MrMungo

Would Matt Bates fit? Or is his average a tad too high?

I think the Scunthorpe side will surprise a few people this year. Despite what Godfrey, Parnaby et al say, once the new riders get dialled in to EWR, they will be a tough nut to crack at home. Very strong top 2, lots of potential improvement in Wrathall, Young & Greenwood. I personally think Greenwood will be one to watch in 2012.

I don't think it would do any harm having 1 NL rider in the team. A young reserve, for example guys like Josh Bates, Max Clegg, Daniel Phillips, etc. Would be a good way for the non-NL riders to see how close they are to being NL standard.

When the Grand Prix first began, I would have said GPs 100%. In recent years, however, it's all gotten a little bit silly. They're just putting on GPs for the hell of it. European GP, Nordic GP, etc, etc. Going back some 15 years, I really, really used to enjoy the GPs. There was about 6 of them, and they were really something to look forward to. I used to go to GPs quite regularly then. Now I don't bother. I don't think I have been to a GP for 6 or 7 years. So, for me, I would most definitely say the old World Final.

Both Stefan Nielsen and Josh Bates were in action at Scunthorpe today. http://www.scunthorpespeedway.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1327797430&archive=&start_from=&ucat=8& Stefan won the A Final, and Josh scored a very creditable 7 points.

What average would Ben Hopwood come in on?

8 is a little low. 10 would be good, 12 would be ideal from my point of view. However, on the plus side, 8 is a good number to work with. I assume all 8 teams will be in the KOC this year? Could have 2 groups of 4s, as some sort of regional competition? Or maybe as some sort of 4s qualification. I also think it should be mandatory that each club holds some sort of individual for NL riders only at some point during the year.

Saw Mr. Bates at Scunthorpe a fair few times last year, and I have no doubt he'll have no trouble making the step up. He always looked impressive when I saw him. Interesting make-up of the side so far. I saw an article some time last week where it suggested that one of the last signings rode for a club last year that was quite local to Mildenhall. I assumed it was hinting at Tom Stokes, but then he signed for Lynn, and Olly Rayson doesn't fit (by a whisker)...

Didn't some team try to get special dispensation (from the BSPA) for him to ride in the NL before? I want to say Rye House, but I may well be wrong!

Yes, Montie. Nothing to do with money. Mildenhall is very local to him. He doesn't have to do a 250 mile round trip on a Friday afternoon/evening (which can be pretty horrific at times), and he gets to gain more experience on a small track, which he feels will develop his career.

Chessell and Stokes?

Isn't that the point of Speedway?

Adam Wrathall also confirmed for Scunthorpe. http://www.scunthorpespeedway.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1323732703&archive=&start_from=&ucat=7&

Tom Young confirmed for the Saints in this week's Star.

Probably another Youngster I would have thought...

Had a similar conversation about a month ago, and we came up with about 12-15 possibilities. Some are probably ready now, others maybe not, but we won't know until they are given the chance. Dan and Oliver Greenwood are 2 of the better 3 pointers around, I'd imagine. Connor Dwyer looked good at Lakeside. Heard good reports about Trevor Heath. Jack Kingston won a heat in his first NL meeting at Lakeside. Will be interesting to see how Martin Wrathall adapts to the shale, too. Guys like Adam Kirby, Sam Woods, Adam Portwood, Lloyd Barrett aren't that far off being NL standard for next year, too. There's various possibilities out there.

I can and do. Chris Louis basically admitted recently that Cameron Heeps had cost the Mildenhall/Ipswich promotion a lot of money. Wouldn't be at all surprised if they had splashed the cash at Tungate either.

They have little choice in the matter as this match has already been postponed at least once, possibly twice, when I expect they would have put out a much stronger team. As it happens, both Worralls are en route to Australia, and I know Birks was hoping to go too. They already have Irving out for the season, and Compton is probably too busy cutting hair. The NL rules are not too kind when it comes to replacements allowing only a guest for your number 1 rider. The rest of the sides has to be filled with 3.00 guests.

Awesome post Duffy HUGE congratulations to everyone in the Saints camp - riders, mechanics, team managers, promoters, sponsors, etc. You all played your part. Hugely impressed by everyone within the Saints setup. To come back from that was astonishing and showed immense character. Don't really want to single out anyone, but am personally delighted for Ashley. One of the genuinely nicest guys within the sport and I don't think there was a happier person in the stadium after heat 15! Really hope the weekend has made messrs Godfrey & Machin think twice about next season. NL Speedway without Scunthorpe in some shape or form just doesn't sound right. I think the meetings over the weekend has shown what a fantastic product the NL is - it's just a shame it doesn't always get the crowds it deserve. Commiserations to Mildenhall. To lose out by a single point on your home shale must be heartbreaking, but you guys played a huge part in 2 of the very best meetings I have seen all season. Definitely the tensest! Oh, and congrats on your cup win!

Irving out - R/R for him. Greenwood number 8.

Why, Manchesterpaul? Care to elaborate why you feel that way? Has anyone reminded Mr. Henry to bring his black and white tablecloth this time? Should be a cracker on Friday with hopefully a nice, big home win.

He was at Scunthorpe last night, so definitely didn't pick up an injury riding abroad last night.

Scunthorpe would also be a lot closer for him! I'm pretty sure Scunthorpe (Scorpions) would release S Worrall if he wanted to ride for the Saints.

There's no need for competition. Bearing in mind it was originally supposed to be staged at Sheffield, why not run the meeting at Sheffield as part of a DH on Thursday? Assuming the Americans agree to a slight alteration.

Fully agreed, EdwardIan. 10p a mile doesn't get you very far either!