BigFatDave

Darcy parting with his bike in the first attempt at heat 8 either showing off riding on the back wheel (Mildura version) or hitting a rut (everywhere else version) Darcy chasing and passing Justin Sedgmen in heat 3. Mildura would have us believe Darcy was showing off again but showing off while chasing the leader ? Thanxx and a tip of the hat to Brynbach, the Lunchmeister and Mick Hargraves.

So are you coming to The Alice or what, my Globe-trotting mate? Maryborough's pretty close to Trackman Territory, stay away from his boat!!

The Somerset Promotion has always bent over backwards to help out young Aussies; obviously they don't read some of the rubbish posted on here about foriegners; they just go out and get the best they can.

From Speedway Updates - Ta Muchly, Sue! 1st Troy Batchelor 2nd Cameron Woodward 3rd Ty Proctor 4th Josh Auty Texter: Lunchy Updater: Sue Line Up 1. Damien Koppe.................1,1,1,0,1 = 4 2. Jake Anderson.................X,0,DNF,1,1 = 2 3. Robert Ksiezak................3,1,3,0,2 = 9 4. Justin Sedgmen...............2,2,1,3,2 = 10 5. Cameron Woodward.........3,2,3,3,3 = 14 6. Ben Turner ....................0,1,0,1,DNF = 2 7. Dakota North..................1,2,0,3,X = 6 8. Todd Kurtz.....................2,1,1,0,2 = 6 9. Taylor Poole....................1,0,X,2,2 = 5 10 Tyron Proctor.................3,3,2,2,3 = 13 11 Cory Gathercole..............2,3,3,2,0 = 10 12 Robert Branford...............0,0,2,1,X = 3 13 Troy Batchelor...............2,3,3,3,3 = 14 14 Arlo Bugeja...................1,2,2,2,1 = 8 15 Ben Hatcliffe.................0,0,1,0,0 = 1 16 Josh Auty ....................3,3,2,1,3 = 12 Reserve Tom Armstrong Adam Briggs Heat Results Heat 01: Re-run Ksiezak, J Sedgmen, Koppe, Anderson(F/Ex) Line Up: Koppe, Anderson, Ksiezak, J Sedgmen Comments: Anderson fell and is excluded Sponsored by Clean Cut Sports @ www.cleancutsports.com Heat 02: Woodward, Kurtz, North, Turner Line Up: Woodward, North, Turner,Kurtz Comments: Sponsored by Steve Dixon www.stevedixonphotography.co.uk Heat 03: Proctor, Gathercole, Poole, Branford Line Up: Proctor, Gathercole, Poole,Branford Comments: Sponsored by http://www.premier-plating.com - 24ct Gold, Silver and Platinum plating. 20% discount on first order when using promo code SPEEDWAY Heat 04: Auty, Batchelor, Bugeja, Hatcliffe Line Up: Ben Hatcliffe, Bugeja, Auty, Batchelor Comments: Sponsored by Friends of Edinburgh Speedway http://www.foes.info/ Heat 05: Batchelor, Woodward, Koppe, Poole Line Up: Batchelor, Koppe, Woodward, Poole Comments: Woodward held the lead for 3 laps. Sponsored by Splod Heat 06: Proctor, Bugeja, Turner, Anderson Line Up: Bugeja, Proctor, Anderson, Turner Comments: Anderson had bike problems. Sponsored by http://www.SpeedwayInfo.co.uk - speedway information for all UK leagues plus Grand Prix & World Cup stats Heat 07: Gathercole, North, Ksiezak, Hatcliffe Line Up: Gathercole, Ben Hatcliffe, North, Ksiezak Comments: Sponsored by Merlin Heat 08: Auty, Sedgmen, Kurtz, Branford Line Up: J Sedgmen, Kurtz, Branford, Auty Comments: Sponsored by The Media Gecko @ www.themediagecko.co.uk Heat 09: Gathercole, Auty, Koppe, Turner Line Up: Turner, Auty, Koppe, Gathercole Comments: Sponsored by inthedirt clothing - inthedirt.co.uk - facebook.com/inthedirt Heat 10: Woodward, Branford, Hatcliffe, Anderson (Ret) Line Up: Branford, Woodward, Ben Hatcliffe, Anderson Comments: Anderson did a chain. Sponsored by The Media Gecko @ www.themediagecko.co.uk Heat 11: Re-run Ksiezak, Bugeja, Kurtz, Poole(F/Ex) Line Up: Kurtz, Poole, Ksiezak, Bugeja Comments: Poole fell and is excluded, Kurtz did well to miss Poole Sponsored by 09/10 Fantasy Football Leagues now available at www.fantasysportsfactory.co.uk! Heat 12: Batchelor, Proctor, Sedgmen, North Line Up: Batchelor, J Sedgmen, Proctor, North Comments: Huge lap 1 between top 2. Sponsored by http://www.cablestar.co.uk - computer cables & accessories. Save 10% using promo code SPEEDWAY Heat 13: North, Bugeja, Branford, Koppe Line Up: North, Branford, Bugeja, Koppe Comments: Sponsored by Art and Stitch for all your sewing and art supplies – www.artandstitch.co.uk Heat 14: Batchelor, Gathercole, Anderson, Kurtz Line Up: Anderson, Batchelor, Kurtz, Gathercole Comments: Sponsored by www.enjaydesigns.co.uk Heat 15: Woodward, Proctor, Auty, Ksiezak Line-up: Auty, ksiezak, Proctor, Woodward Comments: Proctor pinched second on the line. Sponsored by www.msj.edu.pl www.msjspeedway.com Heat 16: Sedgmen, Poole, Turner, Hatcliffe Line Up: Poole, Turner, J Sedgmen, Ben Hatcliffe Comments: Now having a track grade....and there are a few drops of rain about too. Heat 17: Proctor, Kurtz, Koppe, Hatcliffe Line Up: Koppe, Kurtz, Ben Hatcliffe , Proctor Comments: Heat 18: Re-run Auty, Poole, Anderson, North(F/Ex) Line Up: Poole, Anderson, North, Auty Comments: North lifted on turn 2 and is excluded. Auty couldn't avoid North and then hit fence, he is winded but now up although his bike looks second hand. North was unhurt. They will re-run the heat after heat 19 has been run. Heat 19: Re-run Batchelor, Ksiezak, Tuner(DNS), Branford(Ex) Line Up: Ksiezak, Branford, Batchelor, Turner Comments: Branford excluded for barging, Turner into fence but ok. Turner out injured. Heat 20: Woodward, Sedgmen, Bugeja, Gathercole(F/Rem) Line Up: Woodward, Bugeja, Gathercole, J Sedgmen Comments: Gathercole fell and remounted lap 4 when second. B Final: Re-run Auty, Gathercole, Sedgmen, Ksiezak(F/Ex) Line Up: Auty, Gathercole, Ksiezak, Sedgmen Comments: Ksiezak fell and is excluded, he had a gentle nudge the ref couldn't see! In re-run, Sedgmen on second bike as first one had a problem A Final: Re-run Batchelor, Woodward, Proctor, Auty Line Up: Batchelor, Woodward, Proctor, Auty Comments: Woodward fell, all 4 back apparently after a gentle nudge by Batchelor. In re-run, Batchelor well clear, Woodward and Proctor swapped places.

Some of the Alice locals we're expecting to see include Ryan Wark, Phil Miner, Ben Lennon and Peter Henderson in the solos, plus with a bit of luck Kerrin Giezendanner from Tennant Creek will be down as well. In the chairs we're looking at Brian and Arlen Carragher, Cameron Miller and Marcus Seider from Alice, hopefully Shane O’Connell and Joe White from Darwin; Brendon Edge and Cassy Hall from Gove and Tennant Creek boys Shane Cramp and Aiden James, and I'm sure a few other ol' hands will come out of the Woodwork.

From the Gillman site: Batchelor To Defend South Australian Solo Championship At Gillman On Sunday Gillman Media posted Wednesday January 13, 2010. This Sunday (17 January) night’s CBS Bins / Tucker Time For Pets South Australian Solo Championship has attracted a top class field, headed by defending champion Troy Batchelor who will be trying for a third consecutive win. Batchelor, who is the only Queensland rider to have won the SA Title, was outstanding at our last meeting but will once again face tough opposition with six other riders from this year’s Australian Championship also competing — Cameron Woodward, Cory Gathercole, Tyron Proctor (who have won the last five Victorian Championships between them), Justin Sedgmen, Josh Auty and Robert Ksiezak — and all will fancy their chances of making the final, and if they can do that anything can happen from there. Woodward had a disappointing meeting here a fortnight ago but returned to form last weekend at Newcastle where he finished second to Chris Holder in the final round of the Australian Championship, and he normally rides well at this track, so he may be Batchelor’s biggest threat, but fellow Victorians Gathercole, Proctor and Sedgmen all finished above Woodward in the series’ points, while Englishman Josh Auty not only impressed at our last meeting but also earlier in the season when he won the Jack Young Cup. Local rider Robert Ksiezak finished near the bottom of the Australian Championship points but that is not a true indication of how well he rode as he was always in the mix, at the Gillman round in particular. The winner is almost certain to come rom that group of seven riders, but most of the other riders are more than capable of causing some upsets and maybe even qualifying for the semi-final or the final. Jake Anderson and Damien Koppe look better each time they ride here, and NSW teenagers Todd Kurtz and Taylor Poole were impressive last season, while Dakota North is a former Australian Under 16 Champion. The full line-up is: Troy Batchelor (Qld) – current South Australian Champion Cory Gathercole (Vic) – former Victorian & Western Australian Champion Ty Proctor (Vic) – current Victorian Champion Cameron Woodward (Vic) – 3 times Victorian Champion Robert Ksiezak (SA), Justin Sedgmen (Vic), Josh Auty (Eng), Damien Koppe (Qld), Jake Anderson (Vic), Dakota North (Vic), Ben Turner (SA), Todd Kurtz (NSW), Taylor Poole (NSW), Robert Branford (SA), Arlo Bugeja (SA) and Ryan Sedgmen (Vic), with Ben Hatcliffe (SA) as reserve. Format: 16 riders x 20 heats, Semi-Final & Final 4th to 7th highest scorers to the semi-final; winner of the semi-final and highest three scorers to the final Glenn and Nathan O'Brien Return to Racing The Sidecar support events will also be a feature event in their own right, with four-times Australian Champions Glenn and Nathan O'Brien making a return to speedway after 5 years in retirement. Glenn and Nathan dominated Sidecar racing in the early 2000s, winning the Australian Championship in 2000, 01 and 02, before adding the finishing touches to illustrious careers by winning a fourth Title at Bibra Lake in Western Australia in February 2004, in what was their final meeting before retiring. The fourth win made them the most successful combination in the Championship’s history, but they will not have an easy run on Sunday night, facing five-times Australian Champion Darrin Treloar (passenger Justin Plaisted), and current Australian Champions Mark Mitchell/Tom Golding. That's a combined total of ten national crown winners we could be seeing in the Sidecar final! Sidecar line-up: Darrin Treloar (NSW)/Justin Plaisted, Glenn O'Brien/Nathan O'Brien (WA), Mark Mitchell/Tom Golding (SA), Byren Gates/Michael O'Loughlin (Vic), Ron Parker/Matt Morgan (SA), Trent Headland/Jesse Headland (SA), Daniel Puddy/Chad Herbert (SA), Brenten Dwyer/Aaron Hartwig (SA), Tim Bichard/Derick Thomas (SA), Shane Evans/Alan Gale (SA), Keith Bichard/Adam Pfitzner (SA). Format 12 heats, Semi-Final & Final 4th to 7th highest scorers to the semi-final; winner of the semi-final and highest three scorers to the final Junior Speedway 350cc Junior Solos (4 events) Robert Medson, Arthur Sissis, Dylan Blain (Qld), Robert Gottard (Qld) 125cc Junior Solos (6 events) Arthur Sissis, Jake Mitchell, Dakota Ballantyne, Ryan Hatcliffe, Brady Kurtz (NSW), Robert Gottardi (Qld) 125cc Junior Solo Novices (practice rides) Jack Norman, William Coombes 250cc Junior Sidecars (5 events) Luke Mitchell/Tom Adams, Kane Turner/Ryan Hatcliffe, Robert Medson/Kelsey Gepp, Lara Wedge/Tegan Hartwig, Jake Mitchell/Dakota Ballantyne.

Alas I won't be there to act as your personal Windbreak!! You'd better shout Lunchy a glass of Lemon Squash from me, I'll pay you back in The Alice. Good to see you've managed to find a new Hamster to power Mr Parker's chair. Any news on the Sidecar Master of Murray Bridge Mick's ankle?

Sue & Lunchy'll be providing the service on Updates. I'm sure if you go here you'll find it.

Here we are! Some rippers here, beaut camerawork. If you wanna buy any contact fellow Darwinian Len Menzies at http://www.lenmenzies.com.au/ Enjoy.

We get in around fourish then I've managed to convince the Casino that I'm a High Roller (I think the term they used is "Whale") so we've got a camp for the weekend OK; they've put us next door to some Japanese Marine Scientists attending a Convention. They'd better keep the noise down or I'll give 'em something to Blubber about. I'll probably throw down a coupla buckets of Pi$$ then see you there!!

Two folks I bumped into on the Ozchamps Trek recently were Phil "Crazy" Mackay and Lyndon Schlein (Rory's Dad) ; both Sidecar stalwarts of the old Bagot Park era in Darwin. They both knew their way around Arunga Park back when the Chairs were Kings. You'd have enjoyed the Best of the Best meeting at Gillman in 2008, Darren Treloar's Big Night Out; probably the last outing of Clarrie the Clown, Clarrie Jones, who's now real crook. On the drive up to Mildura Spiderweb regaled me with the tale of when Clarrie blew one of his balls off at Northline - definitely not for the faint-hearted!! The riders I've heard who'll be coming out of the woodwork for this one reads a bit like a who's who of Central Aussie Speedway.

Ah, yes. Aussie Josh Auty!! I think he qualifies by virtue of winning the QLD Under 21s.

Injured his wrist at Newcastle last Saturday. Happy New Year Bagpuss!!

From www.WorldSpeedway.com: Speedway bikes will return to Arunga Park for a massive two night show on Friday, February 4 and Saturday February 5. After negotiating for some time with David Parker, the manager of Adelaide's Gillman Speedway, the Alice Springs club has named a star studded field of both Solo and Sidecar riders for the weekend of methanol burning action. The Sidecar field includes current Australian Sidecar Champion, Mark Mitchell from South Australia, Current World number 3 and past Australian Champion Gary Moon from Queensland, Victorian's Byren Gates and Warren Monson, both former Victorian Champions, former Australia #4 Ron "the Prince of Port Adelaide" Parker and Daniel Puddy, both from South Australia. The Solos will be headed by Adelaide's International riders Robert Ksiezak, who currently rides in the British and Polish leagues, and Arlo Bugeja, who also rides in the British League. Joining them will be past Australian Longtrack Champion Jason Stewart from Victoria, Western Australia's Aboriginal rider and current WA 4 Sooty Pigram, Adelaide's newest rising star, 16-yea-old Robert Branford and another Adelaide teenager, Ben Hatcliffe. The visiting riders will be bolstered by riders from Alice, Darwin and Gove, who have dusted off their bikes for this two night show. Gillman Speedway Manager Dave Parker, who came up with the idea, said, "I have many friends in Alice from when I raced there with Sidecars and Formula 500s, and I first spoke to Moe McCosker, who put me on to the Club President, Les Roberston, and it went from there". "Gillman Speedway is one of the most successful bike speedways in Australia and runs a round of the Australian Solo Championship every year and has the best riders in Australia racing every fortnight, so to get the best riders to come up and put a show on was not a problem. The number of NT riders nominating will determine what format we will use, but I hand picked these riders knowing that all will give 100% and won't give another rider an inch — there is not a lot of love loss between Speedway riders". This should be a Ripper: BJ and I will be venturing south for the weekend to catch up with a few ol' chums and meet a few new ones. Main interest will be to see if Sooty can actually finish a race!! He's from a well-known Broome family with some amazing musos - .

I thought it was always Top Three (excluding Chris Holder); Troy, Rooboy and Darcy.

Ta Muchly. motherread, its good to know there's a few real fans on here, unlike some empty vessels (and we all know who they are) who just want to belittle efforts they couldn't hope to equal. The ol' Green-eyed Monster strikes again, methinks!! Alas, or luckily, most of my cock-ups aren't on camera! Told ya me memory goes a bit pear-shaped as the meeting goes on! I don't remember him coming out for the last one, tho', I blame the excitement! Back in the Tropics again today, its been a great couple of weeks' Speedway, arguably the most exciting Ozchamps since it went to a series format in 2004, with everything hanging on the last ride. Just a few thoughts looking back over the Comp. Congratulations to Chris, who proved that it ain't over 'til the Fat lady sings; commiserations to Troy, who dominated the series, I'm sure he'll learn from this. Geez, how good is Darcy? We've got another twenty years of watching him as well! Well done to Rory, who got up out of his sickbed to fly out here. I was worried that he wouldn't be fit enough after his recent illness and injuries, but he got stronger as the series progressed; watching him fly round the boards a la Tomasz Gollob to win his last three heats was well worth the price of admission. Talking of fit, how about Doyley? Its a long way around Newcastle Showgrounds, I'd be puffed walking that far, let alone running and pushing a bike! You pommie fans are in for a treat this year. Great to see Cam Woodward back on song after a couple of forgettable rounds, showed us exactly what he's capable of. The Mildura Connection went well, with Cory his usual unpredictable self and Justin showing us how much he's progressed in this past twelve months. I don't blame Lemo for taking the last one off - he'd have been stiff and sore after the first weekend - good to see he gave Joe Haines a chance to shine. I'm sure Joe and Josh Auty will both have benefitted greatly from their summer in the sun. Our younger blokes coming through all had their moments - gutsy ride from Alex Davies after his tangle with Doyley, a good showing from Sam Masters justified his seeding; Ty's learned a lot doubling up this year, and commiserations to James Holder, Josh Grajczonek and Robbie Ksiezak, who I'm sure would have hoped for better after their strong performances in the Qualifier. The TPT Tourists would be well pleased they came out here I reckon, should become an annual event on Jimbo's Calendar. If nothing else I'm happy the series has livened up your winter and given you something to look forward to during the coming season. Congratulations to all the people who took part from the qualifiers to the finale; great tracks, great racing; this series had the lot. I've caught up with a few ol' mates and made a few new ones, had a few adventures along the way and as an aside was priviledged to be present at the SCG to watch Oz winning against Pakistan - you couldn't ask for more. I hope to see a few more BSF members out here next season. You'll never, never know if you never ever go!

There were five all up, em, Kozza won the first three, was 2nd in the 4th and didn't start the 5th, according to my program, but then I'm notorious for losing the plot the later a meeting goes. He was up against local juniors Mason Compton (Dnf, 3rd,Dnf,3rd, 2nd with a flat tyre), Michael Penfold (2nd,2nd,2nd,1st,1st) and Daniel Begley on an ex-Joe Screen bike (3rd,4th,3rd,Dnf,3rd,).

Rory was well pleased; he came out with the intention of finishing in the top four without damaging himself, his gear or any other rider. Lemo took two nasty tumbles last weekend and withdrew, replaced by Joe Haines.

While I've got a few personal favourites I've got a deep respect for EVERY rider, regardless of nationality, who has the guts and determination to jump on a 500cc motorcycle with no brakes. Isn't that what being a Speedway Fan is all about? As for Aussie-tinted spectacles, what's wrong with supporting your Countrymen? Some of you mob ought to try it for a change. I did; he was. Maybe if you'd been there you'd have heard him too. Troy's maturing both as a rider and a person; some folks on here could learn a lot from him. Alas its evidently easier on Internet Forums, such as the BSF, for people with chips on their shoulders or the mentality of fishwives to snipe from behind cover or spread scurrilous, malicious and unsubstantiated gossip.

What have you got to feel inferior about, hagonshocker? Troy was very gracious in defeat after the meeting, while Chris was magnanimous in Victory: they'll be sharing a few glasses together by now. That's what Aussie Speedway's all about. Rory was rapt - job done: Darcy's over the moon - what a last twelve months! Cam was great tonight; all class. There's a band playing in the bar downstairs and the pub (Irish, btw) where I'm staying won't be closing for a couple of hours - see ya!

Glorious day in Newcastle: currently 28C and not a cloud in the sky. Track looks a bit interesting to say the least - crushed rock at the mo. but grading's about to start so it'll be perfect. One of the Motocross Stunt Entertainment boys showed up on an Electric Trail Bike - talk about Torque!! Hey Marcus, first in best dressed was Josh Auty! Gave him a stir about pinching our trophies, all in good fun! The TPT Pommies were delayed by a bad prang on the Freeway at the Hawkesbury River bridge, traffic backed up for miles, just arrived in town now. Huge temporary stands this year what with this meeting plus the Aust. Sidecars Championships at Easter - no dramas with getting a seat! Rider Presentation 1830 hrs followed by tapes up, fingers crossed the live feed goes through OK. I'm just gonna recharge the food & alcohol banks, powder me nose then its all on.

I stand corrected, Mr M., but I'd think it would be a pre-requisite. Bad clash of dates with the 350's.

Current standings heading into the third and final round: (Thanks to Gillman Speedway) Troy Batchelor 40 (20,20), Chris Holder 36 (18,18), Darcy Ward 34 (17,17), Rory Schlein 32 (16,16), Ty Proctor 28 (15,13), Justin Sedgmen 25 (11,14), Cory Gathercole 25 (13,12), Jason Doyle 23 (14,9), Josh Auty 22 (12,10), Mark Lemon 21 (6,15), Sam Masters 18 (7,11), Alex Davies 16 (10,6), Cameron Woodward 16 (9,7), Robert Ksiezak 6 (4,2), Josh Grajczonek 6 (2,4), James Holder 6 (3,3). If Troy finishes in the Top Three the Trophy is his; If Chris wins and Try's fourth there'll be a run-off. Don't know yet if its the usual three lap heats and four lap repechage and final yet but I'd imagine so. If you're attending for the first time don't forget to bring a cushion - Newcastle Showgrounds can be notoriously hard on the Ar - teries!!

Under 16. Sorry about that mate,I couldn't resist. I think Ellis Perks is thirteen this year but I stand to be corrected, but they deffo have to be of a certain standard (and able to lay a bike down) and have attended training schools before they're allowed to race.

Thought I'd better get my notes down re Mildura before Alzheimers kicks in again. Meeting was a little late getting going due to the Sun refusing to set - memo to BJ, can we do something about this? Once we got under way however the usual thrills & a few spills ensued, making for another exciting Ozchamps round by the banks of the Mighty Murray. Josh Grajczonek - was a little down on the form he usually shows here, but one good dice with Chris Holder made up for that. Tyron Proctor - knows his way around here, couple of good wins v quality opposition. Rory Schlein - better overall night, only fourth in the final after he throttled back to avoid taking out an over-zealous Darcy Ward. Jason Doyle - a bit off-song after a strong performance at Gillman, he'll go well at Newcastle. Mark Lemon - all class as usual, fortunate to have a week's rest to let all the bruises heal. Darcy Ward - falling in his second heat meant he had to win the repechage to make the final, and he took no prisoners. Chris Holder - equal top-scorer with Rory, he doesn't disappoint. Justin Sedgmen - continuing to improve, a good win in the re-run after falling in heat 8. Troy Batchelor - shock 4th in the best race of the night (Ht 11 won by Rory) he came back strongly to take a stranglehold on the Crown. Cory Gathercole - never stops trying and will improve. Cameron Woodward - I keep hoping for great things from Cam, I know he can do it. James Holder - another who had a bit of an off night, looking for improvement at Newcastle. Robert Ksiezak - a shocker, just wasn't at the races. Josh Auty - continues to excite and represents his country well. You've got a good 'un here. Sam Masters - a mixed bag with a couple of good wins including a great victory in heat 7 over Chris H., Rory and Cam. Aex Davies - started brilliantly then faded. Another who'll shine at Newcastle for sure. Apart from that it was a little cooler than we've come to expect at Mildura but the warmth of the party atmosphere more than made up for that. The Pommie Tourists managed to find the bar and really got into the spirit of things; they were treated like visiting royalty by the club and responded in kind. The usual suspects made sure it was a night to remember, even if it did over-run time-wise due to some over-zealous watering before the repechage & finals, the track usually soaks up water like a sponge but the coolness of the evening probably didn't help, other than that the track was great and the club did a grand job ensuring everything else ran smoothly. Looking forward to a great Finale at Newcastle.