Sings4Speedway

The 2 pointer thing was dropped after a season obviously it could have been re-introduced as nobody knows despite riders being signed, team building averages being changed and no official releases at all being made to joe public. i would think given how other teams are building the sensible 3 pointer being the base remains. As it stands Clegg will need a max every week, Freeman bags quite a few (hopefully due to less fixture he will get longer at reserve) and the the other heat leader is more than the suggestions ive heard. Providing Alcock has got dialled in from the CL meeting he could be a threat if not the others will be queuing up to take his place.

I certainly can't argue with your point. Build a team that has the best chances of improving and winning you will still come up against sides that are cannon fodder and put together "in the spirit of the NL" therefore costing lots of points money and seeing your team ripped apart at the end of the year. Build a cannon fodder team and fail to attract/keep a crowd plus damage the reputation of the league. Until all teams can agree a sensible middle ground and that the best interests for all is an open and entertaining season (and i know that unlikely) the struggles will continue. I know the independent governing body route is a no go but the sport at at each league level and as a whole needs a directive of how it intends to be viewed from the outside and the direction that all clubs should be heading in there will remain the clumsy separate approach that haunts the sport now.

I would buy a track / venue but darned if i would enter a team into the league. Id host open meetings with riders graded closer to ability levels and practice days to keep the coffers full. I don't see any benefits of team speedway in the UK anymore for rider, club or fans so there's no way i would invest anything into anything that i had limited control over.

The other issue i see is how much benefit is there for Clegg to be in the NL side when its double headers. He will have already taken 4 + rides and then be facing another 5 maybe 6 with RR in play in the NL fixture. I know he will be unbeatable when running at home but its going to take a serious toll on his machinery as well as his focus. Not to mention if it all goes pear shaped in the main meeting the talisman would be missing for the second half. Without Clegg the team could have had 2 x 7-8 point riders and likely a bigger points return overall.

If its 35 then the team could be very top heavy. It currently totals 25.33 so only 9.67 left, even with a 3 pointer like Ryan Mac i have fears for the worst number 5 in league history and a point under the limit.

The problem being that home gates have to pay home and away points. Not going to get much backing for a team that only has 4 home fixtures anyway without the additional away costs.

I think a lot of clubs who are attempting to track two sides might struggle to get all the fixtures in. I hope the league doesn't get split into North / South groups as 6 fixtures wouldn't be worth it for many riders or spectators

Have to agree its the best chance for any rider to settle into higher divisions although averages aren't always a true reflection. Good home performances especially on a track that others are not as comfy with can easily inflate averages. As most of us know having too good a season can see riders frozen out as average improvement is what most clubs look at when making signings.

I hope so too. Personally another season at NL to boost his confidence qould have helped but he seems in a hurry to hit the top. His rise has been solid but a biggest test for a rider is dealing with setbacks and Jordan hasn't encountered many yet.

Its been alledged as a new track to league racing....? Odsal wont be ready and isnt new. Lydd wouldn't get a license so can likely only be northside or the other training track thats up north and i forgetvits name?

Not seen any mention of the Premiership Junior League that was going to be launched? All the ghost teams were forced out and the development leagues put in jeopardy ready for the BSPL to swoop in and save the day but all gone very quiet since......

Takes deep breath, laughs and then thinks every word written above is utter ridiculous tosh. Im not even sure where to start? 4 rising stars in the Champs with 3 far experienced/higher grade riders per team generating a gulf in racing worse than there is now. Clubs letting riders out onto the hallowed shale pre meeting? very few even allow the mascots out and non would risk a delay in start time due to a 2nd half taking place. Have you looked at the numbers of 125/250 riders competing? there are very few 250 riders and nowhere near enough to generate a league of 4 rider teams even if they only formed half of it. I stand by my previous statements that the only good thing about British speedway over the recent years has been the lower leagues, the National league and the development leagues who have tireless volunteers doing it for nothing other than the love of the sport and i find your comments above insulting to all of those involved past and present.

and i thought Odsal Boy was bad......

I believe discussions have been taking place and that the league is going to be spoilt because of interference from the BSPL who only operate wit the interests of their own clubs. But the only promotion i trust is that of the IOW and will stand by the word of Barry and Martin until it is revealed without doubt they are intentionally lying to fans. Once that happens i will then walk away from the sport for good.

Out of interest Speedball & Bagpuss did either of you attend during the young stars era? How do you feel the quality / variety of racing was compared to the top flight? Obviously poor support did little for the atmosphere but how did the value for money compare to today? (not a jibe in any way just a matter of interest)

Newcastle certainly seem keen to rack up the miles although the fixtures may yet just be just challenges? Eastbourne are interested but i think much depends on a start date for them as the available dates for fixtures is going to be key this year. It does certainly feel strange that Leicester are making changes based upon the points limit and signing riders whilst others are being kept in the dark about things.

All depends on what the actual points limit is? Based on 35 then Jamie Halder would be a good addition as a strong second string anything less than that and its likely another 3 pointer either new to league or failure from previous attempts.

Press releases still point to the same team as initially announced with Hume removed due to points reduction and Dicken not wanting a NDL place (again).

I like Jordan but he has been treading water the past couple of seasons. Needs to prove he was the right choice to keep at Redcar before even thinking of higher tiers.

Royals fixtures published including an away date at Newcastle so looks like they are in the League properly and not just the trophy campaign? With only 3 available reserved dates pre-cut off for two sides it seems a push? and if both teams make the play offs (if they bother with NDL play offs) there will be many fingers crossed for a long dry summer

No idea whats going on with the NL although riders are being released due to team building averages changing. As ever things are happening behind the scenes. 5 vacant fixtures suggests no KO cup/Shield meetings? im not sure if the NDL will become an easier or harder sell to riders with only 10 fixtures a season?

Whats the alternate day for NL? Can't be enough Bank Holidays to cover the fixtures and inevitable rain offs?

I think that will come in time. I reckon Jake Knight could be in for a return, rides the track well and could add a couple of points onto his average.

Didnt know that but very sad if true. A weekend National League place was highly desirable (even if it is Mildenhall) so cant really blame him. Either way i feel its a missed opposition for both.

The way the NL points limit appears to have been cut maybe they won't be able to do it.....