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Years ago when you became a number one at division two you would move up into the top division and become a number 7 at your new club imo when the promoters changed the natural progression ladder it all went downhill.

Agreed I can remember I think it was Joe Owen who an 11 point man in the old national league being called on by the british league and he struggled at reserve in the top league the gulf back then between top men in division2 and 1 was massive when the likes of Havvy and Andrew Silver moved up it took them a while to get established and they were both super naturally talented riders.

198 Guests used last season across both top leagues.. When other leagues can cope without a single one, it shows just how poorly the UK version of exactly the same sport, with access to exactly the same riders, is ran... No excuse for such nonsense is there? A "necessary evil" I believe it is said to be....? Using 198 of them suggests its more of an easy cop out, rather than running a team sport properly to ensure you deliver the required emotional attachment to your team.. And if you don't engender that in a team sport, especially in the digital 24/7 news, and the constant social media review, and potential ridicule, of what you deliver today, then you have no chance of being successful...

I remember the back of the star always had a team on it with the captain labelled as ‘ on machine’ . That was your team with your riders.You were attached to them. Nowadays it’s a free for all . A pay day for the rider. That rider could be doing his own team damage by winning with his guested team. Just dosent add up in a professional sport.

Louis certainly seems to have been a bit of a "James Hunt" this winter.

Doubling-Up was originally set up to allow young brits to gain experience in the higher division/league, while still riding regularly in the lower division/league. That is great as a principle, but it was allowed to get out of control, so that any rider (depending on converted average when doubling-down) could race regularly in both divisions/leagues - so much so that there have even been accusations of senior riders dropping their top division/league average so they they qualified to double-up. If you can't see a problem with any of that, then fair enough - as always, we makes our choices.

Bully’s out again, have you stopped crying to teacher yet? Pair of weapons 😂😂 Idiots on here such a weird lot, cry constantly about getting me banned for a bit of banter, then on here giving it billy big spuds 💦💦

Wouldn’t mind seeing the demise of Trackrat.

Oh, here’s the other idiot with no life 💦💦

Those were the days. The riders in your team were yours to cheer on only. Like any sensible sport. Bomber would have been knackered back then. If someone was injured a squad member or junior stepped in more often than not. Or rider replacement. Guesting wasn’t the free for all like it is these days . They certainly didn’t ride for 2 different teams.

He isnt a Prince anymore.

Drew told me not riding Championship this season due to the logistics involved with him riding abroad. The 2 seasons he has been at Berwick he has been excellent both on and off the track improving both seasons.

Couldn't agree more Paul. He probably isn't back solely down to his away form on many tracks after 2 full seasons. He was full value at the GT Tyres arena for sure.

How’s your mate prince Andrew?

The second division use to be made up of youngest working their way through the sport. Double upping has been around for decades but it’s the double downing that started our current rider shortage. Second division clubs won’t even participate in the RS system but are more than happy to have top league riders on the cheap as it enhances their product. Doesn’t help the sport as a whole but “I’m alright Jack”, the mantra of most if not all second tier clubs.

There are many who hate us but they do not want to see our demise but probably a couple who would not be disappointed.

Maybe GM, maybe not! I’ll believe it when I see it this time after the last fiasco. I still remember the official website posting pictures of Louis shaking Busters hand and the headline “Witches sold”. Weeks and then months went by and nothing further was ever said. We now know that Buster backed out of that deal, but nobody said a word, it was all just swept under the carpet as if nothing happened and Louis just carried on as usual!

We will find out in due course!

That’s not how speedway works, a promotion feels they are being victimised and spits their dummy out and the rest have to compromise to stop that promotion running off home with the ball thus that promotion gets their way and the bspl calls it in the interest of the sport,add to that there are those at the top of the pecking order and there is those at the bottom

Kyle is many times a better rider than Max with equipment levels even further above (temperament is a different issue) however the bigger issue is that every year people are bringing up retired/returning riders and thats simply because there isn't enough of a pipeline in place to fill places, thats because the NL's are in a poor state and thats because of those who run the sport.

Almost every contributor on here can see the problems looming for the sport but those in charge of its destiny are not doing too much to keep the fan base onside and give some ideas as to how things might change. An announcement following the AGM then radio silence. No provisional fixture list, no details of the new competition, no more news about the mystery 6th club and none of this can help riders, sponsors etc. plan for the coming season and it must have a negative impact on season ticket sales. With the lack of clarity is any wonder some supporters are disillusioned with the sport and riders have opted to ply their trade elsewhere. You would have thought that some press releases would have been forthcoming even it was only to update of progress or otherwise of changes which may at least placate some of the doubters. The BSPL really have not got a clue when it comes to taking care of the fan base. If they are unsure as to what to do might I suggest they take a look at Poland, Sweden and Denmark all of whom are way ahead of the UK.

It is sadly one of many more holes fast approaching Mike along with all the existing one's that are just patched over.

It was a bit like James Hunt and Murray Walker at times wasn't it!😅

Does that mean Kelvin won't have Chris at his side to correct him during the GPs ?

As a professional team sport it’s all wrong signing for two teams while also guesting for other ones. Just dosent look right in my opinion. Imagine Phil foden playing for Man City on a weekend, then playing for Stockport on a Wednesday. Different sport I know, but professional so on the same lines .

depends how you look at it he was the queens son so that makes him a prince cant change that just his big brother decided to drop his title to try keep the snoopers looking in to rest of dodgy goings on in the family

I’ve said it on here before and now Louis directly references it in this latest interview. Due Diligence, both Financial and Legal is a critical element of the sale process of any business and takes place after the parties have agreed the terms of the sale/purchase. I will remain nervous until confirmation that contracts have been signed.

Right, I'm still not getting what the problem is with doubling up/down? Someone, actually explain please??? As long as they're not missing through fixture clashes, what's the problem? If averages fit, what's the problem? If a promotion wants them, what's the problem? I do not get the issue AT ALL.

Have you read his book( the whole truth) that's worth reading as well ,until I did I never realised he built s/way wheels as part of his living .

I beg your pardon, it's King Arthur to you

Honestly think Leicester are one too keep an eye on tbh. Douglas and Masters have been solid Heat Leaders for a good few years and the latter has already been a No.1 for Wolverhampton in a much stronger League. I think Leicester's Top 5 are all capable of improving their starting GSA's.

If doubling down was allowed in the 70’s & 80’s then riders would have done it. It wasn’t allowed so they attached their bike to the back of a Citroen and worked part time when not riding. There is no benefit for top league clubs to have their riders doubling down but the lower division benefits greatly and they have more votes at the AGM and thus it came to pass. Short term gain for long term pain, well done guys.

Perhaps the rumoured 'new team' will pick him up

Well done in your efforts👍 and I'm sure that the FIM website also usually provides a European Calendar.

Tune! 😁

Ray Morton also rode for Wimbledon in the NL

An extract from a letter from an eye-witness: I was at the track that night and Graham had won his first two starts from the gate and was riding really well, but was beaten by young Peter Pollitt in his third start. He came out to ride in the first handicap race and was on 150 yards. Boy, did he go! Probably determined to make up for his defeat in the previous race. Well, he took off and on the pit bend was really flying, picked up 50 yards on the back straight and coming into the top bend was 20 yards behind Pinker when Pinker fell. Graham, coming round very fast either touched him with his footrest (he was coming on the inside) or else in trying to avoid Pinker, he lost control. I did not see him hit Pinker’s bike, but the next thing, Graham shot over the handlebars and went sliding along the track for 20 yards on his face and stomach, his arms trailing at his sides just like a wooden soldier, and he just stopped and never moved. I think he was actually “out” before he hit the ground. As far as I can gather, he has concussion at the base of the skull and as yet has not regained his senses. These are the plain facts and I hope I have not upset his fiancée but that’s exactly how things are. The crowd (10,000) had just stood for 2 minutes in memory of Ken (Le Breton) who was the idol of Palmerston North crowds and believe me that same crowd was silent for a long time after the ambulance had left with Graham. I am fully confident he will be ok. Being young and strong, I guess he can take it.

Why only tag me in this? Over half the forum knows who he is. A disgusting individual who should be locked away for life.

Don't be absurd. Our sport is on the ropes and any fan worth their salt would be delighted that a well-resourced and stable club is securing at least its immediate future.

Bonkers again and poor old Tolley stumped up, if he manages to get Cradley up and running he needs to get a good team around him and stop paying bang average riders wages that Emil and Kurtz would warrant.

Unfortunately the malaise the sport finds itself is because riders like bomber have kept their cash register ringing twice over rather than once!

It was a dreadfull interview, bloke couldn't even name last years team..

Big difference between having some issues with drugs off track and ROBBING THE ELDERLY in their own home at KNIFEPOINT.

How can anyone be getting excited for a 5 team league is beyond me

I think the biggest concern for Poole and every other team in Britain is not having a stadium but more importantly having a British league to ride in,especially now mark lemon is on the board of directors who will want to make the championship weaker and the premiership stronger.

Just take a look at the last 10 years of the u21 final. 13 of the 18 that appeared in 2016 final aren't riding anymore. The 8 in the u19 final that weren't in the 21 final aren't riding either. 21 riders that would be hitting 29-31 this year lost to the sport.

Cobblers...... 🤣

Hagon Hausl Nagel and Hodder already signed for the Cheetahs. Glasgow must be gutted. Team stripped by Forum. 🙂 🙂

Oxford 2026 seem to be signing up last years Glasgow side ?