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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2007 9:18:14 GMT
Heat Five 13 Red Bluey Wilkinson 1 Blue Hans Nielsen 5 White Peter Craven 9. Yellow Greg Hancock
On the track. Each rider drags their heels on the way round to the tapes, each one inviting the other to get there first. Craven is last on to the track and follows Bluey Wilkinson the lone Australian looking to improve his score.
Passing Nielsen concentrating on starting procedures. Hancock gets to the line first followed by Wilkinson then Craven who looks towards Nielsen, who has finally made it to the tapes. Heads down face right green light tapes rise.
Nielsen glides smoothly from the tapes clamping down Wilkinson on the bend. Craven moves towards the fence as Hancock comes in behind him heading towards the line.
Craven picks up dirt shoots forward and twists himself into position turning his bike in on itself rounding Nielsen, Wilkinson and Hancock coming out of the first bend.
‘This is what the crowd here has come to see,’ yelled Kelvin, ‘and it looks like they’re not going to be disappointed.’
Nielsen is powering forward with Wilkinson hot on his trail determined to stay in touch with Craven. Wilkinson powers under Neilsen into the third bend(lap one) as Hans is once more forced to clamp down on Wilkinson coming out of the fourth bend. Nielsen charges off after Craven who is riding low and tight on his bike coaxing all the power he can get out of his machine.
But Nielsen presses Craven through lap two managing to slide underneath him going down the back straight stretching his lead coming out of bend four. Down the home straight into bend one (lap three) Craven once more heads for the outside line probing at Nielsen but Hans manages to keep Craven under control. Greg Hancock is pushing at Bluey Wilkinson who is also trying to stay in touch with the two leaders.
Down the back straight (lap three) Craven makes ground up on Nielsen who glides majestically into bend three and out of bend four into lap four. Craven is right behind him while Wilkinson can do no more than try to keep Hancock occupied at the back.
Down the back straight Nielsen glides tight into bend three and out of bend four heading for the line. Craven mounts a last gasp attempt to pass the Dane but Hans crosses the line first with Wilkinson right behind him.
Hans Nielsen 3 – Peter Craven 2 – Bluey Wilkinson 1 – Greg Hancock 0
‘This race has shown that the mystique of Peter Craven is not going to prevent certain riders competing with him,’ said Kelvin. ‘Did Craven win either of his world championships with a 15 point maximum,’ asked Pearson. ‘I don’t think he did,’ Kelvin answered, ‘but either way it’s three more points in the bag for Nielsen who will be more than happy with his haul at this point.’
But Mauger is out next up against three Americans this time’, said Pearson, ’so once again we don’t have the time to dwell on the result of heat five Kelvin. What with two heat winners in Penhall and Milne, a six times world champion on one point and ‘Sudden Sam’ yet to score, something or someone’s got to give. Do you think Ivan Mauger’s about to do an Ove Fundin???’
‘Somehow,’ said the astute Kelvin, ‘ I don’t think this meeting is as much about Ivan as the first one was about Fundin. We are at a different venue, with a different set of riders under somewhat more difficult circumstances. I don’t think we can be as ‘certain’ of the outcome has we might have been then.
We should not forget that all these riders are world champions. People who have risen to the occasion in a professional manner to claim the grand prize, and they are in this series to win the grandest prize of all. So whichever way you assess who should win which race, one rider is going to come in first and one rider is going to come in last.’
‘You’re right Kelv,’ said Pearson, ‘and I think this series is more about the quality, pride and passion of the man than it is about statistics and the performance of individual bikes. It’s about the riders Kelvin and what they’ve got to give’. ‘And as you already said Nigel,’ cut in Kelvin, ‘someone’s got to give here.’
Heat Six 14 Red Bruce Penhall 10 Blue Jack Milne 1 White Ivan Mauger 6 Yellow Sam Ermelenko
On the track: Mauger makes a magic start from gate three clamping down Penhall and Milne. Ermelenko is suddenly at the back perhaps too deferential to his compatriots. Mauger steams ahead of his rivals. Penhall heads Jack Milne throughout the four laps. Mauger is flawless in his performance and acknowledges the cheers from the Exeter Falcon refugees from the County Ground.
There is a more muted applause from Belle Vue supporters. Cradley Heathens cheer their man and boo Mauger who nods to his rivals but does not pause to shake hands.
Ivan Mauger 3 – Bruce Penhall 2 Jack Milne 1 Sam Ermelenko 0
‘Ivan at his best Nigel,’ said Kelvin. ‘It was bound to happen sometime,’ responded Pearson. ‘Perhaps we have a more sedate race next with riders who are more familiar with the GP format.’ ‘They still have to score points,’ said Kelvin, ‘is Havvy still on fire, will it have galvanised Loram? Billy Hamill is in there too but so is Eric Gundersen.’
Heat Seven 11 Red Mark Loram 15 Blue Gary Havelock 7 White Billy Hamill 3 Yellow Eric Gundersen
On the track: Gundersen grateful for his chance to ride shoots out of the gate four over Hamill who is busy closing down Havelock and Loram.
Out of the first bend Gundersen is ahead with Hamill tucked in behind. Loram is in Havelock’s way. Gundersen is pulling further away while Hamill keeps the two Brits at bay into lap two.
Along the back straight Hamill hits a rut pulls a wheelie as Loram goes under him. As Hamill comes down Havelock appears to connect the American who falls sliding heavily into the fence, fortunate his catapulting bike misses him as it comes to a rest.
Red lights on – Race stopped – Medics assist – Fortunately Hamill leaves the track unaided – White exclusion light comes on.
Ermelenko is furious that Hamill is excluded and is on the phone claiming Havelock knocked Hamill off albeit accidently. Referee’s decision – Hamill was not in control of his bike if and when Havelock connected – video evidence inconclusive. Rerun – Gundersen unfazed by the stoppage glides once more from the gate leaving Havelock and Loram to tussle for the minor positions. Havelock presses Loram for four laps but Mark is in control of the track all the way to the tapes.
Eric Gundersen 3 – Mark Loram 2 – Gary Havelock 1 Billy Hamill 0 fell ex
‘Shame about Billy’, said Kelvin, ‘but I don’t think that Gary Havelock can be blamed for his fall. Loram will be happy with two points.’ ‘We have to move on Kelvin,’ said Pearson, ‘Ronnie Moore is out again up against Knutson and Peter Collins and the enigmatic Pole,’
Heat 8 4 Red Ronnie Moore 8 Blue Peter Collins 12 White Bjorn Knutson 16 Yellow Jerzy Szczakiel
On the track: Moore slides out of gate one ahead of Collins as Knutson links up with ‘Mirac’ coming out of the first bend. Szczakiel opts for the wide line round Collins. Moore and Knutson are locked together down the back straight as Collins wrestles with his machine trying to make contact with the Pole.
Szczakiel is determined to hang onto his third place realising he won’t split Moore and Knutson who continue locked together into lap three.
Collins goes wide entering bend one(lap 4) Szczakiel moves out to block him. Collins locks up trying to cut back inside and almost loses control. The Pole is now out of touching distance as Moore and Knutson cruise round the last bend. Moore ‘appears’ to allow Knutson across the finish line.
Bjorn Knutson 3 – Ronnie Moore 2 Jerzy Szczakiel 1 – Peter Collins 0
‘Another blatant piece of team riding from Moore and Knutson there Kelvin’, questioned Nigel? ‘Seems that way to me Nigel,’ said Kelvin, ‘Ronnie Moore is certainly up to something and seems to me Bjorn Knutson has a part in whatever’s going on.
‘What do you make of it all back in the studio,’ said Pearson.
‘Nielsen, Craven, Penhall and Moore on 5 points,’ said Keith, ‘ Mauger, Milne and Knutson tucked in behind them on 4 points apiece. What do you guys make of it? Alan Wilkinson? ‘Pleased that Peter Craven is in the mix,’ said Alan. ‘A bit disappointed for Peter Collins but their race together was a bit of an exhibition for the fans admitted. But with Nielsen getting one over on Peter Craven, it can only bring out the best in him. So bring on the next race, Ace against Ace. I am also sure Peter Collins will raise his game, but I also think Hancock, Ermelenko and Hamill will raise theirs too.’
‘What about Ronnie Moore and Knutson, Chris Louis,’ asked Keith? ‘There’s obviously something going on there,’ Chris replies. ‘Time will tell all in the end I am sure of that.’ ‘Sorry to cut you off fellahs but we’ve got to go back to Kelvin and Nigel.’
‘Will this be a hard one for Nielsen, Kelvin,’ said Pearson? ‘Though I hesitate to say it,’ responds Kelvin, ‘Nielsen should be a class above the rest of the field.’
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2007 15:47:24 GMT
Heat 9 6 Red Sam Ermelenko 16 Blue Jerzy Szczakiel 1 White Hans Nielsen 11 Yellow Mark Loram
On the track: Ermelenko is first to the tapes pawing the ground: Nielsen sits calm on the line: Loram fusses back and forth: Szczakiel last in position nudges the tapes. Ermelenko and Szczakiel first from the gate. Loram making the gate for once baulks Nielsen’s run to the line shutting him out.
Sam exits the first bend ahead with Szczakiel on his right shoulder. Loram is keeping Nielsen occupied looking for away past the British rider. The Pole attempts around the outside down the home straight Sam blocks the move. Loram remains a problem for Nielsen closing the Dane down pushing up the inside exiting bend 2 (lap2).
Ermelenko hangs with grim determination as the Pole pushes him hard into bend 1 (lap3). Nielsen can’t raise the speed to trouble Loram. Szczakiel locks up bend 4 (lap 3) but hangs onto second place. Sam pulls away and exiting bend 2 (lap4) is clear of the field. Szczakiel is untroubled by Loram who is determined to keep Nielsen in fourth place.
Sam Ermelenko 3 - Jerzy Szczakiel 2 – Mark Loram 1 - Hans Nielsen 0
‘Sudden Sam wheelies down the back straight – in the pits he is congratulated by – ‘Team America’!!!
‘I think Sam owed himself that one,’ chuckled Kelvin. ‘And Loram did a fine piece of work holding Nielsen down for four laps,’ Pearson added. ‘No time to reflect Kelvin, it’s a big one all the way in the next heat.’
Heat 10. 12 Red Bjorn Knutson 5 Blue Peter Craven 15 White Gary Havelock 2 Yellow Ivan Mauger
On the track: Knutson simply drove direct to the white line with Craven on his shoulder. Mauger is coming forward round the boards but Havelock like a demon possessed is right with him.
Mauger shuts off to cut back under Havelock picking up grip shooting him forward out of bend 2 past Craven. Craven locks up slightly – but perfectly balanced throws himself forward to clip in behind Mauger snapping at Knutson’s wheel.
But Craven is not finished with Mauger cutting round the outside exiting bend 4 (lap1). Mauger comes off his line to block Craven. Havelock tight on the line cuts through to second place momentarily.
Mauger sensing the danger nips back under Havelock bend one (lap2) as Craven rounds Havelock on the outside. Tight on Mauger’s back wheel again Craven pushes under Ivan bend 3 (lap2) elbowing Mauger to one side exiting bend 4.
Havelock comes under Mauger – Ivan repasses Havelock along the home straight. Momentum takes him round the boards exiting bend 2(lap3) and around Craven. Mauger hurtles down the back straight with Craven and Havelock close behind. Craven feints round the outside but cuts in exiting bend 4 (lap3) going under Mauger elbowing him out of the way.
Mauger drifts right almost colliding with Havelock but shrugs him off, Craven is round bends 1+2 (lap4). Mauger reconnects with him attempting to go under Craven bend 3(lap4). Craven leans hard on Mauger causing him to slow – as Havelock goes round the outside – Mauger if forced to block this move exiting bend 4.
Knutson crosses the line, Craven follows him inches ahead of Mauger who is very mindful of Havelock breathing down his neck.
Bjorn Knutson 3 – Peter Craven 2 – Ivan Mauger 1 – Gary Havelock 0
‘That’s got to be the race of the night Nigel,’ yells Kelvin as the stadium is in uproar. ‘What was all that about Kelvin,’ gasped Pearson? Cut the studio: ‘That was Peter Craven showing Ivan Mauger just who exactly the great Belle Vue Ace actually is.’ Alan Wilkinson leans forward in his wheelchair punching the air with delight. ‘But it was Knutson who won it,’ said knowledgeable Keith full face into the camera. ‘Back to Kelvin and Nigel.’
‘Well done Gary’, said an excited Sophie Blake in the pits. ‘You didn’t score any points but what a great race.’ ‘I’m not going to win this one,’ chuckled Gary, ‘but I know I can upset those who think they will!!!’ Meanwhile Chris Pusey and Soren Sjosten exchange satisfied smiles in the Craven cormer. ‘Oh Nigel,’ chuckled Kelvin. ‘Penhall – Collins – Gundersen – Hancock are already on the track. I can hardly breathe.’ ‘Fortunately Kelvin,’ said Pearson, ‘there is break when we have the next two races out of the way.’
Heat 11 7 Red Peter Collins 8 Blue Greg Hancock 3 White Eric Gundersen 14 Yellow Bruce Penhall
On the track: Hancock makes the gate: Gundersen comes over Peter Collins who bearing right baulks Bruce Penhall forcing him wide. Hancock exits bend one ahead of Gundersen who has Collins on his right shoulder. Penhall is probing under Collins.
All four riders are flat out down the back straight. Hancock is into bend 3 with Gundersen a yard behind him Collins on the outside cutting in on Penhall coming through on the inside.
The pace quickens down the home straight. Hancock going ‘too fast’ into bend one (lap2) locks slightly slowing Gundersen. Hancock maintains control as Collins rounds Gundersen but the Dane is ahead going into bend 2 (lap2). Hancock exits bend 2 out pacing Collins ahead of Gundersen.
Penhall is level with Gundersen along the back straight but the Dane is ahead into bend 3 (lap2). Collins attempts to round Hancock exiting bend 4 (lap2) but has to clamp down Gundersen who baulks Penhall.
Collins tucks in behind Hancock through bends 1+2 (lap3) followed by Gundersen and Penhall – All four riders seem to pause for breath before renewing hostilities entering bend 3 (lap3).
Gundersen powers under Collins – but PC wrestles his bike onto his chosen line heading Gundersen down the home straight. Hancock is round bends 1+2 (lap4) – followed by Collins still favouring the outside line.
Penhall moves out to overtake Gundersen – but inexplicably grinds to a halt. ‘Penhall has shed a chain,’ Kelvin roars. ‘Penhall’s abrupt halt fazes Gundersen for a split second as Collins ploughs ahead round bends 3+4 (lap4) unable to pass Hancock before the line.
Greg Hancock 3 – Peter Collins 2 – Eric Gundersen 1 – Bruce Penhall 0
‘Are we seeing shift in the balance of power Kelvin,’ said Pearson? ‘Ask me after the next race,’ sighs Kelvin. ‘I will,’ said Nigel, ‘but here are two more Americans up against a Kiwi and an Australian. ‘I am sure Bluey Wilkinson and Jack Milne will be happy to renew acquaintances on the track,’ chuckles Kelvin. ‘1938 and all that.’ ‘What’s that Kelvin,’ inquires Pearson? ‘Heat 19 Nigel,’ said Kelvin. ‘1938’ Milne beat Wilko but Bluey won the championship by one point.’ ‘Historical Kelvin!!!’ – ‘Hysterical Nigel!!!’
Heat 12 13 Red Bluey Wilkinson 4 Blue Ronnie Moore 10 White Jack Milne 7 Yellow Billy Hamill
On the track: Wilkinson and Milne eye each other at the tapes with Moore and the wounded Hamill already the interlopers.
Moore is first from the gate with purpose but Wilkinson drives under him with grim determination moving the Kiwi over. Milne out gates the out of sorts Hamill. Wilkinson is ahead down the back straight with Moore in hot pursuit. Milne with grit in his teeth follows Moore into bend 3 out of bend 4 and underneath him.
Moore head down is level with Milne into bend 1(lap2) but the American elbows his way out of bend 2 down the back straight after Wilkinson already into bend 3. Milne is on Wilkinson’s tail down the home straight into bends 1+2 (lap 3) Milne makes contact with Wilkinson along the back straight into bends 3+4 (lap3) Down the home straight the riders level with each other but it’s Bluey Wilkinson in and out of bends 1+2 (lap4) ahead of the American.
Milne who stays in touch with the Australian again draws level with Wilkinson on the back straight. Wilkinson drifts off his line to push Milne off his right shoulder. Milne looks back for Moore who is half a lap behind – mindful that a disconsolate Hamill has pulled onto the centre green – and not welcome in the Australian and American battle Milne picks up dirt exiting bend 4 (lap4) dicing with Wilkinson to the line – Wilkinson punches the air as he crosses the line first.
Bluey Wilkinson 3 – Jack Milne 2 – Ronnie Moore 1 – Billy Hamill 0
‘One suspects an old score has been settled Kelvin,’ observes Nigel! ‘It was the only opportunity these 1930’s champions had of making contact with each other,’ Kelvin replied. ‘And they had no reason to team ride each other.’ ‘Either way they both put Ronnie Moore’s nose out of joint,’ responded Pearson. ‘What did that do to his master plan I wonder, whatever that turns out to be, but it’s time for the interval.’
During the interval speedway supporters wander around the stadium obtaining refreshments. Large numbers of supporters mill around a stall bearing the logo ‘Dipster’s Dodgy Speedway DVD’s’ ‘Look oh mystical Uncle,’ said a still undecided Belle Vue supporting nephew, thankful he was able to drag his sick Uncle to Cardiff for this meeting, ‘someone’s selling DVD’s of Round One of the All Time Greats Speedway Grand Prix Series.’ ‘Fraudulent Copyright Infringement or what eh,’ chuckled wicked old Uncle Mr Clemens to his silly sen!!!
Back in the studio ‘What are we looking at here fellahs,’ said Keith to Chris Louis and Alan Wilkinson? ‘Craven and Knutson on 7 points, Ronnie Moore, Jack Milne on 6, Nielsen, Mauger, Hancock, Wilkinson and Penhall on 5. Collins, Gundersen on 4 apiece with Sam, Szczakiel, Loram and Havelock on 3, seems to me everyone still has something to gain from their last 2 races.’
‘But who is in the first three places along with Jack Milne,’ points out Chris Louis! ‘We might get some answers Chris, Jonathan looks as if he’s collared Ronnie Moore and Bjorn Knutson who have been talking to Peter Craven.’ ‘Can you tell us what you’ve been talking to Peter Craven about,’ questioned Jonathan, ‘what did he have to say?’ ‘He just said to give his regards to Ove and Barry, that’s all,’ said Moore. ‘Did he say anything else,’ pressed Jonathan? ‘See you soon,’ chuckled Bjorn Knutson as he and Moore walked off. Jonathan facing the camera shrugged his shoulders and said,’ I thought it was Ove Fundin who was supposed to be enigmatic and an old Fox. Ronnie Moore’s not doing too bad in the enigmatic stakes himself.’ Jonathan observed British Academy riders brought by Peter Oakes to meet Peter Craven allowed into his presence by Chris Pusey and Soren Sjosten on eternal guard of the great Belle Vue Ace. ‘How is it those young riders can get to meet Peter Craven and we can’t,’ asked Jonathan of Chris Pusey. ‘We’d love to introduce Peter Craven to a wider public audience.’ ‘These lads get to meet Peter,’ answered Pusey, ‘because one day one or maybe two of them could be world champion. Peter wants to take a look at them and wish them well in their careers. You never know he might be competing against some of them in future Grand Prix’s of this kind. As for introducing Peter to a wider public,’ Pusey paused, ‘I think everyone knows who Peter Craven is.’ A disconsolate Jonathan hands back to the studio but time is pressing and Keith passes the baton back to Kelvin and Nigel in the commentary box as the second half of the meeting will shortly commence.
‘Fundin wins Group A,’ observes Pearson. ‘Moore, Craven and Knutson head Group B after 12 races. What does that suggest to you Kelvin?’ ‘Big Five’ will to win, Nigel,’ said the astute Kelvin Tatum. ‘These guys are presenting their credentials to the rest of these world champions and it’s for them to rise to the occasion. The ‘Big Five’ won’t lay down for anyone, let alone each other.’ ‘But there are 8 more races tonight Kelvin and 4 more GP’s,’ Pearson realised,’ still a long, long way to go. There will be a testing time for Knutson in the next race up against Penhall, Nielsen and Hamill.’
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2007 21:21:56 GMT
Heat 13 7 Red Billy Hamill 12 Blue Bjorn Knutson 14 White Bruce Penhall 1 Yellow Hans Nielsen
On the track: Knutson with the feeling this one is his clamps Hamill on the line. Penhall heads outside of Knutson. Nielsen emerges from under Hamill coming out of bend 2 level with Penhall. Knutson is slightly ahead of locked together Penhall and Nielsen.
Knutson hugs the white line into bend 3 – Nielsen and Penhall enter and leave bend 4 still inseperable. Knutson remains ahead – the pace quickens down the home straight. Knutson holds on through bends 1+2 (lap2) out onto the back straight.
Nielsen and Penhall attempt to go either side of the Swede, Nielsen on the inside. Knutson moves out to block Penhall’s run into bend 3 (lap2). Nielsen passes through the gap left by Knutson momentum carrying him off his line.
Knutson cuts back in under Nielsen heading the Dane out of bend 4 – with Penhall on his right shoulder – Knutson tight to the line enters bend 1(lap3) – with Nielsen on his back wheel – Penhall tucked in behind the Dane.
Knutson pulls ahead out of bend 2 down the back straight through bends 3+4 (lap3) onto the home straight into lap 4. The craft of the stylish Swede enables him to pull away from Nielsen out of bends 1+2. Nielsen is preoccupied with outpacing Penhall. They finish in that order with Hamill trailing in last.
Bjorn Knutson 3 - Hans Nielsen 2 - Bruce Penhall -1 Billy Hamill 0
‘Hamill has had a horrendous night Kelvin,’ commiserated Pearson. ‘Is this Knutson’s night of glory Nigel,’ pondered Kelvin. ‘You can sense an air of growing confidence in his authorative handling of Nielsen and Penhall,’ ‘I am sure a certain six timer will take issue with that contention,’ replies Nigel. ‘He’s out in the next heat so we will soon know what he’s going to do about it.’
Heat 14 2 Red Ivan Mauger 13 Blue Bluey Wilkinson 8 White Peter Collins 11 Yellow Mark Loram
On the track: Mauger takes maximum advantage of gate one – tight to the line – a bike length ahead of Bluey Wilkinson. Collins opts to round the boards chopping off slow gating Loram’s run to the same piece of ground. Collins cuts in – attempts to go under Wilkinson into bend 2 – Wilkinson ahead down the back straight hugging the white line.
Collins looks to sweep round Wilkinson into bend 3 – cuts in to go under him into bend 4 - but Wilkinson is having none of it. Through lap 2 Collins stays in touch with Wilkinson – who isn’t making any inroad’s on Mauger’s lead. Into lap3 Loram is attempting to go inside Collins – who closes down Loram going into bend 1 – but still can’t break Wilkinson’s hold on the line.
Mauger is already on lap four – as Wilkinson exits bends 4(lap3) with Collins in close proximity – Loram hovers over Collins’ right shoulder. Wilkinson enters and exits bends 1+2 (lap4) – Collins hugs the line intending to nudge Wilkinson off his line entering bend 3 – Wilkinson refuses to budge – Collins clips Wilkinson’s back wheel – sending him careering across the track – Loram with presence of mind cuts in sharply – as Collins slides into the air fence – bounces off the fence and his bike – landing on his feet.
Ivan Mauger 3 – Bluey Wilkinson 2 – Mark Loram 1 – Peter Collins 0
‘Collins overcooked it there Kelvin,’ reported Pearson. ‘Desperation and frustration Nigel,’ Kelvin responded. ‘But it’s a comprehensive win for Mauger and a good second place for Bluey Wilkinson.’ ‘Craven is up against Milne, Gundersen and Szczakiel in this one Kelvin,’ informed Pearson. ‘We are getting to the sharp end things Nigel,’ said a suitably serious Kelvin
Heat 15 16 Red Jerzy Szczakiel 3 Blue Eric Gundersen 10 White Jack Milne 5 Yellow Peter Craven
On the track: All four riders leave the tapes together. Szczakiel slightly ahead – Gundersen elects to cut inside to go under the Pole – because Milne is bearing down on the Dane – this leaves Craven with no alternative but to ride round the fence. Milne – fired up after his tussle with Wilkinson – draws level with Szczakiel out of bend 2 – Gundersen hehind on the line – Craven hugs the boards – Milne clamps down on Szczakiel into bend 3
Craven still riding the boards watches as Milne emerges from bend 4 ahead of the Pole – who is now in Gundersen’s way. Craven comes down off the boards mid track – connecting with Milne going into bend 1 (lap2) coming out of bend 2 Craven holds mid track – Milne heads into bend 3 exits bend 4 with Craven stalking him.
Szczakiel is locked in battle with Gundersen and ahead of the Dane. Into bend 1 (lap3) Craven looks to go round the outside of Milne – twists his body low on the bike cuts in under Milne exiting bend 2 (lap3) ahead.
Craven is away down the back straight entering and exiting bends 3+4 (lap3) – Milne recovered from his shock is hot on Craven’s trail – pushing him through bends 1+2 (lap4) – Szcakiel meanwhile remains in control of Gundersen – half a lap behind the leaders.
Craven sweeps along the back straight with Milne in close contact – into bend 3 Craven hangs off his bike baulking Milne’s idea of pushing Craven off his line. This manoeuvre propels Craven forward out of bend 4. Milne is coming up the inside but Craven is over the line by the width of a wheel.
Peter Craven 3 – Jack Milne 2 Jerzy Szczakiel 1 Eric Gundersen 0
‘A hard fought heat Kelvin,’ observes Pearson. ‘A superlative move by Craven coming out of the second bend was the turning point in more ways than one,’ said Kelvin delighted by the Aces move. ‘Sam and Greg are out against Ronnie Moore and Gary Havelock,’ announces Nigel. ‘Gary has to be even more inspired by Peter Craven,’ anticipates Kelvin.
Heat 16 9 Red Greg Hancock 6 Blue Sam Ermelenko 4 White Ronnie Moore 17 Yellow Gary Havelock
On the track: Hancock and Ermelenko locked together in a ‘Team America’ embrace hit bend one. Havelock perhaps forgetting he has taken on the role of ‘Big Five’ helpmate shoots round Moore who is in the process of tucking himself in behind the American pair.
Havelock eager to get to grips with Sam and Greg gets in Moore’s way. Sam and Greg shoot off down the back straight – team riding all the way. Havelock – in need of points – has no intention of giving way to Ronnie Moore.
On it goes through laps 2+3 into lap four. Havelock all over the track looking to split the American pair – conducts his affairs in a manner to confuse Moore – who sits frustrated at the back of the field Hancock crosses the line first followed by Ermelenko, Havelock and Moore.
Greg Hancock 3 – Sam Ermelenko 2 – Gary Havelock 1 – Ronnie Moore 0
Back in the studio ‘With Knutson and Craven on 10 points,’ pondered Keith, ‘are we looking at ‘Big Five’ elitism here fellahs?’ ‘I think we are looking at greatness Keith,’ answered Alan Wilkinson. ‘I agree with that,’ confirmed Chris Louis. ‘Just wait till I tell my old mate Barry Briggs how great he is,’ responded Keith, looking dryly into the camera stifling a half formed smug grin. ‘Back to Kelvin and Nigel.’ The pair in the commentary box can be heard chuckling.
‘All power to the ‘Big Five,’ chuckled Kelvin. ‘But seriously Nigel did we expect that they might dominate at this stage of the series.’ ‘They set the benchmark for all Speedway world champions Kelvin,’ answered Pearson. ‘I don’t think it can be unexpected they should do the same thing here.’
‘Well I am certain Nigel,’ decided Kelvin, ‘that wherever it was Peter Craven came from, he didn’t come here to mess about.’ ‘Milne, Hancock and Mauger are on 8 points though,’ calculated Pearson.
‘I think Mauger and Hancock have gone quietly about their work tonight Nigel,’ said Kelvin. ‘And there is still time for Ivan to make his mark on the final reckoning, but let’s see what Jack Milne gets up to in heat 17 first.’
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2007 10:15:33 GMT
Heat 17 1. Red Hans Nielsen 8. Blue Peter Collins 15. White Gary Havelock 10. Yellow Jack Milne
On the track: Hans Nielsen rolls towards the white line with Peter Collins on his shoulder. The evermore adventurous, (and with nothing to lose) Havelock decides to try round the boards. Jack Milne charges through between Havelock and Collins to hook up with Nielsen. Milne too is fired up and on a mission to consolidate his position as top American rider.
Nielsen sits tight on the line. Havelock and Collins dice with each other. Milne probes at Nielsen’s looking over his shoulder for the British pair. Collins is doing his best to rid himself of the persistant Havelock who is determined to add to his points. ‘Havvy’ is on a par with this particular Belle Vue Ace on points tonight and world championship winning wise and he’s already upset Moore, so why not Peter Collins too.
Nielsen ploughs on his way with Milne still probing but devoid of opportunity to make a positive move. Havelock gets past Collins that galvanises the ‘Ace’ into action. There is a feeling in Collins body language that perhaps there ought to have been more than one tactical ride from ‘Team GB’ in this meeting besides Collins’ run out with Peter Craven.
Nielsen is in no mood to give ground to Milne. The Dane knows he’s not going to win this meeting but he needs as many points as he can get. Milne too seems to realise he’s not going to make it past Nielsen.
The crowd watch fascinated as the British pair of riders spend their time battling with each other for four laps. Havelock seemingly that bit more inspired by the presence of the greater ‘Ace’ in the pack beats Collins over the line. But Collins is seen stretching is leg stiffly as he leaves the track???
Hans Nielsen 3 – Jack Milne 2 – Gary Havelock 1 Peter Collins 0
‘That race appeared to me to have the most ‘predictable’ race of the evening feel to it Kelvin’, said Pearson, ‘what’s your take on it.’ ‘I think we’re finding that some riders are beginning to ride more like their real selves than they were earlier on in the meeting,’ responded Kelvin. ‘Some others have still to get themselves to that point. It’s also been something of an emotional evening for a lot of people and that’s had its effect on proceedings too. Big benchmarks have been set down by ‘big riders’ in these two meetings but in among that rich mix the ‘lesser lights’ in the pantheon of speedway world fame are putting down their markers too’. ‘And there’s Ivan too,’ reminded Pearson. ‘Yes there is,’ replied Kelvin thoughtfully.
Heat 18 9 Red Greg Hancock 6 Blue Ivan Mauger 7 White Billy Hamill 16 Yellow Jerzy Szczakiel
On the track Hancock and Hamill don’t look at each other as they fuss with their gardening in their respective gate positions. Mauger rides to the tapes circles back to the corner back to the tapes paws at the ground with the toe of his boot. There is a Pole on gate 4 no one really pays much attention to.
Heads down faces right green light tapes rise, Hancock moves off one bearing slightly right. Hamill making a supreme effort pushes himself out of gate three turning left in tandem with his fellow American. You can almost hear Mauger saying ‘no you don’t’ as he glides majestically between them into the first bend. But there is a Pole – who no one takes much notice of – over on Ivan’s right shoulder. The Pole seems as if he ‘nods’ at Mauger as if he is saying – ‘ok yes let’s do it’.
Mauger gets his head down out of bend two with Szczakiel hard oh his trail – someone else with something to settle. Mauger is through into lap 2 with the Pole hard on his heels – Hancock senses he is chasing shadows – another rider who senses there is a ‘party’ going on up ahead he’s not invited to join.
Szczakiel draws level with Mauger into lap 3 runs wide into bend one but cuts back in under Mauger coming out of bend 2 picking up dirt that thrusts him forward outside of Mauger who is glued to the white line. The Pole tries the outside through bends 3+4 (lap3). Hancock even tries a push through at this point but Szczakiel clamps him down hard.
Mauger is through bends 1+2 (lap4) Szczakiel follows him through looking for dirt and working up drive along the back straight. Going into bend 3 the Pole drives hard under Mauger in an attempt to shove him out of the way. Mauger holds hard to his position and Szczakiel seems as if he’s likely to lose control and fall off.
‘Not me,’ seems to be Szczakiel’s body language response to the gasp of the crowd as he maintains control over his machine – shuts out a last Hancock surge underneath him - crossing the line a bike length behind Mauger and just ahead of Hancock. Mauger responds to Szczakiel’s offered handshake as they ride round the back straight. There is a loud cheer from the Polish contingent in the crowd. Szczakiel nods courteously in their direction as he rides by.
Ivan Mauger 3 – Jerzy Szczakiel 2 - Greg Hancock 1 – Billy Hamill 0
‘You’re a world champion, is that how it should have been Kelvin,’ queried Pearson? ‘It was how it was,’ responded Kelvin, ‘If every world championship was as it should have been, according to Ivan’s formbook, Ove Fundin and Ivan Mauger would have won ten world titles each and probably Hans Nielsen too.’ ‘That would leave 28 riders to share one world title,’ chuckled Pearson. ‘Yes,’ chuckled Kelvin, ‘and there would be a three man run off for All Time Greats Speedway World Champion and we wouldn’t be sat here till Christmas waiting to see who it will be.’ ‘Mauger is also in front for the first time tonight Kelvin,’ commented Nigel bringing his partner back to stark reality!!! ‘But will he stay there Nigel,’ said Kelvin, ‘I know we’re about to find out.’
Heat 19. 3. Red Eric Gundersen 12. Blue Bjorn Knutson 13. White Bluey Wilkinson 6. Yellow Sam Ermelenko
On the track: All four riders were off the mark together, Gundersen edging into the first bend, Ermelenko cuts back in under Knutson and Wilkinson elbowing them both out. The Swede and Australian collide - both are sent sprawling on the track. Gundersen glances back down the track Red lights: referees decision: first bend bunching: all four back.
Eventually the riders return to the tapes. There is a calmness about Knutson an urgency about Ermelenko. Reflective Eric Gundersen contrasts flamboyant Bluey Wilkinson.
Knutson streams from the tapes with Wilkinson coming in on his right shoulder. Gundersen slow from the gate his heart seemingly not in it is also passed by Sam Ermelenko keen to finish with a flourish of his own.
Knutson clings to the white line Wilkinson coming up the outside with Ermelenko aiming to split them both riding into bend 3 but Wilkinson pulls in sharply to cut off Sam’s run through.
Knutson is off down the home straight – Wilkinson charges hard underneath him into bend 1(lap2) forcing Knutson of the line. Sam Ermelenko likewise charges under Wilkinson pushing him out of shape coming out of bend 2.
Sam heads through the gap opened up under Knutson by Wilkinson and sees daylight ahead. Knutson with the bit between his teeth finds drive and charges on outside Ermelenko approaching bend 3.
Making his turn into bend 3 Knutsson leans down on Ermelenko trapping him on the line forcing him to slow – allowing Wilkinson to go round Sam Knutsson comes out of bend 4 head with Wilkinson on his tail – Ermelenko recovers and chases the leaders.
Knutson clamps himself to the white line into lap 3 enters the first bend with Wilkinson going wide in order to pick up drive to shoot him up the inside of Knutson coming out of the second bend.
Wilkinson locks up making the turn – Ermelenko head down drives through the gap following Knutson out of the second bend. Knutson and Ermelenko are through bends 3+4 (lap3) – Wilkinson taking that time to get back on terms with the front two.
Into lap 4 bend 1 Knutson hugs the white line with Ermelenko a bike length behind poising to drive round the outside out of bend two– a bike length removed Wilkinson is over Sam’s shoulder – waiting for the American to commit himself. Knutson continues to progress – Ermelenko head down seeks to pick up dirt along the back straight that will drive him forward high round the boards going into bend 3.
Knutson moves off his line to counter this move and to pick up drive himself to thrust him out of bend four to the finish line.
Coming out of bend four Ermelenko is level with Knutson a yard off his line – Wilkinson a bike length behind sits between them. Ermelenko picks up drive on the high line pushing him forward. The American drifts left off the fence – Knutson drifts right further off the white line.
Through the tapes and Ermelenko is half a wheel ahead of Knutson with Wilkinson tight behind them. Gundersen is on the centre green looking down at his bike. Sudden Sam wheelies down the back straight to the roar of the supporters
Sam Ermelenko 3 Bjorn Knutson 2 Bluey Wilkinson 1 Eric Gundersen 0
‘Are we looking at a Ronnie Moore and perhaps Mark Loram inspired stitch up,’ queried Pearson, ‘to force a convenient run off between Peter Craven and Bjorn Knutson to delight the fans with Kelvin?’ ‘There is that possibility Nigel,’ said Kelvin, ‘but all these riders are looking for points to increase their chances of making it to the Grand Final. Romantic gestures to fuel the fantasies of speedway fans is one thing but those riders down there are competing for a purpose, but yes there is the possibility of a run off for first place’.
Heat 20 5. Red Peter Craven 14. Blue Bruce Penhall 11. White Mark Loram 4. Yellow Ronnie Moore
On the track: All eyes are on Ronnie Moore and Peter Craven but it’s Bruce Penhall and Mark Loram away from the gate first. Penhall - obviously taking his ‘inspiration’ from Sam Ermelenko’s performance in the previous race - flies direct ahead from the tapes leans comprehensively down over Craven.
Loram is over Penhall’s shoulder pulling ahead of Ronnie Moore making his way to swoop round the boards. Penhall exits the first bend on fire. Craven comes out of the second bend linking up with Loram coming in off the boards. The British pair are level along the back straight. Ronnie Moore sits behind them but Craven and Loram are locked in battle leaving the Kiwi little option but to wait for an opening.
Penhall proceeds serenely on his way to the delight of the Cradley fans disappointed at Gundersen’s performance but more than happy that their particular ‘golden boy’ is causing the ‘upset’ of the night.
Into bend 3 (lap 1) Loram swoops round Craven and ahead – Craven pulls a locker coming out of bend 4 to pick up dirt and shoot underneath Loram. Both riders seem to be enjoying this tussle with each other. Moore probes here and there looking for a way through Loram and Craven.
The British duo continue their duel into bend 1(lap 2) with Craven pushing under Loram moving him wide and the ‘Ace’ moves ahead. Ronnie Moore finds himself sandwiched between Loram and Craven along the back straight. Craven swoops round the boards body kinked as he forces his bike to be where he wants it to be on the apex of bend 3.
The bike picks up dirt shooting Craven out of bend 4 between Moore and Loram – as Moore is in the process of passing by Loram on the inside down the home straight.
Craven drives through bends 1+2 (lap 3) with Moore and Loram hot on his trail. Loram levels with Craven – he now sweeps round the boards in and out of bends 3+4 (lap3) – Craven leans towards the line – Moore makes to come through between Loram and Craven – Craven picks up dirt shooting him forward past Moore – Loram is coming off the boards to clamp Moore’s run through – with perfect timing Craven shoots across Loram’s ‘nose’ towards the boards to sweep into bend 1 (lap 4)
Moore refers to the line – Loram opts for a mid track sweep round Moore – as they all exit bend 2(lap4)
Craven decides to sweep down low to the line as Loram heads in the opposite direction along the back straight – Loram picks up momentum for grip acquired inches the fence – Moore mid track threatens to move between them All three riders fire into bend 3 (lap4) – Loram around the boards Moore mid track Craven tight to the line.
All three riders pick up grip out of bend 4 shooting them forward towards the line – Craven and Loram come together almost touching elbows – some might say to purposely shut Moore out – Loram is a tyre’s width ahead of Craven over the line.
Bruce Penhall is already pulling wheelies for the crowd – but the majority of the stadium is in uproar as they realise they’ve seen something special occur. Mark Loram raises his hand to shake Peter Craven’s hand – their fingers touch
‘That was magic Kelvin,’ yelled Nigel Pearson. ‘Mark Loram must live for moments like those.’ ‘No more than Peter Craven lived for them,’ choked an emotional Kelvin. ‘Back to Keith in the studio,’ ‘We have a run off for third place Alan Wilkinson,’ said Keith, ‘what do you thing of that? ‘Two ‘Aces’ in the pack,’ smiled Alan Wilkinson. ‘I can’t wait.’ ‘Ivan sneaked up on all of us after all,’ grinned Chris Louis.
In the pits Mauger with three wins to his name has first pick choosing red. Peter Craven is already sitting on his bike with the white helmet colour over his helmet. Once again a young man wearing the Kings Lynn logo steps forward to assist the great Ace on to the track.
‘There’s that ethereal air about again Nigel,’ whispered Kelvin hoarsely in the commentary box.’
On the track: All is silent in the Millennium Stadium as the tapes rise. Mauger shoots from the gate followed by Craven. Ivan cruises into the first bend. Craven sweeps round the boards picking up traction hot on the tail of his fellow ‘Ace’. Down the back straight Mauger glides into bends 3+4 exiting still ahead of Craven.
Along the home straight into lap 2 Craven draws level with Mauger who drifts off the line to push Craven out towards the fence going into bend 1. Craven twists the bike picking up the drive dives under Mauger coming out of the second bend ahead. Mauger keeps in contact with Craven down the back straight through bends 3+4 out on to the home straight into lap 3. Craven enters and exits bends 1+2 (lap3).
Mauger dives underneath Craven riding on the line – pushing him towards the centre of the track – Ivan slightly ahead tucks into the white line into bend 3 (lap3) – Craven picking up traction mid track seeks to swoop round Mauger but Ivan is ahead out of bend 4 down the home straight into lap 4.
Through bends 1+2 (lap4) Mauger is still ahead. Craven appears to wrap himself tightly into his bike streamlining himself to gain extra traction and momentum to thrust himself forward a level with Mauger going into bend 3. Craven makes the supreme effort picking up traction coming out of bend 4.
Both ‘Aces’ are level exiting bend four Craven head down body crouched picks up the traction to take him past Mauger by half a wheel length.
The roar of the crowd splits the air bringing the noise and colour to life in the enclosed stadium. Ivan Mauger rolls off the track but Peter Craven continues to drift round the track.
‘Craven was always going to beat Mauger,’ Kelvin emphasised. ‘It was something he had to do.’ He is the great Belle Vue Ace, Kelvin,’ said Nigel Pearson. ‘No one else is.’
Peter Craven still drifting round the track raises his hand under his chin unclipping his helmet. He slowly takes of the helmet and puts it over his handlebars. Craven stands up on his bike arms outstretched continuing to drift round the track.
In the pits Jonathan still trying to get a meaningful interview with the Craven camp takes his eyes off the Belle Vue Ace and looks over his shoulder. Chris Pusey and Soren Sjosten are stood watching Craven on the track. ‘What’s he doing,’ stuttered Jonathan? ‘Oh that. It was something Peter saw Tomasz Gollob do once so he thought he’d like to try it himself.’ Pusey paused. ‘We saw that Nicki Pedersen do the same thing, in the next GP but he almost fell of his bike trying.’ ‘Peter Craven might fall off too,’ said Jonathan trying to be convivial. ‘The wizard of balance you mean,’ said Chris Pusey laconically? Jonathan glanced towards the track, as Peter Craven floated round, turned to continue his conversation with Pusey. But Pusey and Sjosten weren’t there. Jonathan looked back to the track Peter Craven wasn’t there either. But Ivan Mauger was.
‘You finished third Ivan,’ Jonathan asked quickly in the hope of a response. ‘I finished third in 1967,’ was Ivan’s short reply. ‘And then what,’ asked the expectant Jonathan? ‘Read my autobiography,’ said Ivan then walked away. Jonathan turned towards the camera shrugged his shoulders and grimaced. ‘Everywhere I turn I am surrounded by enigmatic world champions,’ said Jonathan. ‘It seems that if I want to get any answers out of this 6 times world champion I am going to have to read his book Kelvin. What’s it called?’ ‘Triple Crown Plus, Jonathan,’ chuckled Kelvin. ‘I think Ivan was telling you he’s going to have a lot more to say about the outcome of this Grand Prix series before it’s done. ‘Back to Keith in the studio,’ chuckled Nigel Pearson.
‘Did anyone notice in the midst of all this fuss and palaver that my old mate Barry Brigg’s old mate Bjorn Knutson won this meeting,’ asked Keith? ‘Two Swedes at the top of the pile after two rounds, what do you make of it all fellahs? ‘I think we’ve only seen the beginning of it all as yet,’ said Alan Wilkinson. ‘Peter Craven has done as well as can be expected. Peter Collins and some of the other riders haven’t woken up to the challenge I don’t think yet. ‘That’s what the GP’s are all about,’ said Keith. ‘If a rider doesn’t perform in one race or one GP for that matter, there is every opportunity for them to shine in the next Grand Prix’. ‘Remember Ivan Mauger and Hans Nielsen are right in there behind Craven and Knutson,’ reminded Chris Louis. ‘And there is a solid bunch of American world champions in there too,’ said Keith, ‘with four of them holding down positions 5 to 8 in the current pecking order.’ Keith paused. ‘Are we disappointed that once again it seems to be the British contingent, Craven aside, who are hovering around the lower rungs of the ladder?’ ‘It’s about who wants it most of all,’ sidestepped Chris Louis. ‘Well Sophie Blake is down in the pits with ‘Sudden Sam,’ said Keith. ‘How much do you want it Sam?’ ‘We want it as much as anyone else does,’ said Sam. ‘We’re sitting nicely, we’ve scored points and other than Billy, who has had a really bad night, all of us have got the opportunity to make it to the Grand Final. More than one or all of us will be there on the night that’s for sure.’ ‘The other world champions have dubbed you guys ‘Team America’, chuckled Sophie, ‘what do you think of that?’ We’re Americans,’ said Sam, ‘we stick together.’ ‘So that’s why they’ve started calling you ‘Captain America’ is it Sam,’ chuckled Keith? ‘Uhm yes,’ said Sam laughing, ‘most likely’. Jonathan corners Ronnie Moore with Bjorn Knutson fresh from the podium. ‘Is nationality a factor for either of you two guys,’ queried Jonathan? ‘It’s about ‘Big Five’ reputation,’ said Ronnie Moore emphatically. ‘We are here to win,’ said Knutson, ‘why be here otherwise?’ ‘If anyone wants to be the All Time Great World Champion,’ said Ronnie Moore, ‘they’re not going to have to take it off one of us, they are going to have to take it off all of us.’ Jonathan hands back to the studio ‘Well,’ said Keith leaning into camera, ‘ now we know. But that’s it. Another wonderful night at the Millennium Stadium Cardiff, rapidly becoming the new ‘spiritual home’ of speedway. What with Peter Craven here to add his particular blessing to the occasion we have to believe that we’ll be watching speedway here for many years to come. No one appears to want to go home tonight but my thanks to Kelvin and Nigel, to Chris Louis and Alan Wilkinson – Goodnight’.
The front cover of the following weeks Speedway Star depicted Bjorn Knutson flanked by Peter Craven and Ivan Mauger. Craven and Knutson, both with right arm outstretched palms upwards, had their fingers and thumbs spread wide Mike Patrick took the picture. Big Five
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2007 22:12:47 GMT
Points scored after the first two rounds
Group A
1 Ove Fundin 0/3/3/3/3 = 12 = 1st = 12 + 32 = 44 2 Tony Rickardsson 2/2/3/3/2 = 12 = 2nd = 12 + 30 = 42 3 Tomasz Gollob 2/3/3/1/3 = 12 = 3rd = 12 + 28 = 40 4 Ole Olsen 3/3/2/2/1 = 11 = 4th = 11 + 26 = 37 5 Barry Briggs 3/1/2/3/2 = 11 = 5th = 11 + 24 = 35 6 Lionel Van Praag 3/0/1/2/2 = 8 = 6th = 8 + 22 = 30 7 Per Jonsson 2/2/2/1/1 = 8 = 7th = 8 + 20 = 28 8 Nicki Pedersen 0/0/2/2/3 = 7 = 8th = 7 + 18 = 25 9 Anders Michanek 0/3/0/2/2 = 7 = 9th = 7 + 16 = 23 10 Michael Lee 2/1/1/0/3 = 7 = 10th = 7 + 14 = 21 11 Freddie Williams 1/0/3/0/1 = 5 = 11th = 5 + 12 = 17 12 Tommy Price 3/1/0/1/0 = 5 = 12th = 5 + 10 = 15 13 Jason Crump 1/0/0/3/0 = 4 = 13th = 4 + 8 = 12 14 Jan O Pedersen 1/2/1/0/0 = 4 = 14th = 4 + 6 = 10 15 Jack Young 1/1/0/1/1 = 4 = 15th = 4 + 4 = 8 16 Egon Muller 0/2/1/0/0 = 3 = 16th = 4 + 2 = 6
Group B
1. Bjorn Knutson 1/3/3/3/2 = 12 = 1st = 12 + 32 = 44 2. Peter Craven 3/2/2/3/1 = 11 = 2nd = 11 + 30 = 41 3. Ivan Mauger 1/3/1/3/3 = 11 = 3rd = 11 + 28 = 39 4. Hans Nielsen 2/3/0/2/3 = 10 = 4th = 10 + 26 = 36 5. Jack Milne 3/1/2/2/2 = 10 = 5th = 10 + 24 = 34 6. Greg Hancock 2/0/3/3/1 = 9 = 6th = 9+ 22 = 31 7. Bruce Penhall 3/2/0/1/3 = 9 = 7th = 9 + 20 = 29 8 Sam Ermelenko 0/0/3/2/3 = 8 = 8th = 8 + 18 = 26 9. Bluey Wilkinson 1/1/3/2/1 = 8 = 9th = 8 + 16 = 24 10. Ronnie Moore 3/2/1/0/0 = 6 = 10th = 6 + 14 = 20 11. Mark Loram 0/2/1/1/2 = 6 = 11th = 6 + 12 = 18 12. Jerzy Szczakiel 0/1/2/1/2 = 6 = 12th = 6 + 10 = 16 13. Gary Havelock 2/1/0/1/1 = 5 = 13th = 5 + 8 = 13 14. Eric Gundersen 0/3/1/0/0 = 4 = 14th = 4 + 6 = 10 15. Peter Collins 2/0/2/0/0 = 4 = 15th = 4 + 4 = 8 16. Billy Hamill 1/0/0/0/0 = 1 = 16th = 1 + 2 = 3
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2007 22:15:40 GMT
Original listing of riders 2nd set A+B Group A
1. Ove Fundin = 44 2. Tomasz Gollob = 40 3. Barry Briggs = 35 4. Per Jonsson = 28 5. Anders Michanek = 23 6. Freddie Williams = 17 7. Jason Crump = 12 8. Jack Young = 8 9. Bjorn Knutson = 44 10. Ivan Mauger = 39 11. Jack Milne = 34 12. Bruce Penhall = 29 13. Bluey Wilkinson = 24 14. Mark Loram = 18 15. Gary Havelock = 13 16. Peter Collins = 8
Group B
1. Tony Rickardsson = 42 2. Ole Olsen = 37 3. Lionel Van Praag = 30 4. Nicki Pedersen = 25 5. Michael Lee = 21 6. Tommy Price = 15 7. Jan O Pedersen = 10 8. Egon Muller = 6 9. Peter Craven = 41 10. Hans Nielsen = 36 11. Greg Hancock = 31 12. Sam Ermelenko = 26 13. Ronnie Moore = 20 14. Jerzy Szczakiel = 16 15. Eric Gundersen = 10 16. Billy Hamill = 3
Those are the new line ups
Group A consists of all the ODD numbers of A + B Group B consists of all the EVEN numbers of A + B From the order they finished at the end of rounds 1 + 2
This isn't the racing order necessarily of either group
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2007 22:16:52 GMT
Riding order Group A
1. Jack Milne 2. Freddie Williams 3. Jack Young 4. Bjorn Knutson 5. Gary Havelock 6. Peter Collins 7. Ove Fundin 8. Bluey Wilkinson 9. Ivan Mauger 10. Mark Loram 11. Tomasz Gollob 12. Anders Michanek 13. Jason Crump 14. Per Jonsson 15. Bruce Penhall 16. Barry Briggs
Heat One 1 Red Jack Milne 2 Blue Freddie Williams 3 White Jack Young 4 Yellow Bjorn Knutson
Heat Two 5 Red Gary Havelock 7 Blue Ove Fundin 6 White Peter Collins 8 Yellow Bluey Wilkinson
Heat Three 10 Red Mark Loram 11 Blue Tomasz Gollob 9 White Ivan Mauger 12 Yellow Anders Michanek
Heat Four 15 Red Bruce Penhall 14 Blue Per Jonsson 16 White Barry Briggs 13 Yellow Jason Crump
Heat Five 13 Red Jason Crump 1 Blue Jack Milne 5 White GaryHavelock 9 Yellow Ivan Mauger
Heat Six 14 Red Per Jonsson 10 Blue Mark Loram 2 White Freddie Williams 6 Yellow Peter Collins
Heat Seven 11 Red Tomasz Gollob 15 Blue Bruce Penhall 7 White Ove Fundin 3 Yellow Jack Young
Heat Eight 4 Red Bjorn Knutson 8 Blue Bluey Wilkinson 12 White Anders Michanek 16 Yellow Barry Briggs
Heat Nine 6 Red Peter Collins 16 Blue Barry Briggs 1 White Jack Milne 11 Yellow Tomasz Gollob
Heat Ten 12 Red Anders Michanek 5 Blue Gary Havelock 15 White Bruce Penhall 2 Yellow Freddie Williams
Heat Eleven 8 Red Bluey Wilkinson 9 Blue Ivan Mauger 3 White Jack Young 14 Yellow Per Jonsson
Heat Twelve 13 Red Jason Crump 4 Blue Bjorn Knutson 10 White Mark Loram 7 Yellow Ove Fundin
Heat Thirteen 7 Red Ove Fundin 12 Blue Anders Michanek 14 White Per Jonsson 1 Yellow Jack Milne
Heat Fourteen 2 Red Freddie Williams 13 Blue Jason Crump 8 White Bluey Wilkinson 11 Yellow Tomasz Gollob
Heat Fifteen 16 Red Barry Briggs 3 Blue Jack Young 10 White Mark Loram 5 Yellow Gary Havelock
Heat Sixteen 9 Red Ivan Mauger 6 Blue Peter Collins 4 White Bjorn Knutson 15 Yellow Bruce Penhall
Heat Seventeen 1 Red Jack Milne 8 Blue Bluey Wilkinson 15 White Bruce Penhall 10 Yellow Mark Loram
Heat Eighteen 9 Red Ivan Mauger 2 Blue Freddie Williams 7 White Ove Fundin 16 Yellow Barry Briggs
Heat Nineteen 3 Red Jack Young 12 Blue Anders Michanek 13 White Jason Crump 6 Yellow Peter Collins
Heat Twenty 5 Red Gary Havelock 14 Blue Per Jonsson 11 White Tomasz Gollob 4 Yellow Bjorn Knutson
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2007 9:53:44 GMT
All Time Greats Speedway Grand Prix Series Round Two Group A
‘The sun is shining the sky is blue, it’s red hot in Australia’, said Keith Huwen. ‘I am here in the Skysports studio in London. Steve Johnson and Chris Louis are here with me. Kelvin Tatum and Tony Dullard are in the Sydney Showground.
‘You’re right in saying it’s red hot here,’ said Tony Dullard, ‘in more ways than one. The Australasian contingent are more than pleased this venue has been chosen for Round Two Group A of the ‘All Time Greats Speedway Grand Prix Series’.
‘The Australians will want to do well on their own turf,’ cut in Kelvin, ‘in front of their own crowd. Let’s hope this GP round goes some way to revitalising the sport amongst the Australian and New Zealand riders and fans.’
‘The Australasian quintet are all pumped up to do well,’ said Dullard. ‘Jason Crump and Jack Young need to score points, Barry Briggs and Bluey Wilkinson will want to increase their score and I am sure Ivan Mauger will be on fire, as if it’s not hot enough here already.’
‘And there is the Swedish quartet with Fundin and Knutson to contend with,’ said Kelvin, ‘not to mention Anders Michanek and Per Jonsson. ‘The British contingent is well represented with Peter Collins, Freddie Williams, Gary Havelock and Mark Loram all in need of points.
The American duo of Bruce Penhall and Jack Milne are also well in the mix and will want to build on their score tally,’ said Dullard. ‘’Team America’ is here to lend their full support to their compatriots as you would expect.’
‘Then there is that lonesome Pole Tomasz Gollob,’ said Keith. ‘Who knows what he might or might not get up here tonight? ‘That’s the eternal question with Gollob,’ said Dullard. ‘But that is our line up Keith and it won’t be long before the temperature begins to rise here in a big way.’
It’s crucial times for one and all tonight,’ said Keith back in the studio. ‘What do you make of it all Steve Johnson? ‘It’s going to be a tough old night all round,’ said Steve. ‘We are on the middle ground here tonight, at this stage of the GPs, and riders will want to knock up big scores to be certain they need as few points as possible from their last GP to qualify for the Grand Final’.
‘Making the Grand Final of the All Time Greats Speedway Grand Prix Series will be the biggest Christmas present any of these speedway riders will ever have,’ said Keith direct to camera.’
‘The biggest Christmas present of all will be winning it,’ cut in Chris Louis. ‘We shouldn’t forget the British contingent of riders,’ said Louis. ‘They are all aware they’ve not done all that well in the opening rounds other than Peter Craven ‘
‘Do you think they can do well, seriously Chris,’ asked Keith? ‘Yes of course they can,’ responded Louis. ‘There is a lot of sporting history between Australasian and British teams in one sport or another. Nothing would be more satisfying than seeing the British riders putting one over on all the other riders there, not only the Australians.’ ‘Especially the Australians,’ cut in Keith adding emphasis.
‘That’s right,’ said Steve Johnson, ‘It’s also our opportunity to take revenge for losing the Ashes. There is a lot of tension in the air already. I was speaking with Jason only an hour ago. There is no one more pumped up than him and that’s saying something with Bluey Wilkinson and Jack Young on parade.’
‘I don’t know if the British riders will pull one over on the Aussies and New Zealander’s or not,’ said Keith, ‘but I know we don’t want to see anymore horrifying sights like the one when Rory Schlein rode almost naked round Brandon Stadium at the end of the season just gone.’
‘It will be a lot hotter here tonight than it was then,’ chuckled Steve Johnson, ‘but somehow I don’t think there are will be any world champions inclined to ride round Sydney Showground in the buff.’ ‘Perish the thought,’ chuckled Keith no doubt thinking of his old mate Barry Briggs, ‘over to Tony and Kelvin’.
‘There are points to be scored,’ said Kelvin putting on his serious voice and restoring some decorum to the proceedings. ‘Jack Young is out in the first race in an intercontinental mix involving the American Jack Milne along with Freddie Williams and Group B leader Bjorn Knutson.’
‘Opportunity for more team riding Kelvin,’ pondered Tony, ‘or has that hand already been played do you think?’ ‘I think all these riders have one aim, ‘said Kelvin, ‘and that is to get to the Grand Final. There are so many combinations of team riding tactics that can be employed but has Steve Johnson has already said this is a crucial GP for all of them.
They need to score points big time here tonight, Kelvin paused, ‘if they don’t then some of them might already be falling by the wayside before the evening is over.’ ‘Sobering thoughts,’ responded Dullard. ‘But I think we’re about to find out what the Speedway winds are going to blow up.’ ‘A whirlwind perhaps Tony’ said a reflective Kelvin? ‘Perhaps,’ said Dullard.
Heat One 1 Red Jack Milne 2 Blue Freddie Williams 3 White Jack Young 4 Yellow Bjorn Knutson
On the track: There is a heavy muggy almost claustrophobic atmosphere - Jack Milne is first out onto the circuit - small clouds of dust blow up off the track - Freddie Williams is not far behind him.
The crowd roars as Jack Young enters the arena followed by Bjorn Knutson. By the time they reach the tapes the stadium is almost silent in the tense atmosphere.
Heads down face right green light tapes rise. Jack Milne powers first out of the gate - Freddie Williams driving hard is tight behind him leaning down on the American. Jack Young attempts to go round them both causing Bjorn Knutson to shut off baulked by the Australian.
Milne - shrugging off Williams - hugs the white line coming out of the second bend - off down the back straight with Freddie Williams close on his trail. Jack Young - going into bend 3 – shoves hard under the Welshman – who holds his ground. Knutson sits at the rear waiting for his door of opportunity to open.
Out of bend four (lap 1) Milne still ahead - Williams right behind him. Young rides mid track towards bend one (lap2) Knutson is glued to the Australian. Out of bend two (lap2) Milne riding hard drifts slightly off his line – Williams and Young launch a two pronged attack either side of the American.
Williams powers through on the inside Young likewise on the outside, both of them motoring into bend four (lap2) side by side. Milne is attempting to go round the outside of both leaders as Knutson cuts inside into bend four. Young and Williams are side by side along the home straight as are Knutson and Milne.
All of them power into bend one (lap 3) with Young drifting wide coming out of bend two (lap3) – Williams pulls away slightly – Milne shoves his way past Young on the inside – followed by Knutson.
Young is at the back but not giving in as he looks for more drive down the back straight throught bends three and four (lap 3). Williams is ahead into lap four with Milne and Knutson pressing hard.
Into bend one (lap 4) Williams head down holds firmly to the line Milne a wheel width behind Knutson just over his right shoulder with Young still looking for that grip to move him forward.
Along the back straight (lap 4) the riding order remains constant – tension builds - the crowd sense something is going to give. Young is riding hard around the boards into bend three (lap 4) and cutting down into mid track.
The crowd rise to their feet – Young splits Milne and Knutson out of bend 4 (lap 4) – passing through the gap and level with Freddie Williams – neck and neck towards the line – Young head down body compact – a tyre width ahead of the Welshman over the line. The crowd are ecstatic
Jack Young 3 – Freddie Williams 2 – Jack Milne 1 Bjorn Knutson 0
‘It’s going to be a hard, night,’ concluded Kelvin at the end of this first race. ‘That was one Jack Young had to win,’ said Tony Dullard. ‘Yes it was,’ said Kelvin. ‘It was down to him to state the Australian riders intentions right from the off and he did it in very spectacular fashion.’
‘Crump, Young and Wilkinson will want it to be Australia’s night Kelvin,’ said Tony. ‘What do you make of it Steve Johnson back in the studio?’ ‘The old boy was really up for it there wasn’t he,’ said Steve, ‘and good on him too? Jack had something to prove to himself to the fans and to everyone who thought that he wasn’t interested in being All Time Great World Champion!!!’
‘If the Australians have already declared their intentions’, said Dullard, ‘what price British intentions up against another fiery Australian with Ove Fundin in there to add more than a little spice to the mix?
‘You can tell Bluey Wilkinson is raring to get going,’ said Kelvin as the fiery Australian roars onto the track with the encouragement of Jason Crump ringing in his ears. ‘Come on the Brits,’ adds Dullard showing support for Collins and Havelock.
Heat Two 5 Red Gary Havelock 7 Blue Ove Fundin 6 White Peter Collins 8 Yellow Bluey Wilkinson
On the track: Fundin is almost serene floating onto the track behind the British pair. Wilkinson already at the tapes paws the ground. Havelock practices starts as Collins prepares himself for battle.
The tapes rise - and dreamlike - Fundin is smooth into the first bend ahead of slow starting Gary Havelock. Wilkinson is eager to get to grips with Fundin but Collins keeps to the middle ground forcing the faster gating Wilkinson to ride tight into the fence hanging onto his bike.
Out of bend 2 Wilkinson is trapped up against the fence held there by Collins forcing the fiery Aussie to shut off. Collins picks off Gary Havelock along the back straight.
Fundin is in and out of bends 3+4 (lap 1) while Collins is looking for dirt to push him closer to the Swede. Havelock attempting to shut out Wilkinson going into bend 3 (lap 1) drifts wide the Aussie cuts sharply inside of him chasing hard after Peter Collins out of bend four (lap 1).
Collins can’t make ground up on Fundin but Wilkinson is now on his back wheel. The battle is on between Wilkinson and Collins. Wilkinson roars round the boards bend one (lap2) attempting to pass Collins but PC takes Wilkinson closer into the fence.
The wily Australian cuts inside Collins levelling with him exiting bend two (lap2) Havelock buzzes around behind them with no way through. Wilkinson can’t shake off Collins along the back straight. They are locked together into and out of bends 3+4(lap2)
Wilkinson is on fire but Collins is ablaze too. Into bends 1+2 (lap3) the pair are still locked together. Picking up dirt Wilkinson is edging away from Collins along the back straight entering bend 3(lap3). The Australian drifts slightly wide enabling Collins to slide ahead out of bend 4(lap3).
Wilkinson can’t afford to let Collins slip out of his reach coming down hard on Havelock probing underneath him exiting bend 4(lap3). Wilkinson levels with Collins into lap four. Collins on the inside into bend one (lap 4) Locked together they exit bend 2 (lap4) with Havelock struggling for drive behind them. Fundin cruising along the back straight ahead of them.
Wilkinson and Collins still locked together enter bend 3 (lap4). Wilkinson wrestles with his machine to keep in line exiting bend 4 (lap4) – attempts to lean on Collins to force him to slow - the Belle Vue Ace pushes back – head down gains more drive crossing the line inches ahead of Wilkinson. Collins punches the air.
Ove Fundin 3 – Peter Collins 2 – Bluey Wilkinson 1 – Gary Havelock 0
‘Wilkinson won’t be happy with that one,’ said Tony Dullard. ‘No he won’t Tony,’ said Kelvin, ‘Peter Collins has struck the first blow for Great Britain. Let’s hope it’s the start of something big for him in this meeting. He certainly needs the points.’
‘Was that an easy one for Fundin, Kelvin,’ asked Dullard? ‘Fundin was doing what Fundin does,’ responded the intellectual Kelvin, ‘winning races in the manner Fundin fans would expect him to do. I do think though Bluey Wilkinson would really like to have had a go at him.’
‘Ivan Mauger is out in the next one,’ announced Dullard. ‘Flanked by the erratic Gollob and the stylish Swede Anders Michanek.’ ‘Don’t forget Mark Loram,’ added Kelvin, ‘he’s got work to do if wants to make the final cut.’
On the track: Mauger fusses at the tapes taking his time getting into position – digging the ground – turning riding off – coming round stopping – practising a start. Loram seems nervous as does Gollob – Michanek is busy preparing himself on gate 4. The Starting Marshal calls all four to attention.
Tapes rise – Gollob rears spectacularly - Mauger bears right to collide with Michanek – as he avoids contact with Gollob struggling to control his machine – red lights – Loram shuts off realising now why no one was ahead of him exiting bend one. Referees decision: Unsatisfactory start.
Rerun: Mauger and Michanek both make lightning starts – eager to put distance between themselves and Gollob. The Pole rears less dramatically and manages to remain in control of his machine to the referee’s satisfaction.
The Mauger/Michanek momentum carries them around Loram exiting bend one – Mauger slightly ahead. Loram heads for the boards exiting bend 2 to block Gollob’s run round the outside. Gollob cuts in side – Loram is in no mood to give way to the Pole along the back straight.
Mauger holds the white line with Michanek tucked tight in behind him through bends 3+4(lap1). Gollob rides up high on the fence looking to sweep round Loram – Mark is on the middle ground – to block any attempt by Gollob up the inside exiting bend 4 (lap1).
Through lap 2 Mauger remains ahead of Michanek – Loram holds off Gollob’s attempt to pass him – the Pole loses some ground locking up exiting bend 4 (lap2). Into lap 3 Michanek is probing underneath Mauger – who is not shifting off that white line.
Gollob – more settled – is gaining lost ground on Loram – but not yet in a position to cause him bother. Into lap 4 Michanek tries to go round Mauger exiting bend 2 but does not have the drive to force Mauger to come off his line – Mauger pulls away.
Gollob hugs the fence picking up drive into bend 3 (lap 4) – pulls a locker cutting in on Loram – losing momentum. Mauger crosses the line comfortably ahead of Michanek.
Ivan Mauger 3 – Anders Michanek 2 – Mark Loram 1 – Tomasz Gollob 0
‘Tomasz Gollob is as unpredictable as ever, Kelvin, ‘ said Dullard ‘And Ivan Mauger as predictable as ever,’ Kelvin responded. ‘Mark Loram did a good job of holding Gollob off.’
‘Tomasz Gollob did a good job of holding himself off,’ chuckled Tony. ‘Is Barry Briggs’ race a formality for him, Kelvin?’ ‘You’d best ask Jason Crump that,’ chortled Kelvin (Editor’s note: Chortling is one step above chuckling) ‘And aren’t we forgetting Bruce Penhall and Per Jonsson,’ Kelvin added?
Heat Four 15 Red Bruce Penhall 14 Blue Per Jonsson 16 White Barry Briggs 13 Yellow Jason Crump
On the track: Bruce Penhall heads for the start line – there is a sense of confidence and purpose in his preparation at the tapes. Briggs and Crump park topside of Per Jonsson – preparing themselves for battle, the actions of all these riders stirs up a sense of anticipation in the arena.
Heads down face right – Bruce Penhall makes a superlative start from gate one. Jonsson – Briggs – Crump exit the tapes parallel with each other. Entering bend one Bruce Penhall is ahead – Per Jonsson is second – into the bend – Crump drives round the boards – Briggs cuts back underneath Jonsson.
Crump and Briggs perform a pincer movement on Jonsson clipping his wings forcing him to shut off – to avoid being the meat in an Australasian sandwich. Side by side Crump and Briggs hurtle down the back straight in pursuit of Bruce Penhall – making contact with him exiting bend 4 (lap 1).
Penhall hugs the white line out of bend 4 – Briggs drives underneath him – very hard – Crump drawing in on Penhall’s right shoulder.
Feeling somewhat the sacrificial lamb Penhall – head down – drives down the home straight into bend one (lap2) – Crump is there over his shoulder – Briggs is driving under Penhall – but Penhall holds his ground out of bend 2 (lap2) – along the back straight.
The crowd holds their breath – all three riders power into bend 3 (lap2) – Penhall gaining grip thrusts a bike length ahead of his pursuers.
Briggs/Crump still locked together – hunt Penhall along the home straight – renewing the assault entering bend one (lap3) – Briggs once again driving hard under Penhall – with Crump trying the higher line - Penhall refusing to give ground – still ahead out of bend 2 (lap 3)
Along the back straight Penhall remains half a bike length ahead of Briggs on the inside – Crump on the outside All three drive into bend 3 (lap 3) – Penhall making the perfect entrance and exit of bend 4(lap3)
Briggs and Crump are relentless in pursuit. Metal grinds as these three riders thrust full throttle hard into bend one (lap4) – Penhall wobbles momentarily – holds his line out of bend 2 (lap4).
Briggs and Crump are drawing level along the back straight. Briggs dives under Penhall bend 3 (lap4) - dislodging his hold on the line – straightening the American up - Briggs drives relentlessly on.
Penhall loses momentum – Crump pushes himself forward – Penhall accelerates for the line – Briggs crosses the line – followed by Crump – Bruce Penhall – with Per Jonsson not all that far behind.
Barry Briggs 3 – Jason Crump 2 – Bruce Penhall 1 – Per Jonsson 0
‘An amazing race there from Barry Briggs, Jason Crump and Bruce Penhall,’ yelled Tony Dullard!!! ‘Yes it certainly was,’ said Kelvin, ‘there was no quarter asked or given there.’ ‘Was there some collusion going on between Crump and Briggs, Kelvin,’ asked Dullard???
‘Well they certainly weren’t intending getting in each others way,’ responded Kelvin, ‘if that’s what you mean by collusion Tony? But there did seem to be some understanding between them. They certainly stitched up Bruce Penhall between them – not to mention Per Jonsson.’ ‘But that was more clean cut,’ chuckled Tony Dullard, ‘back to the studios.’
‘I hope you two aren’t suggesting skulduggery from,’ Keith paused looked direct into the camera, ‘my old mate Barry Briggs!!!’ ‘Wouldn’t dream of it Keith,’ chuckled Kelvin. ‘Better not,’ said Keith. ‘Steve Johnson your views please.’
‘I think both Briggs and Crump wanted first place,’ said Johnson. ‘I also think they sensed and air of,’ Johnson paused, ‘I wouldn’t say contempt but perhaps superiority coming from Penhall at the tapes. We commented on that as he came to the start line didn’t we Chris?’
‘Yes we did,’ said Louis. ‘I think Penhall being off of gate one was expecting Per Jonsson to get in Briggs’ away.’ ‘Which he did for a moment,’ cut in Keith. Chris Louis twitched visibly.
‘Yes he did for a moment,’ continued Louis. ‘Penhall also expected perhaps that Crump and Briggs would be busy with each other much like Bluey Wilkinson and Peter Collins were in their race against Ove Fundin.’
‘He was right to think so too,’ said Johnson, ‘but things didn’t go according to plan with Crump and Briggs seemingly working together to haul Bruce in.’ Fundin, Mauger, Young and,’ Keith resisted temptation as Louis and Johnson cringed in anticipation, ‘Briggo coming in first in their respective races. Is everything as we would expect it to be?’
‘Definitely,’ said an emphatic Johnson. ‘I agree,’ said Chris Louis. ‘I wonder if Jason Crump will work as well with Ivan Mauger as he did with Barry Briggs,’ asked Keith, ‘Kelvin and Tony?’ ‘I think Ivan Mauger will only have one thing on his mind,’ said Dullard. ‘And that’s Ivan Mauger,’ chuckled Kelvin, ‘I think Gary Havelock will have his work cut out with Jack Milne in there too!!!’
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2007 19:52:52 GMT
Heat Five 13 Red Jason Crump 1 Blue Jack Milne 5 White GaryHavelock 9 Yellow Ivan Mauger
Crump – all the more pumped up – cruises round the track head down concentrating. Mauger comes round – his body language giving nothing away. Milne has that same sense of confidence and purpose about him Penhall had in the previous race. Havelock practices starts on the back straight. The Start Marshal gathers the four riders at the tapes.
Jason Crump wasn’t waiting to see what Ivan Mauger was going to do – powering out of the gate to the first bend – unexpectedly Havelock made the gate – exiting the tapes parallel with Mauger – now forced to carry on round the boards. Milne making a subdued start falls in behind Havelock – overtaken by Mauger exiting bend one.
Four bikes rear out of bend two – Crump ahead – Mauger in contact – Crump powers down the back straight towards into and through bends 3+4 and down the home straight into lap 2.
Passing through bends 1+2(lap2) onto the back straight Mauger launches his assault on the Australian. Crump takes Mauger wide going into bend 3(lap2) – Mauger cuts back in under Crump exiting bend 4(lap2)
Crump head down hugs the line through the home straight into lap3. Mauger – half a bike length behind – over Crump’s shoulder. Havelock – half a lap behind – remains comfortably ahead of a lack lustre Jack Milne – making no headway on the British rider.
Crump holds the line into bend one (lap3) – Mauger looks to cut in under Crump – the Australian holds tight to the line exiting bend 2(lap3) – down the back straight – Mauger still pressing hard – Havelock is catching up with the lead pairing – Milne seems unable to connect with Havelock.
Rump drives into bend 3 (lap3) – Mauger still pressing hard on him – out of bend 4 (lap3) into the home straight. Crump goes full bore into bend one (lap4) – keeping tightly tucked in on the line – Mauger still in touch.
Crump exits bend 2(lap4) head down pushing his machine harder down the back straight towards bend 3 through and out of bend 4. Mauger presses Crump all the way to the line but it is the Australian across the line first – ahead of the six times world champion.
Jason Crump 3 – Ivan Mauger 2 – Gary Havelock 1 – Jack Milne 0
‘Mauger was always looking for the opportunity to pass, Kelvin,’ said Dullard. ‘But it never came,’ added Kelvin. ‘Was Crump inspired by his last race’ pondered Dullard? ‘Either that or he was tired of coming in second to six times world champions,’ chuckled Kelvin. ‘Either way Crump has 5 points from his two rides,’ said Tony. ‘He has to be happy with that score.’ ‘He has to be,’ replied Kelvin.
‘Sophie Blake is with Jason, in the pits,’ observed Dullard. ‘Well done Jason,’ enthused Sophie. ‘How did it feel to beat Ivan Mauger?’ ‘I just imagined it was Tony Rickardsson,’ chuckled Jason ironically pulling his racing gloves off. ‘But seriously, it’s Australia night tonight and we’re all three pumped up to do well here in front of our home supporters.’
‘You don’t want any Kiwis spoiling the party then,’ cut in Sophie? ‘I have all the respect in the world for Ivan Mauger and Barry Briggs,’ Crump responded. ‘It was a privilege to race against Ivan and a pleasure to beat him. It is a privilege to race against all these world champions.’ ‘Thanks for that,’ said Sophie, ‘back to the guys.’
‘Jason Crump is really up for it tonight, Kelvin,’ said Dullard. ‘Yes he is,’ said Kelvin, ‘but no more than Bluey Wilkinson and Jack Young, I am sure of that.’
‘We have an Aussie/Kiwi free race up next for the first time tonight, Kelvin,’ said Dullard, ‘three British riders and the lone Swede Per Jonsson. ‘You have to feel for Jonsson,’ said Kelvin, ‘he’s not part of any ‘Big Five’, definitely the junior in the Swedish quartet and up against it yet again with Collins, Williams and Loram to contend with!!!’
Heat Six 14 Red Per Jonsson 10 Blue Mark Loram 2 White Freddie Williams 6 Yellow Peter Collins
On the track: Mark Loram exits the gate at speed – driving over Per Jonsson – who is abreast with Williams and Collins diving into the first bend – Loram edges out of the 2nd bend – inclining towards mid track for drive.
Per Jonsson runs up the inside of Loram, Williams and Collins both hard turning out of bend pick up the drive Loram is looking for – shooting forward past Loram and Jonsson.
Heads down Williams and Collins drive hard down the back straight – there is an intensity to their respective game plans. Williams is down the line driving hard into bend 3.
Collins on the high line forcing his bike to turn against its natural path shooting level with Williams along the home straight. Mark Loram is in his own private battle with Per Jonsson both of them needing big points now.
Into lap 2 Collins and Williams are locked tight – not so much racing each other – but chasing the finishing line – yet three laps away!!!
Williams attacks the first bend (lap2) - Collins continues his drive into the corner on the highline – their speed increases down the back straight into bend 3 (lap2) – in and out of bend 4 – two laps to go!!
Collins decides to attack Williams into bend one (lap3) – pushing under the Welshman – who refuses to be moved – Per Jonsson has passed Loram as Mark locks up on bend one(lap3).
Williams is ahead leaving bend 2 (lap3) – Collins a yard behind – both Williams and Collins are men on a mission – to gain points. Driving hard down the back straight – into bend 3 (lap3) still trying to outpace each other – out of bend 4 – one lap to go!
Collins and Williams are not even team riding each other – as the enter bend one (lap4) – nor battling each other – exiting bend 2 – Per Jonsson has mastered Loram – in their tussle – coming out of bend 2 (lap4).
Collins and Williams press on into bend 3 – seemingly going slower the harder they drive forward – exiting bend four – heads down the pair thrust towards the finish line so hard – both riders are round the first bend before they slow to a stroll. But it’s Williams with the three points.
Freddie Williams 3 – Peter Collins 2 – Per Jonsson 1 – Mark Loram 0
‘Williams and Collins must be exhausted after that one,’ gasped Kelvin Tatum. ‘It was a hard grind of a race,’ responded Tony. ‘You can’t deny the commitment of these champions,’ said Kelvin, ‘they want to be there in the Grand Final.’
‘The British flag is flying a little higher tonight, Kelvin,’ said Dullard, ‘but if the last heat was exhausting – how tiresome will the next one be?’ ‘If a race between Tomasz Gollob, Bruce Penhall, Ove Fundin and Jack Young can be classed as tiresome,’ chuckled Kelvin, ‘we might as well all of us go home.’
‘I don’ think we’ll be doing that, Kelvin,’ chuckled Tony. ‘It’s a rock solid line up Tony from gate one to four,’ said Kelvin. ‘With the erratic Gollob off of gate one,’ said Dullard.
Heat Seven 11 Red Tomasz Gollob 15 Blue Bruce Penhall 7 White Ove Fundin 3 Yellow Jack Young
On the track. Contrasting characters gather at the gate. Fundin and Young respected masters of speedway both on three points apiece. Double world champion Penhall a brief but brilliant flame come and gone in what seemed like a moment, and the potential champion destined to be ‘a never was’.
Penhall flies from the gate ahead of the almost equally quick starting Gollob – Fundin is coming in over Penhall’s shoulder – Jack Young sweeping in over Fundin’s shoulder.
Penhall’s front wheel his touching the line on the apex of bend one – Gollob is pushing hard underneath him – Penhall sits back on his bike holding it down to the line. Fundin and Young – half a bike length behind Penhall leaving bend 2
Penhall is drawing ahead of Gollob – who is trying to escape the restrictions of the white line - his way out blocked by Fundin and Young Penhall drives down the back straight with his second pair of assailants on his tail.
Fundin tired of Gollob presses hard on him going into the third bend causing the Pole to slacken off. Fundin clamps himself to the line with Jack Young along side him.
Through bend three Fundin shoves his way by Penhall exiting the fourth bend ahead. Following Fundin’s lead Young also elbows Penhall out of the way – the American is wrestling to keep his bike under control.
Gollob is pressing Penhall but Bruce with the bit between his teeth sets off in pursuit of Fundin and Young.
Through the first and second bends (lap2) Penhall drives hard to make up his lost ground. Fundin is on the line in control of Young - who is probing for an opening. Penhall charges under Young into bend 3 (lap2) pushing the Australian wide – into the path of Gollob – who has been picking up drive along the back straight – the Pole having to lock up hard to avoid Young loses more ground.
Penhall nudges at Fundin exiting bend four (lap2) without making an impression – the fiery Swede gains pace along the home straight into lap three through bends 1+2
Penhall looks for grip along the back straight somewhere in the middle ground – finds it – his bike thrusts forward at a pace – Penhall decides it’s his turn to shove people around – and charges hard under Fundin going into bend 3 (lap3)
The American bounces off of Fundin’s bike so hard it causes his front wheel to ricochet off the kerb almost turning the bike in on it’s self, Penhall almost loses total control – Young passes Penhall on the outide as does Gollob.
Fundin is gone down the home straight into lap 4 with Jack Young behind him now. Penhall has shrugged off the advancing Gollob who is struggling to come to terms with racing against hard riding world champions on this night.
Fundin is through bends 1+2 (lap4) with Young looking to outpace the Swede along the back straight – Penhall is coming again to reclaim his second spot and to have another go at Fundin.
Young aims to go outside of Fundin into bend 3 (lap4) – Penhall probes more cautiously hoping the Swede will come up off the white line – Fundin is out of bend 4 pushing aggressively towards the line – Young is a bike length behind – with Penhall on his back wheel – Fundin crosses the line – Young ahead of Penhall – Gollob on the centre green.
‘Fundin really stamped his authority on that race, Kelvin,’ enthused Tony Dullard. ‘Was that the turning point in Fundin’s quest to be All Time Greats Speedway Grand Prix Champion,’ responded Kelvin? ‘It struck me Fundin was making a statement there. Indicating that he was raising his game. Bruce Penhall certainly understood that Fundin has no intention of messing around.’
Down in the pits Penhall was reflecting on the two hard rides he had endured tonight. Penhall was over heard speaking with ‘Captain America’ by Jonathan Greening. ‘What did Bruce Penhall have to say about his rough ride in that race Sam, ‘asked Jonathan?
‘He told me running into Fundin was like crashing into a brick wall,’ grimaced Sam. ’Bruce has been assaulted twice tonight and all he has is two points to show for it.’
‘I still think certain riders have yet to get to grips with this series,’ said Kelvin in the commentary box. ‘Even Ivan Mauger has yet to really push himself forward and make his impression on the proceedings.’
‘We will have to leave all this for the post mortem Kelvin,’ said Dullard. ‘Briggs and Knutson are out against Bluey Wilkinson and Anders Michanek now.’ ‘Bluey Wilkinson has still to get to grips with this meeting too,’ said Kelvin.
Heat Eight 4 Red Bjorn Knutson 8 Blue Bluey Wilkinson 12 White Anders Michanek 16 Yellow Barry Briggs
On the track: Knutson off gate one heads for the line – Wilkinson drives in hard over his shoulder – Michanek a bike length behind – Briggs is high round the boards – swooping in to link up with Knutson into bend one and out of bend two.
Compact and tight Knutson and Briggs shoot down the back straight – Wilkinson mindful that he has only one point on the board – shrugs off Anders Michanek.
Through bends 3+ 4 Briggs and Knutson are tied together obviously team riding each other. Down the home straight into lap 2 Wilkinson goes high rounds the boards – intending to sweep round Knutson and Briggs – Michanek is sat mid track looking for the chance to split Briggs and Knutson.
Wilkinson comes down hard cutting across Michanek to dive under Knutson on the inside entering bend one (lap2). Though the Swede wavers a moment – he regains control and locked in with Briggs on the outside – exits bend 2(lap2) – and hares off down the back straight.
Michanek is also giving Wilkinson a hard time too – relentlessly Knutson and Briggs drive into bend 3(lap2) maintaining their composure. Briggs slows somewhat to hold up Wilkinson making another sweep round the outside.
Michanek rides round Wilkinson and over Briggs right shoulder – Briggs moves out – Knutson drifts right with him – mindful of Wilkinson perhaps attempting a run up the inside.
Briggs has halted Michanek’s drive and Knutson clamps tight on the line again – out of bend 4 (lap2) into the home straight. Wilkinson is at war with Michanek – who is also trying to put himself in a position to assault Knutson and Briggs on the first bend of lap 3.
Michanek is in no mood to back peddle out of Wilkinson’s way – the temperature is rising on the track. Michanek bumps into Wilkinson coming out of bend 2 (lap3). Knutson and Briggs push on down the back straight into bend 3(lap3) – Briggs looks over his shoulder riding mid track to ward off a further attack from Wilkinson and Michanek.
Out of bend 4(lap3) Knutson and Briggs are still locked together down the home straight and through bends 1+2(lap4). Wilkinson has edged ahead of Michanek – who still troubles the Australian.
Down the back straight Wilkinson picks up extra grip and shoots forward high round the boards entering bend 3(lap4) – Briggs moves up to block this run – Michanek heads for the gap opening up between Knutson and Briggs – Knutson moves out to block Michanek - with Briggs coming down to connect with Knutson again – Michanek is forced to slow momentarily – Driving hard out of bend 4(lap4)
Briggs and Knutson shoot for the line – The Swede is seen to slow slightly which allows Briggs over the line ahead of Knutson. Wilkinson drives forward to pass Michanek down the home straight. – the Swede a hairsbreadth behind him.
Barry Briggs 3 – Bjorn Knutsson 2 Bluey Wilkinson 1 – Anders Michanek 0
‘That was very intense,’ gasped Kelvin. ‘I think there are a lot of world champions down there who are going to have to rethink their strategy. These members of the ‘Big Five’ are certainly doing the business tonight.’
‘Seems to me these guys have just got warmed up,’ said Tony, ‘they have been involved in some hard races tonight and they are coming out on top. What do you guys make of it back in the studio?’ ‘I am more than pleased that Barry Briggs is on 6 points,’ said Keith. ‘Steve Johnson, what do you make of the proceedings so far.’
‘Bluey Wilkinson will be seething in the pits,’ said Johnson. ‘There is no doubt there was some team riding going on down there. The ‘Big Five’ are making sure that when they are riding together they are taking maximum points from the race.’
‘That’s right Steve,’ said Chris Louis. ‘Barry Briggs still needs points despite the 35 he has already from the first meeting. I think all of those ‘Big Five’ have realised that it’s here on the middle ground that a place in the Grand Final can be won or lost.’
‘Good point Chris,’ said Keith. ‘They all need points for one reason or another. Bjorn Knutson didn’t score in his first ride and he’s dropped another one there, but Briggo perhaps needed the win more than Knutson.’
‘They all have to score the points,’ emphasised Johnson, ‘and Bluey Wilkinson has to get into the mix here just has Jason Crump and Jack Young have managed to do.’ ‘Well Barry Briggs is out on his own this time,’ said Keith. ‘He’s up against Gollob, Collins and Jack Milne.’
‘Milne’s another one who you wouldn’t expect to have struggled here,’ said Chris Louis, ‘and when you think he was only one point behind Briggs on 34 points at the start of the meeting you begin to realise how hard it is to score in this meeting and how important it is to score points.’
‘And to score big points too,’ emphasised Keith, ‘back to Kelvin and Nigel.’ ‘Absolutely right Chris,’ said Kelvin. ‘All the riders here have GOT to score points.’ ‘Briggs will be out to score some more here too,’ said Dullard, ‘but he’s on his own this time up against some hard racers.’
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2007 8:03:18 GMT
Heat Nine 6 Red Peter Collins 16 Blue Barry Briggs 1 White Jack Milne 11 Yellow Tomasz Gollob
On the track: Gollob finally realising he was in a meeting and needing points too – makes a fabulous gate off of four – sweeping round the boards. Collins is slower off the start than Briggs who is driving centre track towards the first bend with Milne hard up behind him.
Gollob comes down towards mid track – Briggs and Gollob bounce off each other – along the back straight. Milne is mauling Collins demanding a way through – the British rider clamps down on him.
Gollob shoots into bend 3 – legs flailing – to make space and distract Briggs – who is driving under the Pole into bend four – emerging in front.
Gollob rides high on the boards – Milne from nowhere shoots underneath Gollob – along the home straight – Gollob bounces of the air fence shooting him into bend 1(lap2) – propelling him alongside Briggs coming out of bend 2(lap2).
Milne is right behind them waiting for Gollob to drift wide – Collins is driving under Milne pushing him as all four dive into bend 3(lap2) Briggs twists his bike straight picking up grip racing hard out of bend 4 (lap2). Gollob has gone high picked up grip shot forward beyond Milne sitting on Collins coming under him.
Briggs is off down the home straight Gollob in pursuit looking to go round him entering bend one (lap3) - Briggs powers on out of bend two (lap3) – moving forward as Gollob twists across the track looking for more grip.
Collins pushes Milne all the way along the back straight locked together fighting for position as they enter bend 3 (lap 3) – Briggs warding off another attack from Gollob
Collins pushes his way under Milne coming out of bend 4 (lap 3) – Gollob changes his tactics and attempts to dive under Briggs along the home straight. Briggs is seen to put his foot out as he and the Pole enter bend 1 (lap 4) – Gollob wobbles on his bike and drifts off his line wide – Milne and Collins see the opportunity to get past the Pole and push forward side by side under Gollob coming out of bend 2(lap4)
Gollob falls behind cuts across track along the back straight – pushing under Collins has they all ride into bend 3 (lap4) – Collins is pushed into Milne on his right – bounces off of him – back over on Gollob who is force to slow for an instant – Briggs is out of bend 4 heading for the line – Collins is running second – Milne pushes his bike forward - holding out Gollob pressing on him - but it’s the American over the line ahead of the Pole.
Barry Briggs 3 – Peter Collins 2 – Jack Milne 1 Tomasz Gollob 0
‘Briggs just wasn’t going to let that one go,’ decided Tony Dullard. ‘He had to stay in front Tony,’ said Kelvin. ‘If he’d have lost concentration for a moment he could have been in last place in the twinkling of an eye.
Those other world champions, not included in the ‘Big Five’, have simply got to get to grips with the concept that they have to be in front of the rest of the field, by they time they are round the first bend, or they are in big trouble. As Chris Louis said both Milne and Gollob scored well in their first meeting but are struggling like mad here tonight.’
‘And I am sure that Fundin, Briggs and Knutson are fully aware they might find themselves in the same position,’ said Dullard. ‘But none of those three are out in the next race so let’s see who gets into big trouble in this one Kelvin,’
Heat Ten 12 Red Anders Michanek 5 Blue Gary Havelock 15 White Bruce Penhall 2 Yellow Freddie Williams
On the track: Michanek taking advantage of gate one pushes forward to the first bend – Penhall clamps down Havelock - tucking in behind Michanek – Anders drifts off the line exiting bend two – Penhall drives hard under Michanek – this Swede is dislodged from the line – Penhall pushes harder emerging ahead of Michanek
Meanwhile Freddie Williams stays close to the boards all the way into the first bend and out of the second – the Welshman picks up drive exiting the first bend shooting him forward over the pedestrian Havelock and round Michanek who is in the process of correcting his mistake that allowed Penhall to get by him.
Williams comes down off the boards as Penhall straightens up along the back straight – to find the Welshman alongside him. Penhall obviously not wishing to get assaulted a third time tenses his body shoving his bike forward diving into the third bend.
Williams dives in just has hard forcing his bike round the turn into bend 4 picking up more grip shooting forward under Penhall – the American leans on Williams who is level with him on the inside.
Elbows connect – Penhall his unsettled by Williams aggression – who is ahead driving into bend 1 (lap2) – Michanek is pestering Penhall through bend one and two (lap2) but the American shrugs him off – racing down the back straight in pursuit of Williams
Williams makes it first into bend 3 (lap2) with Penhall coming onto him over his shoulder into bend 4(lap 2) – Penhall feints to go underneath Williams but drives straight on past the Welshman – remaining mid track into bend 1(lap3) – picking up the grip that pushes him out of bend 2 (lap3)
Williams is coming again up the inside of Penhall along the back straight – driving relentlessly forward into bend 3 (lap3) – drawing level with Penhall on the apex of the corner – both exit bend 4 (lap3) side by side – shooting the length of the track into lap 4 (bend one).
Penhall overcooks it at this point – Michanek powers underneath him coming out of bend 2 (lap 4) pushes forward to half a bike length behind Williams – Penhall undisturbed by Havelock – pushes himself forward to level with Michanek along the back straight.
Williams is first to bend 3 (lap4) – Michanek hugs the white line – looking to go under Williams has he exits bend 4 – but Penhall refusing to be denied lunges forward edging between Williams and Michanek – Williams throw himself across the line – followed by Penhall a wheel length ahead of Michanek
Freddie Williams 3 – Bruce Penhall 2 – Anders Michanek 1 – Gary Havelock 0
‘The Welsh dragon is breathing fire tonight, Kelvin,’ said Dullard, ‘what do you make of that one.’ Freddie Williams is a driven man tonight,’ Kelvin answered. ‘There is something driving him that we don’t know about. What I do know is that the four points Bruce Penhall has scored tonight might well be the hardest points he’s ever scored.’
‘I think Bruce Penhall has grasped the concept that every point counts,’ added Dullard. ‘The problem is he is finding them very hard to come by,’ ‘Not for the want of trying though,’ said Kelvin. ‘He’s had a very rough ride tonight.’
‘Speaking of rough rides,’ said Tony, ‘Bluey Wilkinson’s path hasn’t been all that smooth either Kelvin.’ ‘And with Ivan Mauger and Jack Young to contend with,’ said Kelvin, ‘it’s unlikely to get any smoother.’
Heat Eleven 8 Red Bluey Wilkinson 9 Blue Ivan Mauger 3 White Jack Young 14 Yellow Per Jonsson
On the track: Ivan Mauger didn’t concern himself with Bluey Wilkinson’s plight as he pushed forward smoothly out of the tapes over the Australian into the first bend.
Neither did Jack Young coming in right behind Mauger exiting the second bend. Wilkinson - in no mood to allow Per Jonsson to follow through behind Young - came up off the line to baulk the Swedes progress.
Mauger is away along the back straight – Young still tucked tightly in behind – Wilkinson looking to make up ground had to concentrate on Jonsson - hot on the Australians trail.
With Young bent on keeping in contact with Mauger there was no opportunity to help his fellow Australian by slowing down the race. Young escorted Mauger through bends 3+4 along the home straight into lap two.
Wilkinson having sorted himself out launches his assault on the leaders round the boards into bend 1 (lap2) picking up drive that brings him in contact with Young and Mauger as they exit bend 2 (lap2)
Ivan accelerates along the back straight – Young right behind him – Wilkinson is level with Young as they all go into bend 3 (lap2) – Mauger is in charge exiting bend 4(lap2) – Wilkinson sits on the right shoulder of Young – Jonsson his high on the boards looking to sweep around Wilkinson and Young.
Through bends 1+2 (lap3) Mauger is still ahead and putting space between himself and the two Australians – with Wilkinson building up momentum to attempt to sweep round Young entering bend 3(lap3) – Young drifts wider to push Wilkinson to the high ground – Jonsson sits behind them mid track looking for the opportunity to split the Australian pair.
Exiting bend four (lap 3) Mauger is half the straight ahead of the field – Wilkinson powers forward – making headway on Young who is looking to his right in order to brush off Jonsson’s persistence along the home straight into bend 1 (lap 4) – Young pushes Jonsson off his shoulder exiting bend 2 (lap 4) – but Wilkinson has slipped ahead of him
Racing mid track down the back straight – Wilkinson realising he has no chance of catching Mauger clamps himself to the line – giving Young no choice but to enter bend 3 (lap4) mid track looking for the drive that will thrust him forward beyond Young as they exit bend four (lap four)
Young executes this manoeuvre – Wilkinson in no mood to be denied shoves himself forward crossing the line inches ahead of Young – who himself is a tyre width ahead of Jonsson.
Ivan Mauger 3 – Bluey Wilkinson 2 – Jack Young 1 – Per Jonsson 0
‘There is no room for sentiment here tonight if you’re an Australian or not,’ said Kelvin. ‘Wilkinson was in no mood to give any ground up to Jack Young.’
‘Jonsson is another who deserved more than he got,’ said Tony. ‘But we have another big one coming up here Kelvin. What will Jason Crump make of Ove Fundin and Bjorn Knutson I wonder?’
‘Well he’s had the sweet taste of beating Ivan Mauger,’ chuckled Kelvin, ‘and a team riding exercise with Barry Briggs, so let’s see what he can learn from Fundin and Knutson.’
Heat Twelve 13 Red Jason Crump 4 Blue Bjorn Knutson 10 White Mark Loram 7 Yellow Ove Fundin
On the track: Crump is first out on the track followed by Mark Loram – Fundin and Knutson ride round the track to their respective gate positions – Loram is sandwiched between them.
Crump flies from the gate towards the first bend – Loram makes a slow start – Fundin heads Knutson into the first bend hot on the trail of Crump now leaving the second bend behind.
Jason shoots along the back straight aiming for mid track to cover all options – having no idea where Fundin was likely to be coming from.
Into bend three and out of bend four, Crump is still ahead along the home straight and into lap two. Fundin has of yet has shown no desire to attack Crump as he enters into bend one (lap2) – coming out of bend two Fundin accelerates forward to level with the Australian – remaining alongside him all the way along the back straight.
Entering the third bend (lap2) Fundin leans down hard on Crump causing him to shut off momentarily – Fundin is out of bend four (lap2) ahead of the Australian. Knutson pushes under Crump along the home straight into lap 3 – looking to connect with his Swedish compatriot
Crump though has other ideas – realising that the key to victory over ‘Big Five’ team riding tactics – was to make life rough for them – with this plan in mind Crump attacked Knutson into bend one (lap3) riding high towards the boards picking up grip and shooting forward out of bend 2(lap3) bringing him alongside Knutsson on the back straight.
Crump will not give in to Knutson has they plunge into bend 3 (lap3) powering round the outside and emerging from bend four (lap3) ahead of this particular Swede
Along the home straight Crump winds the power on giving him the thrust to push his way under Fundin who is going hard into bend 1(lap4) – Fundin hits a rut that throws him mid track coming out of bend 2 (lap4) enabling Crump to slide ahead.
Sensing his second famous victory of the night Crump sets himself on his machine to gain maximum grip from the track – but Fundin somewhat incensed by the way Crump went by him hurtles down the back straight – drives into Crump – entering bend 3(lap4) - shoving him unceremoniously into mid circuit
Fundin shakes his head coming out of bend 4 – ahead of Crump – who has regained his composure enough to deny Knutson gaining the advantage Fundin had unexpectedly given his fellow Swede. Crump clamps down on Knutson holding him off as they cross the line
Ove Fundin 3 – Jason Crump 2 – Bjorn Knutson 1 – Mark Loram 0
‘Fundin’s not messing around tonight is he, Kelvin,’ said Dullard? ‘I really don’t think so,’ said Kelvin. ‘I think Jason is entitled to be a little disgruntled with Fundin’s tactics on the third bend of the last lap. I think Fundin thought Jason had been a little disrespectful going into the first bend on the last lap. But Fundin hit that rut.’
‘But did he charge under Crump to force him wide so Knutson could follow him through,’ said Dullard. ‘Either way it’s time to take stock of things so far with all riders having now had three races apiece. Back to Keith in the studio.’
‘Well fellahs what do we make of it so far,’ said Keith? . We have Briggs and Fundin on 9 points, Ivan Mauger on 8 along with Freddie Williams, who I must say seems inspired tonight. Crump on 7, Collins and Young on 6 apiece. Penhall and Wilkinson on their hard earned 4 points, Knutson struggling on 3 points. Gollob yet to score!!!
‘It’s been a rough old night all round,’ said Johnson, ‘as I said it would be at the top of the show. Some things has got to give when you have all these world champions together in such a competitive meeting.’
‘It’s a hard grind for all concerned,’ said Chris Louis. ‘There have been some exhausting races, ask Bruce Penhall, Jack Milne and Bluey Wilkinson they will tell you.’
‘And there is more to come,’ said Keith, ‘my gut feeling is that it’s not over by a long way yet. There is a lot more hard riding to come before the dust has settled here tonight at the Sydney Showground. Jonathan is in the pits with Billy Hamill.
‘How are you Billy after your spill in the last meeting,’ asked Jonathan? ‘It was a shoulder injury but I am getting better,’ said Billy. ‘I have to be better all round in the next two meetings. A couple of 15 point maximums should do it.’
‘Do you think it possible taking into consideration the calibre of the opposition lined up against you.’ ‘Any things possible,’ said Billy, ‘but realistically we all have our work cut out to make headway in this Grand Prix.’
‘There’s certainly a long way to go yet,’ said Jonathan,’and some tough racing ahead. Back to you guys in the studio.’ ‘Good luck to Billy Hamill, said Keith, ‘but we have to get back to Kelvin and Tony as the riders are coming out for heat thirteen. It’s that man Fundin again Tony.’
‘Fundin has two of his fellow Swedes to contend with in this one Keith,’ said Tony, ‘and there is Jack Milne who will want to do something here. What do you think Kelvin? ‘It’s getting to the sharp end of the proceedings now Tony,’ said Kelvin, ‘the Americans haven’t done well at all here tonight. Jack Milne has to score points here despite the fact he’s up against three hard riding Swedes.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2007 12:45:17 GMT
Heat Thirteen 7 Red Ove Fundin 12 Blue Anders Michanek 14 White Per Jonsson 1 Yellow Jack Milne
On the track: The tapes rise - Fundin is sharp away to the first bend – Jack Milne drives hard over Jonnson and Michanek to the corner – in behind Fundin on his way out of the second bend.
Milne is pressing on Fundin down the back straight. Michanek and Jonsson side by side push at the American – as they all drive into bend 3 – Fundin hugging the line – Milne on the outside – looking for drive – Michanek and Jonsson biting at his back wheel.
Along the home straight Milne is fending off the two Swedes – Fundin is driving hard into bend 1 (lap2) – Milne dives under Fundin buffeting him off the line – cutting in under Fundin out of bend two (lap2)
Fundin accelerates down the straight towards the third bend (lap2) – cutting in sharply on Milne entering the third bend – forcing the American to slow – as Michanek and Jonsson come round his outside
Fundin is on the line exiting bend 4 (lap2) with Milne tucked in tight behind him – foiling Michanek’s attempt to come under him – also mindful Jonsson is probing on his outside
Into bend one (lap 3) Fundin holds onto the line – Milne still trying to shove under the Swede – but Fundin refuses to be moved – Per Jonsson has levelled with the American out of bend 2 (lap 3) along the back straight – Milne comes off the line to thwart Jonsson’s drive round him – Michanek shoves his bike between Milne and the line.
Fundin heads into bend 3 (lap3) – Michanek is driving under Milne into bend 3 with Jonsson riding outside of him – Michanek locks up on the apex of the corner – Milne picks up grip shooting him ahead of Michanek – in behind Fundin exiting bend 4 (lap3)
Down the home straight into lap 4 – Milne presses forward to attack Fundin on bend 1(lap4) attempting to ride round him – Fundin moves off his line to block the move – coming out of bend 2 (lap4) still ahead
Michanek and Jonsson overtake Milne either side down the back straight – Milne – timing his move to perfection - lunges into bend 3 (lap 4) under Michanek – throwing him off balance – colliding with Jonsson – who shoots wide to the fence – bouncing off the air fence – but maintains control of his machine.
Michanek slows as Milne pushes him out of the way going into bend 4 (lap4) – Fundin is over the line followed by Milne – Michanek – with Jonsson rolling across the line – waving his fist towards the referees box
Ove Fundin 3 – Jack Milne 2 – Anders Michanek 1 – Per Jonsson 0
‘Per Jonsson didn’t like that move one little bit,’ said Tony Dullard. “Well,’ said a reflective Kelvin, ‘I suspect Jack Milne was thinking if you can’t upset one Swede you might as well upset another. And he upset two of them just then and got away with it too. Anders Michanek doesn’t seem very pleased by what happened either.’
‘I don’t think Ove Fundin is much bothered one way or another what happened to his compatriots, Kelvin,’ said Dullard, ‘do you?’ ‘Fundin is sitting pretty on 12 points Tony,’ answered Kelvin, ‘he will be mightily satisfied with his work tonight thus far.’
‘Do you think he’ll win this one tonight,’ Tony asked? ‘It’s all going to hinge on what happens in heat eighteen,’ said Kelvin. ‘Mauger and Briggs have both to win their two races to make sure Fundin doesn’t run away with this one.’
‘And what about Freddie Williams,’ said Tony, ‘he’s out in that one and he’s out in this next one too.’ ‘Yes and he’s up against Jason Crump,’ said Kelvin. ‘Jason can finish well up the leader board tonight if things work out for him.’
‘And there’s those other two fiery characters Bluey Wilkinson and Tomasz Gollob to contend with,’ said Tony. ‘There is no respite for any of these riders tonight is there Kelvin?”
‘We’ve had one hard race after the other,’ responded Kelvin. ‘It’s an endurance test for man and machine. But it’s all about who is the best Tony and we’re beginning to find out who it is who will make the final cut. A treat for the supporters and us here in the commentary box.’
Heat Fourteen 2 Red Freddie Williams 13 Blue Jason Crump 8 White Bluey Wilkinson 11 Yellow Tomasz Gollob
On the track: Freddie Williams drives hard out of the tapes to the first bend. Wilkinson is head of Crump out of the tapes charging to the line – Gollob sticks to the highline around the boards – aiming to make one of those grand sweeps around the rest of the field.
Williams is exiting the second bend – with Wilkinson hard on his exhaust – Gollob in mid grand sweep comes down off of the fence – only to make contact with Crump coming up off his line into mid track.
Gollob pushes himself ahead of Crump – giving chase to Wilkinson – who is still glued to William’s back wheel along the back straight Williams hugs the line into bend three with Wilkinson nosing underneath him –
Gollob seeing wide open spaces heads round the boards in a second attempt – to bring off his grand sweeping manouvre – but Crump is diving under him – in his attempt to do the same thing – once again putting the Pole off his stride
Wilkinson cannot place himself in a position to overtake the Welshman – with Crump and Gollob in the way - Williams in no mood to be outdone by this trio of temperamental racers – continues to hug the line down the home straight into lap 2
No one in this race can afford to drop more points – Williams drives into bend 1 (lap2) aware he has to put as much distance between himself and his three opponents – hoping that they will tangle with each other – and leave him alone
Gollob, Wilkinson and Crump are alongside each other powering their way into bend one and out of bend 2(lap2) – each of them mindful of the other – knowing they cannot connect with each other – a fall would be a disaster for all three of them.
Along the back straight all three remain alongside each other – the nerves jangle as they head towards bend 3 (lap2) – Williams is already into the bend – the other three almost seem to pause – Wilkinson in between Gollob and Crump – takes the bit between his teeth – lunges forward into the bend
Williams exits bend 4 (lap 2) with Wilkinson closing the gap behind him – Gollob and Crump still side by side – push forward out of bend 4 – intent on reeling Wilkinson back in
All these riders want to have a go at Williams – but they are getting in each other’s way – Williams is off down the home straight into lap three – Wilkinson comes off the line – to make his bid round Williams as they come out of bend one (lap 3)
Crump is coming under Wilkinson at this point – with Gollob coming round the outside – both of them pulling ahead of Wilkinson out of bend two (lap 3) along the back straight – but Wilkinson is having none of it – picking up dirt and shooting beyond Gollob and Crump.
Williams is putting daylight between himself and the others – entering into bend 3 (lap3) – but Wilkinson is flying into the corner looking for the dirt that will project him forward – Gollob and Crump are getting tangled up with each other coming out of bend 4 (lap3)
Wilkinson sensing at last he is free of Crump and Gollob – chases off after Williams who is heading into bend one (lap 4) – Wilkinson decides to make his move now – rather than wait for it along the back straight – he sweeps high and wide looking for the dirt to drive him past Williams – who is turning out of bend two (lap 4) – Wilkinson picks up that dirt – which shoots him forward bringing him level with Williams along the back straight
Gollob and Crump are two bike lengths behind Wilkinson – but making up ground on him – Wilkinson looks over his shoulder – to see where Gollob and Crump are – in doing so it allows Williams those few inches of ground – at the moment of making the turn into bend 3 (lap4) – to nose ahead of Wilkinson.
Williams holds tight on the line – Wilkinson rueing his lost opportunity is now attacked by Crump and Gollob – both aware they’re running out of time
Williams is in front out of bend 4 (lap4) – Gollob, Wilkinson and Crump level on their way towards the line – but Wilkinson will not be denied – Gollob is slightly ahead of Crump – as Williams crosses the line – followed by Wilkinson – Gollob and Jason Crump
Freddie Williams 3 – Bluey Wilkinson 2 – Tomasz Gollob 1 – Jason Crump 0
‘There is drama in this stadium tonight Kelvin,’ said Tony Dullard. ‘Freddie Williams is on 11 points Tony,’ said the intellectual Kelvin. ‘One point behind Ove Fundin which means that heat eighteen will be very significant
‘Crump has failed to score for the first time tonight, but Wilkinson has come good at last,’ Dullard paused, ‘well almost.’ ‘We have an equally dramatic race coming up next,’ said Kelvin. ‘Briggs and Young up against the British pair of Mark Loram and Gary Havelock.’
Heat Fifteen 16 Red Barry Briggs 3 Blue Jack Young 10 White Mark Loram 5 Yellow Gary Havelock
On the track: Briggs and Young proceeded to the line untroubled by the slow gating Havelock – Loram was in touch with them entering the first bend – and he would not let them go – as they exited the second bend – Havelock trailed to a halt coming out of the second bend with an engine failure
Briggs is head of Young going down the back straight – Loram in close contact with Young – Briggs enters the third bend with Young coming round him – Briggs shrugs this move off and exits bend 4 a bike length ahead of the Australian
Young pushes himself along the home straight into lap 2 – making a bold attempt to go round Briggs as they enter bend one (lap2) – again Briggs shrugs him off – Loram is coming round the boards – attempting to make life hard for Young coming out of bend two (lap2)
Young cuts off Loram’s drive and chases down Briggs along the home straight – Briggs drives through bends 3 and 4(lap 2) – Young still right there with him. Through all lap 3 Young sits behind Briggs biding his time – all the while keeping Loram occupied looking for a way past the Australian.
Into lap four Briggs enters bends 1+2 – presses on along the back straight – Young following in his wake – with Loram not so far behind him – Briggs makes it into bend 3 and is positioning himself to drive out of bend four – Young surges forward himself picking up drive and diving under Briggs – coming out of bend 4 ahead – Briggs has to clamp Loram down – hell bent on following Young through the open gap Young crosses the line a bike length ahead of Briggs.
Jack Young 3 – Barry Briggs 2 – Mark Loram 1 – Gary Havelock 0
‘Briggs dropped a valuable point there,’ Kelvin reflected on the implications. ‘A lapse of concentration do you think Kelvin,’ asked Dullard? ‘I don’t know Tony,’ said Kelvin, ‘perhaps Young was making him think it was all too easy, but whatever it was Young got points that he needed to stay in touch with the leaders.’
‘What do you guys make of it back in the studio,’ asked Tony Dullard? ‘Steve Johnson is more than happy Jack Young made the cut,’ Keith grinned. ‘Yes I am,’ said Johnson. ‘Things aren’t as good as I would have liked but the Australian riders are doing their bit to make this meeting as hard as they can for the more fancied riders in the line up.’
‘It’s all happening in the Sydney Showground,’ said Keith to camera, ‘I hope the fans at home are glued to their TV screens and enjoying all the action from Australia. This next race has got to be something to behold. Back to Kelvin and Tony.’
‘They keep on coming one after the other, don’t they Keith,’ Kelvin chuckled. ‘And we have one coming up here now said,’ Tony Dullard, ‘that could throw the whole thing wide open as far as the outcome of this meeting is concerned. ‘Yes look at this line up,’ said Kelvin, ‘Mauger, Collins, Knutson and Penhall. Everyone of them desperate for points.’ ‘Someone and something really has to give in this one,’ said Dullard!!!
Heat Sixteen 9 Red Ivan Mauger 6 Blue Peter Collins 4 White Bjorn Knutson 15 Yellow Bruce Penhall
On the track: But Ivan Mauger is not giving in this race – taking full advantage of gate one – glides smoothly to the first bend – relishing the high tension permeating through the stadium in anticipation of this race.
Knutson – riding middle ground - is slightly ahead of Collins forced to tuck in behind Mauger – Penhall has to ride round the fence – because of Knutson’s presence mid field.
Mauger is into the first bend exiting bend two – Knutson level with Collins – Penhall drifting down off the fence – like bullets out of a gun all four riders explode down the back straight – Mauger ahead on the line – Knutson directly behind him on the line
Collins has moved to mid track to block Penhall coming through on the outside. Mauger glides into bend 3 – with Knutson in close contact – Collins mid track – foiling Penhalls move to go under the Belle Vue Ace
Out of bend four Mauger still ahead with Knutson – Collins thrusts forward drifting right for dirt under the fence – Penhall head down presses forward inside of Collins
Mauger floats into bend 1(lap2) with Knutson – Collins high by the fence – Penhall edging in front of him exiting bend two (lap2) Mauger tight to the line with Knutson – Collins thrusts forward ahead of Penhall
Mauger into bend 3 (lap 2) Knutson right behind – Penhall mid track going under Collins out by the boards Exiting bend 4 (lap 2) Collins cuts back in under Penhall – coming out of the bend ahead – Mauger shooting down the home straight into lap 3 – Knutson with him
Through bend 1 out of bend 2 (lap 3) Mauger still in front – Knutson glued to him Penhall pushing Collins desperate to get him out of the way so he can attack the leading pair – but Collins has everything to fight for.
Mauger leads them all into bend 3 (lap3) – Knutson drifts off his line – to shut out Penhall who is driving round the outside – with Collins top side of the American Cutting under Penhall out of bend 4 and making contact with Knutson momentarily
Mauger is along the home straight into lap four making his way through bends 1+2 Knutson is fending off Collins with Penhall making his way mid track to drive round them both.
Mauger presses on down the back straight – Knutson remains ahead of Collins who is half a bike length ahead of Penhall – all of them follow Mauger into bend 3 (lap4)
Mauger holds his ground coming out of bend 4 – Knutson choses to stay with Mauger – as Collins and Penhall battle with each other out of bend 4 Mauger is across the line first with Knutson close behind – Collins outpaces Penhall
Ivan Mauger 3 – Bjorn Knutson 2 – Peter Collins 1 – Bruce Penhall 0
‘That was a very tight race,’ said Kelvin ‘Ivan Mauger won it,’ added Dullard. ‘Back to the studio.’ ‘As you say Kelvin,’ said Keith, ‘it’s all getting so very tight. Ove Fundin on 12 points. Mauger, Briggs and Williams on 11 each. Who’s going to win it Steve Johnson?’
‘Don’t ask me,’ chuckled Steve, ‘I know it’s not going to be an Australian.’ ‘Chris Louis,’ asked Keith, ‘what do you think?’ ‘It’s just too difficult to call,’ answered Louis. ‘Fundin is looking very good but he’s up against Mauger and Briggs in his last race along with Freddie Williams, anything can happen and probably will.’
‘The next four races are going to settle all these issues,’ said Keith. ‘And to find out exactly what’s going to happen I will hand you back to the man that knows, over to you Kelvin.’
‘Thanks for that,’ responded Kelvin. ‘I have as much idea as the rest of you as to what they out come will be. But what I do know is there are four riders out next who are all going to be fighting every inch of the way for those extra points to carry them forward into their last qualifying round.’
‘Does it matter that the top riders are sitting pretty on heavy score lines,’ Tony asked? ‘On paper it doesn’t no,’ responded Kelvin, ‘but on the track it does. No matter how good the position you’re in at the moment in the next meeting it could all blow up in your face. And that applies to Fundin Mauger and Briggs as much as it does to anyone else. You never know what’s going to happen,’ ‘Well some of those questions will be answered shortly,’ said Tony, ‘starting with heat 17 coming up right now.’
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2007 15:16:08 GMT
Heat Seventeen 1 Red Jack Milne 8 Blue Bluey Wilkinson 15 White Bruce Penhall 10 Yellow Mark Loram
On the track: Everyone in the stadium is on nervous edge – reflected in the actions of the riders on the track – points have been scarce for the two Americans – Collins and Wilkinson better placed need to increase their points tally too.
Tapes rise – Penhall shoots out of the gate – making light of this hard night and still prepared to mix it with his opponents.
Milne links up with Penhall – entering bend one – Loram is coming round Wilkinson – slow off the start – but stung by finding himself in last place – shoves hard intending to go between Milne and Penhall. – forcing a gap to open up between the Americans- Loram is forced to continue to sweep around the highline
Coming out of bend two the riders are four abreast along the back straight. Penhall – mid track – Milne outside – Wilkinson inside thrusts forward Milne and Wilkinson are locked together – Loram continues hugging the fence – hoping to pass by Milne and Wilkinson.
Penhall drives hard into bend 3 – with the others abreast into the turn – Penhall passes through bend four onto the home straight into lap 2 – Loram – Wilkinson – Milne – are still in line with each other – no one intends slowing down into bend one (lap2)
Penhall – legs flailing – turns hard into bend 2(lap2) – Milne slides up inside Penhall – forcing him off his line – Wilkinson falls in behind the American pair – Loram is wrestling with his machine mid track.
Milne and Penhall push into bend 3 (lap2) – Wilkinson is looking to split them again – Loram locks up on the apex of the bend – the American pairing remain locked together out of bend 4(lap2) down the home straight into bend one (lap3) – glide out of bend two (lap3) along the back straight – Wilkinson snapping at their heels – through bends 3+4(lap3) into lap four.
Wilkinson attempts go round them into bend one (lap4) but fails to make an impression on the Americans – as they exit bend 2 (lap4) – continuing down the back straight locked together.
The Americans are rock solid into bend three (lap4) – Wilkinson overcooks it looking for drive – with Loram on top of him
Penhall and Milne drive out of bend 4(lap4) and begin to separate – Penhall shoots forward – Wilkinson belatedly picking up grip lunges for the gap – Milne accelerates – but Penhall is over the line first – Milne second – Wilkinson ahead of Loram.
Bruce Penhall 3 – Jack Milne 2 – Bluey Wilkinson 1 – Mark Loram 0
‘Bruce will be dedicating that one to himself,’ enthused Kelvin. ‘No one can deny him that one,’ said Tony. ‘Not after what he has been through tonight,’ said Kelvin. Penhall wheelies down the back and home straights celebrating his hard earned victory. ‘It’s the big one coming up next Kelvin,’ trumpeted Dullard. ‘Yes it is,’ gasped Kelvin in anticipation. ‘This GP has been a World Final all of its own Tony and now we are really at the very sharp end of the proceedings.
Heat Eighteen 9 Red Ivan Mauger 2 Blue Freddie Williams 7 White Ove Fundin 16 Yellow Barry Briggs
On the track: No one is making a rush of things on their way to the tapes the nervous tension can be felt by everyone. Mauger sets himself on gate one calmly adjusting his positioning.
Williams digs into the track with boot heel – satisfied with what he finds. Fundin is placid on gate three – Briggs impenetrable on gate four. Heads down – the tapes rise inexplicably – the nervous referee pressed the tapes button before the green light. The tension lifts as the riders reposition at the gate. The starting marshal steps forward – heads down face right green light tapes rise
And it’s Freddie Williams with a lightning start out of gate two – Fundin drives hard down over Ivan Mauger clamping him on the line going into the first bend. Briggs comes forward round the outside of Fundin who is intent on keeping Mauger more than occupied.
Williams emerges from the second bend ahead of Briggs followed by Fundin half a bike length ahead of Mauger. Williams proceeds down the back straight – pursued by Briggs – Fundin still preoccupied with Mauger – who is trying to outpace the Swede holding him up.
Williams enters the third bend – with Briggs heading wide looking to swoop under the Welshman – out of bend 4(lap1) – Fundin hugs the white line in and out of bends 3+4 baulking Mauger all the way.
Williams maintains his lead – down the home straight into lap 2 – Briggs drives hard under him into bend one (lap2) – Williams refuses to budge – Fundin is playing fast and loose with Mauger – giving him a hard time through bens one and two(lap2)
Williams shoots along the back straight with Briggs in hot pursuit – Fundin accelerates forward driving on into bends 3+4 (lap2) – Mauger on his tail Williams is down the home straight into lap 3 – Fundin has drawn abreast with Briggs – both of them baulking Mauger’s way through.
Williams enters bend one (lap3) – holding tight to the line – with Briggs and Fundin close behind him exiting bend 2 (lap3) – Mauger is right behind Fundin and Briggs who are reeling Williams in along the back straight.
But it is Williams driving first into bend 3 (lap3) – Fundin and Briggs locked together denying Mauger the way through. Out of bend 4 (lap3) – Williams picks up drive hurtling himself over the line into lap 4.
Williams proceeds into bend one (lap4) – Fundin close behind riding on the line with Briggs alongside him. Mauger – mid track – seeks a way round Briggs and Fundin exiting bend 2 (lap4). Williams – with throttle wide open drives along the back straight – Mauger still looking for the way through Briggs and Fundin.
Williams is into bend 3 (lap4) – followed closely by Briggs and Fundin – Mauger locking up making his turn into bend 4. Williams exits bend 4 (lap4) ahead – Briggs and Fundin race for the line – Briggs ahead of Fundin – Mauger not far behind.
Freddie Williams 3 – Barry Briggs 2 – Ove Fundin 1 – Ivan Mauger 0
‘I don’t think Freddie Williams was part of Ove Fundin and Barry Briggs’ game plan,’ gasped Kelvin astonished at the result of heat eighteen!!! ‘Well,’ said Tony Dullard, ‘I don’t know if it was or not.’ ‘But Freddie Williams has won it Tony,’ said Kelvin. ‘And he’s won the meeting too,’ added Dullard. ‘That’s what I meant Tony,’ said an agitated Kelvin.
Freddie Williams is accosted by Jonathan in the pits. ‘You have astonished just about everyone here tonight,’ said the bemused Jonathan. ‘What is your secret?’
Williams – still pumped up with the adrenalin rush that spurred him onto victory -seemed to look through Jonathan somewhere off into the distance with a hard stare etched on his face. ‘It’s very simple,’ said Williams finally. ‘Because of the luck of the GP draw I – who am the only Welsh world champion there has ever been – was denied the opportunity to represent my country Wales – in the Millennium Stadium Cardiff,’
Williams paused and allowed himself a smile. ‘Well if wasn’t allowed to ride for my country in Old South Wales – then I was more than determined to make my mark in New South Wales!!!’ With that said Williams strode off to celebrate his victory.
‘And there it is,’ said Jonathan direct to the camera. ‘Over to Tony and Kelvin.’ ‘I suspect Freddie Williams has rekindled the hopes most if not all the world champions riding in this series,’ said Tony Dullard.
‘I think it’s raised the temperature of these Grand Prix’s a notch higher,’ said Kelvin emphatically. ‘Freddie Williams found that extra bit of motivation and that’s what the rest of them have to do.’
‘I know Williams requested and was denied special dispensation to ride in Cardiff,’ said Dullard, ‘but he has more than made his obvious deep displeasure known in the best possible way as far as he is concerned. But we must move on to heat 19 Kelvin.’
Heat Nineteen 3 Red Jack Young 12 Blue Anders Michanek 13 White Jason Crump 6 Yellow Peter Collins
On the track: Peter Collins shoots round the field hitting the first bend on the line ahead of Anders Michanek – Collins fired up by Williams’ achievement catches Crump and Young napping, belatedly Young and Crump head into the first bend trailing Michanek.
Collins winds out of the second bend along the back straight Michanek over his right shoulder – Young and Crump in tandem with each other chasing the lead pair.
Collins dives into bend three like a man possessed looking for his first win of the night – Michanek is right there with him hugging the line round and out of bend 4 with the Australian pair right on his heels. Collins is down the home straight into lap 2 with Michanek tucked in tight behind him
This is not what either Crump or Young need or want – but Collins pulls ahead of Michanek into bend 1 (lap2) – Young on the inside dives into the corner – Crump on the highline seeking to sweep round the Swede as they exit bend 2(lap2) – but
Michanek causes Young to shut off. Collins continues on his way down the back straight into bend three (lap2) with Crump and Young making no impression in Michanek
Out of bend four (lap2) Collins ploughs on into lap 3 towards bend one screwing the power on into bend one (lap3) bucking out of bend 2 (lap3) – Michanek still there with him down the back straight – Crump rides round the boards looking for the drive to propel him past Michanek and goes high and wide into bend 3(lap3) hoping to sweep round Michanek still stuck to the line but the Swede is still ahead coming out of bend four driving relentlessly on after Collins who is now over the line into lap 4
Collins goes deep into bend one (lap4) with Michanek right there with him out of bend 2(lap4) with Young and Crump making no impression – getting in each others way – to the advantage of Collins and Michanek heading on down the back straight.
Into bend 3 (lap4) Collins is in control of the race – Michanek seemingly content to hang onto second place subdues the Australian assault coming his way racing out of bend 4(lap4). Collins drives towards the line with Michanek right behind – Crump takes the one point open to the Australian pair.
Peter Collins 3 – Anders Michanek 2 – Jason Crump 1 – Jack Young 0
‘Peter Collins was obviously fired up by Freddie Williams,’ said Kelvin. ‘Collins has made 10 points tonight,’ added up Dullard. ‘But heat twenty is ready to roll with all of them needing the points.’
Heat Twenty 5 Red Gary Havelock 14 Blue Per Jonsson 11 White Tomasz Gollob 4 Yellow Bjorn Knutson
On the track: Tomasz Gollob does what he does best sharply making the gate lunging towards the first bend chopping off Gary Havelock’s drive to the corner – Jonsson is forced to shut off by the Pole’s forceful drive forward – Knutson sensibly rides towards the highline enabling to pass both Havelock and Jonsson tangled up with each other.
Gollob exits bend two with Knutson behind him – Jonsson has passed Havelock Gollob runs wide into bend 3 – Knutson holds onto the line – entering bend 4 ahead of Gollob – who sweeps down off the fence going into bend 4 driving level with Knutson along the home straight – the Swede diving into bend 1 (lap2) as Gollob favours the high line round through exiting the second bend (lap2)
Jonsson is tight to the line looking to take advantage of any mistake by Gollob – but Tomasz is up for this one – pressing on down the back straight – riding wide again round Knutson through bends 3+4 (lap2) – along the straight into lap three – with Knutson still adhering to the line mindful of Jonsson there right behind him.
The erratic Gollob is through bends 1+2 (lap3) followed by Knutson and Jonsson down the back straight into bend 3(lap3) – Knutson is heading Gollob coming out of bend 4(lap3) looking for that drive to propel him forward along the home straight.
Gollob goes high and wide into bend 1 (lap4) coming out of bend two (lap4) ahead of Knutson – Tomas is enjoying himself now as he shoots off down the back straight – into bend 3(lap4) – going for the drive on the highline – locking up slightly – Knutson sliding through – gratefully – holding the line exiting bend 4(lap4) with Jonsson following through – Gollob picking up drive shoots forward – overtaking Jonsson – running out of track as Knutson crosses the line a wheel length ahead of Gollob.
Bjorn Knutson 3 – Tomasz Gollob 2 – Per Jonsson 1 – Gary Havelock 0
‘Gollob cut his own throat there,’ said Kelvin. ‘Fundin and Briggs are out on the track,’ said Dullard,’ for their run off for second and third place, what do you think Kelvin?’ ‘Hard one to call Tony it could go either way there is no doubt about it.’
The Run Off – On the track: Fundin chose gate one while Briggs chose three – Fundin exited the gate to the line with Briggs chasing him hard – Fundin was in no mood to give ground – Briggs drove under Fundin a few times through laps one and two making no impression on him
Fundin was determined to hang on to his lead with Briggs content to stalk him into lap three through bends one and two (lap4) and along the back straight. Briggs went high and wide into bend 3(lap4) looking for that sweep round coming out of bend 4 (lap4) but Fundin blocked this move and drove over the line to clinch runners up spot behind Williams.
‘Well it’s all done and dusted Kelvin,’ said Tony Dullard. ‘Fundin is ahead with 87 points and Mauger and Briggs joint second on 76 points. ‘Let’s see what Round Two Group B throws into the mix next week,’ said Kelvin. ‘Back to Keith in the studio.’ ‘It’s time to say goodnight from everyone in the Sydney Showground and here in London,’ said Keith ‘My thanks to Steve Johnson and Chris Louis Goodnight ‘.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2007 15:17:28 GMT
Race results meeting three Group A
1. Jack Young 3/2/1/3/0 = 9 = 6th 2. Freddie Williams 2/3/3/3/3 = 14 = 1st 3. Jack Milne 1/0/1/2/2 = 6 = 10th 4. Bjorn Knutson 0/2/1/2/3 = 8 = 7th 5. Gary Havelock 0/1/0/0/0 = 1 = 16th 6. Peter Collins 2/2/2/1/3 = 10 = 5th 7. Ove Fundin 3/3/3/3/1 = 13 = 2nd 8. Bluey Wilkinson 1/1/2/2/1 = 6 = 11th 9. Ivan Mauger 3/2/3/3/0 = 11 = 4th 10. Mark Loram 1/0/0/1/0 = 2 = 15th 11. Tomasz Gollob 0/0/0/1/2 = 3 = 13th 12. Anders Michanek 2/0/1/1/2 = 6 = 12th 13. Jason Crump 2/3/2/0/1 = 8 = 8th 14. Per Jonsson 0/1/0/0/1 = 2 = 14th 15. Bruce Penhall 1/1/2/0/3 = 7 = 9th 16. Barry Briggs 3/3/3/2/2 = 13 = 3rd
Finishing order Round 2 Group A
1. Freddie Williams 14 + 32 = 46 + 17 = 63 2. Ove Fundin 13 + 30 = 43 + 44 = 87 3. Barry Briggs 13 + 28 = 41 + 35 = 76 4. Ivan Mauger 11 + 26 = 37 + 39 = 76 5. Peter Collins 10 + 24 = 34 + 8 = 42 6. Jack Young 9 + 22 = 31 + 8 = 39 7. Bjorn Knutson 8 + 20 = 28 + 44 = 72 8. Jason Crump 8 + 18 = 26 + 12 = 38 9. Bruce Penhall 7 + 16 = 23 + 29 = 52 10. Jack Milne 6 + 14 = 20 + 34 = 54 11. Bluey Wilkinson 6 + 12 = 18 + 24 = 42 12. Anders Michanek 6 + 10 = 16 + 23 = 39 13. Tomasz Gollob 3 + 8 = 11 + 40 = 51 14. Per Jonsson 2 + 6 = 8 + 28 = 36 15. Mark Loram 2 + 4 = 6 + 18 = 24 16. Gary Havelock 1 + 2 = 3 + 13 = 16
Overall leader board Group A 1. Ove Fundin 87 2. Ivan Mauger 76 = Barry Briggs 76 4. Bjorn Knutson 72 5. Freddie Williams 63 6. Jack Milne 54 7. Bruce Penhall 52 8. Tomasz Gollob 51 9. Bluey Wilkinson 42 = Peter Collins 42 11. Jack Young 39 = Anders Michanek 39 13. Jason Crump 38 14. Per Jonsson 36 15. Mark Loram 24 16. Gary Havelock 16
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2007 15:19:14 GMT
Round 2 Group B and Racing order Group B
1. Tony Rickardsson = 42 2. Ole Olsen = 37 3. Lionel Van Praag = 30 4. Nicki Pedersen = 25 5. Michael Lee = 21 6. Tommy Price = 15 7. Jan O Pedersen = 10 8. Egon Muller = 6 9. Peter Craven = 41 10. Hans Nielsen = 36 11. Greg Hancock = 31 12. Sam Ermelenko = 26 13. Ronnie Moore = 20 14. Jerzy Szczakiel = 16 15. Eric Gundersen = 10 16. Billy Hamill = 3
Heat One 1 Red Tony Rickardsson 2 Blue Ole Olsen 3 White Lionel Van Praag 4 Yellow Nicki Pedersen
Heat Two 5 Red Michael Lee 7 Blue Jan O Pedersen 6 White Tommy Price 8 Yellow Egon Muller
Heat Three 10 Red Hans Nielsen 11 Blue Greg Hancock 9 White Peter Craven 12 Yellow Sam Ermelenko
Heat Four 15 Red Eric Gundersen 14 Blue Jerzy Szczakiel 16 White Billy Hamill 13 Yellow Ronnie Moore
Heat Five 13 Red Ronnie Moore 1 Blue Tony Rickardsson 5 White Michael Lee 9 Yellow Peter Craven
Heat Six 14 Red Jerzy Szczakiel 10 Blue Hans Nielsen 2 White Ole Olsen 6 Yellow Tommy Price
Heat Seven 11 Red Greg Hancock 15 Blue Eric Gundersen 7 White Jan O Pedersen 3 Yellow Lionel Van Praag
Heat Eight 4 Red Nicki Pedersen 8 Blue Egon Muller 12 White Sam Ermelenko 16 Yellow Billy Hamill
Heat Nine 6 Red Tommy Price 16 Blue Billy Hamill 1 White Tony Rickardsson 11 Yellow Greg Hancock
Heat Ten 12 Red Sam Ermelenko 5 Blue Michael Lee 15 White Eric Gundersen 2 Yellow Ole Olsen
Heat Eleven 8 Red Egon Muller 9 Blue Peter Craven 3 White Lionel Van Praag 14 Yellow Jerzy Szczakiel
Heat Twelve 13 Red Ronnie Moore 4 Blue Nicki Pedersen 10 White Hans Nielsen 7 Yellow Jan O Pedersen
Heat Thirteen 7 Red Jan O Pedersen 12 Blue Sam Ermelenko 14 White Jerzy Szczakiel 1 Yellow Tony Rickardsson
Heat Fourteen 2 Red Ole Olsen 13 Blue Ronnie Moore 8 White Egon Muller 11 Yellow Greg Hancock
Heat Fifteen 16 Red Billy Hamill 3 Blue Lionel Van Praag 10 White Hans Nielsen 5 Yellow Michael Lee
Heat Sixteen 9 Red Peter Craven 6 Blue Tommy Price 4 White Nicki Pedersen 15 Yellow Eric Gundersen
Heat Seventeen 1 Red Tony Rickardsson 8 Blue Egon Muller 15 White Eric Gundersen 10 Yellow Hans Nielsen
Heat Eighteen 9 Red Peter Craven 2 Blue Ole Olsen 7 White Jan O Pedersen 16 Yellow Billy Hamill
Heat Nineteen 3 Red Lionel Van Praag 12 Blue Sam Ermelenko 13 White Ronnie Moore 6 Yellow Tommy Price
Heat 20 5 Red Michael Lee 14 White Jerzy Szczakiel 11 Blue Greg Hancock 4 Yellow Nicki Pedersen
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2007 22:12:22 GMT
All Time Greats Speedway Grand Prix Series Round Two Group B
A door to another time opened. Three speedway riders rode down a ramp on to a track. Their wheels once more touched hallowed ground. These riders rode slowly round a deserted stadium, empty seats empty stands.
The riders acknowledged the ghosts of supporters who were no longer there. The three riders stood at the starting gate. One dressed in shining black leathers. The second dressed in leathers imprinted with polka dots, the third in colours of blue and yellow signifying the country of his birth.
A Starting Marshall who could not be seen called them to order. The three riders bowed their heads, faced right, revved their speedway bikes, a green light came on, the tapes rose.
The three riders rode round the hallowed ground exchanging places on the track with each other all the while. Lap after lap they raced against each other. No one was watching; no one saw them; no one was stood on the terraces; no one was sat in the stands.
A man with a chequered flag stepped out of nowhere onto the track to welcome these three riders home. The three riders rode round the back straight, once more acknowledged the supporters who were not there. The three riders rode back up the ramp into the pits.
‘Look at all those people pouring into this stadium,’ said the TV anchorman! ‘All of them looking to stand in their favourite spot or park themselves in their favourite seats,’ said one studio guest. ‘This stadium is the one that contains the Soul of Speedway,’ said the elderly man solemnly, who was also a studio guest.
‘Good evening everyone,’ said Keith Huwen. Keith stared mystified into the Skysports camera. ‘I don’t know how it happened and I’ve been told not to ask questions but tonight’s Grand Prix is being brought to you from the home of the Belle Vue Aces. But,’ Keith paused with a bemused look on his face, ‘not as you might have imagined from Kirkmanshulme Lane Manchester but from the old Belle Vue stadium Hyde Road. How did that happen Kelvin and Nigel? Have you any ideas?’
‘No idea at all Keith,’ said Kelvin Tatum, ‘but what I do know is the old Hyde Road stadium has appeared out of nowhere and 16 riders have assembled to compete in this Grand Prix on what has come to be known as ‘Holy Ground.’
‘The word is,’ cut in Nigel Pearson, ‘that Peter Craven is already in the pits alongside his pit crew of Chris Pusey and Soren Sjosten’. In fact Keith,’ cut in Kelvin, ‘it seems as though those three Belle Vue Aces were in the stadium before anyone else arrived.’
‘So that means,’ Nigel cut back in, ‘that Sam Ermelenko won’t have to worry about Peter Craven making any grand entrances in this Grand Prix!!!’ ‘That’s right,’ said Kelvin, ‘in fact Sam Ermelenko will be renewing acquaintances with Peter Craven both of their first races of the night.’
‘That will be something to look forward to,’ said Keith. ‘But first let me introduce you to our studio guests this evening. First the ever present Chris Louis and,’ Keith paused again,’ Jack Parker.’
‘Good evening Mr. Parker,’ said Chris Louis ‘it’s a honour to meet you sir.’ ‘And it’s a pleasure to meet you too Mr Louis,’ said Jack Parker in return. ‘Do you mind me asking,’ cut in Keith, ‘but just how exactly did you find yourself here?’
‘It’s funny you should ask that, seeing as you were told not to ask any questions,’ said Jack with a twinkle in his eye, ‘but I was talking to Chris Pusey and he told me a voice spoke to him and said, ‘If you build it the ‘Great Belle Vue Ace’ will come.’
There was a pregnant pause ‘And,’ said the eager Keith??? ‘And here I am,’ chuckled Mr Parker!!!
Keith swallowed hard looked direct into camera no doubt wishing his old mate Barry Briggs was there to sort these people out as only he could.
‘There are a lot of people here tonight,’ said Chris Louis. ‘I am glad you reminded me of that Chris,’ said Keith glad for the subject to be changed. ‘I know that ever since word got out that the old Hyde Road stadium had reappeared people have been queuing up all day to get in here.’
The cameras pan in on thousands of speedway supporters from all over the country converging on Hyde Road to walk once more on hallowed ground. (Yes even Poole supporters!!!)
‘Well,’ said Keith, ‘as I have no idea how any of us got here I do know why we are here. We are here for Round Two Group B of the All Time Greats Speedway Grand Prix Series.
We have a great line up of world champions all of them needing points for one reason or another. Tony Rickardsson and that other,’ Keith paused and coughed, ‘that other Great Belle Vue Ace Peter Craven lead Group B. Olsen, Nielsen, Van Praag and Greg Hancock are tucked in there behind them. The rest of the field need to be scoring big points tonight including those old stagers Tommy Price and Ronnie Moore. Who do you fancy to do well? Chris Louis? ’
‘I am sure Tony Rickardsson and Hans Neilsen will be keen to impress on this great old track,’ said Chris Louis. ‘I expect Peter Craven to do well of course. Sam will want to show he is as good around here as he was around the Kirkmanshulme lane stadium.’
‘And what about you Mr Parker,’ asked Keith still bemused by the presence of the great man? ‘I think Peter will do well and the riders Chris mentioned,’ said Mr Parker, ‘but most of all these riders are familiar with this track.’
‘Don’t you think it’s a bit unfair on these younger world champions who have never seen this track before,’ cut in Keith, ‘to be forced to ride here tonight?’
Mr. Parker cast a mystical glance at Keith and said, ‘I am sure that all of these riders present here tonight will be inspired by their opportunity to ride on this hallowed ground that is Belle Vue Speedway Hyde Road. Grateful for their chance to ride in the spiritual home of British Speedway club racing.’ Mr Parker paused. ‘If they are not then not only did they not ought to be here they are also not the world champions they suppose themselves to be.’ ‘Fair enough, over to Kelvin and Nigel,’ said Keith with some relief.
‘Keith seems a little perplexed Nigel,’ chuckled Kelvin. ‘He certainly does Kelvin,’ said Nigel, ‘as we all are I suspect. But there is no time now to think how and why we find ourselves here. We are here and it’s time to get on with the meeting in hand. The riders are coming out for the first race. It’s Rickardsson, Olsen, Van Praag and Nicki Pedersen.’ ‘I wonder what Nicki Pedersen will make of this circuit Nigel,’ pondered Kelvin? ‘I think we’re about to find out Kelvin.’
Heat One 1 Red Tony Rickardsson 2 Blue Ole Olsen 3 White Lionel Van Praag 4 Yellow Nicki Pedersen
On the track: The atmosphere is electric. The riders pause before rolling the wheels of their bikes onto the track. Lionel Van Praag insists on being first out followed by Ole Olsen then Tony Rickardsson. Nicki Pedersen seems transfixed by the sight before him. The riders make their way round to the tapes.
There is a tingle up the spine of all those in attendance. Spectators sniff the methanol permeating through the stadium, catch grit in their teeth reach out and clutch the dust of yesterday floating in the atmosphere. Finally the riders are assembled at the tapes ready to roll. Heads down face right green light tapes rise.
Ole Olsen steals a march on his opponents shooting out of the tapes ahead of Rickardsson who has Van Praag bearing down on him. Nicki Pedersen rears violently dropping the clutch far too fast. Pedersen expects the race to be stopped but it goes on. Olsen is out of the first and second bends ahead of Rickardsson with Van Praag hard on his heels with Pedersen chasing shadows.
Down the back straight Olsen rides growing more confident as he once more familiarises himself with the old track he knew so well. Rickardsson takes it all in his stride realising this is yet another new track he has to get to grips with. Van Praag chases the lead pair but has to contend with Pedersen who has also realised this track is more to his liking than he first suspected it would be.
Into lap 2 Olsen is still ahead with Rickardsson right behind him. Through bends one and two (lap2) Rickardsson is content to remain where he is. Van Praag is in a battle with Nicki Pedersen who is growing more confident as the race progresses.
Down the back straight T/R levels with Olsen probing underneath him going into bend 3 (lap 2). Olsen refuses to move off the line, Rickardsson loses ground entering bend 4 (lap2). Olsen is off down the straight to the roar of the crowd.
Somehow there is a sense that all these riders have found a place to ride where all has been made equal for them.
Into lap 3 Olsen is still ahead through bends one and two along the back straight into bends 3+4. Entering the home straight Rickardsson once more draws level outside of Olsen.
Into bend one (lap 4) T/R is sightly ahead and cuts in for the line. Olsen anticipating this move goes high and wide going back round Rickardsson exiting bend two (lap 4) ahead once more. T/R chases Olsen down the back straight but Olsen is in and out of bends 3+4 (lap 4) heading for the line. Olsen punches the air has he crosses over first.
Van Praag manages to hold Nicki Pedersen out for 4 laps. At the end of the race Pedersen rides slowly round the track testing the ground and looking at the crowd. There is a sense of determination in Pedersen’s actions.
Ole Olsen 3 – Tony Rickardsson 2 – Lionel Van Praag 1 – Nicki Pedersen 0
‘That was a strange old race Kelvin,’ said Nigel. ‘Yes it was,’ said Kelvin. ‘I think it was Olsen who got to grips with the sense of occasion here tonight first. He made that lightning start that seemed to catch Rickardsson off guard. It might take a race or two before all these riders get to grips with this track and the atmosphere generated here tonight’. ‘Heat two is coming up with two English riders who are very familiar with this track too. Egon Muller and Jan O Pedersen will have their work cut out here to no doubt.’
Heat Two 5 Red Michael Lee 7 Blue Jan O Pedersen 6 White Tommy Price 8 Yellow Egon Muller
On the track: Jan O Pedersen makes the same move as Olsen. Shooting from the gate over Michael Lee with Tommy Price following suit. Muller with nowhere to go is forced to attempt a sweep round the field. Lee cuts to mid track in order to find drive to thrust him forward baulks Muller cutting in from the boards.
Pedersen is out of the second bend with Price close behind. Lee shakes off Muller’s challenge and chases the lead pair down the back straight. Pedersen/Price are close to the line –Lee decides to go wide into bend 3. A gap opens up between Pedersen and Price as they enter bend 4. Lee pushes forward between them. Exiting bend 4 Pedersen is ahead with Price and Lee on level terms with each other.
Down the home straight into lap 2 Lee and Price are neck and neck. Pedersen leads into bend one (lap 2). Lee is on Price’s right shoulder into the bend ahead as they exit bend two (lap 2). Muller is close behind them.
Pedersen draws further ahead down the back straight into bend three (lap 2). Lee slips in behind the Dane hoping to dive under him as he exits bend four (lap 2). Pedersen holds hard to the line.
Lee once more opts for mid track down the home straight into lap 3 coming in close over Pedersen’s right shoulder into bend one (lap 3). Lee locks slightly as both Price and Muller close behind attempt to go either side of him.
Lee picks up dirt out of bend two (lap 3) which pushes him forward bringing him level with Pedersen as they fly down the back straight. Pedersen holds tight to the line into bend three (lap 3). Lee stays mid track to hold off Price and Muller intent on staying in close contact with him.
Out of bend four (lap 3) Lee attacks the Dane down the home straight. Pedersen determined to stay in front slows slightly into bend one (lap 4) to hold Lee up coming under him.
In doing so Pedersen drifts off the line coming out of bend two (lap 4). Lee grasping opportunity nudges under the Dane elbowing him into mid track – into the path of Price and Muller who push up the inside of Pedersen.
Pedersen realising his mistake opens up down the back straight drawing level with Lee on the outside of him. Lee now holds the line as they enter bend three (lap4). Pedersen goes mid track wrestling with his machine as all four riders exit bend four (lap 4).
With heads down Pedersen and Lee race for the line neck and neck with each other both crossing the line together. While Tommy Price crosses the line ahead of Muller the spectators have to wait for the referees decision concerning Lee and Pedersen. Referees decision:
Jan O Pedersen 3 – Michael Lee 2 – Tommy Price 1 – Egon Muller 0
‘That was a very close run thing there between Pedersen and Michael Lee,’ said Nigel. ‘What do you make of it Kelvin?’ ‘Hard to say Nigel,’ said Kelvin. ‘My feeling was Pedersen got it by a hair, but Michael Lee was right there with him as they crossed the line. The video evidence suggests Pedersen was there first so I guess the referee had no choice but to call it in Jan’s favour.’
‘I agree,’ said Pearson, ‘but I am sure the Kings Lynn supporters here will think that Michael was badly done to there.’ Pearson paused. ‘It’s the big one next Kelvin.’
‘Yes it is Nigel,’ said a nervous Kelvin. ‘There’s bound to be some fireworks in this one. What with the master of Hyde Road up against the ‘Professor of Speedway’ Hans Nielsen.’ ‘And there’s Sam and Greg Hancock in the mix too. Greg will want to score points.’ ‘And so will Sam,’ cut in Kelvin.
Heat Three 10 Red Hans Nielsen 11 Blue Greg Hancock 9 White Peter Craven 12 Yellow Sam Ermelenko
Peter Craven’s bike wheels rolled on to the hallowed ground. There was silence in the stadium has he rode round towards the tapes. The crowd erupted into a bedlam of noise as the supporters there welcomed home their son of speedway. ‘God,’ gasped an irate Sam Ermelenko!!! ‘He probably is,’ said a reflective Hans Nielsen. ‘Let’s get on with it,’ said Greg Hancock
On the track: All four riders leave the tapes on level terms. Nielsen nosed into the first bend – Hancock over his right shoulder. Peter Craven cruised round mid track – Sam Ermelenko poised to slide between Nielsen and Hancock should the door open. Exiting bend two – Nielsen clings to the line – Hancock drifts wide – Craven cuts in off mid track to drive under Hancock – then chases Nielsen down the back straight.
Hans slices into bend 3 Craven riding mid line to block the advancing Americans. Through and out of bend 4 Nielsen leads down the home straight into lap 2. Through bends one and two (lap2) Nielsen holds tight to the line – Craven remains tied to the Dane down the back straight into bends 3+4(lap2).
Down the home straight into lap 3 – with the supporters screaming at the riders – Craven goes wide to the boards to pick up drive to take him through bend one (lap3) – bending his body close to the machine twisting the handlebars picking up drive – shooting him out of bend two (lap3) to bring him level with Nielsen along the back straight.
Nielsen adheres to the line going into bend three (lap3) Craven again goes wide to block the Americans – picks up more drive entering bend 4 (lap3) which takes him alongside Nielsen once again.
Down the home straight Nielsen is slightly ahead of Craven as they drive hard into bend one (lap4) – Craven once more looking for that drive out of bend two (lap4) – which doesn’t seem to be there for him.
Along the back straight Nielsen is ahead Craven on his shoulder drifting from left right holding up the probing Americans. Nielsen still on the line enters bend three (lap4) Craven goes right up to the boards picking up the grip on the highline.
Both riders drive out of bend four – the Americans right behind them. Nielsen drives for the line – Craven picks up grip – hurtles forward – over the line First. A disgruntled Sam Ermelenko comes in ahead of Greg Hancock
Peter Craven 3 – Hans Nielsen 2 – Sam Ermelenko 1 – Greg Hancock 0
‘He had to win that one,’ said Nigel Pearson. ‘It being his first race here for who knows how long.’ ‘There is that,’ chuckled Kelvin, ‘but somehow I think Peter Craven had his defeat by Nielsen at the Millennium Stadium on his mind there, if you ask me.’
‘What are Mr Parker’s thoughts on the race Keith,’ asked Nigel? ‘Over to you Mr Parker,’ gulped Keith. ‘I think the boy done good,’ said Mr Parker with a wry smile. ‘Is that it,’ said Keith waiting for more. ‘That’s it Nigel,’ said Keith relieved to hand back to the commentators and the next race!!!’
‘There are four riders here who have a lot to do tonight,’ said Pearson. ‘That’s right Nigel,’ said Kelvin. ‘That’s if they have any intention of being in the Grand Final of course, which I am sure they all do. Particularly Ronnie Moore.’ ‘Especially Ronnie Moore,’ Nigel emphasised.
Heat Four 15 Red Eric Gundersen 14 Blue Jerzy Szczakiel 16 White Billy Hamill 13 Yellow Ronnie Moore
On the track: Jerzy Szczakiel was first from the gate – Eric Gundersen - with new found drive -powers underneath him pushing the Pole of the line into bend one. Szczakiel drifts wider than he wanted – Billy Hamill drives underneath him – pushing him into the path of Ronnie Moore who is forced to slow momentarily.
Moore cuts inside of Szczakiel exiting bend two – in hot pursuit of Gundersen who is ahead of Hamill down the back straight. Hamill rides mid track entering bend three – mindful of Moore probing underneath him.
Gundersen remains ahead exiting bend four over the line into lap 2 – Hamill is level with Moore on the inside of him- with Moore nosing ahead into bend one (lap2).
Hamill determined to score points picks up drive exiting bend two (lap2) that thrusts him ahead of Moore along the back straight. Gundersen is comfortable in the lead entering bend three (lap2) – Moore is stalking Hamill has he exits bend 4 (lap2) – once more pushing under him along the home straight into lap 3.
Gundersen broadsides exiting bend one (lap 3) – allowing Moore and Hamill opportunity to attack the Dane exiting bend two (lap3). Gundersen brings his machine under control – heads down the back straight with Moore probing underneath him – Hamill favouring the line down mid track.
Into bend three (lap3) Gundersen drifts off his line again – Moore drives under him – Hamill goes to sweep round the boards – picking up drive – Moore slides ahead of Gundersen – Hamill passes the Dane on the outside exiting bend four (lap3).
Gundersen has gone from first to third – but remains in contact with Moore in the lead – and Hamill now second placed. Through bends 1+2 (lap4) Moore leads with Hamill on his back wheel – Gundersen right behind Hamill as they power down the back straight into the third bend (lap4).
Moore is glued to the line – Hamill heads once more to the boards looking for more drive on the apex of the corner – locks up. Moore shoots out of bend four (lap 4) heading for the line – Hamill powers forward – Gundersen is underneath him – driving towards the line – pulling ahead of Moore by half a bike length – Billy Hamill heads the Kiwi by the width of his tyre
Eric Gundersen 3 - Billy Hamill 2 – Ronnie Moore 1 – Jerzy Szczakiel 0
‘That’s three out of four for the Danish contingent Kelvin,’ said Nigel. ‘Do you think the Danes will dominate this meeting tonight???’ ‘They could well do,’ responded Kelvin. ‘I know Billy Hamill has a point to prove. But Ronnie Moore can’t afford to drop too many points here tonight. Otherwise he’s going to have a hell of a lot of work to do in his last meeting to get into the Grand Final.’
Back in the studio ‘Well gentlemen what do we make of it so far,’ asked Keith? ‘Chris Louis.’ ‘Well all three Danes have won the British League Riders Final here at one time or another,’ said Chris. ‘They are all familiar with the track and winning here, so it’s not a surprise that they should be doing well at this point.’
‘But this is not a British League Riders Final,’ said Mr Parker with a smile. ‘This is one more stage in a series of meetings to determine who will be All Time Great World Champion. I don’t think we ought to lose sight of that,’ ‘Very well,’ said a chastened Keith,’ we won’t. Back to Nigel and Kelvin.’
‘That’s right Keith,’ chuckled Kelvin, ‘and this next race should really sort the men from the boys. We have a Belle Vue legend up against another six times world champion. I am sure Rickardsson will want to add to his reputation being a relative new comer to the pantheon of all time great champions in with a chance of being acknowledged the greatest of them all.’ ‘And there is Ronnie Moore in there too,’ added Pearson, ‘who is regarded as the most naturally gifted speedway rider there has ever been.’ ‘With Michael Lee too,’ said Kelvin, ‘ who has a natural gift too.’
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