PotteringAround

Appalling move from King's Lynn. Kingston has dropped out of the team, which is a diappointment. But because they are worried R/R or guests won't score as many points as Kingston, they're kicking 21-year-old Cossey out of the team to replace him with a 33-year-old reserve? Manager Jason Pipe said "With our current situation with the team and not knowing how the guests will go, I’ve had to do one change to the team to try and get some more points from certain heats. Kenzie is at the start of his speedway career and a rider I believe will come good. We were hoping to be able to carry Kenzie in the team and let him develop with no pressure, but on this occasion I’ve had to use my head and go with that, rather than with my heart." Or in other words.... Sod development, this is about win at all costs!

You're certainly entitled to your opinion. Not one that many share though!

So, a pretty impressive performance from Garrity on a track that's tricky and not as well prepared as it used to be when he rode last. Won the pairs meeting with Will Boraston, scoring 14 out of 15 and only dropping 1 point to Alfie Bowtell. Is he NDL eligible? Where would he fit in the Buxton team? Can they get him in for the next meeting? Would imagine a few Championship promoters will be interested if he rides like that on his first meeting back

Belle Vue ran yesterday in 31 degree heat, starting at 12 noon. The track was being watered when we arrived and had clearly been well watered before (probably the previous day as well). They watered every 4 heats, and were often doing a lap giving it a good top-up sprinkling after each 2 heats. The track was perfect, and the meeting was over in 2 hours despite a break when the medics had to tend to Luke Killeen. I know Buxton isn't Belle Vue's level, but with a Sunday/Monday Buxton/Belle Vue option again, I know which one I'd attend in future, and which I wouldn't rush back to.

Jack Smith 8.73 Nathan Ablitt 8.33 Dayle Wood 8.00 Ashton Vale 6.38 Ryan Ingram 5.18 Kenzie Cossey 3.25 Ben Whalley 2.00 41.87

That's not how averages work. Obviously it was only going to be a challenge match, so Buxton could use Zmarzlik if they wanted. I just found it surprising to see that they were planning to use a second-string "ringer" that took them over the points limit, when I would have thought it would make more sense to try out a legal reserve, since that is what they will need for league fixtures. As it happens it was rained off anyway.

Sacking one of the 6 riders before a wheel is turned? Seems harsh!

I understand that this is only a challenge and that Max Perry and Alfie Bowtell have apparent pre-existing commitments elsewhere. So no problem with them covering for these two with Rider Replacement and a guest (Darryl Ritchings). But I can't fathom why Buxton are replacing their non-existent reserve with a second string to take them way over the (already too high) points limit. Surely the spirit of Buxton is to bring on young riders, not to chase wins with ringers? Wouldn't it have made more sense to try out a rider who actually fits within the points limit and who could be their actual legal reserve? Owen Booth (above) sounds like a candidate in need of track time?

It's like Richard Branson. They say he's a brilliant businessman, but have you tasted his homemade Vol-au-Vents? I found the pastry too flaky, and not enough filling. The bloke can't cook. I was up for a big deal, but they put me right off.

1. Sheffield - Decent top 3. (Though C Holder on the slide a bit). Need Rowe to perform as last season, and Flint to bring his reserve form into the main body. 2. Belle Vue - Powerhouse top two. If the younger members can keep improving, they have a chance. 3. King's Lynn - Best side for years, but feel more like individuals than a team. If they all fire, they'll be hard to beat. 4. Leicester - Solid enough, but might be lacking in heats 13 & 15 against the above 5. Ipswich - Unless they sign a big name, having Brennan at No.1 is a tough ask. Will be solid throughout, and if the rumour of getting a heat leader like Thorssell on a reserves average is true, it will boost them. 6. Northampton - Unless they have something special up their sleeves it could be Lidsey, Wright, Lawson as top 3. Enough riders out there to build a strength in depth team, but not play-off winners.

Agreed. I could get from Stoke to Brafield in around 100 mins. Maybe 1 hr 45.

Yeah, Rob keeps coming up with these great ideas, but they always have their knockers.

Coming next, the BSN Cup draw....

Louis certainly seems to have been a bit of a "James Hunt" this winter.

The NSS was there in 2018. I merely searched to find every appearance at the NSS. I didn't take into account appearances at the dog track, or anywhere else.