Early Predictions

[stevebrum 6,826]

That's my point. I've been to many meetings where the scores were close but all very processional. Look at last years EL, how close was the run in to the play offs - yet the racing wasn't entertaining. Understand we won't get great action in every heat. From my understanding 5 out of 15 heats that get the adrenalin pumping will send most punters home happy. This is where they need to focus, not a 'joker' winning from the gate to make the scores closer. Team balance and perfect track preperation will do to start.

Depends where you are watching your Speedway. Because Wolves prepare a good track season after season we usually see good racing at the front AND back.

I agree that track preparation is the key to good racing - irrespective of what league it is.

[TheSmiler 420]

I think a lot of people are discarding Coventry. If it's true with the race format featuring 2 reserve races. Against bar perhaps Lynn, Coventry at home will have two very strong reserves so thats potentially 10-2 already without even thinking of the top 5. I think Kings Lynn and Coventry are the ones to beat, with Poole and Wolves (who will see a big improvement again in Thorssell IMO) joining them in the top 4.

 

 

1. Kings Lynn

2. Poole

3. Coventry

4. Wolves

5. Belle Vue

6. Leicester

7. Eastbourne

8. Swindon

9. Birmingham

10. Lakeside

[Daniel Smith 5,672]

It's a mistake ever having Lakeside bottom of the league. That just isn't going to happen with trick track advantage. I'd go as far as a dialled in NL team would beat a mid table or lower EL side. But then, I'm a bit blinkered to that place. I absolutely detest it. I couldn't watch my speedway there week in week out. It isn't speedway.

[proud panther 1,507]

Went to Lakeside for the first time last year, & will never go back unless Panthers race them in the play offs. As we are now in a different league, that looks unlikely. Terrible track, & no overtaking at all.

[Hodgy 976]

Depends where you are watching your Speedway. Because Wolves prepare a good track season after season we usually see good racing at the front AND back.I agree that track preparation is the key to good racing - irrespective of what league it is.

Brought up at EOES so big track specialist. I find it harder to enjoy the smaller tracks - guess it depends what you grew up with. Agree Wolves does provide decent racing and is usually well prepared. Track preperation is critical but if the gulf in rider ability is too big, great racing is bound to be limited. Poole are always striving to improve their team, at considerable cost one assumes. Fair play (maybe a tad contentious with some) to them but why couldn't they prepare a track last season.

[Crump99 4,477]

In my opinion this is why they keep getting it wrong. A close score or competitive league does not mean an entertaining meeting.

 

And we've heard the same thing each winter over the last couple of seasons but here we are with the latest cost cutting weakened product experiment - same time next year!

[Hodgy 976]

And we've heard the same thing each winter over the last couple of seasons but here we are with the latest cost cutting weakened product experiment - same time next year!

Understand the need to reduce costs but I predict the weakened product will nullify any savings due to less paying customers. I'd prefer a higher team average, maybe 6 rider teams to save a bit. If there are not enough takers that could take the financial risk then 'same time next year' = one league.

[ProudtobeaBrummie 646]

Good to see the brummies been write off again I'm predicting another top 4 finish

 

Poole

Kings lynn

Birmingham

Coventry

 

Gonna be a long season injures will hopefully not play a part but as we all know will be crucial I'm afraid.

[Woz01 3,589]

Most people's gripe about speedway is the lack of actual racing, especially when trying to draw new faces or keeping those floating voters to attends. Whether the scores are 45-45 or 75-15 is irrelevant. The racing in both could still be either way, very good or very poor.

 

The real problem speedway has its that the real top riders don't want wheel to wheel racing. It's all to risky for them. In the GP's they class a good race as being 3 bike lengths ahead.

 

Polish speedway use to be entertaining but forget the name, the racing is still the same as over here, the young and up and coming want to impress with ability in racing, while the already established riders want it easy.

 

9x out of 10, the best racing is by those that are fighting at the back, the general none speedway fans opinion of the sport is right. First out the gate wins, and that's how the riders like it.

I agree decent racing is the priority but my point was a close meeting brings anticipation and interest, a last heat decider can be thrilling despite it being gate and go. I think the way teams are panning out closer meeting will happen.

[semion 2,192]

If you have a team full of gaters then as a Promotor you ain't going to prepare a grippy track with loads of shale on it, that would be madness

[EnglishRoundabout 1,752]

Went to Lakeside for the first time last year, & will never go back unless Panthers race them in the play offs. As we are now in a different league, that looks unlikely. Terrible track, & no overtaking at all.

Can't agree with that proud panther. Lakeside produces decent racing. In my visits there I have seen excellent racing. Furthermore, to watch class riders totally master the tight turns is a pleasure to watch. Leigh Adams was simply majestic to watch at Lakeside. I would imagine Peter Karlsson is similar.

 

I have been brought up on big tracks, and certainly in the 70's there were plenty of bigger tracks around. The smaller tracks were much rarer. However, that's what makes the EL so different with their unique shapes and sizes. Monmore Green is another smaller track that serves up terrific racing. Variety is the spice of life!

[proud panther 1,507]

Might have caught the track on a bad night ER, but it was enough to put me off returning. Went to Monmore a few times last year & enjoyed the racing every time. Must add that its only the track I dislike, & I respect what Cook & Vatcher are doing for British youngsters.

[EnglishRoundabout 1,752]

Fair enough. I think I caught the EOES on a poor night once (couple of seasons ago against Lakeside) guess all tracks have them! Certainly Blunsdon has them.

[Agrotron 955]

I will wait until all teams are completed before I pass judgement

[E I Addio 15,846]

Fair enough. I think I caught the EOES on a poor night once (couple of seasons ago against Lakeside) guess all tracks have them! Certainly Blunsdon has them.

 

 

 

I think that sums it up. Lakeside -v-Peterboro matches are nearly always a bit naff whether they are at Lakeside or EOES, it just seems each team can rarely manage the others track. On the hand when Swindon come to Lakeside they are nearly always good matches. Wolves are nearly always a good side to watch and quite often Poole, especially Darcy are good entertainment.