Mimmo

Glad to hear you'll all be coming along. It does seem unreal that the NL season is at end in August, but there just aren't enough teams in the league, which is such a shame. It must be very difficult for the riders, as they're being denied the chance to do what they love doing, unlike those in the EL & PL. Local weather forecast says there may be a few spits & spots this morning, with the sun showing it's face at times this afternoon. It's already sunny where I am, albeit a little chilly. Really looking forward to 7.30pm so the action can start.

With the abnormally high interest in this fixture, I thought you might like to know the team line-ups. King's Lynn: 1) Ashley Birks 2) Oliver Rayson 3) Scott Campos 4) Jake Knight 5) James Cockle 6) Tom Stokes 7) Lewis Kerr (Team manager: - Mr Allitt) Belle Vue: 1) Kyle Howarth 2) Karl Mason 3) Adam McKinna 4) Byron Bekker 5) Jason Garrity 6) Chris Widman 7) Scott Richardson (Team manager: - Mr Williams)

Shouldn't do Whippy as the forecast is good.

Oh drats, that stops me attending too

Being on soccer duty up in the box on the mic is certainly a different way of doing things

No probs mate, between 7.30 and 9.30pm

Notice for Norfolk Arena Pit Stop Cafe: Seems things are looking good and you can get ready for the normal NL fixture rush of three teas and one white coffee. So far the riders are outnumbering the public, so to quote Delia....."Come on, lets be 'avin' you"

GREAT, let's keep a register, and see if we can get up to 200 names!! 1) Mike (Mimmo) 2) Neil Watson

It's time to bring this meeting back to the front of peoples minds, as it will be restaged this Wednesday 24th August at 7.30pm. Any updated team news will be brought to you as and when it is known. This is the final home league match for the Young Stars, and apart from a challenge match in October, much depends on if we reach the play-offs as to whether the riders will get any track time throughout September. If they don't, I'd just like to thank everyone involved at King's Lynn for keeping the side running again in 2011. Although like the Elite League, meetings come in fits and starts which doesn't give the continuity we fans at either level would like, it's been brilliant. I've been fortunate enough, and I mean that most sincerely, to have seen a fair amount of the Young Stars away meetings this year, and I still think that over the course of a season, this third tier of racing offers the best overall package of enjoyment for your money. I'll agree that last weeks meeting against Stoke fell way short of expectations, but that was the exception rather than the rule. I hope upon hope...upon hope....upon hope, that the league continues and grows over the years to come, because it needs to, and deserves to. So if you've still never attended a National League meeting, then please do come along on Wednesday and see what you've been missing. Supporters at places like Dudley & Mildenhall have been converted in a small space of time, and now boast crowds that a lot of Premier and some Elite League clubs would die for. It's my dearest wish to see places like Buxton, Isle of Wight, King's Lynn etc., to join those same ranks. Jeez I'm gonna shut up, I'll be in tears in a minute see you on Wednesday........PLEASE SAY YOU'LL BE THERE.....PLEEEEEEEEZE!!

Following a break of five weeks since our last home fixture, it’s certainly good to be back, and if we could have handpicked our opponents, we couldn’t have made a better choice than that of reigning league leaders Stoke. I was fortunate enough on two counts, to be in the Staffordshire/Derbyshire district last weekend, and witnessed two meetings of the highest calibre. Saturday night saw the ‘Eazy Rider’ Potters take on and demolish what has to be said is a very talented Dudley outfit, to the tune of 61-34. Proud Potter, Potty Potter, call him what you like, but team-manager Malcolm Vasey, has assembled a team here that are second to none, and despite their defeat at Mildenhall yesterday, are going to be a tough nut indeed to crack. Currently occupying pole position in the National League table, they are now my personal favourites to go on to claim ultimate glory come the seasons end. Never at third tier level have they ever put any silverware into the Loomer Road cabinet, so any success will be long over due, and now very deserving. Can we beat them on their inaugural National League visit to the Norfolk Arena, only time will tell, but following our fabulous win at Buxton on Sunday afternoon, we must be brimming with confidence, which points to tonight being a classic. Leading the way for the Staffordshire outfit is our own asset SIMON LAMBERT who is riding as well if not better than at any stage during his career. A combined score of thirty-six points in his two meetings at the weekend, is proof of the pudding, if any was needed, and he’s gonna be a pain in the butt to us on Wednesday, that’s for sure. Winner of the NL Pairs with partner Tim Webster at Newport in June, there’s nothing the Gosberton Risegate rider would like more than to add a championship winning medal to go alongside that too. Whether we’ll see TIM WEBSTER in action, only time will tell. He was left feeling battered and bruised following a recent crash on the Isle of Wight, and missed the weekend meetings. Born 22-years ago in Birmingham, he actually made his racing debut in 2004 in our colours, failing to score in four rides at Weymouth. If unavailable, Stoke have enough in depth scoring power to cover his rider-replacement outings. Captain and at 45-years of age the old boy of the side, comes TONY ATKIN. Born in Wrexham, the Welshman is showing no signs of slowing down, and is as inspirational a leader as you could ever hope to find, as can be seen by his artistic way of team-riding (watch out, I’m coming through!). Like Lambert and Webster, he’s also a previous winner of the NL Pairs, with his success coming in 2009 when wearing the colours of Newport. Born on the 16 November 1993 in Sheffield, JAMES SARJEANT’S only claim to fame thus far is that he shares a birthday with triple world champion Ole Olsen and Oswald Mosley, who is no relation to me. 2011 marks his third year in speedway, having spent a while as the Sheffield mascot, and with a 5-point plus average to his name, suggests he learning the shale game at a rapid rate of knots. JAIMIE PICKARD has been on the racing scene for almost six-years now, and is a protégé of Buxton rider Dean Felton. He’s had a spell in the Premier League this term with Plymouth, but before he had chance to catch his breath, the Devon club replaced him with Guglielmo Franchetti. As his 7.86 average would suggest, he’s a scorer of big points in this league, and will be difficult to contain. Born BEN WILLIAM READE on the 27 March 1991 in Swindon, he rode his speedway at Plymouth last year, progressing well. Following Stoke’s decision to drop down a league this year, he was offered a role with the club, just 4-days before his twentieth birthday, and has grasped the opportunity with both hands. A great prospect indeed. Last but by no means least, the man wearing the No 7 Red & White bib is GARETH ISHERWOOD. The likeable Manchester lad has devoted his career to Buxton and Stoke, apart from a short spell with Scunthorpe last year, and personifies what loyalty is all about. He’s seldom a big scorer, but is the sort of rider that every team needs to be able to call upon from the reserve berth in there hour of need. So folks, it's the usual start time of 7.30pm and hope to see you there.

No Martin, I didn't miss what was an excellent afternoon's speedway, but as you may have read on the Speedway Star, I've recently lost my Mum, hence my being quiet. Cheers Mike

This is certainly the week for welcoming visitors from overseas to the Norfolk Arena. Today of course sees riders and various representatives from the Czech Republic, Poland and Russia hit these shores in World Team Cup combat. Following our trip to the Potteries at the weekend with a patched up side, we unfortunately suffered a 56-37 defeat against what has to be said is a very solid Stoke outfit; we now turn our attentions to the visit of the Isle of Wight from across the Solent, yep, more overseas visitors. Friday saw the ‘Islanders’ take a thumping 58-35 at Lakeside against high-flyers Hackney. Missing the services of Gary Cottham and Charlie Saunders didn’t help their cause, with rider-replacement and guest Rhys Naylor only netting a total of 5-points. It’s now fifteen years since our visitors staged their inaugural meeting, which was for the Island Individual Championship, and was won by Martin Willis. Since then they’ve operated in both second and third tiers of racing, and gained success in 1998 and 2001 when they won the Young Shield. Their most recent glory came in 2007 when they were victors in the Premier League Fours at Peterborough. Wednesday will be the third occasion that we’ve met in Norfolk for National League points, and they are yet to register there first win. When we met at the Smallbrook Stadium towards the end of June, we went down 46-44, after leading right up to the end of the penultimate race, so we owe them one! Barring any late injury problems, wearing the Red, White and Blue will be inspirational skipper NICK SIMMONS. Born on the 24 July 1981 at Leamington Spa, and sharing a birthday with J-Lo, and by that I mean Jennifer Lopez and not John Oliver, he’s been active on the racing scene since 1997. He was granted a testimonial at Newport three-years ago in a meeting won by Lewis Bridger. Partnered John Resch to victory in the New Holmwood Pairs Cup in May on his home track. Sharing a November birthday with referee Margaret Vardy, PAUL STARKE enjoys good solid family support on the terraces wherever he races, and is making great progress up the speedway ladder since his racing debut in 2007. Has no individual success in his pocket yet, but it’s only a matter of time, and he’s sure to figure amongst the high scorers tonight. After sitting out the early part of the campaign, it’s good to see DANIEL WARWICK, who shares a birthday with actress Goldie Hawn, back in the saddle again, doing what he does best. Danny started his career with Newport in 2002 and his ridden for numerous clubs since his debut, including a spell with us in 2004. Can often be seen on the Norfolk Arena terraces with partner Lorna. Born in 1988 just four days after Valentines Day, comes former Boston ‘Barracuda’ ROB SMITH, who blows out candles the same day as former racing-car driver Enzo Ferrari. Surprisingly, no one offered him a team spot last year, but thankfully the Islanders realised he was to big a talent going to waste, and took him on a full transfer from Rye House. LUKE CHESSELL born in Swindon on the 6 January 1990 comes from a speedway dynasty, as his father and two uncles both participated in the sport. Took his first rides on the Scunthorpe mini-track around the Christmas of 2008. He started this season in the Green, White & Red of Dudley, but sadly for him, lost his place to Danny Stoneman in May. The Islanders needed a replacement for injury stricken Tom Hill, hence his appearance here on Wednesday. Shares his birthday with Joan of Arc, who it has to be said, was slightly older!! Whether GARY COTTHAM will be fit to ride only time will tell. Son of former rider also named Gary, they’ve both represented teams at some stage with the Crusaders moniker. Dad rode for Canterbury and son for Sittingbourne, and both with a fair degree of success. I’m sure that twit Roald Dahl would be proud to say he shared a birthday with the Eastbourne born speedster. Latest addition to the Isle of Wight ranks his 20-year old CHARLIE SAUNDERS who hails from the Swindon area. Saunders, whose tag line is ‘No Half Measures!’ started British youth grass-track racing in 2003 – earning a reputation as a teenage sensation – before progressing through the ranks. In 2007, he showcased his potential by finishing third in the British Under-21 Championship at the first attempt. He subsequently went on to be highly successful in his chosen discipline and, having previously shown how well he could also handle a speedway bike with Swindon Sprockets in the Academy League of 2007, Saunders finally accepted the offer of a regular team berth when the Isle of Wight snapped him up as a replacement for Lee Smethills just ten days ago. Not only does he share a birthday with Henka Gustafsson but more importantly with my late Aunty Ethel, now that is impressive. Okay, so tonight’s WTC should be interesting, but I doubt it’ll compare with the King’s Lynn v Isle of Wight encounter

I didn't know until I read these postings this morning that meeting was off, as I'd already written my page in the programme. What a disappointment.

I'm afraid I can't answer any questions that may follow this post, because I don't have any answers. The official line-up that I've been given is: - 1. Kyle Hughes 8.96 2. Lewis Kerr 5.48 3. Scott Campos 4.82 4. Jake Knight 7.14 5. James Cocke 7.61 © 6. Tom Stokes 3.42 7. Oliver Rayson 3.56

You may be right about the negative comments affecting crowd levels Rocket, but I very much doubt it. It's all down to the high admission price I would imagine. I got in to see Peterborough v King's Lynn (EL) last Monday for the same price, so I would think that sums up why people aren't attending. Bloody shame, because the National League is excellent stuff.

As to Charlie Saunders who is he I've found that he rode for Swindon Sprockets in 2007 & has been included in, but withdrew from, individuals at Reading & Weymouth since. Though he has been described as a prominent grasstrack rider & has seemingly decided speedway will be his number 1 sport now. He will be 21 next month. Anyone else have any info on him? Good luck Charlie SAUNDERS, Charles (Charlie) Alan DATE OF BIRTH: 14 August 1990, Swindon, Wiltshire. BRITISH CAREER: (2011) Isle of Wight. 2011 STARTING AVERAGE: 3.00 (NL). ADDITIONAL INFO: Saunders, whose tag-line is ‘No Half Measures!’, started British youth grass-track racing in 2003 – earning a reputation as a teenage sensation – before progressing through the ranks. In 2007, he showcased his potential by finishing third in the British Under-21 Championship at the first attempt. He subsequently went on to be highly successful in his chosen discipline and, having previously shown how well he could also handle a speedway bike with Swindon Sprockets in the Academy League of 2007

Good lord Whippy, Chris ain't that young.....well he doesn't look it anyway

You're quite right Heathen1984, it is all about opinions, and what you must realise is that ours is right and yours is wrong Good luck for the remainder of the season.

Oh no, have they finished with you then? I thought next port of call would have been Chris Golding, but if that ain't the case, I'd better get under the air-raid shelter PDQ.

Many rides with high expectancy levels drop by and only score a couple of points and leave without any fuss, so no need to feel your plans have been wrecked. But such is the fan base of your bairn, that I'll be surprised if SKY aren't in attendance to capture the moment, so no pressure mate

Do you ever find yourself in the position where you're dribbling saliva, much the same way as some old geezer does that pops out from behind a tree in a raincoat? If the answer is yes, then you can be happy in the knowledge that you haven't suddenly become a pervert, but that you're excitement levels are reacing fever pitch in anticipation of the forthcoming King's Lynn 'Young Stars' meeting against the Belle Vue 'Colts'. Once the euphoria of todays Andy Murray match against Rafal Nadal at Wimbledon is out of the way, you'll have little to concentrate on, other than next Wednesday, so if needs be, see your GP to get some pills to contain yourself until the BIG night. The world and his friend appreciate the scoring power and ability of the likes of Byron Bekker, Kyle Howarth, Adam McKinna, Karl Mason, Scott Richardson & Jason Garrity, but main public and media interest will centre on the return to the Norfolk Arena of Leicester born Chris David Widman. Yes folks, it's true, Chris will be with us on Wednesday, eager to put one over his former King's Lynn team-mates, and like a total eclipse of the sun, it brings a rare chance to witness something special. A few weeks ago, we at King's Lynn were so lucky to be in attendance on the night Emil Sayfutdinov came to town, and now we have a chance to party again, but this time with the arrival of Chris David Widman..........and his Dad!!! The club are expecting a massive turn-out for the World Team Cup on the 11th July, but I just reckon (so early in the morning and I'm drunk ) that KING'S LYNN v BELLE VUE on Wednesday 6th July at 7.30pm will entice an even bigger crowd. What ever you do, don't give this meeting a miss, as it'll be something you'll live to regret for the rest of your lives. So just to round up, King's Lynn 'Young Stars' v Belle Vue 'Colts' starring CHRIS DAVID WIDMAN at the Norfolk Arena on Wednesday 6th July at 7.30pm. Admission: Adults £10 Concessions £8 12-15's £3 and Under 11's Free. Full colour programme £1. Now where have I put my pills, I need to lay down

You may have won had Kyle have ridden, but don't lets forget that the Young Stars lost heat-leader Scott Campos from the meeting with injury, and at the least he'd have been good enough for 6-points. This would have meant 6-points more on the KL score and six of Dudley. So what I'm trying to say, is if both teams had ridden at full strength, the chances are that the win would possibly still gone the way of KL on this occassion. Anyway, good luck at the Isle of Wight next Tuesday.

KINGS'S LYNN: Kyle Hughes 13 Oliver Rayson 10+1 Jake Knight 10 James Cockle 8+1 Tom Stokes 5+2 Lewis Kerr 2+2 Scott Campos 0 DUDLEY: Jon Armstrong 16+1 Ashley Morris 8+1 Darryl Ritchings 7+1 Tom Perry 7+1 Richard Franklin 2 Danny Stoneman 1+1

Not one of the better Young Stars meetings, but every club at all levels suffer poor meetings at some point. There were some good individual performances, particularly those of Kyle Hughes, Jake Knight, Tom Stokes, Oliver Rayson, Jon Armstrong and the vastly improving Darryl Ritchings. I hope the injuries to both Lewis Kerr & Scott Campos are of a minor nature, and that they'll be back riding very soon. It looked a disappointing crowd, and I'm sure the away support out-numbered the home support, which is a credit to the Midlands club. Having said that, programmes were sold out, so maybe there were more in attendance than it looked. I'm already looking forward to next weeks meeting against the Belle Vue 'Colts'.