Speedway Life: Twitter & scuttlebutt – February 2012
04/01/2014
1st February
David Hoggart
“When Ricky called me on Sunday to say he had failed to agree terms with Plymouth and had declined their offer of a team place for 2012, I had to think on my feet. I had already tried several clubs when we were unable to accommodate him this year and I didn’t want to see the lad out of work.”
Ian Rae
“When Sheffield got in touch on Sunday to say that Ricky was not going to Plymouth I obviously questioned the validity but was assured it was true. A rider of Ricky’s ability is too good to overlook bearing in mind our current circumstances and we commenced negotiations on Monday. Whatever the problem was in Devon – and that would be none of our business – I can state that Ricky was very understanding of our situation and of our budgets, and we had no trouble in coming to terms.”
Alun John Rossiter*
“Just had my fourth way in gone from 13-10llbs to 12-05 llbs happy with that 5llbs to go”
David Howe*
“87 meetings booked in so far, more to come #speedway #longtrack”
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2nd February
Dakota North*
“my girlfriend is amazing”
David Watt*
“Time to say good bye to Australia for another year. I had a great☀ summer. Back to uk now to finish sorting my season out and rip it up ! And I got 63kgs of luggage on for free ! I must be looking good today”
Mike Bowden
“I have to say that, unlike some other riders, Ryan [Fisher] was no trouble to deal with and I believe he will be a far greater asset to Plymouth than Ricky Ashworth would have been.”
Graham Drury
“One thing Ian emphasised as a promoter was value for money and entertainment. He taught me a lot of things over a number of years”
Tyson Nelson*
“3 weeks to go starting to get bored #seasonstartalready”
Nigel Pearson*
“Just had chat with Kelvin Tatum who wants it to be known he does NOT have a twitter account. speedway followers please RT thanks”
Alun John Rossiter*
“I blocked the tatum imposter rude twat to me and screeny !!”
Nigel Pearson*
“I’ve been working on getting Kelvin on here but no chance now”
Nigel Pearson*
“I wasn’t sure about twitter but overall I’ve enjoyed it with some good banter and a good way to interact with sports fans!! Always enjoy healthy and constructive debate and always stand up for what I believe in. It’s how I was brought up. And no problem with criticism as long as it’s constructive and portrayed in an appropriate manner”
Nicolai Klindt*
“just emptied my savings glas – 1460kr over one year of saving!”
Joseph Screen*
“Happy birthday to Len silver 80 today #legend”
Fredrik Lindgren*
“Have realised that what I really want to do is be a pro hockey player in NHL! Damn it, now I’m stuck with speedway!”
Jason Garrity*
“Cba fink i should go home weekend just di ck hea ds just her for len he has had a good birtherday tht all wot matters”
David Crane*
“Morrish “Rye do a brill job with NLRC + it gives best return in attendance.” I must be missing something, best crowds, seriously?!”
3rd February
Rory Schlein*
“Back one day and off again going to Poland for a shin dig with my Swedish club. See ya there Troy”
Nicolai Klindt*
“at traffic light on the phone and cops pulls up next to you. heart rate goes straight to 150 from 10”
Niels Kristian Iversen*
“Been to see my nutrition this morning. Looks pretty good but still gotta get rid of 2,5% of bodyfat #hardwork”
Tai Woffinden*
“proud to be carrying the Teng Tools logo again in my effort to make it to the top!! best tools out there… fact”
Lewis Bridger*
“I am in need of a new tool set Teng Tools can u hook me up #logofortools”
Lewis Bridger*
“Been mega quiet on Twitter over the last week it’s because my new 9900 Blackberry has been sent of under warranty repair once again”
Rory Schlein*
“Who idea was it to come to Poland in feb to cold, jet lag hang on just took a tea spoon of concrete HTFU”
Troy Batchelor*
“at least we dont have to practise”
Alan Boon
Reading Speedway Star mag, Newport threaten to pull out of PL if Kurtz doesn’t get his discount. Can see both sides. Thoughts?”
Fredrik Lindgren*
“Not so many good guys left in the GP:s, Chris Holder is the anyone I can come up with except of me of course haha don’t know if I’m good”
Alun John Rossiter*
“Off to the the Forrest of Dean mounting biking in morn early start #freezing”
4th February
Nicolai Klindt*
“i’m too tired to even open my eyes. wish i could sleep in, but got to listen to a clever man all day”
Jason Lyons
“The money is not what it was 20 years ago. It was good then. Now I’d say you can survive on what you are making but, having said that, you are always fighting the bills.”
Martin Smolinski
“The money is very nice in England but it’s better in Sweden and Poland but you are never sure when you are going to get it. I’ve had a lot of payment trouble there, sometimes you have to wait 140 days for your money. I had trouble in both Sweden and Poland and so do a lot of riders. I signed good contracts in Poland and Sweden and the last years I was a bit unlucky there. They just played with me like a clown, and I’m not a clown.”
David Howe*
“took me half a season to get used to being away from wolves, got a nose bleed at scunny when went wide!”
Graham Drury
“I had the pleasure of having him [Adam Roynon] ride for me at the start of his career when he was at Mildenhall, and I have no doubt that if he hadn’t suffered the horrendous injuries that he has, he would have been a Grand Prix rider by now. I rate him that highly.”
Nicki Pedersen
“[Peterborough] is a big and fast track and that will help get the physical sensation and technique of racing a fast track into my body in preparation for the big 415-metre Western Springs track in New Zealand.”
Fredrik Lindgren*
“Hung Horny #help Woke up naked in my bed, forget how and why my underwear are gone #goodjobiminmybed”
Gary Patchett*
“Too much information Fredster”
Fredrik Lindgren*
“Will BSPA fine me? A bit worried BSPA will fine me after my tweets, that’s what they do! Punish someone who cheats, NOT.”
Gary Patchett*
“Without a doubt. A ban too I would guess!! #inappropriate”
Fredrik Lindgren*
“Shame”
Chris Holder*
“Didn’t realize you got to be able to run Marathon to ride fast!? Thought u jus gotta twist the throttle a little harder?”
Steve Nock*
“who is Blayne Scroggins? Jeez”
Gary Patchett*
“The new Cov Bees manager”
David Cumming*
“wasn’t he involved at P/Boro ?”
Gary Patchett*
“Yes, he’s a mate of Mick Horton”
David Howe
“I can’t remember how many times, but I’ve done [Telford] a lot. I haven’t missed many meetings since 1999. I enjoy it, but it’s not something we take too seriously, it’s not a benchmark for the season.”
Adam Shields
“I have to say it came as a bit of a surprise when I became available and had to fin another club. I don’t want to say much more about what happened but I am not seeing it in a negative way.”
Trevor Geer
“We are assured it [European competition] is going ahead and we have dates set aside for our four home and away meetings but I would have thought we would have heard something more official by now. We want to get on and plan. We want to get flights booked while you can still get them cheap. And there still seems to be grey areas over team-building.”
Martin Smolinski
“The [Birmingham] VIP facilities and the bar downstairs were very good.”
Steve Mallett
“If this situation [Kurtz average reduction], of which the club is completely innocent is not quickly resolved, then we will be forced into a scenario in which we have no alternative but to withdraw the Wasps from the Premier League…I have long come to the conclusion that those who help run this club do not need the stress that British speedway always manages to heap upon us.”
Mike Bowden
“I have known Jenny [Taylor] for some time and she has been helping Plymouth Speedway for some time. So I am delighted that Jenny has agreed to take on the role of personal assistant after a successful career in management locally.”
Stuart Robson
“Being No. 1 is a target I suppose, but let’s face it, life is easier away from there in my opinion”
Nigel Pearson
“We all have one major aim and that is to realize our dream of finding a new track closer to the Dudley/Cradley area.”
5th February
Adam Shields
“Rory will be very proud of having that No.1 race-jacket, but it is my target to wear it at some stage of the season. I’ve been the top man at clubs during my career, and I’ll be out to get that position again. I’ll be working on trying to get my average near the nine-point mark in England. There are a lot of positives in joining Belle Vue, and I’m really looking forward to the new season.”
Niall Strudwick*
“wishing i had spiked tyres so i could practise in the snow”
Tai Woffinden*
“Sat in poland trying to explain that hats with a round peak are gay and flat peaks are the future”
Dean Felton
“I’ve known Buzz [Burrows] for years and although he never hit great heights in his career, he was great entertainment wherever he rode. I hated when I gated on him cause he would scare me! I would feel him rub my tyre with his just to let me know he was there and I could always feel his him inches from me. Great laugh, great guy but glad he retired!”
6th February
Roman Chyla
“Holta is not a rider who changes his clubs like gloves. In over nearly 20 years, he rode only for six Polish clubs. To some – such as Czestochowa, Tarnow and now Zielona Gora – he came back. The longest he was associated with Czestochowa (a total of 7 seasons), and Tarnow (3 years). Clubs where he did not stay longer than a season: Grudziadz, Rzeszów and Torun. Club changing sometimes was
forced by changing of the rules in the Polish Speedway, and sometimes after a successful season (2010 in Czestochowa) , the current employer was not able to maintain his top rider. Even though he was one of those who have saved the club from the relegation to the lower division”
Nicki Pedersen*
“the best way live it flat out while you can ;o)”
7th February
Nicolai Klindt*
“any ideas on a new twitter name? think i need to be more international than ‘einarNK’”
Tai Woffinden*
“snow in england on the weekend if the fucking airport closes because there 2 thick to move the snow I’m gonna be so pissed off”
David Howe*
“I’m the 3rd signing for the new midget speedway team, I joined the bjerre bros, I wanted to be captain but pappa overruled #teamsmurf”
David Hemsley
“We approached the company [Elliott Group] to discuss our requirements and were impressed with their extensive range of products, knowledge and in-house expertise. They understood our business needs and came up with the ideal solution which took our facilities at the Beaumont Park Stadium to a new level.”
Fredrik Lindgren*
“Saw my doctor yesterday & going to the X-ray department of the hospital today for another check up on my back injury”
Tai Woffinden*
“up load a pic… whats it looking like now?”
Fredrik Lindgren*
“My back looks like it did before on the outside, it’s from that crash at Wolves in July still have some problems”
Jonathan Barber*
“Lewis [Bridger] any chance of letting me know when you are sending kevlars i paid for..cheers”
Lewis Bridger*
“sorry mate my grandad was dealing with them i have been very busy, they was sent with TNT”
8th February
Nicolai Klindt*
“my fat fingers are good for mine things, but not for twitter. i don’t know how many times i’ve pressed “unfollow” when i’m looking around”
Rory Schlein*
“What with this 5am shit I’m over you jet lag now go away”
David Gordon
“We are in the nitty gritty discussions involving many aspects of the new stadium. We are making what I would call the hard yards. It’s the detail that is taking the time. We are pushing as hard as we can to move forward with our various partners but we can only push so hard. We are involved in talks over things like legal matters, leases, funding, construction and planning implications. It’s frustrating but we are making substantial progress and that’s the main thing. We are not discussing if something will happen but when it will happen. This is the difficult time for making progress because there is so much to do but Manchester City Council are still supporting us. A lot of things are in place and ready to go. We are not pre-empting or assuming anything but we are still very much in the game and I am optimistic of a great future.”
Jan Staechmann*
“Very happy to confirm that I’m back on board with BSI / IMG Speedway for 2012 television commentary duty with Nigel Pearson and Darren Fletcher”
Nigel Pearson*
Danny King your profile pic is awful mate… was it your passport pose”
Nicolai Klindt*
“contact me on 0045-6018-6975 for further info in office times (08.00-16.00) loads of gear (helmets, goggles, gloves, bodyarmour etc.) will be uploaded on my website tomorrow”
Rory Schlein*
“Just sorted my new iPad 2 out phone, computer and iPad all connected invoicing, emails and diaries stuff just takin it to a new level”
Nigel Pearson*
“Listen guys if you don’t like what us media folk say or write then don’t listen or read. It’s not compulsory!”
“Stuart Parnaby exclaimed: ‘I’m over the moon with Jason’s signing. He brings a lot of experience to the team. I’ve known him since I was Jason Lyons’s mechanic at Mildenhall in 2006. He’s a good lad.’”
9th February
Nicolai Klindt*
“at cph airport, got a 1hr 30min time killer before heading munich. and i forgot my bonus card, so no points for me!”
Nicki Pedersen*
“you can always claim your bonus points back as long you keep your boarding pass an claim it through there webpage #keeplearning”
Nicolai Klindt*
“all those things i can learn from you! thanks. might need to hire you as a part-time manager. #stillyoung”
Paul Burbidge*
“If Ben Barker aggravates his leg injury in Telford, B’ham and Plymouth will have big probs this year. Let’s hope he has recovered”
Nicolai Klindt*
“finally arrived to wroclaw. only a 12hr journey with train, flight and car!”
10th February
Scunthorpe Speedway
Rob Peasley has joined the club as Press Officer and Website Manager. Rob is from Oxfordshire and started watching the Oxford Cheetahs from a very young age, being a second generation fan. He fulfilled a variety of roles at Oxford including press officer, assistant team manager, “Speedway Star” correspondent, and track shop manager. He has also helped out with the Ben Fund big meeting collections for nearly 20 years and currently regularly writes for “Backtrack” speedway magazine.
Rob actually stood in as team manager twice, including a meeting against the Scorpions in 2007. Sadly Oxford have not had a side since the end of 2007 and since then he has become a regular at our bank holiday double-headers, with the 340-mile round trip worthwhile because of the fantastic racing on offer at the Eddie Wright Raceway.
Richard Hollingsworth
“I have been finding it increasingly difficult to fit in the Press Officer duties so it was music to my ears when Rob agreed to help out. He is someone we can trust and he believes in everything we are trying to achieve at Scunthorpe. That is very important in that role and over time Rob will also take over much of the website maintenance. I’d like to thank Rob for volunteering to help us out. His addition strengthens the club considerably and, as with all of the volunteers that help us out, we are deeply indebted to him”.
Paul Burbidge*
“Last week my feet were getting sunburnt, now I can’t feel them. Wish I was back Down Under. Shame there isn’t a full league season there”
Speedway Star*
“Speedway Star website is currently offline due to hosting problems, we are hoping it will be back on line over the weekend, sorry for the..”
Jason Garrity*
“Just go out the shower fink it is time to get ready cant wait for speedway to start show them how i get do with Chris Neath woop woop”
Jason Garrity*
“Wot a good year we are going to have brother me u Chris Neath we are going to smach it cant wait”
Fredrik Lindgren*
“Want to be a popstar! but tone def and can’t sing for Sweden”
Lewis Kerr*
“Shame Peterborough practice was cancelled otherwise that would of been a siiick start to weekend”
Fredrik Lindgren*
“Bored to death right now, might just throw in the towel!”
Alun John Rossiter*
“stuff it get on the piss then”
Nicki Glanz*
“Wants to ride speedway in the 80s”
Fredrik Lindgren*
“Been trying to sleep forever now it feels ain’t happening. Need to be up in 5h god damn it #insomnia”
11th February
Nicolai Klindt*
“boys, come’on….. you can’t be serious with that new [Swindon] logo? couldn’t understand why alum had it for Gary Patchett #gettheoldoneback”
Alun John Rossiter*
“it’s all about opinions some love it some don’t it’s here u worry about your breast plates #howoutdatedisthat”
Kelvin Tatum
“I’ve never been on Twitter in my life, and have no intention of doing so anytime soon. I would ask people to ignore anything that appears under my name.”
Alun John Rossiter
“Simon [Stead] is personally hugely popular, but critics point to poor away scoring. It doesn’t worry me, we can deal I think with the psychology of that.”
Mark Lemon*
“Looks like Birmingham Brummies didn’t except my offer to double up in the big league #Bummer”
Jeff Scott*
“Should that be Brummer?”
Mark Lemon*
“Yep, “Brummer” I like it!”
Mick Horton
“I know how it can be when you go into a stadium and you think ‘I’d love to be in that VIP area or that executive box’ and now we’re giving people that chance”
Neil Middleditch
“I notice [Jack Holder] already race sin a set of Poole Pirates kevlars, probably a pair of Chris’ old ones. He looks good and they suit him.”
David Gordon
“I believe Jim will be here for the opening of the 2013 season. He will be successful and that’s what we’ve got to address because, for one reason or another, it hasn’t happened since we took over.”
Steve Mallett
“What I will say at this point is that I feel I have been cut off at the legs and that Newport Speedway has not been treated respectfully by the BSPA. I feel bitter towards the BSPA and that the three years of hard work trying to establish a decent team appears to have been a total waste of time and effort on behalf of a lot of people.”
12th February
Mike Bennett*
“seriously thinking about putting the entire MBI video speedway collection up for sale including re-sale copyright and on line distribution”
13th February
Joseph Screen*
“I got 141,865 points while escaping from demon monkeys in Temple Run. Beat that!”
Niall Strudwick*
“bikes ready, lets get it on this weekend at Mildenhall. up for the new challenges for this season”
Fredrik Lindgren*
“Happy boy! Recently got the answer yes I accept for my valentines dinner invitation”
Jason Garrity*
“IS just chilling dun my bike to day cant wait to ride it woop woop”
Danny King*
“I hate DIY. Can’t wait for the season to start so i got an excuse not to do it…..”
14th February
Nick Mallett
“In all honesty, I simply don’t wish to be involved in this sport anymore after the way this club has been treated. But what I will say is that it is a disagreement which I feel could well have been avoided had this club been kept up to date with certain decisions which were made. I can also reveal that this is not the sole reason why I am leaving speedway, there are a number of factors away from the sport which demand my attention.”
Nicki Glanz*
“If what i just heard is true then today is a very sad Day for speedway”
Neils Kristian Iversen*
“Sad to hear that my old team Newport is not running this year. Had an amazing time there back in 2003. Hope they Can sort out their future”
Alan Boon*
“Newport speedway close down. 26 days before the start of the season. Any word from the BSPA or do we have to wait til tomorrow’s update?”
Nigel Pearson*
“Worrying times for Newport Speedway – talks ongoing with interested party. Fingers crossed for positive outcome. And if my information is correct regarding the interested party they would be great for the club and the sport.”
Joseph Screen*
“Just heard about Newport speedway! Bloody shame and I hope they get somebody soon to run there as Speedway carnt lose another track!”
Nigel Pearson*
“Every effort must be made to save Newport Speedway – it’s a purpose built stadium, few and far between. Let’s hope so”
Gary Patchett*
“Crying shame. Purpose built track too. But where have the fans gone?”
Gary Patchett*
“I’m told Tim Stone used to get good crowds there”
Alan Boon*
“Few underwhelming years can seriously damage a fanbase, especially in two separate divisions at once! #ripefornewblood”
Gary Patchett*
“Big rent though, hence need for sub-tenant. Just shows speedway not sustainable in sole occupancy stadia”
Nicolai Klindt*
“back in england and what can i see “long delays on m6″…”
Mike Bennett*
“smooth journey through Norwich Airport this morning – long may that continue!”
15th February
Fredrik Lindgren*
“If I don’t have the best physical profile over the other young speedway guys at the weekend I’m going to be disappointed in myself”
16th February
Graham Drury
“When I spoke to Phil [Morris] he told me he wanted to have one last go at the title. He’s in training and deadly serious about it. Without doubt he is consistently the best rider we have had at Telford who has never won the title. He’s gone close, he got a maximum in the team event once, he knows what he’s doing and he will be a threat. Even though he’s not raced competitively for a couple of years he will be well and truly up for this.”
Paul Burbidge*
“The competition to be Lakeside No.1 is one of many reasons why I think they’ll be champions this year”
Alun John Rossiter*
“surprise Mr burbage not Poole ??”
Paul Burbidge*
“Lakeside will be unbeatable at home and have strength in depth. Miedzinski is inconsistent and a court case could be a distraction”
Alun John Rossiter*
“tut tut !!”
Newport Speedway
“The sad and shock news has been announced that 2011 K O Cup winners Newport are withdrawing from the 2012 Premier League.
With just four weeks to go before the season officially opens the club has made the announcement following the late loss of the ground sharing with Trojan International who were introducing car racing to the Queensway Meadows circuit in 2012.
The subsequent loss of income from that venture coupled with the recent disputes with the BSPA over the team declaration and lack of communication over the affair has left the promotion in a position they see as being their only option.
The income from the car racing was factored into the speedway business plan for 2012 and along with several unpaid financial pledges it has left the club in the position of having to pull the plug on the sport at the venue.
Dejected co-promoters Steve Mallett and Peter Mole are totally gutted at having to reach this decision and having to inform the riders that they no longer have team places for the 2012 season.
Talks had been on-going with several parties interested in taking over the club but unfortunately nothing has materialized on that front to save the club.”
BSPA
“THE British Speedway Promoters’ Association regret to announce the withdrawal of Newport from the 2012 season. However, we are doing everything within our power to ensure the continuation of the sport at the South Wales venue.”
Paul Burbidge*
“Newport pull out of Premier League for 2012. Sad news, but not unexpected. Crowds just weren’t good enough”
Nigel Pearson*
“I never drink water – look at the way it rusts pipes”
Josh Gudgeon
“The simple question is why? Why, when they [Steve & Nick Mallett] knew that the financial state of the [Newport] club was precarious at best, did they assemble such an expensive side? Yes, the team was successful, but you cannot help but think now that that played a large part in the club’s demise.”
Cory Gathercole*
“Engines on the way back to England, sucks i now dont have a team to ride for speedway”
17th February
Mike Bellerby
“[Denis] Gizatullin has passed the English test, his visa application has been lodged, he has agreed terms with us and I already have permission from the Russian speedway federation for him to ride in England for the Eagles. All these things needed to be in place before we felt able to make any announcement. Our position is now similar to that of Fulham football club who signed a Russian player on transfer deadline day. They said he would be in their team, subject to him obtaining the necessary visa. That happened for Fulham and the player has already made his debut for the club.”
Paul Burbidge*
“Gizatullin could be a very useful reserve for Eastbourne. But I fear the lack of an out-and-out No.1 will cost them”
Chris Holder*
“Heading to my Uk home tomorrow arvo! Had a sick time in aus! Gunna miss it!”
Niall Strudwick*
“Got fairly relaxing weekend AGAIN as not riding. Wish i could be riding. Keeping a strong mind for this year”
Hans Andersen*
“Now that I’ve sold my car I thought I’ll spoil myself with a new bicycle instead”
Rory Schlein*
“Feeling better today got some jobs done and popped down to see old pratty good old boy dry as anything”
Graham Drury
“I can confirm I spoke to Mark Lemon about it but we couldn’t meet his financial demands so we moved on. I was slightly disappointed to learn that he put something on twitter about it, I don’t do my negotiating in public. I don’t read twitter, I don’t know how to, but obviously it’s a modern way of communicating!”
Kenneth Bjerre*
“Shame no practise tomorrow for me at the showground. Just another weekend at gym then. Cant wait for the season now”
18th February
Alun John Rossiter
“People have got these grand illusions that you’re earning thousands, but you mainly do it for the enjoyment, and by the end of the [2011] season I was going to speedway for the first time in many years and not enjoying it, because the whole thing wore me down.”
Andrew Aldridge
“I’d like to see it [NZ SGP] on live TV, but I can’t…it’s delayed transmission”
Dick Barrie
“The attendance at just one meeting in Argentina last week was greater than the total number of people who have watched every meeting in New Zealand over the past two, maybe three years.”
Graham Drury
“Now I have finalised the squad I just want to get things moving. The club have enjoyed a fantastic winter with the new owners bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the club and we also have new sponsors on board which is wonderful news. Season ticket sales have been brilliant and in all my time involved in the sport I have never known a club with so much optimism heading into a new season. Hopefully we can start in style with some Midland League wins against our neighbours Wolves and Coventry before we launch our Elite League programme.”
Neil Machin
“I can tell supporters there’s unbounding enthusiasm from all our riders”
Nicolai Klindt
“I’ve put a bit of weight on because of my muscles”
Gary Patchett
“I felt punch drunk after the last two seasons. Heavy financial losses in 2010, then the injuries and wooden spoon last year took its toll on me for sure.”
Andrew Aldridge
“Not many other Kiwis are happy about an Englishman getting the [NZ SGP] wild card”
Dick Barrie
“This [World U21 in Argentina] isn’t our sport being force-fed into a differently-cultured land with no speedway history such as, say, India or China.”
Alun John Rossiter
“Richard [Sweetman] is a very deep person”
Adam Roynon*
“Watching ice speedway.. these boys are fasttttt! #fuckthat”
Gary Havelock
“My home form was okay last year – very good at times – but my away form was terrible. It’s difficult to put my finger on exactly why although I had a lot of trouble with wheel spin using the new harder-compound tyres. I had three 180 degree spins on the opening corner which I’ve never previously done in my career!”
Rob Godfrey
“You win league championships from reserve and I can’t remember the last time a team won with a strong one-to-five, but rubbish reserves, won the league.”
Neil Machin
“Some of the antics in the pits weren’t good enough and that’s a large part of the reason why Eric Boocock decided to step down as team manager and promoter, I think he’d had enough of it all.”
Alun John Rossiter
“[Ryan Fisher] has his family here which I fully understand, but it doesn’t help Coventry Speedway if I’m honest….he gets a lot of bike troubles, and the lack of funds is a big issue which gets tougher because he’s a family man and takes his family everywhere, and that’s no disrespect to him.”
19th February
Nicki Pedersen*
“Landed In poland training Camp In The mountain for 3 days with my club Then back to Uk Then off In The Evening to AbuDhabi love The life”
Mads Korneliussen*
“Hate delayed flights!! Arrrrrr #nothappy #LifesUpHill”
Nigel Pearson*
“Just a reminder about the massive sporting event this summer. Sat Aug 25 – British Speedway GP. No cost to taxpayer! Millennium Stad”
Jeff Scott*
“Er, don’t Welsh taxpayers count? they’re potentially giving/donating £850,000 over the next 5 years”
Bryn Williams*
“Perhaps the Welsh Govt might consider coming up with some dosh to help Newport Speedway survive?”
Jeff Scott*
“or BSI make a one off donation of some of the money they receive this year?”
Lewis Kerr*
“Sore ass from lifting and hitting the big boucy castle wall at scunny today”
Mads Korneliussen*
“Sitting in 1. Class on the train!!!! So stop looking at me like i dont belong here, just coz i don’t have a suit on!”
Ian Maclean
“In the question session a young fellow asked Shane [Parker] what he’d do if he was in charge of the BSPA. He gave a good answer – he simply said I think Speedway should be regulated by an independent body.”
20th February
CovSpeedwayChat*
“Firefighters tackle blaze at Newport Speedway”
Niels Kristian Iversen*
“Getting a blackberry was a waste of money.. Must have had some kind of mental default when i made that decision”
Paul Burbidge*
“Pawlicki bros would be an interesting gamble for a British club. Talented riders, but would they turn up for every meeting?”
Mike Bacon*
“Spoken to Chris Louis. He tells me there WILL be meeting at Foxhall March 22 when Newport were supposed to come. Details to follow”
Fredrik Lindgren*
“You dream about being a pro downhill skier? Will be tough for you when real life starts as a pro speedway rider, feel for you”
Tai Woffinden*
“living the dream is not working and doin stupid shit and having fun…..”
South Wales Argus
“The fire at Queensway Meadows Stadium is being treated as deliberate, it was revealed this afternoon. FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze at Queensway Meadows Stadium, the home of Newport Wasps Speedway this morning.”
21st February
Steve Mallett
“It feels like this place is cursed. We had a break-in last Thursday (the day the closure was announced) for the first time in a long time and fence panels were ripped off and a couple of lights smashed. Then when I got here this morning I found all this. Someone set fire to the office area and it’s taken upstairs and part of the steelwork. They also tried to set the other end of the stand alight but it didn’t take. The fire was contained by the building so there mustn’t have been many flames. It was out when I got here. I was handing the keys to the place over but this is going to cost money now.”
Eastbourne Speedway
“[Bob Dugard] said the Russian [Denis Gizatulin] had been to Arlington and seen the track and was amazed at how small it was. However, on return home he had marked out a 270m track on the ice on a lake near his home so he could learn how to ride such a tight circuit.”
Speedway Star*
“Glasgow’s team plans have been thrown into confusion by the news that Australian prospect Jayden O’Malley has been denied a work permit”
Paul Burbidge*
“I had a very interesting chat with Greg Hancock last night. Let’s just say the future of American speedway is seriously looking up”
Nigel Pearson*
“In my spare time I devote hours to Dudley Heathens Speedway and search for new home. Meanwhile Newport Stadium with a purpose built track is empty”
Nigel Pearson*
“speedway is only part of my work these days but it’s a passion. Dad took me as a kid. Very sad when a track closes #bringbacknewport”
22nd February
Dakota North*
“1 week left in australia! #fck”
Nicki Pedersen*
“Love Boot Camp In Polish Mountains ;0)”
Kenneth Bjerre*
“Quiet stansted airport this morning. Denmark next 2 days. Sponsor meetings and last fitness test before season start”
Nigel Pearson*
“Finished Telford Ice speedway programme for Sunday. The last ever. Should be a collector’s item. Shame Sunday will be last staging of Telford Ice speedway. Like it or hate it, it’s always a good social occasion. Good luck to all.”
Graham Brodie
“Hans [Wassermann] is alive and well, living in Bavaria – at least he was two years ago when I met his son in Pardubice. I was the referee at Ipswich when Hans had his accident, in itself not serious looking but he fell back first into a solid fence post. Later I would often see Hans on the Continent and he would always make a point of coming across to chat. Still active although with a ‘rolling gait’ due to his injury, he was running a metalworking business with his son in his home town when I last had any contact.”
Chris Holder*
“Where can I ride mx tomorrow? Me and David Watt are keen az”
David Watt*
“help a brother out !!!”
Rory Schlein*
“I’m more worried where I can skid on a speedway bike”
Chris Holder*
“fuk that! Got plenty of that comin up! Right now it’s mx time”
Rory Schlein*
“fair doos what’s happin to middlos MotoPk has the pit bike been givin the flick”
Joseph Screen*
“bloke can you sort 2 of them big chairs your old man has!! #marvelous”
Josh Grajczonek*
“i can do that but how the hell do i get them there ? They are as big as a pit tent”
Gary Havelock*
“Was having a dry week, but over 2 hours at parents evening has lead to having to have a beer”
Nigel Pearson*
“It appears one of my heroes [Bob Willis] from my childhood is following. Thanks for memories of 81 – Willis’s Ashes as well as Botham’s”
Fredrik Lindgren*
“To be me or not to be me what is the question”
Gary Havelock*
“You all need to know. That I wore zebra first int speedway world #1993worldfinal”
Joseph Screen*
“thought Jon cook was the first Ming”
Gary Havelock*
“Ok. I’ll give you that one. The cowboy rocks”
Jitendra Duffill
“kus kus told me he lost his engine in Argentina. I asked him if he looked down the back of the couch, don’t think he got it!”
23rd February
Lee Richardson*
“Practicing at Scunthorpe today…be there in an hour 😉 #newbikes”
Gary Havelock*
“I’ll give you one word about that place. Spin. Spin. Spin.’
Lee Richardson*
“better leave the polish engines in the van then ;)”
David Howe*
“why you being like this havvy? ;)”
Gary Havelock*
“take the main jet out and put your headstock on full adjust mode. Oh and good look to RicoJunior washing that black shit off!!”
Lee Richardson*
“that’s why I got 3 full time mechanics 😉 #notricoproblem”
Chris Holder*
“how come u got bikes rico and I got nothin!!!”
Nigel Pearson*
“Terror checks axed at Brum airport 7 times last year. Meanwhile I’ve just been spoken to like a kid for having over sized deodorant in bag”
David Watt*
“Need to wash my brain after that dream last night !!!”
Nicki Pedersen*
“Arrived In Abu Dhabi at Hilton Hotel. A week a head with Sun and training. Living The life ;0)”
Nigel Pearson*
“And now my “hand luggage friendly” Oakley bag is too big for – you guessed it – hand luggage. Money back please? Not happy”
Tai Woffinden*
“Fuck this shit what else can i do…..”
Nicolai Klindt*
“just got my new mudguards from joba, but no covers from maliniak. gotta wait another week! #bummer”
Ricky wells*
“Currently spent my whole morning going to 2 banks and 2 post offices that can’t change $$$ to ££££ wtf”
Nicolai Klindt*
“i’ve got to denmark btw after a very trouble-ful night/morning…. had a amazing holiday also! #bringonmarch”
Lewis Bridger*
“Looking forward to a 10k run along Worthing seafront shortly !!!”
Rohan Tungate*
“love it bridger #moreenergy”
Chris Holder*
“up…down….up….down… Come on.. More ENERGY”
Lewis Bridger*
“some of us have to run to stay fit not got the option in the winter to ride ride ride surf surf surf #jealous”
Rohan Tungate*
“Aussie 2013 Bridger #sunshine”
Lewis Bridger*
“sounds like a plan fungate 😉 just need someone to hook me up #livingthehighlife”
Lee Richardson*
“u having a laugh lbr! It’s 16 degrees here in Scunthorpe…#getskidding”
Darija Pavlic*
“2013 new rules in speedway – titanium will be allowed in the engines. Silencer protector will be introduced as compulsory!”
Lewis Bridger*
“I’m still waiting on some more parts can’t wait to finally have some skidding machines assembled 😉 how’s tricks mate ?”
Gary Havelock*
“all good mate. Just building bikes. You gonna be fittest speedway rider in uk by sounds of it”
Joseph Screen*
“A sneaky peek at my new covers #newcolours”
Mark Lemon*
“can’t believe it, there same as mine #copycat”
Gary Havelock*
“F#*k that for a game of soldiers. My body is so hammered from all the crashes I struggle to put my socks on”
Lewis Bridger*
“fair enough havvy I guess u have a world title to your name as well so we will let u skip this 1 ;-)”
Gary Havelock*
“Cheers bud. I can still just about play 5 a side Footy #loveit”
Gary Havelock*
“how was the shit hole??”
Lee Richardson*
“Was alright mate, slick but didn’t mind for my first time on a bike again…”
Niall Strudwick*
“people put me down, i will raise above what they say, to prove i am better than them #TeamBringIt #NSR”
Jurica Pavlic*
“Looking forward to the new speedway season, last year was unlucky, broken leg doesn’t heel that fast!”
Gary Patchett*
“Hey Jura. How is the leg? Are you on a bike yet?”
Jurica Pavlic*
“hello boss! Leg is very well,no pain! I start practice this weekend on track. I was riding motocross in winter,was no problem!”
Paul Burbidge*
“Just got off the phone to Billy Hamill. After speaking to him and Greg Hancock, I think a United States SGP is on the cards”
24th February
Rob Godfrey
“We have a stadium that needs using as much as possible. I’m told we’re going to be heading towards two hundred events here this year which is great. We’re so lucky to have so many volunteers who organise the events but that is the strength of the club and it is great to see riders coming through the ranks and making it in the sport. Of course we are trying to put a few coffers in the pot but we are providing a great service to the sport. There are very few riders coming into the National League who haven’t entered our amateur meetings. I think that much more than second halves it is the way into league racing.”
Paul Burbidge*
“Lejonen won the Swedish Elitserien in 2009. It looks like they might go out of business just two and a half years later. Shocking”
Gary Havelock*
“Don’t you just love……… trying to build a bike with no engine in”
Nigel Pearson*
“Fantastic news for speedway with both Grand Prix and World Cup now sponsored by Monster Energy drink. See, it can be done!”
Nigel Pearson*
“Maybe critics of speedway GP series and BSI will now realise more than ever it is here to stay. Embrace it. Work round it. #monster”
Nigel Pearson*
“Sports like speedway and darts get good followings on TV and perhaps companies should look more at these for value for money? Just my view”
Gary Havelock*
“Ryan Fisher rocks my world!!!!”
25th February
Steve Mallett
“I’m not interested and I won’t go to another speedway meeting for a very long time!”
Nicki Pedersen*
“We are having a coffee with 24 carat Gold flaked at Emerates Palace Hotel In Abu Dhabi”
Bob Dugard
“Is his average fair? It’s fair for us! But I think it is very fortunate as well. But he comes within the regulations of the day. It may well cause a greater tightening up in the future but he is here on a legitimate four-point average.”
Mads Korneliussen
“I was just riding it in my driveway. I came off and got injured because I was riding in my flip-flops. I couldn’t run for three weeks.”
Mike Bowden
“I have learned that there is a situation involving Brent [Werner] and his fellow American Ryan Fisher, which means they are unwilling to ride in the same team.”
Brian Havelock
“The new shape doesn’t seem to lend itself for good racing and I think most people want to avoid Glasgow”
Steve Mallett
“It has cost us the best part of £300,000, it cost £80,000 to buy the lease from Tim’s stepfather after he died.”
Nicki Pedersen*
“If you fancy some Gold get it from The ATM Machine at Emerates Palace Hotel #whataworld”
Ben Barker
“I was a little surprised by the odds I saw, 16/1 is a bit of a joke I reckon”
Mads Korneliussen
“It’s not just someone to do the gears; I need someone I can gel with so that you’re not yelling at each other.”
Steve Mallett
“People talk about the big crowd for the Cup Final but the week before and week after, the crowds were nothing. All that did was level it out. I went public asking supporters to keep coming but the last three weeks we lost about 15 grand. In those three weeks, there was no-one there and that was after we’d won the Cup.”
Rory Schlein*
“Going up to Bolton on Monday for a press day with autogate plus meeting with the belle Vue bosses new bikes on show and new belleVue suit”
Pontus Aspgren
“I am very happy to be at Swindon this year, although I have not been there before”
Danny King*
“Had my first skid today at scunthorpe. One word to describe it ‘slick’. Was nice to be back on a bike tho #hadsomerevson”
Gary Havelock*
“that’s not the one word I would use to describe scunny!!!!”
Paul Starke
“I don’t know if the racing will be any better that it was after the work that has been done on the [Smallbrook] track”
Malcolm Vasey
“We are always looking at ways of making the [Stoke] club more professional and attractive…there is no doubt that this club is targeting a return to the Premier League but when that is I really don’t know. It’s not for me to say when that will be, but what I will say is that we are constantly doing all we can to make this club viable, successful and progressive.”
Speedway Star
“SWC teams have been cut from five to four for this year’s [2012] tournament to make countries with fewer top riders stringer and cut costs for national federations.”
26th February
David Watt*
“On a plane to go to the snow with Chris Holder and Giles. Can’t wait !!”
David Howe*
“[Telford] Tracks looking a bit slick #icebabyice”
Tai Woffinden*
“Sweet £800 phone bill”
Gary Havelock*
“Just need an aerial and you [Lewis Bridger] could be the fifth telly tubby”
Pontus Aspgren*
“Just got the bad news that there will not be any practise camp in slovenia next week. Need to sort something else out”
27th February
Nigel Pearson*
“lunch with my travel manager planning the year ahead – could take a while”
Graham Drury
“Within the last week I’ve had several ice rinks on the phone to me saying they might be interested, and we had representatives from three of them there on Sunday. I’m not saying it will happen, but it might happen at another ice rink away from Telford. It’s got to the stage where the racing is very serious, and there was no doubt the riders were trying that much harder in the evening to win the last one here.”
Nicki Pedersen*
“we have loaded an bag at the hotel and are waiting for a Jeep to pick us up we are going to the Desert to race camel and see the Sunset ;o)”
Ben Hopwood*
“Off to travel agents today to have a look at these visas”
Rory Schlein*
“I am now a full time ace, coventry and belle Vue come to a agreement and all paper work has gone through. Would like to thank pratty and mr. Sandho for a great time at Coventry and and all the fans for all the great times”
Dennis Andersson*
“Just started my twitter site and you can allso follow me on my website”
Gary Havelock*
“Welcome to twatland Dennis”
28th February
Mike Bellerby
“The draw for the domestic KO Cup has been made and finalised so there is no chance for us to enter that competition this year.”
Greg Hancock*
“Just so y’all know, I’m not on Facebook! There is somebody out there hosting a GH page with lots of fictitious BS on it. De-friend it I say!”
Hans Andersen*
“Not long before the Andersen season starts and boy am I looking forward to getting a real bike between the legs”
Gordon Pairman
“I suppose I should have seen this coming as the organisers have been quiet on the subject lately, but it still comes as a great blow to the club, its supporters and sponsors. We had put the dates in our fixture list and even had TV coverage agreed with Sky Sports who do so much for British speedway, but sadly we’ve now got to face up to the fact that we will not be taking the club into Europe this year.”
Speedway Star*
“Poole and Eastbourne have been left disappointed by news that speedway’s proposed European Cup has been postponed until 2013”
Nigel Pearson*
“Booked today for NZ speedway Grand Prix live on Sky Speedway 4am Sat March 31 – set your alarm clock!”
Sky Sports*
“Sky Sports are delighted to announce that the Grand Prix of New Zealand will be televised LIVE on Sky Sports on March 31st from 4am GMT”
Rory Schlein*
“Just herd news today that the FIM will force riders to wear leathers in 2013 and run heat shields on the silencers”
Nicolai Klindt*
“good thing about heat shields but leathers? #dontknowaboutthatone”
Rory Schlein*
“Heat shields are shit as well as you put a heat shield on the silencer you need to put it on the whole exhaust and plus the weight + All it is someone gonna make money out of it like the the past products force on the riders Mufflers,killswitchs,oil catches,mudguards”
Rory Schlein*
“The sport is already expensive enough if ppl are worried about safety go play lawn bowls all I got to say is HTFU”
Jurica Pavlic*
“Leather no, but silencer protection yes”
Cameron Woodward*
“leathers? Your having a laugh? Seen heat shields already. Dep have done a nice job of them in carbon”
Chris Holder*
“looks like I’m retiring in 2013”
Josh Grajczonek*
“do we gotta run heat sheilds this year ?”
Josh Grajczonek*
“oh the joys soon we will be riding wraped in bubble wrap #Exriderscashflowgettingabitlow?”
29th February
Justin Sedgmen*
“nearly ready to head off to the U.K sending my eniges back over tomoorow :)))”
Gary Havelock*
“He finally tweets. How’s it going bud. Say hello to your old man”
Tai Woffinden*
“Hate paper work wheres mum when ya need her…”
Chris Durno
“I was Clerk of the Course and Pits Marshall at Telford so very very busy afternoon and hardly had a minute, as had to all the out of season licenses before the meeting, keep getting the riders out in timely manner in what is a terribly cramped pits through the meeting. Tried to help fixing some of the wrecked bikes in the interval. Did the interviews before both events for Rerun. Had to get special race jackets signed by all the riders. Collect and get signed all the race jackets for an auction after the meeting. So only went to the main entrance area once to pop out and get a bite to eat. Wasn’t a bad event with all the crashes. Riders seemed to be trying a little too hard for what should have been a fun day.”