Jeffrey Eagle:

Hi mike, What did you think of the british G.P last saturday? In your opinion was that the worst display of refereeing you have ever seen and what future do you see for this individual. Also what did you think of the track? If the G.P riders are faced with a track like that again do you think it is possible that they may well refuse to ride?

Reply:

Hello Jeffrey. And hello everyone to webchat again. Well, I've seen some poor decisions watching speedway up and down the country, but not so many in one meeting . . . and such an important meeting too. I'm appalled mostly by the tapes incident involving Nicki Pedersen. What is the sense of having television replays if the referee is not going to use them or watch them Or if he is he can't see things like Nicki toucing the tapes? As regards the exclusions to Adams and Bjarne Pedersen. Well, once he had excluded Adams, he had to exclude Bjarne Pedersen, it was identical situations. Don't blame Nicki Pedersen, he just rode his meeting. Riders of course have refused to ride in a GP meeting in Sweden two seasons ago I think it was. So they have set the precedent in that dept. Jeffrey and obviously are prepared to say no. The ironic thing is of course if that track had been prepared for a league meeting in England, Poland or Sweden, the riders would never have ridden on it.

Jason Gillingham:

Hi Mike Cardiff 2008 was the best yet but is it time to move home to Wembley

Reply:

Glad you enjoyed it Jason. Hope you all behaved yourselves!! Having been to Wembley, I'm confident it would be a better show than Cardiff, which of course is good. Transport can be a bit of an issue, but coaches are well catered for and park outside the stadium. I loved the new Wembley, absolutely fantastic. Yes it is about time the British GP was back in London.

Victor Hatcher:

Mike, I read in the Speedway Star Nicki Pedersen was upset at the booing he got from the fans at Cardiff. But what did he expect? He’s the one who has turned his back on British speedway, then he gets lucky like that!

Reply:

I agree Victor. Nicki lives by the sword and because of that will be hated and loved in equal measure. To rather ride in Russia than Britain tells its own story of the modern-day rider, who has little or no loyalty to places which helped him establish himself. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot wrong with the Elite League in Britain. But what isn't wrong is that Britain still has more speedway fans in the world than any other country. Many fans in Britain are loyal to the sport and their teams, and I'm afraid if Nicki thinks the fans were just booing him because of the decisions on the night, then he is well mistaken. It goes deeper than than.

Jim Smith:

Did you see Chris Schramm has been riding for Mildenhall? Hes doing ok, but doesn't it make a mockery of an Elite League when riders are no more than good Premier League riders?

Reply:

I suppose it does make a bit of a mockery of things Jim, but it's the only way the Elite League can really run. I would like to see all Elite League reserves eligible for Premier League meetings to cover for No.1's in the PL who are out. Chris Schramm is taking his chance and good luck to him. I was speaking to Simon Barton, the Mildenhall co-promoter, today. He is pretty upbeat considering the season the Fen Tigers are having. Good luck to them I say and Witches fans might want to pop over on Sunday, where an attractive Sheffield side are at West Row, 4.30pm start. And Schramm is riding for Mildenhall too, so for those who have forgotten what a Witches rider looks like, there's your chance.

Jim Smith:

Another one Mike! World Cup week is soon. Are you looking forward to it and who do you think will win??

Reply:

Answer Jim. The World Cup Week doesn't over interest me. I hope and hope GB do well and would love to see Tai Woffiden get a big chance. As regards who will win, well the Danes look favourites to me, closely followed by the Aussies.

Jason Gillingham:

On radio Suffolk last night Chris stated they are close to signing a new rider any Idea’s or inside info

Reply:

I don't know, is the answer Jason. But I suggest it might be a new No.8 to replace Robbie Kessler, who I've been told is resting from the British scene for a while. I think the Witches are going R/R for the two meetings next week and then there is another break after that, so there is no urgency to get a rider on board until the end of the month. But . . . I could be wrong and perhaps there is someone in the pipeline. Who would you like to see Jason? PS: How was Cardiff for you Jason, you came out well on the TV!!

John Barber:

Mike....yes im back...did ya miss me,.....you got any gossip on a new Witches signing

Reply:

Of course I missed you John. And no I don't have any gossip on a new signing, other than I think, as I said to Jason, I reckon it could be to replace Robbie Kessler (not that we've seen him), because I know for a fact he has gone back to Germany. Perhaps another Mildenhall man could be on their way as a No.8. Any thoughts yourself John, you go to West Row regularly. Did Cardiff go well for your and Nick John? And as I said to Jason, it was great to see him on the telly. A top man if ever there was one

Heather Robinson:

Afternoon Mike, long time no speak! I see Schrammy has been guesting for Mildenhall, and doing well! Would you like to see the 'doubling-up' rule brought back again this winter so that riders like Schrammy can ride in both the PL and EL?

Reply:

Long time no speak indeed Heather. Last week with you lot all off to Cardiff, I thought I'd been deserted. It was only JL's bombardment of questions that kept the webchat going!!!! As regards your question Heather, I simply think EL reserves should be able to race in the PL, simple as that. But only to replace riders, as I suppose is just about the case now. Doubling up was indeed good, it did Danny King a power of good and I'm sure these run of meetings with do Chris Schramm good. Can someone enlighten me why it was ever knocked on the head? I can't think of an argument against it, so long as it was British riders only?

John Barber:

Mike ...Another question about the World Cup....Do you think Team GB Riders and management will be the best kitted out team there....I certainly do,....apparantly you buy the Polos,Shirts and Caps of a website very soon....cant remember it though.....thats right www.enjaydesigns.net

Reply:

I've heard that enjaydesigns are also hoping to kit out some of the country's LEADING speedway writers with Team GB hats and coats too? Honestly Barber, will you stoop any lower to promote yourself . . . don't answer that!!!! Yes, no doubt Enjay will do the Brits proud . . . and the speedway writers

Pat Webb:

Hi Mike, well the promotion are fighting on with this Swindon thing, what do you think about this decision?

Reply:

Pat, quite simply I have to say that if Ipswich had won the meeting there would have been no complaints. And that you see is the problem. Of course Swindon shouldn't have used Parsons and the excuses about couldn't be contacted because they were on their way to Ipswich as though mobile phones/Blackberrys don't exist was pathetic. But I have no doubt the Swindon argument was aimed at Ipswich's sour grapes rather than the practicalities of the situation. If I was the Witches I would drop it and concentrate on how we can finish in the top two - get two huge crowds - for the semi and hopefully final and laugh all the way to the bank.

Jason Gillingham:

Thanks for the comments Mike. 1st choice would be my new mate from Saturday Nicki Pedersen but falling that take a gamble on Jurica Pavlic or Ricky Wells.

Reply:

Yes Jason, nice to see you looking after Nicki, although I don't think we will ever see him in a Witches race jacket!!! Unless he thinks the paramedic cover is worth it alone!! I agree with Pavlic, he seems a great prospect.

John Barber:

A Mildenhall rider you say......Well i did see the Heightmeister in conversation with one inparticular last week

Reply:

Well there you go Jaybea, I'll leave you to tell everyone who you think it may be. Of course we could both be way off the mark . . .

Jason Gillingham:

Joking aside with the exception of chris and Mark Nicki Pedersen is one of the most polite and thankful riders I have ever dealt with!!! Honest

Reply:

Well, that's nice to hear Jason and as you know when you get close to riders you find out their real personalities. But the likes of you and me have that luxury, fans don't. And they make their minds up on what they portray their heroes doing. And when Nicki turned his back on the British League this season, plenty of fans had their own thoughts as to why. But nice posting Jason and I hope people understand that it is nice to hiss, boo and cheer. But at the end of the day the boys are all brave and give us huge entertainment.

Pat Webb:

The doubling up issue Mike, the rumour has it that a PL rider touted himself around the EL clubs, trying to get them to outbid on points money and so the promoters decided to faze it out this season. (That's just a rumour I was told you understand)

Reply:

I don't know about that Pat, but you may well be right, although I would think the rider in question was more likely to be bombed out rather than the whole idea of doubling up. If you are right, it seems a crazy thing to do because of one rider. The bigger picture was that it benefitted more riders than it didn't.

Heather Robinson:

Seeing as Jim Smith has already asked the question I've just submitted, I'll ask another one instead!! Do you think there will be an EL meeting this year where both sides put out their declared 1-7? What with injuries, other commitments, I can't remember the last time two teams met without R/R or guests!

Reply:

Heather I doubt it. Have you seen the Coventry team riding at home to Poole tonight? It includes Swidders and only THREE Bees riders. R/R, Tai Woffiden, Freddie Lindgren, Olly Allen, Swidders, Messing and Burza!!!! Harris injured, Schlen and Stead World Champ duty! Crazy or what?

John Barber:

Mike....Did you see Gary Havelock has been realeased from Redcar...He could still do a good job in the Elite....and he is Mr Presenter's favourite rider.....Where is he....busy with next years Suffolk Show i reckon

Reply:

The Presenter obviously has bigger fish to fry this fine Friday lunchtime. No doubt Mr Long is wining and dining at some posh restaurant in town, waxing lyrical about Suffolk Punches and Craft Fairs. Anyhow, Gary Havelock, I would snap him up right now JL.

John Barber:

Funnily enough i had a different opinion of Nicki after i met him...and it was not the same as Jason's...you know

Reply:

Yeah, but you probably tried to sell him a Team GB cap Jaybea!!

Pat Webb:

Probaly right about that Mike TBH. Can't believe I missed seeing Jason at Cardiff, probably because our big screen wasn't working, and with Wimbledon on haven't watched the recording of it yet!!!

Reply:

Jason was evident at crash scenes which seemed to get more and more as the night progressed and the ruts got deeper. Well done Jason, fully deserved. They might not have had the world's No.1 ref on show, but at least the paramedic cover was second to none

Pat Webb:

We thought our fixture list was crazy didn't we, but poor old Coventry have ridden so few meetings, and this week when the injuries and qualifiers are going on, they get 4 meetings. That fixtures secretary needs....well you get my drift??

Reply:

Pat, it's a complete nightmare this season and I think will kick-start changes in the winter. The British Promoters can't seriously be happy with all this and if they are, then they are easily pleased. Ignore all the do-gooders who have no interest in British speedway telling us we should only watch one home meeting every two weeks, so they can increase their GP's to about 20 in five years time. Get a grip promoters, make some tough decisions and watch your businesses improve financially. As for the fixtures sec . . .

Pat Webb:

Are you serious Mike, Havvy?????...you obviously weren't at Somerset last Friday evening, for a magnificent PL pairs meeting, incidently almost spoilt by yet another very bad referee decision.

Reply:

Obviously not a fan Pat? I don't know however. I think in the right team and just asking for six or seven points a meeting, which is what the Witches require, Havvy could do a job. But we will obviously beg to differ!

John Barber:

Pat...Think you will find as well as number 1 paramedic....no 1 track shop was also there.....how soon they forget

Reply:

How soon indeed . . . I'm welling up as we speak . . Still no idea of the Mildenhall man then Jaybea? PS: Don't forget the Bacon Blog (all about sex this week!!!) www.eveningstar.co.uk blogs and opinions. And of course leave a comment friends.