There were around 25 from wolves who went to Buxton when they were in national league 8 years ago 

Maybe the Fords see something in Bowes that I am missing. His POL stats are poor for 2025. In POL EXL 2 (so 2nd POL Lge) he was 55th of 59 regular riders with 4 ride av of 3.4 and won only 2 of 47 rides. In POL EXL (U24) he was 38th of 59 regular riders with 4 ride av of 5.64 - won 16 of his 74 rides. Will turn 24 in NOV and has ridden POL for about 4 years. A lot of his opposition in POL U24 was against riders a lot younger than him with less experience. Yes there are talented young rider in that Lge but he doesn't seem to have gone forward to any real degree. My personal view of this is based on his stats and time spent in POL (4 years) considering he was also based there. Maybe that one performance of 13 from 6 rides (incl one retirement) at Poole on 23rd July showed them something.  Although his 2 from 4 rides guesting for Glasgow late August was not good.

Can see Nick staying and D/UP with the Lions.

Giving free bets at meetings will do nothing to attract new attendees at meetings but will increase or divert the cost of sponsorship.  Also worth recognising that the days of the local bookies with his pitch & bag attending meetings are long gone with the main potential market for speedway betting being online on a global basis where like the dogs and frankly any sport there is no need to attend the actual meeting to place a bet.   Speedway is ideal for betting on a number of different models & if live streaming can be installed at all tracks then indeed the sport may well be able to attract a much needed financial lifeline.  Again, my only worry would be that the promoters do nothing with the cash to improve the sports infrastructure, promotion & rider development and thereby creating medium & longterm growth. They will of course ensure their own pockets are suitably filled. 

I would be most surprised if Nick isn't a Bandit in 2026 

Shouldn't be any playoffs with 5. Should just be whoever finishes top imo.