Islander15

Tbf it’s no debate between the two. Stef had a poor season this year but on that average and down at reserve he’d be a steal round the EWR! Plus Lambert won’t go higher than a 5pt average and he could even have to start at number 2.

Strange reply. Barry Bishop races on a Thursday and Rob McCaffrey explains why. Im sure Plymouth must get a fair proportion of fans from holiday makers but by not riding on their traditional Friday night or alternative Saturday night then they’re missing out on those on a long weekend. That could even be a long weekend speedway holiday! Looking up and down the country, fans get into a routine of what night to go and at some clubs that’s been midweek for years but other’s can only get them to come when it’s a Friday night or weekend. Look at Leicester & Rye House recently or Lakeside’s Sunday NL attendances. Finally I wouldn’t regard Scunthorpe as a team that win at home. Only 6 home league wins from 10 this season. I recall a similar record last season. What they do is pride themselves on an entertaining track and sign relatable riders that are loyal.

I’d rather not accept the reality yet

A Tuesday night has been proposed. How can a Tuesday night bring in more fans than the current Friday night? Seems a massive financial risk to me.

Even if fans come back to watch higher league racing, they still want to see a winning team. The current promotion can’t do that in the NL so I can’t see why they could do it in the Championship. Look at the Masons and their abysmal Championship results. A big risk imo. Alternatively they could be thinking it’s the Championship or bust as fans wont watch to pay to watch a 4/5 team glorified MDL level NL. Worrying times for the league.

I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s not restaged.

I wouldn’t complain at someone tripling his average when coming into the season partway through it.

So you’re talking about a team of reserves from the MDL, where second strings would be the likes of Butcher, Kelly, Bursill & King etc with third heat leaders like Halder, Spooner & Spencer and number 1 & 5s like either Thompson, Verge, Brooks, Marson & Extance. I just think that’s far too weak. I can’t see anyone paying £12+ to watch that. Also you’re pushing out riders like Palin, Gilkes, Atkins, Rowe & Ruddick etc who are young and need the NL to fall back on even if they pick up a Championship spot. Atkins has openly said he wants to do the NL next year.

So it’s Leicester vs Cradley with dates TBC and next weekend it’s Belle Vue vs Kent! Unfortunately Leicester are going to embarrass Cradley but the other tie is hard to predict and so is the final! Belle Vue’s home advantage could carry them through, Kent look the strongest side on paper now finally everyone is fit but then Leicester topped the league! Least clear cut for a few years imo.

Stoneman certainly has the potential but you just feel when watching him that he’s bound to fall at some point. 1 mistake can cost you this meeting.

None from the recent times then and tbf this wasn’t advertised. So they could have come along for the last meeting of their own accord or been invited, you don’t know.

Totally agree. Perry had a booked holiday and was posting beach photos. I would’ve thought Stoke could’ve invited several past riders as well to come and say farewell to the club and fans but obviously not.

Rowe’s problem is he’s done so brilliantly in the Championship that I can’t see anyone taking him on that average. Like Perks the other season. However in the NL he’s still got some room for improvement to up himself from a number 5 to a stand out number 1.

I also expect Rowe to be Kent’s number 1 next season and by the summer months I think they’ll have one of the best number 1s in the league and an NLRC contender. Mulford will definitely be back. Len is a loyal man so maybe men like Spooner and Ledwith might be back again despite neither being on attractive averages.

If they overturn the deficit then they deserve to be given the whole cup!

Hopefully a big crowd mark the occasion and Stoke themselves do some sort of send off

If only they had flood lights and could run on a Saturday evening. Or maybe a 5pm start?

Potters have sold their stadium and will see out this season on Saturday but then that’s it. Stoke may have got their fair share of criticism but it’s still a sad day to lose a British Speedway club.

Yeah on reflection it was a surreal decision. Scorpions ride like the away side after that!

Is MPT riding?

More surprising that a facility is still allowed!

Updates were still reporting it as Lawlor initially.

But Morley isn’t riding.

Some would call it average lowering.

Yeah both announced as injury replacements so can slot back in. A Kent with with a fit Ledwith & Spooner plus Jenkins in and Kemp not missing are arguably title favourites. Even Ablitt leaving has ended up working out!