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1997 Archive of International Speedway
Message Section
October Part 2 - 1997
From: John-Lowe@classic.msn.com
To: "Internet Speedway Fan Club List"
Subject: Bits and pieces
Date: Sun, 26 Oct 97 00:06:50 UT
Alan Robertson launched an attack on Dave Pavitt following the Oxford
promoter's harebrained scheme to bring other teams down to their standard.
Pavitt justified his suggestion to limit heat leader strength by arguing that
the PL was too strong for emerging riders.
Robertson, promoter at Linlithgow, who provided seven new riders to the PL
this year (Campbell, Scott, Gould, Hewitt, MacDonald, Scully, and Turner)
stated in the Edinburgh Pink that he felt the current balance in the Premir
League was about right.
Pointing out that Edinburgh took a real gamble with Peter Carr, Robertson
commented:
"It sounds like sour grapes from Oxford because they didn't get him first".
This is certainly true. Remember that Peter Carr had an average of 5.86 in the
old PL in 1995. This compares with 6.15 for Rene Aas, 6.35 for Jan Pedersen,
5.65 for Mark Simmons, 5.29 for Mikael Teurnberg, etc. etc. Who can forget the
comment from TBM when I requested information on Carr's likely form:
"Yes John, he will be crap." (7/5/97)
While Geoff produced a more balanced and accurate assessment of Peter Carr,
like everyone else he failed to predict just how good Peter would be. A
similar case could be made with Reading signing Glenn Cunningham on a very low
average.
Alan Robertson went on to argue:
"If Mr. Pavitt is suggesting that the PL is too hard then he should drop down
to the Amateur League."
"Oxford want things brought down to their level so that they can win the
League".
He did, however, support a move back to seven man teams even though it was
likely to cost his team the likes of Paul Taylor.
John Lowe
PS: Five ways in which tyres could be contaminated with solvent:
1. The tyres were dirty so I decided to wash them in the bath. Unbeknown to
me, it was filled with turpentine at the time.
2. Some paint fell on the tyre so I had to clean it off with paint stripper.
3. Some kids were using my garage to sniff glue ....
4. I had muscle strain I was rubbing in some 'Fiery Jack'. I can't think how
it got onto the tyres.
5. We were racing in Glasgow so I must have run over spilt Buckfast on the
ground.
At least Long Eaton's appearance in the play-off final should help to keep the
promotion solvent! (sorry about that one).
From: alexa@globalnet.co.uk
To: "Internet Speedway Fan Club List"
Subject: Re: Bits and pieces
Date: Sun, 26 Oct 1997 01:14:41 +0100
>
>"Yes John, he will be crap." (7/5/97)
OK John, humble pie being eaten in large quantities south of the border.
Peter's form did surprise me but.....
>PS: Five ways in which tyres could be contaminated with solvent:
>
>1. The tyres were dirty so I decided to wash them in the bath. Unbeknown to
>me, it was filled with turpentine at the time.
>
>2. Some paint fell on the tyre so I had to clean it off with paint stripper.
>
>3. Some kids were using my garage to sniff glue ....
>
>4. I had muscle strain I was rubbing in some 'Fiery Jack'. I can't think how
>it got onto the tyres.
>
>5. We were racing in Glasgow so I must have run over spilt Buckfast on the
>ground.
Interesting..... I wonder if any of these 5 things are in any way
connected with the first item....
TBM
From: WeeLarry@aol.com
To: "Internet Speedway Fan Club List"
Subject: Heat Formulas
Date: Sat, 25 Oct 1997 22:03:13 -0400 (EDT)
John wrote about an article in last nights Edinburgh Evening News in which
Linlithgow promoter Alan Robertson allegedly attacks (verbally) the current
Oxford promoter Dave Pavitt.
Now I haven't read the article but I do feel that the current PL standard is
a good one for emerging riders, what is not so good has been the 1997 heat
formula which has pitched second strings in with heat leaders in every race
with no recognised reserves in the team.
Very often this season we have seen two races within a race, one at the front
and one at the back, initially I found this quite interesting to watch but
the formula has since proven unsucessful as it is not particularly flexible
when a team loses a rider early in a meeting.
With the old seven man formula a reserve rider would have a fair chance of a
win in Heat 2 and should be scrapping for at least a point in each of his
other races. It also allows for a real distinction between Heat Leaders,
Second Strings and Reserves, something badly missing this year. I believe
that, had we been using this system, Mr Pavitt would not have made these
comments as all the reserves would have been perseived as having done better
than they have been this year as they would have managed more race wins.
The old formula would also make life harder for Heat Leaders as they would no
longer have races in which they would be expected to finish at worst second.
Personally I always liked the old 16 heat formula without the nominated races
but I am sure we are unlikely to return to this due to the current
infactuation with nominated races.
As we are on the subject, I do not think that this years 13 heat Amateur
League formula was that hot either. Having a non riding reserve seemed like
a good idea but sadly it doesnt work that well, why not just use the old 7
man 13 heat formula and be done with, again it offers a greater degree of
flexibility. The AL also needs fixed gate positions as too often this year
the more experienced rider has (for the sake of the team) taken the much more
favourable gate positions meaning that the less experienced rider is always
left with the worst gates.
I am sure 7 man teams will return next year, although I doubt that too many
of the extra spaces will be filled by current AL riders as most PL teams
already have two 3.00 average riders at present. Obviously David Howe would
move up, as would (if there is any justice) Jon Armstrong, David McAllan,
Matt Read and Jon Swales. Other than that I envisage most of the spaces will
go to overseas riders and to riders dragged out of retirement. I don't think
that the AL can afford to lose too many of its top riders anyway, as the gap
between top and bottom would increase even more. Commenting on my own team
Linlithgow, I cannot see how we will cope if we lose Jonathan Swales next
year and cannot replace him. It is all very well to say that it is all about
learning but there also has to be a good standard of competition it is not
good for the sport if a team cannot provide riders who can beat the
opposition, especially as we have many "professional" amateur league teams.
Catch you later
Paul
http://members.aol.com/swayrcer/
From: metent@globalnet.co.uk
To: "Internet Speedway Fan Club List"
Subject: Re: Tyres take 2
Date: Sun, 26 Oct 1997 14:27:54 -0000
Nick wrote:
> I was talking to a rider last night (who will remain nameless but not Lee
> Richardson) who said that tyre/ Solvent abuse was once more back to its
> pre scandal levels.
> He suggested that a few riders were doing it again and dramatically
> increasing their form.
> I think its a shame we can't conduct our sport on a level playing
field...
> I mean if we are going to have clutch coolers allowed surely - if we are not
> going to take consistant steps to ban the solvents from tyres - we will have
> to allow the treatment off tyres?
> Whats the answer people?
Sadly I can confirm what Nick has to say.
Remember, the BSPA cost everyone a fortune this year by introducing
controlled fuel when it just wasn't necessary (Wonder who pocketed the
=A3100,000 + made from this?), when, as I commented at the start of the
season, tyres were the real issue.
There are only two ways forward as I see it:
1 Allow any rider to use any tyre, provided it is safe.
2 Issue tyres to riders from a central source just before the start of
racing so there's a much reduced opportunity to cheat.
I would also introduce random confiscation of tyres and season-long bans
for anyone found guilty.
As an aside - Has anyone noticed how Lee Richardson's form has improved
recently? Can anyone suggest an explanation for this?
WEBBO
From: m001i000@email.mcmail.com
To: "Internet Speedway Fan Club List"
Subject: Re: Middlesbrough & A New Venue
Date: Sun, 26 Oct 1997 19:10:12 +0000
> From: metent@globalnet.co.uk
> To: "Internet Speedway Fan Club List"
> Subject: Middlesbrough & A New Venue
> Date: Fri, 24 Oct 1997 11:27:09 +0100
>
> Also, what's happening at King's Lynn? Has Bluster raised the money he
> needs? It's all gone strangely quiet on that front, so if past form is
> anything to go by, the job could be about to go down the pan.
>
> WEBBO
>
>
At this point in time there is building work going on at Saddlebow Rd
, and work soon to start on a rider-friendly as opposed to a
rule-book friendly safety fence .......... Draw your own conclusions
on these issues .
Regards
Steve Ruskin
King's Lynn , GB
steve.ruskin@mcmail.com
From: keith@kpferr.demon.co.uk
To: "Internet Speedway Fan Club List"
Subject: Ace of Aces Grasstrack
Date: Sun, 26 Oct 1997 19:59:47 +0000
A quick report on the final Ace of Aces (I hope it isn't true), held
today at Broughton in Hampshire.
SOLOS:
The Bahnrekord went to Kelvin Tatum with a time of 20.76 against Simon
Wigg's 21.06 and Steve Schofield's 21.24.
Top qualifier from the heats was Schofield who was unbeaten, then came
Tatum who dropped his first heat to Wigg and was then headed home in his
last heat by Jeremy Doncaster and Robert Barth when he lost compression
on his best machine forcing him to swap for the final. Third in
qualifying was Jeremy Doncaster, then Glenn Cunningham, a surprising
Andy Smith, Wigg who was beaten by Cunningham and Doncaster in separate
heats but then dropped a chain while leading his last heat. The final
was completed by Paul Hurry, Jason Crump, a disappointing Joe Screen and
Robert Barth.
The result:
1st Simon Wigg
2nd Paul Hurry
3rd Robert Barth
4th Steve Schofield
5th Kelvin Tatum
6th Jeremy Doncaster
7th Glen Cunningham
8th Joe Screen
The final was a good win for Wiggy but Schoie appeared to have some
mechanical problem which some him slide down the order and Tatum looked
a lot slower on the second machine. Hurry had a good ride to move up to
second and Barth took a well-deserved 3rd.
The consolation final was won by Trevor Banks.
SIDECARS:
The sidecar event was won deservedly so by Australian champions Glen
Hough/Robbie Armstrong who came out on top in some excellent racing
including one heat win which some them go from 6th to 1st in less than
half a lap.
The final result was :
1st Glen Hough/Robbie Armstrong
2nd Steve Smith/Dave French
3rd John Halsey/Jason Glenie
4th Rob Wilson/Tony Miles
5th John Hiscock/Graham Ashby
6th Gary Jackson/Mick Stace
Both classes had excellent line-ups - it would have been nice to see
Gerd Riss over but he obviously had his reasons for turning down the
offer. It was a shame that Hamill/Hancock weren't ride after all the
rumours that they might - Hamill was there with various other non-
competing riders. Not sure why they weren't racing - either the
promoters weren't prepared to pay the money they were asking or they
weren't considered good enough - after all the Long Track/Grass Track
champion Tommy Dunker didn't get a place. I don't think Hamill or
Hancock would have made a significant impact on the overall results but
it would have been nice to see them beaten.
Conratulations to the promoters on an excellent meeting - it's just a
shame it will be the last one.
--
Keith Packer
From: John-Lowe@classic.msn.com
To: "Internet Speedway Fan Club List"
Subject: Re: Race format
Date: Sun, 26 Oct 97 21:09:16 UT
Paul wrote:
>With the old seven man formula a reserve rider would have
>a fair chance of a win in Heat 2 and should be scrapping for
>at least a point in each of his other races. It also allows for a
>real distinction between Heat Leaders, Second Strings and
>Reserves, something badly missing this year.
The distinction between reserve and second string is an interesting angle on
the problem faced by the PL newcomers this year.
There was a discussion on the list when the current race format was unveiled
at the start of the year. There was general agreement that it was allowed
little variety. It is very rare to get a heat with four riders of near equal
ability except in Heat 15. By far the best races seen at Armadale this season
have been the last heat (the Berwick and Newcastle matches in particular).
Many preferred the 16-heat format from last season which had a good mixture
with one all-reserve heat and others with all second strings and reserves. The
objection raised was that Heat 14 (4,7,4,6) was often ruined by a (trailing)
visiting team springing a double tactical substitution. This produced a really
one sided heat with say Hamill and Hancock against a couple of juniors. This
could be dealt with by banning double tactical substitutions or by moving this
heat to earlier in the race order.
>I am sure 7 man teams will return next year, although
>I doubt that too many of the extra spaces will be filled by
>current AL riders as most PL teams already have two 3.00
>average riders at present. ... I envisage most of the spaces
>will go to overseas riders and to riders dragged out of retirement.
Surely this will depend on the points limit introduced? If it remains as tight
as this year, at say 45-46 points for seven riders, there will be little scope
for bringing in foreign riders on 9 point averages. None of the new overseas
riders this season has come near to a nine-point average apart from Woodifield
on around 8.50. It is more likely that there will be attempts to bring back
the likes of Nigel Crabtree.
It may be the case that if several tracks cease to run then there will be
little or no extra riders needed.
John Lowe
From: prwhite@ozemail.com.au
To: "Internet Speedway Fan Club List"
Subject: Ivan Mauger's Series
Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 08:56:30 +1100 (EST)
IVAN MAUGER'S 1997 CANADIAN AIRLINES GOLDEN HELMET SERIES
ROUND 6
CAIRNS, QUEENSLAND
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
Heat points: Sergei Darkinov (Russia) 13, Tony Rose (Brisbane) 12, Chris
Slabon (Canada) 11, Paul Stewart (Brisbane) 10, Roman Povazhny (Russia) 10,
Gregorz Walasek (Poland) 9, Richard Wolff (Czech Republic) 9, Vaclav Verner
(Czech Republic) 8, Allesandro Dalle Valle (Italy) 8, Buck Blair (USA) 7,
Kjell Sola (Norway) 7, Gary Davey (Townsville) 6, Jesper Foldager (Denmark)
5, Scott Boyce (New Zealand) 2, Shane McCabe (Townsville) 2, Kevin Looby
(Townsville) 0.
B Final: 1. Davey 2. Verner 3. Blair 4. Sola 5. Dalle Valle 6. Wolff.
A Final: 1. Darkinov 2. Rose 3. Stewart 4. Povazhny 5. Slabon 6. Walasek.
Meeting points: Darkinov 12, Rose 11, Stewart 10, Povazhny 9, Slabon 8,
Walasek 7, Davey 6, Verner 5, Blair 4, Sola 3, Dalle Valle 2, Wolff 1,
Foldager 0, Boyce 0, McCabe 0, Looby 0.
PROGRESSIVE SERIES POINTS: Walasek 63, Sola 57, Verner 50, Wolff 48, Slabon
39, Blair 37, Foldager 28, Boyce 17, Darkinov 12, Dalle Valle 10.
From: WeeLarry@aol.com
To: "Internet Speedway Fan Club List"
Subject: Various
Date: Sun, 26 Oct 1997 18:17:14 -0500 (EST)
In reply to me John wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Surely this will depend on the points limit introduced? If it remains as
tight as this year, at say 45-46 points for seven riders, there will be
little scope for bringing in foreign riders on 9 point averages. None of the
new overseas riders this season has come near to a nine-point average apart
from Woodifield on around 8.50. It is more likely that there will be attempts
to bring back the likes of Nigel Crabtree.
It may be the case that if several tracks cease to run then there will be
little or no extra riders needed.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
When I talked of overseas riders I was thinking more about riders who have
previous UK experience but have not cut it over here . I could see a great
deal of demand for riders like Rene Aas or Jarno Kosonen, decent riders, but
no great addition to British Speedway as long as local riders miss out.
There can be no doubt that every team will be looking for their own "Peter
Carr" next year by looking at retired riders.
Webbo made a good point about tyres:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
There are only two ways forward as I see it:
1 Allow any rider to use any tyre, provided it is safe.
2 Issue tyres to riders from a central source just before the start of
racing so there's a much reduced opportunity to cheat.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Having used second hand tyres all year it would appear that the tyres have
different "characteristics" depending on the source. In the early 90s riders
used to cut the Dunlop tyres to gain extra traction from the start only for
it to be banned for no real reason. If there is an advantage gained by using
chemicals then why not just negate the advantage by allowing competitors to
treat tyres as they feel necessary. This way everyone would have an equal
chance to use the tyres they want without fear of reprisal. It would be a no
lose situation as the three parties involved would all get what they want as:
1/ The riders would get the extra grip that they need
2/ Due to extra wear, the tyre manufacturers would sell more tyres
3/ The BSPA would also benefit if it is true that they allegedly receive a
cut of tyre sales.
Using control tyres is in theory a good idea but fails on 2 accounts
1/ Sometimes only one edge is used per meeting therefore costs go up as
riders/promoters/sponsors have to buy twice as many tyres
2/ A tyre supplier (Dunlop?) would be required to send a representative to
meetings, net results, costs go up again.
Webbo also asks:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
As an aside - Has anyone noticed how Lee Richardson's form has improved
recently? Can anyone suggest an explanation for this?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I've never met the guy but from the outside he looks like a paragon of
professionalism. In the past he has struggled as a novice at the very highest
level, I doubt his talent was ever in doubt, its just that he now has the
experience to go with it. He must also be helped by riding in a strong side
like Reading where there is no real pressure on him to score X amount of
points every meeting. Reading deserve a great deal of credit for their 97
squad, at the start of the year they didn't look all that with only Mullett
as a recognised top rider, the fact that they all probably increased their
averages (Spectacularly in some cases) was very good judgement (or else
extremely good luck!)
I also notice that TBM cast doubts over the legitamacy of Peter Carrs
equipment. Well he was always reckoned to have big motors ever since his
Sheffield days, they proved that wasn't the case this year so why not just
give credit where it's due and finally admit what a great rider he is, anyway
to get a 10.00 point Premier League average you need more than a big motor
and sticky tyres, a bit of talent will always show through.
Ciao
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