SPEEDY69

yes, they have better 'racing brains' and no, he's also not more naturally talented.

Some people's 'arguments' on here in defence of ward are laughable. We all take risks, dw risked being over the limit when racing and got caught. Anyone can choose to take the risk and some will be more sensible to ensure they cannot be over when it comes to race time. Until there is compulsory testing then we'll never know for sure. As for DW, he's guilty, get over it. P.s. The punishment should not take into account any mitigation. To risk lives is far worse than silencer tampering in my view

I see in that article you refer to that this is also mentioned, talking about likely punishment (don't know if it's initial pending further investigations or not): "It is very possible that he will be suspended from the player for 30 days, because such a punishment predict FIM disciplinary rules. Then you would start in the last two matches Unibaksu in the main round, the tournament would lose GP in Gorzow and Vojens."

People mature at different times in their life and no-one can really force another person to stop this or that if they are intent on doing it. Other riders consumed alcohol the night before this GP but in moderation and will have made sure they ate a big brekafast/lunch to ensure all alcohol had passed through. It's food that helps the body dissipate alcohol quicker than water or any other liquid. Random testing for alcohol, when it's not expensive to carry out, should be changed to compulsory. If the GP had taken place on Saturday night of course then this wouldn't have happened. I don't condone his behaviour but it's a real shame for the sport - what a weekend.

well, it's a hot sunny day today in riga, now heading back to the airport. had a good weekend, just a real pity about the GP - won't be coming back!

all i am saying is that i am in riga, right in the centre and sat outside. no rain here at the moment, we had a couple of showers earlier which have dried away from the paths etc. any other track could have coped. thete's still nearly 3hours till it eas due to start.

we've been in riga since friday morning and there's not been that much rain, especially today as it's dry now and had a nice sunny hot morning. think the reason it's off is more to do with incompetence rather than weather. can't go 2moro. shame.

As we all know, the regulations ask that riders remain still at the start. Many of you will have noticed, as I have, that some riders don't do this and referees do not always pick it up. I think it's a growing problem as it used to be just one or two (Hans Andersen was always noted for it) but now several riders are having a go at it because they see others getting away with it. It can really affect results of matches and is unfair on those and their teams who abide by the rules. Some riders when they get away with it end up scoring a hatful of points but at their next meeting when it's addressed by the referee they get hardly any. What can be done about it? Do the refs need to be shown videos? Could technology be used on the bike? Should they be closer to the tapes to start with? Should the rider be disqualified rather than 'all four back'? Any other suggestions or not a problem for you?

Hi, I do not use facebook. Do I just go to www.facebook.com and search for lydd? (I do not want to register either)

Enjoyed this GP - was unpredictable and not all about who had the best set up. Make them all indoor

It's trevor hedge I think, well known tuner and previous gm importer

Ahh, but by saying 'suitable' are you saying 'too old' or 'been in it before' because if that's the case then it is not necessarily picking the best team. All the GB riders race in the UK. Those to be considered are in the EL - simply take the top five riders by average (for this season, not the rolling ones). They have proven this year to be the best GB riders. Now if anyone starts going on about the format for averages this year and such like then I agree, that's a bit of a dogs breakfast!

I don't agree with the idea of sticking in riders just because of their age. It's a national competition which we should treat with respect and field our strongest team, irrespective of age or anything else. When a youngster is good enough, they will get their chance. There is a lot more that could be done to give more opportunities to a wider range of riders at all levels - foreign tours or test matches for example. The World Cup is not the place to do it.

f-s-p can you elaborate as I don't understand the codes - are cw leather and kw polyester/nylon/kevlar? what's the difference between cw and kw in terms of material? If the rider has the choice then if it were me, I'd be wearing a leather suit with all my sponsors logos everywhere and just the old fashioned race jacket!! Depends what you mean by having a choice - contracts can be complex things.

That's the trouble with nominations - it shows who your favourites are! Base it on the british final result from previous season or el average, then no-one would complain of favouritism, as long as we all understand harris is a mandatory pick!!

I think Rosco wanted to give the youngsters the opportunity, and Harris of course.

No, this is from the 2014 British Speedway regulations. Every rider wants to be protected when racing but clubs buy their race suits here. The real issue for me is that a rider has no choice in that they can't wear leathers even if they want to - unless they have their team suit over the top, which with underclothes may make them feel a bit constrained or like michelin man!!

They are nominated places so I don't think he was asked.

When I asked him he said he didn't - where/when did he say this? He was banned from competing in the Euro Champs by the BSPA (which would have affected his British club and which Andersen did) but still did the GP qualifiers last year. Then he was not asked by the BSPA to fill in at Poole for the challenge (neither were most of the other 20+ riders next in line). He wants the BSPA to be more supportive of British riders and experience abroad comes into that as well. He has only said he'll not do the World Cup as they need to give other riders a go, not that he has 'quit international speedway'. He wasn't asked to compete in the ben fund this year - which he would have done if asked.

Below is an extract from the 2014 regulations. Whilst everything is not checked thoroughly at each meeting, the riders have to abide by the rules and in this case it's in their interest! Riders must wear appropriate clothing; a one-piece suit or a combination of racing trousers, shirt or jacket and footwear; all made of materials designed to protect Riders with leather being of a minimum 1.0mm thickness or non-leather materials with equivalent protective properties to leather. 12.6 Extra body protection must be worn; either incorporated within the clothing or worn separately over appropriate undergarments. 12.6.1 If incorporated within the clothing it must include the use of padding made of leather, or enclosed plastic foam of at least 8mm thickness covering the following areas: shoulders, elbows, both sides of the torso (chest & back), hip joints and knees. 12.6.2 If not incorporated within the clothing, “body armour” may comprise ribbed panels of moulded plastic with a minimum thickness of 2mm. covering the following areas: shoulders, elbows, both sides of the torso (chest & back), hip joints and knees. 12.6.3 Undergarments, if used, may be either of the "Nomex" type, silk or cotton but not Synthetic materials which may melt and could cause damage to a Rider’s skin in an accident. 12.6.4 Riding Suit repairs must be such that it provides protection to the same standard as the original garment. Temporary repairs must be approved by the Machine Examiner. 12.7 Footwear, in a good state of repair, made of leather or an approved substitute and be of a minimum height of 200mm to provide together with the suit, complete protection. 12.8 Gloves must be worn that provide suitable protection. 12.9 Goggles must be worn and together with spectacles if worn, must be shatter resistant. 12.10 Hand, face or body jewellery should be removed or covered and dentures must be removed. Hope this helps.

I wouldn't be too quick to assume anything - given the treatment he's had from the BSPA over the last couple of years I think it more likely he wasn't asked.

Thereis no doubt in my mind that leather offers the best protection against abrasion, meaning less burn type injuries. Leathers can get stiff, but if looked after well and they fit right can be just as comfortable. I actually found the undersuits and armour more uncomfortable than leathers with built-in armour. The regulations have always been in place for safety and holes in suits have never been allowed if they affect the integrity of the suit - temporary repairs can be made as necessary. The cost thing doesn't really apply as some leather suits are cheaper than 'kevlar' and also the cost of the undergarments/armour is really quite high. For top riders, new silencers won't add to costs either as most of them throw out/sell equipment and replace with new every year - why I have no idea. Plenty of expense can be saved if they want to.

yes, u16s are allowed. see www.southerntrackriders.co.uk for how to get in contact with Linda.

Hope the practice session and AGM go well today, sorry I am not there as it's lovely sunshine again!