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That wouldn't just be a travesty for Workington. Its in the interests of the whole of UK speedway to see Workington, or any other team making a comeback, succeed especially when they have a track that has had a lot of work put into.

The NDL of around 4 years ago was for me "the perfect level" for so many teams who struggled at a higher level to generate enough income to pay the riders of top league standard who compete in Div 2, eg Newcastle, Birmingham, Eastbourne, and even Worky themselves.. Used to love watching the Colts for a tenner and free for my U18 lad.. (Bargain)... Maybe if the NDL of four years ago was still in existence so would a few more teams? If it is a stepping stone to a higher league then great, but if it doesnt materialise and Worky make money, and develop talent they can then sell on by riding in the NDL for ever more, then it will never be a bad thing... Good luck to them and I look forward to going next season, followed by a "quiet night" in the town....

Presumably the concern would be third-tier racing rather than second. FWIW I think NDL is the right level (for now) to establish a base and build on it and I echo your comments on both the competitive nature of the side and the racers within it. The track looks superb and I think the huge bends (so big they almost have their own run-off areas!) will encourage the youngsters to wind it on. Really looking forward to the first meeting.

Plus you have got a fair bit wrong already so no need to further embarrass yourself

Aren't all autobiographies by definition a one-sided take. But, as I mentioned previously, much of what PC has written about respective BV managements is supported in print by George Carswell, who was financially involved under all regimes from John Perrin to David Gordon/Chris Morton. Believe me, PC didn't decide to write his story for money. If so, he would have done it many years ago, when speedway had a far bigger following and more fans from his peak racing era were still around. I accept your view that riders know the risks when they begin and that they go into it hoping to earn a living. And PC did very well out of speedway - no doubt - as did the sport out of him. But, come on, some goodwill from all tracks towards their past employees wouldn't go amiss - and wouldn't cost them a penny. To make ex-riders pay (or ask) to get in is, of course, not a crime and it's every promoter's right to dictate his own policy. But it's churlish, mean-spirited and short-sighted when tracks need all the good PR they can muster in these financially ominous times.

How can he be at reserve, his MA is higher than both Lidsey and Blodorn. Surely the 25% reduction is purely for team building purposes, his MA remains unchanged.

For those interested, Zaine finished fourth in the Boxing Day meeting in Aus.. Tungate first J Holder second C Holder third

Totally agree, Eastbourne had so many exciting matches and playoffs against BV, Birmingham especially and even quite raucous derbies against Kent during that period.

I'd hope that Killeen will have improved his ability to stay on his machine.

Just because it’s simpler, doesn’t make it right

They are a joke. Haven't they sold the track equipment as well?. It beggars belief that they think people will will be taken in by their bull crap. Giving some fans false hope after the farce over the Abbey. I'm sure they have had a good Christmas

I actually agree, hence I'd placed him in the top 5, but apparently Mark Lemon confirmed Brennan will be starting at reserve. The 25% should be team building only.

Very bizarre to make such a big thing of reducing the sample down to 10 through 2022 and then at the first opportunity switch back to 20 in 2023..... I believe it is the correct decision but why not just use a 20 meeting sample from the start

The FIM are dealing with it and by all accounts it’s been approved by them but they are just rumours. But it wouldn’t shock me if Emil did ride for Ipswich from what I’m hearing. And the long wait for the next signing speaks volumes.

No problems marra, just Jenga has form of winding up people the wrong way, no offence to you Jenga either

Yep I am and I won't get upset everyone is entitled to an opinion.

Not really.. Doyle got excluded in their semi final after knocking Pickering off, In the re run Zaine picked off Pickering who seemed to have problems exiting a corner. In the final he missed the gate and struggled at the back

And Havvy lol

But I don't think Congreve is eligible for the NL.

Don't need to guess!

Why? Most have a very good idea of the final 3.

Yes I'm sure he does .....

What planet are those people living on! To think one of them is a credible speedway promoter beggars belief.

All three have valid (10 meeting) Rolling averages. 2023 Rolling Averages revert back to the 20 meetings criteria, so, after your 6 matches scenario, they will have a RA based on 16 meetings.

Batchelor certainly has a better upside

...blimey I've only just started reading it! I'm intrigued to find out what all the fuss is about?

Sorry Tony, I can't buy that. Unless we have the exact number and names between Wee Eck's 180 and your "tiny handful" it's pure conjecture. I also can't go with the notion of riders "putting their neck on the line". I have admiration for anyone who gets their head above the parapet and goes for it in life, particularly if that is something dangerous like speedway or stepping into the boxing ring. But let's not pretend they are risking their lives for some greater noble cause and sacrifice. These are not volunteers marching off to war. They are sports people in it primarily for selfish reasons, personal glory and remuneration. Without those, they wouldn't be doing it. In PC's case, often very well remunerated, squeezing out as much as he could get from BV in his latter seasons. And fair play to him too...it's a short and dangerous career. What makes me uncomfortable about this book is that it is a one sided take from someone who has had a brain injury. This has had an effect and as such, his interpretations are questionable at least. And, to be really, really honest, it's only been published because there is a few quid in it. We can't take it as some sort of historical document without the views of all other parties involved be they past and current BV management. You can't have your cake and eat it. I was a big fan of PC and I've enjoyed lots of your output over the years. But let's say this as it is.

While the Kent team doesn't look bad compared to last years. Workington, Leicester & Oxford look incredibly strong imo. So while it's hard to judge when other clubs either haven't made signings or confirmed their participation in the league, it seems the other clubs will be fighting for the remaining top 4 spot.

No I go to every meeting I can only time I miss is when the lad is racing and that will continue. What I have always said is I'm not bothered if scunny win or loose as long as I'm entertained. If you can see a post contradicting that please post think you could be quoting Phillipsr

Jenga. Be careful you don't upset this person, as I think he could be a parent of one of the young comets

i think you owned up to being a part time supporter at Scunthorpe a while back , didnt you ? also only going to home meetings when the oppo were good teams and when it suited you i am sure your promoter would have liked you to attend more than you did you should be able to answer your own question .

I never bought a season ticket in all the years I went to speedway...too many variables in my opinion.

Redcar Scunthorpe Edinburgh Glasgow

You just have

Got mine as well...looking forward to reading it!

Got a signed copy for Christmas, looking forward to reading it.

Agree it looks a really good team, not sure they'll walk it? Leicester and Oxford don't look too shabby, but that's how it should be, hopefully the NL will get back somewhere near to the heady days of 2015/18.

It's about context and respect. As keepturningleft pointed out: 'How many former Belle Vue riders can there be that live in or near Manchester? A tiny handful. It seems quite mean spirited of the BV management to stick with such rigid formality rather than show some heart, waive the entrance fee and instead wave these valued old timers in.' In fairness to the current BV regime, my understanding from speaking to several ex-Aces who have attended meetings this year, the club management's policy seems to be that all-ex BV riders ARE admitted free of charge . . . BUT they first have to contact Mark Lemon to get the OK from him. That obviously wouldn't be necessarily (and would save Mark time having to reply to requests) if BV simply issued the handful who wish to attend a seasonal pass with a passport-style photo that cannot be transferred to a mate or anyone else. It must be a little demeaning for prominent ex-riders, including one legend (not PC), to have to phone or text Lemon to get his permission. For this reason I know of one ex-Ace who, to avoid embarrassment, either just stays away or pays to get in. It shouldn't be this way. As for the lesser lights you mentioned, my purely personal view if that everyone who put their neck on the line for any club in at least six official senior matches should be offered a season pass. If I was running a track, I'd want the ex-riders to feel welcome. If they are, they are so much more likely to spread positive vibes about the speedway, which can only be a good thing when the paying support is diminishing at most venues.

Ill bet that Harrison at Workington adds more!!

That Oxford team is looking lethal! On paper I don’t think many can touch them. Just hope the big number support them, was class watching the Cheetahs Vs Pirates last year with big numbers in attendance

Rob is a great fella and always tells you as it is most of those who criticise him have never took the time to talk to him .

Mr godfrey has built up scunny a bit like us starting in the lower league moving up when right,hope we can do the same.

Correct Steve, At present Andrew is the sole promoter however he does have an experienced mentor in a fellow club promoter... Not sure how well this will go down with the Blue and White faithful but his mentor is none other than Mr Rob Godfrey; Chairman of the BSPL and owner of Scunthorpe Speedway... Now I know there is a little history between the Comets fans and Rob (in his other roles) but being totally honest; Rob is a straight guy and has the best interest of the sport at heart and will support Andrew 100% in his endeavours; and to be fair he doesn't mind being portrayed as the bad guy as its water off the proverbial ducks back to him and it also contradicts what his better half says about him that he is erm "a big soft erm softie" (edited for politeness)... Also I can confirm that she is right... another 100% on that score too... Regards THJ

Taking league matches from last season (on speedway website) and including bonus points. Douglas 9.52 Nick Morris 9.52 Richard Lawson 9.23 Richie Worrall 8.99 Steve Worrall 8.86. I would guess that Douglas in in the same league as these riders this year.

How I'd quantify it is that Sam in particular has been a 9 plus man for 10 or more years in the champ, Dougie had a great season but if wants to usurp masters he'll need to do it consistently

And Glaswegian.!!

If you watch one game of basketball per month you have too much time on your hands.

Don't bite and be a capture of the Troll.

Ive heard that Bagpuss, Bald Bloke and Tellboy have asked to become Peterborough fans next season , maybe BassoRacingFan, TTT and Flappy will go the other way after all its silly season start time for Peterborough