Bagpuss

I would say 90 mins is about right for a speedway meeting, 2 hours max. As for double points, it was only introduced to save money but I'd be in favour of a more controlled tac sub rule instead, ie a certain number (two?) when ten behind and perhaps only up to heat twelve.

You can't go round reducing the averages of certain riders, rules are rules. In any case I think he would have averaged nearly eight in the PL last season bearing in mind the form he was in for Poole and internationally.

The leagues are getting closer and closer, it won't be too long before a good second division team is able to beat a poor top tier one.

Has the two double uppers rule been confirmed yet? Would mean a minimum of 115 riders being required across the two leagues, is that realistic ?

Is that an actual rule yet? Thought it was just speculation.

King 9.57 Lambert 8.76 Batchelor 7.36 Porsing 6.58 Kerr 6.59 Rose 5.86 Huckenbeck 5.14

Mark Baseby? Jesus Christ.

We used to have a good rivalry in the PL days, looking forward to it being revived next season.

With the right equipment a speedway track can be as smooth as a babies bum after stocks as we have seen at Lynn for over twenty years. Whether the shale you guys use would be compatible is another matter as the racing at Lynn is a shadow of what it used to be and I put that down in part to the clay based dirt used at the AFA.

Indeed, only met the opposing number one in heat one and no heat 15 back then.

I don't think 97 was too bad but then in 98 they tinkered with the format introducing four nominated rider races throughout the programme which pandered to the top heavy sides. Testing out the format in the autumn was the best way to discover the pros and cons and a great idea so if it was decided it wouldn't work then fair enough. Just hope that doubling up doesn't lead to excessive amounts of rider absences again as it has in past seasons as I believe thats one of the main bugbears of supporters.

Makes you wonder why the 6-man-teams idea wasn't followed through.

Never said they were his fault or that I don't wish him all the best but he seems injury prone, feel we need a fresh approach in a few areas of the team. If you believe what Haza says it's moot anyway. Hope he gets a fresh start somewhere and does well. Rye House could suit him plus a ride in the second division too.

Value for money for me can be represented by full teams each week (ie minimal R/R and guests) good racing, close team strengths and regular fixtures, especially during the summer months. These are the key issues IMO rather than team strengths, the money just isn't there to pack the top league with big names. Remains to be seen how fixture clashes are going to be tackled. Price rises also need to be avoided. Your last point about the rulebook is perhaps the most important, and the introduction of a transfer window is a good start.

Bachelor is in a similar bracket to Watt, Schlein, Bjerre etc. Has lost some mojo and might be able to get it back, if any of them can do so they are on bargain averages but it's a risk with them all.

As SCB has said it would be silly if Bailey had a higher Championship average than Premiership average but the rule doesn't appear to be clear.

I thought that was George Abdgwengo? 'Goooooood afternoon madaaaaame......'

Wouldn't bother me in the slightest to be honest, has had far too many bad accidents and the next one always seems just round the corner.

They had to bend his arm behind his back last year to get him to ride! If you want to win things you have to build a team based on all round strength and availability, no good naming Puk and then have him missing half a dozen fixtures. Years of service isn't really relevant if he isn't going to be there half the time. For me Rose, Porsing, Lambert and Huckenbeck should be automatic choices. Strong rumours about King and depending on various things Kerr, Batchelor, Schlein and Bjerre may come into the reckoning. And if number sevens are going to be of the standard of PL (Championship) number sevens then I'd have no qualms with giving Josh Bailey a chance.

There are going to be some ropey old (or young!) reserves about this year by the look of it.

I think it's highly unlikely he'd be willing/able to do ALL fixtures and with such a high average I think there are better options out there.

Are two pointers permitted in the top flight? Thought it was just the second division.......

Can't imagine too many teams turning their nose up to Ellis on seven ish, he is young with plenty of improvement in him. I'd have him at Lynn in a flash.

I hope this has been thought through re changes after the first green sheets otherwise we could see huge disparities between team strengths which would be no good for the league at all.

Think yourself lucky you never went during the era of the first bend adverse camber.....