GP qualifying and Challenge final 2026

[IainB]

3 minutes ago, mc131 said:

Ridiculous hes accepted it.

Just another pay day, why wouldn't you?

[IainB]

9 minutes ago, MB723 said:

Feels wrong to me that choices are made based on 1 meeting, if the british final was over a couple of meetings I think it'd be fine but anything can happen over 1 meeting. At worst Brennan is the 4th best British rider at the moment, good enough to be the GP wildcard and represent the country in the world cup but not good enough to get an attempt at qualifying for the GPs, seems a bit odd.

I thought he (Bomber) retired from GB Team Speedway? So it seems strange that he'd be nominated for international competition by... who?

Edited 4 hours ago by IainB

[Youhave2minutes]

3 minutes ago, IainB said:

I thought he (Bomber) retired from GB Team Speedway? So it seems strange that he'd be nominated for international competition by... who?

I’ve got to own up it was myself.

[Fromafar]

30 minutes ago, IainB said:

I thought he (Bomber) retired from GB Team Speedway? So it seems strange that he'd be nominated for international competition by... who?

By Glasgow,to make sure the fans turn up.Typical Bomber where money is involved though.when was the last time he represented GB at International level at Speedway.

[IainB]

3 minutes ago, Fromafar said:

By Glasgow,to make sure the fans turn up.

Is that fact or supposition? Either way it doesn't seem right. 

[Bagpuss]

If he has qualified through being 4th in the British Final then he is absolutely entitled to take his place.

[IainB]

1 minute ago, Bagpuss said:

If he has qualified through being 4th in the British Final then he is absolutely entitled to take his place.

That was last year though... we've not had this year's. Last years got you a GP wild card. If they'd got their fingers out they could have held the 2026 British Final as a qualifier before this. 

[Fromafar]

3 minutes ago, IainB said:

Is that fact or supposition? Either way it doesn't seem right. 

I’m pretty sure as Main Sponsers of GB Speedway Allied Vehicles  they had a say.🤔He’s certainly not picked on this seasons form. Brennan will be gutted.Bomber might provide some excitement though.

[InTheDeepStuff]

BSPL decided that this years picks were from the 2025  British Final positions and not in 2026 form or with any input form the Painter at Team GB.  Personally think it should be based on a riders form from this year and not a meeting held a year ago as that British Final enabled the choice of the GB SGP wildcard . 

[szkocjasid]

1 hour ago, MB723 said:

Feels wrong to me that choices are made based on 1 meeting, if the british final was over a couple of meetings I think it'd be fine but anything can happen over 1 meeting. At worst Brennan is the 4th best British rider at the moment, good enough to be the GP wildcard and represent the country in the world cup but not good enough to get an attempt at qualifying for the GPs, seems a bit odd.

I understand the logic of wanting the best riders picked, but "modern" speedway isn't about being the best over a season (play-offs) or the best over a meeting (LCQs / semi finals & finals) so picking riders based on one meeting falls in line with being able to be your best on a particular day / or particular race.

I wouldn't say he wasn't good enough to get an attempt at qualifying for the GPs, he had that chance at the British final, just wasn't good enough on the day.

Actually he had a second chance of qualifying for the GPs by winning the SEC, a competition he didn't qualify for either.

I'd agree it would be odd Brennan not getting picked if they just chose 4 wild cards, but nothing odd when you know how the riders were selected.

You can probably guess, I dislike all wild cards / seeded riders, would rather everything was decided on track.

Edited 3 hours ago by szkocjasid

[Phannan]

We shouldn’t be giving Bomber an hard time over this. As he’s always to be found at the opening of an envelope, his acceptance is no surprise really. 

[PersonalResponsibility]

4 hours ago, crescent girl said:

While disappointing that Dan Thompson and Tom Brennan aren't in the draw proper, it is absolutely correct that the British Final finishing order is used for GB nominations.  

Yes, let's base our GP qualifier picks on a single meeting that took place over a year ago.

Harris was barely good enough to be a GP rider in his prime, and he certainly isn't good enough now. 43 years old being selected for a qualifier while two youngsters sit on their hands. Dear me.

 

[IainB]

1 hour ago, InTheDeepStuff said:

BSPL decided that this years picks were from the 2025  British Final positions and not in 2026 form or with any input form the Painter at Team GB.  Personally think it should be based on a riders form from this year and not a meeting held a year ago as that British Final enabled the choice of the GB SGP wildcard . 

You couldn't make it up BSPL seemingly working against the people they've appointed to generate the next generation of talent 🤷‍♂️