Coventry Bees Speedway - Brandon Stadium

From press conference in last few minutes: After a 2 and a half hour operation last night, Darcy has no problem breathing, reacting or talking. There is no real threat to his life. Former world champion Chris Holder, his mate, his great friend, will not ride tonight so he can be close to Darcy Ward, also alongside his 2 mechanics. In the world of medicine there is no such thing as never or always. We know how the progress can be really fabulous in terms of knowledge and how doctors learn and react. We have no more details than that. We will need another 48 hours to be give more precise information about Darcy Ward.

So another speedway season draws to a close for the Bees at Brandon. What looked to be very promising for about 80% of the season, ultimately turned out to be rather a tame finish. To reach the playoffs would be deemed success for many clubs, but for a team of the stature of Coventry Bees success is gauged by winning the league. The problem this season is very similar to last season.......... we don't have an out and out number one rider. I have long been a fan of Hans Andersen but despite some spirited performances towards the end of the season, he is no longer the consistent double figure scorer of previous years. Coventry must sign a high scoring number one as a matter of priority. One or two names spring to mind but whether they would ride for the Bees, or even in this country, remains to be seen. Chris Harris is a 'must' to stay as skipper and the promotion should be prepared to move Heaven and Earth to ensure that Jason Garrity remains at the club. He is a breath of fresh air in the speedway world. He gives his all in every race, never knows when he is beaten, wants to make it to the top of the tree and is very popular with young and old fans alike. He also puts bums on seats at meetings as fans love to see a rider who fully commits himself to the team. So, a new number one, Chris Harris and Jason Garrity. That not a bad nucleus for next season. Two more decent second strings, good picks in the fast track reserve draw and maybe, just maybe, that elusive title could be in the trophy cabinet at Brandon this time next year.

BBC report hints at groundshare with Leicester Lions

When I regularly attended Brandon from the age of about 11, in the early 60's, the Bees had a rider from Poland, Kazimierz Bentke, who did moderately well alongside people like Nigel Boocock, Jim Lightfoot and Les Owen. My prize possession was a pair of used goggles given to me by the Polish rider, because I spoke to him in Polish in the pits, but unfortunately I lost these when I lent them to a "mate", also Polish, who claimed to lose them when we were racing a bus on our track bikes on the Binley Road. I remember inhaling from a cigarette for the first time on the first bend of the track - nearly passed out - still remember the sensation. Whatever was left from my pocket money would be spent at the chippy on Hipswell Highway on the way home. Happy days.

Heaven! The thrill, spills and smells of Brandon Bees, followed by Hipswell Highway chippy - what else could one ask for? Meanwhile, here is Kazimierz Bentke (courtesy of Johnnie Walker)

I googled Kazimierz Bentke after doing my last post and sadly he died a few years ago. He was held in very high regard in Poland and did very well over there for a good few years more after he competed for the Bees in 1961.

Kazimierz Bentke was Bees' second Polish rider, replacing Henryk Zyto who had ridden for them in the previous season (1960)

Sad to read of the passing of former Bee Bryan Elliott, who rode for Coventry in 1962-64 - he was 85 He also rode for Leicester Hunters and Halifax Dukes RIP "Chirpy"

A few months ago, I posted this link, referring to the injuries sustained by former Bee and Coventry-based rider Rory Schlein Kings Lynn have now announced: Kings Lynn captain Rory Schlein will make his return from serious injury with the Stars next season. The 31-year-old broke his back in a crash in Poland in May but has made a remarkable recovery and will now line up for a fourth year at the Adrian Flux Arena. Lynn boss Rob Lyon said: "It's great to have Rory in the team again. He is a big part of the club and still has a lot to give. Although Rory is coming back from a big injury, talking to him, he's confident in being able to get back to the form that he showed earlier this year. "Rory is one of those riders who can make a big difference on the track, and a massive difference in the pits. We are delighted to have him back with us." Great news, if a tad surprising

Coventry Independent Greyhounds ceased trading after 16 January meeting

SAVE COVENTRY SPEEDWAY UPDATE 050216 The Save Coventry Speedway supporters group will this month be making representations towards the Rugby Borough Council's local plan which will set out what we consider to be a strong case for retention of the existing stadium with a proviso to review that situation if and when a realistic and viable funded alternative comes forward which has the relevant support from Rugby Borough Council and the other relevant authorities. We feel this is consistent with the mandate given by those attending the meeting last July. It is still our principal objective to attempt the safeguard the future of motorsports in Coventry/Rugby area thus ensuring continuation of the long and rich heritage of both speedway and stock car racing and enjoyed by thousands of race fans. We will publish the representations we make in due course thus giving an opportunity for race fans to express their support for them.

Potentially good news!