BigFatDave

Is Colin outside?

It's Hot, Damned Hot! We have to keep our fluid levels up at all times.

Your intrepid reporter accompanied by the Coalition of the Bewildered will attempt to find out. Having stocked the fridge and esky we are going outside prospecting - we may be some time!

It's been a bit of a blur as usual, Shirl! I was attacked by a six-foot Cockroach with a bad attitude last week - doctors told me there was a nasty bug going round - so the three days of enforced Alcohol Withdrawal while at the Junior meetings (DRY!!) obviously contributed to my general well-being. No fun being crook when everyone wants to party so I forced myself to digest a few aids to personal well-being in order not to miss out, which along with the Bulk Strength Bug Zappers the quacks gave me contributed to a general sense of floating above the clouds - pretty much par for the course in other words. Gillman was a chance to get back on it in a large way in the company of many like-minded serial substance abusers, and I more than made up for it, so much so that Sunday Morning was cancelled. Couldn't agree more with your second point; the kids were walking tall among their heroes and the Seniors were cheering the youngsters on. Chris and Darcy both did interviews during Friday's meeting; Darcy is starting to follow Chris as a polished public performer which can only help his developement as a future GP Rider; I think the FIM Award has focussed him on just how far he can go in the sport if he keeps working on all aspects. Chris also presented the juniors with their Race Jackets on Sunday Night for the pairs; giving us all a laugh when he threw brother Jack his colours rather than just hand them over. Jack Holder is definitely a goer - unbeaten in the pairs event; he even lowered the colours of Arthur Sissis in a memorable dice - try as he might Arthur couldn't quite get his nose in front over four hard-fought laps. Others to impress and jot down in your notebook include WA's Cameron Heeps; Victoria's Max Fricke and Queensland's Zaine Kennedy: you'll hear these names again for sure. Sidewinders is a custom-built venue for Juniors - crowds were good with the peak of over 250 or so on Friday night filling the back straight - and it's a crying shame that there's no equivalent in the UK. This is the nursery where virtually all South Oz & Victorian riders have honed their craft, with riders from the rest of the country making the long trek over for the big occasions; it's a great little track. I'll be back again for sure: whoever programmed the Under 16's for the same week as Gillman OzChamps deserves to take a bow.

Whatever happens at the meeting let's hope it doesn't trigger a descent into the depths like the EL AGM.

Plus you've got the Sunday as insurance in case of Weather problems (don't mention the 'R' word) and more time to spend drinking over-priced Danish Turps. Remind me, how much did Haza pay for a pint? Roll on Gorzow!

That's always been my point of view as well, Baggy. No good blaming or penalising young blokes who just want to give it a go because of their nationality.

It's up to the supporters to get out there and back their NL teams surely, no-one's running a charity here after all. Belle Vue have stated their intention of running an NL team this year but if the fans don't get behind it it won't last the season. Re your 'He must be good, he's an Aussie' remark, Rhidassa, that probably explains why we have British Talent Scouts spending a large part of the Northern Winter Downunder every year, unless it's for the climate. This young Seppoo has excellent credentials; the likes of Penhall and Ermolenko pushing him may count for something wouldn't you say?

Speedway's all about sharing, Bob, and we're rapt that people are interested in our goings-on. I think a lot of folks have trouble with the concept of just how huge this place is - Kyle driving for two or three days just to get to a meeting is a case in point. Personally I'd love to see Marcus's tour run through the Southern States or even double meetings in each centre - say friday night a mini-test match then saturday Ozchamps but then I'm a bit of a tragic! MA are polling the riders for their views on the series - too long too many tracks etc - so I'd say we'll be just looking at three maybe four next season Kurri Kurri, Mildura and Gillman are nailed on - but we'll see how Broken Hill goes first! This Updating Lark could be interesting, there's a coupla bars at the track and Country Boys love to party!.

Broken Hill is beyond the Black Stump, out the back of beyond just before you get to the Never Never. It's just down the road from Silverton, where they filmed Not much has changed. Next time I'm over I'll tell you an interesting story about Silverton, featuring my ol' Dingo Tiger, a 40-foot Refrigerated Semi Trailer full of beer and 200 Trips.

Results of the Under 16s pairs; NSW 23 1st Ben Cook 5 Jack Holder 18, after a run-off. Vic 23 2nd Jack Fallon 9 Max Fricke 14 Wa 22 3rd Cameron Heeps 16 Blake Russell 6 SA 1 4th Arthur Sissis 17 Seth Hickey 2 QLD 1 =5th 14 Brandy Coglan 2 retired Zaine Kennedy 12 QLD 2 =5th 14 Matty Day 6 Tyson Snow 8 SA 2 7th 11 Jake Mitchell 7 Dakota Ballantyne 4 Young Brandy Coglan (I think he's 10 or 11) suffered a suspected broken arm and was taken to hospital, leaving Zaine to battle on strongly as a one-man-band. QUEENSLANDER! Get Well Real Soon Brandy!

Another grand night's speedway at Gillman saw Chris Holder recover from a bone-crunching shunt into the fence from Kozza Smith to post an all-the-way win in OzChamps round two. Once again Australia's premier track delivered loads of exciting racing along with a few thrills & spills; plenty of dicing between Messrs Ward, Schlein. Watt. Holder, Woodward; Gathercole and Doyle, who have established themselves as the top riders in the tournament so far. Taylor Poole had a nasty off and although not too badly damaged was withdrawn from the meeting as a precaution, gifting us the cameo of Spud Summers with a win and a second from first reserve, while Robert Medson took the other reserve ride on offer scoring one point. Taylor was stiff and sore this morning but father Mick reckons he'll be OK for the next round at Broken Hill on Austraya Day. Jason Doyle had a not so lucky evening, collecting the fence twice in almost the same spot coming out of turn 4 after scoring 6 from his first three: he seemed to pick up massive extra drive and went headlong into the fence. Nothing wrong with the track, but Gillman's 4th turn has claimed a few riders in the past and I can't see that changing in a hurry. He was taken to hospital as a precaution although everything seemed to be working OK when he was in the ambulance, but better safe than sorry, eh? Scuttlebutt is that he has a separated shoulder but is hopeful of riding at the Hill. Get Well Real Soon Mate! Darcy continued his one-man war against machinery by Chernobling a couple more donks: I think that's SIX he's up to at the mo. Despite his impressive if destructive track record Sedgy ended up lending him a bike for the final but I think he might soon be running out of mates with spare motors. Once again the Dual World Under 21 Champ did it hard on his way through to the final, having to work flat out to get through a ripper B Main to qualify for the A Final. He and Rory swapped the lead on several occasions over the first two laps before the Queenslander pulled away from the Territorian, wih Ty pipping Cory for third. Cory couldn't continue his good form from the first round but both he,Ty and Rory are all there or thereabouts and keeping everyone honest - there are very few easy heats in this comp so far. Chris and Davey continued their strong form while Cam turned his on its head with a dominant performance during the heats and 4th in the final, which was a very hard-fought affair with no beg pardons; Darcy blasting his way past Davey and chasing Chris all the way to the chequered flag. Sweets, Sedgy and Sam were all good value again and you sense they're on the verge of something big in the not-too distant future; Kozza was up and down (and across and almost into the fence; luckily for him Chris was outside him on the backstraight or HE'd have ended up in the fence for sure!) Chris was limping (and grumbling!) in the pits afterwards but he was OK at Sidewinders this evening for the Australian Under 16s Pairs Championship (won by NSW with li'l bro Jack unbeaten for the evening - report to follow) and showed no harmfull effects of what was a rather scary-lookin off. Kyle Newman looked a bit unsettled but I reckon he can be forgiven, having just completed a marathon drive from North Queensland complete with a few diversions to avoid the Flooding; driving 3000-odd Kilometers AND having to put up with Gavin Elmes' Parade of Puns would take it out of anyone I reckon. Well Done to Gavin and Steve Koppe for getting him here, and big wraps to Gav for making sure he's got the right helmet cover on. Worrying to hear that there's an undercurrent against Kyle taking part, but with Barnie breaking his arm there was no other replacement available who was willing to undertake the travel involved, not to mention the expense. I've always been of the opinion that it's the More The Merrier as far as our little comp. goes; certainly we've benefited from having guests of the calibre of Scotty Nicholls and Freddie Lindgren gracing the field. Arlo & Mitch are still the strongest riders in the field, having to hold the rest of the Riders' Table up - neither of them are quitters but alas they are outclassed. A few rivalries are starting to grow in the comp but at the end of the day it's all mates again; another magnificent advert for Australian Speedway. See you at Broken Hill - where worryingly Lunchy will not be available to do the Updates and the onerous duties could fall on a hastily-assembled Coalition of the Bewildered as Spiderweb, Scotland 1314 and my good self attempt to balance the pursuit of happiness and inebriation with actually doing something useful for a change - I'll have another stubby and think about it. Make that two.

As has been previously noted Aaron didn't nominate for the series, preferring to pick up some work to help finance his upcoming European Season. I don't know how you can make that "face fits first scenario" comment about that.

Its all happening in the City of Churches - fans from all over the place steaming in to town for tonight's second round of OzChamps. Bryn's absence was commented on several times last night, sometimes favourably, sometimes not, but we raised a glass of sparkling mineral water in his honour - Sidewinders being a dry venue. Later on back at the Royal Arms a few other substances were dedicated to the Welsh Wizard of Microphone Dribble - you're sadly missed, Brynbach, and it's Your Shout!! Pre-meet drinkypoos in the bar downstairs starts as soon as I get off this thing and start getting me backside trackside - Gillman is usually the provider of the finest racing Downunder can offer, and with Kyle now in the mix tonight will be a ripper - my Money's on Rooboy to give Chris some hurry-up, with Davey pipping Darcy for third, but whatever happpens Speedway will be the winner! More of youse mob should make the effort to get down here for the OzChamps series: it's gradually getting better-organised and when it finally settles down to a 4- or 5-match series over 15 days it should be a highlight on any Speedway Fan's Calendar. Put it on your Bucket List - I must go Downunder and buy BFD a beer or three! Enjoy the Updates tomorrow morning your time - I'll see you there. PS Lunchy reckons he's finally found a kindred spirit who can talk underwater as much as he can - ah, but can he text Updates at the same time?

From Australian Speedway Forums: A fair bit of carnage last night with 8 re-runs in the first eight heats alone - no-one seriously dented although a couple of almighty fence-thumpers had us worried for a bit, but everyone walked away - there'll be a few sore bodies at Gillman this morning for Leigh & Johnno's Juniors Masterclass, but I bet they'll all be there! Great to see most of tonight's field of riders for Gillman plus a few local seniors in attendance cheering the lads on. A good crowd in attendance enjoyed some exciting racing with a couple going down to the last bend - can't ask for more than that! Some of these boys were racing for sheep stations out there! Arthur Sissis was unbeaten throughout, although he was pushed hard in a couple; Stormin' Jack Norman outgated him in his first heat and wasn't passed until the third bend, where a classic 360 spin pushed him back to 4th Cameron Heeps never gave up the chase, finishing second! In his second heat he lowered the track record to 40.99 in a blistering run; Max Fricke pushed him hard in his third but Arthur pulled away towards the end; in his fourth heat Jack Fallon, the best of his opposition on the night kept him honest while in his last heat he seemed to have engine problems but was still untroubled. The final saw him charge out of the blocks and he was never headed, beginning his victory celebrations half-way down the back straight on lap 4! The race over we were treated to a free-style display from all the finallists and even a few fireworks! Of the seeded riders Jack Holder had one to forget with a couple of falls cruelling his chances while Brandon Coglan didn't have much luck either; an EF in his third heat resulting in a classic passionate expectoration of the pacifier - good stuff! Max Fricke recovered from a first heat fall & exclusion to post 11 out of 12 in his next four, taking out the B Main from Zaine Kennedy and Cooper Riordan with Blake Russell 4th; Jack Fallon and Cameron Heeps were both impressive but in the end the night belonged to Arthur, and rightly so. Whatever discipline he ends up in I'm sure he'll do well; he's already been offered a contract by at least one PL club in Bonnie Scotland ('Mon the Tiggers!) and the word is if he doesn't finish Top Two in the Red Bull comp. this year, thereby getting promotion to GP ranks he'll be gracing the shale in 2012. Goodonya Arthur and thanks for the show! Arthur Sissis 15 Jack Fallon 13 Cameron Heeps 12 Max Fricke 11 Zaine Kennedy 9 Blake Russell 8 Cooper Riordan 7 Jake Mitchell 7 Jack Holder 6 Tyson Snow 6 Matthew Day 5 Seth Hickey 5 Max Crocker 4 Brandon Coglan 4 Jack Norman 3 Dakota Ballantyne 3 Olly Simpson took out the supports; he's only recently made the switch from MX and looks a goer. In the 5-man final he beat Ben Cook, Mitch Grech, Braydon McGuinness and Sheldon Gill in that order. Many thanks to all concerned - Riders, Parents, Officials & Trackstaff - for a wonderful evening which certainly kept us entertained throughout - these lads are the future of our sport, and they didn't let us down. Thanks again Sidewinders - I dips me lid.

Latest from Chris Holder, doin' it tough in Blogsville, South Australia - Today's Surf Report.

Blake was unlucky - three wins & a second but excluded for - shall we say - over-exuberant riding. Coming up the inside on turn 4 he damn near ran over Stormin' Jack Norman - sent him fencewise - Jack took a tumble but remounted! Big Jack certainly had plenty of fans there - I think he comes up to my waist - I'll check tonight, if Rodney doesn't get me too sideways!

The enthusiam of these kids knows no bounds, Shirl. I think this song was written just for them. Interesting to see some of the older lads on the smaller bikes - Arthur and Jack were practising, mainly concentrating on pulling monos, while in the main Event Tyson Snow (15-y-o), who also rode in the 350's at North Brisvegas the other day, towering over 9-y-o Stormin' Jack Norman but having to race hard to beat him - great talent depth over here and Sidewinders being a dedicated Under-16 club is fantastic for the Sport - big family support in the pits & on the terraces. I hear Davey Watt was there last night as well - great to see our Seniors turning out, they're an inspiration for the youngsters. It'll be a good crowd tonight for the Finals with everyone arriving in town for Gillman & OzChamps tomorrow - large turn-out of the Usual Suspects on the Back Straight is predicted. Only downside was due to the choice location of the track - next door to the City Dump - meant the arrival shortly after dusk of a Mozzie plague - fortunately the application of some NT Special Bushman's Fly Assassinator (Slogan - If Ya Don't Wanna Breed, This one's for YOU!) did the trick.

An enjoyable evening's entertainment at Sidewinders tonight for the Under-16 125s Qualifying meet, with 11-y-o Dakota Ballantyne SA the class of the evening finishing on 14 points. Other qualifiers for tomorrow night's final: Tyson Snow QLD 12 Blake Russell WA 11 Zaine Kennedy QLD 11 Seth Hickey SA 10 Cooper Riordan VIC 10 Jake Mitchell SA 10 Jack Norman SA 8 - Jack is Nine Years Old, by the way. Matthew Day QLD 8 Max Crocker NSW 6 first Reserve Ben Cook NSW 6 Other scores: Sheldon Gill WA (another 11-y-o)5; Joel Pellicone SA (another 11-y-o in for Brady Kurtz) 5; Declan Kennedy (another 9-y-o) 1; Brody Eves QLD 1; Ellis Perks withdrew after three rides three falls; Zack Cook res NSW 0 Braydan McGuinness res SA 1 Well done to all the youngsters who took part; Dakota is another prodigious talent from the Sidewinders production line. Great to see GP rider Chris Holder in the pits and also big wraps on current 2-time World and 3-time Australian Under-21 Champion Darcy Ward turning up to support our juniors - an inspiration to the youngsters. An interesting alcohol-free evening's Speedway - not often I make it through without recourse to something peculiar or other - oh the joys of being on large quantities of prescription drugs for a change!! Don't worry, if all goes well I'll be off the Extra-strength Cortisone & Antibiotic mix and back in my usual state in time for Gillman! Doncha hate being Crook! Might have a Stubby & relax.

You'll have to forgive dirtbag, iris, but he means well! (I think!!) Figure was later updated to 4000 which is an excellent crowd figure for Oz, with people coming from all over the country for it, and most of the riders travelling half-way around the globe to get there. Remind me, how many times does Europe fit into Oz? Anyhow, as long as it's Speedway on top who cares?

The View from the Hill, Shirl! Speedway Week in Adelaide kicks off tonight with the Under-16s 125s Qualifier at Sidewinders in Wingfield, about 2km from Gillman - handy that! Here's a few names for your future reference: Dakota Ballantyne; Ben Cook; Max Croker; Matthew Day; Brody Eves; Joel Pellicone; Sheldon Gill; Jeth Hickey; Zaine Kennedy; Tyler King; Jake Mitchell; Jack Norman; Ellis Perks; Cooper Riordan; Blake Russell; Tyson Snow. Some of these kids can hardly see over a Saddle, but what they lack in inches they more than make up for in Enthusiasm. The Usual Suspects are starting to roll into town for what promises to be a great night, and it's Alcohol-free! , so we'll be bathing in Castrol R and snorting Methanol instead.

We drank it by mistake at Mildura - remember? No, of course you wouldn't. It's your shout.

In case you haven't caught up with this on Marcus the Pom's thread, here's the latest from Steve Magro, courtesy of Australian Speedway Forums: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Townsville resident Englishman Kyle Newman will take his place in the line-up for the Australian Championship at Gillman Speedway, Adelaide, this Saturday night. Newman, who races for Newcastle in the British Premier League, is also set to contest the final two rounds at Broken Hill (26th January) and the final round the following Saturday at Mildura, 29th January. The 20 year old has been hastily arranging to get his two machines ready and to be on the road to Adelaide from Townsville, a trek of more than 3000kms. "We got the phone call last night, I jumped at opportunity and I couldn't be happier. It's a real honour to be selected and I hope to put into action the experience I gained in winning the recent Queensland Under 21 Championship. We've been up working since 6am so I'll be rocking on all cylinders. I'm quite excited but comfortable about the task ahead of me and I'll be giving it 100%. Newman comes in to replace Brenton Barnfield, the young debutant who injured his arm in a heat 20 fall at Kurri Kurri during the first round. Barnfield scored no points from four completed rides before his accident. Said Kyle's mentor and backer Marcus Williams. "It's a great result for all of the work we've put in. My only disappointment is that Motorcycling Australia should never have allowed such a situation to happen, there being only one allocated reserve. Kyle really deserves his chance and now I do feel that the championship is closer to having the best 16 riders available, but my heart still goes out to fellow Brit Josh Auty, a really good rider, who missed out on being selected again despite nominating. "It's a fitting climax to Kyle's stint in Australia to ride in the Australian senior title. It's an absolute honour as it should be for every rider. Our thanks go out to Ivan Golding, Dave Parker, Gavin Sedgeman and Gavin Elmes. A smile will also be on the face of Gordon Pairman, Glasgow and Belle Vue Speedway identity and one of the Speedway Scolarship's major sponsors. Special thanks too, to Steve Koppe of Future Motorcycles in Townsville, who's continued to offer us support and sponsorship. Steve worked through last night, rebuilding two GM engines for Kyle to use. Steve hasn't been to bed yet but he'll soon set off with Kyle, pick up Gavin Elmes in Brisbane and then maybe Steve will catch some sleep! Great news for all Aussie fans - I was lucky enough to se him race at North Brisbane ten days ago when he took out the supports - still spewin' for Josh, but! I had no inkling this was in the wind when I said cheerio to Gavin Elmes on Saturday night at Kurri - he told me then he wasn't doing the other three rounds as his own personal protest against MA over the selection shemozzle this year, and I'm pretty sure I told him "never say never, Gavin"!!

Local TV News report of Rd 1 - a reported crowd approaching 3000 at the Kurri Kurri 'If we build it they will come' Stadium. AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (AFTER ROUND ONE OF FOUR): 1 Chris Holder 20, 2 Dave Watt 18, 3 Jason Doyle 17, 4 Cory Gathercole 16, 5 Darcy Ward 15, 6 Rory Schlein 14, 7 Kozza Smith 13, 8 Justin Sedgmen 12, 9 Ty Proctor 11, 10 Richard Sweetman 10, 11 Sam Masters 9, 12 Taylor Poole 7, 13 Cameron Woodward 6, 14 Arlo Bugeja 4, 15 Mitchell Davey 3, 16 Brenton Barnfield 2. .

A new season; a brand-new venue and a fine start for the 2011 Australian Solo Speedway Championships. Those who were worried that the out-of-the-way location would prevent many supporters from turning up underestimated the resourcefulness of your average inhabitant of Planet Speedway as thousands turned out to attend the opening of Kurri Kurri Stadium, not just from all parts of Oz but all parts of the globe, although in all fairness a few of the usual suspects would attend the opening of an envelope. They were still pouring in when dead-set Legend Ivan Mauger MBE and CEO Alberto Fabrini from Hydro Aluminium - the Fairy Godfather of the Club - declared all systems go on the new Jewel in the Crown of Solo Speedway; Australia's First Bloke and PM Gillard's main squeeze Tim Matheson let us know in no uncertain terms that our No 1 Sport is regularly on the Discussion Agenda in The Lodge, while the local National Party Candidate rolled out the Pork Barrel and offered all electors in the upcoming state election a fairly decent suck of the sauce bottle if elected. Doubtless the aforementioned Electoral Hopeful, like most if not all of our current crop of representatives, would attend the opening of a Brown Paper Bag. Seconds out, round one and off we went on a voyage of discovery of the new track, which looked picture-perfect and a credit to Boydie and his entrepreneurial abilities; Campo and his band of willing volunteers/slaves plus the local Lions Club, who worked right up to the off and beyond to ensure nothing was going to get in the way of a great meet. Plenty of good Tucker and Liquid refreshment to wash it down; a fantastic range of souvenirs and paraphernalia on display and a good selection of Portaloos & nearby Trees to take care of all other essentials. Other people will doubtless let you know about quality of the racing all the way from Junior to Senior level: Jack Holder and Alex Davies take a bow in the Entree and Desserts please, while the Main Course tasted as good as it looked; stand-out performances from Doyley & Cory to make the A Main; cameos from Darcy, Rory & Kozza to make the B Main after various disappointments through the night - Darcy blowing his big end in his first heat but showing great strength of character to put his disappointment behind him; Kozza experiencing the highs & lows with a great victory in his second race and a disappointing fourth in his last; Rory struggling to come to terms with being back on a bike for the first time in three months then flicking the switch and producing two trademark victories to get out of jail and into the B Main by the skin of his teeth; and last but not least two fantastic duels between ultimate winner & runner-up; Davey taking victory in the heats then Chris turning the tables in the Final to seal the comp. I'm still shaking my head at Chris's last-to-first blast around the boards of turns one & two in his fourth heat - worth the price of admission for sure. . Commiserations to Sedgy, Sweets and Ty on just missing out - that's the second LAR-sourced Donk Sedgy's Chernobled in seven days - I'd be looking at warranty - while Sam, Taylor and Cam all have work to do before Gillman. Arlo did better than I'd expected; as always 100% honest effort from the South Australian journeyman and alas Mitch & Barnie both looked out of their depth, but to be fair to all three of the cellar dwellers they are not the ones responsible for the make-up of the field; my only gripe about the whole event and one which will doubtless be discussed further. The after-meeting discussions continued long into the wee small hours, much to the discomfort of the poor beggars who'd happened to book into my motel and had the ultimate misfortune to find themselves next door to the neighbour from hell in top form, directly from Darwin and coming soon to a track near you. A great meeting: I eagerly await any Photos or DVDs of the event. On to - via Wingfield of course!NB This post is also available in hardback, and on the Aussie Speedway Forum.