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DWP

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Posts posted by DWP

  1. Posted

    4 hours ago, Daniel Smith said:

    Tinted goggles are banned I believe

    Always had 6 pairs of Goggles. Clear for floodlights, various strength tints and iridium mirror lens for bright sunshine. I know frustrating but the low sun directly at the start makes it hard to see the track. But let’s be honest how many times a year are there sun delays. 2/3 x I’d rather a sun delay than standing in rain or in a cold north wind knowing the rest of the evening will be warm. 

    Re start times I agree meetings should have 7.30pm first race start. Stood there many a time saying “come on let’s get on with it” - the riders are ready, so really no excuse. 

  2. Posted

    Stupid ruling by BSPA - if this rule is still in place for 2019 ( and this should be clarified now ) Nichols and Kennett will need to keep their averages below 6 this season to enable them to double up in 2019. Riders can not afford to ride just one UK league if only doing UK. Scotty is at the end of his career, I wonder if he may call it a day if this ruling is not overturned. This would be a big thank you from the BSPA to the multi British Champion. What a terrible way to bow out. But British speedway is hell bent on burying itself. 

    • Like 3
    • Thanks 1

  3. Posted

    1 hour ago, Baldyman said:

    But it is transparent...for this season no one over 6 allowed to double down unless already have a championship average....What's not transparent about that

    So Nichols and Kennet will need to ride in Premiership in 2018 not giving 100% and make certain their average is below 6 so they can double up in 2019. What a joke ! 

    • Confused 1

  5. Posted

    On 26/01/2018 at 1:56 PM, Chris116 said:

    Having watched speedway all my life and over the past 20 years or so seen racing at all three levels that have run under different names to keep eveyone guessing what the names mean I have come to the conclusion that good speedway only needs teams that are matched evenly.

    Some of the worst racing I have seen has been in the top league (I have also seen some magic meetings in the top league) and some of the most exciting meetings have been in the third division. Yes, the riders in the top league are faster, more skillful and make fewer mistakes. Sometimes that makes for excellent racing but it can also make for matches where no one overtakes anyone after the first half lap of each race. In the third league the riders are slower and make mistakes which means that you can have overtaking on every lap or they can get strung out with the crowd yawning! 

    Balanced teams where all the riders are able to beat all the others will give exciting racing. A team with two 8+ riders, three 5 to 7 point riders and two reserves of 4 and 3.5 would be inside the 42.5 but most races would end up being two match races. If the top riders have a lower average that leaves room for higher scoring reserves and so makes each race more likely to be close. 

    The big problem with all of this is that at the end of the season some of the 6 and 7 point riders will have gone up to being 8.5 point riders and under current rules they could be lost to British racing which will then bring even more upset during the following winter. Do I have any answers? Probably not but I do have a few ideas which I think might help the sport in this country.

    1) Premiership to allow two 8+ riders in a team. Championship to allow one 8+ rider in a team. This makes the two leagues different instead of the situation we have where the standard is nearly the same.

    2) Riders who have not ridden in this country for the previous twelve months to have the averages of the countries where they have raced added up for the previous season that they raced in this country and for the last season compared. You then find the multiplier and use this on their last British average to find their new British average. For example a rider had a 6 point average in 2014 in British racing. In 2014 his Polish and Swedish averages added up and then divided by 2 comes to 5.8 and in 2017 his Polish, Swedish and Danish averages added up and then divided by 3 came to 6.5 which produces a multiplier of 1.12068966 and applying that to his old British average gives him a starting average of 6.72.

    3) At all meetings the visiting team should be allowed a 15 minute practice session before the meeting. How often do you find that the away team only start to compete in the second half of the meeting. Allowing them to get their set up right will give closer racing from the start of the meeting. I realise that some home track only fans only want to see their team win all their home meetings but for me I want to see a close meeting with close racing. I enjoy being on the losing side of a 44-46 meeting than on the winning side of a 60-30 meeting.

    Let's hope we have lots of close racing and close scores, enjoy your racing.

    Chris

    Point 3 - do as they do in Poland. 15/30mins before the schedule start time and rider presentation. Each team coach selects 2 of his riders to practice. Home team 2 riders have 1minute practice, return to pits and away team selected riders have their 1minute. All 4 riders then change to their 2nd bike and this is repeated with riders having another 1minute each.

    Another Polish Practice, I’d like to see also is one fuel point. Home team supply the methanol and Mechanics takes their bike to be filled before their riders next race. Riders are not allowed their own methanol in the pits. 

  8. Posted

    1 minute ago, DC2 said:

     

    So a 7 point average rider on £400 a point over 28 league matches makes £78,400 minus costs of £30,900, leaving £47,500 for seven months work provided he stays injury free.

    You can see why sub-7 pointers need doubling up and the better riders aspire to another £200k in Poland/Sweden.

     

    £400 a point ?????? Lol

    • Like 3
    • Haha 1

  9. Posted

    Reading the forum and the comments re Roberts interview in Speedway Star.

    I am not giving my opinion on it. However some facts my help you. 

    I have done an approx. costing for a rider doing one UK league. Naturally a rider doubling up, some costs would increase or decrease or not exist. 

    These figures are from my experience for an annual cost to a rider.

    2 bikes/engines @ £8000 each =  £16000 spread over 2 years = £8000

    Spares £4000 (surprising how many spares needed in a season and that’s without a blown engine cost)

    Other equipment - helmet/goggles/tools £1000

    Oils/Lubricants/bike cleaning materials etc. £500

    Van hire 8 months £2400

    Mechanic £4500 

    Flights 50% of cost £3000 

    Airport travel costs £500 

    Budgeting travel Rain off expenses ( no income ) £1000

    Fuel van £800

    Engine servicing £3000

    Insurance van £800 ( many mechanics under 25 ) 

    Injury Insurance rider £400

    Sundry misc. expenses £1000 (always unexpected costs)

    Total £30900

    These are the costs, looking back through them it would be easy to increase some. But this gives a ball park figure. Naturally some costs are off set by sponsors supplying their goods which a rider uses. But it is still a cost and a rider needs equipment sponsors as well as cash sponsors. 
     
    From this total cost, now you can can calculate how much a rider needs to earn per point or plus get sponsor deals to make it all pay. 
     
    Certain some of you will argue these figures. That’s your opinion, but as for 5 years I’ve being paying invoices I know these figures are a good ball park figure. 
     
    I am just giving factual figures - this is not my opinion of what’s right or wrong. I will leave it to you to do your own calculations and come up with what ever view you wish. 
    • Like 3

  10. Posted

    33 minutes ago, tellboy said:

    I thought most painters enjoyed their wine while painting masterpieces.Have you seen the state of some of the paintings that fetch a crazy amount of money:lol:

    I can splash some paint about on canvas. My work starts at £5million if you want to make an investment. Perhaps after we have both gone your family will see a return. They say all artist die poor lol 

    • Like 1

  11. Posted

    9 hours ago, proud panther said:

    I am sure that Nicklas realises he is lucky to have you in his corner. Mick Brattley did a similar job for Hans when he was at Peterborough, & even sorting flights, etc out was a near full time job for him. Must add that Mick also had a full time job as well. Are you planning to retire in France David ?

    Yes Nicklas is very appreciative for all I have done for him from the time he first came to King’s Lynn. We are the very best of friends and he is like a son to me. Though I won’t miss the time taken sorting flights and the trips at 3am to Stansted etc. He is excited about the new season, certain things I can’t reveal at present, which will be announced within a month. Not doing UK was a decision we made at the end of last season and I think this will be good for him. We were approached by a number of UK Clubs, but said thanks but no thanks for 2018. In discussion with Dale, we all agreed Nicklas was not right for Lynn and Lynn was not right for Nicklas this coming season. Re myself, I have plenty to sort before moving to France, but yes I plan to retire in Normandy. Good wine, food and relaxing plus getting back to oil painting which I haven’t done for years. (The next Monet Ha ha ! ) I have looked at logistics and it is still easy for me to fly to Poland, Sweden and Denmark to watch Nicklas race. I will still look after certain aspects for him, but not having to arrange 4 flights a week and trips back and forth to Stansted will make life so much easier.  

  12. Posted

    12 minutes ago, proud panther said:

    Seems like he could do with a new PR man, judging by some of the comments in that article. Could do a lot worse than asking DWP in my opinion, as he always supported Porsing in a very positive manner, in my opinion.

    That’s for the compliment. But I am only looking after Nicklas in Poland, Denmark and Sweden. Plus with plans to move from West Norfolk to France myself in 2018 will only come to Lynn on the odd occasion. 

  13. Posted

    6 hours ago, STEVEHOLS54 said:

    I do hope Chris Holder is pulling our leg with the picture of what looks like 2 busted wrists in A&E on his twitter page this morning......

    If this guy has seriously injured himself then there should be some serious questions asked by Matt if its some kind of motorcycling accident when he is not even competition riding. If its true I do hope we have not lost one of out top riders for ??? months and then he has to get back to full fitness.

    Cant see any other posts from him since he shared it with Crump and another (plus anyone who follows him).

    Will also be somewhat galling that he has not posted to my knowledge one single comment about how pleased he is to be back at Poole (or any other positive comment about returning), yet if true he is more than happy to share some personal injury misfortune to anyone following him on twitter.

    Anyway it may not even be him or it may be an old photo, but even so as it stands it doesn't look too clever and surely raises maybe some doubts on his availability for the season start.

    Also if true I bet Matt Ford will be less than a happy bunny with the Poles also still dragging their feet on the 3 league rule thus slowing up the Sundtrom announcement (as well as poor James Shanes who is awaiting the outcome as its all linked).

    I don’t know also but saw the photo. Have you read Polish Extraliga contract for 2018. There is a clause in it, that a rider is fined big time if injured outside of speedway. That includes falling down stairs, one of the reasons I believe Hancock not doing Extraliga. There are some other unbelievable clauses in it also. 

  15. Posted

    On 06/01/2018 at 11:40 AM, tellboy said:

    I still think you only have a 0.1% chance.People read into things to much,seeing Buster and Brundle's picture behind Pedersen's old bike means nothing.

     

    Been in Poland for the week so not seen forum for a while. However, Pedersen bike was given to Buster by Nikki years ago. It’s been office corner since new office was built. I would guess - “ we need a photo of Buster and Robin to announce Robin as promoter, let’s use the bike as a backdrop” I wouldn’t read anymore into it. 

    • Like 2

  16. Posted

    2 hours ago, g13webb said:

     

    I first heard a whisper a week back, but didn't take too much notice.   I didn't want to believe it,  but it now appears to be true.     When thinking about the logistics of Lambert's situation ,  with him living locally,  and  only riding in the Sweden, and Polish 2nd division,  if he cant accommodate riding in the UK, then what chance do we have of appealing to anyone of quality.

    Disappointed for sure, and I feel he is wrong to turn his back on his home track and fans.   He has a long way to go before he is anywhere near being a good No 1, so am surprised he's taken this decision to leave without conquering these shores.  

    Probably I was right in what I wrote  back then ........  and yes its a REAL SHAME.......     He has so much more to learn.....

       

    I believe Robert now lives in Germany with his girlfriend 

  17. Posted

    5 minutes ago, Star Lady said:

    I'm obviously more compassionate than the Poles. I don't believe in kicking someone when they are down. Everyone knows the sport is risky, seems the Poles want the riders to take ALL the risk.

    Understand your feelings. But I can also understand the Poles. Unlike the UK, owners of most Polish speedway clubs have/do put a lot of money into their Club/investment. They would rather their riders only ride in Poland. But as it is at moment they can’t do that. But they naturally want to protect their investment in riders. 

  18. Posted

    12 minutes ago, Star Lady said:

    Is that the norm? I'm obviously very naive but for clubs to expect riders to pay back part of a sign on fee when injured is morally wrong. 

    Put yourself in their shoes. You sign a rider, agree a large sign on fee paid 1st February. Your rider injures himself first week of April whilst riding outside Poland and is out for 2 months. Wouldn’t you want your money back. 

  23. Posted · Edited by DWP

    I’ve heard that riders are being offered 10% less than last season. Clubs need to balance books as 83% made a loss last year in PL and CL. I know we would all love to see Niels back. Even Doyle, which would be be a big coup for Lynn to have the current world champion. I don’t know anymore than you guys, but realistically I can’t see either happening. No TV, so top riders not attracting sponsors here, are costs to do UK disproportionate to potential earnings here, logistics of flying in/out. I just don’t see any up side as to why they would want/need to ride the UK. Top riders earn big bucks in Poland, so why do it. Yes more meetings, but other than that what’s the attraction for them. Crash in UK, injured and can’t ride Poland. Huge loss of income and probably having to pay back proportion of sign on fee. 

    Personally I feel the days of the SGP riders and other top continental riders riding UK are over. I hope I’m wrong. To get them back the BSPA, SCB, Promoters etc. need to make big changes/improvements to fans, riders and sponsors and bring the sport into the 21st century. Unfortunately I don’t have any confidence that this will happen. 

  25. Posted

    Shame Porsing isn't coming back. Certainly had the potential, just never seemed to quite crack it. What would you put it down to DWP ?

    A very good question. He rides well in Europe, but finds the UK tracks not to his liking. Small tight, never the same one day to the next. One track he did like but only rode it once was Belle Vue and only time he rode it, was a night of rain and slop sadly. Last season Buster was keen for him to persevere with GTR - he just couldn’t find set up with it. The power was there but getting it into the track was like banging your head against a wall. And with that it knocked his confidence. Unfortunately the GM bike was stolen and with what Lynn paid him, plus the costs to him to fly back and forth whether a rain off or not. He just couldn’t afford £8000 to replace it and he wasn’t going to give up Poland and Sweden and bring one of those 4 bikes to Uk. We have looked at all options for 2018. I can’t go into exact figures but with the costs to do UK - when you look at costs v earnings in Europe. It’s a no brainer not to do Uk. 1x less van, 2x less bikes, 1x less mechanic, 50+ flights less etc etc. Earnings so much more in PL, SE and DK.

    I think that he will really come on this year not doing UK. He’s done his UK apprenticeship and learnt a lot and he’s very pleased he’s done it. As with other riders I’ve seen who do UK then go back to Europe only and suddenly they seem to make their mark. Milik, Lebedev, Magic are a few examples. Nicklas as such style on a bike when he’s confident and with Greg Hancock mentoring him this season at Stal Rzeszow , I can see him making a few headlines. I hope so as he’s such a great lad.

    • Like 3
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