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But that is the point.... he didn't miss a year, he rode in the NDL. As I've stated before this "non-professional" League is a load of nonsense - if he got paid he was a professional in a professional league.

Eastbourne had the best of him league wise in 1981 & 82 this was his return 6 years after that.

All them riders on parade with no helmets... however did they survive! 😁

Plenty of time SS for them to be put in. Busy few month down the track 💪

From memory didn't Oxford give him a five figure signing on fee.

One from the memory bank MD, Shawn was one hell of a rider also but think Kelly shaved it over his brother for natural talent.

Two Wheels Unite: OBM Motorcycles Power Plymouth Gladiators’ 2026 Campaign Plymouth Gladiators Speedway are delighted to confirm that OBM Motorcycles have been secured as the club’s main sponsor for the 2026 season, marking an exciting new chapter for the club. Earlier this year, OBM Motorcycles were impacted by a highly publicised incident in which valuable vintage speedway motorcycles were stolen while in transit to a prestigious classic motorcycle auction in Las Vegas. The incident attracted widespread attention across the global speedway and classic motorcycle community. In the aftermath, the British speedway fraternity rallied together in remarkable fashion, highlighting the strength and unity of the sport. Despite the setback, OBM Motorcycles reaffirmed their commitment to speedway by stepping forward to become principal sponsors of the Plymouth Gladiators, underlining both their resilience and their long-term belief in the sport’s future. An OBM Motorcycles spokesperson said: “OBM Motorcycles is delighted to confirm its partnership with the Gladiators as principal sponsor for the 2026 season. This agreement represents a strategic collaboration with a club that has demonstrated resilience, ambition, and a clear long-term vision. The Gladiators’ commitment to providing a family-orientated, welcoming, and child-friendly environment strongly aligns with OBM’s values and community focus. Their ‘Fuel the Future’ initiative also reflects our shared commitment to innovation and the long-term development of British speedway. We look forward to working closely with the club as it enters an exciting new era and to supporting its continued growth both on and off the track.” OBM’s backing aligns perfectly with the club’s forward-thinking vision and the Fuel the Future mission, which has become a defining theme in the ongoing evolution of the Plymouth Gladiators. The partnership brings together an internationally active motorcycle brand and a club with renewed momentum both on and off the track. With new additions to the team and a competitive side assembled for the 2026 campaign, the Gladiators are firmly focused on building a bright and successful future. Promoter and Director Mark Philips welcomed the announcement: “Securing OBM Motorcycles as our main sponsor for 2026 is a huge step forward for the club. OBM operate on an international stage, and their decision to partner with Plymouth speaks volumes about the belief they have in our direction, our people, and our ‘Fuel the Future’ mission. It immediately raises the profile of the club and gives us tremendous confidence going into the new season.” As part of the new partnership, the club will officially compete under a new name for the 2026 season: Plymouth OBM Gladiators Speedway Further announcements regarding the 2026 campaign will be made in due course. Old Boys Motorcycles UK

Personally I do not see the issue, he only needs the 8 per cent deduction to fit him in the team as long as it is the rule that you get 8 per cent for missing a year.

Don’t need more NDL teams just better management as it’s now a place for championship second strings and so no longer a development league for new , young British novices.

When Kelly lived with Bob Dugard, he stopped him drinking for a bit and Kelly went 7 or 8 meetings unbeaten, didn't last long though.

At one point I know he had 16 engines in his workshop last year, 5 in chassis and 11 on the shelf, that’s some amount of £££ being thrown around there. Well established riders I know have always had 3 fully built chassis in UK and roughly 6-8 engines on the shelf that have a bit of a sell, keep, sell merry go round

Believe Dan Thompson will ride at number 2 at Leicester with Douglas and the middle order will be Nick Morris at 3 and Kyle Howarth at 4. Based on UK tracks being not very Polish and Thorsell being in main body of the team like I’d rank them Cook, Wright/Howarth, Thorsell, Rowe & Kildemand. Thorsell won’t have ridden Owlerton for years if at all, plus a Buster type grippy Norfolk Arena ain’t for most, there’s only NSS he’s had experience on in recent years

Currently (Inc Rumours) we've got No.3's -> Z. Cook, Harris, N. Morris, Riss and C. Holder No.4's -> Kildemand, B. Cook, D. Thompson, Wright and Rowe Thorssell (4.50) is better than most of them imo.

That was against World Class opposition tbf.

The young lad who signed for Lynn last season is a perfect example Ashton Boughton , he had pics of five bikes before the season started and he was a reserve rider , I don't know how much a bike costs to put together but I'm guessing even if riding in the UK with five bikes and a van thats probably 25-50k and this is a lad who's at the lower region of the ladder.

He was but Kelly Moran was one hell of a rider to watch also, world number four three times and that was with living a terrible lifestyle if he had of been dedicated Kelly would have had at least one world title. As I say I would dearly love to see a new bunch of American youngsters come through in the mould of the Cowboy and Kelly.

But remember we are talking speedway.

Fully agree we feel Owen gets sidelined, despite his league winning season. Such a shame. Another reason whey we need more NDL teams and track time for youth riders. Hope he does well in 2026 and will be giving him a cheer as always.

😵‍💫

Both your comments above suggest that Liam has been snubbed by Edinburgh for ensuring he got a team place - Which couldn’t be further from the truth! The reality is there can only be 2x 500cc riders per NJL team and they all have to try where every they can to get a team place and track time. The NDL Academy team has packed in over-seas riders for this season. Leaving no hope of progression for juniors stepping up. Don’t make out this the fault of any of our local lads being unwilling to ride when they are all bidding against each other for what little team spaces there are, and still be overlooked for Aussie incomers.

Same again next year? 😉🤞

Most of them expect a 6 month season riding speedway to fund their 6 month close season living costs, like been said perhaps they should get a proper job between Oct/Nov thru till Feb/March.

It’s kept a topic of conversation going right through the Winter months you’re right. Usually everything is done pre-Christmas and this forum dies a death until March.

I think it's really been the best worst close season ever, even better than the Coventry/Peterborough fiasco, this close season started pretty early and has been the gift that has just kept on giving, it's kept me fully engaged with the forum throughout as I normally dip out during the close season, part of me will be sad to see it all finally resolved 😁

I would love to know how many riders don’t work during the off season. I’d imagine many championship rider’s also don’t but I may be wrong