Well we all thought that it would be tough . . and tough it certainly was!

I have to say that if Lee Complin had been riding at the level that he has in previous Stoke matches this year then the result may have been worse, from our point of view.
Sad to see young Jay dogged by machine problems again. In the heat when his motor literally let out a loud bang, one of the valves broke and actually found it's way out through the exhaust sytem and on to the track.
Someday, and I sincerely hope that it is sooner rather than later, the worldwide powers that be MUST get together with JRM (Jawa) and GM to have a 'Control Engine' for this sport of ours. For a long time this has been a personal 'hobby horse' of mine. The bikes need slowing down and the motors need some form of control.. . . for the long term good of the sport.

NOBODY can honestly say that racing was any LESS exciting when the lower powered two valve Jawa/Japs etc were raced.
Today's motors are so very highly stressed, the tuners are always stressed because riders have to have their motors back 'yesterday'! and it becomes a vicious circle. Something has to change, especially with the world's economy as it is!        Rant over!!!

Back to the racing!

Justin again looked much better than his points tally would have you believe, and the same can be said for Tom who rode oh so well last night.

Emil, well what can you say about our REAL Rebel. Without wishing to sound nasty in any way...this guy is part of the Somerset furniture. A BIG Comfy chair that you can sometimes take for granted! Such an assett!

Cory looked especially exciting last night with, dare I say it, much more control. I'm sure that the Rebel faithful WON'T want Swindon to have him back next year. Stunning!
By the way, youngsters from the Childrens South West Hospice at Wraxall jointly chose Cory as their rider of the night, and presented his trophy to him.
It was obvious to see from their smiling faces that they had really enjoyed their Arena experience.

Johno . . Maximum...just WICKED! Nothing else to say about our Captain.

Worst part of the evening was the fall after his heat by Simon.
Apparently the hospital wouldn't let him go home last night, and the surgeon will examine him this morning (Saturday). As soon as we have information it will apear here on the site in some form or another.

Well, another typical Arena Night of excitement and now it's down to the uphill struggle that will be Kings Lynn on Tuesday.
Of one thing you can be sure, we are in for some exciting racing.

Mike Mannning

(Please note, the views expressed here are NOT necessarily those held by da' management.)