Sings4Speedway

The theory is good but the conveyor belt of riders just isn't there. Even if the few from this season were included (Hodder, Ingram, Foord) the list would barely make double figures for Brits remotely close to stepping up to the CL (Binns, Norman, Southwick, S.Pijper, Summers, Fletcher, Vale). Of those a couple would make it stick, couple would likely retire by the end of the season and then what comes next? The NDL is on its knees (if not gone depending on rumours), the numbers at the youth rounds are dwindling. Higher level sport depends on its grass roots and they have been ripped out so what chance is there of future growth.

Always surprised that Perry gets dropped into most predicted sides, he's had 3 seasons at CL and is on a 2.5 average, its hardly showing improvement. He would need to be signed as the lesser reserve with hopes of beating the newcomers to the league rather than as the "stronger" reserve.

The jump has always been pretty big but the dropping of minimum average to 2.00 has seen a lot given places / chances that wouldn't have been if it was 3.00. The reality is the gulf between the top at bottom at CL has been to high for a while, 10 point and 2 point riders in the same race is always going to create a big disparity...doesn't mean i know what the solution is though

In an ideal world yes but if they are of the required standard, there have been similar issues in the past where the inclusion of riders to fulfil a criteria e.g under X age / average have led to places given to those clearly not ready for the step up and because of that many decent emerging talents have been lost to the sport.

Irritates the life out of me the Grmek is available on 3.56. The fact that assessed foreign riders can drop under their assessment figure ridiculous and detrimental to British riders. That said why are so many Brits failing to make any real impression in the CL? Foord and Hodder lack some technical basics and blow hot and cold, Perry always gets mentions but rarely delivers. Hagon and Smith have all the backing but miss something to progress. I question the 2.00 lower limit encourages riders to be signed but with a green light for failure rather than be aspirational it has an approach of anything scored is a bonus.

Nothing should be artificially weakened, that has been the downfall of the sport over the past 20 years. It has resulted in some poor number 1s in all divisions and riders at reserve that are nowhere near the required grade. A few years ago there were genuinely good riders not getting a chance at Champ level, no silly season is here and its what 2.00 riders are the best of a bad bunch and be headed for slaughter. They literally only feature because of a low team building average. If you want a new rule for next season bring back minimum 3.00 and make riders earn their places.

I think this will be a big problem for several sides next season. The NDL just isn't a conveyor belt anymore and the few 2.00 riders that are close to stepping up are still probably a season away. Doesn't mean i don't expect to see Binns, Norman, Fletcher or Southwick thrown in somewhere but it will remain to be seen if the go the Ingram or Etherington route....

Really don't want to be negative as i really hope the venture succeeds however a big question hangs over what level of racing the new consortium are planning? NL is far from in a healthy place, few teams spread out across the country. CL is bloated as it stands with heat leaders hard to find and favoured race nights restricted PL requires a hefty budget to even be remotely competitive and with potential attendance figures unknown..... Ive attended plenty of very enjoyable and entertaining matches at Arlington over the years and really hope to see some more its just a little hard to get excited when success stories are so few and far between.

Genuinely an appealing looking line-up in its current guise. Obviously Nicholls looks unlikely to feature but IF the others all attended it could produce a strong show for anyone willing to travel on a Wednesday night however i suspect the big book of excuses will be rolled out once again and what could be a spectacular night will just turn into a shambles.

About time there was a bit of pantomime in the sport again. Absolutely nothing wrong with a bit of theatre, its great for business. Rivalries faux or real shift tickets and some good hearted banter (providing it doesn't overstep the mark) should be encouraged.

Erik has had a great career, plenty of speedway and longtrack titles to his name and been a good servant to the sport. No idea what the future holds for him but i wish him all the very best.

Can you imagine the phone conversations.... Foxes Promotion: Would you like to ride in the UK Prem next year? Speedway Rider: Maybe which team? Foxes Promotion: Northampton Speedway Rider: Who? Wheres that? Foxes Promotion: Braefield Speedway Rider: Whats a Braefield? Whats the track like? Foxes Promotion: Can't really tell you that yet.....we have got Troy Batchelor signed up Speedway Rider: hangs up phone.....

Looks lie the doubling up restrictions have been lifted so id say yes.....ballpark figure of 9.18 would be hard to wiggle into a side though

Weren't the "foam hats" one of the reasons Mildenhall failed the SCB inspection and went off down the Nora route?

Personally im happy to have a better level of rider on show and to act as a benchmark for aspiring riders. The dilution of the NL over the previous few years has led to riders being forced up into the CL without any confidence building meetings and also riders signed into the CL who are far from ready. Id rather see competent riders showing the way than hopeful riders.