Sings4Speedway

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.

Whoops .......put the curse on that one!

The worst bit is that no hopers can get points off other no hopers. Of course there will be differences in level but a short time ago the league was made up of NL reserves, almost NL reserves and then riders who were working towards being almost NL reserves. Now its peppered with riders who do not compete in the top tiers of amateur meetings, riders who make 4 laps look difficult and a few who barely get a slide on. This difference in level is dangerous both to riders on track and the credibility of the leagues.

Pretty sure he pulled out of one meeting after his first ride due to a hand injury playing him up? Im certain i read he had injured it on a mountain bike but darned if i know where i read that.

Nit picking even if they did. If Glasgow didn't sign Bickley somebody else would have and it was his preferred option (after Worky). Lawlor by contrast was a shock(ing) signing but had a great opportunity in front of him and spurned it due to his arrogance. Fortunately the place has gone to someone who might actually appreciate it a little bit.

In reality it makes little odds if Belle Vue are attracting small or large crowds, if the sport continues to decline and lubs shut then there will be no opposition left. The spiralling costs that the promotions allow to happen are bleeding it dry. Add in the diversity of entertainments available today and the switch in blind loyalty to any particular club fading in an age of greater tolerance. The sport at present is being propped up by those who are prepared to buy into clubs and the fans who pay over the odds to watch it while they can.

Should just be quiet confidence. Berwick have a good looking side this year that might sail under the radar but will spring plenty of surprises. Think the Summers & NBJ can be a very potent spearhead, Etheridge & Doolan at 3&4 is a powerful engine room and Flint will get points at reserve. If Gapp & Coty spend the season swapping in and out of the reserve berth and getting points the Bandits could be tough to beat this year.

With respect are there enough 125/150 riders of a sensible level to be split between all the teams and who would be willing/able to do all the travelling for non guaranteed rides. 6 teams means 12-16 riders required, the youth rounds don't back up that there are that many out there willing to compete so its never been officially introduced. On a personal level i find the NJL format a bit tedious and lacking variety plus despite the drop in standard of the dev leagues the sport needs more riders and opportunities to hone their skills not less.

Uncalled for and unnecessary comment i feel. Especially for somebody clearly known in and around certain tracks. You may currently have a chirpy view of your local tracks but that can change very quickly.

In all fairness my biggest criticism of Stoke on previous visits has been how unwelcoming people were followed by the dubious state of the track. If those two are being addressed then the rest is purely superficial (well maybe a reliable power supply & actually getting the meetings pushed through at a sensible pace). But i quite like the rustic charm of Stoke so fingers crossed the fresh injection of enthusiasm continues.

Oooh new chairs......and a dreadful view out the window to really drag the corporate users in.

Glasgow have saved speedway as a whole a lot of time and money. I'd be surprised if we see Lawlor on a bike again as the dedication is massively lacking. He didn't really serve any proper apprenticeship and just lucked in at Belle Vue, he rides without a great deal of style or brains and is no particular loss. The sport is changing and the likes of Bickley will progress in a professional way and the likes of Lawlor will follow the paths of Bridger, JPB etc

Sadly MK don't have the scope within the lower ranks of the sport anymore to find / introduce riders not quite ready for the step up (as per the leagues initial concept) although in their defence they are not alone. The league though is becoming clogged up with riders who are just starting out in the sport rather than having a couple of years at amateur level then pushing for dev league spots, in turn this is dragging down the standard of the leagues and tarnishing the good names that the hard working volunteers are trying to protect.

I probably wouldn't make that statement in earshot of Len Silver...

Lynn used to supply plenty of space under cover for 2 halves, Cov had pokey corner round the back of the main pits used to have a bit of space in the back corner but not enough for 2 development league teams but certainly enough when a few juniors had a run out. Im told the new Belle Vue has a huge area supplied and the riders were very well catered & cared for (another loss for the development leagues).