Nigel Pearson's Track Talk - March 31
Tai Woffinden's announcement that he won't be defending his British title at Belle Vue in June sparked the usual mass hysteria on social media.
I've spoken to the man himself, along with GB boss Alun Rossiter and new British Speedway chairman Keith Chapman.
And there is a general consensus that this country has a talented crop of youngsters about to emerge.
The positive aspect of Woffinden's announcement is that he will be available for our World Cup team when we go straight through to the final as host nation on July 30.
For all the criticism of Woffinden pulling out of the British Final, was there as much negativity to riders like Scott Nicholls and the late Lee Richardson when they quit the Great Britain team? No.
Across at Birmingham, they are enjoying seeing talented British teenagers like Zach Wajtknecht, Jack Parkinson-Blackburn and Jack Smith.
When Cradley faced Belle Vue at Monmore on Monday the Manchester side gave a debut to Daniel Bewley – and he top scored!
Kyle Bickley isn't old enough, yet, for league racing but when he is then he will be in the Belle Vue side.
Locally we have Max Clegg and Ashley Morris – a deadly duo in the Heathens win.
They all have a bright future if their parents and sponsors continue to support them going forward.
Robert Lambert made his senior World Cup debut last year – and who knows, in five years time we may have a World Cup side of Woffinden, Lambert and two from the guys I've mentioned.
It's not all bad – and I'm not saying this to act as a PR agent for Woffinden or British Speedway, I'm speaking from the heart.
Apart from my broadcasting duties in the world of speedway, many of you may know my voice from Sky's darts coverage.
Next Thursday, I'm working alongside World Championship semi-finalist Jelle Klaasen at the Cleveland Arms in Wolverhampton – and he's set for a summer visit to Perry Barr to watch the Brummies!
Klaasen is managed by speedway nut Mac Elkin, of the Sportsman Management Company.
Mac has vowed to take Klaasen to see his beloved Brummies – and he wants it to be on April 20 against Cradley!
Depending on the result, he may get an invite for the return at Monmore later this season to see an 'ommering' by the Heathens!
Anyway, if you fancy joining Jelle at the Cleve next Thursday, give the pub a bell on 01902 451 021.
THE WEEK AHEAD: -
FRI APRIL 1: Coventry v Wolverhampton 7.30; MON APRIL 4: Wolverhampton v Swindon 7.30; WED APRIL 6: Birmingham v Rye House 7.30; THUR APRIL 7: Swindon v Wolverhampton 7.30.
