Sings4Speedway

Hate to be "that person" who corrects you but Shanes did plenty of Speedway prior to signing for PL Poole. Starting out in the MDL before limited appearances at Plymouth & Coventry where he didn't pull up a lot of trees to be fair. Even when he signed for Kent he would score well but couldn't gate for toffee. His attacking style suits some CL tracks and thats where he started to gather interest before joining the Pirates. Not going to debate his ability/potential too much but fear his Grass style will continue to hold him back a bit on many more technical tracks and despite very strong sponsorship is still behind with the financial clout that Brennan & Zac Waj have.

Not quite Longtrack but worth a mention / consideration for any fan. Sunday 15th September sees possibly the final meeting held at Swingfield nr Folkestone. Whilst this may be classed as a grasstrack it is a huge track and i fully expect many of the top European Long Track riders to be in attendance one again along with some very talented Brits so a definite date for any calendar this year.

Whilst they were largely pointless anyway as most clubs failed to use them the introduction of IRR virtually kills any sensible use of number 8's in the NL. This facility was generally put in place to enable extra opportunities for breakthrough riders, by removing it is another step away from the Development tag the NL has. There is really no clear direction in which this league is supposed to take.

Yes anything could have happened if it had held on until racing was under way. All riders have a responsibility to ensure their equipment is up to standard and then there are officials who verify the state of the bike too (although it could have been amended after being checked). The likelihood is that an engine has been fitted last minute and everything not done properly.

Here we go (apologies in advance to all riders for sinking their season before it starts) 1. Clegg CH 8.63 2. Spooner Kent 4.50 3. Harris CH 5.74 4 Brooks Mild 4.53 5. Flint BV 8.55 6. D Thompson Leic 2.00 7. Gilkes Kent 2.00 Total 35.95

Yep Kent have followed the trend in Greyhounds of being broadcast direct into Bookmakers and therefore have to run on strange days / times of day. Its another sport where the viewing habits are changing constantly but the interest is still there.

The danger is clearly the "sufficient" element. Exeter providing they have everything well documented sound like they are sorted, Im sure i have read that Reading are active in the search but it still leaves the others who im certain are a little quieter on that front. Should Camarthen, Weymouth or Milton Keynes not be able to satisfy the requirements the league would be in major jeopardy.

Thats how i read it. What i was getting at is where do riders over 18 stand? If they are missing for reasons other than injury or doubling up it looks like up to 3.00 point replacements?

Until next year when all teams without their own track are prevented from racing and the development leagues are consigned to the history books

Certainly does. Also an interesting introduction "In the NDL, only a rider who is 18 years old and under may be absent for any reason providing 3 days notice is given." Reading this means that pre-arranged holidays, family BBQ's and other miscellaneous reasons do not qualify? Also including the inability to get time off work?

Thats where it gets a bit flakey but its how i read it (i think) so Jamie Cousins who has had 2 full seasons in the NL is currently eligible but if he gets a team place he won't be? Adam Shepard can do this year but if he holds down his place at Plymouth all year he won't be eligible next year? Surely the old rule of 50 meetings regardless of seasons made more sense?

Completely agree with the comment regarding Ivensen / GP riders and the associated costs but investing in future UK committed riders? MPT, TJ & Proctor have largely hit their level, Kasper & Riss are using the UK while it suits and Lambert is only hanging around until he gets his full time GP place then he will be out like a shot. Not exactly visionary from Lynn.

Hopefully its sorted before the early meetings. Development league meeting due there on the 22nd April. Its one thing professionals turning up, refusing to ride and going home with all their travel expenses covered but its mightily unfair if that is inflicted on total self funded amateurs.

Question (and i know there are always many of these once the Regs are released) 21.3.2 c) have not completed more than 2 full seasons in the NDL What is classed as a "full" season? Is the definition of "more than" measured in seasons or matches? e.g rider completes 2 "full" seasons plus 3 additional matches. As ever the regs are patchy and left wide open to abuse. It used to be 50 NL matches which was a much clearer definition of when riders are no longer eligible.

That is one alarming denial reason given. If noise is deemed harmful on a Saturday it asks the question why is it not deemed harmful on a Monday night. Whilst the decision taken completely contradicts the current permission given it must open the door for the local anti speedway brigade to try and get it shut down all together?

I completely agree that to make it work it need buy in from every team. But end users are not going to stump up £25 for an initial download let alone per season. If it is to be successful it needs to be nearer £2.50. Don't forget its greater purpose is to generate a greater buzz for the sport and more paying spectators rather than a profit source in itself.

Not unless there are individuals or challenge matches planned. Sadly the fixed race nights have removed any chances of me getting to the showground this year.

The contents of my mind....

Probably the best post on the forum....this guy is a genius

Now theres an idea. Rather than relying on the input of others i can just quote myself throughout the various topics and always have myself agree with me.

In all fairness it probably is. I also highly rate Ash Morris and Becker could turn out to be a real trump card but when compared to partnerships of Bjerre/Barker, Covatti/NBJ Allen/Heeps etc the Wolves pairing doesn't look so potent. I still think there is improvement in both riders but it will be hard for them both.

Hope im wrong as i want to see the young Brits improve but Shanes & Waj at Swindon are starting a bit behind many of the other reserves so will have to really step up if Swindon are to mount a serious challenge (but if they do the Robins look a force) likewise the reserves at Wolves. At the other end barring Lambert & Kerr Kings Lynn basically have a team full of 7th rated riders as i would put Kasper Andersen bottom of the pile too.

I think Rambo will surprise a few. Despite the majority of his kit being suited towards bigger tracks along with his style he was certainly holding back last year and his scores took a decent upturn after his wedding. Providing he has no other planned ceremonies this year i reckon he should spend most of the year in the 1-5.

Sadly Kelvin if you pop along to some of the meetings you will be in for a nasty shock. I agree that is roughly the area riders should be at before moving into the M/SDL however there are plenty who ride in the inter / support class who compete. Sadly with the decline in number of amateur meetings being held around the country more and more riders are turning to the dev leagues as ways of getting additional track time (plus the benefit that there is no entry fee). Unfortunately whilst this slide continues it belittles the good work and name of the organisers and genuine riders competing who are capable and continue to get tarred with the wobblers brush.

I think the prices are pretty fair as you can buy direct and add a logo for marginally more however the main issue is that the merchandise all looks a little dull. this could be a factor because the I.T forman colour scheme and branding was bold and stand out whereas this just presents a blue polo shirt, cap, coat etc with small retro (dated) logo upon it. Whilst im certain the quality is good i fear this takes Eastbourne from leading the way to back to the run of the mill.