SPEEDY69

That's fine but that was a world final not a GP, which is what we're talking about here. Whether or not people liked the old world finals is for another debate but they were unpredictable because everyone had to qualify. As for GPs, it's the same as any other meeting in that there have been many many dull ones on poor tracks, as well as exciting ones but next season's line up I find uninspiring because it's the same old same old as too many riders are the same as last year so it's not fresh.

The STR club held its first presentation night last Saturday, which was very successful and a great time was had by all. The evening kicked off with the introduction of the guest of honour - David Howe, who went on to present the awards and trophies. This was followed by a raffle, which had some real quality items such as complete sets of luggage as well as speedway related items and more traditional things like booze! The excellent buffet and disco provided the backdrop as we held an auction of Speedway gear such as a professional tool chest, helmet, Lee Richardson print and pit shirts and body warmers - many thanks to thsoe who bid/won these. There will hopefully be some pictures and possibly video footage on the STR website (www.southerntrackriders.co.uk) in due course. Well done to all those who organised the event and attended - I'm hoping it will become an annual event. Any enquires about club membership and meetings for 2013, please either see the website or contact Linda on 07875140019.

Maybe. I also think the pressure in each meeting is less nowadays

In my opinion it's not the best ever line up. I preferred the days when qualification was more important. Having Nielsen & Rickardsson etc. was a strong era.

So now you can win a GP and still have less points than someone who finishes last in a semi-final. Doesn't seem right to me but as I'm not that bothered, I'm not that bothered!

I have been to Cardiff almost every year since it started but only to see the British riders. If there weren't any in it (or I had no affinity with them) then I would save my money and not go.

Godd luck to Tai for next season, I think he will spring a few surprises. The GPS are about having the money and the committment - it's never been about the best 16 riders in the world. I'll be watching the league racing next year as always - never been a big fan of individual meetings. So whomever he rides for in the UK next year, I hope he gives them 100%.

There hasn't been any conscious decision not to, and in fact several of the meetings have been advertised in advance on this forum. It just relies on someone using their free time to do it - don't forget some of the amateur clubs such as STR rely totally on volunteers.A good many of the riders do not access the internet at all so get their information via direct contact to Linda (07875140019) or another rider. If anyone is aware of a meeting that's not posted on here them I'm sure the club would be glad if that person posted it Thanks to Bryn for posting the dates of a couple of upcoming meetings.

Simply because the three riders who finish outside the 'automatic' qualification places are usually considered for wild card picks, along with other candidates - no other reason really. The wild card picks are still a bit of a mystery to me but there are obviously commercial considerations as well.

In answer to the question posed on this thread: Has he qualified? Is he the National Champion? Is he a Champion at another event e.g. World U21? Is he in the current GP's top 11? As the answer is no to the above then in my opionion it has to be no overall.

I think the GP series is tired and it's time to change qualifying so that riders can get in in the same year. Also cut it down to five or six rounds max. However I've always preferred team racing so those who love individuals may think diferently.

I don't think Sweden would hold any fears for us in a test match - they were shown up badly in the World Cup final a few weeks ago.

It's difficult to predict this one with so many variables such as the condition of the track, the weather during the meeting and the vulnerabilities of four man teams. The GB boys will certainly be giving it their all. I think their gating consistency may let them down but here's hoping, everyone's beatable!

I don't know about other leagues but Kildemand seems to be doing as well if not better than MJJ in England this year, it must have been a close call to pick Jensen.

Well I watched the GP on Sunday night and have to say frequently 'fast-forwarded' as I found it quite dull. Maybe it's because I prefer team racing than individual events or the fact there are so many GPs. I can't get excited about someone getting a couple of more points than someone else because it means nothing at the moment as it can all change dramatically. I also wish people would stop slagging off riders with the same old arguments used before. They are in the series and trying their best - it's a completely different thing being on the outside to being in the series. Take F Lindgren - having perhaps a poor season outside the GPs but then wins one.

You can learn from scratch with your own bike but please don't spend too much money on it - you might not like it! If you have a bike then there are amateur clubs such as www.southerntrackriders.co.uk or dragons and others. My advise would be go to a school first and hire a bike to see how you get on. You can also attend amateur meetings as they're usually free to enter and talk to people there.

If it is Lanham then this makes them a stronger team, both home and away. One thing I am curious about is the number of crashes which happen at Foxhall these days - is it the crash captial of British speedway? I can't remember seeing many of the updates reports from last season in which 'fell' didn't appear quite regularly. MAybe last week was an exception but perhaps someone who goes to Foxhall could give their views on why so many crashes happen there in the PL.

Just to clarify, this is a Southern Track Riders open practice event open to all, members and non-members. For bookings and further information contact Linda on the phone number shown above or email: linda@southerntrackriders.co.uk

One off final definitely. GPs were ok when a novelty for a few years but too many rounds now and I find them boring.

Ta. Will go for the 8.30 out of Cardiff then.

Hi, can anyone tell me what time the GP is likely to finish now it's a 5pm start? I understand it depends on accidents etc. but just want to know roughly to book travel. Thanks.

It seems to me the sole reason he has quit is because of money and the effect upon his main sponsor. I agree with David Beckham in that you should never retire from international competition - when you are not considered good enough you will simply not be picked. If Gollob had done this when he was 31, look what Poland would have missed out on! Throwing riders into meetings where they are significantly out of their depth does nothing to improve them in my opinion and may have the opposite effect - have Kennett, Bridger, Allen etc. got any better since the World Cup a couple of years ago. It's right that we don't seemingly do enough to support young British riders but when National League level riders demand vans and bikes before signing with a club, does this indicate they want make it to the top - run before you can walk would be my response. Top brits of the past made their own way through and there is not a lot to stop that continuing, other than teams signing untried foreigners in preference to a willing british rider and the average redcution shoudl be more in favour of the latter.

If he qualifies from the challenge, which I think he will, there are no arguments. If he doesn't then he doesn't deserve a wild card pick. He has never qualified by right for the Grand Prix and cannot be given any more handouts - but like I said, I don't think it will come to that. I also think Lindgren & Woffinden should be dropped if they don't make it either.

With Chris Harris pulling out of the EL meeting at Ipswich this Thursday night due to an injury aggravated in Sweden this week (although no crashes reported on speedway.nu), will he be fit for the GP & practice being held in Sweden on Friday & Saturday?

Couldn't agree more. Well done to the Brits, an excellent result and best of luck for Saturday. I hope that Stead improves his gating as it will be vital at Vojens. Couldn't believe Lindgren trying to get reinstated for Heat 1 - clearly minimal contact if any at all and nothing to make a rider fall off. I don't think the Aussies were being arrogant, simply trying to keep relaxed and not let the pressure get to them. Wonder if Lyon will keep the same riding order putting out Scott in the first & last heats - I think it should be the job of the Captain to shoulder that pressure to bring it home.