Sings4Speedway

I would say there is no fear about the rider doing well and keeping Anders out of the team. From whenever i have seen him he has been on ropey equipment (could have been replaced over the winter), has been running in the Scunthorpe amateur support class (could have made dramatic improvements over the winter) and appeared a little stroppy when results didn't go his way (could be said of most speedway riders). Getting to some of the early Kent meetings will mean busting a gut this year & with the offerings on show im not sure how much i will bother?

She doesn't think much of you then? 😉

The 2015 Brum side had most of thier big away wins on the back of performances from Zac Waj or Kirby. Not sure Sam Woods has ever been a match changer. Back to Mildenhall and yes i do think they have a solid looking side but there are reliability / composure doubts surrounding Woods & Ruddick. I would bet there will be a couple of 5-0's in heat 2 over the course of the season.

As most of the above have correctly pointed out a number 8 can only take the RR rides and there is no minimum amount they can take. So all to often a number 8 is booked and stands on the sidelines all night

Is there any word regarding what was discussed / decided at the AGM. With the involvement of a new south west league and withdrawal of some teams I suspect there are many changes?

I would be pretty worried if the 3 mentioned are the most promising options. All spend too much time off the bike or off the pace

Whilst i agree that it appears the MDL is going to be very spread and potentially northern biased this season i personally feel that it is good experience & exposure for riders to have to travel up to Belle Vue midweek with school the following day (using the example you offer) as these are scenarios that they will face when competing in the NL. If riders can sustain themselves riding in the MDL/NJL for free then once they enter league racing and receive some compensation for their efforts it will ease the burden. However as its your opinion on a public discussion forum, posted in a coherent considered manner i fully respect it & hope that both the independent Mildenhall approach & the MDL prosper & develop new riders for years to come.

Shame that Mildenhall have opted not to field an MDL side this season and focus on home rider development? 2nd half track time is very important to riders of all ages so whilst its a benefit that they club will still supply it i can't help thinking they are being very short sighted by not including a Jnr squad and giving them experience of racing on other tracks, as part of a team and the travelling required etc. The cynic in me thinks that they are upset about losing Taylor Hampshire as the MDL offered him exposure to other clubs but their actions are going to create riders who can only ride the west row circuit?

Whilst a rider may not officially retire if they don't ride from the end of 2014 isn't self imposed exile the same thing? (not that its hurt Rikki Mullins chances). Reece had plenty of potential but like many around his age appears to have drifted away from the sport? Would think a better bet would be a local second half rider / Nick Phillips for the final position.

Think Jacobs would be 10.72? Either way far too high. With just over 11 points to play with and hints that Buxton will be without another true heatleader it points towards a 5 & 6 point rider and Shelby starting at reserve?

No surprise but definitely a relief. Gives Kent a very solid looking 1-5 although a lot will depend how they line up. Good years for Clifton & Stoneman & its a side that will be towards the top, average years for them and its mid table mediocrity i fear.

If all riders brought the cheapest items available we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place. Great point. If a rider has the cheaper to run engines then surely they need less points/attendance money as their outlays are down. equally what are the deals with cubs signing riders who are considering a new GTR? A rider competing on their current engines with setups already known is far more attractive than a rider who will require time to adapt and get the best out of the new engines.

Excuse my ignorance but can anybody explain laser leveling in simple terms? Is the track dug up and then re-laid with laser level precision? Or is it simply a laser is used to measure the dips & lumps and then the shale is raked about accordingly?

I think even the NL riders will want more than £10 a point but still certainly less of a financial drain. Hopefully it will offer some NL exposure to those who don't view it very often (either by chance or location). Might even see some P'boro fans warm to the idea of having an additional NL team for the 2018 season?

Success will always bring imitators. 'IF' GM & Jawa improve the lubrication system of their new engines it could be disastrous for the GTR project as while riders will always pursue the fastest options they are also creatures of habit. How long have a multitude of silencers been available, 5 years? and how many riders still choose King as the default pipe.

6.48 i believe so Hopwood would put the Kings about half a point under the limit. In fairness only Cradley, Mildenhall, Stoke & possibly IOW (depending on Cook's mystery average) have got close to 39 point limit. With only Buxton, Belle Vue & Kent able to fit Hopwood in i would say we are nailed on and need to be if the side is going to have a competitive look to it. Although a very poorly kept secret it does at least make sense to name the most positive signing last.

It reminds me a lot of the 2015 Kent side that had a strong top 4 and long tail and that team finished bottom.

Completely agree that both will do very well in the NL this season & both have the potential to succeed in the Championship however along with Tom Bacon they all have strong reserve partners at that level and could find themselves restricted to 3 rides per meeting and potentially swapped out of the easier heats which could have an adverse affect on their confidence.

Snapping up 2 x 4 point riders now seems like a shrewd move as most teams are searching for those that are no longer available. Bowtell or Hunter @ no 2 doesn't look so bad now that other sides are coming together however i still have the sneaky suspicion that the last place will be filled by a total rookie.

Injury free i think Kyle can put a point on his average and become an outstanding league number 1. Lynn are going to be a very strong side at home and with this line up i think they could pick up some decent results on the road too so plenty of potential to be at the sharp end as the season closes. Much will depend upon the tail though as Hampshire & Whitmore have limited season long experience and who will fill the final place given that low 4 pointers are virtually all snapped up.

Poor signing but a necessary one as Plymouth have points to use up (even if i feel they would have been better used on Shanes). The bigger negative is that it forces Walker into the 1-5 & would expect a local second halfer to be the other reserve. On the plus side we can see which of the comeback kids will last the longest Compton or Mullins?

Im not really sure what is going on with the make up of the Brum team this year? Perhaps Drury has got a little complacent and thinks he can win the league with any side he picks? I rate Bacon but he is no number 1, Ritchings i feel will slide away this year, Hume & JPB ought to improve but it leaves a lot of pressure on the tail. I think once Cupitt moves up to number 2 and Hay moves down you will have a reserve combo that wouldn't look out of place at Buxton. In preparation to be quoted all season when i am proved wrong (again) "This Brum 1-7 won't get near the play offs"

Hmmm pass & pass thanks. I suspect strudwick or maybe couzins? Either way it's plenty of bike time for Bradley Andrews

In now way relating to this particular scenario but some riders do need firm guidance and keeping their feet on the ground as much as some need continual gentle encouragement. There is a trend at present to blow smoke up the trumpet of any rider who shows a little promise on a speedway bike. Every rider is a person & every person requires different treatment & reacts to praise/criticism differently. Frustratingly its the nature of the beast that we hear about the negative relationships far more often than the positive ones.

In fairness even i have a % of the natural talent Bewley has....its just prefixed with 0.000 Hopefully its just the padded shorts worn underneath