Fourentee

I should add that Kemp, IMHO, seems to be settling to the circuit and rode a couple of very shrewd races, adjusting to where the chasing rider wanted to be.

Yes, good point. Ht 15 especially you could see him riding wide to allow Kemp free rein on the inside line, checking his position repeatedly. Nic's always been about speed and flow in his racing. The track could have been built for him!

I think TMs are sometimes, understandably, a bit reluctant to throw someone in who hasn't been on track since heat 10. FWIW I would have gone for Thomson, but we never know what goes on behind the scenes and what the reasoning is for selections.

First time for me, too. Very impressed with the set-up -- well-marshalled parking, friendly staff, good infrastructure with food/drink/merchandise etc all readily availableand an interesting programme. Problems with the new material on track led to a loooong delay, but communication with the crowd was good and the racing afterwards was excellent. Interesting to see a lot of fans, both adults and children, in Foxes shirts. Encouraging to see this response as the club tries to build its own fan base and not rely on Coventry and Peterborough supporters getting their fix, welcome as they no doubt are. The blue/orange/white colours are striking and the fox logo is a very clever design, immediately attractive to children but with plenty of character and detail to swing adults too. Full marks on that one. If I have a mild criticism it is that the stadium comes over as a tad functional at the moment. Even the odd tub of flowers would help there. But overall a really good and very welcome addition to the sport. Special kudos to the very young and very diligent litter pickers in action on bends one and two, they were great!

Fastest time.

Kelvin as well-prepped as ever...

The now could also mean "in a change from last year", meaning the riders you mention were covered, but is certainly ambiguous and definitely needs clarification.

Danish U21 final. Jakobsen goes in heats 2,7, 12, 13 and 18 IIRC. Tidy style, decent trapper. Brave extended battle in heat 7 when on the outside. Big ask for a youngster to go straight into the main body of a Championship team and, on a five, presumably stay there. But best of luck to him.

Ha! I didn't know that. I know Jacob Hook had the 'on the doorstep tough meeting v epic trip easier meeting' previously, opted for the mega drive (successfully) and saw the nearby one rained off and not restaged.

Are they in the room with you at this moment? 😉

Plenty of people down the years have had a pop at Poole, me included. I don't recall any of them expressing satisfaction at any doubt cast over the club's operating future, though as in all things I stand to be corrected!

That did make me laugh. Underrated post!

Don't be absurd. Our sport is on the ropes and any fan worth their salt would be delighted that a well-resourced and stable club is securing at least its immediate future.

I'd take Dave Rowe or Dave Goddard as lead commentator in a heartbeat.

Had Bewley won, surely Kurtz would have gone through anyway with his three race wins?

Tatum's maths well to the fore again.

Tatum's mathematical prowess is fully matched by his knowledge of geography. Apparently Cumbria's weather comes off the North Sea.

Given the recent doubts over the club's future, it's hardly surprising that supporters should celebrate what to you may seem a very minor success. There is a bigger picture out there.

...is, IMHO, the right answer as, indeed, would be Dave Goddard. Then Tatum could revert to his former analyst role, in which surely he would be more comfortable anyway.

I'm genuinely sorry to say this, but Tatum has been an absolute embarrassment this evening. Anyone can make an error, but for someone with his experience in the sport to announce repeatedly that 45 points wins the meeting is, frankly, bordering on the unprofessional.

Hence my comment earlier. Kurtz is in the final with his four wins.

Tatum and mathematics are total strangers, are they not?

I would have thought "administrative issues" unusual terminology for money matters (not that I have a clue as to the actual problem). Hopefully all will be resolved.

FWIW I thought Dave Watters got it right, but it was certainly one that could have gone either way. I was left pondering the possible significance of Ritchings' thumbs up as Rushen came round -- "I'm up and OK, don't worry" or a sarky "Well, thanks a lot for knocking me off". Or something else. Who knows?!

So sorry, wouldn't wish that on anyone!