SPEEDY69

Have watched a few heats but have to say it doesn't catch my attention as the competition is meaningless to me. All rather dull.

There will always be a limit on speed due to the size/shape of the track. Higher speed on the straights, which the modern bikes generate, still needs to be scrubbed off around the bend to actually get around it! This also doesn't really add to the spectacle and in my view makes racing/passing a little harder.

The changes you're referring to are for a mix of reasons. There is no ban or restriction on the use of total loss engines and plenty still exist. The oil is caught in proper catcher and disposed of after a few races - just as with re-circulating engines. Handlebars and forks have changed due to riders preference, again the old ones can still be used. Silencer changes were imposed to comply with noise levels. Offset cranks are simply engine developments made by manufacturers and tuners in the business of selling and notionally increasing performance/presenting an advantage. Other changes which result from fashion/performance 'enhancements' are too numerous to mention but include 6 spring clutches and newer style plates, engine internals incl. flywheels, ignition development, laydown engines, iridium spark plugs, fancy and expensive vans, multiple bikes for even the most novice of riders, full time mechanics. You don't mention chain guards, primary chain stop bar, silencer retainer, exhaust clips, ignition cut out or the reduced height rear guards plus pivoting footrests. All of these are safety ones which are all positive in my view. Apart from providing income for tuners, manufacturers and accessory sellers, I don't think any of the cosmetic/performance changes have made the spectacle any better but are costing more for riders/sponsors. Oh, and the crowds are down every year. That's progress for you

I don't think the compound will make a jot of difference. More important is the track surface and the wheel spin, together with the low pressure. I think it's the low pressures some riders are using to gain more grip which is causing excessive tyre wear. I am also not convinced that these Mitas tyres are actually that well made or of quality materials - certainly I used to notice that the blocks would shear off much quicker than on a Dunlop tyre.

I remember he did a test at a road racing track and as his speed increased he lost control of direction and went onto the grass and had a tank slapper. That was on TV. More here about speed records: http://www.speedway-forum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=49929&page=2

I thought his business partner was on the receiving end of some law enforcement activity and that the joint assets had to be sold to pay the fine/back dues. This may be wrong though.

I agree. I remember John Louis breaking the Foxhall track record in about 1980 at 60.8. Then, the track was a bit longer around the kerb but he averaged 44.4mph. Danny King's current record, nearly 40 years later is 45.97mph. Does it really make the racing any better? This thread was in use some time ago: http://www.speedway-forum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=62922 I do think though that if they could have a speed gun at one point of the track it could add to the evening to see who had the top speed. Can't be that difficult.

The first lap is nearly always about 3 seconds slower than the other three so the actual maximum speed will be higher. They will also be hitting maximum speed at the end of the straight, which will also be higher than the average speed, obviously. To be pedantic even further, unless they ride around the kerb, the average speed will be higher still as they cover more distance Easy enough to work out the average speed as you suggest. Only need the track record and the length, then: distance (m) /time x 2.25 = miles per hour. So for Redcar, the average speed is 20.76 x 2.25= 46.71mph Belle Vue: average speed for NKI in July 2016 was 53.66 mph

I really enjoyed the latest edition of the Star, plenty of interest to read, well done.

They have 2 days there, was either in the Star or on the website, or both Rosco said 16 riders, fitness and diet stuff included - bit cheaper than Croatia ro wherever it was they went last year.

I always cancelled sky sports in September (effective from end October) and then restart when the coverage starts - saves more than £50!

Does anyone know the stats on rain-offs? Many people seem to think they happen at the start and end of the season but I'm not sure that's always true.

I agree about characters and the interest provided other than the actual racing - however I do not like dangerous riding, the like which Lindgren dished out last season in the GPs and Pedersen has done in the past. Although I have to say I have not seen anything particularly harsh from Nicki for a few years now.

I do find this odd, considering he was quite specific saying he informed the riders at 11:16 - suggests an electronic record. I know they all moaned about not hearing before the BSPA announcement but he apologised for that. And in any case, for me the club's survival is more important than when he told the riders - the BSPA could have also told them, considering they presumably became BSPA assets on the Friday? Wasn't it about the MDL/SDL withdrawal from league speedway and the mess that level is in? If not, what was it about? maybe Neil W can answer? I think the BSPA, once they knew Belle Vue and Leicester were ok, looked at the SKY money and thought well, we each get more if there's only 8 of us rather than 9 Seems cheap to me, given the assets that come with that.

Absolutely - a lot of people blaming Mick but I don't see him as the guilty party here. He would have signed the revised lease by the end of December had the stadium been put right first. Why sign the lease and then have to fork out to repair/replace? I ma more inclined to believe the councillor on this than people who think it's still Peterborough or confuse Mick with Colin. Most of us fans are simply in the dark and speculating, what I do know is that Brandon Estates clearly want houses on the site.

I agree with most of this except for the bit I've put in bold - having watched Fricke a few times last year away from home, he was dreadful and it didn't indicate to me he is a better rider. Both would be good - maybe other teams will revise their teams to make use of some of the Coventry riders?

Would've been the third time had Wigg won in '95 Fair play to Kelvin, for me the more successful across all sideways events - except Teterow? Does anyone know who was best there? Neither Tatum or Wigg as successful as Gerd Riss though in Longtrack, doubt his records will be surpassed.

Yes, and with Gerd Riss and Wigg. Tatum actually had more top 3 finishes in longtrack than Wigg but less wins - and it could have been another for Wigg if I remember rightly in Scheesel when bike problems caused his downfall whilst leading the final.

Tatum all the way, I think better on the speedway and awesome when watching him on the grass. Remember him going all over the deep clods around the outside at Collier St miles in front, so brave.

Who is more successful - KK. Who would I have in my team - Cook. I will always back a Brit over anyone else.

Can anyone translate what this is supposed to mean?

Nicholls not in championship as Ipswich couldn't fit him in.

Thanks, let's hope the weather is ok this early in the year - last one I went to was the rain off in Riga!

I am going to this this year. We have one night in the capital then two in Lasko. I am hoping that driving to the track and parking will be a simple affair?

In the weaker league they will do ok but Fricke was hopeless away from Belle Vue, which he'll need to improve if they are to get anywhere.