BigFatDave

I beg to differ, mate. I've never seen or heard it happen at any track I've attended Down Under, and I trust I never will. Maybe its because we mainly have individual meetings, I don't know, although I don't recall it from the old Tests and Allstars series either.

Good onya, Maccas, however I'll make no excuses for quoting your exact words because that part of your post jumped out at me. I don't think I'll ever cease to be amazed at the emnity if not outright hatred that some of this forum's members evince towards Rory, if not all Aussies. Is it all down to jealousy or what? I'd doubt if any of these critics have taken the trouble to meet them; they evidently prefer to snipe from the sidelines.

I always pictured you as a JAP Upright man meself, Steve.

I was at Leszno last year, Steve - knocks spots off Poole. Still spewin' that Tomasz beat Leigh in the final heat. Poole '04 I arrived at Heathrow on the morning of the Race-off, hot-footed it to Dorset; found a pub; found a billet; caught up with Team OZ before the match to wish 'em well then watched it all go down the gurgler as the thin blue line took over the inside of the track, so its fair to say my memories are a bit tainted. Of course if there's a piccy of ME on your DVD then I might hafta agree with you - got a spare copy floating around, maaaaaaaaaaaaate? At least someone's had the guts to own up to being a scumbag. Maccas a mate of yours, SCB? That'd be your opinion, as a fully-trained practising psychologist I presume? I've known some of them for years and we usually carry on pretty much the same the world over - if that's arrogance I beg to differ; its just a bunch of alien social outcasts on a strange unwelcoming planet partying on with their own. But they did, because we all heard it, and at least one of them has had the guts to admit it.

Hmm, and there's me with tickets booked for Gorzow. I'll just watch the space between your ears, Mike. Regarding the PL-EL situation; from what I've seen in the UK you've got a load of old, tired stadia with poor spectator facilities; a Health & Safety Nightmare; grass growing on the terraces; public conveniences I wouldn't let my dog use; poor quality food & beverage stalls and a definite attitude problem from staff. Places like the Norfolk Arena are a shining light compared to some of these. People saying Lynn's hard to get to haven't been to the Swedish GP yet.

The usual suspects came round last night and we settled in to watch the show (again for me!) and to a man (and woman!) they were disgusted at the attitude of the so-called fans who cheered when Rory Kummagutza. To read on here some of these low-life pond-scum attempting to justify their actions makes me sick, and exposes them as the type of 'fans' they really are. Rory's Dad's got a lot more tolerance than I have; he's obviously mellowed recently, that's for sure. As for the innumerable posters who reckon they can tell from a few images on the TV that the Aussies were arrogant; it may be time for youse mob to get a life. I've always felt that attitudes like these were either a chip on the shoulder showing through or an inferiority complex; now I know those people are just plain inferior. GB deserved to win but let's not forget they were the only full-strength team out there - even Finland were missing one of their better riders - so let's see a tad more graciousness in victory, can we? As far as the track goes: it was infinitely better than the blue line specials served up at Poole in '04 and Reading in '06, not quite as good as EOES last year but still pretty darn good, and a credit to the trackstaff (Onya Buster!!).

Right, down to the nitty-gritty with the sudden death Race-off coming up. Going on the form from the qualifiers, home team Denmark look to be in the box seat for mine, with the new-look Oz youngsters giving them a run for their money. AJ's still doubtful for the Swedes, leaving them with a two-man team, while Russia without Emil are destined to go out here. It'll be interesting to see what sort of a track we're presented with for this one.

Were you there with Sandie? Her hat copped a coupla shots on the coverage. Not big enough tho'; you could still see 'er underneath!! (Onya Sandie!!)

Great ad for Speedway tonight - well done GB - on to Vojens - and its piddling down - great timing!

I know; I was there. Looking at either them or Team GB to make up the final with Oz, Polska and Denmark.

Exactly. Its a World Cup: denying everyone but a favoured few the chance to take part would be ridiculous. I'd love to see the USA back in the mix, and Russia aren't that far away from a Final. Great crowd yesterday, hopefully the same tonight; I'm just wondering who'll be the first prat to whinge about the track.

Takes more than money to emigrate, mate, ya gotta be intelligent, charming and good-looking for starters. (Luckily I got in before they changed the rules.)

I thought the Centre Green Sward at KL had been concreted over?

Sorry mate, but it was always going to be between Oz & GB; Sweden just don't have the depth of the early 2000's any more.

When was the last time Team Oz had a home tie in SWC, Steve? Should be at Gillman, I reckon!!

He's not paranoid, its just that everybody's out to get him!!

(Edited for Accuracy) I did hear he was at the Walkabout in Cardiff for the GP, whether he was lucky enough to afford a Crownie at the inflated prices they charge is anyone's guess.

G'day Richard, hope you're well? Just like to say that while I've got the utmost respect for you both as a rider and manager I have to take exception to your joining the "too many Aussies in the NL" brigade. If you compare the number of over-30s riders to the number of Aussies in the NL it might make some interesting reading.

I sincerely hope you'll be shouting me mate Chopper a drink on Friday night, Laurence? He's been over there that long now he'll have forgotten what a decent beer looks like! Better keep Dietbowers away from him - don't want him to come back a Scrumpy Addict! Go Team Branford!! Should be a ripper match with two top teams lining up; not sure if Robert or Nick have ridden Newport yet so far this season but they're coming to terms with most tracks pretty quickly. PS Just heard that a certain close relation to Nick Morris is on his way over; answers to 'Its your shout, Lee'. You'd better get another Carton ready, he'll be thirsty!

Got that right, LL. Neither myself or the Kirbys (They of the Inflatable Kangaroo!) could make it this year: we took one look at where the final was and decided to stay home. Next year, however, with the final at a decent track, it'll be a different story. Incidentally for any Aussies out here who're having major dramas with FOXTEL or AUSTAR, don't despair; after about six weeks of problems recording the Elite League broadcasts plus about a dozen rude emails (mainly from me!) a techie is gunna trek to the wilds of Chateau BFD to visit me and hopefully fix the flamin' thing once and for all! Hopefully he brings a carton, plus a bone for the Guard Beast, or neither of us will let him in!

There's a subtle difference between Hatcham's twisted racism & xenophobia and Cookie's rampant stupidity, which is why Mr H is on my 'Ignore' list and I still get to laugh at Colin's posts. I was at Peterborough and Leszno last year and was most impressed with the Brits; they were a young side and even tho' they didn't do brilliantly they never gave up and represented their country well. Having said that, the Poles were a well-drilled machine but it still came down to the last heat decider and if it hadn't been for the rain around heat 20 and the Joker the result could have been totally different - but then if me auntie had balls she'd be me uncle. With the old hands back in the team and racing well I'm looking for an improved performance from GB this year and I wouldn't be at all surprised if they finish runners-up to Denmark in the Race-off. (I'm tipping Poland and Oz to go straight through to the Final, and checking the trusty Rose-tinted Crystal Ball all I can see through me Green & Gold Blinkers is an Aussie Victory - NURSE!!!!)

Nicki P wasn't exactly at his best last year. Plus of course the Joker makes it a lottery. Like all National teams, once you pull on your Country's racebib you seem to grow in stature, and on their own sandpit the Danes'll be hard to toss. I trust you'll be barracking for Tai?

Denmark at home won't be easy to toss.

You only have to look at motorsport in the States to see the sponsorship opportunities; Nascar runs vehicles sponsored by the Army, the National guard and the Coastguard while in Top Fuel Tony 'The Sarge' Schumacher and his 'Army of One' have dominated. Every meeting spotlights troops in the crowd or on Pit Lane - great bang for the bucks. If the RN have seen fit to go for the market good on 'em.

Oh, I don't know, Tomcat, I for one wouldn't mind seeing Pinky & Perky's piccies getting covered with shale.