szkocjasid

I think this is how Speedway is heading nowadays. Clubs don't want to risk poor crowds in bad weather, or calling matches off just before / after start times - so the safest option is to cancel hours or days ahead. There's enough gaps in the fixture list to only race in good weather (well maybe). Biggest issue is holidaying fans, planning fixtures ahead of time (happened to me) but for the majority, early call offs saves time & money!

The fans who pick & choose matches based on the opposition are more likely to watch matches against Ipswich (Sayfutdinov), Peterborough (Pedersen) & Belle Vue (Bewley) especially to see the top riders. Ipswich may pay Sayfutdinov's wages but I reckon other clubs will benefit more at the gate!

I believe NKI will be due a new average next Monday. Rolling averages run from 2021-2023 & Iversen is using his 2019 average as he didn't ride enough matches last season (2 home / 3 away). With Monday being his 3rd home match, should now have a 7.17 ave. Not that I'm suggesting they'll be making changes with an extra 0.3 points to play with. Despite some comments on here, I can't believe they'd drop Worrall after ONE match!

Agreed, well done Steve

I assumed the rule is before or after the clubs "official season" I assume that means Workington could run a testimonial in May? Mind you Middlo had his testimonial in August last year, was that after Poole had finished their league matches? Anyway this year, there are so many gaps in the fixture list (especially May) there's no reason for testimonials to wait till September / October!

Not sure if you are referring to thier scores at home, but Newcastle had Championship second strings at 6&7 not the 2.00 riders Berwick have!

I wouldn't say Redcar have a weak tail. For a start they have stronger reserves than Berwick!

Why? If the track dimensions change, that can only hurt the home team! Granted they've not got much home track advantage this early in the season. Even if Ipswich were unhappy, what's the alternative, race on a track that's more dangerous due to a spongy inside line or cancelling it with thousands in the stands?

I'll go for: Peterborough 47 - 43 Ipswich

I'll go for: Belle Vue 49 - Sheffield 41

Can't see Wolves' averages dropping enough to let that happen, unless he has a disastrous time, expect Cook to be in the team for the season!

Would be tough on Cook dropping him this early, regardless Nicholls average is too high anyway!

That's a quick recovery, glad he's ok, hope he's not risking further damage by not letting it heal properly? There's not really a "like for like" option available, especially at Sheilfield Park!

Tbh the record between King & Worrall will only really count in the play-offs or KOC, both teams will easily make the top 6 - just a case of needing to produce your best when it matters!

In this case the 28 day rule may not count as the replacement would be starting the season, so Jye could come back as soon as he's fit. Although what happens if someone else starts in the 1-7, not as an "injury replacement", when the averages change (Knudsen going up) Etheridge's average could be too high to bring in! If it's a 28 day "injury replacement" Jye could come back regardless of averages.

Mainly made the comment so it would move to the top of the page other than that: 1) it deserves to be pinned more than the previous 2 years that are still pinned at the top of the page & 2) was useful to look at how many points Berwick had available for an injury replacement

Looking at those teams, it's possible Oxford's reserves won't beat a Poole rider between them, so can only see a Poole win here!

If Berwick choose to go with a temp signing till Etheridge is fit options are: Broc Nicol (5.95) Dillon Ruml (5.47) Max Clegg (5.23) Drew Kemp (5.20) Ricky Wells (5.20) Dan Thompson (5.09) Ben Morley (4.94) Ashley Morris (4.81) Theo Pijper (4.43) Kasper Andersen (4.10) I believe Wells & Morris have retired (but not read that officially), Andersen not riding UK (would he make a short term comeback?) and assume Nicol & Ruml are in the States & wouldn't come over for a temporary team spot.

Can the mods pin this please?

Etheridge being 4th in the averages isn't the issue, so much as starting with 2 x 2.00 riders at reserve. Teams like Poole or Scunthorpe could probably cope with r/r more than others.

I'm not sure the point you're making? I'm sure Leicester didn't move up with the aim to finish bottom, nor will their opponents make it easy for them to encourage them to remain in the league. I'm sure the Leicester riders & promotion won't agree with any predictions putting them bottom, tbh I don't think there's a lot between the teams - but someone has to finish bottom!

After only a couple (4?) matches, already re-thinking my predictions lol! 1. Sheffield 2. Belle Vue 3. Kings Lynn 4. Ipswich 5. Peterborough 6. Wolverhampton 7. Leicester

Who remembers Brenton Barnfield? I came across his name (while looking for something else) in the 2012 team announcement pages & couldn't remember his riding for Berwick!

Richie Worrall has made a great start to the Ben Fund meeting today: 3,3,3,3

I wonder why? You'd expect Batchelor to be keen to show promoters what he can do!