Speedway - A different kind of sport

[Warren Aspinall]

Watched the british team in the world cup last night, although I never really expected us to beat the poles I was left wondering what might have been if we had a better start. At least we've got hope for Thursday, i'd make just one change & bring in Stead (experience) for Barker.

[UK Redsox]

I watched a bit of this last night. The commentators were saying that one of the Polish riders was a world-beater when riding in internationals but crap when he's riding for the Brummies

[Warren Aspinall]

I watched a bit of this last night. The commentators were saying that one of the Polish riders was a world-beater when riding in internationals but crap when he's riding for the Brummies

Kasprzak?, thats a true statement, he's been a major letdown for the brummies this season. We've actually done quite well despite his performances.

[Warren Aspinall]

Looks like it's Hancocks year, the rest seem to be beating each other whilst he keeps picking up 15 points or so. I think the 15 riders in this years gp's are probably the strongest set for years. It's a shame those who run the sport don't seem to realise it.

What does everyone think about the quality of the refs though, is it us fans who moan to much? or are they genuinely shite?

[avfcpg]

They are generally shite...!! They should give ex riders the chance to become ref's. And they may as well do away with the phone from the pits...in all my time following speedway never once have I seen a ref change his mind.

Poor decision at the GP's saturday when the the tapes went up unevenly. How can they review it and then just say ah well, never mind..

Hancocks been immense this year. Looked down and out Saturday and bounced back brilliantly. It's nice that virtually anyone one could give any given GP. Holder, Hampel, Sayfitinov, Lindback (of late), Bjerre, Lindgren, Andreas...there's a lot now capable of challenging.

[Warren Aspinall]

Congrats to Greg Hancock, I thought this year was unusual as most of the gp's were shit to be honest, but everyone kept beating each other which made it interesting until the end.

                                     
Pos                                     Pts
1         Greg Hancock           164
2         Andreas Jonsson   124
3         Jaroslaw Hampel   122
4         Jason Crump           110
5         Tomasz Gollob           106
6         Emil Sayfutdinov   106
7         Chris Holder           101
8         Kenneth Bjerre           101
9         Fredrik Lindgren   90
10         Nicki Pedersen           88
11         Chris Harris           74
12         Andtonio Lindback   72
13         Rune Holta           53
14         Janusz Kolodziej   50
15         Artem Laguta          28
WILDCARDS & SERIES RESERVE
16         Darcy Ward           21
17         Magnus Zetterstom   19
18         Thomas H Jonasson   17
19          Matej Zagar            9
20         Scott Nicholls              5
21         Damian Balinski      4
22         Matej Kus                3
23           Bjarne Pedersen      3
24         Mikkel B Jensen       2

[avfcpg]

So another season over...well done Hancock, sublime achievement.

And Poole carry off the title. Not everyone's favourite club (except mine!) but well deserved and best team over the season. I detest the play off's they are a farce but with sky, they are hear to stay.

Will be absolutely gutted to see Ward and Holder split from the team if the only one 8 point rider rule per team rule is enforced...(daft rule). Holder's a class act but Darcy Ward really is something else....I hope he accepts the wild card for the GP's next year, but seems he may have to turn it down due to his Polish Team and the fact that they only allow one GP rider per team over there..

[Bald Eagle]

If Ward Or Holder have to leave Poole, i would hope the Brummies might pick up one of them. A proper number one rider would elevate  our standing in the sport.

[avfcpg]

It's a daft rule IF it happens....it deprives us all of having top class riders in the league. Both Ward or Holder would boost gates and elevate clubs. Can't see Poole letting Ward go for love nor money...the boy really is exceptional, and still only 19

[MonsXI]

Rory Schlein beat Scott Nicholls on the line to win the EL Riders Championship. Apparently Chris Harris caused havoc in one of the semis.

[Warren Aspinall]

2012 GP line up.

1    (1) Greg Hancock                                                  
2    (2) Andreas Jonsson                                                  
3    (3) Jarosław Hampel                                                  
4    (4) Jason Crump                                                  
5    (5) Tomasz Gollob                                               
6    (6) Emil Sayfutdinov                                               
7    (7) Kenneth Bjerre                                               
8    (8. Chris Holder                                              
9    (9) Fredrik Lindgren                                               
10    (10) Nicki Pedersen                                               
11    (11) Chris Harris                                               
12    (12) Antonio Lindbäck                                               
13    (13) Bjarne Pedersen                                                  
14    (14) Piotr Protasiewicz                                                  
15    (15) Darcy Ward   

Harris is lucky, I get the feeling next year is do or die.   

[avfcpg]

Can't wait to see Darcy Ward in the GP's, he could upset a few. Thought he was going to turn it down so he could ride for his Polish club who have the "only 1 GP rider per team" rule.

[Linus]

Ward has turned down a place in the GPs. So has Protasiewicz. Talk has it that Martin Vaculik and Scott Nicholls will be offered places.

[Warren Aspinall]

I found this excellent column about Ward, it explains in details what the new Polish rules could mean for the gp's.

[avfcpg]

I found this excellent column about Ward, it explains in details what the new Polish rules could mean for the gp's.

Good article and spot on. The whole thing needs a shake up if they are going to keep audiences, over here especially. The play off's, the tacticals, the only one rider over 8.0 average per team...

Given those sums of money quoted it's a no brainer for Ward....