chunky

You really don't know, Bob? It is John, and you have obviously missed a lot of the nonsense that has gone on here. He has little interest in the modern sport (preferring short-track car racing), and hasn't been to speedway in fourteen years.

Oh well, it looks like a certain someone has gone through and hidden his posts again... So, I have a lot of speedway books, but I don't think I will be adding this one. It has nothing to do with Tai, but I am just not a fan of modern-day writing. As far as non-fiction, I enjoy the quality of the writing as much as I do subject matter, and unless someone can convince me otherwise...

People do think that things like this are morbid, and those of us who retain an interest in stuff like that are crazy, or even damaged. However, you describe it perfectly with the word "compelling", and as horrific as it was, there is something very fascinating and compelling about it. The one place I want to visit before I die is Auschwitz. I know it will be an incredibly emotional and harrowing experience, but it is what I wish to experience. Back to the book, and I agree wholeheartedly about the language used. I am not a prude by any means, but I don't understand the "need" for such language in modern books. Steve

Back to the subject in hand, and I will admit to not having read the book about Tai Woffinden, and neither do I know a great deal about him. I am aware that being born to British parents in Great Britain does make him Australian. However, am I correct in thinking that there has been mention of him considering a career in an alternative form of motorcycle racing on dirt? If so, then either the apparently imminent demise of the British speedway scene, that could lead to a renaming of the BSF to the BFTF. I believe that was an idea raised a while back by gustix?

Could you please explain the relevance of these quotes regarding the subject in question mikebv?

What an excellent post mikebv! Your comments are acceptable.

Yeah, but think of the tax breaks...

Now you're scaring me... Really...

Apparently...

It doesn't need clarification. You just constantly contradict yourself...

Hmmmm... It was only a few months ago we were discussing some things on here, and not only did you not know the riders who were being discussed, but I had to inform you of the existence of some of the current world championships... Not bad for someone who has an "overall knowledge" of the sport - particularly when you have often boasted how disinterested with speedway you have been for decades. Still, what's one more contradiction from a speedway journalist who wasn't a speedway journalist? Steve

He would have been better off looking on the "Tai Rack"... See what I did there?

Sad that you are not familiar with the term, "World Champion"...

You sure that wasn't the pits??? I'll shut up...

Dammit... You beat me to it!

I totally understand, it's just very sad that a "National" stadium has such a limited capacity...

I just saw your post, and I just had to comment; you are 100% correct. I live in the US, and my only way of keeping in touch with family, friends (including many from speedway), my old work colleagues etc, is via Facebook. It is also a valuable tool as far as my work is concerned. Facebook is what YOU want it to be, and what you ALLOW it to be. We are not all insecure and socially inept as many seem to feel... Steve

It has NEVER been that way...

It wouldn't matter where you go, a long weekend would be expensive unless it's in your home town! It is strange that travel across Europe can be cheaper than staying in Britain, but that's the way it is. I just don't understand why the NSS was designed with that small a capacity. I get the finances, and that that any stadium similar to those in Poland - let alone something like Cardiff - would have been cost-prohibitive, but come on, a "National" stadium that can't handle anywhere near the crowds that a number of League One football teams draw? That's hardly something to boast about... This thread illustrates the problem speedway has always had when it comes to showpiece events; do we want a good racing track in a small, crappy run-down stadium that you wouldn't want to take your parents to, or a questionable track in a beautiful stadium that can provide a superb atmosphere for a crowd of 50,000? Again, despite what a lot of people want to believe, we all went to Wembley for the occasion, not the racing...

I tend to stay out of these discussions because of all the negativity and stupid stuff spouted by self-appointed "experts", but reading the views of iainb, Steve Hone, and your good self, I thought I would join in... Was this a "great" meeting? Of course not. However, it really wasn't that bad either - or at least I didn't think so! Same as Vojens. Not a classic, but enjoyable all the same. Most of the racing we see today is no worse than it was back in the "good old days". Like most people, I really miss Wembley, but to say the it was even SLIGHTLY superior (racing-wise) to Cardiff would be a stretch... Steve

Go back and read through the thread...

Can't argue with any of that...

Nobody is talking about GP's vs World Finals. Nobody has mentioned the crowning of the World Champion. Everyone has been talking about how poor the racing was today, and how we need to dump Cardiff because of that. Take out Penhall, and all those years of racing at Wembley wasn't any better. Nobody complained about it though...

So, Wembley World Finals weren't about the occasion???

You hadn't seen the "Wanted" posters?