SlicktrackSandy

So true - and of course we must also point out that " The longest journey begins with the first small step - aha ...aha ." ( Lao Tzu Reid Brothers ) Adapted quote

At least Max James is a fresh face so far, and that's a plus. The surprise could actually be that there no surprises, but have a feeling there may be at least one, otherwise what would be the "exciting news" that was promised earlier ?

"You cannot be serious " ( J. McEnroe ) J.P. is 8.63 !

We have placed a Cookie in your team for 2024. This should ensure you have maximum enjoyment of your season. Good luck Craig.

With possibly at least one unexpected surprise ? Could be wrong though. The cloak and dagger stuff smacks of something brewing to soon be released ?

My first thought before the final name was announced was "Oxford Blues" - simply because it sounded "Oxfordy" and they have blue ( & yellow ) racesuits. Not keen on Spires at all but probably not the worst team name ever. Top of the list for me would probably be " Yarmouth Bloaters" way back in the 50s-60s ?

Although not every team will have the quality of a Masters & Nicholls at 1 and 5 your point about Sedgmen is possibly a fair reflection on more recent past performances for Edinburgh. However without the option of either Riss or Sedgmen there are no other obvious candidates who fill that heat leader spot. Thoughts stray to perhaps an overseas import ? Seem to recall that Kevin Wolbert ended 2016 on an 8.00 GSA ? ( TBC ) just as an example - but that may not be feasible for various reasons. All just speculation anyway - it has probably all been done and dusted and kept under wraps until announcement time.

Noticed also that he clocked up 20 bonus points from 14 matches which is pretty impressive. A very promising looking RS and best of luck to him at this level. He will learn a lot in a short time.

Or Kye T & Lasse F instead of Jacob H and Justin S with 3.04 for #7 ?

Would think that having both KT and Paco would be unlikely so maybe betting would be on the latter ? Also it is 6.48 v 5.30 so it would free up a precious extra 1.18 points which could prove valuable ?

Yes that would look a possibility at 7.35 especially as he doesn't seem to be mentioned elsewhere. Heeps and Coles as mentioned above less likely I would have thought. Looks like the third heat leader may be 5.30 ish if there is to be a balance further down the line. In any event nobody knows nothing at this point ( except the ones who do know something ! )

Would definitely second that. Having watched him both live and on video, he does look a good prospect. Am sure he will make further strides in 2024. Whoever gets him has made an astute choice in my view.

Just 30 miles apart ? That's just up the road ! This guy's round trip to Armadale home matches is over 100 miles and did it for over 20 years !

Armadale to Berwick is stated to be 80.6 miles if via A1

Am thinking we may need to have Bastian or Lasse at #6 if we are to have a 2.00 pointer at #7

Reckon we could just about squeeze this 7 under the 40 point limit ( TBC ) Wolbert - Riss - Worrall - Palovaara - Castagna - Hook - Clegg Probably pie in the sky stuff but on paper looks interesting enough ?

What do you mean by "we" Kemo Sabe ?

Could such an imposition actually be even legal ? It's not the rider's fault he was dropped in favour of Boughen. If he is not required surely he would be free to seek employment elsewhere ?

Public Information Announcement : "I'm convinced this will be a major contribution to rider safety."

Think they've started early queuing at the turnstiles already - just to be insulted !

Apparently riding in Poland at the weekend. Will need to be careful after such a long lay off - hope it goes well for him.

I would put that in the past tense - yet they still persist with it as if it's set in stone !

Could be wrong but am not convinced that with the points options we are likely to have, 2 changes are unlikely to make a difference going forward. Unless the injuries to Josh & Craig are long term ones am assuming you may be thinking of a permutation of any 2 from positions #4, #6 & #7, the latter two being our most fragile as with last year. Question is could 7.28 points be better spent on two NDL ? replacements before 1st June or 3.28 points on one ? The management has always encouraged supporters to have high expectations of the sides they assemble and rightly so. However, starting with Josh's unfortunate injury and its unsettling effect on the team, we appear to have run into a perfect storm of a further injury to Craig, Paco's absence and off form reserves, while meeting an excellent Scorpions side at full strength rightly taking advantage of the situation as we would have done ourselves. Judging by the comments on Facebook the supporters understandable frustrations are there for all to see and as a clearly in pain Kye Thomson commented ( injured hand ) that sometimes you just have to take it on the chin and move on. However, as we are often reminded these days, Speedway is a business as well as a sport and that has to taken into account when moving on.

If launching a new team proved to be at all possible - "Peterborough Pumas" would preserve the big cat theme as they are not too dissimilar. Maybe that is being a bit too naive though when there appear to be so many self interests to negotiate around. Hope something positive works out one way or another in the very near future.