Bagpuss

Heart says Coventry, head says Pesky Pirates.

There are two separate arguments here. Don't think too many people would dispute that he is one of the most exciting British riders to watch but by the same token there is a strong argument that he had been at the same level for some time and probably won't progress much further. I hope he does and at 24 he has time on his side but personally I can't see it. However as has been said he has a good career entertaining people at Scunny and that is a very important part of speedway.

I think it was as simple as being the one heat where he got beaten up a bit on the first two bends and couldn't hit fresh air.

Kerr relies on his gating much of the time and couldn't make a start last night, whereas I think Morris is still getting used to our track. The slicker conditions may well have caught then out too. In any event I am sure they will improve, too much talent between them for them not to come good.

Not sure Lakeside actually agreed?

Regarding Stefan, surely 5+1 away from home achieved by mainly beating his opposite number is job done for a number seven? Not sure what else you expect!

Lewis Kerr is bound to come good at some point, he's had a relatively slow start compared to last season but he had ran out of steam come Play Off time so perhaps this year he will hit form towards the end when it really matters.

For how long will he be 'still young'? This is his ninth season of PL racing, about time he was a top dog if he is ever going to be one.

Doubling up means more earnings and is necessary if there aren't any foreign opportunities.

Really enjoyed that......good company, milder weather, decent racing and all over and done with in an hour and a half ish. Thought we looked good apart from the reserves who will get it together soon I'm sure. Belle Vue were let down by Zagar, Stead and to a lesser extent Cook but the other four rode very well. Track slick which may have caught one or two riders out but led to several good races until it slickened off a bit too much towards the end. Less dirt and less grading leads to more lines at Lynn generally speaking so more of the same will do nicely.

Think it was men with rakes until Buster came in.

Your two posts have both hit the nail(s) squarely on the head semion.

They play some loud dramatic music as the teams come out and the man on the mic starts a rendition of OTBC with a particular spectator just before kick off. A loud away following also adds to the atmosphere. I think an enclosed stadium with rooves makes a big difference too.

Yep a close meeting will be good but some overtaking would represent value for money for me! Hmmmm NCFC don't really need to do an awful lot, a full stadium for each home game with lots of media coverage does the job. Always playing for something ie promotion or relegation has helped as well over the last six or seven seasons.

One meeting doesn't prove an awful lot, especially the first! Can only really judge when they have or haven't finished top four.

Early days but a big missed opportunity for Belle Vue on paper.

I genuinely admire yourself and Trees for your unwavering enthusiasm for speedway and the Stars. Personally I have found it very difficult to get excited so far through a combination of the price rise, cold weather and ordinary racing carrying over from last season. Hopefully a milder evening tomorrow and an exciting match will rekindle my speedway mojo.

Same as Lynn, a fast grippy track is harder to ride, requiring big balls and also being physically demanding. Maybe home wins are more important than better racing for better crowds?

Might make my first visit of the season if it's not too cold. Hopefully there will be some proper racing!

Agree with everything you say, I used the word trouble in the context of replying to Trees who is passionate about her speedway. The way the sport is run in the UK needs a total rethink but I don't see it happening unfortunately.

The best solution would be to keep both and add a seven pointer at the expense of Greenwood. Harsh on him but that's speedway and I'm sure he'd soon get snapped up.

The old boy needs putting out to grass.

Sheffield will take some stopping if Sissis gets going. You could see this result coming as Scunny look poor. Early days though.

Reserve replacement yes but rarely. They even introduced instant R/R for injuries during meetings. The odd heat leader v reserve race is no different to what you get in the PL and the gap between them can be just as big if not bigger.

But that's not the case, they are going head to head in most of their races. Heat leaders don't even race reserves.