Sings4Speedway

Given the riders signed so far all fit into Mason's well maintained / well presented machinery ethos Layne would definitely be the exception however i think the numbers stack up too nicely for him not to be included. Whilst its a risk with Layne & Callum at 2&4 to start with it does ensure a good reserve all season even when Leon moves into the 1-5.

Very true but perhaps it's long overdue to make some radical changes and nurtre uk rider's

It does seem farcical that British riders do not get the nod over new untried imports. Ive been saying for years that i would like to see all British riders get a 1 point reduction on their average at the end of each season to make them more attractive signings

That was my initial thought but have since heard whispers to the contrary and with limited roles going it certainly points Brums way

Strangely enough the past few season' I've questioned why Walker kept getting a team place over others but I finally think he is on the verge of a breakthrough and looks like one of the few bargain average riders this season. I suspect Rodgers the Dodger is nailed on as TM now

Not back for Aces only or Colts also? In fairness most sides are lining up stronger at reserve this year than the previous season. It might be a benefit for Jack to focus on the lower 2 tiers for another year and avoid burnout. I have little doubt he will be back at the top level again soon.

Which is why Kents success fluctuates as the knowledge of emerging newbies is vastly limited. There are obviously some who appear under the promotions nose like Danny Ayres or Jack Thomas and prosper but Kent will always struggle to attract the likes of Kemp / Flint / Brooks as by the time they even know who they are they have been signed up elsewhere.

Careful posting the contents of your dreams on here. Especially if they include 7 Kevlar clad men

Its not a mind blowing start but it could be a lot worse. If Buxton could land Ben Wilson , Luke Ruddick & Shelby Rutherford they could be well on the way to a reasonable side. If they could tempt Wallinger back the wins should start to flow for the Hitmen

True but heat 8 will still involve a switch (happens at almost every meeting now). There is so much pressure on heat 2 at the best placed reserve not only gets the early additional points but also the ride in heat 8. The other reserve is often left downhearted and knowing they will only get 2 more rides that night before the meeting has barely begun.

Flint at reserve will fill his boots early on which should hopefully keep his confidence up when he slots into the 1-5. I think much depends on the riding pairings as i suspect the make up of the team will change with Davey @1 soon. Flint @2 Bacon @3 Cupitt @4 Hume @5 looks like a very capable main team but unless the reserves can manage 6 between them i can see a few close loses at home and desperately important with that side not to throw points away.

Cupitt on a 4.00 looks one of the cheap averaged riders this season and if Brum don't haven't got him signed up i would be very surprised. Roberts is a possibility but don't waste the time or points on Govier there are far too many issues there for the Masons to be dealing with. Im surprised Connor Locke hasn't been signed (or announced anywhere yet) and with the Lakeside connection could see him feature along with another new 3 pointer like Dan Gilkes to complete the side. Sadly as pointed out its a very long tail and will see Flint move into the side very quickly which nullifies his scoring powers but as Birmingham are coming to the tapes this season thats the important factor.

Only riders who could sensibly fill the position need to be NL heatleaders at a minimum. Best bet is someone like Rob Shuttleworth. Blacklock might be worth a go if he can get a NL place or Jack Thomas/Connor Coles otherwise it looks like a very well built side could become unstuck.

Not sold on the Stoneman selection but that' already been mentioned once or twice. I hope the number 7 is selected/notified soon so they can properly prepare. Too often a selection of riders are invited to battle it out at P&P and have no time to prepare for a full season of racing

Apologies I was having an unusually upbeat day (Not sure what was wrong with me). I am delighted that Pipe has stopped dragging Buxton down from the inside but fearful where he will end up next.

Definitely a rider finally living up to his potential. I suspect he will finish the season as number 1 in the side.

Extance is certainly an interesting one. Obviously Eastbourne thought he was good value when they signed him pre season last year but it appears he didnt do that well on track and was released before the season started? Has he improved / resolved his knee injuries in the past year or do Stoke just have lower expectations of a rider than Eastbourne?

Bit staggering really as Leek doesn't do a great deal of competitive riding during the season and has no Plymouth connections as far as im aware. Missed trick really as i though Walker might be slotting in at reserve making a balanced team or if it was to be a 3 pointer Nethercott was a better shout?

Maybe JPB stands a better chance of landing much needed sponsorship going elsewhere? There is far more to being a speedway rider than the few minutes spent on the track. Perhaps a fresh track to go with a fresh approach is the best way for JPB to progress.

100% agreed. Keep forgetting about Flint probably because i didn't realise he would be moving up this year. I think Flint could emulate Zac Waj's first NL season

Id agree although his persistent tyre burning/rut digging gets on my wick. Wish it had been outlawed like in the GP's

Didnt see that one coming although im glad slugger is back. Going to be tough to maintain his average though especially if he starts at 1

John Sampford would do a very solid job. Jason Pipe has left Buxton so you never know???

Not so sure personally. I agree top end Mildenhall definitely have the edge but there is very little between the two tails. Yes Kemp has every possibility of finishing on a 6/7 point average but it will still take an exceptional season to do that. Bebee will have done well to finish over 4 although Marson is the unknown joker. However at Eastbourne id expect Dugard, Edwards & Brooks to all finish over the 5 point mark. With no disrespect to Mildenhall it looks like the Eagles have built a team that will be competitive at Belle Vue as well as at home.

With the points left Boxall is almost certainly omitted. If the Devils could get Walker in at reserve it would make a potent tail but i fear there wont be enough points to secure another decent heat leader. I feel for Plymouth as like a few clubs they are Geographically up against it when making signings