BigFatDave

Arthur Sissis & Robert Medson for the quinella in the individual, SA for the teams.

I must admit South Oz has its good points (grovel, grovel) - I'm sitting in the Coopers Bar at the Airport, sucking on an ice-cold pilsener watching the Test on the Big Screen (Punter just got out, we're 2-149) and reading the BSF at the same time. Drinks break - now that's a brilliant idea! Saw the TravelPlus mob off this morning while I was in town scoring a new mobile to replace the one the Dog ate - F@#$%^ng Greyhound! One of the Pommie Barstewards was wearing an England Ashes Winners T-shirt - a special corner in hell has been reserved for him, I'm emailing Graeme Boyd in Newcastle to make sure they seat him behind a tree - in tha flamin' Car Park!!. Might slip out to Parramatta tonight - there's a quiet Gentleman's Establishment I frequent when I'm in town - then tomorrow the SCG. Sounds like a plan I reckon!!

Pitstop, Brynbach - oh, and don't forget the time difference, SA's about two light years behind.

Just checking the amount of interest in Ozchamps on Updates: the number of views has tripled from 4000-odd to 12000-ish over three meetings; plus she has to put up with drunken Aussie texters - If she's not in the next Honours List I'll go heave!!

Men of AAAAAAaaaaah - Lech!! I wish one of you mob'd hurry up and win the Lottery so's you could come out here to watch Speedway in the WARMOSITY!!

Someone posted on another thread that Mildura was supposed to be on line: I PM'd them to ask them to put up the link on here but no reply, so maybe that someone else was in Dreamland too!

Looks more like they're ripping Sue off. Another great night with Troy firming as the last Ozchamp of the Decade.

"And gentlemen in England now-a-bed Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here" Shakespeare - Henry V You missed a beauty! Gillman is renowned for its multiple lines (no, not that sort!) and last night turned on an evening to remember. From the opening tones of master ringmaster David Tapp introducing Aussie Legends Jack Scott, John Boulger and Mr Speedway Leigh Adams thru to the heats, when Jason Doyle showed he's lost none of his track craft, then Lemo showing us why he's graced the top flight for so long, before a spill put him out for the night; Troy's insatiable quest for Ozchamps glory; Chris Holder fighting back after an uncharacteristically slow start; Rooboy's determination, fighting through from the repechage to meke an exciting final only for his bike to fail at the last hurdle; young guns Justin Sedgmen and Alex Davies giving us a taste of what's to come; Pomgolian visitor Josh Auty continuing to grow in stature; Cory (crash through or crash) Gathercole living up to his reputation (and giving his family heart failure as usual); Darcy's undeniable talent shining through, it was a night to remember. A decent crowd of a couple of thousand dedicated enthusiasts braved the Antarctic Elements (12C with the traditional Gillman Chill factor, man!!!) and were rewarded for their efforts with some first-class racing, both in Seniors, Juniors and Sidecars. The traditional Gillman Pasties and legendary Hot Dogs proved popular with locals and visitors alike, and the bars flowed copious amounts of amber nectar as we partied on - all in all a typical Aussie Speedway meeting. If I were you I'd keep my eyes on the Gillman website for a DVD of this one, it was a Ripper. The visiting Pomgolian TPTourists headed straight for the souvenir stalls like seagulls fighting over a chip and everyone I spoke to thoroughly enjoyed their first taste of Speedway Down Under, while those who'd returned gave knowing grins - they were already aware of what was about to unfold and mingled with old and new chums in a festive atmosphere - and you missed it!!. No excuses next time, alright? Give up the tabs, pawn your firstborn, sell the Family Estate - do what you have to do in order to sample the finest Speedway Racing in the land of its birth.

Northline in Darwin, where his dad was a champion sidecar pilot, was where he learned his craft before heading to Adelaide. Northline is also where he won his Under 21 crown. Did I mention I tipped Troy to win tonight?

Rory's from Darwin, Dexter. How he goes depends on how he's pulled up after that crash at Ippo (after that crash at Brandon, etc, etc). Naturally as a Territorian I hope Rory does well, top three for sure; my fingers are firmly crossed for him, and we'll see how he goes tonight.

Last time I was in Leszno it bucketed down. Come to think of it you were there too! Don't forget the designer-chic raincoats!!

Just a query about the above "World Final"; does any other country in the aforementioned World run this type of car? Bit like the US Baseball "World Series", innit?

Just thought I'd gather up my thoughts about the Qualifier (now I'm sober): Josh Auty - came out like a hurricane in Ht 1 but struggled against those who knew the way around Olympic Park. Robert Branford - wasn't helped by blowing up his new GM in his second heat but never gave up. Alex Davies - solid, has improved considerably. Ryan Sedgmen - apart from one heat he still hasn't recaptured the form prior to his busted pelvis - C'mon Ryan!! Jake Anderson - another improver who'll go well in Pomgolia this season. Justin Sedgmen - ready for the next step up, a huge prospect. Josh Grajczonek - definitely benefited from last season, a flat tyre in Ht 14 but he still brought the bike in home second place. Matt Jones - a last-minute replacement, well done for stepping into the breach. Robert Ksiezak - a worthy winner on the night, only beaten once in a thriller. Mitchell Davey - started out well but couldn't go on with it, more to come from him, I'm sure. Joe Haines - ultra-enthusiastic rider who took a couple of races to work the track out, then shone. Brock Gates - showed enough to know he'll improve. Mark Jones - great to see the Jones boy back. Ricky Wallace - what happened? James Holder - catching his beak in the start tapes nearly derailed his night but he came back well. Dakota North - a solid night, unlucky to fall in the race-off, definitely more to come. Some great racing, none better than Ht 16 with Justin coming from 3rd to first, passing first Robbie Ksiezak then James Holder in a ding-dong battle that wasn't over 'til the chequered flag waved. Only weak spots for me? No parade of riders at the start; I would have thought the riders deserved to be introduced and the fans would have appreciated it, but in fairness maybe because it was a work night they were trying to ensure they got through the meeting promptly; first four heats were very dusty, an application of Mighty Murray Riverwater five minutes before tapes up would have helped - apart from that the track was the best I've seen at Olympic Park, and one of the announcers (not BJ) repeatedly telling us Josh Grajczonek was from SA. Great to catch up with old chums again including a certain Welsh Git and the reappearance of the Sock Bar; the heat brought out the scantily-dressed young ladies and the party in the clubhouse afterwards was well worth the trip; this series will be a ripper.

Well we'd know if they copied you they'd get the names wrong. Try 6. James Holder. Meanwhile, from the Gillman site: Round One of the 2010 Australian 500cc Solo Motorcycle Championship, presented by CBS Bins and Tucker Time For Pets, takes place this Saturday night (2 January) at Adelaide's Gillman Speedway. Ten riders have been seeded by Motorcycling Australia and they are joined by a further six riders from a Qualifying Meeting held at Mildura Speedway on Wednesday night (30 December). The seeded riders are: Troy Batchelor (Qld) – current South Australian Champion Jason Doyle (NSW) Cory Gathercole (Vic) – former Victorian & Western Australian Champion Chris Holder (NSW) – 2008 Australian Champion; 2010 World Championship GP rider Mark Lemon (Vic) – former Victorian Champion Sam Masters (NSW) Ty Proctor (Vic) – current Victorian Champion Rory Schlein (NT) – 4 times South Australian Champion Darcy Ward (Qld) – current Australian Under 21, World Under 21, and New South Wales Champion Cameron Woodward (Vic) – 3 times Victorian Champion The six qualifiers are Robert Ksiezak (SA), Justin Sedgmen (Vic), Josh Grajczonek (Qld), Alex Davies (NSW), Josh Auty (Eng) and James Holder (NSW). The first reserve is Joe Haines (Eng) and the second reserve is Dakota North (Vic). 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 Support Events: Sidecars – Byren Gates (Vic), Trent Headland (SA), Tony Puddy (SA), Brenton Dwyer (SA), Dale Milner (Vic). Gillman Under 16 125cc Solo Championship on infield junior track. 16 riders x 20 heats plus semi-final and final. Declan Adams, Matt Barton, Max Fricke (Vic), Dakota Ballantyne, Ryan Hatcliffe, Seth Hickey, Robert Medson, Jake Mitchell, Luke Mitchell, Arthur Sissis (SA), Bryce Brigden, Harley Brigden, Ellis Perks (Qld), Ben Cook, Zac Cook, Brady Kurtz (NSW), Kane Turner (SA, reserve) If the quality of the juniors is anything like Mildura we're in for a ripper show. I'd love to see Robert Medson and Arthur Sissis on 350s but we've got the carts instead - should be educational for the Pomgolian Tourists.

He's not in yet! He's first reserve, but I'd imagine if Rory doesn't come up he'll get a run. PS Pi$$ed as!! Just made it back to the motel and the staff were swapping me drinks for jokes!! What an amazing stroke of good fortune!!

More exciting news from your Man in Mildura - Jay Herne, Taylor Poole and Michael Penfold out, replaced by Brock Gates, Arlo Bugeja, and Joe Haines. Who's next I wonder? Lucky I didn't bring the Kevlars down, eh? Meanwhile I made it to town and staggered into the Gateway Tavern, where a coupla well-placed punts ensured I had a cheap arvo & feed. Alas I'm now a wee bit shickered and might have to forego the pre-event drinks at the Club tonight, unless I resort to illicit substances. I'l just grab a few zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzs. PS Forecast is for a balmy 38C tomorrow - I'm betting we'll hafta pick Bryn up with a sponge.

That phone sex ain't what its cracked up to be - I tried it once; first she called me a cradle-snatcher and then I kept falling off the handset!!

Hot off the Gossip line (Thanxx and a tip of the hat to the Lunchmeister!! ) comes the news that Robert Branford has joined the already-announced Josh Auty as a late inclusion, replacing Kozza Smith who's still injured and Todd Kurtz, who did his knee at Gosford recently. Richard Sweetman is also out, maybe due to battle fatigue; Ricky Wallace takes his spot. Great news for young Robert, I've heard he's improved no end so far this year so fingers crossed he goes well. Also, big improvements at Olympic Park this year with the Pits moving to behind the Start/Finish line, opening up turns 3 and 4 for spectator areas, with maybe another bar? Wouldn't that be nice!! Reports too that the track has been resurfaced and is less sandy than in the past. Looks like I'll be leaving me bucket & spade at home.

Did I mention that I'm Lunchy's voice double? I'll be trying to ensure he stays sober enough to update (by pinching his beer!! )

Its that wonderful time of the year again; time to pack up the socks & jocks, polish the knuckle-protectors and head south for the summer. First stop is Mildura on the 30th for the Qualifier: Jake Anderson, Mitchell Davey, Alex Davies, Josh Grajczonek, Jay Herne, James Holder, Mark Jones, Robert Ksiezak, Todd Kurtz, Dakota North, Taylor Poole, Kozza Smith, Ryan Sedgmen, Justin Sedgmen, Richard Sweetman, Ricky Wallace (reserve), Arlo Bugeja (reserve). Should be some bold showings from the local lads and hopefully Taylor Poole has recovered from his latest mishap and remembers that the fence at Mildura does bite! Just heard that Josh Auty has been confirmed for this one; not sure who's out yet but doubtless all will be revealed. Top six finishers will then trek down to Port for Jan 2nd and the first round proper, joining the likes of Troy Batchelor, Jason Doyle, Cory Gathercole, Chris Holder, Mark Lemon, Sam Masters, Tyron Proctor, Rory Schlein, Darcy Ward and Cameron Woodward in the three round battle to find this season's top Aussie. I've got a feeling it'll be Troy Batchelor's year, I think he really wants this one, but any one of half-a-dozen riders are in with a shot. Really looking forward to catching up with the rest of the Oz Speedway Fraternity, both spectators and riders, plus a few blow-ins including 40-odd Pomgolians from TravelPlus. This is a journey that will take me some 12,000km in a zig-zagging round trip around the south-eastern states, just for four meetings - I must be crazy!! If any one hasn't had the misfortune of meeting me yet I'm quite sociable; just cross my palm with alcohol and I'll tell you your good fortune! Bryn, its your shout!!

If you're ever rained off in Gosford again I can recommend a quaint little Gentleman's Establishment just around the corner from the Gosford Hotel where all your cares and woe will be soothed away by a coupla concubines. PM me for the address, or if not I'll be in Mildura later this week and we can go on the hunt together. Oh, and as far as certain green-eyed members of the Forum go, they can go and $%^& 'emselves, whaddayareckon?

To my certain knowledge there's a fair few crazy Farquhars over here too, iris.

With the emergence of North Brisvegas as a viable track and the promises given by Gary Rush, new part-owner of Parramatta Raceway during an interview on Chequered Flag recently this could point to a five round series in 2011, perhaps? Rush, a legend in Aussie 4 Wheel Speedway, assured interviewer David Tapp that if the bikes wanted a track they would prepare one for them. Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Mildura and Gillman - sounds good, now if MA could only get it together.............

With the emergence of North Brisvegas as a viable track and the promises given by Gary Rush, new part-owner of Parramatta TPR during an interview on Chequered Flag recently this could point to a five round series in 2011, perhaps?

Thinking of popping down meself - its a beaut track.