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Vuolas had a promising debut season for Workington, I wouldn't call him a risk, but I would've gone for Sedgmen before Vuolas or Kemp tbh.

Don't worry, there's plenty of time to weaken the team lol! But seriously, successful season's aren't decided after ONE away match.

Sadly I'm not the least bit surprised by the scoreline. No matter who Birmingham sign, they always seem to ride poorer in a Brummies outfit.

Delighted for King, especially after reading so many comments from the doubters all winter (mostly Ipswich fans it appeared).

Totally agree, but it seems no matter what team Birmingham put out they always disappoint. Hope I'm wrong, but expecting an away win here.

I don't know why they all wouldn't do that? So what if he doesn't like doing them, it's his job.

I think it's very different for Speedway & it's hardly not taking "personable responsibility for their lives" by wanting to park at or near the stadium & hoping the club would assist this. Fans have alternatives, go to another track, watch racing via stream, stay at home, all of these lose the club money. Even if fans are disappointed at not getting to a match, they still have the advantage of saving money. There is no advantage whatsoever for a club if fans drift away.

Brilliant response @stevebrum couldn't have put it any better myself.

Agree with all those points

Kemp was better in 2023, the change improved the team, can't call that an absolute stinker. In hindsight if they had kept Dan, they'd be better off in the long term. But I wouldn't blame the decision they made at the time.

I think some people are being unduly harsh when judging Kemp. Compare him to riders like Jordan Jenkins & Jason Edwards, all 3 have similar Champ averages. All 3 started 2024 outwith the RS position (racing at number 6), but only Kemp is still in that position. Granted Edwards was eligible last season, but even though Jenkins got into the RS position once Dan T got an improved average he still finished below 4. Then look at Leon Flint, in the RS position all year, has the highest Champ average of them all, but is still eligible for the RS spot this year. I think Kemp deserves some credit for keeping the 4+ average he gained in 2023 from riding in the RS position.

I wonder why Richard Lawson isn't riding. I thought the whole point of the early season date was to ensure the strongest field possible?

I don't know why they don't try holding it on a Sunday. Pick a date that clashes with one of the Polish finals (3 to choose from) pretty sure there won't be any Extraliga matches on those days. Put it on at 3pm to attract fans from further away?

It seems British promoters have little interest in keeping their fans informed when rumours appear, I read about Schlein's retirement on here before Berwick announced it, same with Boughen leaving Oxford, same with Edwards being announced at Redcar in the Speedway Star but not by Redcar. Like you said when Birmingham signed Ellis it wasn't announced as a temp signing.

I must admit it was concerning to see those pictures, hopefully can be sorted & not he overly expensive. Shame the track will be narrower, hope it doesn't hinder the racing.

Just watched the 2022 Oxford vs Berwick match on BSN. Jonas Knudsen was superb with 13+1. Can easily see why Oxford wanted him for 2025 & if he can repeat that form, then I'd fancy Oxford for the play-offs.

Just watching this match on BSN. Jonas Knudsen starting with 2 race wins, gating well & looking fast.

I have to admit I keep trying not to put overly sarcastic comments on their FB posts about the last rider, when they put out an "are you ready for the 2025 season" video, I wanted to reply "ARE YOU?" Then when they have their UK weather chase special event which mentions "meet the riders" I wanted to reply HOW MANY? So tried to reply with gentle reminders that they still need a 7th rider, without appearing to slag them off too much.

You'd think landlords would want more fixtures / more rent, though

Yes, that was using riders starting averages for 2025.

Pretty simple to deduce, Joe Thompson instead of Ashton Boughen is 40.01. Considering Boughen was originally in Oxford's team, seems a sensible theory?

The Doyle, Sayfutdinov + Brennan trio will compete with opposition. I think they'll do far more than that, should dominate the strength in depth teams, maybe only Sheffield have a stronger heat leader trio? if they can get Thompson or Jenkins on a hot streak at reserve will be there at the business end of the season. I think their reserves will improve, but even without going on a "hot streak" expect them to be favourites. Flint + Rowe + Hume will probably be in and out of the reserve berth depending on who hits a run of form at the right time. Personally don't see Hume ever moving out of the reserve berth, Flint potentially could move out by the end of the season (by virtue of getting the easier rides) but it'll take a while for Rowe's rolling ave to drop (if it does) so expect him to be in the top 5 most of the season. Agree with your comments about Woffy, think he'll prove the doubters wrong. If Birmingham's top end are "excellent one week and struggle the next", that'll be an improvement on 2024 when they pretty much struggled every week. Like you, hoping Brummies can be better this season. But yeah, on the whole, sensible predictions.

I wouldn't go by to the stats section, as it says "these are not official averages" for example it has Hodder on 1.52, but he rides on the minimum 2.00. Ivacic should be 4.00 unless the rules have changed. If the rules have changed & foreigners can drop below 4, then I think he's the best option suggested yet.

I've never seen that anywhere, I really hope it's not true. Does nothing to help British riders get team places. If a foreigner can't reach a 4.00 average, should they really be taking the places of Brits at reserve? Look at Poland, they look after their own & dominate world speedway (except the SON).

Can't see any sub 4.00 rider turning them into play-offs contenders tbh