Roger Jacobs

Given that the Stars have had seasons with zero home wins, 2021 wasn't as bad as it could have been - and 6th place is in the top percentile of their all time League place finishes

Was thinking of going to this, but … hmmm … might well wait until the next home fixture … which is 14 July!

It failed. Thanks to vested self-interest the "top" clubs didn't release riders for those brave enough to move "up". Consequently, there were uncompetitive teams, and the whole point of the amalgamated league was wasted.

The league set-up didn't help, because with the points limit that was chosen they must have known there weren't enough riders to ensure a reasonable distribution. Certain teams must have pushed for the higher points limit to suit their own needs, e.g. three established heat leaders and/or new imports in preference to the Rising Star programme.

1) Even from a distance, this was sadly so very predictable. 2) Can imagine the vultures are gathering already. Birmingham could probably sign Clegg, or even Starke, in place of Pearson.

It was introduced to stop riders from picking and choosing when they rode.

Wednesday night at Poole, with a live stream available for the other five thousand who would have gone if it were on a Saturday ...

No mention of it in the Ipswich preview: https://ipswichwitches.co/raceday-preview-peterborough-premiership-a/ But details included on Peterborough page: http://www.peterborough-speedway.com/news.php?extend.4038

Ipswich is the backside of nowhere - Wimborne Road is closer to Foxhall than the NSS or Owlerton. It's all relative. And yes, I know Ipswich is a Prem club, but Witches fans might well be interested in the Champs Riders Champs because current and former Witches will almost certainly be in it.

People can't afford to travel. You won't attract travelling fans who are not already aware of the sport (only die hards will travel a distance to, e.g. Poole, Belle Vue or Glasgow) so a stream is an additional source of publicity, as well as potential income. As mentioned elsewhere, it can be limited in terms of geography - thus the hosting track can focus on more localised marketing.

Back in the "good old days" Leicester once rode a home match with 6 guests.

The NSS is more central, but it's still a long way from a lot of tracks. Wherever it's held, a live stream would be the best option.

1) Apparently they put 46,000 gallons of water on it?! As mentioned elsewhere, there must be a problem with the loose material being used. 2) Not sure about the SF, but Sheffield definitely chose 2&4 in the Final. 3) Agree 100% ... BSN presentation far superior to Eurosport.

I agree to an extent - when I go, I don't even bother with a programme - either print a race card or just scribble some notes. I think it was more of an issue in the "good old days" when there were regular and consistent fixtures, so indeed could be changed - but it's just tinkering around the edges again. Reducing the number of matches each month will also be a lottery for any planned changes, and will definitely have an impact on team building for 2023.

The delay is because of the need to declare teams for upcoming matches. Teams *could* be riding in the immediate days after the new average is achieved, which could then affect the declared line-up(s) and the printed programmes.

And that new Basso average has reduced any replacement options by 0.85.

No, I haven't seen that option. Probs worth contacting BSN to check - they're normally very quick with replies.

I check here: https://britishspeedway.co.uk/2022-premiership-declarations/ They messed-up the Ipswich averages in Issue 7, and had to issue an amendment!

Indeed, Basso's new average, which keeps him at reserve anyway, will come into effect 7 days after completing 3 home, 3 away (it was 4 & 4, but has been changed this season, along with the decreasing number of matches for the monthly Green Sheets).

Ipswich and King's Lynn also met multiple times in various competitions. People have very selective memories, because in general the sport was in a healthy state, and there wasn't so much competition from TV, the internet and ever rising costs.

In cricket they have a super over to decide the outcome of a knock-out competition.. In the NBA they have 5 mins of overtime, and repeat the 5 minute periods until a team has more points (they don't introduce a different scoring system). As with many BSPA/L decisions, it's poorly thought out, and cheap. If British Speedway wants to modernise, it needs to do a darn sight more than tinker with the regulations ...

I suppose the best thing about this new regulation is that it'll be all over the national news, and for the next Premiership matches there'll be 10,000 in attendance, hoping for a draw

Individual meetings have to produce a winner, that's why they have run-offs or finals. If a draw in a league match isn't tense or exciting, then we might as well not bother.

But the draw was drama and excitement. Why should either team get another chance? A draw is a result.

Thanks - I had missed that.