Anders

SWEDISH ELITSERIEN ROUND 11 Tuesday July 7th 2009 ROSPIGGARNA - VARGARNA 43-53 (Aggregate: 81-111) at Orionparken, Hallstavik Attendence: 2269 Heat details, courtesy of www.speedway.nu. Rospiggarna (home) 43 (81) 1. Greg Hancock 0-2-3-3-3-R = 11 (6) 2. Henrik Gustafsson 3-0-0-1 = 4 (4) 3. Janusz Kolodziej 2-M-2-0 = 4 (4) 4. Travis McGowan 1*-1-1*-3-1 = 7+2 (5) 5. Ryan Sullivan 2-2*-1-1-0 = 6+1 (5) 6. Jonas Messing 1-0-N-1 = 2 (3) 7. Maciej Janowski 3-1-0-3-2 = 9 (5) 8. Robin Burestad Vargarna (away) 53 (111) 1. Adrian Miedzinski 1*-3-1-3-3 = 11+1 (5) 2. Edward Kennett 2-2*-0-0 = 4+1 (4) 3. Scott Nicholls 3-3-2-2-2* = 12+1 (5) 4. Adam Skornicki 0-3-1-2*-1 = 7+1 (5) 5. Adam Shields 3-3-1*-0-3 = 10+1 (5) 6. Tai Woffinden 2-2*-2-2 = 8+1 (4) 7. Kim Nilsson N-1-0-0 = 1 (3) 8. Jonas Andersson 0 = 0 (1) Changes: 2: Nilsson > R/C > Andersson 9: Messing > T/S > Hancock 1 [58.6]: Gustafsson, Kennett, Miedzinski, Hancock. 3-3, 3-3. 2 [58.4]: Janowski, Woffinden, Messing, Andersson. 4-2, 7-5. 3 [59.0]: Nicholls, Kolodziej, McGowan, Skornicki. 3-3, 10-8. 4 [58.4]: Shields, Sullivan, Nilsson, Messing. 2-4, 12-12. 5 [58.5]: Skornicki, Woffinden, Janowski, Gustafsson. 1-5, 13-17. 6 [58.5]: Miedzinski, Kennett, McGowan, Kolodziej ( M ). 1-5, 14-22. 7 [58.7]: Nicholls, Hancock, Skornicki, Gustafsson. 2-4, 16-26. 8 [59.1]: Shields, Kolodziej, McGowan, Nilsson. 3-3, 19-29. 9 [59.1]: Hancock, Sullivan, Miedzinski, Kennett. 5-1, 24-30. 10 [59.1]: Hancock, Woffinden, Shields, Janowski. 3-3, 27-33. 11 [58.0]: Janowski, Woffinden, Messing, Nilsson. 4-2, 31-35. 12 [59.2]: McGowan, Nicholls, Sullivan, Kennett. 4-2, 35-37. 13 [59.2]: Miedzinski, Skornicki, Gustafsson, Kolodziej. 1-5, 36-42. 14 [59.7]: Hancock, Nicholls, Sullivan, Shields. 4-2, 40-44. 15 [59.8]: Shields, Janowski, Skornicki, Sullivan. 2-4, 42-48. 16 [59.3]: Miedzinski, Nicholls, McGowan, Hancock ( R ). 1-5, 43-53. *-*-* PIRATERNA - DACKARNA 43-53 (Aggregate: 86-106) at Lastpartner Arena, Motala Attendence: 2725 Heat details, courtesy of www.speedway.nu. Massive crash in heat 16 involving Sajfutdinov, Jonsson and Andersen (who flew over the air fence). All walked back to the pit area, but Jonsson and Andersen didn't take part in the re-run. Piraterna (home) 43 (86) 1. Jonas Davidsson 2*-3-3-0-3 = 11+1 (5) 2. Rafal Dobrucki 3-1-0-0 = 4 (4) 3. Emil Sajfutdinov 3-1*-1-2-2-Fx = 9+1 (6) 4. Antonio Lindbäck 0-TT-3-2-3 = 8 (5) 5. Damian Balinski 2-1-0-N = 3 (3) 6. Linus Sundström F-N-0-2-0 = 2 (4) 7. Robert Kosciecha 1-X-3-2-F-M = 6 (6) 8. Dennis Ekstrand Dackarna (away) 53 (106) 1. Andreas Jonsson 1-3-3-3-Fn = 10 (4) 2. Rory Schlein R-0-2*-1-2 = 5+1 (5) 3. Fredrik Lindgren 2-2-3-1-2 = 10 (5) 4. Peter Karlsson 1*-2-1*-1-1* = 6+3 (5) 5. Hans Andersen 3-0-2-3-Fn = 8 (4) 6. Ludvig Lindgren 2*-0-N-1 = 3+1 (3) 7. Nicolai Klindt 3-1-2-1*-3-1* = 11+2 (6) 8. Tim Gudmunsson Changes: 4: Sundström > R/C > Kosciecha 6: Lindbäck > T/T > Kosciecha 10: L Lindgren > R/C > Klindt 14: Balinski > T/S > Sajfutdinov 16: Andersen > Fn > Klindt, Jonsson > Fn > Schlein 1 [58.1]: Dobrucki, Davidsson, Jonsson, Schlein ( R ). 5-1, 5-1. 2 [59.1]: Klindt, L Lindgren, Kosciecha, Sundström ( F ). 1-5, 6-6. 3 [57.9]: Sajfutdinov, F Lindgren, Karlsson, Lindbäck. 3-3, 9-9. 4 [AWD]: Andersen, Balinski, Klindt, Kosciecha ( X ). 2-4, 11-13. 5 [58.3]: Kosciecha, Karlsson, Dobrucki, L Lindgren. 4-2, 15-15. 6 [58.2]: Jonsson, Kosciecha, Sajfutdinov, Schlein. 3-3, 18-18. 7 [59.2]: Davidsson, F Lindgren, Karlsson, Dobrucki. 3-3, 21-21. 8 [58.3]: Lindbäck, Klindt, Sajfutdinov, Andersen. 4-2, 25-23. 9 [58.1]: Jonsson, Schlein, Balinski, Sundström. 1-5, 26-28. 10 [58.7]: Davidsson, Andersen, Klindt, Kosciecha ( F ). 3-3, 29-31. 11 [59.7]: Klindt, Sundström, L Lindgren, Kosciecha ( M ). 2-4, 31-35. 12 [59.1]: F Lindgren, Lindbäck, Schlein, Balinski. 2-4, 33-39. 13 [59.0]: Jonsson, Sajfutdinov, Karlsson, Dobrucki. 2-4, 35-43. 14 [58.7]: Andersen, Sajfutdinov, F Lindgren, Davidsson. 2-4, 37-47. 15 [58.9]: Lindbäck, F Lindgren, Karlsson, Sundström. 3-3, 40-50. 16 [59.1]: Davidsson, Schlein, Klindt, Sajfutdinov ( Fx ). 3-3, 43-53. *-*-* INDIANERNA - LEJONEN 46-50 (Aggregate: 89-103) at Kumla Motorstadion Attendence: 3030 Heat details, courtesy of www.speedway.nu. Details are sketchy, but apparently Piotr Protasiewicz withdrew after a crash in his second outing. Indianerna (home) 46 (89) 1. Grzegorz Walasek 2-2-3-2-3 = 12 (5) 2. Matej Ferjan 1*-1-0-2-0 = 4+1 (5) 3. Piotr Protasiewicz 3-Fn-N-N = 3 (1) 4. Jesper B Monberg 2*-1*-2-1*-1 = 7+2 (5) 5. Rune Holta 1-2-2-1*-1 = 7+1 (5) 6. Simon Gustafsson 2-R-0-N-2*-0 = 4+1 (5) 7. Leon Madsen 1*-3-2-0-0-3 = 9+1 (6) 8. David Rohlén Lejonen (away) 50 (103) 1. Nicki Pedersen 3-3-3-3-2 = 14 (5) 2. Tomasz Jedrzejak 0-0-1-0 = 1 (4) 3. David Ruud 1-1-3-0-2* = 7+1 (5) 4. Chris Holder Fx-2-3-1-3 = 9 (5) 5. Dave Watt 3-3-1*-3-0 = 10+1 (5) 6. Dennis Andersson 0-N-2-0 = 2 (3) 7. Ricky Kling 3-2*-0-1-1 = 7+1 (5) 8. - Changes: 5: Andersson > R/C > Kling 6: Protasiewicz > Fn > Madsen 8: Protasiewicz > R/C > Gustafsson 9: Gustafsson > R/C > Madsen 13: Protasiewicz > R/C > Gustafsson 1 [64.7]: Pedersen, Walasek, Ferjan, Jedrzejak. 3-3, 3-3. 2 [65.8]: Kling, Gustafsson, Madsen, Andersson. 3-3, 6-6. 3 [65.0]: Protasiewicz, Monberg, Ruud, Holder ( Fx ). 5-1, 11-7. 4 [65.4]: Watt, Kling, Holta, Gustafsson ( R ). 1-5, 12-12. 5 [66.1]: Madsen, Holder, Ferjan, Kling. 4-2, 16-14. 6 [66.0]: Pedersen, Madsen, Monberg, Jedrzejak. 3-3, 19-17. 7 [66.1]: Holder, Walasek, Ruud, Ferjan. 2-4, 21-21. 8 [66.3]: Watt, Monberg, Kling, Gustafsson. 2-4, 23-25. 9 [65.9]: Pedersen, Holta, Jedrzejak, Madsen. 2-4, 25-29. 10 [67.1]: Walasek, Andersson, Watt, Madsen. 3-3, 28-32. 11 [67.3]: Madsen, Gustafsson, Kling, Andersson. 5-1, 33-33. 12 [66.8]: Ruud, Holta, Monberg, Jedrzejak. 3-3, 36-36. 13 [66.7]: Pedersen, Ferjan, Holder, Gustafsson. 2-4, 38-40. 14 [67.4]: Watt, Walasek, Holta, Ruud. 3-3, 41-43. 15 [67.1]: Holder, Ruud, Monberg, Ferjan. 1-5, 42-48. 16 [67.4]: Walasek, Pedersen, Holta, Watt. 4-2, 46-50. *-*-* ELIT VETLANDA - IKAROS SMEDERNA at Vetlanda Motorstadion This meeting has been cancelled as Ikaros Smederna have filed for bankruptcy. *-*-* Västervik doesn't ride in this round. *-*-* CURRENT STANDING: 1. Elit Vetlanda, 8, 5-2-1, 1/1, 13p (+88) 2. Dackarna, 8, 5-2-1, 1/1, 13p (+22) 3. Indianerna, 9, 5-0-4, 1/2, 11p (+38) 4. Västervik, 7, 4-2-1, 0/1, 10p (+34) 5. Vargarna, 7, 3-1-3, 1/1, 8p (-23) 6. Lejonen, 9, 3-1-5, 1/2, 8p (-26) ------------------------------------------------ 7. Piraterna, 9, 2-0-7, 1/2, 5p (-27) 8. Rospiggarna, 9, 2-0-7, 0/2, 4p (-106) This should, by my own calcuations, be the correct standing if all of Ikaros Smederna's meeting have been removed. However, this standing should be deemed unofficial until SVEMO has officially re-calculated the standing following Ikaros Smederna's bankruptcy. The previously postponed meeting between Vargarna and Västervik is held tomorrow, on July 8th.

Agree. That was one of the best heats I have seen all year, along with Bjerre's fourth to first ride in the Grand Prix Qualifying Semifinal on Saturday (in Motala), in the Elit Vetlanda vs Dackarna meeting and heat 12 of the Elit Vetlanda vs Vargarna meeting, all within the latest month. The stream (justin.tv/tomcio6) has worked perfect for me all night, the problem I guess was the delay due to track work before it even started.

The problem for all new riders to the Swedish league structure is that all riders enter on (minimum of) an assessed average of 5.00 in Elitserien average. With the current conversion to an Allsvenskan average, those riders get a 9.33 average in Allsvenskan. It makes it very difficult for new riders to enter the league structure, if the club doesn't have patience with them, because none (or at least very few) can hold on to that average. Kevin Wölbert was registred in the Örnarna squad earlier this year, but he had to make way to accommodate one of Lejonen's riders that was transferred to Örnarna. (Lejonen is Örnarna's partnership team)

Troy Batchelor to Vargarna? Quite possibly as they were interested earlier this season. Would most likely be on the expence of Edward Kennett who has a starting average way to high in comparison to what he actually scores. Also swap Screen for Kasprzak and Vargarna would have an interesting team... Nicholls 6.99, Batchelor 7.15, Kasprzak 6.56, Miedzinski 6.20, Shields 6.59, Skornicki 4.41 and Nilsson 4.07 (= 41.97) Would be hard on Woffinden though... Can only see this if he supposed to be a short term replacement for Sebastian Ulamek, OR if they choose to go with a reserve partnership of Daniel King and a 2.00 junior (Robin Burestad) instead of Travis McGowan/ Jonas Messing. Can't see team manager Mikael Messing doing that to his son (Jonas). Could happen as Piraterna is one of a few teams able to fit him in under the 42.00 maximum average limit. Tomasz Chrzanowski will be the one to leave if that's the case, and the management can then go with a line-up of: Jagus, Dobrucki, Davidsson, Lindbäck, Balinski/Sajfutdinov, Nermark and Sundström. The Pirates could use some top end strength. Makes sense, as he has publicly stated how he enjoyed last season at Indianerna. Matej Ferjan could be the victim, especially if he doesn't score much tonight. "Zorro" and Jesper B Monberg as second strings would be a good duo. Max won't be heading for Valsarna, but wherever he goes, he should be a good contributor. He isn't a favourite of mine, but he's had one heck of a season. Vaculik should be fixed up indeed, but I can't figure out where. With Miskowiak going back to Britain, I don't think he is that interested to ride in Sweden as a third country. Buczkowski is a different matter and could to a good job in Allsvenskan on a 8.75 average. With limited riding, he should be willing to ride in Allsvenskan, to keep match fitness. Griparna could do worse than to target Buczkowski. Filip Sitera and Simon Nielsen have redicously high averages, Oliver Allen is often injured and Kenneth Hansen's committments in Britain could cause problems, so Buczek would be a good fit, or Martin Vaculik for that matter. (Niklas Klingberg, Juha Hautamäki, Krzysztof Buczkowski, Andreas Lekander, Kim Nilsson, Jonas Andersson, Sebastian Carlsson = 44.82 / 45.00)

According to Västervik's website, it is: Vargarna (home) 1. Adrian Miedzinski 2. Edward Kennett 3. Scott Nicholls 4. Adam Skornicki 5. Adam Shields 6. Tai Woffinden 7. Kim Nilsson ( 8. Jonas Andersson ) Västervik (away) 1. Chris Harris 2. Tomasz Gapinski 3. Grigorijs Laguta 4. Niels-Kristian Iversen 5. Tomasz Gollob 6. Anton Rosén 7. Kevin Doolan ( 8. Pontus Aspgren ) Vargarna's team manager Peter Jansson says to local newspaper Norrköpings Tidningar: -"We ride with the same line-up in both meetings, if nothing radical happens". That should mean Scott in the Vargarna line-up.

PREVIEW OF SWEDISH ELITSERIEN ROUND 11 Tuesday July 7th 2009 ROSPIGGARNA - VARGARNA at Orionparken, Hallstavik The home side is missing the services of the injured Sebastian Ulamek. Travis McGowan takes his place in the main body of the team while Maciej Janowski gets a chance at reserve, his sixth meeting in the league so far, but this will actually be his home debut. Vargarna comes from one away meeting to another, a fairly close one against Ikaros Smederna in which they only lost by a 50-46 score. However, Joe Screen didn't deliver last week and has been replaced by fellow Brit Edward Kennett. After last week's home trashing, it's hard to figure the quality of the Rospiggarna team. With ex-Rospiggarna riders such as Adam Shields, Adam Skornicki and Adrian Miedzinski in the team, the Wolves could very well make another solid away meeting, and if the Rospiggarna's second string fails to deliver, this could provide an upset. Anyway, the aggregated bonus points shouldn't come into play in this one. Rospiggarna (home) (38) 1. Greg Hancock 2. Henrik Gustafsson 3. Janusz Kolodziej 4. Travis McGowan 5. Ryan Sullivan 6. Jonas Messing 7. Maciej Janowski ( 8. Robin Burestad ) Vargarna (away) (58) 1. Adrian Miedzinski 2. Edward Kennett 3. Scott Nicholls 4. Adam Skornicki 5. Adam Shields 6. Tai Woffinden 7. Kim Nilsson ( 8. Jonas Andersson ) *-*-* PIRATERNA - DACKARNA at Lastpartner Arena, Motala The Pirates have opted to make several changes following their huge loss at Lejonen last week. Emil Sajfutdinov makes a rare appearence (only his second this season) for Piraterna, allowing Robert Kosciecha to drop to reserve where he should score heavily. Dackarna have opted to keep former Piraterna rider Kenneth Bjerre out of the line-up, riding with the four big guns instead. The Målilla team will always be in contention whatever the meeting, and this one is no exception, even though the reserve could find themselves in trouble against the Sundström/Kosciecha partnership. The Motala team have blown hot (61-35 against Lejonen) and cold (41-55 against Västervik) at home, and it sure will be interesting to see which of the "teams" that will show up on Tuesday night. The TV cameras from Canal+ will be at the track to find out. Piraterna (home) (43) 1. Jonas Davidsson 2. Rafal Dobrucki 3. Emil Sajfutdinov 4. Antonio Lindbäck 5. Damian Balinski 6. Linus Sundström 7. Robert Kosciecha ( 8. Dennis Ekstrand ) Dackarna (away) (53) 1. Andreas Jonsson 2. Rory Schlein 3. Fredrik Lindgren 4. Peter Karlsson 5. Hans Andersen 6. Ludvig Lindgren 7. Nicolai Klindt ( 8. Tim Gudmunsson ) *-*-* INDIANERNA - LEJONEN at Kumla Motorstadion The two teams meeting in Kumla comes from one 61-35 victory each, Indianerna away at Rospiggarna which must be considered an impressive mission. The only one who failed to deliver at the Hallstavik track was Joonas Kylmäkorpi who has been scratched for this one, for Matej Ferjan, the Slovenian-Hungarian who has been a force at home the past seasons, but have yet to be impressive in 2009. Lejonen also scored a 61-35 win last week, at home against Piraterna. Still, team manager Anders Fröjd has opted to make a changes as Ricky Kling takes Zbigniew Suchecki's place at reserve. Kling, alongside Andersson, could however find his difficult against the Gustafsson/Madsen duo at reserve, and as Jesper B Monberg has been showing some form lately, the home side must be considered favourites. Indianerna (home) (43) 1. Grzegorz Walasek 2. Matej Ferjan 3. Piotr Protasiewicz 4. Jesper B Monberg 5. Rune Holta 6. Simon Gustafsson 7. Leon Madsen ( 8. David Rohlén ) Lejonen (away) (53) 1. Nicki Pedersen 2. Piotr Swiderski 3. David Ruud 4. Chris Holder 5. Dave Watt 6. Dennis Andersson 7. Ricky Kling ( 8. - ) *-*-* ELIT VETLANDA - IKAROS SMEDERNA at Vetlanda Motorstadion This meeting has been cancelled as Ikaros Smederna have filed for bankruptcy. The issue has been covered on other threads, so I'll leave it with that, though I'll give my deepest sympathies to all the fans of Ikaros Smederna. Be strong! *-*-* Västervik doesn't ride in this round. *-*-* The three meeting can be followed on www.speedway.nu from 19:00 local time, weather permitting.

Oh, that's probably correct. I read one of Rospiggarna's local newspaper this morning and the only thing (I think) I read then was a seperated shoulder, but that it may have been further injuries. As you have obviously read something more than me on this matter, I guess the X-rays/examinations showed it's a fractured scapula as well. That will probably take some time to heal. Bad luck for Rospiggarna who were going good after the signing of Ulamek.

Forgot to mention that Ulamek withdrew due to a seperate shoulder.

Thank you! You are all very welcome! SWEDISH ELITSERIEN ROUND 10 Tuesday June 30th 2009 IKAROS SMEDERNA - VARGARNA 50-46 (Aggregate: 103-89) at Smedstadion, Eskilstuna Attendence: 3183 Heat details, courtesy of www.speedway.nu. Ikaros Smederna (home) 50 (103) 1. Magnus Zetterström 1-0-3-2-1 = 7 (5) 2. Mikael Max 3-2-3-3-3-3 = 17 (6) 3. Krzysztof Kasprzak 2-1-2-1 = 6 (4) 4. Krzysztof Buczkowski 0-N-1*-1 = 2+1 (3) 5. Wieslaw Jagus 2-3-1-3-0-1 = 10 (6) 6. Linus Eklöf 0-N-N-2* = 2+1 (2) 7. Martin Vaculik 1-0-2*-3-0 = 6+1 (5) 8. Robert Henderson 0 = 0 (1) Vargarna (away) 46 (89) 1. Adrian Miedzinski 2-2-2-2-2 = 10 (5) 2. Joe Screen R-0-0-N = 0 (3) 3. Scott Nicholls 3-2-2-1-2* = 10+1 (5) 4. Adam Skornicki 1-3-1*-0-3 = 8+1 (5) 5. Adam Shields 3-3-1-3-0 = 10 (5) 6. Tai Woffinden 3-1-0-M-1 = 5 (5) 7. Kim Nilsson 2*-1-N-0 = 3+1 (3) 8. Jonas Andersson 0 = 0 (1) *-*-* ROSPIGGARNA - INDIANERNA 35-61 (Aggregate: 72-120) at Orionparken, Hallstavik Attendence: 3527 Heat details, courtesy of www.speedway.nu. Rospiggarna (home) 35 (72) 1. Greg Hancock R-3-3-3-1-2 = 12 (6) 2. Henrik Gustafsson 3-1-0-0-0 = 4 (5) 3. Janusz Kolodziej 2-1-1*-2-1-1 = 8+1 (6) 4. Sebastian Ulamek Fx-N-N-N = 0 (1) 5. Ryan Sullivan 3-2-2-0-0-0 = 7 (6) 6. Travis McGowan 1-1-1*-0-1 = 4+1 (5) 7. Jonas Messing 0-0-N-N = 0 (2) 8. Robin Burestad 0 = 0 (1) Indianerna (away) 61 (120) 1. Grzegorz Walasek 2-2-3-3-1 = 11 (5) 2. Joonas Kylmäkorpi 1*-0-0-N = 1+1 (3) 3. Piotr Protasiewicz 3-1*-3-3-3 = 13+1 (5) 4. Jesper B Monberg 1-2*-2-2*-2* = 9+3 (5) 5. Rune Holta 2-3-2-2*-3 = 12+1 (5) 6. Leon Madsen 3-3-1*-3-1 = 11+1 (5) 7. Simon Gustafsson 2*-0-X-2* = 4+2 (4) 8. Niklas Eriksson *-*-* LEJONEN - PIRATERNA 61-35 (Aggregate: 95-97) at Axelent Arena, Gislaved Attendence: 3022 Heat details, courtesy of www.speedway.nu. Lejonen (home) 61 (95) 1. Nicki Pedersen 3-2*-3-R-3 = 11+1 (5) 2. Dave Watt 2*-2-3-2*-3 = 12+2 (5) 3. David Ruud 3-2*-0-3-2* = 10+2 (5) 4. Chris Holder R-3-3-3-N = 9 (4) 5. Piotr Swiderski 2-2-1-3-2* = 10+1 (5) 6. Zbigniew Suchecki 2*-0-1*-3 = 6+2 (4) 7. Dennis Andersson 3-0-0-0 = 3 (4) 8. Anton Göthberg Piraterna (away) 35 (97) 1. Jonas Davidsson 0-0-N-1*-1 = 2+1 (4) 2. Damian Balinski 1-1-R-R = 2 (4) 3. Antonio Lindbäck 1*-1-2-1*-1 = 6+2 (5) 4. Robert Kosciecha 2-3-0-1*-R-1 = 7+1 (6) 5. Rafal Dobrucki 3-2-3-2-2-0 = 12 (6) 6. Linus Sundström 0-N-N-1*-0 = 1+1 (3) 7. Tomasz Chrzanowski 1-1-1-N-2 = 5 (4) 8. Oliver Berntzon *-*-* VÄSTERVIK - ELIT VETLANDA 48-48 (Aggregate: 87-105) at Sparbanken Arena, Västervik Attendence: 3891 Heat details, courtesy of www.speedway.nu. Two of the Småland rivals squared off once again, and after 16 heats of solid speedway entertainment on another fine Tuesday night, both sets of supporters seemed to go home happy. Västervik were heavy favourites for this one (having a 10 point handicap at the Svenska Spel betting agency), but were unable to pull away, with the lead changing between the two teams, never being more than four points between them at any time. Elit Vetlanda took a 4-2 heat advantage in heat 15, heading into heat 16 with a 46-44 lead and Grand Prix leading Jason Crump to supposedly seal the deal. Man of the match Grigorijs Laguta thought otherwise and won against Crump for the second time of the night, and behind them Bjarne Pedersen was able to pass Thomas H Jonasson to save a 48-48 tie for Västervik. Västervik fans was happy to get a point as they were two points down before the final heat and lining up against Crump, while the Elit Vetlanda fans was happy to get anything from this meeting as many feared it would be troublesome to get the aggregated point, even more so a draw, against a red hot Västervik team and being without Lee Richardson. Västervik (home) 48 (87) 1. Tomasz Gapinski 0-2-2-1*-2 = 7+1 (5) 2. Bjarne Pedersen 3-1*-1*-2-1 = 8+2 (5) 3. Niels-Kristian Iversen 3-0-0-0 = 3 (4) 4. Grigorijs Laguta 2*-2-3-3-3 = 13+1 (5) 5. Tomasz Gollob 0-3-1-2-0 = 6 (5) 6. Chris Harris 3-1-2-2*-0-3 = 11+1 (6) 7. Anton Rosén 0-N-N-0 = 0 (2) 8. Pontus Aspgren Elit Vetlanda (away) 48 (105) 1. Jaroslaw Hampel 1*-1-1-3-3 = 9+1 (5) 2. Jurica Pavlic 2-3-0-2-1 = 8 (5) 3. Karol Zabik R-0-N-M = 0 (3) 4. Thomas H Jonasson 1-3-3-1-0 = 8 (5) 5. Jason Crump 3-2-3-3-2 = 13 (5) 6. Sebastian Aldén 1*-0-N-2 = 3+1 (3) 7. Patrick Hougaard 2-2*-1*-1-1*-0 = 7+3 (6) 8. Robin Aspegren For Västervik, Gapinski was solid from the heat leader position, even though never looked like winning a race. Pedersen was OK and produced a point saving pass in heat 16 (mentioned above). Iversen took full control of the great inside gate, but was dreadfully slow the rest of the night. Laguta was class, the best of all riders on show, in a field of 3 current - and several previous - Grand Prix riders. Gollob had one of those days when he isn't particulary dominant, lost once to Hougaard and twice to Pavlic as an example. Harris scored what he should do from reserve. Rosén had a good second outing, but riding only twice (from gates four and three respectively) is very difficult. For Elit Vetlanda, Hampel looked slow most of the night, but made the most of the inside gate in both heat 13 & 15. Pavlic was very good, scoring eight points in his first visit to the track, from the main body of the team, that's excellent work. Zabik, well, I feel sorry for him, nothing worked for him and I guess he wish he wouldn't have got out of bed that morning. Jonasson looked just as quick as any other main body rider on the day, shame he made a small mistake in heat 16, but eight points is great for a second string junior. Crump did his job. Aldén did what could be expected in his three rides. Hougaard also made his first appearence on the Västervik track, beating opponents in five of six outings. Great score by a 2.85 reserve. Man of the match: Grigorijs Laguta Most exciting rider: Thomas H Jonasson *-*-* Dackarna didn´t ride this week. *-*-* CURRENT STANDING: 1. Elit Vetlanda, 9, 6-2-1, 15p (+92) 2. Västervik, 8, 5-2-1, 12p (+42) 3. Dackarna, 8, 5-2-1, 12p (+16) 4. Indianerna, 9, 5-0-4, 11p (+34) 5. Ikaros Smederna, 9, 3-1-5, 8p (-30) 6. Lejonen, 9, 3-1-5, 7p (-4) ------------------------------------------------ 7. Piraterna, 9, 3-0-6, 6p (-5) 8. Vargarna, 8, 2-1-5, 5p (-47) 9. Rospiggarna, 9, 2-1-6, 5p (-96) *-*-* NEXT ROUND - TUESDAY JULY 7TH 2009: Indianerna - Lejonen (43-53) Piraterna - Dackarna (43-53) Elit Vetlanda - Ikaros Smederna (50-46) Rospiggarna - Vargarna (38-58) All information courtesy of www.speedway.nu

Might as well correct myself before someone does... My brain has pulled a prank on me, as I was convinced Rospiggarna did get a 48-48 draw at Dackarna, but in fact Dackarna won it by 49-47, though it was actually a tied meeting after 15 (of 16) heats.

PREVIEW OF SWEDISH ELITSERIEN ROUND 10 Tuesday June 30th 2009 IKAROS SMEDERNA - VARGARNA at Smedstadion, Eskilstuna The home side have opted to keep Daniel King outside tonight's line-up, giving Krzysztof Buczkowski another crack at No 4. Linus Eklöf is also back in the team after being scratched in their latest meeting (two weeks ago against Dackarna), replacing Daniel Henderson. The Wolves comes from a moral boosting 56-40 win over current champions Lejonen last week. All the eight riders nominated for that meeting gets the vote of confidence once again from team manager Peter Jansson, meaning Matej Kus and Patryk Dudek are still waiting in the wings. Ikaros Smederna (home) (53) 1. Magnus Zetterström 2. Mikael Max 3. Krzysztof Kasprzak 4. Krzysztof Buczkowski 5. Wieslaw Jagus 6. Linus Eklöf 7. Martin Vaculik ( 8. Robert Henderson ) Vargarna (away) (43) 1. Adrian Miedzinski 2. Joe Screen 3. Scott Nicholls 4. Adam Skornicki 5. Adam Shields 6. Tai Woffinden 7. Kim Nilsson ( 8. Jonas Andersson ) *-*-* ROSPIGGARNA - INDIANERNA at Orionparken, Hallstavik The acqusitions of Sebastian Ulamek and Travis McGowan have been a stroke of genius from the Rospiggarna management, as they are unbeaten (win at home against Piraterna and drawing at Dackarna) in two meetings. Manager Mikael Messing doesn't feel the need to make changes to a winning line-up, therefore keeping Chris Slabon and Maciej Janowski on the sidelines. Indianerna lowered the flag of league leaders Elit Vetlanda last week, winning at home by eight points. The top seven riders are the same as then, only with some changes in the riding order, but they do field another number 8 junior in Niklas Eriksson. With the competent pairing Madsen/Gustafsson, Eriksson won't see any action unless something happens to them. Rospiggarna (home) (37) 1. Greg Hancock 2. Henrik Gustafsson 3. Janusz Kolodziej 4. Sebastian Ulamek 5. Ryan Sullivan 6. Travis McGowan 7. Jonas Messing ( 8. Robin Burestad ) Indianerna (away) (59) 1. Grzegorz Walasek 2. Joonas Kylmäkorpi 3. Piotr Protasiewicz 4. Jesper B Monberg 5. Rune Holta 6. Leon Madsen 7. Simon Gustafsson ( 8. Niklas Eriksson ) *-*-* LEJONEN - PIRATERNA at Axelent Arena, Gislaved After half the regular season, Lejonen are fighting hard to stay in a top six position which equal a place in the Play Off. After last week's beating at Vargarna, team manager Anders Fröjd makes several changes. Leigh Adams and Ricky Kling are being replaced by Chris Holder and Dave Watt, with Zbigniew Suchecki dropping to reserve thanks to the rolling average. Last week was even worse for Piraterna who crashed and burned at home against Västervik, losing 41-55 for the first home loss of the season. From that line-up, apart for changes in the riding order, there are two changes. Tomasz Chrzanowski makes his Piraterna debut in place of Rafal Okoniewski while former Lejonen youth rider Oliver Berntzon takes the number 8 race jacket. Lejonen (home) (34) 1. Nicki Pedersen 2. Dave Watt 3. David Ruud 4. Chris Holder 5. Piotr Swiderski 6. Zbigniew Suchecki 7. Dennis Andersson ( 8. Anton Göthberg ) Piraterna (away) (62) 1. Jonas Davidsson 2. Damian Balinski 3. Antonio Lindbäck 4. Robert Kosciecha 5. Rafal Dobrucki 6. Linus Sundström 7. Tomasz Chrzanowski ( 8. Oliver Berntzon ) *-*-* VÄSTERVIK - ELIT VETLANDA at Sparbanken Arena, Västervik Despite one meeting in hand (Vargarna away on July 8th), Västervik could take over the lead of Elitserien, if they win and take tonight's bonus point from rivals Elit Vetlanda. The home side comes with an expected line-up, keeping Billy Forsberg out of the team as he finds his feet again after his injury, riding for Allsvenskan side Masarna. Elit Vetlanda can welcome back Jaroslaw Hampel from his illness, which force him to miss the away meeting at Indianerna last week, but instead finds Lee Richardson unavailable due to illness. The management have also scratched Peter Ljung who hasn't been particulary hot lately, which gives Patrick Hougaard an opportunity at reserve, alongside Sebastian Aldén. Västervik (home) (39) 1. Tomasz Gapinski 2. Bjarne Pedersen 3. Niels-Kristian Iversen 4. Grigorijs Laguta 5. Tomasz Gollob 6. Chris Harris 7. Anton Rosén ( 8. Pontus Aspgren ) Elit Vetlanda (away) (57) 1. Jaroslaw Hampel 2. Jurica Pavlic 3. Karol Zabik 4. Thomas H Jonasson 5. Jason Crump 6. Sebastian Aldén 7. Patrick Hougaard ( 8. Robin Aspegren ) *-*-* Dackarna doesn´t ride this week. *-*-* All meetings can be followed on www.speedway.nu (official) or www.elitspeedway.nu (unofficial) from 19:00 local time.

Yes, we will. We are a group of 9 from Sweden, including myself and fellow forum writer Zetters.

SWEDISH ELITSERIEN ROUND 9 Tuesday June 23rd 2009 VARGARNA - LEJONEN 56-40 at Norrköping's Motorstadion Attendence: 2135 Heat details, courtesy of www.speedway.nu. Vargarna (home) 56 1. Adrian Miedzinski 2-2-3-3-3 = 13 (5) 2. Joe Screen 1*-1-N-0 = 2+1 (3) 3. Scott Nicholls 2-1*-2*-2-1* = 8+3 (5) 4. Adam Skornicki 1*-2-3-3-1 = 10+1 (5) 5. Adam Shields 2-3-1-1 = 7 (4) 6. Kim Nilsson 3-0-0-1 = 4 (4) 7. Tai Woffinden 2*-3-1*-1-3-2 = 12+2 (6) 8. Jonas Andersson Lejonen (away) 40 1. Nicki Pedersen 3-3-2-2-1-X = 11 (6) 2. Zbigniew Suchecki 0-0-N-N = 0 (2) 3. David Ruud 3-0-0-0-0 = 3 (5) 4. Piotr Swiderski 0-2-3-1*-3-2 = 11+1 (6) 5. Leigh Adams 3-1-2-2-3 = 11 (5) 6. Dennis Andersson 0-0-N-2-0 = 2 (4) 7. Ricky Kling 1-1-0-0 = 2 (4) 8. - *-*-* DACKARNA - ROSPIGGARNA 49-47 at G&B Arena, Målilla Attendence: 4475 Heat details, courtesy of www.speedway.nu. Dackarna (home) 49 1. Andreas Jonsson 2*-2-3-2-1 = 10+1 (5) 2. Grzegorz Zengota 3-1*-1*-0-1 = 6+2 (5) 3. Fredrik Lindgren 3-3-3-3-3 = 15 (5) 4. Peter Karlsson 0-2*-1-1* = 4+2 (4) 5. Hans Andersen 1*-2-2-1*-0 = 6+2 (5) 6. Ludvig Lindgren 1-2-0-1* = 4+1 (4) 7. Nicolai Klindt 0-2-0-2 = 4 (4) 8. Olof Nilsson Rospiggarna (away) 47 1. Greg Hancock 1-0-3-1*-3 = 8+1 (5) 2. Henrik Gustafsson 0-1-N-0 = 1 (3) 3. Janusz Kolodziej 1*-0-3-0-2* = 6+2 (5) 4. Sebastian Ulamek 2-3-3-1-2-0 = 11 (6) 5. Ryan Sullivan 3-2-2-3-2 = 12 (5) 6. Travis McGowan 3-0-0-1*-3 = 7+1 (5) 7. Jonas Messing 2*-0-N-0 = 2+1 (3) 8. Robin Burestad *-*-* PIRATERNA - VÄSTERVIK 41-55 at Lastpartner Arena, Motala Attendence: 3151 Heat details, courtesy of www.speedway.nu. Piraterna (home) 41 1. Rafal Dobrucki 3-0-1-2-3 = 9 (5) 2. Robert Kosciecha 0-TT-N-1* = 1+1 (3) 3. Jonas Davidsson 3-1*-1-0-2-2* = 9+2 (6) 4. Damian Balinski 1-2-0-F-1 = 4 (5) 5. Antonio Lindbäck 1-2-3-3-0-N = 9 (5) 6. Linus Sundström 2-0-1-N-2-2 = 7 (5) 7. Rafal Okoniewski 1*-0-N-R = 1+1 (3) 8. Tomas Bäck 1* = 1+1 (1) Västervik (away) 55 1. Bjarne Pedersen 2-0-1*-3-3 = 9+1 (5) 2. Tomasz Gapinski 1*-3-2-Fx = 6+1 (4) 3. Niels-Kristian Iversen 2-1-2-3-0 = 8 (5) 4. Grigorijs Laguta R-2*-3-Fx-R = 5+1 (5) 5. Tomasz Gollob 3-3-3-1-1 = 11 (5) 6. Anton Rosén 0-N-N-1 = 1 (2) 7. Chris Harris 3-2*-3-2*-2*-3 = 15+3 (6) 8. Pontus Aspgren *-*-* INDIANERNA - ELIT VETLANDA 52-44 at Kumla Motorstadion Attendence: 3147 Heat details, courtesy of www.speedway.nu. With Jaroslaw Hampel out (sickness), I fully expected the veteran trio of Crump, Richardson and Ljung to be too lonely and showing a long tail of Elit Vetlanda, but it actually proved to be the other way around! The - on paper - middle order riders and the reserves fought very well for a 24 paid 29 so getting a stronger pairing at reserve to compensate for the absence of Hampel proved to work fine. I don't think the original line-up would have scored better, even though it would have taken some pressure of Crump/Richardson to produced heat victories. Elit Vetlanda only managed 5 heat victories all night, as Indianerna lead from the beginning and seemed to have a bit more "punch" this time. The Indians took a fair victory, nothing can be said about that, but as a Elit Vetlanda supporter, I'm not that disappointed after all, despite the first loss of the season. There were some bright spots to bring with us to the upcoming meetings. So a good day for most around the Kumla track, with the fans being given glorious weather (best Tuesday night weather all season), and some quite exciting racing. All in all, an enjoyable evening in Kumla, just as most times. Indianerna (home) 52 1. Grzegorz Walasek 1-2-2-1-3 = 9 (5) 2. Jesper B Monberg 3-3-1*-1-1* = 9+2 (5) 3. Piotr Protasiewicz 3-3-3-3-2 = 14 (5) 4. Joonas Kylmäkorpi 0-R-N-3 = 3 (3) 5. Rune Holta 0-3-2*-3-1 = 9+1 (5) 6. Simon Gustafsson 2*-1-0-0-0 = 3+1 (5) 7. Leon Madsen 3-1-0-1 = 5 (4) 8. Freddy Godlund Elit Vetlanda (away) 44 1. Karol Zabik 2-1*-1*-2-0 = 6+2 (5) 2. Jurica Pavlic 0-2-2-0 = 4 (4) 3. Lee Richardson 2-3-1-0-3 = 9 (5) 4. Peter Ljung 1*-0-0-N = 1+1 (3) 5. Jason Crump 3-2-3-2-0 = 10 (5) 6. Sebastian Aldén 1-2-1-3-0 = 7 (5) 7. Thomas H Jonasson 0-2*-1*-2*-2 = 7+3 (5) 8. Robin Aspegren For Indianerna, Walasek has been riding better at home earlier this season (judging at his score), but 9 points is OK. Monberg scored well, though neither unsuspected or spectacular. Protasiewicz was awesome, and cleary the best rider on show, despite it being three GP riders in the line-ups. Kylmäkorpi came from nowhere to record a victory, a one heat wonder this night. Holta blew hot and cold, but being incredibly fast at times. Gustafsson had a tough night and didn't look that fast. Madsen is a steal on a 2.00 average and should have had a fifth ride instead of his reserve partner. For Elit Vetlanda, Zabik had the pressure on him after two not so impressive performence this season, but rode his heart out and scored some points. Can't ask more of him. Pavlic was good in his Elitserien debut, always in the mix and was perhaps worth a point or so more. Richardson was OK, even though I know he can be better. Ljung can perform at this track but seemed to lack everything needed to score in speedway; aggression, speed and confidence. Crump had an off night by his high standard, but should be allowed to have that sometime. Aldén blew hot and cold though 7 points is a job well done. Jonasson had a stinker in his first from gate 1, but improved and earned his score. Man of the match: Piotr Protasiewicz Most exciting rider: Jurica Pavlic (for some great all action chases) *-*-* Ikaros Smederna didn't ride this week. *-*-* CURRENT STANDING: 1. Elit Vetlanda, 8, 6-1-1, 13p (+92) 2. Dackarna, 8, 5-2-1, 12p (+16) 3. Västervik, 7, 5-1-1, 11p (+42) 4. Indianerna, 8, 4-0-4, 8p (+8) 5. Piraterna, 8, 3-0-5, 6p (+19) 6. Lejonen, 8, 2-1-5, 5p (-30) ------------------------------------------------ 7. Ikaros Smederna, 8, 2-1-5, 5p (-34) 8. Vargarna, 7, 2-1-4, 5p (-43) 9. Rospiggarna, 8, 2-1-5, 5p (-70) *-*-* NEXT ROUND - TUESDAY JUNE 30TH 2009: Ikaros Smederna - Vargarna (53-43) Lejonen - Piraterna (34-62) Rospiggarna - Indianerna (37-59) Västervik - Elit Vetlanda (39-57) All information courtesy of www.speedway.nu.

PREVIEW OF SWEDISH ELITSERIEN ROUND 9 Tuesday June 23rd 2009 VARGARNA - LEJONEN at Norrköping's Motorstadion Vargarna don't make any big changes this week, but more changes in the Lejonen camp for this week's TV meeting on Canal+. Dave Watt, Lewis Bridger and the R/R facility (for Chris Holder) have been replaced by Leigh Adams, Ricky Kling and Zbigniew Suchecki, giving the Lions a top heavy team in comparsion to the strength in depth line-up for the Wolves, the home side. Nicki Pedersen and Leigh Adams will score heavily, and David Ruud can also find his way around the tight Norrköping track, especially if he gates. However, I'm not sure either Swiderski and Suchecki have any experience around Kråkvilan, and the Lejonen tail could get rather long on Tuesday night. Vargarna (home) 1. Adrian Miedzinski 2. Joe Screen 3. Scott Nicholls 4. Adam Skornicki 5. Adam Shields 6. Kim Nilsson 7. Tai Woffinden ( 8. Jonas Andersson ) Lejonen (away) 1. Nicki Pedersen 2. Zbigniew Suchecki 3. David Ruud 4. Piotr Swiderski 5. Leigh Adams 6. Dennis Andersson 7. Ricky Kling ( 8. Christian Agö ) *-*-* DACKARNA - ROSPIGGARNA at G&B Arena, Målilla With Grzegorz Zengota back from injury, he is replacing Rory Schlein who only scored 2 points last week at Ikaros Smederna, his former home track. A change at reserve for Dackarna as well, with Nicolai Klindt taking the place alongside Ludvig Lindgren, replacing fellow Dane Claus Vissing (1 point last week). Rospiggarna are having all riders available for this week, so Greg Hancock is back in the team after missing last week due to family reasons. They have some riders that should be quite capable to score well at Målilla, but it's hard to bet against Dackarna on their own track, but last year's 56-40 score shouldn't be repeated. Dackarna (home) 1. Andreas Jonsson 2. Grzegorz Zengota 3. Fredrik Lindgren 4. Peter Karlsson 5. Hans Andersen 6. Ludvig Lindgren 7. Nicolai Klindt ( 8. Olof Nilsson ) Rospiggarna (away) 1. Greg Hancock 2. Henrik Gustafsson 3. Janusz Kolodziej 4. Sebastian Ulamek 5. Ryan Sullivan 6. Travis McGowan 7. Jonas Messing ( 8. Robin Burestad ) *-*-* PIRATERNA - VÄSTERVIK at Lastpartner Arena, Motala In my opinion, the most interesting meeting of round 9 is the meeting in Motala. The home side are without the services of Daniel Nermark (injured last week) and Emil Sajfutdinov (unavailable?), but can welcome back Robert Kosciecha from a period on the injury list. Västervik are also making some changes, with Grigorijs Laguta being back in the team after his visa problems last week. Kevin Doolan makes way with Chris Harris dropping to reserve to partner Anton Rosén. The Västervik team have always been doing very well in Motala, winning four straight meetings (2004-07) before Piraterna finally were able to win at home last year. The Pirates have won all three home meetings so far this season, but could be in trouble in this one, a meeting that Canal+ should have broadcasted IMO. Piraterna (home) 1. Rafal Dobrucki 2. Robert Kosciecha 3. Jonas Davidsson 4. Damian Balinski 5. Antonio Lindbäck 6. Linus Sundström 7. Rafal Okoniewski ( 8. Tomas Bäck ) Västervik (away) 1. Bjarne Pedersen 2. Tomasz Gapinski 3. Niels-Kristian Iversen 4. Grigorijs Laguta 5. Tomasz Gollob 6. Anton Rosén 7. Chris Harris ( 8. Pontus Aspgren ) *-*-* INDIANERNA - ELIT VETLANDA at Kumla Motorstadion The Indians are at full strength, with Matej Ferjan being scratched this week after several below par performences this season. Bigger problems for Elit Vetlanda though, as Jaroslaw Hampel will miss this meeting due to illness and Adrian Gomolski will be missing due to injury sustained in Poland on Sunday. The management have opted not to use R/R for Jaroslaw Hampel, but Jurica Pavlic will make his Elitserien debut for Elit Vetlanda. This move free up some points at reserve, so Sebastian Aldén will replace Patrick Hougaard as well. At this time, it's not known who will ride at each specific number, but Aldén and Jonasson will be reserves thanks to the rolling averages. Indianerna (home) 1. Grzegorz Walasek 2. Jesper B Monberg 3. Piotr Protasiewicz 4. Joonas Kylmäkorpi 5. Rune Holta 6. Simon Gustafsson 7. Leon Madsen ( 8. Freddy Godlund ) Elit Vetlanda (away) 1. Jaroslaw Hampel Zabik/Pavlic 2. Thomas H Jonasson Zabik/Pavlic 3. Lee Richardson 4. Peter Ljung 5. Jason Crump 6. Patrick Hougaard Jonasson/Aldén 7. Adrian Gomolski Jonasson/Aldén 8. Robin Aspegren *-*-* Ikaros Smederna doesn't ride this week. *-*-* All meetings can be followed on www.speedway.nu (official) or www.elitspeedway.nu (unofficial) from 19:00 local time.

I'll be watching this space... When Vedel rode for Newport back in 2005, I can hardly remember him pulling up any trees when looking at his score. I remember seeing him in Exeter scoring six last places as No 1 (accoring to the excellent Premier League stats website), though it has to be said the Exeter track was () quite special, and surely not easy for first time visitors. Anyway, he has obviously taken steps forward, good for him! BTW, how old is he? There's no information on Slangerup's website... (Slangerup's website also has the wrong surname for Robin Aspegren)

I also think a factor can be that an Elitserien team doesn't ride at home every week. I guess people can still afford one meeting every 2 or 3 weeks, and such a small number as 8 home meetings during an entire (regular) season. Riding two weeks on the trot hurts though, at least is has for Vetlanda.

DOH, I'm too slow.

SWEDISH ELITSERIEN ROUND 8 Tuesday June 16th 2009 *-*-* IKAROS SMEDERNA - DACKARNA 46-50 at Smedstadion, Eskilstuna Attendence: 2415 Heat details, courtesy of www.speedway.nu. Ikaros Smederna (home) 46 1. Magnus Zetterström R-1-1-1 = 3 (4) 2. Daniel King 3-R-0-0 = 3 (4) 3. Krzysztof Kasprzak 0-2-3-1-2 = 8 (5) 4. Mikael Max 1-1*-1-3-0 = 6+1 (5) 5. Wieslaw Jagus 3-1*-2*-3-1 = 10+2 (5) 6. Daniel Henderson N-N-N-1 = 1 (1) 7. Martin Vaculik 3-2-2-3-3-1* = 14+1 (6) 8. Robert Henderson 1-0 = 1 (2) Dackarna (away) 50 1. Andreas Jonsson 2-3-3-2*-3 = 13+1 (5) 2. Rory Schlein 1*-0-0-1 = 2+1 (4) 3. Fredrik Lindgren 2*-3-R-0-3 = 8+1 (5) 4. Hans Andersen 3-3-2*-3-2* = 13+2 (5) 5. Peter Karlsson 2-2-2-2-0 = 8 (5) 6. Claus Vissing 0-1-M-R = 1 (4) 7. Ludvig Lindgren 2-1*-0-2 = 5+1 (4) 8. Olof Nilsson *-*-* VÄSTERVIK - LEJONEN 54-42 at Sparbanken Arena Västervik Attendence: 2167 Heat details, courtesy of www.speedway.nu. Västervik (home) 54 1. Tomasz Gapinski 2*-0-2-3-2 = 9+1 (5) 2. Bjarne Pedersen 3-2-1-3-2* = 11+1 (5) 3. Niels-Kristian Iversen 2-3-3-M-F = 8 (5) 4. Chris Harris R-1-2*-1 = 4+1 (4) 5. Tomasz Gollob 2-3-3-2*-3 = 13+1 (5) 6. Kevin Doolan 3-1*-1*-0-3 = 8+2 (5) 7. Anton Rosén 1-N-0-0 = 1 (3) 8. Pontus Aspgren Lejonen (away) 42 1. Dave Watt 1-1-2-1*-2-3 = 10+1 (6) 2. Piotr Swiderski 0-0-N-0-N = 0 (3) 3. Nicki Pedersen 3-3-2*-2-2-R-1 = 13+1 (7) 4. Chris Holder R/R (1,3,3,N) 5. David Ruud 3-3-0-3-1*-1-0 = 11+1 (7) 6. Lewis Bridger 2-0-0-1-1* = 4+1 (5) 7. Dennis Andersson 0-N-1-2-1 = 4 (4) 8. Christian Agö *-*-* ROSPIGGARNA - PIRATERNA 51-45 at Orionparken, Hallstavik Attendence: 2568 Heat details, courtesy of www.speedway.nu. Daniel Nermark withdrew because of a shoulder injury, accoring to Piraterna's local newspaper Motala & Vadstena Tidning. Rospiggarna (home) 51 1. Greg Hancock R/R (2,2,R,2) 2. Henrik Gustafsson 1*-3-1*-R-0-0 = 5+2 (6) 3. Janusz Kolodziej 2-3-2-1-3-0 = 11 (6) 4. Sebastian Ulamek 0-R-3-3-2-3 = 11 (6) 5. Ryan Sullivan 2*-2-2-0-1*-3 = 10+2 (6) 6. Travis McGowan 3-3-0-2-3 = 11 (5) 7. Jonas Messing 1-1-N-1 = 3 (3) 8. Robin Burestad Piraterna (away) 45 1. Daniel Nermark 0-Fn-N-N = 0 (1) 2. Damian Balinski 3-1-1-1*-1* = 7+2 (5) 3. Antonio Lindbäck 1*-3-3-2-3-2 = 14+1 (6) 4. Jonas Davidsson 2-X-0-3-1*-2 = 8+1 (6) 5. Rafal Dobrucki 1-2-3-2-0-1* = 9+1 (6) 6. Rafal Okoniewski X-0-2-1-2 = 5 (5) 7. Linus Sundström 2-N-0-R = 2 (3) 8. - *-*-* ELIT VETLANDA - VARGARNA 59-37 at Vetlanda Motorstadion Attendence: 1817 Heat details, courtesy of www.speedway.nu. Elit Vetlanda (home) 59 1. Lee Richardson 1-3-3-0-3 = 10 (5) 2. Peter Ljung 3-3-0-2*-0 = 8+1 (5) 3. Jaroslaw Hampel 3-3-2*-3-3 = 14+1 (5) 4. Thomas H Jonasson 0-R-3-1 = 4 (4) 5. Jason Crump 3-3-3-3-2* = 14+1 (5) 6. Patrick Hougaard 2-1-0-3 = 6 (4) 7. Robin Aspegren 0-1-0-2* = 3+1 (4) 8. Anders Mellgren Vargarna (away) 37 1. Scott Nicholls 2-1*-1*-0-1* = 5+3 (5) 2. Adam Skornicki 0-2-2-0 = 4 (4) 3. Adrian Miedzinski 2-2-2-2-1*-1 = 10+1 (6) 4. Joe Screen 1*-2-1*-1-0 = 5+2 (5) 5. Adam Shields T-1-1*-2-2 = 6+1 (5) 6. Kim Nilsson 1-0-N-N-0 = 1 (3) 7. Tai Woffinden 3-2-0-1 = 6 (4) 8. Jonas Andersson 0 = 0 (1) So, Vargarna actually fought quite well against league leaders Elit Vetlanda, but their lack of top end power was always going to end in a loss. Tai Woffinden's heat victory in heat two proved to be Vargarna's only heat victory of the night, but they did a good job to stop Vetlanda from reaching 60 points by packing the minor places. Despite the lowly four points difference after seven heats (23-19), it felt only like a matter of time before the margin were going to get bigger and all in all, it never felt really exciting. Heat 12 was a brilliant exception as Miedzinski and Skornicki gated for a 5-1, Crump/Jonasson passed Skornicki on the opening lap, Crump then chased down Miedzinski on lap two, only for Miedzinski to regain the lead briefly, before Crump took it back and won it. Behind them Skornicki and Jonasson had a gigantic tuzzle for third, with Jonasson coming out on top for a 4-2 for Elit Vetlanda. That may have been an even better heat than heat 14 against Dackarna last week. For Elit Vetlanda, Richardson didn't gate well tonight, so had to pass on several occasions. Ljung blew hot and cold, but fought hard when behind. Hampel was untouchable, it's that simple. Jonasson was unlucky with that engine failure while on a paid win, but didn't let that beat him down. Crump had to work some for his maximum, and that's fun for the crowd to see. Hougaard has been better, though he wasn't bad. Aspegren deserved his chance, and delivered some points. Needs more seasoning to get going even more. For Vargarna, Nicholls was OK for a paid eight but lacks Grand Prix scoring power, and confidence I guess. Was gifted a paid second in his second but also suffered an engine failure while second in heat 13, so it evened out. Skornicki fought for his point and did what could be expected. Miedzinski was always in the mix, well, not perhaps against the Crump/Hampel partnership in the final heat. Screen was actually better than expected, though he faded. Shields got going in the later stages. Nilsson didn't do much, perhaps 1-1 against Aspegren is OK anyway. Woffinden started well, but faded dramatically. Man of the match: Jaroslaw Hampel Most exciting rider: Jason Crump *-*-* CURRENT STANDING: 1. Elit Vetlanda, 7, 6-1-0, 13p (+100) 2. Dackarna, 7, 4-2-1, 10p (+14) 3. Västervik, 6, 4-1-1, 9p (+28) 4. Piraterna, 7, 3-0-4, 6p (+33) 5. Indianerna, 7, 3-0-4, 6p (+0) 6. Lejonen, 7, 2-1-4, 5p (-14) ------------------------------------------------ 7. Ikaros Smederna, 8, 2-1-5, 5p (-34) 8. Rospiggarna, 7, 2-1-4, 5p (-68) 9. Vargarna, 6, 1-1-4, 3p (-59) *-*-* NEXT ROUND - TUESDAY JUNE 23TH 2009: Dackarna - Rospiggarna Indianerna - Elit Vetlanda Piraterna - Västervik Vargarna - Lejonen All information courtesy of www.speedway.nu.

The Swedish referees are very hard when it comes to two minute exclusions. All Elitserien teams (and possibly Allsvenskan teams as well, can't remember...) must have a two minute clock on the inside of the track, so not a second is allowed passed two minutes. Rolling up to the tapes just when it hits two minutes will result in an exclusion, riders should be aware to stand straight, stand still, 10 cm from the tapes and inside the box. No fuss!

OK, thank you! (I'm trying to figure out how long it's reasonable to go after the meeting to find a hotel, as I'll be heading for Holsted the next day, well, that's my plan anyway...)

You are absolutely correct.

The Ostseepokal meeting is held in Stralsund on Saturday August 22nd. Do anyone know what the start time is for that one? If not, is it usually an afternoon or evening meeting?

According to Nicki's website, it's 99,9% chance that he will ride in Sweden tomorrow. I haven't heard anything about Holder, but as he wasn't scheduled to ride tonight, I have a hard time seeing him riding in Sweden tomorrow. That's a pure assumption from my point of view. IF Nicki doesn't ride, they can use Adams, R/R or any other available squad member. Nicki has the highest average in the team, so can be replace by anyone. IF Nicki does ride but Holder doesn't, they can use any of those you mentioned as a replacement for Holder, OR ride R/R for him. That works as he has the second highest rolling average in the line-up.

PREVIEW OF SWEDISH ELITSERIEN ROUND 8 Tuesday June 16th 2009 *-*-* IKAROS SMEDERNA - DACKARNA at Smedstadion, Eskilstuna The Eskilstuna team have opted for a change at reserve with Linus Eklöf and Krzysztof Buczkowski being scratched, and replaced by Daniel Henderson and Martin Vaculik, the Slovak who has been on fire in the Polish league, especially at home in Gdansk. Changes also for Dackarna as Kenneth Bjerre makes way for Peter Karlsson. Another Dane will leave the reserve place alongside Ludvig Lindgren, as Nicolai Klindt makes an exit for Claus Vissing who makes his season debut. Olof Nilsson replaces Niklas Larsson as the No 8 junior, Larsson suffering a broken ankle in his crash in the Swedish Junior Championship Qualifier this weekend. Ikaros Smederna (home) 1. Magnus Zetterström 2. Daniel King 3. Krzysztof Kasprzak 4. Mikael Max 5. Wieslaw Jagus 6. Daniel Henderson 7. Martin Vaculik ( 8. Robert Henderson ) Dackarna (away) 1. Andreas Jonsson 2. Rory Schlein 3. Fredrik Lindgren 4. Hans Andersen 5. Peter Karlsson 6. Claus Vissing 7. Ludvig Lindgren ( 8. Olof Nilsson ) *-*-* VÄSTERVIK - LEJONEN at Sparbanken Arena Västervik After losing in the opening round at Vetlanda, Västervik have four straight meetings without a loss. To continue that streak, they'll have to do it without Grigorijs Laguta who are missing due to visa problems. Chris Harris steps up from reserve while Kevin Doolan joins Anton Rosén at No 6-7. There are some problems in the Lejonen camp as well, with a couple of the riders not showing much form, Lewis Bridger having problems with his van in Poland (according to manager Anders Fröjd on his blog), and Chris Holder not likely to ride in Britain on Monday evening (according to BSPA's website), so I personally doubt he'll ride in Sweden the next day. Apparently Ricky Kling is standing-by for Bridger at reserve. Västervik (home) 1. Tomasz Gapinski 2. Bjarne Pedersen 3. Niels-Kristian Iversen 4. Chris Harris 5. Tomasz Gollob 6. Kevin Doolan 7. Anton Rosén ( 8. Pontus Aspgren ) Lejonen (away) 1. Dave Watt 2. Piotr Swiderski 3. Nicki Pedersen 4. Chris Holder 5. David Ruud 6. Lewis Bridger 7. Dennis Andersson ( 8. Christian Agö ) *-*-* ROSPIGGARNA - PIRATERNA at Orionparken, Hallstavik The home team can bolster the two new signings in Sebastian Ulamek and Travis McGowan, replacing Chris Slabon and Maciej Janowski of last week's losing team at Västervik. McGowan is a former Rospiggarna rider and should feel at home right from the start, and Ulamek usually goes very well at Orionparken, so they will be good newcomers for Rospiggarna. Piraterna don't have Emil Sajfutdinov in the line-up this week either, one hardly gets surprised anymore. Robert Kosciecha made his comeback from injury in Poland yesterday (Sunday) and could soon be fighting for a place in the Pirates' line-up, but overall no surprises in the Motala team. Rospiggarna (home) 1. Greg Hancock 2. Henrik Gustafsson 3. Janusz Kolodziej 4. Sebastian Ulamek 5. Ryan Sullivan 6. Travis McGowan 7. Jonas Messing ( 8. Robin Burestad ) Piraterna (away) 1. Daniel Nermark 2. Damian Balinski 3. Antonio Lindbäck 4. Jonas Davidsson 5. Rafal Dobrucki 6. Rafal Okoniewski 7. Linus Sundström ( 8. - ) *-*-* ELIT VETLANDA - VARGARNA at Vetlanda Motorstadion League leading Elit Vetlanda comes from on home meeting to another but still makes a change, giving Robin Aspegren a shot at No 7, instead of Adrian Gomolski. Squad member Jurica Pavlic was kept on the sideline once again, despite that this meeting looked like a good opportunity to give him his Elitserien debut. Just like in the Elit Vetlanda squad, this looked like a good chance to give Matej Kus his Elitserien debut, especially considering he rode at the Vetlanda track in two meetings during the pre-season. New signing Patryk Dudek is also kept at the sideline while Joe Screen rides in his first away meeting of the season. Elit Vetlanda (home) 1. Lee Richardson 2. Peter Ljung 3. Jaroslaw Hampel 4. Thomas H Jonasson 5. Jason Crump 6. Patrick Hougaard 7. Robin Aspegren ( 8. Anders Mellgren ) Vargarna (away) 1. Scott Nicholls 2. Adam Skornicki 3. Adrian Miedzinski 4. Joe Screen 5. Adam Shields 6. Kim Nilsson 7. Tai Woffinden ( 8. Jonas Andersson ) *-*-* Indianerna doesn't ride this week. *-*-* All meetings can be followed on www.speedway.nu (official) or www.elitspeedway.nu (unofficial) from 1900 local time.

Result from the Swedish Junior Championship Qualifier: 1) (1) Anders Mellgren, Elit Vetlanda, 12p ( 3 2 3 1 3 ) 2) (9) Robert Henderson, Team Bikab, 11p ( 3 3 2 Fx 3 ) 3) (11) Robin Aspegren, Valsarna, 11p ( M 3 2 3 3 ) 4) (8) Jonas Andersson, Vargarna, 11p ( 3 2 3 1 2 ) 5) (10) Pontus Aspgren, Masarna, 9p ( 2 1 2 3 1 ) 6) (15) David Rohlén, Indianerna, 8p ( 3 2 0 3 0 ) 7) (4) Robert Pettersson, Lejonen, 8p ( 1 3 R 2 2 ) 8) (3) Dennis Andersson, Örnarna, 7p ( Fx 1 1 2 3 ) +3 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) (13) Christian Agö, Örnarna, 7p ( 2 R 3 0 2 ) +F 10) (16) Sebastian Carlsson, Filbyterna, 6p ( 1 1 1 1 2 ) +3 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) (2) Daniel Henderson, Team Bikab, 6p ( 2 0 2 2 R ) +R 12) (14) Henrik Karlsson, Team Bikab, 5p ( T/T 3 R 2 Fx ) 13) (7) Robin Bergqvist, Team Bikab, 5p ( 0 F 1 3 1 ) 14) (12) Jonas Messing, Rospiggarna, 5p ( 1 0 3 Fx 1 ) 15) (5) Robin Burestad, Getingarna, 5p ( 2 1 1 Fx 1 ) 16) (6) Niklas Larsson, Dackarna, 3p ( 1 2 Fx N N ) Niklas Larsson was taken to the hospital with a suspected broken ankle. Courtesy of the live update site.