The Max Fricke information is solely based upon average rather than costs. Unfortunately with Luke Becker getting injured in 2025 Max had to take his RR ride in heat 8 which he won nearly every race which has meant his average his increased more than expected combined with him also having his  best ever season in the UK it has made it difficult to try build a team that is strong throughout if a 39-40 limit had been agreed then there would be no issues 

Mark Lemon would say that as he manages probably the most heavily subsidised team in the UK, without the local councils support even BV would struggle to exist, Mr Lemon could also say the reverse is true in that without the Championship would we have a Premier League ?.

He has always been very good at spending other peoples money, but that's not an issue because I would have thought not many people invest in Speedway to turn a profit, and it is great to see Buxton back because they are a genuine grassroots team.

A wise promoter once said to me many years ago 40/38 and how you got there  was more important than a win even  , it's true you can forgive a home loss if the racing plus result are  close and  exciting IMO !  The last thing you want to see is countless numbers of 5/1's and four riders strung out with the last one parking up on the centre green with a lap to go .Whilst I don't want to see 1970's World of Sport wrestling ( fixed and badly  rehearsed) something in between maybe achievable . There is nothing better than two riders side by side elbow to elbow entering the last bend and one winning by half a wheel, ,demanding skill trust with the result being in many respects irrelevant   . As far as I know there are no great rewards for winning the leagues in this country , extra income for the play off's  but who cares who wins it's how they do it  IMO .

I think there’s a place for the bang average rider from abroad too in fairness. One who isn’t a world beater but competent and helps to make meetings competitive. Brexit probably made it harder to bring riders over who aren’t “elite” competitors though.  Some of our issues stem from letting the existing, ageing rider pool hog team spots (doubling up) forcing less talented and/or up and coming riders out on one hand, then chasing big name riders who don’t really want to ride here with wads of cash we don’t have on the other.  In any walk of life spending beyond your means is idiotic. Seems a lot of speedway fans think otherwise when it comes to who races for their team. 

The first time I saw Emil was at an U21 qualifier at Rye House when the announcer asked his manager how to pronounce his last name. The answer will live with me forever " It doesn't matter as long as you say the winner is" first. He went on to win the event I believe.