bigcatdiary

A very good read this week with amusing reviews from Jon Cook and Brian Havelock on the respective chances for each team in both leagues, novel bearing in mind neither have ever put together a winning side with Havelock's classic placing Workington 2nd and Ipswich 9th in his championship list.

Interestingly this is what Damien Bates said about the racing this morning. “The atmosphere was electric and the racing was great, so if that doesn’t entice people back then I don’t know what more we can do". It's quite clear his view of the racing last night is vastly different to some of the fans who watched it on the terraces because it's sounding like nothing's changed.

Yeah right

Probably mixed them up because the other way it's probably about right. Quite why they asked him beggars belief, I mean how many Championship and title winning sides has he put together, a bit like Cook in the Premiership.

I think the term "gating tart" was invented with Klindt in mind.

It looked like he lost a chain, locked his rear wheel and it threw him off. It certainly wasn't anyone else's fault no one was near him.

I think that's the theory Tim but it happens regularly so don't hold your breath.

Correct

I thought it was an good first league meeting and enjoyed it, a few more spills than usual, hopefully Kerr is ok but on the whole an enjoyable and entertainting match. Scunthorpe made a fist of it with plenty of effort but Panthers top four always looked better and generally seemed to be in control. The track was completely different to last Sunday and had loads of grip, too much at the end when I spoke to one of our team but I think our team will get used to it and hopefully the track will be the same in the future. Nice to see Ulrich have a good meeting and he was well backed up by Starke, Hansen and Holder and even the bottom three chipped in with a dozen between them, for the Scorpions Palm Toft was their outstanding man and Wallner started well but the others were a but hit and miss for various reasons.

Because Holders racesuit is being made in Poland (separately from the others) and it isn't done yet apparently.

I think that applies to re declarations, should be ok for RR as this is a speedway injury but as fourth in the averages it doesn't help much.

Wasn't too bad and probably will hold his own with other number 7,s but he didn't move off the white line all night.

I agree, good move for Leicester

Genuine question Steve do you really believe everything Matt Ford says

Teams from Panthers - Tom Bacon, Jack Holder, Kenneth Hansen, Simon Lambert, Paul Starke, Ulrich Ostergaard & Bradley Wilson Dean. Scorpions - Josh Auty, Josh Bailey, Ryan Douglas, Lewis Kerr, Michael Palm Toft, Fritz Wallner & Carl Wilkinson. Weather forecasts for this Friday are good.

You are being very economical with the truth Jonathan, I recall a lot if what went on around that time and Peterborough and Coventry were well and truly shafted and not just money wise as you well know

I can remember getting shafted by clubs during the winter of discontent when one of our neighbours took their 10 pieces of silver. On the subject of promoters going bust, it never ceases to amaze me that we always seem to have a steady stream of both the rich and not so rich new owners who are all willing to attempt and give it a go thinking they can turn it around with Plymouth, Leicester and Belle Vue the obvious ones over this winter. As for promoters getting fed up playing with their toys and walking away I rather suspect the real concern is supporters walking away.

Crikey, with a CV like that it sort of beggars belief why you are discussing car park charges on the BSF as opposed to being the chairman of the BSPA and completely turning around the sport in this country.

Good old Jonathan he is a chip of the old block isn't he, at Lynn they charge you to sit down and do not even provide a roof. As for most people enjoy standing, what bloody planet are you on Chapman, most of the speedway supporters are middle aged plus, they like to sit down mate with a hot drink in one hand and a programme board in the other. A few years ago you were a promoter with a raft of supposedly bright ideas, just remind us how did that end.

Swings and roundabouts, as you say Lynn charge you to sit on a seat which is open to the elements, Peterborough don't charge for a seat in the grandstand which affords a complete view of the racing and a roof protecting you from the weather. I think £1 for car park is reasonable considering the benefits inside the stadium.

Comments in field I was their at the opening of the gates (1030) it always amuses me that meetings are delayed a lot of the time because clearly people cannot be bothered to get to the meeting in plenty of time. As for letting York have time on the microphone words fail me.

I agree but this was effectively a paid practice and crowd wise it was extremely successful, the track went very slick very early which didn't help the home side but it was good practice and entertaining in places.

Probably too many doughnuts

The only reason Poole and other clubs use young Aussies is the frankly ridiculous assessed averages they start on, if they were properly assessed true averages to their potential we wouldn't see many being flown over as clubs just wouldn't take the financial chance. Only Brits should start off on 2.00 or 3.00, all riders not British should start on a minimum of 7.00 irrespective of where they come from.

It's certainly was being ridden hard by the team at the practice but was probably slicker than usual. I dare say it will be restored to its usual standard for tomorrow's match after today's practice meeting.