The Trouble With Misconception

There are many misconceptions about speedway and if you’re reading this, the chances are you’ve likely heard them all.

Misconception number one – “Speedway is boring, it’s just guys racing round in circles.”

Misconception number two – “It’s all in the start, whoever gets to the corner first wins the race.”

Misconception number three – “There’s no overtaking at Berwick, it’s all gate and go.”

Misconception number four – “National League racing isn’t all that great, I won’t bother with that.”

Full disclaimer, yes, sometimes speedway can be processional and yes, sometimes whoever makes the start will win the race. Not every race can be a ding-dong battle and not every meeting will be an instant classic.  Of that, there is no argument, those are just facts.

However, clearly Greg Blair didn’t get the memo about no overtaking and the quality, or lack thereof in the National League because he provided a masterclass in overtaking, track craft and general entertainment at Shielfield on Saturday night.

One thing he didn’t provide a masterclass in was making starts but minor details and all that. Consequently, it did mean that we were royally entertained as we watched him weave in and out and complete the hardest earned maximum you’re ever likely to see.

If that doesn’t get the blood flowing and the excitement levels up, I truly don’t know what will.

Oh, and for fans of speedway misconceptions I was probably “too shouty” or “too excited” as I called the action. However, that is a story for another time!

The point I’m making here is that the meeting against Belle Vue Colts may have looked like a comfortable win on paper, but it was a hotly contested meeting with two very good sides and on another night, the Colts may have snuck a point.

Ultimately the Bullets were bang on form and it resulted in a big win but more importantly, due to the nature upon which most of the lads scored their points (the hard way), it made for a very entertaining meeting.

So entertaining in fact, that you would have to travel a very long way to see a better meeting with better racing anywhere in the world.

So, if you were one of the “stay at homers”, you well and truly missed out.

Now, it would be safe to say the racing isn’t always like that and it isn’t always exciting, but let‘s be fair here, in 2022 at Shielfield Park it has been vastly entertaining more often than not. That is a testament to the work the guys have done on the track, and it is also a testament to the riders for laying it all on the line for our entertainment.

It’s long been said that when speedway is right, it’s right and its magic. As true as that is, it is also a true story to say that in order to get it right and create that magic there has to be four riders on track and that track has to be prepared in a way that offers those riders full commitment. When that code is cracked you have every chance of witnessing something just a little bit special.

So how lucky are we that we’ve witnessed so many magic moments already in 2022?

Let’s hope for a few more as the season progresses!

Of course if you wish to agree, or disagree with the Mythman, have an idea for a feature, or you simply wish to chew the fat over all things speedway, you can email me jbspeedwaymedia@hotmail.com or get in touch via the JB Speedway Media Facebook page. If your compliments, or indeed gripes can be contained to limited characters you can tweet @Mythman666.

Until next time…and there will be a next time.

Right, I’ll hae’tae gan.

Mythman