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Yet he starts on a higher average than both Poole's Poles.Makes you realise that there is something not quite right about our beloved sport does it not.

Surely that's the visa process, working out correctly isn't it?? i) he doesn't qualify ii) there are several British riders who could fill his position so unlikely to be issued for that reason.

There are many clubs who can't host the 4's, or don't want to, sometimes due to lack of parking and pits not big enough. Whether people like it or not, but Peterborough is the real home for the 4's due to a great track, the racing, facilities, parking, viewing, as long as the venue is available for the right period. In it's absence, I applaud Redcar for taking up the challenge and will be there to support them and the event.

Criteria not met - simple as.

Well that made very interesting reading on the Rugby Borough Council Website re the application for Planning at Brandon, Previously I thought that Mr Horton had taken a “Bung” Now I’m 100% sure he has, In the application the owners have made great play in the Speedway Team have moved to a more suitable venue just down the road at Leicester, Disgraceful act

How about Josh or Archie then.

His loss of form, albeit through carrying an injury, meant you benefitted quite nicely with r/r

Nothing to do with what clubs can and cannot afford.Its the fact that you yourself and most other fans think that Poole's 2 Poles are better than Drozdz yet the powers that be have given Drozdz a higher average than Poole's 2 Poles.If both Poole riders are better riders then in all fairness Drozdz should have been assessed lower that's what is wrong with the sport no matter what clubs the riders sign for.

My involvement started really in 1994 when the consortium of George, Havvy, Bunter didn't have enough to buy out Richard Bailey, and I was asked to join them so the deal could be completed. This I did, but Kevin Wilde the owner didn't want us back in 1995 so at the end of the season all the assets were sold, and I got more back than I put in . So I made the pledge to supporters that I would put that money to one side, and promised to bring the Diamonds back at some stage. Brough's new owner, who was Wildes accountant, heard we were looking for a new track and invited us back in, and my capital was put back into the new business NEWSPEED LTD in time for the 1997 season.

My only (sad) experience of this sort of problem was in the early 2000's. I was in my late 40's and decided, before it was too late, I'd better start training to be the next speedway world champion. Don't laugh, this is serious. As a result, I used to go up to Owlerton, Sheffield, most Saturdays and practice on their training track. I even had a half share in a bike for a while. I'd been to Owlerton many times over the years to regular speedway matches and never knew they even had a training track, which was situated behind the main track, out of sight. Well I never made WC (despite what my profile picture seems to indicate!). I did go on to have an 8 year "career" as a sidecar passenger and raced on grass as well as half the speedways in England and Wales (nowt against Scotland, but the nearest I got was Berwick). Anyway the point of the story was that a few years after I stopped going to the Sheffield training track, the SCB closed it down on safety grounds. And this was before bouncy castles were the thing. So what was a great facility, for new riders (Ben Wilson was starting out when I was there) and professionals who needed a place to shake down equipment etc. (Simon Stead used to ride there) was lost forever. A great shame and not in the spirit of getting new amateurs on track for not a lot of money. We have to consider carefully where our sport is heading. The strength of the amateur scene is set to become even more important in the future. There is a move in the lower end of the sport towards semi professionalism and as we move away from the heady days of a few years ago, training tracks will start to emerge. Think on SCB, embrace this side of the sport or risk killing the whole concept of a new breed of riders for whatever future the sport has to look forward to.

Instead of wanting special treatment and a bend of the set rules...how about signing someone that fits within the rules. Do promoters think they are special.

More good work to look to improve racing and entertainment

Can’t you all predict Swindon for the wooden spoon ? It worked last year.

The rules and quality changes too much to recycle averages. If a rider rode in the league in the previous season they should retain their average. If they rode in the league below in the previous season they should have that average converted (1.3 currently seems ok). If they didn't ride in the UK in the previous season they should be re-assessed based on a clearly defined criteria to a round number (3.00,4.00,5.00,6.00,7.00,8.00 (Min for GP riders). It really shouldn't be that difficult.

A necessary course of action I would think . West Lothian council have always come across as very happy to have a successful sporting team in their midst , now is their chance to not just bask in the glory of the team's exploits since basing themselves at Armadale , but to use their power to block any advances which would bring all that to an end .

It has been suggested that any Speedway Supporters resident in West Lothian should try and lobby their local councilors now, before the planning application is voted on. It is unlikely that the Planning Officials, who are recommending approval, will have made the councilors fully aware of the opposition viewpoint.

No - they usually do them over

'Document Unavailable'!! I really can't understand how people can complain about the 'image' whether created by a computer geek or not?! Its being commissioned and paid for by the Stadium 'owners' who are primarily Greyhound operators and who will build a facility primarily for the Greyhound fraternity. Speedway rents the stadium and will have to accept whatever facilities - new or old - that are going to be there. The only way a covered grandstand with seating and possibly some terracing is gonna happen is if Speedway cough up some dosh or have sufficient negotiating skills to 'force' the Council to put pressure on the Stadium owners to build something suitable!! That applies to any stadium - not just Swindon - where Speedway merely rents the facilities. To be fair the creation of any additional structures can only help 'deaden' any potential noise issues from outside.

I think this is called making a story for the sake of it.

They should do there's two of them!

Dave, no one can dispute your fine efforts regarding Tne Diamonds but the paying customers still expect to receive some indication of what is going on. we are fully aware that finance is vital to enable the club to continue and I'm not asking for any state secrets, but I cannot see how we can survive financially without a sponsor so is it beyond the clubs wherewithall to actually announce that we do in fact have one? Not too much to ask surely?

One clear confirmation of the continued BT deal is clubs have the BT sport logo on race suits and team wear. For example when Poole posted picture of Sundstrum wearing a 2018 Pirates replica race shirt which is big BT Logo on it and having seen the Leicester ones again featuring BT sport. its just a case of they go public with the deal I have a feeling it will be around start of February

You really do need to take a little water with it.....and perhaps seek some anger management therapy!!! For those who REALLY DO ENJOY THE SPORT, I repeat you can watch the movie whenever you choose on Terrarium TV. No egos required for that!!!!

Damn,that's my irony meter overloaded!!!!

Can Brandon Estates go on record and confirm no money has been sent to Mick Horton to help fund Coventry Bees’ National League speedway venture at Leicester this season? Responding to our question, Brandon Estates said: “Brandon Estates will not be commenting on any historic speculation regarding the site. “Our focus now is on moving forward with the future of the site and the proposed development, on which the public can continue to provide feedback.” .. No suprises here then. not lining slippery micks pockets ,of course not . and the moons a balloon then.

Top man Ian “Statto” Belcher, my first friend down at the OTA .

Don't find it odd at all .Surely a thawing of the relationship would be beneficial to both clubs . A lot of mistakes have been made and a lot of silly nonsense spoken , it would be nice for both clubs to have a cordial relationship without losing that competitive edge when we clash on the track .

Just wanted to send my best to Somerset press officer Ian Belcher who has decided to hang up his clipboard after 15 years service to the club. Best of British in your retirement mate. Hope to still see you stood on the second bend........”so wide he nearly ended up in Wiltshire”.

Usually these threads are full of Berwick fans arguing wi eachover... this winter we just have this gadgey slavvering twaddle

In 2006 when we opened there was nearly 5000 fans according to a senior speedway official, and facilities have improved since then, so if all teams send 500 supporters it maybe a full house, BUT I cant see that many coming from the 5 southern based teams, so should be a well organised, supported, and fair competition, on a fair racing circuit that will suit all riders/

Not too sure on this , but the new Wembley is used for BOTH Cup Finals & errrrrrr now the FA Cup Semi Finals. It, also, hosts the Play Off Finals.

You might be wrong there, PJR recommends Castrol R in his engines.

Much as everybody has said, a great servant to the club through every promotion and will be sorely missed I'm sure by the current promotion too.

Yes both Poole's Poles have averages and Drozdz has to be assessed fair enough but if most fans including yourself think that both Pooles Poles are better than Drozdz.Then why can't the powers that be see this and assess him lower than the 2 better Poles.It makes it that Belle vue are having to take more of a risk because with Drozdz assessed on a 5 they have had to sign a weaker reserve because of it.Making them a weaker team overall. So without being a blinkered Poole fan does that seem fair to you.All speedway fans want is fair play for everyone but the powers that be do not seem to have the common sense to give us that,and it is one of many reasons that fans get pd off with the sport.

As pointed out this is a very different thread. The one you want is here:

Maybe the sense of smell is like eyesight and hearing, it gets worse as we get older?

Averages will actually tend to a little under 42 due to the impact of heat 15. But agree, a points limit of 42.5 should make this years league a little stronger. Esoecially when poole have a couple of poles on bargain averages.

It makes you a cradley fan

The fact that is billed as the National stadium. Is that not what most sports do have their finals at their National stadiums.

I was on bout the 25 years plus that I have been going.and again its all bout you you you ya so far up your own beep thinking your better than every one else why don't you mention the other years when all these very average danes came over Jason king as a no 1 blah blah blah just cos you've got money that's makes you better than me and everyone that goes every sunday I think not.

No apology necessary. My dad who is nearly 93 and in a home, watches hardly anything else but this channel now. It seems to bring him some comfort reliving memories from the past.

It was 21years actually. You mean like the team in 1997 that was a scratch team, but came third in our first season. Followed by signing 3 times World Champ Nicki, the rise of second string Jesper, PL title in 2001 and runners up in 2002, the signings of World Cup star Bjarne P, Compton, World Cup star KB, Kenni and Rene, the 3 times winners 2010 team, the emergence of the Worrals from juniors, the UK U21 star Lambert,the rise of the Gems in 2002 to 2004 and re-emergence of the new Gems three years ago, who have now two of the top youngster in the NJL, and the only FREE training school in the country financed exclusively and ran by ME. Shocking performance, very mediocre Eh.

Ive said for years it should change every season

That can't possibly be true. We have been told on several occasions here that this new competition is different to anything we have seen before. Innovation and total excitement are promised by people who know more than they have been willing to divulge. What you suggest is a tepid reheating of decades-old leftovers. Two semis and a final. And Poland seeded to the final. Surely not?

Ok now most riders are in place I thought I would give my opinion of the teams and season ending positions. 8th. KING'S LYNN 1. Niels Iversen 9.04 2. Robert Lambert 7.38 3. Ty Proctor 5.5 4. Lewis Kerr 5.06 5. Thomas Jorgensen 5.93 6. Lewis Rose 5.25 7. Kasper Andersen 4.0 A lack of serious thought going on here. A management going through the motions and who haven’t got their finger on the pulse of what is going on in the big wide world of speedway. A serious lack of strength in depth with no third heat leader and a couple of journeymen means that Kings Lynn will be propping up the table in 2018. The signing of Proctor is frankly mystifying. And with Robert Lambert mouthing off in the Star about how he doesn’t want to be there, it doesn’t bode well for the stars. Decent reserves though. 7th. SOMERSET 1. Jason Doyle 9.69 2. Jack Holder 5.82 3. Richard Lawson 6.43 4. Charles Wright 6.69 5. Bradley Wilson Dean 4.67 6. Jake Allen 5.07 7. Jonas Jeppersen 4.00 The Rebels look to improve their first season in the top flight but I don’t think it will happen for them in 2018. Doyle is a great signing, but after that backup is a bit low on the ground and away from the Oaktree they could take some poundings. Doyle apart, the Rebels have solid looking reserves but the middle of the team looks very lacking. Lawson and Wright don’t really have any improvement in them, and it leaves Jack Holder to kick on from a poor 2017 season and show his potential. 6th. RYE HOUSE 1. KK? 2. Ben Barker 6.00 3. Eddie Kennett 6.39 4. Scott Nicholls 7.48 5. Chris Harris. 7.63 6. Stuart Robson 5.72 7. Max Clegg 2.00 I listened to the podcast from Steve Jensen, which was full of enthusiasm. Then he goes out and puts together a team like this. Who do you think you are kidding Mr Jensen? Dads Army or what? The team is full of Brits which is great. But they are all passed their prime. Sure, they will turn over teams at home and lose a couple but away they will struggle to get much and like others have said, will end up in the Lakeside trap. A step backwards from 2017. 5th. WOLVERHAMPTON 1. Jacob Thorssell 8.64 2. Sam Masters 7.92 3. Rory Schlein 7.72 4. Kyle Howarth 6.64 5. Cameron Heeps 5.25 6. Ashley Morris 3.75 7. Nathan Greaves 2.54 The loss of Lindgren is big. And he hasn’t really been replaced. Thorsell steps up to fill Freddie’s boots but Lindgren he is not, especially away from Monmore. At home Thorsell is dialled in and will do his job. Masters and Schlein are good riders but can go awol at times. Howarth still has improvement. But Heeps, Morris and Greaves leave a big wagging tail and they will get turned over at home a couple of times. Away from Monmore they might pickup points at a couple of places. Will miss out on the playoffs this time around IMO. 4th. SWINDON 1. Nick Morris 8.87 2. Troy Batchelor 7.63 3. David Bellego 7.37 4. Tobiasz Musielak 7.37 5. Adam Ellis 5.56 6. Zach Wajtknecht 3.21 7. Mitchel Davey 2.00 Swindon won the league last year due to bringing in Musielak. They had a tremendous run mid season before running out of steam but it was enough to finish top. They had riders who all improved and upped their averages and although they got very lucky in the final, they did finish top of the league. It has to be asked though. In 2018 where is the big improvement going to come from? Morris is now riding at number one with no Doyle for support. Musielak, Bellego and Batchelor are all topped out. I can only really see Adam Ellis upping his average, perhaps by a point or more. At reserve they are extremely weak and this could really hit them. Playoffs? Yes I think they will get into the playoffs but I don’t see them retaining the title. 3rd. BELLE VUE 1. Craig Cook 8.45 2. Steve Worrall 6.77 3. Rohan Tungate 6.18 4. Damian Drodz 5.00 5. Max Fricke. 6. Dan Bewley 4.71 7. Jye Etheridge 3.89 Belle Vue keep 5 of last years 7 and look very good. Led by Cook who steps up to number one they should go though the card at home and pick up quite a few points on their travels. Tungate will score highly at home so the loss of Bjerre won’t be felt. Drodz will soon settle in at home but may find it tough on the road. Fricke really needs to show his full potential if BV are in with a shout of the title. In Bewley they have a great young rider who will more than likely move up into the team at the first set of GS, with Drodz going the other way. 2nd. LEICESTER 1. Martin Vaculik 8.00 2. Krystian Pieszczek 6.5 3. Danny King 6.66 4. Josh Bates 5.52 5. Hans Andersen 7.75 6. Kyle Newman 4.86 7. James Sarjeant 2.56 Since Leicester have returned to the top flight they have been something of a Mickey Mouse outfit, with chucked together teams worthy of a wooden spoon. However, in 2018 under new management, the team looks very good. In fact good enough to challenge for the title. Martin Vaculik is a proven top rider on the continent and Pieszczek is an impressive and very fast young Pole. Backed up with Danny King and Hans Andersen it is an impressive top four. Leicester will also have a scoring reserve at all times with Kyle Newman and Josh Bates swapping and reswapping all season. A very good looking team. 1st. POOLE 1. Brady Kurtz 8.08 2. Josh Grajczonek 7.34 3. Kacper Woryna 4.65 4. Linus Sundstrom 7.22 5. Chris Holder 7.16 6. Mateusz Szczepaniak 4.54 7. James Shanes 2.38 After the disappointment of 2017 Matt Ford has spent a lot of time and effort assembling what looks to be one of the best looking Poole teams in several years. A team built with the word improvement written across all seven riders. Led by one of the lowest averaged number one in the league in Kurtz, who should stick a point on his starting average. The return of Chris Holder on 7.16 is an absolute steal. But the whole team from one to seven have improvement in them, perhaps with the exception of Josh G who is capable of maintaining. Poole will also have strength at reserve all season with Szczepaniak at 6, to be replaced by any of the top 5 should he do well. Young James Shanes has the ability to improve as well with such good riders around him. So that is my opinion. Not many will agree with it. Of course this is not taking into account any injuries which might come along to decimate a teams chances.

Holder will be fine. Most Poole riders suffer a loss of form during their year away and then click right back in on their return.

Only someone looking for something that is not there would find it odd , but the more reasoned speedway fan would find nothing odd about it. I am sure that most Edinburgh supporters will find the Glasgow input welcoming and it may well be that what Cyclone has said about Edinburgh having to tread carefully in what they say publically in order to not upset the apple cart with there landlord may well be nearer the mark. How this pans out who knows but given the timeframe Edinburgh will have options that I have no doubt.

That computer generated image looks all to like an updated version of Crayford! I used to go to the old stadium for Speedway, Stock Car and Banger racing. The viewing was good from all around the stadium. Then they knocked the old stadium down and built the new Greyhound racing only stadium which only has viewing on the finishing straight. The stand at the new Crayford, like the one shown above, is flat fronted but does have viewing on two levels. Sadly on the lower level people can stand in front of you outside so you cannot see the racing and on the top level you have a reasonable view if you are on the front row but anywhere else you can only see the back straight as crowd in front block your view completely. Crayford and many other dog tracks has seating around tables for four which means the track is not in front of you but at your side! Much of Wimbledon and Walthamstow had the side on seating which means you have a job seeing one end of the track. From my memory (my last visit was in the mid 80s) the current Swindon stand allows you to see the track easily with seats that face the track rather than being a restaurant with a track on the side! I pity those who watch at any track that is built like that. The 700 people may well be able to be housed in the stand but I fear only about 100 of them will have anything like a good view of the track and while that may be acceptable at dog racing it certainly is not acceptable at speedway.

The BSPA