Meet
the Riders Night
Posted 11/03/05
Following on from the Press and Practice
session in the afternoon, the Glasgow squad returned to Ashfield in
the evening for a relatively well attended meet the riders session.
One thing that stood out even at this early stage
was the good team spirit that already seems to be developing with
quite a few jokers in the ranks this season. The following is just
my recollection of what was said and by whom.
First up was Paul Bentley
on account of the fact he was also going to be first up on Friday
morning to deliver the mail! He was asked about last season and acknowledged
that this season there would be a bit more pressure on him at home.
When pressed, he tipped Rye House as the team to watch this season.
James Cockle
followed and admitted he had started worrying about the long journey
to Glasgow a few weeks ago but when doing it had found it not too
bad other than not being able to find Ashfield when he got to Glasgow.
he confirmed that he had signed for Sittingbourne in the Conference
League. On his ban, he acknowledged it was going to be more difficult
coming in four meetings after everyone else but he will be at Workington
for the opening meeting this Saturday to help any way he can.
Next up was new boy Jamie Birkinshaw
who gave a very good and honest account of himself as well as displaying
a wicked sense of humour. On the serious side, he sees that this is
a very important season for him. He had got complacent at Sheffield
and that will now change. James has actually scored a maximum previously
at Ashfield and likes the track so in his words all he has to do now
is learn the lingo! He couldn't quite be convinced that the weather
was warmer up here either. He gave a very good impression of himself
and his aims for 2005.
Alan Dick
took the floor and repeated the need for bigger crowds. However he
also gave more detail on what had been involved in the repair of the
fore damage at Ashfield. Whilst it should have been the landlords
doing the repairs if it had been left to them it is unlikely any work
would have been done and therefore Glasgow Tigers undertook the work.
Alan acknowledged the help received from the many volunteers over
the past few weeks but also that of Kenny McKinna and his company.
Ideally, Alan advised Glasgow would love to own their own small stadium
within the city but bigger crowds are needed to expand and be able
to do this.
Back to the riders and Trent
Leverington was up next. Naturally last
season was touched on. Trent felt he had been lucky with landing the
team place at Loomer Road and had learned a lot from people there
for which he was grateful. Interestingly his away average ended up
higher than his home one. In response to a question from the floor
he advised the reasons he didn't ride in Australia in the winter were
he had employment, the costs and implications of transporting equipment
were prohibitive, he would have had to take out another licence costing
around $300 and he needed a rest!
George Stancl
was the next rider to face Michael Max's questioning. As we all know,
George suffered badly from engine failures last season and was close
to quitting. He did however start to enjoy his speedway again towards
the end of the season, and was pleased to have a new deal agreed at
Glasgow relatively quickly. On the rumours of his moving to Newcastle,
George confirmed he had moved his base there as he feels the travelling
will be easier on him than his previous journeys from Walsall. He
also has Newcastle based sponsors. However, he asks why would he change
to Newcastle when he had the option to return to Glasgow where he
had been happy for the past few years. Ever competitive, George wants
to finish in the top 10 averages this season.
After having to wait till last, the other completely
'new boy' Matthew Wethers also gave a
good account of himself, joking that it would make a nice change not
to be boo-ed at Ashfield. He is looking forward to the challenge and
wants his average improvement to continue. He had been shocked to
find out two days before Christmas that he was no longer in Edinburgh's
plans but was happy to agree terms with Glasgow shortly after and
looked forward to the new season. Matt commented that he felt his
gating was not a problem but that he would have to work on his first
bends as he feels that is an area he needs to improve.
And finally as far as the team is concerned we came
to Shane Parker. Shane revealed he had
intended last season to be his last but he had enjoyed it so much
he was back. His only regret was not moving down from the Elite League,
where he had stopped enjoying his racing, much sooner. There was a
subtle hint that he may even be tempted back again next year if things
went as well this year and he did say he would definitely come back
if Glasgow were defending a title, something that has eluded Shane
throughout his career. He has targeted his own away average as something
he wants to improve this year.
Talk then moved on to Shane's
testimonial and the SRA. Shane
confirmed that his testimonial will be 'very different' - as if we
expect anything else from Shane! With it being a Sunday, it does clash
with Poland which may restrict some of the big names from appearing
but he is working on it. He already has acceptances from Joe Screen,
Carl Stonehewer, Jason Lyons and Chris Harris. From an SRA point of
view Shane advised that the rule change this year which sees the start
marshalls move away from the tapes before the green light
comes on was SRA instigated. They also hope to introduce at some stage
rider of the year awards for all three leagues and a big bash for
riders at the end of the season with votes being collated throughout
the season. Ideally an Independent Body in charge would be the way
ahead for speedway but he does not see this happening. Whilst he is
very much involved in this area of speedway at the moment he is unlikely
to carry it on when he eventually retires as he plans to retire to
Australia. he declined Michael's suggestion of weekly flights from
Australia to Glasgow!
Finally co-promoter come team manager Stewart
Dickson was allowed his say. He commented on Readings strong
top three and the number of teams who seemed to be trying to copy
Hull's winning formula of last season - something that Stewart feels
is unlikely to work again. He is pleased with the balance of the Glasgow
team and it had always been the intention to try and build to Trent
at reserve. As already confirmed at the Supporters night in January,
Glasgow were against the TR rules being retained partly due to the
feedback of the supporters but when it came to the vote at the conference
the majority won it and it stays. It was re-iterated that the onus
would be very much on Banger at home to take over from James Grieves.
The agreement to ride against Workington in the first meeting of the
season was partly to try and put last season embarrassment behind
us and catch them when they are a little cold. Some of the riders
were staying in Glasgow overnight to have another go at the Ashfield
track on Friday morning. On the subject of the new referees box Stewart
has said he will compare it with other clubs referees boxes throughout
the season as he may well be visiting a few of them on our travels!
On the subject of Eric Carrillo, Stewart said he had tried on three
occasions to contact the young Californian but to no avail.
A few other bits and bobs were mentioned. Glasgow
speedway is determined not to let the vandals and those responsible
for the arson attack force them out. Stewart has promised, following
comment from a fan, that he will advertise the speedway on his buses.
Although the track was a little awkward on the third
bend yesterday Shane pointed out that the track had been excellent
all last season and was a credit to Danny.
The track shop will be selling off its stock in the
next couple of weeks and interest has been shown in taking it over
after that by a young couple who have some fresh ideas that should
appeal.
Apologies for the length of this article, I have
tried to remember as much as possible for those who were unable to
attend. The one thing that may not come across was the excellent atmosphere
and interaction between the riders (and promotion) and hopefully this
will also show on track.
