Sings4Speedway

All clubs will speak to riders they are interested in before the draft draw takes place and I strongly suspect who would pick who wasn't a particularly guarded secret between the promoter's. Its not just we choose you, you must ride. Details need to be verified such as does the draft rider have a PL deal agreed but not yet announced etc Otherwise it will end up like the Josh Bates/Swindon debacle a couple of years ago.

Does seem unlikely he will get a place in the PL if made to go in on a 5 point average when every team will be signing riders around his ability on a 3. Sadly there are always riders who fall through the cracks when rules are changed.

Until there is decent promotion of the sport numbers will continue to dwindle. The number of people who don't know that speedway even exists is alarming. Given that almost everyone knows what Moto X is or Moto GP. Ive spoken to people who attend greyhound racing at Kent regularly and still didn't know there was a Speedway team based there! Small steps add up to big things. A TV for example showing speedway highlights at the entrance to all tracks when non speedway events are taking place there? The world cup being shown on a domestic channel was a huge boost only for the final not to be shown due to the weather (and other idiocies). Until the sport as a whole is promoted to a wider audience crowd numbers, admission prices and rider quality are all going to remain causes of debate / concern.

That's ridiculous and very sad. Both great for the sport with their enthusiasm especially Cookie who is one of the many unsung heroes. If the bspa / scb are serious about developing future riders then the registration / managers fees should be waived which would free up a little cash to help with rider costs. Referees don't help either as they demand being paid a full additional match fee after 22 heats so MDL double headers cant be completed which could potentially double emerging riders bike time with very little additional work.

Whilst I like the romance of this idea and the giant killing possibility as with all speedway money would kill this idea off. To cover the wage demands of EL riders NL clubs would have to charge EL prices or run at a loss if the competition was run as a one leg affair. Would be interesting to see if any teams fancy putting on any inter division challenge matches during the pre season to gauge interest / results?

Of course riders can choose who they ride for, when, where etc but im with Speedibee on this one. Sadly the number of riders turning out for their own "team" seems to be dramatically on the decline this season. Whilst targets of riders in the MDL vary dramatically (some want NL some just want to ride etc) it is very good preparation for the strains of NL racing to complete all the fixtures of your "team" and then take any additional guest rides if you wish. The riders that do whatever suits them forget the hard work done by unpaid enthusiasts to keep the MDL running and if they are not repaid in effort and commitment I fear some may decide to save themselves a lot of heartache and walk away.

Just an attempt to boost numbers. The practice session was booked before the number 7 draft came in. Peterborough already have there riders in mind. If someone turns up and is truly exceptional they may get considered but I suspect whoever ends up at Peterborough in the number 7 jacket a, wont be at the practice session or b, has already been agreed but not announced.

More wishful thinking than realism. Len will just sign a selection of established journeymen and 3 point non movers. Kent's top riders will be moving on or prioritising higher divisions this season I suspect so potentially less visits for me.

Ben seemed to tail off a little once he was fully signed however I agree he is worth another go. Not going to give Kent a powerhouse reserve duo but definitely capable of hitting 3/4 each which was better than this years crop!

If that is true then I hope none were partaking in any celebratory drinks!

I doubt Warren Scott & Co have even heard of Rob Mear. If a good relationship between one of this years riders and the promotion they have a chance of being back otherwise I think Rye House will line up very differently next season. The new man has his own vision of what makes an entertaining team which could definitely spell the end for the seasoned old guard.

Now that the 3 pointers are compulsory they do hold a lot of power over clubs (especially the top few) however its down to the clubs to decide what they want to pay and look at lower graded riders if they cannot afford them? Id be amazed if some didn't drop their demands if they don't get fixed up by Jan. You opted for Sam Chapman this season and that wasn't even forced!

Jack Kingston would fit on just under 6. That would definitely a team that would win big or fall trying.........probably the latter!

If its good enough for the rest of speedway for all the years getting a dig from you guys time for some in return. Hope the Eastbourne fans are ready to receive plenty back next year to after a season of dishing it out!

Ignoring BWD & Waj as I think they will be elsewhere. Either Shanes, Ayres or Perry would be great value to watch at the EWR. As an outside pick for number 7 how about Ellis Perks

Guessing that the points limit will be 38 and trying to keep as many core members as possible; 1. Hopwood 8.00 2. Dugard 4.59 3. Wood 6.30 4. Andrews 5.70 5. D. Spiller 7.13 6. Powell 3.00 / Brennan / Strudwick 7. E. Spiller 3.00 Total 37.72 However in order to let Wood join Kent you could have this 1. Halsey 8.31 2. E.Spiller 3.00 3. D.Spiller 7.13 4. Andrews 5.70 5. Hopwood 8.00 6. Powell 3.00 7. Brennan 3.00 Total 38.14 (final averages might change / Brit reduction to squeak just under?) He was hanging around at Kent a lot too.....well until Len told him he had no chance of riding there!

From no official source but I would be a little surprised if Mr Perks rides over here again next season.

Jack was never going to join Kent and is almost nailed on to join Brum / Cradley. The huge press release when he did a single match for Kent was another sign of how out of touch the club is becoming. It is a south east club who run early on a Monday evening. Hats off to Ben Basford & James Shanes for making the journey every week but most riders will be hesitant of signing for Kent due to its location unless they go for southern based / local riders.

Also the only injury that hasn't actually occurred to a Rocket over the years.

Its a tough one as for Ben to flourish I think he needs NL & PL but his average will probably rule him out? Danny & James will be hot property but hopefully they can be lured back. Aaron Baseby I like but he just misses too many meetings due to a hectic social life. Never been a big fan of Chessell & Johnson has not ridden anything sensible for a season so would be very disappointed to see those two included.

Stealing whistle gangs work with a slight tweak as Widman will probably be on the Island and there is a team for Kent fans to get excited about! 1. Shanes 7.85 2. Mogridge 4.94 3. M. Baseby 5.33 4. Kinsley 5.41 5. Mountain 6.82 6. Bacon 4.61 7. JPB (probably Jack Thomas) 3.00 Total 37.96

Hume has had plenty of runs in the MDL both last year and this. His style is never going to work on tighter more technical tracks. If he was signed for kings lynn he would bring plenty of points whilst honing his skills for the smaller tracks.

Any results from the meeting?

Your statement is fine as long as you don't include Brandon Freemantle in your team

Cant argue with the averages though. Marmite Greaves is a bargain, Moggo if he continues his late season form is too and Mikey Neale has been overlooked as one of the most solid 3 pointers to step up this past season.