BigFatDave

I'm afraid I can't tell from Google Earth what type of vans they drive, BHR, but I do know that the majority of Mighty HORNETS supporters are very happy with Todd and Mark in the team, and very happy with the performance of the team as a whole, no matter what Nationality they are. To my knowledge the National League took over from the amateur Conference League as a third-tier professional league where clubs could own their own assets, be they British or whatever, to prevent the previous situation where PL teams could poach NL-developed riders with impunity. In my view its sad that some on here would like to see it as purely a Nationality-based set-up; it stifles competition which is the only way that riders can improve; alas the blinkered ones can't or won't see that. Steve Evans' proposal for more local-rider based second-half events should be followed up, rather than crawling into a hole, wrapping oneself in the Union Jack and railing against Foreigners in general and Aussies in particular.

Does that include the latest rumour about Floodlights?

There are also Aussie riders doing it on a shoestring, Lucas, surviving on hand-outs from relloes, proceeds from chook raffles or family savings in case you weren't aware. I don't know where this chip on your shoulder comes from but I think you should direct your rage against the Powers-that-be over there rather than railing against people purely on the basis of their nationality, or maybe doing something about it yourself. Obviously some clubs see the value of taking on unknown Aussies and helping them out; don't forget there have also been a fair few young Aussie and Kiwi kids who haven't made the grade over there and been unceremoniously dumped. There is no magical "Production Line" over here; its a very ad-hoc process based on individual desire and effort. How many tracks over there have junior tracks in the centre green? I agree with you Garry hoping that young James gets a go somewhere: I've heard good reports about him and his desire to succeed; if he's good enough he'll get a slot and the process he'll have been through will make him a better person.

Fair Call, Junior. One door opens, another one closes. The usual mid-season merry-go-round should ensure that James gets picked up if he's good enough. Just cheeses me off that we get the usual "Aussies get all the help" postings from people with chips on their shoulders rather than in their butties; especially when folks should be aware of all the sacrifices that have been made by young Aussies and their families to have a go at their chosen sport. Let's not forget we've already seen a few young Colonials sacked by their clubs this year for not living up to pre-conceived expectations of their being the next Darcy Ward - it works both ways.

Great news for Michael, a young lad from Orange, NSW, who's already shown in this year's NSW v QLD Series that he's a force to be reckoned with. I for one hope he kicks on from here; he's joined a great club with a proud tradition. Its a pity that some on here have already chosen to slag him off purely because of his Nationality, but that seems to be par for the course for the BSF. I understand he's a Birmingham asset; he should feel right at home.

Is that you tugging at one of my lower limbs, Wanna?

Geez, you Poms love your Blood Sports!! PS Down here the usual suspects all agree with Haza, 5 Furrow and the Know-alls, as far as the Start Tarts went, Yellow was the pick of the litter. Congrats to Tomasz - is this his year? So relieved that Chris Holder didn't break anything; he's doing us proud, and Jason showed a few glimpses last night that suggest he's on the way back. What a great series!

For GB I'd go Danny King over Simon Stead, and for Oz I'd pick Rooboy over Darcy. Apart from that I've got no idea about the Swedes and the Finns; the only Finns I like are

Say it ain't so, Cuz!! Going all TT on us? I thought you'd be Legless, not Lechless!!

Mate I'm fangin' to get back over again: with the GPs back on Austar (cable) Downunder its just makin' me miss it more! Saw Brando chattin' to Johnno in the pits on the Elite League telecast last week (I was watchin' Charlie at the time - has she still got those 'come-fork-me' boots she was wearin' in Poland?); please give him a huge "G'Day" from me & see if he's got any info about any Antipodean GPs next year yet. Enjoy that Lech, youse Pommie Bar-stewards!!

Is that what they call "The Lars Post?" Thanks for the link, Jacqueline.

No doubt about it; I'm sure Darcy will take this all on board and come out not just a better rider but a stronger person for the setback. Let's face it, he's been on a near-vertical learning curve in the past season-and-a-half.

Couldn't agree more.

Don't forget Cory 'Crash through or crash' Gathercole!! Well done to Troy also - good result for Oz. Bit of a wake-up call for Darcy.

I only got up recently, Sandie, after a LARGE night celebrating the Mighty WALLABIES flogging Pomgolia. Rory continues to amaze me - after seeing his prang at Coventry last year and watching him push himself to get back into shape during Ozchamps I wondered if he still had the goods, but the move to the Panthers seems to have rejuvenated him.

Thanks mate!! Go ROOBOY!! Go CORY!!

Post amended for accuracy and honesty.

Thought I'd start this up to give you an idea of when to head South. If anyone hears of any more then please let us know. Some of these dates are not completely set in stone but they're pretty much right. Great weekends in Brisvegas 8th/9th and Adelaide 21st/23rd. I'll see you there! Leigh Adams Cheerio Bash Mildura Wed Jan 5th Senior Solo Title 1. Jan. 12th. Parramatta. 2. Jan. 15th. NSW? 3. Jan. 22nd. Gillman 4. Jan. 26th. Broken Hill 5. Jan. 29th. Mildura U21 Solo Title Jan 8 & 9.North Brisbane U16 350cc Title Jan 8 & 9.North Brisbane U16 125cc Individual Title Jan 21st. Wingfield (SA) U16 125cc Pairs Title Jan. 23rd. Wingfield (SA) Sidecar Senior. March 26th. Gillman U16 Sidecar. March 27 th. Wingfield

Are these riders already affiliated to those clubs, Vicar?

G'day Tomaz, hope you're well? Isn't there four rounds?

Ht 3: Rune Holta ( the Norse Pole) was excluded for Tape-touching, so Klindt got a run. He gated really well but AJ got him at the end of turn two then Chris Holder screwed it on and went hanging it out round the outside for a lap or so from 4th to 2nd and was oh, so close to getting past AJ but he managed to hold Chris off. Oh, and did I mention that a certain three-time Danish World Champ finished stone-motherless last? Well, in case you missed it, Nicki was stone-motherless last. My only gripe was that we didn't get a good look at the Sheila in the White until heat 15; didn't help me picking the best Start Tart in our little usual-suspects sweepstake. As it was, even tho' I reckoned Blue took it out by a something-hair, we decided it was better to have all four back - to my place!!

Where were you in heat three? If you call that boring I'm afraid there's little hope for Speedway!

Never ceases to amaze me how some folks can't wait to post this type of pre-conceived statement - must have been after at least one heat, but before the third, which was the first of several exciting races. I thoroughly enjoyed the GP, and I'm currently enjoying the replay, if only to confirm that last night's winner was - drum roll please, maestro - wait for it - the Sheila in Blue!! We were blessed down here by losing the commentary on several occasions; luckily Charlie came through loud and clear at the second attempt!

You'd rather he went straight on,I suppose? Gollob was inside AJ and ahead of him.

rac·ism (rā′siz′əm) - from www.yourdictionary.com noun belief in or doctrine asserting racial differences in character, intelligence, etc. and the superiority of one race over another or others: racist doctrine also, typically, seeks to maintain the supposed purity of a race or the races any program or practice of racial discrimination, segregation, etc., specif., such a program or practice that upholds the political or economic domination of one race over another or others feelings or actions of hatred and bigotry toward a person or persons because of their race