Sings4Speedway

The grasstrack convertees have drifted in and out of fashion over the years there was a point when thats all that was looked at, then they were seen as leg trailing yokels (not all Richard Halls fault) and motox was the switch discipline of choice. Equally there was a point when it was only schoolboy grasstrack that was available for kids and the switch didn't take place until 15/16 but with the youth afforded much more track time and exposure youth grass isn't as strong as it once was.

Good price structure, forward thinking all im hoping for now is that Eastbourne link up with Knockhatch & Drusillas in the future to offer some kind of combo day and night entertainment ticket and i might have to stop saying bad things about them

The problem being that even an applied Smolinski who would likely be the highest rated rider in the CL would still struggle to maintain a huge average. On that basis why break the bank to sign a rider just to use up available points? I suspect that number of leagues prohibits Rasser Jensen but maybe Hans Andersen is worth a punt? Plenty of other veterens are viewing doubling up in the UK as the way forward, would have kit here anyway and just has class. Hans and Connor Mountain would be a great finish to the team. BTW pretty sure Tom Perry has hung his kevlars up.

Under the limit or not i would love to see Connor Mountain get a place and certainly think he could do a very good job in the 1-5. Far too good a rider to not have a CL berth this season.

I would argue that Wright is still improving whilst Cook has levelled off but as much as it pains me to say it Cook is a top performer at this level. I would think Schlien, Kennett and in current form Douglas seem the most likely of any topple Cook at the end of the season but it feels like a big ask.

Non of the teams built look strong enough but thats the rules. The cubs have 3 genuine heat leaders which is more than some teams. The Thompsons are likely to put 3+ points each on their averages. Halder is another likely strong improver and if Spencer returns its a top 5 all with season experience under their belt. The reserves are probably middle of the road from the newbies so as long as they can score ok at home and pick up pieces away i think this team will be in the hunt.

Probably better off not knowing for as long as possible....saves the disappointment being dragged out

Open and honest about pricing and pricing aspirations too. Excellent treatment of season ticket and 10 in advance ticket holders. Also standalone prices for NDL are exactly where they should be for the level of racing. Eastbourne leading the way once again.

The apparent new focus is to bring more new riders through the sport, "places for all" if you like with the hope that if you throw enough ahem at a wall some will stick. The NL has always been plagued by those riders that hang around achieving not much more than 3rd heat leader at best, these are the riders that will end up on high averages with the new points reduction. If they are not good enough to step up to Cl then step aside and let the new crop through. In the same way that in 1,2 or 3 seasons max a half decent embryo youth rider could easily achieve a 7 point average in the weakened leagues but if they are not good enough to step up then what's the point of giving them places year on year? Likewise promotors want average improvements and shouldn't be signing riders who manage to keep their average in the 5-6 point range year on year (although its worked for Scott Campos for the past decade).

Its fair to say several (7ish) of those have retired but i do take the point that there are riders who's averages were attractive last season and now don't fit. I have said throughout that whilst i don't like the lower limit i like the way its been imposed and handled less. Current rules allow rookies and 8+ point riders in the same meeting/race. Should have been cut to less that 8 This season, decreasing by 0.5 over the next couple of season until no higher than 7. That would have left a league with plenty of spaces for new riders, riders starting out whos averages will rise and the current crop improving. Once they exceed the top limit they will either be good enough for a CL place or pushed out and not become a blocker for other riders looking for places.

I think you have almost nailed it. I see NL reduced to 4 man 2nd halfs in the not to distant future. Possibly 8 heats format. The top brass dont like that it was a good attractive product at a better price. Still thin £20-24 double headers is better value than the PL but that may change on a cold evening..

It does seem odd that whenever calls for the NL to be a £10 product have been shot down but running as part of a double header makes it a £3-4 product. I can only think that expenses of staging a double header are greatly lesser than two individual meetings along with lesser riders on probably lower points monies.

if you thought gardening at NL level was annoying...........

I think weekends tend to lend themselves better to earlier start times than week days but it won't be for everyone. Likewise the increased admission, for all those who bang he drum and support the new venture there will be plenty who have no interest in it and will be unhappy at paying for a product they have no intention in hanging around to see.

Not great news. I have to question the benefit to the Berwick riders Bickley & Flint having to put in the extra laps straight after the main meeting other than building excellent fitness? Same goes for the other sides using riders in both senior and junior sides, should anything unfortunate happen during the main meeting be it mechanical or physical then the Bullets become quite prone.

Confirmed as stand alone meetings then. Any ideas of the admission price yet?

Wont be bitten twice surely

Reserves lowest 2 averages. In event of tie BSPL decides who in team based upon previous experience etc so basically no reserve chances for Sheldon all season.

Agree largely with the masses Plymouth, Scunny and Newcastle to struggle massively away and take some beatings at home too. Eagles home advantage might be key but Lions, Pirates and Tigers all going to be pushing hard and certainly worth a watch of those meetings. Berwick to be dark horses and get near the play off spots...

Might be slightly telling that Eastbourne have let him sign on a full transfer. Will certainly be interesting to see him back and how he applies himself

Excellent news. Out of interest with these "shared" events is it the SCB/BSPL who sets the pricing and then splits any profits with the host club?

Agreed regarding Bailey. McGurks deserve a chance and would be staggered if at least Harry isn't in. Unconvinced about the others though. Woodhull dropped a point off his average in 2019 and doesn't have full speedway focus. Bowen has been around a while to still have an average just over 3 (especially with NNS as a home track), Smith seems to be idling badly, chances have come and gone for him at higher levels and is now available on a very average 6.5. For the potential and opportunities he has had presented he hasn't taken them. In contrast the other Jack could have done with some decent kit in the past but again priorities were not always as needed for speedway and he drifted away, talent not doubted but parallels to Bridger will always be drawn.

Both leagues? Thought there were three or are you on the board of the BSPL?

Mega signing is Adam Ellis may not draw the crowds like Pedersen but makes the Tigers look a real threat with the current line up

Danno how well thats going to go down