Still to this day, even engaging with a rider, brings a bounty of excitement to me, a 39 year old man, such joy and pleasure, the same joy I felt on my first speedway experience in 1990, some 33 years ago now. To have had so many wonderful guests, and it would not be fair to name one, or even a selection, because they have all brought something different to make our Podcast so engaging.
I look back now, to where we began, and can see a clear path of improvement and success. I am truly humbled by what the 3 of us have achieved, humbled in the sense that people listen to our show on a regular basis, and are truly enjoying the product we are delivering. For this, I am truly appreciative and grateful to each and every person, because without you, this wouldn't be possible.
Before I begin this latest instalment, a few thank yous. Firstly, to my co hosts, Rob and Cain. We came together by chance, a pandemic that rocked the world, but brought the 3 of us together via different virtual speedway games. We are just 3 ordinary guys, who love the sport of Speedway, and love talking about it.
Michael Karall, the creator of our logo, who done this out of the kindness of his heart rather than expecting any financial benefit. A logo I would like to keep for life, out of respect for Michael. Paul Taylor and Clive Tyers of BHP Radio. They reached out to us very early during our journey, and gave us another platform to air our opinions. Its a partnership which benefits all parties, and one which we are grateful for having the opportunity. All of the guests we have had on the show, that have given up their time to allow us to bring something different to the listeners. We have had serious discussions, belly laughing banter and late night chats, something we enjoy week on week.
And finally, you, the listeners, or the readers in this case. Without you, we wouldn't be anything, just 3 guys talking to themself. Cain told me not to look at listening figures, but I cannot help it. From working out listeners per hour for each show, to see how each episode ranks in our list of now over 50 episodes. We have seen such a rise in figures this season, the numbers on our social media pages have risen, and we have to pinch ourselves at times to believe we are where we are, and to you, a massive thank you and we hope we continue to bring you more fantastic episodes in the future. We mostly hope you all continue to listen, and invite a friend also.
Onto my first blog though, and something a bit different, and hopefully will encourage me to write more. With the Speedway season starting tomorrow evening, after a couple of rain-offs, typical English weather, we look ahead to Ipswich vs Peterborough and Sheffield vs Belle Vue as the Premiership rolls into town. Cain and myself are avid fans of placing a few bets, something we understand isn't everybody's cup of tea, and I must follow this up by saying, we do this for fun. Any form of betting should be for fun, and only spend what you can afford. When the fun stops, stop!! and I couldn't endorse this more.
Ipswich vs Peterborough is the stand out fixture, quite strange considering the other meeting is a replay of the Play Off Final from 2022, but this isn't any ordinary Ipswich vs Peterborough fixture. Returning to British shores are Nicki Pedersen and Emil Sayfutdinov, a clash which is sure to throw up some exciting racing. Ipswich led by Jason Doyle, the top man from 2022, ably backed up by Sayfutdinov and Danny King. Keynan Rew will make his British debut for the Witches in the difficult number 2 position. Peterborough have experience, mixed with a splattering of raw youth. Niels K Iversen, KINGS LYNN LEGEND, back to support Nicki, and probably the one to watch in the Premiership this season, Benjamin Basso. Hans Andersen returns as skipper, and will partner Pedersen, in what will surely provide some frightening races.
Ben Cook at reserve is the stand out, an unknown talent at this level, and his battles with Rew could be the making of either rider. I'm looking forward to seeing both.
As the punters amongst us know, the odds won't be available until tomorrow lunchtime but some of the things I will be looking over are the over/under total and the rider match ups. I'm sure most will be looking at the top boys, and how they will fair against one another, but I am keen to see Rew vs Cook in the match ups, or Rew vs Andersen.
I also feel Peterborough have a team capable of winning at Ipswich, Iversen, Worrall and Andersen all having a liking for Foxhall, and potentially Pedersen and Basso could be less key. I worry about Cook and Jenkins at reserve in an early meeting, Danyon Hume has real potential to be a heat 2 winner.
There are sure to be question marks over injury lay offs from Pedersen, Riss and Rew but I just about give an opening victory to Ipswich by 4-6 points, but it will be a close encounter. I will also be looking at Hume to score well, anything over 4 will be tasty.
I hope you have enjoyed the first read of our blog, and more content will follow in the future as we look to key fixtures, and keep your eyes peeled for further guests. As a final note, if you haven't seen our competition, please take the time to donate if you can. Each square costs £3 and you can have as few or much as you like. I will personally be presenting a cheque for £150 to the Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund on Saturday at the Ben Fund Bonanza at King's Lynn. As long as the grid is full, I will also be announcing the winner a cheque for £75 live at trackside Saturday as well.
We hope you have a great week and join us on BHP Radio next Monday at 8pm or alternatively on Spotify, Apple or Google Podcasts on Tuesday from 9am. You can also listen to all of our episodes at your pleasure. For now, thanks for all your support
and speak soon.
and speak soon.
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