szkocjasid

I don't understand why Schroeck has put r/r at 2. It just means Masters will take his extra ride against the weakest second string & a reserve. Is that really the best use of arguably the best rider in the league? I suppose if you think you're gonna get thrashed, then it's a good move, putting your best man in the easiest heat to give yourself a better chance of picking up 30 points! But I would say it's a negative tactic. That being said, I don't think there was any thought put into it, just the usual "r/r always goes at 2" attitude, which a great many managers follow, not just Schroeck.

I have to admit it was a pretty embarrassing interview, he really appeared quite clueless, just listing a bunch on excuses. The riders are professional sportsmen, if the track doesn't suit them, then they need to make changes to their bikes, it's the same for both teams. I have massive respect for Tolley for running the club & certainly hope he doesn't bankrupt himself. But my sympathy for them is quickly fading, a lot of their issues are self inflicted with poor team decisions. Dropping Zach Cook last year was a poor choice. This year Kerr, Sedgmen & now Cook, all of whom are stronger than Vuolas & Hume, have all signed for Prem clubs did Birmingham try them first? Maybe we'll never know, but if they were asked when they didn't have a Prem team, I don't think they'd have turned the Brummies down. Now I like Hume & if a team only has 3.3 available, then he's an acceptable signing, but as Birmingham are so far under the limit, got to wonder could they not have signed someone stronger? Batchelor, Palovaara, Polis, Barker, Allen or Mountain for example?

I noticed that used to happen at Berwick a lot, they'd grade the track at the same times every meeting. If they'd use r/r there would be a gap after one heat, nothing done, then track grading when no riders had two-on-the-trot. It was like it was an automated system they couldn't change, rather than the reality of telling the tractors the best times to go out.

That's not entirely true, of Cairns is better than Marson, but weaker than every other 2 pointer, then Poole would've made a mistake holding a team place open for him. However I don't think that would happen.

How does he know? He doesn't know, that's why he said - there's no guarantee changes will make you better! Belle Vue haven't been in great form this season & they're above the points limit, so it will be hard to strengthen up. It's no wonder neutrals would doubt Belle Vue's ability to win the league or why anti Belle Vue fans will enjoy having a little dig at them.

I think Zischke deserves some credit for an improved performance. Outscored several teammates & even beat Jack Holder.

At the risk of tooting my own horn I'll remind people of my predictions lol!

Are you sure? Zagar wasn't given a ban for "withholding his services" as if that was the case Birmingham would've gotten a guest up to his 7.20 average.

I thought the exact same thing too, would've spread out Klindt's rides more, but as Kvech won heat 1, can't say the TM was wrong.

If Ablitt had a Champ club he'd be worth a shot, but only riding NL/NT will make it a very big jump up to RS in the Prem. If Lynn make a change, Joe T would be my pick.

Some people say the same about Sam Hagon, buy which NL/NT clubs have room for a 10+ rider with such a low points limit. Also is Ashton eligible? Didn't ride last year & has a Champ ave above 4.00

Oxford should have won the first match by more (Cook only given 4 rides) so if they don't get the bonus point TM to blame. I think they should be able to win the second leg too, but that may depend on Schroeck as much as the riders.

I assume he'll be added to it on his 16th birthday.

Everyone says that, but I'm not so sure, just because Cairns blows away the competition in the development leagues, doesn't mean he's ready for a Prem RS spot.

If Lynn win this, play-offs race is blown wide open, with 5 out of 7 clubs fighting for the top 4.

I keep reading comments like this, but Danny has a 9.23 ave (9.54 with bonuses) for Redcar in 2025. Unless maybe he's had low scores in challenge matches & the KOC?

Klindt showing the Harris form at reserve & Harris showing the Cook form at number 1.

No tac subs allowed in heat 8. It seems Musielak keeps getting used for tac subs even when he's not the best rider in the match.

Before today MJJ had a 6.40 average. For a rider who's amongst the best in Poland, I'd call that decidedly average form in Britain. At Oxford he's shown what he can do when on form, Birmingham will be delighted if he can do that every match.

Yes he's a rider who is awesome in Poland & average in Britain.

I agree, also Belle Vue got what most considered a lucky away win at Lynn. However the league table only deals in points, not how clubs got them. Belle Vue aren't firing on all cylinders, but they got the win today, so pressure's off till August lol!

If Sheffield win this I'd say there are 2 Clubs virtually assured of the play-offs & 3 clubs fighting for the last 2 spots (Belle Vue, King's Lynn & Leicester). I don't think Belle Vue look a great team this year, but there home form is why I'd normally rank them higher than teams with similar strength.

I agree if he wants to move on in world Speedway needs to leave the Champ behind.

Not a chance, would have to drop multiple riders to make the team fit. Yes Ben Cook is a stronger rider than Kerr. Yes Poole are weaker than last season. But they can't ignore the points limit, which many fans don't seem to get. Not just in the forum on fb too.

In theory Hagon should be far too strong for the NL/NT. He had a 10+ NL average last year & the league has weakened considerably. With a 4+ Champ average, I commend him for leaving the development leagues behind. His slow start to the season would not normally be a massive concern while he was at reserve, it would be fair to believe he'll come good, but riding at number 3 is a big ask.