Dave_minall

But they more often than not share posts from other clubs' pages when it comes to Facebook - but nothing for buxton? I genuinely think that whoever runs the page didn't "follow" Buxton when they created their new page and therefore don't see it to share it. A really poor show if you ask me. Imagine if Northampton happens and joins the premiership and the BSPA don't post a damn thing about it? It's basically the same thing.

I've genuinely no idea, however I'll say that Glasgow's social media presence and content are second to none in my opinion (based on the rest of the clubs). Poole follow very closely behind in 2nd place in my opinion too. If I was in charge of an agency that posted content from other clubs, I would probably favour their content over others, just because of how polished it always is.

I believe it's an external agency but I could be wrong.

I agree - but surely a bit of help from their social team wouldn't go amiss? They've posted about signings for every other NDL team and have ommitted Buxton entirely 🙃

I know this might be considered as a side track to the current conversation, but I'm getting a bit annoyed at the BSPA not posting literally anything about Buxton's return on social media. They've got a combined reach of 85,800 followers across Facebook & Instagram, and since Buxton announced their return they haven't made the effort to make one single post about them - that includes their return, signings, anything. The only mention was when they announced the NDL rules, and that was more of a side note than anything. I can't say I'm surprised though, as we know what they can be like, but it's disheartening to witness this, with the fact that there's a new (not new) track in the country now. That kind of reach can be make or break for a new track - even if 25% of the followers see the post that's still 21,000 people who see it.

You say that but once again, not even 2 years ago he was a SEVEN point rider in the championship. I get that riders in the NDL should be beating Championship reserves and even the lesser second string riders in order to step up, but he was a heat leader less than 2 years ago. This is an egregious mockery of the rules.

Or beat the confidence out of those who can't get anywhere near him.

Absolutely ridiculous. He had over a 7 point average for Scunny in the championship in 2024. He has one bad year and drops down to the NDL? Makes an absolute mockery of the sport. Some poor lad doesn't have a team place now because they want a number 1. I get the "rider coach" part but he doesn't have to take a team place to do that.

@Biffa Your eyes are actually bang on. The jaw sits to the right if you draw a line from the top teeth down 😂

Check back. I at no point did I say I was a fan. I love the sport but have no allegiences to any team as mine closed down.

I am that's the funniest thing 😂😂😂

Quelle Surprise!

Funny because if you do the maths, it's not a 30% reduction across the board: 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 17th & 18th all get a 30.00% reduction whereas 2nd gets 27.08%, 10th gets 27.2%, 11th gets 27.08%, 12th gets 26.96%, 13th gets 26.82% and 14th gets 26.67% Very bizarre, so you're actually punished less for finishing 2nd than winning.

The news was a new logo. Funny actually because I reached out to them a couple months ago asking if they'd want me to design them a new team logo for the new season (I even suggested it from the perspective of "this could be a fresh start for you under the new management) and they promptly ignored me 😂

He is a commentator yes but has no stake in the business if my memory serves me correct.

Yeah I thought the blue thing was a deflated air fence waiting for a structure to attach it to, but like I said my eyes may be deceiving me.

Northampton posted this image on their facebook recently. It's hard to tell but do I see an air fence waiting to be erected or do my eyes deceive me?

You're bang on with this I'll say that. I rode myself in the early 2000s and would often be in the pits at Wolverhampton for the 2nd half racing - it was 50/50 whether Derek Bodley would allow us to race after the meeting. Me and my dad now have an in joke whenever we watch speedway and quote Derek on the regular when a meeting is dragging on - "no 2nd half tonight lads" would be his phrase of choice. It wasn't so bad for us as we lived 20 minutes away, but my dad would have to knock off work an hour early to get us there on time so I do understand it's not easy.

I notice you're always quick to jump in when someone criticises BSN Ian - you're welcome to your opinion however! I'll say this though - your reply states that the free stream was a lesser quality because it was free? Not exactly a great idea from a business perspective is it?

I don't see why a proper 2nd half can't be implemented at tracks that aren't involved in the NDL. Put together a little (and more importantly) local team of say 4 riders and have 4 races and a nominated 5th race (similar to a heat 15) - keep it fast and flowing with pushing off the next race immediately after the previous race has finished, it could all be said and done in 10-15 minutes (barring tapes issues, crashes etc) Have an overlap of riders in the NDL to give them more experience if necessary. Everyone gets 2 races each + 4 riders get an extra race. I understand that there will be a cost to the rider, which is an issue, but if the riders are local (ish) it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

I don't think I'll have much choice this year!

Why not both? The teams no participating in the NDL should be forced to host 3-5 2nd half races really.

I read the press release as that they would be in charge of the premiership in 26 because the powers that be haven't found a commercial partner. I know there's a lot of positive feedback about BSN but personally I think it's still a bit ropey to me. I watched the free stream from Ipswich and one of the races was viewed entirely from the start line cam so you could only see the riders for about 3 seconds per lap 😂

Only 6 teams confirmed is a travesty, but the bigger issue is only 1 home / 1 away per team, a total of 10 meetings per team. This is absolutely nowhere near enough meetings for the youngsters to develop. Why not 2 home and 2 away?! I know this was a very long time ago but in my short stint in the mavericks we rode 24 meetings in one season.

I think that he'll get snapped up. He'll come in on a VERY low average due to the new 8% reduction rule, he's got Sean Wilson & Gary Havelock behind him - he's also lined up bikes, suits, a van, a mechanic etc. If he's not signed before the season I reckon someone will sign him for injury replacement at some point.