stevebrum

I'd agree with that. The strength of the league isn't about the averages at all. It's about the strength of the top end riders. Iversen and Vaculik in place of Lindgren and Bjerre is like for like. Leicester have swapped a promising Pole from 2017 with a different one in 2018. Like for like. The 1 over 8 rule has scuppered any chance of making the league stronger in 2018. You could argue that Woryna and Drodz make the top flight stronger but as yet are totally unproven over here. At best same as last year which I didn't expect to be saying.

Yes I'm sure the track might throw up some issues for several of the Poole boys, none more so than Holder of course.

At Birmingham and amateur level yes I am. So probably more applicable to lower level racing that Castrol R is used. I certainly only use it in mine. That's a fair point. I get my oil from track spares person and it's always stocked with Castrol R.

Agree with that too, plus also both Poole Poles have had a year's experience on British tracks so are probably aware that preparation standards aren't as high as in the homeland.

Drodz is the only risk. The other 2 have improved massively in Poland since they were here in 2016.

I'm not sure if all the riders still use it as there maybe other choices but I must add that I can't say I have noticed any reduction in smell as it's always the first thing that hits me every time.

They do.

Most do yes. I can't say I've ever not stopped getting a speedway smell fix.

Completely subjective. Neither rode as a number one in 2017 and Thorssell finished with a higher average as both 2nd in averages. The only plus in Cook's case is he rode mostly in a traditional heat leader role.

What poor away form?. His average was 7.55. Speedway star has him listed as 6th best away average, ahead of Andersen, bjerre, Harris, Schlein, Holder, Masters, Fricke, Kurtz, Batchelor, Nicholls, Lambert, King. This supposed poor away form is a myth.

I agree he SHOULD be, but dropped to 2nd to Troy last year and starts 4th in line this! He certainly hasn't been riding anything like a number one over the past 12 months. So time will tell eh?

I agree. I'd go as far as saying equally as strong. No doubt Poole fans would disagree. Bewley at reserve is going to kick on big time this year and I reckon will top averaged starting reserve by end of season. Yes, you heard it here first.

Besides Somerset and Kings Lynn no other team has a recognised number one.

Of course you wouldn't! Think we look strong enough for top 4. Plus we are the masters of not topping the league and winning the play offs.

Apologies. Having checked I see that he was still assessed for Poole. Thought he rode more meetings for the Pirates. Well pointed out.

Agreed. But never available for anyone else to sign all close season.

I don't remember Kings Lynn signing him from Poole. Where was that confirmed?

In truth they weren't 'there for all teams to sign' tho. Woryna was made an asset at the tail end of last season and Mateusz is already a Poole asset. The theory that any team could have signed them is cancelled out by the reality of that likely to happen.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

What, as the official theme song?

If Fricke signs as expected then a solid top end with a dynamite in Bewley in reserve. Have to start as one of the better teams and favourites for the season.

And would be reserve by April again.

I expect Bjarne to be announced anytime soon.

Only you are 'arguing'. I'm not the only one who is disagreeing with you. It's called an opinion. I'm entitled to put a 'laughing' face on a post that I think is funny. You're insistence that Iversen is better is laughable. Both are superb top flight and world class riders. Plus it's good to see you can reply to a poster without making a personal attack. Lindgren had a superb 2017. You would have to be barmy to disagree with that fact. I hope Iversen has an equally brilliant 2018. Plus Lindgren went unbeaten at Kings Lynn in 2017. Probably the best visitor to most tracks, certainly to kings Lynn.

I suppose if we are judging current form from 2017 the Lindgren is well clear. Why some (well one) would argue who is better when both are proven top riders on the World stage and more importantly in our top flight is beyond crazy. Both are brilliant riders. Maybe Niels wil have a good 2018 season just like Fred did in 2017. I'd be surprised if he didn't anyway.