Wee Eck 703 Posted July 28, 2019 I’ve just read that Henry Atkins has stood down from Somerset. This used to be a rarity but is this not the third or fourth young British rider this year? Part of this might be caused by the reduction in the points limit at the beginning of the year, meaning that too many riders came into the league before they were ready but it doesn’t explain Zach Wajtnecht and Jack Thomas taking a break. The up and coming riders need all the experience going but maybe it’s time to bring back the protected races that the Elite League used when they had the draft system? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MD 1,305 Posted July 28, 2019 1 hour ago, Wee Eck said: I’ve just read that Henry Atkins has stood down from Somerset. This used to be a rarity but is this not the third or fourth young British rider this year? Part of this might be caused by the reduction in the points limit at the beginning of the year, meaning that too many riders came into the league before they were ready but it doesn’t explain Zach Wajtnecht and Jack Thomas taking a break. The up and coming riders need all the experience going but maybe it’s time to bring back the protected races that the Elite League used when they had the draft system? Jack Thomas was allegedly not being paid. Atkins is the second Somerset rider to step down this weekend. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ShyTalk 22 Posted July 28, 2019 Zach W averinging over 6 this year. Think he is ready for championship Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ProudtobeaBrummie 646 Posted July 28, 2019 1 hour ago, Wee Eck said: I’ve just read that Henry Atkins has stood down from Somerset. This used to be a rarity but is this not the third or fourth young British rider this year? Part of this might be caused by the reduction in the points limit at the beginning of the year, meaning that too many riders came into the league before they were ready but it doesn’t explain Zach Wajtnecht and Jack Thomas taking a break. The up and coming riders need all the experience going but maybe it’s time to bring back the protected races that the Elite League used when they had the draft system? Heats 2 and 8 are protected . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss 10,757 Posted July 28, 2019 (edited) It’s Somerset’s choice but I’m no fan of top heavy teams and almost having sacrificial reserves, to be fair Rowe has done well but it was inevitable that at least one of them wouldn’t see the season out. Hopefully he will come back stronger for the experience. A little bit of pressure is good for youngsters but not too much, plus does it really make for enjoyable, unpredictable meetings if like at Brum in Wednesday a team has ten plus wins and lasts. Edited July 28, 2019 by Bagpuss 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ProudtobeaBrummie 646 Posted July 28, 2019 Feel that no rider who has a Premiership average over 7.00 should be permitted to riding in the championship . 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
foamfence 2,917 Posted July 28, 2019 I think there'll always be those who fall by the wayside, moving up isn't just about riding ability, it needs a strong and determined mindset. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spin king junior 394 Posted July 28, 2019 Can't win. Riders and fans alike have been begging to give the youngsters a chance but when given the chance they've ultimately failed to take the pressure of proper league racing. At the end of the day we as fans don't understand the full extent of what's happening behind closed doors and we'll probably never know. But I think on this one you can't blame the bspa. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fromafar 10,333 Posted July 28, 2019 You have to start somewhere,Lee,Collins Jessup’s were all in British League at young age.You have to have the mentality and ability to cope.Lots of these young guys were riding underage speedway and grasstrack so they know what to expect.You either have it or you don’t that’s the brutal reality of sport. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Cheese 2,022 Posted July 28, 2019 Don't think it helped Atkins that he started off with no NL place so just had Championship meetings, he seemed to be scoring okay until his injury as well. Hopefully he'll regain his confidence with Mildenhall and come back stronger next season. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sings4Speedway 3,246 Posted July 29, 2019 21 hours ago, The Cheese said: Don't think it helped Atkins that he started off with no NL place so just had Championship meetings, he seemed to be scoring okay until his injury as well. Hopefully he'll regain his confidence with Mildenhall and come back stronger next season. To be fair Henry had NL offers but turned them down at the start of the season as the initial thought was that he didn't need them. He quickly backtracked but it was too late by then. He is a well polished and likeable lad who knows how to be publicly perceived but would benefit with a mentor behind the scenes to help him take the next step up as the majority of riders who have gone on to bigger things all learn from someone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikebv 10,240 Posted July 29, 2019 (edited) On 7/28/2019 at 10:56 AM, Fromafar said: You have to start somewhere,Lee,Collins Jessup’s were all in British League at young age.You have to have the mentality and ability to cope.Lots of these young guys were riding underage speedway and grasstrack so they know what to expect.You either have it or you don’t that’s the brutal reality of sport. I think Poland have it just about right. Whilst U21 you can stay at reserve.. Then its over to your capability.. If your not cutting it at reserve in the Championship then, harsh reality that it is, it may not be the sport for you if you have designs to make a career out of it.. Edited July 29, 2019 by mikebv 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ghosty 500 Posted July 29, 2019 On 7/28/2019 at 8:40 AM, Wee Eck said: I’ve just read that Henry Atkins has stood down from Somerset. This used to be a rarity but is this not the third or fourth young British rider this year? Part of this might be caused by the reduction in the points limit at the beginning of the year, meaning that too many riders came into the league before they were ready but it doesn’t explain Zach Wajtnecht and Jack Thomas taking a break. The up and coming riders need all the experience going but maybe it’s time to bring back the protected races that the Elite League used when they had the draft system? Is it Henry or Mike Atkins that has decided? Henry has talent but he needs an unbiased experienced mentor guild him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fromafar 10,333 Posted July 29, 2019 36 minutes ago, mikebv said: I think Poland have it just about right. Whilst U21 you can stay at reserve.. Then its over to your capability.. If your not cutting it at reserve in the Champion then, harsh reality that it is, it may not be sport for you if you have designs to make a career out of it.. That’s my sentiments it is a sport and as in any sport nowadays money seems to be all it is about ,there are hundreds if not thousands who do not make the grade in their chosen sport.Like you say these people have to find something else.Harsh but true IMO. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GWC 495 Posted July 29, 2019 Lad was never ready for CL level of racing and again shows up teams using riders from the NL to fit in higher averaged riders at the top. Teams will change come what may so I hope Henry continues in the sport. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
