Teromaafan

I’m reluctant to have a go at Phil’s input when the sport in this country has bigger problems than he could be expected to turn around. Point the finger at his employers.

Lions spluttered over the line tonight, although the result meant nothing of course. Moving forward to the playoffs, the fitness of Cookie will be key. Fingers crossed he will be okay for Monday, but if he isn’t, the Lions could end up having to ‘carry’ two reserves. Whoever is at No.7 it seems will struggle to contribute anything unless an opponent does not finish in a race. With the Lions top five, I think that can be accommodated over two legs (worked so far), but you then need your other reserve to be scoring 4 or 5. Cookie is capable of this, but if injured, the likes of Rowe or Kerr need to be brought in to cover.

As has been said before, injuries are part and parcel of this dangerous sport. Yes, Ipswich have been unlucky, but they chose to build their team top heavy (let’s face it there were a lot of smug Witches fans at the start of the season) and that’s a big risk when the best two riders in the league are missing. To be fair, the Ipswich management have handled this very well in the media, particularly when you consider the setbacks with other riders lower down the order.

Looking forward to seeing Max race tonight. There will be absolutely no pressure on him to score a point and he should therefore be relishing this opportunity. Hagon really has struggled so far at this level and Dickson is no doubt thinking about options at No.7 for next season.

What makes matters worse is that Eurosport will be covering this! Pressure on Kevin Tatters to big up the importance of the meeting. The likely meeting outcome of course will be influenced by the findings of the dirtometer, which will impact on gate positions. If you are interested in examining track surfaces and have the opportunity to do so (Birmingham allowed fans to do this on track walks a couple of years ago, do they still do so?), you can purchase a dirtometer from me directly for £49.99 including postage. This device is endorsed by Kelv and should not be confused with inferior products which appear to just be screwdrivers.

Eh?..... My post does say that they are likely to finish second?

If the Stars are running next year and 2025 is anything like this year, you will see Lawson at Lynn. He’ll be riding for you most weeks as a guest when whoever you’ve signed gets p*ssed off with Buster. Without dropping into anorak mode and trawling the stats, is this not Lawson’s best ever season in British speedway? Outside of the three British GP riders, on current form I would suggest he is the next go to man.

Lions winning streak has to end sometime and I’d rather it be now than in the play offs. Dickson will be as keen as ever for another win, but he will take a bonus point and keeping riders injury free. Lions will finish 2nd or 3rd, but either way will meet Belle Vue in the semis. I would consider it more likely that they will be 2nd (looking at the latest update from Lynn tonight) which I assume would give them a choice of riding home or away first.

Just a burger actually, the chips are down at Lynn!

Hats off to Brum if they are back next year. They seem to have been the whipping boys for a few years now, struggling to assemble competitive teams and having to release under performing riders. Didn’t get to see the Lions there this season, but on my previous visits our supporters seemed to out number home fans and if this is still the case, Brum must be losing serious money? I hope Tolley still has deep pockets as British speedway needs The Brummies.

Is that because it would put him back 15m?

I suspect the one you will watch is the one Eurosport decide to cover. The outcome of your preferred match will mean diddly squat when it comes to the play offs. As for gate and go, the Leicester track is fair and welcomes opposition riders to make good starts should they wish to do so. The best riders attack this track and don’t make excuses, or read about all the negativity on social media.Have to admit though it’s no Belle Vue, where every meeting is orgasmic and a fast bike takes usually takes care of a rider’s technical shortfalls.

Three of the league’s biggest hitters missing and a GP hero that will not lose any sleep if he doesn’t score a point as a guest. Yeah, expect record viewing figures, much more interesting than two teams battling for a play off position.

The business end of the season is approaching. Never thought I would be saying this but I don’t think anyone will fancy facing the Lions, who on recent form have proved that they can outscore anyone over two legs. Whilst we do not have guaranteed points in heats 13 & 15, the top five are looking pretty solid. We are frequently outscored at reserve, but I think if Cook can pick up where he left off, the Lions have a chance of being top dogs. Cookies performance will be key and if he can maintain or hit just above his current average, we could probably carry Hagon and treat his points as a bonus. This all of course assumes that the team will not be hit any injuries.

Always good to read positive comments. Starting on time is one thing, but completing a meeting in a reasonable time frame is another. Leicester have been poor on this front in the past but things do appear to have improved, particularly when meetings are televised or streamed.

Don’t suppose you’ve got Saturday’s Lotto numbers have you!

Yes, I’d forgotten that, thanks!

Does anyone know if there is a live stream available for the meeting?

If Craig Cook can find a little consistency they will be okay. You can carry one reserve if the top five are pulling their weight.

Yeah, some don’t appear to have any sense of humour.

Do riders that persistently break the tapes suffer from premature ejaculation? …..Just a thought!

Stick a dog on a bike? Don’t be silly…. Hang on though, what about WHOOFFinden? Could work?

Fair point, or even have Lawson at 4 for a bit more clout at the business end of the meeting in heat 14?

….And now for something completely different. This fixture will now take place (at the fifth attempt) on 5th August. The Met Office has guaranteed that there will be some weather on this date, so probably best to postpone it now to avoid disrupting riders and spectators travelling plans. Seriously though, Lions still have to go to Lynn twice this season so why not just make it a double header….if and when it takes place?

Mr Jones has guested for teams before, so ‘it’s not unusual’.