Speedway fan 206 Posted March 1 (edited) MIDLAND DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 2024 The MDL 2024 will be contested by three clubs .. Birmingham DUCTAIR Bulls, Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes and the Leicester Cubs. It was hoped that a few other clubs would contest the league but unfortunately they are not committing to it despite interest from them. Some may be offering some challenge second halves later in the season so the three teams in the MDL should get additional fixtures. Last year the two Birmingham sides dominated the MDL finishing joint top but a planned play off was lost to the weather and the two sides are having a decider early season at Perry Barr to claim bragging rights for the new campaign! Birmingham will run MDL strength second halves all season with individuals and challenges for their expanding squads with several newcomers joining the ranks at Perry Barr with recruits from the local grass track scene where the club have a tie up with the Formula Grass Association . Additionally the club have a new recruit from moto cross joining their ranks having been tempted to give speedway a try. The teams will meet home and away twice. Under a change to the rules clubs can use a National League rider up to a 5 point average but will give chances to young riders aiming to put themselves in the shop window for the NL. League co-ordinator Laurence Rogers is looking forward to giving as many young riders important track time as possible, “ It would have been good to have had a few more clubs joining our ranks but some have decided to just do their own thing. The league is a stepping stone for young riders and the more track time they get the better and thank you to Leicester for coming on board to ensure this league survived . There are lots of young riders out there and at Birmingham we do what we can to develop them and give them the opportunity to ride in a team. We will be running two teams again with separate squads and continue the friendly rivalry we have between the Bulls and the Buffaloes and look forward to the clashes with the Leicester Cubs.” MDL FIXTURES 2024 MDL FIXTURES 2024 MON 1 APRIL FGA INDIVIDUAL MON 15 APRIL BIRMINGHAM BULLS V LEICESTER CUBS A FIXTURE SUN 21 APRIL LEICESTER CUBS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES A FIXTURE SUN 12 MAY LEICESTER CUBSV BIRMINGHAM BULLS A FIXTURE MON 13 MAY BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V BIRMINGHAM BULLS A FIXTURE SUN 19 MAY LEICESTER CUBS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES B FIXTURE MON 27 MAY BIRMINGHAM BULLS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES A FIXTURE MON 3 JUNE BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V LEICESTER CUBS A FIXTURE SUN 23 JUNE LEICESTER CUBS V BIRMINGHAM BULLS B FIXTURE MON 24 JUNE BIRMINGHAM BULLS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES B FIXTURE MON 8 JULY BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V BIRMINGHAM BULLS B FIXTURE MON 22 JULY BIRMINGHAM BULLS V LEICESTER CUBS B FIXTURE MON 12 AUG BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V LEICESTER CUBS B FIXTURE Edited March 3 by Speedway fan 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KK62 68 Posted March 8 On 3/1/2024 at 4:07 PM, Speedway fan said: MIDLAND DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 2024 The MDL 2024 will be contested by three clubs .. Birmingham DUCTAIR Bulls, Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes and the Leicester Cubs. It was hoped that a few other clubs would contest the league but unfortunately they are not committing to it despite interest from them. Some may be offering some challenge second halves later in the season so the three teams in the MDL should get additional fixtures. Last year the two Birmingham sides dominated the MDL finishing joint top but a planned play off was lost to the weather and the two sides are having a decider early season at Perry Barr to claim bragging rights for the new campaign! Birmingham will run MDL strength second halves all season with individuals and challenges for their expanding squads with several newcomers joining the ranks at Perry Barr with recruits from the local grass track scene where the club have a tie up with the Formula Grass Association . Additionally the club have a new recruit from moto cross joining their ranks having been tempted to give speedway a try. The teams will meet home and away twice. Under a change to the rules clubs can use a National League rider up to a 5 point average but will give chances to young riders aiming to put themselves in the shop window for the NL. League co-ordinator Laurence Rogers is looking forward to giving as many young riders important track time as possible, “ It would have been good to have had a few more clubs joining our ranks but some have decided to just do their own thing. The league is a stepping stone for young riders and the more track time they get the better and thank you to Leicester for coming on board to ensure this league survived . There are lots of young riders out there and at Birmingham we do what we can to develop them and give them the opportunity to ride in a team. We will be running two teams again with separate squads and continue the friendly rivalry we have between the Bulls and the Buffaloes and look forward to the clashes with the Leicester Cubs.” MDL FIXTURES 2024 MDL FIXTURES 2024 MON 1 APRIL FGA INDIVIDUAL MON 15 APRIL BIRMINGHAM BULLS V LEICESTER CUBS A FIXTURE SUN 21 APRIL LEICESTER CUBS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES A FIXTURE SUN 12 MAY LEICESTER CUBSV BIRMINGHAM BULLS A FIXTURE MON 13 MAY BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V BIRMINGHAM BULLS A FIXTURE SUN 19 MAY LEICESTER CUBS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES B FIXTURE MON 27 MAY BIRMINGHAM BULLS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES A FIXTURE MON 3 JUNE BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V LEICESTER CUBS A FIXTURE SUN 23 JUNE LEICESTER CUBS V BIRMINGHAM BULLS B FIXTURE MON 24 JUNE BIRMINGHAM BULLS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES B FIXTURE MON 8 JULY BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V BIRMINGHAM BULLS B FIXTURE MON 22 JULY BIRMINGHAM BULLS V LEICESTER CUBS B FIXTURE MON 12 AUG BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V LEICESTER CUBS B FIXTURE A sign of the times with only two clubs involved. Junior speedway is following the seniors and dying a slow death due to a lack of riders, stupid rules and interference from the powers that be. Think the NJL is struggling with Berwick pulling out and others struggling to find riders to fill the teams. Even Scunthorpe amateur meetings are struggling to attract entries and its the beginning of the season when riders are normally itching to ride. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sargent10 30 Posted March 9 Said same thing to a friend yesterday who made comment about scunny, maybe it’s a sign of decline or something else, however, when they said that clubs are going to be made to run 2nd half racing I will believe it when I see it! MDL racing is the level down from NDL so I thought riders would be keen to get in there, so is it clubs or riders that don’t want to bother?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris116 756 Posted March 11 On 3/9/2024 at 9:29 AM, Sargent10 said: Said same thing to a friend yesterday who made comment about scunny, maybe it’s a sign of decline or something else, however, when they said that clubs are going to be made to run 2nd half racing I will believe it when I see it! MDL racing is the level down from NDL so I thought riders would be keen to get in there, so is it clubs or riders that don’t want to bother?? That all depends on who you ask and who is asking. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sings4Speedway 3,247 Posted March 12 On 3/9/2024 at 9:29 AM, Sargent10 said: Said same thing to a friend yesterday who made comment about scunny, maybe it’s a sign of decline or something else, however, when they said that clubs are going to be made to run 2nd half racing I will believe it when I see it! MDL racing is the level down from NDL so I thought riders would be keen to get in there, so is it clubs or riders that don’t want to bother?? It is/was a level down from NDL a few seasons ago with regular riders all around the fringes of reserve places but as ever when the MDL was watered down the competition just isn't there and the standard falls away. Also the drive with British speedway atm is to constantly promote from the youth ranks rather than slightly more seasoned development league riders. Also throw in that there are so few team places available could anyone honestly say they would recommend speedway as a path to youth rider in the same way they would have 10 years ago? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MillenTheVillen 27 Posted March 15 (edited) On 3/9/2024 at 9:29 AM, Sargent10 said: Said same thing to a friend yesterday who made comment about scunny, maybe it’s a sign of decline or something else, however, when they said that clubs are going to be made to run 2nd half racing I will believe it when I see it! MDL racing is the level down from NDL so I thought riders would be keen to get in there, so is it clubs or riders that don’t want to bother?? Ipswich seemed to have some new younger faces at their press and practice yesterday so you may need to believe it. On paper Mdsl and Njl are the level down but the reality is it's not a real stepping stone to the National League unless the rider wants it enough. Look back over last few Seasons very few riders have gone via the Youth Championship to Junior League Racing to NDL route, those who are in the 125 ranks in NJL go one of 2 ways when they're 500cc eligible (that doesnt mean they are ready to ride 500s either just they are old enough to hold a 500cc license) - the ones putting the hard yards in go straight into NDL at 15 (because they've developed enough that a promoter will give them a punt) the others continue in the NJL and MDSL believing they re hard done too and entitled to a place in the National League instead of using it as a platform to earn a team spot by developing instead of believing a Junior League average entitles them to a NDL Team spot. Two NDL clubs said they had 1 spot remaining to complete their teams, I maybe wrong but didn't a selection of riders show up to Scunthorpe over the last few weeks to try and Impress Lambert and Godfery? Didn't Gavin Parr turn up at Workington to Look over possible riders for their last spot? Edited March 15 by MillenTheVillen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sargent10 30 Posted March 15 7 hours ago, MillenTheVillen said: Ipswich seemed to have some new younger faces at their press and practice yesterday so you may need to believe it. On paper Mdsl and Njl are the level down but the reality is it's not a real stepping stone to the National League unless the rider wants it enough. Look back over last few Seasons very few riders have gone via the Youth Championship to Junior League Racing to NDL route, those who are in the 125 ranks in NJL go one of 2 ways when they're 500cc eligible (that doesnt mean they are ready to ride 500s either just they are old enough to hold a 500cc license) - the ones putting the hard yards in go straight into NDL at 15 (because they've developed enough that a promoter will give them a punt) the others continue in the NJL and MDSL believing they re hard done too and entitled to a place in the National League instead of using it as a platform to earn a team spot by developing instead of believing a Junior League average entitles them to a NDL Team spot. Two NDL clubs said they had 1 spot remaining to complete their teams, I maybe wrong but didn't a selection of riders show up to Scunthorpe over the last few weeks to try and Impress Lambert and Godfery? Didn't Gavin Parr turn up at Workington to Look over possible riders for their last spot? If as you seem to believe that the NJL and MDL are not a stepping stone to NDL then we are in more trouble than even the most observant people believe! As with the 2 clubs you mentioned you are correct about the having a place left for final position, however, don’t read too much into the decision both clubs made! On the other point yes it was fantastic seeing Jody and sonny at Ipswich yesterday but they are already in teams at other clubs and they will do great, they have great parents behind them and good people, but so have lots of kids coming through and they will all want a chance of making it through NJL and MDL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MillenTheVillen 27 Posted March 15 (edited) 1 hour ago, Sargent10 said: If as you seem to believe that the NJL and MDL are not a stepping stone to NDL then we are in more trouble than even the most observant people believe! As with the 2 clubs you mentioned you are correct about the having a place left for final position, however, don’t read too much into the decision both clubs made! On the other point yes it was fantastic seeing Jody and sonny at Ipswich yesterday but they are already in teams at other clubs and they will do great, they have great parents behind them and good people, but so have lots of kids coming through and they will all want a chance of making it through NJL and MDL The Riders going into the National League are bypassing the MDL and NJL so no it's not a stepping stone. Both Sonny and Jody didn't need the MDL or NJL to work up to a National League Spot. Those who reach 15 and have developed are going straight to the NDL without the MDL or NJL , those who go into the Junior League 500s need to step up at every chance they get to try and dislodge the 2 you mentioned and others who have team spots. The days of being entitled to go the NDL because your old enough have gone, in my opinion the MDL should be renamed to Midland Junior League like the Northern Junior League because that's what they are now. Edited March 15 by MillenTheVillen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sargent10 30 Posted March 15 With respect to both lads doing the NJL wasn’t a option as both dads would struggle to get to venues in Scotland on Friday nights, work commitments are such, so they didn’t by pass it was unrealistic for them to commit I think, I also take your opinion of entitled as rather demeaning, nobody who we know and we’re part of the group thinks they are entitled to gain a place at any club, what all the lads think is hopefully I’ve done enough and be good enough, if not they either walk away and the sport loses another rider regardless of ability or keeps trying to make it, sometimes it’s a can’t be bothered attitude, it can be parents can’t get time away from work to attend a particular event or something else, not all 15 year old boys develop (Chris Harris) is prime example so with your thinking he would have been discarded Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Speedway fan 206 Posted Sunday at 07:04 PM MDL 2024 MDL SEASON STARTS WITH SHARED HONOURS The 2024 Midland Development League opening fixture at Leicester saw the honours shared as the Lion Cubs drew 18 apiece with the Birmingham Buffaloes. The Lions were forced into a late swap to a three man team using rider replacement for Ben Phillips when his machine failed the machine examination. Cubs captain Sonny Springer suffered an engine failure in heat 1 whilst having a battle with the opposition skipper Eli Meadows then reeled off three fine wins. 15 year old Jamie Etherington , who had made his National League debut for Middlesborough in the main meeting , had a troubled meeting after getting a 5-1 with Springer in heat 2 with two falls. Debutant rookie Harrison Rogers rode steadily with three second places to finish with 7 points. For the Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes skipper Eli Meadows lost his maximum chances in his last ride when Sonny Springer defeated him in heat 5. Debutant Max Broadhurst got better with every ride and secured his first race win in his final ride to finish on 6 . Another first time Will Boraston had three third places whilst Jake Breeze was beset by carburettor problems. Leicester Lion Cubs 18 ( Sonny Springer 4r 9 ; Harrison Rogers 4r 7, Jamie Etherington 3r 2+1) Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes 18 ( Eli Meadows 3r 8; Max Broadhurst 3r 6, Will Boraston 3r 3, Jake Breeze 3r 1+1) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Speedway fan 206 Posted Wednesday at 03:01 PM MDL FIXTURES 2024 MON 15 APRIL BIRMINGHAM BULLS V LEICESTER A FIXTURE OFF SUN 21 APRIL LEICESTER V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES A FIXTURE 18-18 SUN 12 MAY LEICESTER V BIRMINGHAM BULLS A FIXTURE MON 13 MAY BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V BIRMINGHAM BULLS A FIXTURE SUN 19 MAY LEICESTER V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES B FIXTURE MON 27 MAY BIRMINGHAM BULLS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES A FIXTURE MON 3 JUNE BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V LEICESTER A FIXTURE SUN 23 JUNE LEICESTER V BIRMINGHAM BULLS B FIXTURE MON 24 JUNE BIRMINGHAM BULLS V BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES B FIXTURE MON 8 JULY BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V BIRMINGHAM BULLS B FIXTURE MON 22 JULY BIRMINGHAM BULLS V LEICESTER A FIXTURE MON 29 JULY BIRMINGHAM BULLS V LEICESTER B FIXTURE MON 12 AUG BIRMINGHAM BUFFALOES V LEICESTER B FIXTURE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
