A New Season Approaches

Hello!

All close seasons are tough, but this one has been a killer. The weather has been horrific, work has been hellish, and just as it looked to be getting better, they made me redundant......

Ha!

Looks like someone's gonna have a bit of time on his hands then......

Just as well we're only two weeks away from the first action of the season, the annual Press & Parctice day (Sunday 14th March as far as I can tell). Then it all starts coming thick & fast. Last years cancelled Scottish Open at Armadale, then hopefully a challenge match against Elite League opposition, then we can set about dealing with the business of retaining the Spring Trophy. Before you know it, it'll be coming to the end of October and we'll all be facing up to another barren four months of Seasonal Affective Disorder, long dark nights and no bloody speedway. Enjoy it while ye have it........



Ok, a few new faces to get familiar with this season....

Nick Morris, who impressed a fair few folk last season on his various visits, as well as scaring us all a couple of times too for good measure.

Michael Penfold, a highly rated youngster who will no doubt be seen at Ashfield in some capacity this season.

Jamie Courtney, who rounded out the Tigers line-up at No7 and aims to fulfill a bit of unrealised potential.

and finally....The Moose! Travis McGowan comes to Ashfield on a huge average and with a massive reputation. He'll be expected to score fairly big right from the start, and yes, he won't retain his starting average (a virtual impossibility), but if he can keep to the high nines, or even stay in double figures, he'll be considered a success.

In the 'Other News' Category:

Mitchell Davey has a new website. It can be found here, as well as in the sidebar under 'Riders Websites'. Mitchell's site is rather good. Plain & simple, with no bells & whistles. A homepage, a news section, a sponsors area, profile & a nice wee line in merchandise. Have a nosey around folks. It also contains a header photo taken by some amateur called 'Ewen Nicolson'.

Never heard of him! ;)

The new Tigers racesuits have been causing a bit of a stir. They look damn fine, especially with the race jacket to be worn almost as a detachable part of the race-suit. I've always felt matching race-suits looked a bit naff for some reason, but the new Tigers kit really does look the business. Decide for yrselves.

Cheers to Markw over at the Easy Tiger for the heads up about this weeks Speedway Star, complete with child scaring front cover.......

Only kiddin'! ;) Great to see big Lee get some coverage and a two page centre spread interview. It's looking to be a decent bet he will be Glasgow captain this season, and I can't think of a better more deserving candidate. Shane was 'Mr Glasgow Speedway', but for many Glasgow fans, Lee isn't far off that status in some respects.

Ok, now go play in the traffic, I've got a job to find............

Glasgow Tigers v Workington Comets Heat 2

Anders exits bend 2 in the lead, with Mitchell joining him a lap later. Craig Cook gives chase, but spins out on lap 3, bend 3. Richard Lawson takes the point for 3rd place.

Glasgow Tigers v Edinburgh Monarchs Heat 2

Mitchell Davey, Derek Sneddon, Aaron Summers, Anders Andersen (retired)

David McAllan Farewell Meeting

Becoming a favourite here at TATT. Mitchell provided some great entertainment and looks like a natural in 'dodgy conditions'.

In weather typical of the summer we've had in Scotland this year, the David McAllan Farewell Meeting got under way. The constant drizzle and light rainfall ensured that the track was in a bad way by about the fourth heat, meaning little or no passing taking place. It wasn't what anyone wanted, but for once, the show had to go on. The riders gave it as much as they could in trying circumstances, but most races were done and dusted by the 2nd bend.

That said, there were a handful of hilights and moments that made it all worthwhile. Watching a class act like Steve Johnston make short work of the Ashfield shale while it was relatively dry, Mitchell Davey sticking it under Kauko Nieminen on the third bend, George Stancl pushing his bike over the line for a single point and watching young Richard Lawson, son of Tigers legend Steve, take to the shale in his first big meeting and looking like a fairly quick and tidy rider. He's only been doing it for a few months.....................

Anyway, less jabbering from me. I'll post up the solitary video clip tomorrow night, and some of the dafter pics from the meeting and the function afterwards.

Glasgow Tigers v Rye House Rockets Heat 2

Josh Grajczonek wins by a considerable margin. Mitchell takes 2nd from Luke Bowen and Daniel Halsey.

Glasgow Tigers v Redcar Bears Heat 8

Mitchell Davey gates, but the on form Adam McKinna goes round the outside on the 1st & 2nd bends to take the win.

Two New Signings For Glasgow

A big Glasgow welcome to young Aussies Josh Grajczonek and Mitchell Davey. They've been signed on two year deals and it's hoped that they can build their experience over the coming months in the hopes of becoming heat-leaders of the future. It's looking distinctly 'Team Oz' this year and whilst the team is no longer 'top heavy', it's also not exactly balanced either, with the three new signings being somewhat unknown quantities. Yes, Ross Brady's abilities are well known, but until the first wheel is turned many feel it's still something of a gamble. If he can come to terms with the track, I think it's one that will pay off. Still, the excitement level amongst Tigers fans is high, with two hot young talents and a prodigal son to enjoy along with the more familiar names. I'm expecting a slow start to the season, hopefully with Trent and Ross becoming 2nd and 3rd heat leaders in time. Robert ought to have a more consistent season in 08 and fingers crossed, we'll have big Lee back, either as a reserve or in the mid-order.

The new boys in action back home.


Mitchell Davey goes from 4th to 1st



Josh 3rd, Mitchell 1st