Bagpuss

Of course, had forgotten the Friday night clash. Glasgow's new owners seem to have got under your skin anyway, you haven't shut up about their wealth since they popped up great to see a bit of money and ambition come into our sport if you ask me.

Why? IF Sedgemen was ruled out by visa issues (seems he will be ok though) then there aren't too many options around to replace him and Garrity is a small track man with a fair bit of potential. He just needs the right environment to get the best out of him at PL level. Forget the fact that he was a wally at Armadale last year. FWIW I think he'll be at Glasgow which should spice up the numerous Scottish derbies nicely

Apparently Kozza did and didn't make top four so that strengthens the argument against him. My sympathy for those two is based on the fact they averaged seven in 2013 and probably would have done last season but I agree that exceptions can't be made and the rules MUST be stuck too. Can certainly see there being some convenient state title results next winter.

Not just doubling up but he wasn't able to guest or ride in open meetings either. I bet he's regretting it now though. You have to feel for him and Alex Davies but rules are rules.

The Norfolk Arena track record is 57.6 by Nicki Pedersen set on 11th Sept 2002.

Good to see another young Brit getting a team spot.

Good riders will always adapt to a new home track if their attitude is correct. Freddie Lindgren hated Monmore once upon a time.

I'm sure Lakeside & Coventry fans would love to see Cook test himself when the Aces come to town instead of breezing to maximums round Armadale with his eyes shut but there we are.

Agree with those six, I think they stand out from the rest by quite a margin on paper.

Heard exactly that about Cook, and that he didn't perform a back straight practice start on his way to the tapes for that very reason. Who knows.

Deleted as misread above post.

In this case the rule is a bit daft, Chapman would be punished for being a late starter in speedway. A promising newcomer shouldn't be prevented from riding both NL & PL.

We often have MDL as a second half at Lynn. I think 90 minutes from tapes up of heat one to chequered flag of heat fifteen is about right if there is a second half for people to stay and watch if they wish. Meetings are dragged out to increase bar takings and while that is fine on a summers evening it's not fair on people if its cold.

I think your description sums up how much of a clue you've got.

Brum v Lynn 2008, PL match, Kozza was chasing Birkinshaw in one heat and wiped him out from behind on the second bend which resulted in and injury for JB. Kozza was a bit mental that year (his first over here) and took a few riders out but calmed down a lot after sustaining a few injuries of his own in 2009.

Ah, so a personal grudge. We are getting to the crux of it now. I was there that night, the move itself was reckless but typical of his over exuberance that year (2008). Can't comment on the other bit but seems a bit silly to still trot this stuff out seven years later.

About seven years out of date unfortunately.

Let's hope he grabs the opportunity and improves so that he is an automatic choice.

New sponsor for the Young Stars http://speedwaygb.co/news.php?extend.28215

Which heats are of NL standard? Who can you name in an EL 1-7 other than Adam Ellis who will also ride in the NL this year? The overall standard of the EL is the highest in British Speedway today. You can go back as many years as you like and pick a particular heat from a second tier meeting and say that its stronger than one from a top division match but the top division will always be the higher standard (ie elite). As has been said before, many riders 'doubling up' are on loan to the PL from their EL club and if made to choose most would most probably stick to the EL, they use the PL to top up their earnings if they can't get a ride abroad. So its probably the EL propping the PL up in reality.

I expect its partly down to the involvement of Sky Sports.....the 'Elite League' name was adopted a couple of years before their live coverage of speedway began and that name is much more marketable than 'Division One'. Times have changed and events need to be made as attractive to their potential audience as possible. In any case elite means 'a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society' and thats exactly what the EL is, whatever people think about the standard today compared to years gone.

I'd have a recount of the riders who will be riding in the EL & NL this year if I were you.

Assuming the Aussies are all able to come over then Sheffield Peterborough Ipswich Glasgow Edinburgh Somerset

Fair enough but surely a speedway promotion could easily lose £14k over 5-7 years through rain offs?

Out of interest how have Olsen and Vojens got on with them?