STEVEHOLS54

Have been checking various young rider Euro stats for possible clues. Trying to avoid those who have ridden regularly in Europe or have done near enough season long racing in POL or POL U24 and other Euro leagues. The latter would be on a 5 which too high. Sure there must be some criteria that a rider has had to have ridden X number of meetings to have been upgraded from a 4 to a 5. Are we in effect saying that if we are signing a European/Scandinvian young rider then he need to have not raced in any League to qualify for a 4 ??. If that's the case then who can it be as it would be like signing a third junior on top of Perry/Hagon. Just an aside footnote. Tate Zischke was my choice of rider but many say he would be on 5 due to his 6 meetings in POL U24 last season. Just saw in POL article today he is not named as one of the riders for the Aussie Champ or even as wild card or reserve over the 5 meetings. He was named as one of the main field in previous releases in POL & Aus Oct/Nov. Bowes and Pearson are named with west as Wild Card. I wonder why ??

Well just for fun and as I love playing guess the team game I am going to throw this one out there. Check this recent press release on Polish Speedway site Speedway News about a young Adam- Bubba-Bednar dated 15th November. https://speedwaynews.pl/zuzel/stal-gorzow-z-nowym-nabytkiem-kim-jest-adam-bubba-bednar/ Some are making noise that this young recently turned 16 year old (2nd September) could be a potential World beater. Just signed up for POL U24 Lge. Sounds exciting and could be anything going by the reviews. Has modled himself on Tai Woff & Bewley for driving style and pesonality. Matej Kus an ex Czech Riders quotes: Adam is undoubtedly the most talented player I have seen in years. He has an amazing feel for the bike and is very good at being in the right place at the right time. He has the heart of a warrior and no position is lost for him. – Lists its advantage Reading that article and signing somebody of that potential would be a real statement of intent. Probably wrong as there are a whole host of promising Europeans out there.

I originally thought West at one stage as I also looked at his FB page after he won the Aussie U21 title (more by default after all 3 other riders were excluded incl Zichke & Rew). I found a video on his Youtube page where he rode some laps around Poole pre or after meeting about 5 months ago. But then I checked and he rode POL U24 Lge last 2 seasons (full seasons not like Tate who only rode about 6 meetings last season after his injury ruled him about until July). That would mean he would probably be on a 5 which is too high. Haven't seen any rumours on Hook so maybe ??.

So, that indicates you know who it may be . Last nights sponsors meeting seems to have been informative by the sounds of it . Brennan news was good. Not unexpected for us on the forum but the majority of fans don't come on here so it would be viewed as exciting news for sure to get an exciting 22 year old Brit signed up. I take it you mean the assumption on the other 2 probably being Zach & Tom Perry as rumoured here for some time. As for the possible surprise last signing. With only approx 4.20 left you have Nielsen/Starke/Joe Thompson - The Dane Borke who we can probably exclude as a Dane with a Wed track - Aussies Pearson (rumoured to be going to Glasgow) or Hook. Besides them its a young untried Aussie ??. Can you maybe throw us a teaser/clue or two so that at least a few of us maybe able to work it out without naming said rider. Or you could mail me as we have exchanged views before .

I'm still intrigued by who our 4 pointer will be if the other 6 are as expected. (Law/both Cooks/Hagon/Perry/Brennan) Still early days but none of Hook/Borke/Joe Thomspon (below 4), Starke or Pearson have been announced elsewhere yet, and of course any young Aussies being considered. Personally feel that could be a crucial slot. Anything the 2 young 2 point reserves do would be a bonus whatever they get in points, even with the lower points limit & some weaker reserves elsewhere compared to past seasons. Could the Ford's be waiting to see how the Aussie season develops to see who of the lower end riders performs as they have done in some past seasons ?.

Yes - Middlo really is an asset to the sport. Not only an excellent Manager for many years but the way he has supported riders (especially young Aussies new to our shores). Maybe a slight shame that Danny's special announcement maybe slightly tempered by some of the forum contributors having worked out the likely signing of Brennan, coupled with Lisa's post about Brennan posting on X the closing date for his final club naming date in Champ for his win a beanie competition, which coincides with Danny to make a special announcement on the 8th. Could be wrong of course and it may be totally unrelated. Must admit I am more interested in our 4 point signing now as the other 6 seem to be known by either shrewd select posters in the know or good guessers of the team for 2024

No - Wasn't referring to Zaine being at Poole. Only an option maybe for Declan. I agree though would make a lot of sense for both to ride at one club similar to the Cook's. If i recall from the past didn't Zaine stay up that way as his base for UK making it sense if they both stay together like the Cook's did which worked well at Poole. Handy having Middleditch having lodging available which has worked well for Poole's young Aussies over the years.

Saw on the forum recently a poster comment about maybe Josh returning to UK (Poole ??). May have been a tongue in cheek comment. When looking up for info on Zischke via Youtube 2/3 weeks back found a recent meeting for 2023, where Josh rode and completely outclassed the other riders. Looked like he had never been away. Next I saw he won the above which I assume helps him in getting a Visa to ride in UK if he chose. Believe they were the rules a few years ago from memory, that you had to be placed in a State meeting to help qualify for one. Can't sign a POL contract this late (as window closed) but suppose a doubling up in UK possible if he has set sights on a return to UK ??. Unless just keeping his hand in at riding in Aussie. Personally thought he had stopped riding but sure looked quick in races I saw in. Last rode Champ in 2017 with a final GSA of 9.47. (No idea if any reduction for being away 6 years). My over active mind says Lawson loan to Workington (with his family connection) with Josh to Poole but at 0.77 higher than Lawson would tie up nearly a point more with the lower 38 point limit. Of course could still double up but with other clubs or it may just me overthinking it

Believe 4.20 left if the others are as rumoured. My thoughts are : If they got Zische reduced to 4 based on circumstances last season then my first choice. Would not surprise me if they gave Declan Kennedy a try as never rode UK. Could well come over with his older brother Zaine and they lodge together plus help each other at their respective Clubs. Similar to what the Cook Bros have done. If it comes down to saving cost maybe they will go Nielsen or Starke but neither really going forward and Nielson especially injury prone. Joe Thompson on 3.51 after Brit reduction may be risky as team would be 0.69 below an already low 38 point limit plus exposes us at the bottom end. Besides that only leaves Hook/Borke/Pearson. Or another young Aussie but some of them have raced full POL U24 in last 1/2 seasons, so I assume they get a 5 so excluded. The Poles are very switched on to rising Aussie talent and quickly sign them up for the POL Extra Lge u24 teams flying them over and looking after them. They not only race but get lots of additional training on good tracks.

Only yesterday I commented below: Looking at last green sheets it left either a 4 point Aussie or Hook/Borke/J Thompson (although we would waste near enough half a point)/Nielsen/Starke/Pearson. Not convinced on Hook personally as he is 21 has had 2 seasons in Champ and POL U24 but hasn't really done much. Pearson may offer more as only 18 but has shown some signs. Declan Kennedy (Zaine's younger brother) has shown promise in Aussie and have seen the odd rumour about maybe UK bound. Would love it if the Ford's could pull some strings on Zischke with powers that be. Some say he was going to join Poole for 2023 (March) before POL U24 season started on 18th Apr. Unfortunately his injury in Aussie before end 2022 ruled him out for 6 months, so only rode 6 matches - 23 rides from July to season end, rather than 18 matches for finalists. Just seems unfair that he is penalised a point so 5 not 4 if rumours on the forum about him being a 5 for racing in POL U24 before riding UK, where Pearson/Hook still keep there achieved 4 point av despite riding 2 seasons in both UK and POL U24 league. If that is the rule despite it being circumstances outside his control just seems a bit unfair. Just my opinion but I am biased I suppose having raved on Zischke since before start of last season having seen his exciting style and potential with even Darcy Ward saying he reminded him a lot of a younger DW.

My calculation based on above left 4.20. Looking at last green sheets it left either a 4 point Aussie or Hook/Borke/J Thompson (although we would waste near enough half a point)/Nielsen/Starke/Pearson. Must admit still annoys me that Zischke who was earmarked for Poole (allegedly) for 2023 on a 4 before his injury, could only race from July so for 6 matches and about 23 rides in the POL U24 league gets allocated a 5 where Hook/Pearson who raced UK on below 4 av have ridden in POL U24 for near enough 2 years but still get allocated a 4. Even if we tried to sign Michael West I assume he would get same 5 (raced in POL U24 Lge) as Zische despite never riding UK.

I thought this unexpected rider available development was mentioned a little while ago prior to the local radio interview. I am sure it coincided with Brennan being released by Glasgow that fueled the Brennan to Poole rumours. Could be wrong but I'm sure it was mentioned on the forum. Also thought it was one of the rumours that Rowe went from 99% certain of a team place to 1% being actually released by Danny due to unexpected team developments according to Anders comments. Think it was mentioned about giving the team a stronger look for 2024 with the new lower limit.

Wouldn't be the biggest surprise as if Zaine is returning to UK, I'm sure he could maybe lodge with Zaine and they could help each other like the Cook's have done. Also checking back can't find any record of him having done Europe racing (certainly not the 2 seasons of POL U24). So maybe he qualifies on a 4. Also been riding well in Aussie as has had some impressive scores including beating likes of Zischke and believe he won a 5 round Darcy Ward series in Aussie. For interest an article recently published in Aussie said: Declan Kennedy, regarded by experts, as having an extremely big future in the sport, won the BRTS Darcy Ward Track Championship in 2022 and currently leads the points standings in the 2023 domestic series. Kennedy has appeared in the prestigious Darcy Ward Invitational and acquitted himself brilliantly.

Earlier comments on the forum from several people prior to the AGM. May be all hot air of course. Just trying to cultivate a discussion based on what's been on the forum, none of those named was initiated by me.

If that really was the case (and is that on basis it is assumed he is on a 5 for racing only 6 matches in POL U24). Or is it based on actual factual information from UK authorities that he is a 5. Just seems a bit crazy that the likes of Pearson/Hook can race near enough 2 seasons in the same league but only get classified at 4 because racing in UK they achieved that, where an inexperienced Aussie who lost 6 months to injury has to accept a 5 for in effect 6 meetings. Also his Danish experience in 2022 was a quick flying visit where he rode a few meetings as a short working holiday in their junior div 2 before jetting back home.

Hopefully one of our better informed colleagues may be able to throw some light on who that 4 pointer (or up to 4.20) rider might be

I took 2.5% off Lawson/Brennan/and Hagon ( who was 2.63 less 2.5%) = 2.56. Or does the 2.5% for him not apply unless its over 3 ?? So Lawson becomes 8.48 Brennan becomes 7.15 B.Cook 7.39 Z Cook 6.22 Hagon 2.56 Perry 2 Total 33.80 (sorry my first calculation was slightly off so it's 4.20 left not 4.30 - By my calculation

Ok, with all the rules now known lets try and name riders for Poole in 2024. So far the forum has rumoured a 6 of Lawson/Brennan/B.Cook/Z.Cook/Sam Hagon & Max Perry (last 2 as reserves). The last 2 also promote the young Brit support policy. By my calculation that leaves 4.30 left. Of existing riders it sweeps up on mid 3 points onward's of Hook/Pearson/Borke/ Joe Thompson/Nielsen/Starke That seems to leave choosing one of them (if not all signed up already) or a young Aussie ??. The Aussie U21 Finals was weekend just gone and a bit of a disaster as 3 rider were excluded, and Michael West was left to ride 4 laps alone to win it. Exclusions included the heavy favourite Rew plus my rider for the future Zischke. Believe Zischke was last exclusion in the 3/4 attempts to race the final so was awarded 2nd place. Can't find individual scores or race videos anywhere on FB or Youtube or any of the POL Speedway sites which is unusual as they gave all heat results in the junior 125cc event. I still have my doubts as to whether the likes of West & Zischke would be 5 pointers having only really raced in POL U24 league bearing in mind the likes of Hook/Pearson and young Brits who raced in it still get away with 4 (if Aussies) or even lower if Brits. Snippit of interest for those maybe not aware. Found a video of Michael West on Youtube doing some after racing laps at Poole Stadium about 5 months ago. The guy is 19 and did plenty of meetings in the POL U24 lge last season. Wonder if it was a precurser to maybe Poole in 2024??. Personally think Zischke would be my choice of the 2 as younger and certainly in late 2022 prior to his accident was well ahead of West and a year younger. No doubt both will be racing on a Tuesday in POL U24 again. If it comes down to saving cost maybe the Ford's will go with one of those named who already raced in UK in 2022 & 2023.

With the rumour that San Hagon maybe coming to Poole in 2024, found this interesting little article posted on Australia Speedway site in last few days. Exciting British youngster Sam Hagon will be joining Mildura’s Olympic Park Speedway ranks during the upcoming summer to further develop his racing talents. Hagon will follow in the footsteps of riders such as Dan Bewley and Tom Brennan who were summer residents at Olympic Park. Hagon has had a great year in 2023 representing the Birmingham Brummies with local star Justin Sedgmen and picking up the Rider of the Year trophy competing with the Belle Vue Colts. Mildura looks forward to seeing Sam in action at the Jason Lyons Solo Trophy on Tuesday December 26th (Boxing Day). A long way to go but obviously they feel he is one with potential to be mentioned in the same breath as Bewley & Brennan.

Not sure if Tate Zischke will be at Poole, but he had a nightmare NSW U21 meeting having won it easily last year. Won his first ride and was just ahead in his second when another rider lost control sending him into a crashing fall where he looked hurt. he made restart after a delay but didn't look right and finished second, His bike also looked slower than usual. Had 2 falls (one in B final) and ef plus bike didn't look so fast, The heavy fall in his second ride didn't help. It's the Aussie U21 final in 2 weeks where he will meet Rew again as last year. Let's hope he recoveRs fully and sorts engine/s out by then. You can see the crash on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6xgkKOXwIw

With the BSPA meting 10/11th Nov, it begs the question what IF Brum can't guarantee having Speedway let alone Prem in 2024 ??. Can they plan or even start a 5 team Prem with doubts about the TV also prepared to cover such a small league. Makes you think what would the back up plan B be.

So if he has signed for POL U24 and for Piratena in SWE Prem, how is that going to work if both on a Tuesday. Surely can't ride for both and would he be allowed to chop and change as its suits. Or is it a case of each having a squad system so he could be in and out of both. Bit of a nightmare for flights though. Swe gives him better quality racing against better riders although POL gives him experience on the top POL tracks against decent U24 riders. Must admit I could understand him doing POL on Sundays for POL Lge 1 team like last season as he could do Prem/Champ/Swe/Pol. Unless not wanted by his POL team this season. In concluding I have just found in last few minutes an article on Sport Fakty dated 31/10 saying he is one of 3 released riders from 8 released at Lodz who will ride for Gdansk in Lge 1 in 2024 (along with NK Iversen & M.Tonder. That fact this was some 2 plus weeks after his X(Twitter) announcement about POL U24 for 2024, perhaps he has decided that option is better for riding Prem/Champ/Swe and then POL on Sunday rather than POL U24 on a Tuesday.

I need to follow more of the British riders on X . I was looking at the 2023 line up's where he rode for Lodz in Lge 1. I wrongly thought the Poles had started listing the 2024 line up's so my bad . Even though apparently most squads are already complete and the one month transfer window only opened on 1st Nov. A Tuesday will tie in on the U24 quite nicely with Poole then as Zach Cook managed both ok. But hang on. Isn't the POL U24 on a Tuesday which is the same night as Sweden ?? where he has signed for Indianera. That news was only released on 1st Nov (yesterday) which was 2 weeks after his X announcement about the POL U24 signing.

Thanks Skidder _ Just saw same on POL Speedway News site. Could this put into question whether Brennan is signing for Poole after the rumours on the Poole 2024 forum ??. This could mean a schedule of: Mon - Prem Tue- Swe Wed - Poole (or another Champ Club) Thur - Prem Fri - one of the Champ meetings Sat - As Friday Sun - POL I thought one of the reason the likes of Douglas and Pickering want to give up Champ was to concentrate on POL (Sundays and odd Saturdays), was also to take part in the Saturday Polish training sessions.Not sure on that last point but I'm sure I read Douglas mention that in an interview.

Only one who I think at this stage could become a big name is Tate Zischke. Just my opinion, but I take your point.