Sings4Speedway

In fairness it was the Danny Ayres meeting where he got 1. By comparison Morley scored 2 and Hook got 3 and the podium was made up of Lawson, King and Heeps. As ive said previously im glad Congreve has got a NDL chance but its going to feel a lot worse if riders on comparable signing averages like Hodder, Simpson, Butcher and even Bebee miss out because of a dubious loophole that has been slammed shut previously.

Perhaps not a number 1 but a commonwealth rider on a 4.5 average maybe. Riders like Congreve or Azza Jackson look a bit of a steal on those figures.

I like George and its good for him to get a NDL place but surely he has to be an 8 point rider (2 x his CL assessed 4.00). Im guessing Newcastles abolished results see him on a false and attractive low average. Hard to arge that he won'be taking the place of a Brit though.

be surprised if Warren hadn't gone elsewhere with the uncertainty hanging over Mildenhall. Im expecting a line up more like Bowtell, Complin, Spooner, Kingston, Butcher + 2 x 3 pointers (although its hard to imagine a Mildenhall side without Bebee included.)

Surely surely surely the team building rules should be in place for everyone? If Commonwealth riders have become (again) and rules amended (plenty or for/against arguments) the biggest corruption is that not all teams were made aware before they built sides?

Following on from this theme of close racing isnt the solution to cap the top and bottom averages. Whatever the league a 10 point rider and a 3 point rider in the same race is likely to cause strung out racing. A cap on top averages might force the racing to be closer together. Then those who rise to the top step up to CL and sink or swim but again opportunities ahould be available.

But Stoneman - Joe Thompson and Connor Bailey ok? Morley has no announced place other than NDL, Dan Thompson has only top tier. Ultimately they fit within the team building rules (team build averages increased this year) and keeping themselves sharp or in the shop window is smart on their part. Sadly the NDL is at odds with itself, does it want to be a conveyor belt of talent or a viable independent product it used to be both but im not certain if it is anymore.

Maybe about time that the british reduction is increased / doubled? There has to be something that makes british riders more attractive signings than overseas couterparts.

Completely agree but few riders opt away from the best race track in the country. Yes moving helps rider progression etc and of course a quick firm offer is hard to turn down.

If Belle Vues choice to release riders then its a strange one with so few home meetings keeping riders who went well last year would have made more sense. A few notable names from Mildenhall not fixed up yet so could be heading the Colts way.

Think 2 points under is bold. A lot rests on Ablitt getting to grips with Iwade, Joe finding his pre injury form and the others riding sensibly. Theres a lot of potential in the tail but equal potential to throw points away. Good news is that they should all get on and have good morale.....bad news is they will need it.

The return of Ben Hopwood.......

Hard to argue with the merits of the Scunny side MPT, Allen and Mountain all easily capable of putting a point on their averages, a good number 1 and reserves that actually put a sting in the tail. Season could hinge on what stage Kennedy and Lambert swap places for the reserve berth and if the management continue with the honourable but tactically questionable better reserve staying at 6. Even so injury free its a good team.

GSA was 2.80 (3.20 Home, 1.60 Away) granted a lot of those rides were at 6. Much will depend on approach, attitude and the level of equipment he brings.

Jacks a rider that a year or two ago was struggling to land a ride at CL and now looks a decent capture (bit like Hume or Mountain in the recent past) plenty of 8 point returns and heat 1 victories.

Big ask for Mason to improve upon 4.41. That said i never thoughtbhe would get within a point of his season ending average so what do i know.

Have to admit im underwhelmed by McGurks. Belle Vue let them slip away for a reason. Probably the worst away riders id seen all year but equally got averages for a reason and if looked after could be useful additions but can't help feeling they could be the undoing of a good side.

There's a lot to be said about keeping the home fans happy, after all they are what keep the venture afloat. Trophies and league success are always a bonus but exciting home wins keep the gates open.

The big problem is could you genuinely recommend to anyone with kids to get them a speedway bike and into the sport? Ever increasing costs and regulations with ever decreasing venues to ride/practice and find out if they even like it / are any good at it. Fortunately there is an emerging crop on the 125's but its going to be a good while before they are league age and what state will the sport be in then. How can any parent look at something seriously if there are big question marks over its existence in 15 years time.

Its been a farce for years really that Brits especially those on a 3.5-5 point CL average struggle to get places whilst there is always a string of Aussies signed up (with all the additional costs associated) if only a little of that funding was sprinkled around the Brits perhaps there would be a bit more progression.

As much as i like Max im not really sure how a rider who would have clocked 12.00 bar following home a team mate once is going to land a team place, its just too big a chunk of points used. Personally i think it would be nice to restrict the use of riders on high averages (to force rider progression up through and out the NDL) no 9+ riders for example but average manipulation would likely go crazy. My bigger hope is that Max lands a CL place as him missing out there after a strong finish with Leicester would be especially harsh.

With such a short season ahead signing a team that is already so dialled in at home is huge. Plenty of improvers throughout the side also. Is another year in the NDL going to do either Thompson anything extra? The debate will always rage on but whilst the rules allow and the points limit has been raised again they get another few sharpeners. Sadly the lack of competing teams dulls the enthusiasm especially if 4 from 6 will get play off spots anyway.

Working on the assumption of Dan and Coles stepping out with Boughen it leaves 8.7 for the final rider but with limited options i can see this team being built a couple of points under. The talents are certainly there but with each carrying a bit more pressure and a little less assistance in camp it could prove a tougher year for the Cubs.

Kelly at reserve on a 3.30 looks a bit of a bargain considering he has been a near 5 point rider in the past, just need to sort out what has caused the form slide and perhaps feeling part of a team will sort that? As for the predicted side above it would be decent enough at home but would all hinge on getting the McGurks going there and away would raise a few question marks. Certainly looks solid throughout but would have question marks if it was tight at the end of a match.

Think Watts wins that vote amongst both riders and fans. Swap Ablitt for Tom Woolley and it would create a strong unit as well as a competitive one.