SPEEDY69

I see no reason why an out of the box engine cannot win GPs. The main challenges are maintaining optimal grip around the track and of course off the start line. Other aspects unrelated to the engine internals, such as timing, gearing, jetting, wheelbase, throttle control, seat height, rider position, tyre pressure and plug can all have a dramatic effect on this - commonly referred to by riders as 'setup'. It's this ability of the rider/mechanics to achieve an optimum setup alongside a rider who is on his game to produce race wins. The pilot has a much bigger influence in speedway than on other motor sports such as F1 for example and Freddie is riding really well at present - he has to be given credit for this. People may suspect he's doing something extra with his engines but they're just jealous they're not being as successful so look to point at a reason. It could just be the GTR offers the right power delivery out of the box to achieve the optimum grip. Tuners are rightly in fear for their income - I see PJR is already developing an engine with a rev limiter to try and compete.

Ego? And I include your post as I did not concoct anything but thanks for the reply.

They both had different reasons. LR was about funding for National side, SN was about training and support for GB riders - policy on SEC was the straw which hurt the camel. He has now recognised the work being done by the BSPA. As far as I can see Tai's reasons are the lack of doing things his way, using his people - or have I got that wrong?

Trouble is, comparison is always difficult. There's nothing to make me think that PC couldn't have won more titles if a GP system was in place back then.

So things brings me back to the question I posed earlier - why was Harris selected for the Danish 1/4 final ahead of Lambert and Steve Worrall, both of whom finished way ahead of Harris at last years British Final.

Should be a comfy home win. Pirates by 14.

I think R Worrall and Roynon would make Poole much weaker. They will maximise the opportunity for horses for courses guests (as with Bjerre this week) and then either KK will be back on form as the tracks become dry & slick or they will have a high end replacement.

I'm surprised Somerset haven't had more of these defeats. Tungate as a number 1 was never going to work.

. In-form guests will strengthen Poole - hard luck for the teams facing them over the next 5 weeks! This gives a few weeks to get a replacement for the season if that's what they want.

How does Harris get in ahead of Lambert and Worrall?

Wow, didn't see that coming. Aces complacent maybe, well done Somerset.

Maybe he'll be ok? It could be that special type of flu that only speedway riders get - the type that doesn't last 5-7 days and require remaining in bed. Other people call it a cold.

Big Belle Vue win, 55-35

Lindgren was awesome, attacking it. The really poor ones were Lindback who looked rubbish and Nicki who was riding a lawnmower. Got a good second with faster guys behind him but neither could blame the track. Zagar also looked good. So much fir the poles taking over. Start and go full throttle all the way around makes it a bike test only. Still, we enjoyed it, cheap drinks but the food was shocking. Burgers in pitta bread was all that was on offer.

Heading off to the airport shortly, hoping for a Nicki P, Greg and Freddie 1,2 ,3 but I know this is unlikely!

Should be a comfortable homw win now that Wolves have strengthened.

BWD definitely makes Poole strong favourites as he's a better option than Kerr.

Not too bad a meeting so far but typical gate and go Polish speedway in most races. K Bjerre having a poor meeting but good to see Scott Nicholls in the points again. Great picture on KODI. Excellent last heat from the back on the line to win it for Krakow - Mateusz Szczepaniak

I agree about the track but Nicholls did all that could be expected, beating Doyle twice. Harris should get more from the easier No.3 but Robson is really only a reserve and Watt is just not sharp enough at the moment - I would much prefer Schlein.

Robson and watt were always likely weak links but it's only been a couple if meetings. I expect Schlein is on many peoples' wanted list as at least he can pass when behind. Harris will be disappointed with only 7 from the easier No3 berth.

More than some other No1s!

I'm not. He was poor away from Belle Vue last season and although the league is weaker, why should this one be any different?

Not just last season! Problem as I see it whenever I've witnessed speedway at Poole is the bumps. Preparation would make a great deal of difference and help to reduce the one-line only (near the fence) that I've seen so often.

Why were they at odds?

At Rye House last Saturday there were long queues and some of this was caused by each entrance accepting card payments, which took forever to process. As others have suggested - get this fixed of have separate lanes. Also, a separate place to get programmes works better if they are extra payment - or even selling them to people whilst they queue. We're not talking 100,000 people here.