Sings4Speedway

CL standard doesn't necessarily need dropping but maybe capping top end places/averages could be an answer? How would NDL teams be able to operate and afford Nielsens, Kemps etc along with the existing heat leaders and second strings. Upping the standard to accommodate riders who have found their level in the CL would see the NL in the same mess as the CL is now, namely clogged up with double uppers/downers who are bumping their earnings from easier pickings. No doubting that the junior leagues needed proper backing from both the authorities and the host clubs. However rider numbers are down simply because the prospect of doing silly miles, for silly short track time (if indeed they get out at all) and for zero returns has quashed the enthusiasm of many a rider and volunteer.

This is where the NDL has a problem as its doesn't know what it wants to be. Higher limit, "higher standard" or a Lower limit and be a conveyor belt pushing riders in, through and up into the next levels?. Unfortunately as the NDL is now governed heavily by higher powers and has few standalone teams to back their own corner it will continue to lurch to and fro with a succession of more radical changes rather than a long term plan of stability. The NDL has long been the saviour of British speedway and yet it is rarely treated that way.

need to go bigger to accommodate the t!ts in charge.

Torn on this one. One side of my brain says that champions decided by play offs, late season signings and potentially joker reserves is just daft so at least top two fighting it out makes it marginally closer to a "correct result" other side says that an 8 team league there will be teams cut adrift from the top two chase quickly and lose interest for both riders and supporters? Not sure what the best solution is? Team that finishes top is league champions and 2nd & 3rd race off for a place against the champs in the Coronation (insert alternative silly name here) Cup?.

Only real surprise to me is that Josh hadn't been snapped up elsewhere, looks a bargain on his average and with excellent kit and behind the scenes help could put 2 points on his average this season (easily one)

Easily on pace with Morley, Atkins, Coles on the Island....maybe not ahead but on pace. Certainly looks capable of NDL heatleader and only thing that is likely to hold him back will be his inclusion in my dream team.

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.