East End Fan 426 Posted December 24, 2018 1 hour ago, 25yearfan said: A 15/16 year old rider who is quick enough, and ready for the commitment of League racing will almost certainly get a team place in the NL. Putting a wobbler not yet ready for NL racing is counterproductive to everyone including the rider. Anyway if a promotor has the choice of either an inexperienced 15/16 year old or a 30+ year old journeyman whos been around for a while who are at the same level, then the youngster will get the team place cause he/she will be seen as having more potential to improve. As a Mildenhall speedway regular, I can categorically state that Jon Armstrong has provided some top notch racing at West Row in recent seasons and is renowned for his great experience and mentoring of young riders! As for Robert Ledwith, he was a tenacious, talented rider in the early 90's in the top 2 Divisions who probably didn't achieve as much as what his ability suggested he would. If hes just half as good as what he was back then, he will serve a useful purpose in next years NL! Very interested to hear from a fan who actually knows something about Robert Ledwith. I know little about him so I found your comments interesting. Lots of criticism has been expounded because he is in his 40's ( I have NO problem with that) and now I know a little about what sort of rider he is/was, I am keen to see him in action. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flipper11 134 Posted December 24, 2018 Ledwith maybe old in speedway terms but he is determined to get as far as he can with his chance in the NL, he is as fit as a butchers dog & has been to Denmark to get some bikes off Niki Pedersen so he will be on the best equipment he can possibly be on. Anyone who was at Kent at the end of the season & watched him will no why Len had him signed up pretty quick for this season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
East End Fan 426 Posted December 24, 2018 36 minutes ago, flipper11 said: Ledwith maybe old in speedway terms but he is determined to get as far as he can with his chance in the NL, he is as fit as a butchers dog & has been to Denmark to get some bikes off Niki Pedersen so he will be on the best equipment he can possibly be on. Anyone who was at Kent at the end of the season & watched him will no why Len had him signed up pretty quick for this season. The comments about Ledwith are getting better and better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
25yearfan 476 Posted December 24, 2018 Theirs an infamous incident involving Robert Ledwith and Martin Dugard from Eastbourne in about 1995 on Youtube. Ledwith riding as a reserve for Arena Essex inflicted a shock defeat on Arlington expert Martin Dugard who then would of had one of the highest averages in the top flight. In true Dugard family bad losing fashion, Dugard took offence to this shock defeat by a reserve on his home patch where he was nigh on unbeatable by not shutting off after the chequered flag and taking Ledwith clean through the fence which as one can imagine caused quite a commotion. This shows how much ability Ledwith had. I'm sure some posters on here would have been present that evening and will be able to elaborate more! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gazzac 1,015 Posted December 24, 2018 4 minutes ago, 25yearfan said: Theirs an infamous incident involving Robert Ledwith and Martin Dugard from Eastbourne in about 1995 on Youtube. Ledwith riding as a reserve for Arena Essex inflicted a shock defeat on Arlington expert Martin Dugard who then would of had one of the highest averages in the top flight. In true Dugard family bad losing fashion, Dugard took offence to this shock defeat by a reserve on his home patch where he was nigh on unbeatable by not shutting off after the chequered flag and taking Ledwith clean through the fence which as one can imagine caused quite a commotion. This shows how much ability Ledwith had. I'm sure some posters on here would have been present that evening and will be able to elaborate more! Unfortunately and I know it's not right but suppose that's partially why Dugard went on to be a gp winner and Rob didn't progress much further. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
teaboy279 1,038 Posted December 25, 2018 19 hours ago, 25yearfan said: Theirs an infamous incident involving Robert Ledwith and Martin Dugard from Eastbourne in about 1995 on Youtube. Ledwith riding as a reserve for Arena Essex inflicted a shock defeat on Arlington expert Martin Dugard who then would of had one of the highest averages in the top flight. In true Dugard family bad losing fashion, Dugard took offence to this shock defeat by a reserve on his home patch where he was nigh on unbeatable by not shutting off after the chequered flag and taking Ledwith clean through the fence which as one can imagine caused quite a commotion. This shows how much ability Ledwith had. I'm sure some posters on here would have been present that evening and will be able to elaborate more! I had a quick look but could not find. Do you have a link plz Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
25yearfan 476 Posted December 26, 2018 On 12/24/2018 at 6:04 PM, gazzac said: Unfortunately and I know it's not right but suppose that's partially why Dugard went on to be a gp winner and Rob didn't progress much further. Yes a horrible moment which in reality Dugard should have been heavily reprimanded for but he done it in a way that makes the incident look like it could have been accidental! Like you say that ruthless determination from Dugard that no doubt helped him go as far as he did! Haven't a link but try typing Eastbourne v Arena Essex 1995. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
teaboy279 1,038 Posted December 26, 2018 2 hours ago, 25yearfan said: Yes a horrible moment which in reality Dugard should have been heavily reprimanded for but he done it in a way that makes the incident look like it could have been accidental! Like you say that ruthless determination from Dugard that no doubt helped him go as far as he did! Haven't a link but try typing Eastbourne v Arena Essex 1995. Just had another 25 minute search to no avail. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waco 1,026 Posted December 26, 2018 I remember the race at Eastbourne and I think Ledwith was on the fastest bike he had ever ridden,,borrowed I believe from either Leigh Adams or Josh Larson ? Can't remember which one for sure it's a long time ago,,So if he is on good bikes he will do a great job for Kent despite his age..Dugards actions were considered a total disgrace on the day...by Arena fans at least... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DitchLev 7 Posted December 26, 2018 6 hours ago, waco said: I remember the race at Eastbourne and I think Ledwith was on the fastest bike he had ever ridden,,borrowed I believe from either Leigh Adams or Josh Larson ? Can't remember which one for sure it's a long time ago,,So if he is on good bikes he will do a great job for Kent despite his age..Dugards actions were considered a total disgrace on the day...by Arena fans at least... He spent the whole meeting on Josh Larsen's equipment. Martin's actions were a bit disappointing, it's a fine line knocking somebody off during four laps, but this happened at the beginning of the 5th, after the chequered flag!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AntiqueSteve 100 Posted December 29, 2018 Mildenhall draw Leicester in the first round of the KOC, quite a good looking Team Leicester Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fromafar 10,378 Posted March 24, 2019 Wallinger talks a good game, very much doubt he will bring it to the track. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
00000 1,279 Posted March 24, 2019 Edwards will outscore him and it wouldn't surprise me if Brooks does too. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sings4Speedway 3,247 Posted March 25, 2019 18 hours ago, Richard Weston said: Edwards will outscore him and it wouldn't surprise me if Brooks does too. Odds on Wally being the first no show of the season? First to fence an opponent? and First to have an own team scrap with Danny Ayres? 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
teaboy279 1,038 Posted March 25, 2019 Sounds like the new people in the chip shop had a disaster at bangers on Saturday. I ve read as much about the poor food as I have about the racing that went on. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites