Sings4Speedway

I have no doubt that Tom's knowledge and experience would be invaluable but i fear for Brum that the decision dithering may have let the Bacon boat sail. I suggest he is one of the most in demand riders in the upper two tiers and is most likely fixed up already. Why would he wait to see IF Brum would stick or twist if he has had perfectly good offers placed in front of him already?

Have to agree that Coles looks to be one of the better 2.00ers that is slightly under the radar, he has certainly upped his preparation and approach over the past couple of years. He should land a NL place somewhere too which is not a certainty with some of the others listed and those extra rides could be vital for confidence.

Tom is clever and loyal but has largely mastered the Brum circuit and whilst he would no doubt bang in big scores at Champ level i wonder if he will move on to a new track type/style to further develop himself as a rider?

Exactly the type of team that Eastbourne fans would want as well. Either Ellis or Kerr would be good additions, strong top 4 and a tail that can all improve plus would get the supporters backing which is huge for confidence and should serve up some good racing at Arlington.

Perhaps we won't find out until Easter?

Lawlor has ability but seems to lack application? Whilst his average is down due to engine failures etc it also up due to a strong home advantage at Belle Vue. Think he will be a very frustrating rider who scores well one week and then is dire the next 3.

Of those listed above: mature JPB didn't happen and he retired. (Last heard he was injured in car accident so get well soon). Cockle also retired. Embleton, Hitchen, O'Keefe cannot yet hold down a NL reserve berth so far too soon. Wallinger very unreliable so would advise to keep away. Think Coles & Ruddick could do a job, likewise Edwards & Jenkins but they will be in high demand, Luke Harris could prove to be a handy choice but otherwise its Phillips unless Newcastle are bold and ignore the 2.00 option.

Always tricky and always going to be some who don't like the name whatever is chosen. Personally i wonder if a better tactic might have been to track the side as Long Eaton? (If the current name holders don't object/would like to come on board?) Would have tapped into that crowd base plus the Coventry/Leicester/Speedway supporters who would go and watch anyway will not really care what the name happens to be.

I couldn't even bring myself to vote on any of those as i wouldn't want to be responsible for the disappointment of the Leicester riders/supporters. Sliders & Broncos are just cringey embarrassing.

Clever tactics ensuring Edwards & Brooks etc are tied up as assets before loaning them out for another season with a view to them featuring in 2020. Another club logo / re-brand possibly on the cards so maybe a step back towards the more traditional colour scheme?

Not going to disagree with the majority of the above. Ive always been a believer that when you are good enough thats when you deserve a place, not when you are X age or your average saves points for others. I have to admit the 2.00 seems a mistake as it will just encourage the signature of more riders at this level and whilst there are some who are ready, some who are close and would have been over looked there are always going to be several that never will be (although in fairness to the named riders they all got chances on 3.00's). My personal hope is that the non movers from the league are the ones who fail to get places, those who have not really moved on in the past 5 years but still hold down places that would be better value for others.

Poor choice of wording BUT fingers crossed they track a competitive and exciting side who all enjoy themselves.

Ouch Embleton on 2.88 seems like a hard signature. Harris would be a big capture this year as think he has 2+ points to go on that average.

Think the reserves above are spot on with Wirtzfield & Bursill. Can't see Campos back after missing so many meetings and will be tough to fit Morley or Bowtell back, likewise the new lower points limit makes Widman a tough signing anywhere. Any of the Eastbourne conections would be good for the side but i suspect it will be headed up by Danny Ayres, he loves the Island & the Island loves him.

Just goes to show that sometimes even the "brighter NL promoters" make a mess of it. The limit has been set to encourage new blood and promote closer standard throughout the sides then they all sneak off and sign one big hitter. I don't like restrictions of any point and upper average limits don't really work BUT if promotions realised that signing balanced sides throughout the league would create a better and more sustainable product over all thing can start to make positive steps forward.

Can't argue there but then ive felt the NL prices have been creeping up in some areas too much already. £14 NL , £16 Champ & £18 Prem is too short of a variance for standards on show for many. Ive always cared more about the spectacle than the level but there is a reasonable chance i would drive further (and spend more on fuel) to watch Champ level at Eastbourne if the visitors to Kent are poor.

They have been sharp enough whenever i have seen them. Granted often on very slick tracks but setting times quite a bit quicker than current decent NL reserves, lets not forget they will continue to have large sponsorship packages and all the help from Leicester Speedway. Do i think they are as good as Kemp/Flint this year? No do i think they will add 5+ points to their averages yes.

Im wondering im Leicester will be able to track the lowest starting averaged division winning side? I agree with the above i think Mountain is ready to move on but Thompsons are a certainty, throw in the potential of McGurk, Palin, Mulford & Ablitt its practically sorted already with maybe a Tom Perry type rider for a bit of experience. Only danger might be those who don't want to be outshone by the Thompsons and race day may also be a factor. But ultimately im prepared for a very dangerous Leicester team already.

The problem is that you could reduce the limit to 22 points, promoters will still track 6 x 2 pointers and one 10. But there are plenty of 2 pointers about including several from this year and a bountiful crop of new riders ready to make the break into their debut year. The 6-7 point riders i feel sorry for are the ones who just achieved that average, those that have been rattling around that mark for years are just clogging up the league and need to be shipped out as they are not doing anything but taking up team places. I agree that there is a very high likelihood of some riders peaking too early and hitting big averages due to the lessened format which should have been looked at (X% reduction end of season due to weakened structure?) but the sport has opened doors in the leagues above so finally the opportunities are there and perhaps some should be grateful as those potential chances were not afforded to many.

Thats what i suspected but as usual no actual rules defined (shock horror)

Because we appear to be the only country that does not prioritise our own riders and we blooming well should.

Anybody know where NL riders who have already competed stand with the new 2.00 averages? If a rider competed this season and stayed on 3.00 as they didn't achieve above do they get re-assessed to a 2.00, the average they actually achieved or stay a 3.00?

Never thought i would be pleased to see Cradley back but .........

Think things will work out ok in the NL this season and its certainly great to see Cradley back and Mildenhall stay on although i echo everyones best wishes to Buxton. There is still a place for a few of the big hitters as i can see teams tracking 3 x 2.00 1 x 9/10 still leave 20 points for 4 riders split 6/4 give or take. Will mean that riders have to take the chances and move up rather than sit tight / see out careers in the NL. Considering the feared numbers im glad the NL looks as strong and providing the right development league riders move up the racing will be continue to be good as like all leagues there is gulfs in class in that too.

I like this or at least moving the reserve race back in the program. The reserves have all the pressure and best points scoring opportunity in heat 2 (the first look at the track for some and often with setups far from perfect) if it was run later in the meeting or as suggested twice how many think the results would remain the same.