Speedway28

I agree that people would’ve complained if there were too many young riders in the event but I think that would be better than including riders that aren’t British? I understand people want to see Jason Crump but he shouldn’t be riding in an event called the British Championship as an Australian.

Very disappointed in this. Had my suspicions that this would happen having seen the schedule for other sports but it’s poor form to not be showing at least one of these meetings live.

I think it’s completely fair that people don’t agree with Crump riding in the BRITISH final. He never rode as a Brit, has always made it clear he’s Australian and therefore he really shouldn’t be in the British final. Yes, circumstances dictate that things are different this year and that does it make more understandable but as others have suggested, a British Open final may have been a better title. With regards to the stream, I have no idea on production costs but £12.95 seems steep too me. I can understand people in both camps really and it’s great for people to sit and watch some speedway at home if they don’t have tickets but for a one off meeting, with no idea of the quality of stream, I believe the price is steep. But in general, well done to the BSPA in getting an event on and I hope it’s a fantastic success for all.

Troy Batchelor has seemingly tweeted that he’s in the line up, having becoming a dual citizen.

Still announcing riders today which would suggest the meeting goes ahead but King was announced in the Speedway Star so maybe it's simply off the back of that. What sort of line up are people expecting? Rumours that Charles Wright has followed Cook in not taking part, completely understandable in my eyes for a one off meeting. No Nicholls confirmed also. I admire the efforts to get the meeting on but I'm unsure people would want to see a completely watered down line up complete for a British title, hence my scepticism behind the decision not to announce the line up before the tickets went on sale.

Can't see this event going ahead in Manchester unless the organisers aren't fussed about the attendance. SON in Poland this year with a guarantee for Manchester to have it next year? Might make the most sense with potential travel issues too for all riders, with a significant amount currently based in Poland.

Call me sceptical but I won't be purchasing any tickets for this event without knowing the line up. I'm sure the event will be a sell out but I think it's a poor show not to release the line up when it's only two and a half weeks away. They must know the riders involved so why not announce it?

Looking forward to this depending on the line up. Personally, despite it being a national title, I wouldn't blame riders for not riding a one off meeting. Depending on schedules, will we see Lambert? I guess Rybnik may be relegated by then so he may be back for that. Ellis appears to be ruled out for the season. I would suggest a high prize fund may hopefully help develop a strong line up.

Prediction time: 1. Zmarzlik 2. Madsen 3. Sayfutdinov 4. Janowski 5. Vaculik 6. Woffinden 7. Laguta 8. Lindgren 9. Dudek 10. Doyle 11. Zagar 12. Michelsen 13. Iversen 14. Fricke 15. Lindback

Can't see past Zagar, Laguta and Michelsen for this based on form. Lahti to pull off a slight surprise maybe?

Being relatively new to the rules of Polish speedway, can someone explain the nominated heats? Do you have to put your highest two scorers in heat 15? I ask this as it regularly seems that this is the standard selection process. Watching Lublin vs Leszno and seeing Lublin 42-36 up after heat 13, I wondered why Lublin didn't use Zagar for heat 14 to simply get the meeting won?

Absolutely awful news to read about Danny's death this morning. A real joy to watch wherever he rode and a real showman. Had the pleasure of watching Danny on numerous tracks around the Anglia region and his love for the sport and competitive nature were there for all to see. He will be truly missed by all within the sport, last year's ride in the British Final living long in the memory of everyone I'm sure. RIP Danny and condolences to your family and friends.

I've seen it mentioned that Jake Allen fell out with the Somerset promotion during his time at the club. Obviously any thought of him signing for Somerset is irrelevant now with him signing for Scunthorpe but what happened with Jake at Somerset?

Bewley, Cook, Schlein top three for me. Shame about the line up but the issues are purely injury based, the line up would not have been as bad as people are making out. Looking forward to the meeting, it has opened up nicely. Charles Wright to spring a surprise if Bewley doesn't pull it off.

What's the deal with Jack Smith? A move lined up or just wanting to quit Championship racing?

Gutted to read about the injury sustained by Tom Brennan. Looks a great prospect and fingers crossed he can fully recover and start next season fully fit and flying as he was this year. All the best to the Dugard family too in what must be an awful time for them.

Enjoyable watch Monday, good to see the Witches claim their first away win of the season. A real solid side with contributions all the way through. Would not be surprised if Ipswich sneak into the top four with the home track advantage. Lawson, Heeps and Allen were very impressive. Can definitely see the effort that Cam has put in over the winter is working, looks a better and fitter rider. Jake Allen was a joy to watch, looks to have a real bright future.

First visit to the Showground this year on Monday night and I didn't think the racing was as bad as people have made out? I felt there were three or four really decent races which I felt made for a decent meeting. The track is definitely different but I don't believe it's as bad as commented. Moving on to the Peterborough side, Bjerre and Barker have to be on their way. Bjerre just seems to be getting worse by the year, similar to Barker in fact. Barker always tries so hard but just never looks fast anymore, the effort is there but clearly doesn't have the machinery. The question is who can actually improve the team and want to ride for them?

Yes

Spot on. I believe this move has been arranged for a while. Tungate mentioned in the Speedway Star last week that something may have come up in Britain. Everyone thought that meant Ipswich but I suspect that Harris had been told what was happening at this point and Peterborough were awaiting confirmation from Tungate that he would sign. The reaction from Harris certainly suggests that another move is arranged in my eyes.

Wouldn't be surprised at all if this is just simply a move for Harris from Peterborough to Ipswich to 'even up' the teams slightly. Will be interesting to see what Harris has to say about it. However, should Peterborough sign Tungate I can't see them being much worse off with Harris on the wane, no matter what people say. It just shows the clear issues presenting themselves with Buster owning three clubs in the same league. Buster received praise for buying two different clubs to keep the league going and I believe that is correct. However, it's clear already it is going to make a mockery of the sport and sadly, there is only one way the sport is going in this country. The way senior figures in the sport try to suggest that is incorrect, is purely self interest. As a supporter, issues like this really do make me consider paying money to watch this sport live in the UK. I have developed a stronger passion for the sport over the last four/five years but the issues of last season and then things like this have made me seriously consider. I do feel for Peterborough season ticket holders who which seeing Harris in the side would've clearly been a big draw to buying one.

Can't see the witches finding a top number one for 2019. The financial outlay just wouldn't be viable so can't see that happening. A solid approach can still work though, as seen by Poole's success last year.

The idea of the showing the draw was a good one, however the unprofessional approach has ruined it. It is slightly concerning that Jason Pipe believed that it was acceptable for the product they are trying to produce. It may be a step in the right direction but it was a seriously poor attempt at something which should be not difficult to produce.

Interesting comments in various areas on the statement today. However, playing devils advocate, I think some realism needs to be seen. The first issue of note is the doubling up issue. There was never going to be a huge change this season, the fact the BSPA are aiming to slowly lessen the riders allowed is a good sign and possibly the only realistic option moving forward. The changing of teams in leagues is interesting. It's clear there was a real lack of desire for sides to be in the Premiership and Buster taking over Peterborough and Ipswich was the only solution. Whilst it may seem to bring the sport into disrepute, the simple facts are that without Buster's investment in the two clubs, the top division would not exist at it stands. Having a top division still must be seen as a positive and a chance to move forward. Seven strong, stable clubs are a good starting point moving forward. One thing I would say is the identical statements posted by Ipswich and Peterborough, 'quoting' Chris Louis and Ged Rathbone are embarrassing. At least put a bit of effort into it! The lack of fixtures is still a huge issue that hasn't been taken care of and is a huge concern I believe.

Really hope we get some positive news on the sport we all love tomorrow. Fingers crossed 2019 will see the current decline of speedway within the UK stop and the start of some form of recovery beginning.