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I am not aware that any of the clubs who have joined the NDL have said publicly that they would not have done so without a reduction in the points limit. Given that that would support the decision made by the BSPL (of which they are all members), I find that surprising if indeed it is true. According to a post from Islander a week or so ago, Eastbourne, Belle Vue and Kent had confirmed that they had no difficulty with a higher points limit. Given that Kent will have to - due to planning permission requirements - run NDL meetings on a different night to Championship ones and given that the Colts have always had separate race nights from the Aces, that's no wonder (the Colts have always built teams to the full points limit with a definite eye on winning the competition). Mildenhall made it clear that they wanted no reduction, and Isle of Wight were the same. Its not difficult to conclude why no NDL AGM was allowed and why the points limit was imposed : because the changes planned to suit the Premiership and Championship (over half of whom don't even have any involvement in that league) might well have been voted down. If those that have entered the NDL did so with the primary intention of development, then it doesn't really matter what the limit is and thus it would have been no reason for them not to join. There's no doubt if Barry had felt that Isle of Wight could have reasonably have continued to participate in the NDL they would have done. Faced with an organising body that could not care less about his opinions and the success of his business (only their own self interest) and with absolutely no guarantee that this situation might change, its little wonder that he took the action that he did. If we are to point fingers at who is to blame for Isle of Wight's withdrawal, lets make sure they are pointing in the right direction.

Which proves that the sport should be run by an independent authority

Hi there, I dont know who you are because sadly people on here say things under a Pseudonym, which is unfortunate, and I therefore have no idea who you are nor if you have attended a NL AGM (or any Speedway AGM). If you did attend the NL AGM, then you are clearly trying to cover up the real reason for the reduced limit and this is costs, costs, costs as the chairman shouted across the AGM room at the gathered NL Chairmen (we are not officially promoters) back in 2019. If you didnt attend it, then I you have a right to think as you please, but I can assure you the NL will develop the riders for the CL whatever the points limit. Ego.... absolutely not. Standing up for ourselves so at to not be treated as we (and others promoters) have been treated. To say it is wrong to be treated in such a way, to say that we will not allow it was absolutely the right decision to take. As you say it has been said and will continue to be said - you will note the BSPL do not deny it - in any way. They will not of course. French League please call Thierry Bouin and ask him... he can update you if he thinks it is a "media stunt".... one thing I have learnt in live us undersell and over deliver so if I had nothing other than positive reactions there is no way I would a, make a right Charlie of myself and look a fool to our fans, sponsors and riders and b, annoy the league we want to join. So there is nothing but the truth in all that is said and we very much hope to be part of their league. Finally, it is heartbreaking to leave the NDL, we have been part of its success, people love their trips to the island, the IOW actually has improved the overall show at most tracks in the UK... ask them.... they tell me they actively watch us... and that was recognised by the many award we have won. Regards returning to the NL.. the answer remains a firm no unless the leadership changes. Although of course as they concluded in their final email from the office admin, were Martin and I wish to bring the Warriors back we would be treated as a new joiner, have to pay a joining fee and have no vote..... it is a pity this was not employed for all the new joiners to the 2021 NL. Keep safe and keep the debate. All the best Barry

Another legitimate occasion was 1997 when Reading used R/R all season for Tara O`Callaghan who broke his leg in the 1st meeting. The team manager at the time got plenty of stick for going down such an outrageous path.

Rules

I am not sure if you are aware but Rob Godfrey, promoter of Scunthorpe, is also the Chairman of the Board of the BSPL. So that would suggest that they do have their ear to the board because he is in charge of it...

It is disappointing that the current trustees of the sport are so insular and rarely listen or take on board the wider comments or views of the punters who cross the threshold to be entertained weekly. Some clubs simply lay on fifteen heats of gate and go and as such simply go through the motions while others attempt an evening of entertainment. In terms of running this sport the powers that be have created a public image that appears to be do as I say or sod off but that is not the answer if the sport is to prosper. Whether it is an accurate portrayal but for example the Scunthorpe leadership seem to have the ear of the board and have been allowed to be in the enviable position over the last few seasons when the sport has been operational, to dictate what other clubs can or cannot do. Rider usage and race nights are seemingly two examples where some influence appears to have been exerted Surely with the sport on its knees those with the business acumen such as the IOW should be allowed to prosper and encouraged to think outside the box based not least on their locality particular if this means that the model leads to the introduction of new fans to the sport. As is mentioned often it is not the supporters money at risk apart from the gamble of the weekly entrance fee yet promotions like the Islanders are putting hard earned cash on the line and are trying to operate a business that provides above all else, entertainment. First and foremost speedway is a form of entertainment and given all the issues over riders access to funds and it is down to those riders who have sponsors with deep pockets, speedway does not operate on a level playing field and all the nonsense about rising stars etc still depends on those riders having access to what in effect is a bottomless pit of money in order to compete. Unless and until bikes are standardised, riders use bike handling skills rather than gate and go on over powered machines and those like the IOW are permitted to judge the local business case with risk and reward, then the sport has little credibility and the guarantee that the punters will be entertained is falling well short of fulfilment. I would rather see the IOW entertain than watch fifteen run of the mill heats and disappointed that the current incumbents of the BSPL have so little regard for anyone but their own little enclave.

Fully agree, would love to see speedway back at that awsome track, went every week from86 to 97, even some exhibition meetings this year would be a good taster, I now live in Lincolnshire but would be up like a shot. Full credit to Steve Rees & Startrax for bringing Odsal back to life.

Thank you for posting an interesting response. Obviously I was not at the NDL AGM and my post was one from a long term , northern based, fans point of view. As I said, it’s your business and your choice as what to do with your club, I have no issue with you or your choice. Whilst it’s disappointing any club finds reason to withdraw from a division because of the rules that have been put in place the same rules have encouraged other clubs to join that otherwise , I’ve been informed, would not have done. I do appreciate that the lack of consultation would have been a major issue and I personally , in your situation, would have also been extremely annoyed with the way the sport is being run. I am no fan of the ‘ top table ‘ and can only see the sport I love going down the toilet with the current leadership but I also don't see them letting go of the power to an independent body to try and rescue it. Good luck with whatever avenue you take I just find it a shame you didn’t take the Mildenhall approach and give it a try but as Ive said, your club , your choice.

White City did so too in title winning season 1977. Totally legitimately at the time.

Wouldn't be the first time it's happened. In 1995 or 1996 ('96 I think) Middlesbrough ran virtually all season with R/R as they couldn't find a rider to fill fill the vacant position. They brought in a Supplementary Rule to cover for it.

Aren't sports personnel allowed to travel, so long as they test negative on day of travel. ???????

Hi Phillip. Just to say for the second week I have been reading my Star whilst eating my breakfast. Thanks , I hope the new style of delivery service continues and that the post is kicked into touch. The past history about the various makes of machines I found very interesting. I totally agree with the above post. Regards from a very satisfied reader.

A very fair, rational assessment I would say... And as hardly anyone remembers who 'wins' any league anyway, (Covid impacted or not), never mind who had 'successful' seasons, or had 'poor ones', your outlook is 100% the correct one to have... British Speedway has evolved over the past two decades into many fans just going to watch the 'racing', rather than having too much interest in the result, so let's hope this season sees that trend continue and 'racing starved' fans turn out to support their local clubs in good numbers, and enjoy watching what's on offer.. Scunthorpe in particular wont be a track short of entertainment I would think given its past history..

Don't know anything, but gut feeling says hes gunna go down the r/r route for at least the first month....... sigh

I think you've missed their point a little Dick, their irk is with the way it has been done without consultation or reference to the effect on the IOW. Barry has said on more than one occasion if there had been some discussion their may have been room for compromise or negotiation.

£15 is far too expensive for a 3rd tier, let alone whatever the BSPL want this league branded as now! Also with the number of double headers now it effectively drives the price down further and makes Kent look even more expensive.

To be honest I think Connor Mountain is a similar sort of level to Josh Macdonald and Zaine Kennedy

No they can't. His average is too high. A missing rider 2-5 can only be replaced by a 3.00 rider or R/R. (A missing No.1 can be replaced by a guest from another NDL team).

He's there...

Since Louis started late in life, that's very impressive

They had a positive PCR test, it doesn't mean they have an infectious disease or the Kung Flu...

Speedway fans can hire a megaphone to chat to the nearest person.

Ski slope first at knockatch and then skateboard. And they say speedway is dangerous