Sings4Speedway

Can only see squads working at the present time IF the points limit is set very low. As that way there will be plenty of riders who risk being left out. Would reduce the amount riders spend out each season as why would anybody invest in new kit without the guarantee of X meetings a year? Could work or could force a load of retirements from those waiting on the sidelines getting rusty?

Fair play to P'Boro for getting the meeting through and for considering the second half riders who wee probably sat around fearing the worst, sadly most clubs don't give a hoot about them despite what is left of the future of the sport being amongst them.

Not even a thread for tonight's match largely shows the level of interest? There are a few mini battles to be had like can Spooner better the travelling reserves, How will Rowe & Edwards fare? But otherwise the interest will be in how dominant are the away side and how long can Kent prevent the inevitable? Should be official by heat 4/5 so will be the updates only for me tonight.

The problem stems by the ways lots of clubs like to build teams. Use the minimum possible at reserve and then fill up the main team with big hitters. Bowtell & Hunter had averages that were not quite heat leader but too high for 2nd string. Clubs will always gamble on a Clouting because there is the hope he might be the next rider to make a mockery of his average. Issue i have generally is when some are signed year on year and do nothing but block up a potential place and still cannot improve on a 3 point average.

Bigger question might be who is going to ride in these meetings? Who would want to guest against the rampant Mildenhall and its no secret getting guests to go to Buxton isn't easy either. Is there a boundary for classification of an under strength side?

I can certainly see potential for one big performance from a King but its going to need every rider to deliver a bit more to tumble the Tigers. Keep it close and set up a thriller on Monday would be amazing though. An evening meeting may bring new challenges with track prep so hopefully that doesn't affect play too much however the Mildenhall fish and chips are to be enjoyed under any form of illumination.

100% agree the NL is in a pretty good state at the moment and it would be tragic if it is destroyed to prop up the failings of the higher leagues. Heading into the final weeks of the season there were 7 of the 10 teams still in with a shout of play off places, IOW have enjoyed a vastly improved year. Only Stoke & Buxton have had troubled years and struggle to attract the riders although Buxton certainly have the right ethos and i feel are on the climb with reputation. How about a little handicapping to help sides year on year? Play off teams build to 41, Next four to 42 & bottom two to 43?

Why does everything have to be decided over one weekend. Why can the AGM not be split in two, early November to table some ideas / proposals and then late November to actually make some decisions when all parties have had the chance to properly consider all the permutations and make some informed choices, even dare i say it, consult the fans of their relevant clubs what they would / wouldn't want to back?

Be terrible if that was the case with half the teams moving up would sink what is left. Cant see Stoke, Buxton and Plymouth surviving. Whilst clubs have to look out for themselves there is a touch of abandon ship about this rumour.

So far the consensus is pretty much straight forward entice more GP riders and overseas based riders, reduce the wages & admission fees, don't dilute the product but do include NL riders who are just settling into heat leader roles, add extra fixtures so matches can be run every week and hope for once they all get completed before a cut off date that is drawn out of a hat. Simple really.

Finances will always divide opinions, some will always dispute actual amounts paid, amounts paid vs risk etc and whilst some clubs are able to run within their means and be competitive others are not. Whether a reduction in points limit / standard is reflected in admission prices remains to be seen? Again opinions will be divided but i don't feel the value for money is there enough to turn out every week and i now pick and choose my meetings and am certain im not the only one.

Certainly not an ideal situation, add in O'Keefe "stepping down" and Couzins stepping in plus potentially last chance saloon for Hampshire & changing averages could see a much changed Kent side between Friday & Monday. That of course is if the tie is still viable, Mildenhall have been smart getting the home fixture first as a thrashing on Friday could see a low crowd at Kent on Monday although fingers crossed the Kings can keep it within 10 and have something to go for in the 2nd leg.

The major problem is consistency. Set a limit and stick to it overwise riders averages count for nothing. I actually believe a lower limit would generate more entertaining close racing as the gap in rider standard would be lower BUT it would require a huge flow of new riders in as many will end up with falsely inflated averages and stuggle to get a place the following season.

There is no doubt that some very top riders have progressed through Buxton and that is you can master the track you can master anywhere. If Pavitt chooses to stay and show some loyalty good on him and im sure he will progress, if he chooses to go to a track that has more consistent fixtures & surface i suspect he will progress faster.....

Does seem a strange one especially as there is no stipulation of the standard of the 16 lapper? Could have been run at NL standard for much cheaper payouts an i suspect there would have been 16 amateurs that would have done it for free (or at least supplied tyre and a bit of prize money for the finalists)

I can put my hands up and say i was wrong. I was all for the 39 point limit as in the short term it generated fairer teams but in the longer aspect it just generates falsely inflated averages.

Probable points limit increase too (42?) and ive just scratched out a Leicester team that would trouble this years Mildenhall side.

As for highlights i think most have been covered in terms of exceptional rider performances. Bickley & Edwards have been encouraging without stealing headlines likewise the progress of Rowe & Atkins. Other highs include the growing reputation of the IOW and the respect they receive for their promotional efforts, the National league continuing to flourish and an exciting play off run in. Lows injuries to far too many, non committed riders occupying places others would have benefited from, Buxton not scoring a point so far (they deserve better) and Stokes track woes continuing.

Next year could be tricky as there is a whole heap of riders lurking on the sidelines next year ready to take up places at 15. With plenty of riders still on 3.00 at the end of the year there will be some headaches over the winter but along with Gilkes the Thompsons are coming, Ablitt, Palin, McGurk, Wirtzfield etc. Think Pavitt will make big strides next year at the right club.

The nail has largely been hit on the head. Focus on the product and not the names. There si no doubt that a GP star in full flight is a fine sight to behold BUT week in week out i would rather see closely contested races with riders going to the tapes and all having a genuine shout of winning & the potential for some actual overtaking. I care not about who is involved in producing a good race as long as its a good race. The gulf in quality within teams needs to be reduced as does the gaps between teams in leagues. I like many i know want affordable entertainment simple as that.

Very impressive but he has been reluctant all season and technically a reserve from one of the sides has to be missing for a reason of their choosing. The precedent has been set with Scunthorpe so clubs can no longer drop riders at this stage. If O'Keefe wants to ride Kent are a bit stuck, if the opt not to use him and can land Gilkes it would enhance their chances BUT if O'Keefe were to go public it could land them (or any other club) in hot water.

Excellent spot that. Although with the length of Hampshires injury unknown it could be RR for him and a guest for Hurry?

I hope the approach isn't sit or bust. Lurching from one dramatic shake up to another is getting everyone nowhere, its about time that a 5 year plan was put together. May not be ideal from day one but with the aim of the sport being in place in the future rather than setting up for individuals benefit for the upcoming season

Ayres & Bailey likely to be out but Jenkins in, possibly Mountain in? as stated Brennan & Stoneman on the fringes and hopefully Coles as he has been in top form recently. Shaping up to be a top looking and very open meeting.......

True but still the most likely choice. Mildenhall have gone well at Kent a couple of times this year and cleared 50 at home each time. Whereas Brum have run them close, Cov can be tricky at their place and Plymouth is a major trek. Common sense says take Kent & hope someone else does a job on Eastbourne prior to the final?