cup as the Poles are dominating on a slick track – when is the opposition going to get their act together????? Poland 18 Denmark 15 Australia 13 Great Britain 2 Heat 09: Gollob 3. Bjerre 2. Sullivan 1. Harris 0. But there is always the masterful T/G to provide a piece of much needed magic – imperiously sweeping round the field for another great race win – passing both Harris and Bjerre – with Sullivan relegating Chris to last place Poland 21 Denmark 17 Australia 14 Great Britain 2 Chris Louis – to T.G - ‘You are a sporting legend’ T/G – to Chris Louis – ‘You are a TV pundit’ Nigel Pearson comment to watching speedway millions via Kelvin Tatum on Chris Louis tongue tied tribute to T/G ‘We are being treated to some eloquent commentaries’ Too bleedin right mate – NOT!!!!! Pearson announces interesting news circulating out of – THE PITS – Greg Walasek is feeling sick because he came in last twice – therefore is withdrawn from the meeting Balinski replaces Walasek – but why wasn’t he in the team from the get go???? An indignant Greg Walasek – fearing folk will think skulduggery is afoot - is overheard talking to the Polish Doctor ‘I demand that you declare me unfit to ride - people will begin to think I am a British Pole riding for Team GB – coming in last twice. The only reason Team GB don’t look as sick as me is because they are so used to coming in last – it doesn’t bother them anymore!!!! Heat 10: Crump exc. Restart: Iversen 3. Holta 2. Nicholls 1. When is a con rod not a con rod? – when it’s bleedin knackered – that’s when!!!! Tragedy for Australia with Crump excluded – when Australia was using their joker option to get back into the meeting - perhaps the true turning point of the evening – BUT….we will never know????? In the re start – Iversen from the gate – Nicholls battling hard to keep Holta in third place – but Norwegian Pole – passes Scottie and almost takes Iversen too – but the Dane holds on – Team GB has three points to their name at this point!!!! Poland 23 Denmark 20 Australia 14 Great Britain 3 Heat 11: Hampel 3. Iversen 2. Adams 1. Richardson ef. Hampel goes round Iversen – Richardson mixing it with Adams – until more misfortune strikes – Lee suffers an engine failure – otherwise Team GB would have four points – perhaps???? Poland 26 Denmark 22 Australia 15 Great Britain 3 My inclination at this point was to turn the TV off and find better things to do than watch a meeting degenerate into a farce. The reason being that for me it was plain to see that as far as the Polish team management was concerned Walasek wasn’t cutting the mustard – therefore he is injured – therefore he is replaced by Balinski I became detached from this meeting at this point – prior to this I was ‘into the meeting’ – and if not enjoying it much – was satisfied with the way things were unfolding But with the replacement of Walasek – for me – something negative was injected into the meeting – something black – something dark – and I was no longer interested in the outcome – because I didn’t doubt from this point on that the Polish team were going to ‘win’ this meeting. Yes I would have turned it off – because it turned me off …… BUT I stayed with it because I’d promised some people a report on the meeting as I used to do in the past. Heat 12: Gollob 3. N Pedersen 2. Stead 1. Watt 0. T/G made it all worthwhile for me still watching with this brilliant ride – taking Nicki way out – Steady taking advantage – but magnificent magical T/G takes them all in his stride – miles ahead when crossing the line. Stead scores a point – WATT???? I wonder what the great man – (T/G – not Simon Stead) – thinks of the lack of faith – the lesser people around him - have in the Polish world cup team?????? Poland 29 Denmark 24 Australia 15 Great Britain 4 Nigel Pearson joins the ‘lack of faith in your own riders club’ – seemingly writing off this current crop of British riders - including Chris Harris – perhaps the Cardiff GP already becoming a ‘distant’ memory – and maybe another false dawn – after all Pearson perhaps, indicating that Chris Harris has finally been ‘found out’ – by his fellow GP riders????? Including Edward Kennett – who has hardly begun his career Including Simon Stead – who is a talented rider – who loves riding for Belle Vue!!! Where are you Josh Auty when your country needs you – riding at Sunny Scunny – that’s where mate – along with that other Brit – Aussie – Brit – Aussie (oh please yourself) – future giant of speedway - Tai Woffinden!!!! ‘Where – Who,’ asks a sickly looking Greg Walasek???? ‘Nivver mind all that’ said the Polish track doctor, ‘you just concentrate on feeling sick – and don’t concern yourself with the state of British speedway’!!!!! Heat 13: B Pedersen 3. Holta 2. Sullivan 1. Kennett 0. Bjarne Pedersen brings a (Rune) Halta – to the Polish advance to – glory!!!! Ryan Sullivan holds up our fave Norwegian Pole – for awhile at least – B/P just holding onto the lead across the line – but the gap begins to narrow between the Poles and the Danes – Kennett nowhere Poland 31 Denmark 27 Australia 16 Great Britain 4 Heat 14: Balinski fexc. Rerun: Crump 3. Andersen 2. Harris 1. Andersen from the gate – Crump passes Harris – who tussles with Balinski at close quarters – Balinski goes down – and his excluded – but did Harris help him on his way??? Was this ‘poetic justice’???? Would Balinski take anymore rides Would Walasek make a miraculous recovery and be reinstated Who knows???? Hans Andersen deprived of a win that was certainly his – when the red lights came on The rerun said it all One of the finest races of the night – with Andersen cursing his luck – when Crump – comes out on top from a three way battle – which could have been won by any of these riders – but the Danes have closed the gap to two points – while Australia begin to develop a respectable score line Pearson makes the acute observation – or is that ‘cute observation’ – that without the Poles we have a ‘decent race’ on our hands – does this mean that Nigel has deep unspoken feelings about the Polish world cup team – and the weird goings on in their camp – does he too think perhaps and mayhap there is skulduggery going on????? Poland 31 Denmark 29 Australia 19 Great Britain 5 Heat 15: Bjerre 3. Kasprazak 2. Nicholls 1. Holder 0. Bjerre from the gate – Nicholls and Holder baulking K/K – but the Pole goes round them both – to take up the Danish challenge – heads Bjerre – but Kenny passes him to take the win – Denmark now just one point behind Poland – Team GB score another point Poland 33 Denmark 32 Australia 19 Great Britain 6 Pearson likens this race to ‘spicy sausages on a barbecue’ – has Nigel been at the Keilbasa??? Uncle Sam asks Hans Andersen if the Danes can win the meeting ‘Yer darn bleedin tootin we can,’ says Hans!!!! Sam asks Adams why he is struggling – Adams has no answer to Sam or the track conditions – but gives credit to the Poles and Danes for mastering the track. Hampel admits the Poles are feeling the pressure from Denmark The mighty Mid-Glow – as unlike Hannibal Lecter as you can get – admits Team GB can’t get it together – their engines aren’t fast enough – but all of them are talented riders. Our intrepid TV pundits – who suspect something negative is going on – down there in the Polish corner of the pits – inform us – that something ‘wonderful’ is going on – on the terraces – that we should wallow in the excitement of the so enthusiastic Polish crowd – Why??? The indication being – that despite suspicion of skulduggery – because the crowd show such enthusiasm – and it’s such a colourful and wonderfully thrilling showcase of a speedway audience – it justifies a lil bit of fiddling – to get the right result – to please that – ever so demanding crowd of speedway folk But I don’t go to speedway to watch a crowd – given what they demand – with the compliance of those in speedway authority who really ought to know better. And it doesn’t do speedway any good – as will be shown in the long term Heat 16: Crump 3. B Pedersen 2. Richardson 1. Gollob 0. Now at this point in the meeting – every soul in the stadium – and the watching speedway millions – have just cause in assuming that – poetic justice – was about to be served – big time – when for some reason known only to his majestic – enigmatic – sen – the immortal T/G – decides this is just another run off the mill GP meeting and not the world cup after all – and comes in last Or - perhaps - on the other hand – T/G is sick – or what????? Lee Richardson makes the gate – but Crump passes – as does Bjarne Pedersen – with T/G – well – nowhere!!!!! And Denmark is in front – by one solitary point And Team GB has scored another – solitary point Poland 33 Denmark 34 Australia 22 Great Britain 7 Heat 17: Andersen 3. Holta 2. Nicholls 2. Schlein 0. Chris Holder – is sick too now – and Rory Schlein takes his place – Nicholls is in for Simon Stead – who isn’t sick – but out anyway as he’s only scored one point – as the mighty Mid-Glow has explained to him The mighty Mid-Glow: ‘One point isn’t good enough Simon’ Simon Stead: ‘But a point is a point’ The mighty Mid-Glow: ‘But that’s not the point’ Simon Stead: ‘Oh yes it is ‘ The mighty Mid-Glow: ‘Oh no it isn’t’ Despite all this – it’s Andersen – the bit between his teeth – (which bit is down to you) – from the gate – Nicholls in second – pressed by Holta – who passes Scottie – and attacks Hans – but the Dane hangs on for the win – putting them two points up on the Poles – Nicholls scores two points – from astute tactical use of the joker – Courtesy of the mighty Mid-Glow Poland 35 Denmark 37 Australia 22 Great Britain 9 Heat 18: Bjerre 3. Balinski 2. Adams 1. Allen 0. Edward Kennett joins the sick list – Oliver Allen takes his place – for the experience – and what an experience it was – having a close up look at a brilliant race from the three riders he is up against. Balinski in for Walasek – who heads the sick list Bjerre – who some might regard as the Danes weak link – gates – ahead of the Pole – who passes the Dane – Bjerre regains the lead – Adams passes Balinski – but the Pole gets by Adams at the finishing post – great race!!!!! Poland 37 Denmark 40 Australia 23 Great Britain 9 At this point – the feeling that ‘poetic justice’ was about to be performed – permeated through the TV screen from the atmosphere around the stadium in Poland. The Danes were three points ahead – the concept was developing that – the Poles were beginning to ‘crack’ – from the pressure – all Polish riders seem to be under when performing before their home crowd So much so was this feeling growing in the stadium – Jan Staechman was interviewed by Uncle Sam – perhaps assuming the meeting was going to go the way of the Danish team – and Sam wanted to be in their cheering them on to victory from the ‘get go’ Or at least from heat 19 on!!!! Sam’s inclination seemed to be confirmed when Jan told him that the Danish boys had ‘knuckled down’ to the job in hand after the disappointments of the first few races. Then Jan followed up this statement with a comment that almost – almost – passed by unnoticed. And this comment summed up perfectly what was going on in this World Cup Final – a comment I stand four square behind A comment that can be classed as the ‘motto of this meeting’ ‘And we didn’t have to cheat to get where we are’ You could almost feel the tension in the commentary box – has Kelvin whispered conspiratorially to Nigel Pearson – that Staechman had used the ‘C’ word on TV. But the riders were on their way out for the next race – so the moment passed – as the famed TV pundits now had time to gather their wits and plan their next move regarding this ‘revelation’ by the Danish team manager (Revelation = the blindingly obvious) Heat 19: Kasprzak 3. Harris 2. Iversen 1. Watt 0 Harris was out of the gate first – Iversen stranded in third place – Kasprzak takes Harris on the back straight lap one – and picks up three points for the Poles – one behind the Danes Poland 40 Denmark 41 Australia 23 Great Britain 11 As it would be seen as a ‘dereliction of duty’ by any TV pundit – not to get an instant response to the ‘wicked accusation’ – by the Danish team manager after heat 18 Kasprzak – the winner of heat 19 - was brought before the cameras to make his response to this ‘negative comment’ by Jan Staechman K/K emphasised how sick Walasek was – perhaps not having been reminded of the old adage - by his management team – about ‘protesting too much’ – as doing so indicates there is more truth attached to an accusation – than there would be – if one kept one’s trap shut But actually no – it wasn’t the Poles who were cheating – revealed Krzysztof - It was the Danes – and it wasn’t just any old Dane who was cheating either!!!! In fact it was that wicked – three times DANISH World Champion – that evil DANISH GP Race Director – Ole Olsen – who was bleedin cheatin mate Cos he’d doctored the track right there in front of about 50 thousand Poles – cool level headed defiance of the risks he was running – slick or what eh!!!!! Sorry – sick or what eh!!!! But Uncle Sam – realising – with the strange weather patterns currently circulating round Europe – that it was difficult to determine which way the wind was blowing – said the Poles were right to make use of the rules to substitute one rider for another Inferring – therefore – that the Poles did right to ‘cheat’ – as Ole Olsen could be ‘cheating’ for the Danes Therefore – one set of cheating beresfords – cancels out another set of cheating beresfords – which – thus – makes it all – all right then – or what ????? But Uncle Sam was still leaning towards a Danish ‘victory’ – as he was beginning to wonder if the Poles were ‘mentally beat’ BUT…… it wasn’t Kasprzak who was ‘mentally beat’ it was – Chris Harris – and most importantly Niels Christian Iversen who were – weird track doctoring or what???? Heat 20: N Pedersen 3. Hampel 2. Sullivan 1. Nicholls 0. But Nick P wasn’t interested in anything but a race win – to confirm Uncle Sam’s inclination of a Danish ‘victory’ All three riders pass Sullivan – who made the gate - Hampel dicing with both Nicholls and Sullivan – gets into second place – with Scottie relegated to – nowhere Poland 42 Denmark 44 Australia 24 Great Britain 11 Heat 21: Holta 3. Richardson 2. Bjerre 1. Watt 0. Lee Richardson decides to put in an appearance – going round Bjerre who leads from the gate – but that famed Norwegian Pole Rune Holta – sweeps round them both – and Poland and Denmark are on level points – with four races to go Richardson’s two points puts him one point behind Nicholls as Team GB’s top scorers!!!! Poland 45 Denmark 45 Australia 24 Great Britain 13 Heat 22: Sullivan 3. Balinski 2. Iversen 1. Stead 0. Sullivan decided to join in the points scoring festival – with Balinski keeping Iversen in third place – after passing Stead – Iversen struggles to keep Stead at bay – but the Poles are back in front by one point Poland 47 Denmark 46 Australia 27 Great Britain 13 Heat 23: Kasprzak 3. N Pedersen 2. Crump 1. Allen 0. Kasprzak makes mincemeat of Nicki P – Crump struggles to do the same – Allen in great position to observe how it should be done – Poles ahead by two points Poland 50 Denmark 48 Australia 28 Great Britain 13 Chris Louis with Kasprzak – who praises his English team sponsors – a bit of P/R – designed to smooth ruffled feathers – amongst those who suspect skulduggery – a waste of time!!!! Heat 24: B Pedersen 3. Hampel 2. Schlein 1. Harris 0. Bjarne P isn’t giving up on the world cup – but it’s Rory Schlein – who gates first – with B/P and Hampel passing him – Harris – nowhere again!!!! But it’s down to a last heat decider – and a ‘fairy tale ending’ – as Georgi tells us – over and over again – in an attempt to deflect those who suspect skulduggery – that it was nothing of the sort!!!! Poland 52 Denmark 51 Australia 29 Great Britain 13 Heat 25: Gollob 3. Nicholls 2. Andersen 1. Adams 0. It is Hans Andersen v Tomasz Gollob- for the world cup – and T/G wasn’t waiting for Andersen – as he made a lightning start – as expected – Andersen letting Nicholls through in his attempt to make contact with T/G – but he made no impression on Nicholls and T/G was gone – Adams – on his home track – was nowhere for Australia Poland 55 Denmark 52 Australia 29 Great Britain 13 And it was all over – the Poles had ‘won the world cup’ – but their squad looked suitably subdued as they were driven around the track to collect their trophy – and rightly so too – for Tomasz G was the only one who could truly hold his head up high – as he was driven round the track – while his fellow team mates picked up their tarnished gold medals Krzysztof Kasprzak embraces T/G – no doubt thanking him for restoring a semblance of respect to this - Polish World Cup ‘victory’. Meanwhile Uncle Sam – Nigel Pearson – Kelvin Tatum – were revealed to have been discussing the future of British Speedway Pearson once again listing the junior riders that will one day compete in the world cup But how is this to come about – they ask – why by sending young British riders to ride on foreign tracks – something Mr Clemens said long ago And finally the TV sound technicians managed to get a half decent rendition of the Polish national anthem broadcast this time – but keep on trying – you might get there in the end – when you pay less attention to the riders off key singing – and more attention to the actual supporters in the stadium TV might be thrilled by the presence of vast Polish crowds but they have no idea how to use them effectively when it comes to national anthems And that’s that – a shame the meeting was spoiled – by those in charge of the Polish world cup squad – and their appalling lack of faith in their own riders ability to win – on their home track – in front of their own supporters The moral of the story being – if you can’t win by fair means – then don’t compete at all – whichever team you ride for or what ever competition you are in

aye nobility - unlike others who have - no - ability chuckle

This was a superior speedway meeting - one for the connoisseur - a game of chess taken to the wire. When old fogies - such as me sen - talk about a speedway meeting in the old days - this is the kind of meeting we are talking about. The Poles were - 'inspired' by their own supporters - which means the fans let their feelings be known to their riders - who then 'rose to the occaisson' - in other words did what they were expected to do - instead of swanning around The Australians set the pace for one and all - The Swedes despite their depleted resources did once again show their classy historical speedway credentials It's a pity it can't be a five team final - The Swedes would be the ulitimate spoilers. I have been a fan of Freddie Lindgren eversince I saw him riding as a guest for an opposition team at Coventry when he scored 14 or 15 points. Freddie has an enigmatic look about him that is hard to define - but it came to me last night - as he was being interviewd in the pits - Lindgren has an air of 'nobility' about him - and he will be the Swedes next great world champion - I am sure of that. The Russians didn't cause an upset has I hoped they would after their efforts at Coventry - but perhaps it won't be long before they do. Yes this was a great meeting - Speedway as it should be - riders take note who were watching this It's all about committment, desire and passion - the desire to entertain - the passion to win - the committment to entertaining racing I look forward to saturday night - what I do hope is - with the way speedway is going these days = dull - boring - tedious meetings - just like world cup round one in denmark - that my entire speedway watching won't be restricted to the race off and final of the world team cup and nothing else. The world cup was the highlight of the season last year - it's looking to be the same this year - so speedway folk observe these two meetings - and apply yourselves to the job in hand - and make the sport of speedway what it should be - as was demonstrated last night - and the fans will come pouring back through the gates A great meeting - loved it

I think Russia could quite well cause an upset tomorrow night I for one hope they do It would - as they say - make a refreshing change

One of the true greats was Soren - a true joy to watch

No one's dominating this year's GP's that's the beauty of it Nicki looked like he was for the first 3 rounds but this year's reality has set in and the game is wide open for 'the one prepared to step up to the plate' Nicki's not doing it Jason's not doing it Leigh's not doing it Greg's not doing it Hans is trying to do it but it keeps on damn well slipping away from him and Mr Harris well Mr Harris is 'just there for the experience and trying to enjoy it the best he can'. Perhaps and mayhap that's the 'key to the door'. 'You never can tell', said Mrs. Bell.

The name is quite apt for someone who 'bombs' around the track in the way he does. Connotations are added to a person's name by those who want to add those connotations to the name I don't think for one moment that Chris Harris thinks of his nickname in anyother way than people often call those named Harris 'bomber' because of the world war two Bomber Harris or Chopper because of the chelsea footballer. But either way Chris chopped and bombed his way to a great win last night and let's hope it's the first of many times he does it

Great result for Chris Harris He single handedly continues to electrify an otherwise dull lack lustre season Well done that man

While all around were losing their heads Mr Adams sailed right on through to a great personal win for him Good onya mate

I'm a big fan of Nicki's fully committed racing style but I thought he was at fault for the crash as his front wheel was over the white line. His rear wheel clipped the kerb which straightened him up and the melee unfolded from that. It was a racing accident and Nicki was rightly excluded Shame that Jagus took the brunt of it all by being forced to crash then being made withdraw from the meeting - though in hindsight he might well thank the medics for doing that - or perhaps not

Most likely Lindback will or is losing interest in speedway altogether and most likely will find another career to pursue. He does need a guiding hand but might be too late for even that Just thoughts passing through my mind while watching this meeting I do believe Lindback will withdraw from the GP series shortly and as said above quit the speedway altogether for some other sport.

Nicki marches on and long may he continue to do so an immaculate performance to only drop one point. Andersen took his advantage of being in the semis and made the most of it after looking like slipping into also ran mode Chris Harris = Top man How can be be top man if he came third? Because the new rules says he can be - that's why

Kudos to Chris Harris He was instrumental in setting a dull meeting on fire. He set the standard for all the rest of the riders to aspire to. He inspired Scot Nicholls - as he would Rory Schlein when they put him the GPs too. This is what the GPs need - riders inspiring each other to greater things on the track You have to be proud of the lad. He's done Britain proud tonight He is a stoical quiet lad who is taking everything in his stride Long may he continue to do so Rock on

When Nicki won the last GP of 2006 it struck me he was serving notice that he was going to be a contender in 2007. A flawless display. I hope he's started here as he means to go on. It was interesting to see that he wasn't continuely placing ice packs on his forearms has he as done in previous years - which hopefully means the problems he's had are finally cured. Chris Harris did well on his debut and continued good luck to him - nasty crash involving Scott Nicholls - let's hope he's fine. Well done to Jagus on his first GP - he can be a spoiler in this year's GP's As for the rest of it - this was a routine meeting in my opinion - dull for the first 4 heats but it took off eventually - but didn't provide a spectacular meeting. They do need to get some dirt on the track - otherwise put some tarmac down and then they can cease the pretense of this sport being raced on dirt

My tip is Nicki Pedersen simply because he served notice of his intentions in the last Grand Prix of 2006 He will be happy if people concentrate on Hans Andersen while he works in the background building up his scores and taking the crown

Good luck to Chris Harris in the 2007 GP's I hope there are those out there who will provide him with the sponsorship to compete with the 'big boys' I do think Chris will be as tenacious as Andy Smith was in holding onto his place in the GP's - it will be interesting to see if it turns out that way

I have a faith in the Coventry team and reasons to believe that they are quite capable of turning P/bro over on Monday

If Mr Ham has faith in Scott he will - if he doesn't then that will also give Scott opportunity to find someone who does - like me for instance - only I'm skint - but I can offer moral support - which I will be doing on monday - when Scott will lead his team to victory at Peterborough

He's got what it takes there's no doubt about it and yes he could have qualified on merit What I am saying is it's like when you have a problem that you apply yourself diligently in solving and find yourself banging your head against a brick wall - you have a 'break' from it and when you return all the answers are staring you in the face But the whole GP thing wants reorganising - in the end all the riding these riders have to do in the leagues etc plus the GP's leaves them exhausted in the end If they do less - they will gain more in the end

I think Scott is one who could do with a break from the GP's which would give him time to step back and take a look at what he's achieved so far and where he has 'gone wrong' then come back refreshed and perhaps then be the class act we know he can be I wouldn't be surprised at all if he turned down the wild card offer and took that break to revitalise himself

Aye but just not classy enough for some and perhaps not classy enough to qualify for the GP by rights

No I don't caristom I live 25 miles from Halifax but I was devoted to the place Went to the the Shay every saturday for 15 years and Sheffield every thursday till they both disappeared off the speedway map And I've been in the 'twilight zone' eversince