King Jamie

Jacob has done an excellent job so far, simply by scoring in every heat 2. The number 6 berth is notoriously difficult, with the chances of further points severely restricted thereafter.

It's the training track for the academy youngsters who are learning their trade aboard the very small bikes

RIP Mr Pearson. Whilst obviously no consolation whatsoever, at least he was able to pass at a time when his beloved Team GB are World Champions. (not entirely sure I worded that entirely correctly, but I know what I meant). Condolences to family and friends.

A couple of points re the programme ('match magazine'?)... The front cover didn’t mention what type of fixture it was. Neither did the centre pages. Was last night actually a Challenge match? Also, as enjoyable as the puzzles were on page 32, the fact the answers were shown on page 24 meant they probably weren't as challenging as they otherwise might've been Other than that, top marks. Keep up the hard work!

A major shock (RIP Nigel Pearson) was followed by a pleasant surprise, as Monarchs took all the Championship points on offer. The top two were virtually untouchable which, in Josh Pickering's case, is probably just as well, otherwise there could've been carnage. That heat 15 move took me back to when Lee Complin flew round Fredrik Lindgren in the final of the Garry Stead Grand Prix. Unbelievable, but brilliant at the same time. Young Fredriksson became the first Lasse to score a point for the Monarchs. A very promising debut there, including a race win. He even pushed Ricky Wells all the way in heat 6, but there was Norway through on that occasion. As for young Michele, he looks to be creating an interesting inside line for himself. Once that's perfected, we'll need to rename him Carr-stagna. For the disappointing Bandits, the type two diabetic spent most of the evening chasing shadows, Proctor showed his inclusion was a Gamble, Pijper bagged a decent score, the Kiwi looked ok, but was nowhere to be seen in 13 and 15, and Dame Edna wasn't as strong at reserve as I'd been expecting. Roll on Friday. Here's to another 50 points...

Sunny Armadale will be living up to its name tomorrow night. Decent temperatures too. I'm contemplating wearing shorts.

The opening night of the season at sunny Armadale saw beautiful weather (as always) and the biggest win by any Berwick side at the Cardiffesque Caldron. The Devils appeared to be doing their bit for the environment by not going too fast, while the Bullets ignored this brainwashing narrative and shot past their opponents as and when necessary, the tone set as early as heat one with Kyle Bickley going very quickly in a last to first dash. However, even he was overshadowed by the exploits of young Ace Pijper, the only rider to lower the 60 seconds barrier and thus become the fastest rider of 2022 so far. Sam Masters et al, it's over to you to beat it. At the end of the night, the visitors celebrated like they'd won the SoN. And why not? For riders such as Luke Crang and Greg Blair, they'll look back on this as the pinnacle of their careers, winning handsomely at such a plush venue. Friday coming sees the other Berwick mob descend (or, geographically speaking, ascend) on the What The Fork Wastelands. I'm gonna say, right here, right now, they won't score 52. They might get 53 though...

Glasgow's team total is 41.99, not 42.00, not that it matters as 42.00 is still acceptable. Green sheet averages only go to 2 decimal places. At the beginning of a season, if 2 or more riders are on the same (usually assessed) average, the team management declares the seniority of the riders. Thereafter, when the averages change, if there are 2 or more 'tied', the previous seniority is the prevailing factor.

The 4th emergency service?

So, Fireman Sam and Doctor Hook. Just need a Police Sarjeant and we'll have the full house.

Is this one of those sensationalised news reports to appease the fanbase or can we expect to hear a hitman has finished his career in the near future? Quite honestly, he's right to leave if his boss insists on repeatedly calling him "Ben". Show some respect. The name's Benjamin.

The very same one!

Of those mentioned in this thread, the likes of Fisher, THJ and Daniel Andersson all rode for the Monarchs. Fisher won two league titles during his time at sunny Armadale, while THJ won one. That they all dropped off so soon after leaving 'Cardiff without a roof' just proves that bearing the famous crown on your race jacket is deemed the pinnacle of one's career and future World title ambitions pale into insignificance.

I was watching a meeting on EMTV+ a while back. At one point, they were interviewing three Glasgow Aussies in the bar. "Powell, Carter and Bowes". Now, obviously, I well remembered Mick and Shane but I was absolutely lost as to who Carter was. Did some digging and discovered his first name was Michael. Not that that really helped as I still have no memory of him whatsoever. My digging suggests he may be the only rider to have 3 tape exclusions in his only 3 rides of one particular second half meeting! I'm guessing he never really made it beyond that level?

The Scottish Todd Wiltshire.

Blimey. I was running the Germans through my head. Smolinski, Huckenbeck, Riss, etc., and completely forgot about Wolbert

First German to ride for Poole since...?

If it's a straight choice between successful manager Oliver Allen or his hanger-on, non-entity pal Stead, there really is only one winner.

An interesting reaction. Your original post said it was a simple solution. All I did was attempt to work out whether it could be feasible. I'm more than happy for you, and everyone else for that matter, to disagree with what I posted and point out where I'm going wrong. Your idea may well be feasible. Who knows? In no way was I trying to rubbish your plan. I was simply trying to work through things logically. Anyway, supper time for moi. Where did I put that apple...?

Does that work financially? Example - at the moment there are 7 riders per team - 3 heat leaders, 2 second strings and 2 reserves. In 5 rider teams, let's say there will be 2 heat leaders, 2 second strings and 1 reserve. You may be thinking differently, but I'll go with that for now. Now, I know absolutely nothing about pay rates in speedway but let's just keep it relatively simple and say: Heat leaders - £100 per point Second strings - £70 per point Reserves - £45 per point Currently, in general, the top 3 cover 14 rides between them (3 x 4 programmed, plus 2 nominated), the middle order 8 rides and bottom end likewise = a total of 30 (15 heats). Therefore, the base cost 'per point' would be: Heat leaders - £100 x 14 rides = £1,400 Second strings - £70 x 8 rides = £560 Reserves - £45 x 8 rides = £360 Total = £2,320 In your suggestion of 5 man teams, as I said above, I'm guessing we would lose 1 'heat leader' and 1 'reserve'? For consistency purposes, I'm also giving the nominated rides to the top 2. Now, using your example, the updated base cost 'per point' would be: Heat leaders - £100 x 14 rides = £1,400 Second strings - £70 x 12 rides = £840 Reserves - £45 x 4 rides = £180 Total = £2,420 That looks like it would end up more expensive. I have made the assumption that any current second string becoming a heat leader will want heat leader status and paid accordingly. Likewise any current reserve who becomes a second string. Other points to consider: Is riding for one team enough to earn a living? Take a current number 1 - he can have 5 races in the Championship and at least 4 per meeting in the Premiership. He can also take a Tactical Substitute ride so, say, on average 10 rides between his two teams. Cutting that down to 7 rides for 1 team - what does it do? It takes a potential £900 off his top line (£100 per point x 3 rides). In fact, it may even be higher than that, depending on which league's pay rates are being taken away. What I mean by that is, using the example of Sam Masters. My pay rates used above are for the Championship. As I said, I could be well off the mark but they're only for example purposes. I would also assume Sam is paid more by Wolves than he is by Edinburgh. Therefore, is it up to the Monarchs to compensate him and give him a pay rise because he's missing out on 3 rides per week? Number of teams - currently: Premiership - 6 teams (20 meetings) Championship - 11 teams (20 meetings) National League - 6 teams (10 meetings) Of the NL, only Mildenhall are a standalone team. Therefore, let's add them to the pile and we'll have one league of 18 teams (6 Prem, 11 Champ and 1 NL). Race each other home and away = 34 meetings, which is 6 less than 'Sam Masters' was eligible to compete in in 2021. Promotions will save on travel costs, due to less riders in the team and less fixtures taking place both home and away. Will this e enough to offset the increased pay per point? Riders may incur less costs for repair and maintenance of bikes, etc. Will this e enough to offset their potential loss of earnings? On the last two points, I'm thinking 'no' would be the answer but am happy to be proven wrong. Anything else I've missed, which could tip me in favour of the idea?

Think I remember reading on here that Poole may be struggling to sign him next season, due to the Wednesday race night clashing with Denmark? If Friday availability is any better, I'd happily take him! As Gr8scot said, no meetings left. Just my poor attempt at alternative humour ---‐‐‐---‐----‐------- In other news, I would also like to add my congratulations to Mildenhall on their National League title win. No need for play off nonsense. Always good to see. Hugely impressed with young Nathan Ablitt. The lad can't gate for toffee but he's good to watch. Decent lines, very aggressive, attacking the track. Nice wee style too

If I'm thinking of the correct race, Masters and Schlein had another game of tiddlywinks (second one in two attempts). Nobody down on that occasion but the 'incident' occurred just before Kemp fell, hence all 4. Strange afternoon. Felt nothing at all like a national cup final. No cheerleaders, no fireworks (ok, I get why that wouldn't work in the daylight!), no pipe band, half empty terraces. Just an ordinary day out. Another dismal failure by our top 3. 5 race wins out of 14 may well have been an improvement on last night but it's still unacceptable. Quite honestly, I wouldn't let any of them wear the Monarchs race jacket at sunny Armadale again in 2021. Star of the show was Benjamin Basso. He and Danyon Hume drilled another couple of nails in the trick track myth. Hats off to Poole. Always pleasing to see Rory on track. Happy retirement when the time comes

I've been to Poole twice. First time it was rained off just as we were getting drenched on the putting green. The other was Poole vs Peterborough. Was delighted to see Ryan Sullivan race in a League meeting for the first time since Powderhall days. Think he may have been with Poole, which felt slightly strange seeing as he was a Panthers Legend. Overall, I seem to recall it was a bit of a dust fest and somewhat disappointing. I've seen a number of good meetings at Poole on TV but, sadly, that night wasn't one of them

Don't retreat on my behalf! You're right, a lot of people say the same about Edinburgh. Trick track, home advantage, etc. It's usually a lazy claim, backed up by little or no evidence to support the opinion and make it fact. Long live small, technical (not trick) tracks, including Eastbourne It was a p1ss poor performance from our top 3. Only 3 race wins from 14 outings. Unacceptable. They'll need to win at least 10 out of 14 tomorrow to give us a chance of gaining a decent result. I guess, if we have to endure play offs in this country, at least it's the top 2 contesting the final. On that basis, the aggregate score was justice and the potential of a 'tainted title' for Monarchs has been put to bed.

3 draws and 2 defeats at sunny Armadale this season. Only 5 wins as well, the equal lowest in the League. What exactly is this "substantial home track advantage" you speak of?