False dawn

A service that many of us have come to take for granted. Which is all wrong, of course. We have to remember the time, effort and cost of bringing us heat by heat results of virtually every meeting held. Forget the pale imitations on Twitter etc. This is the most comprehensive results service anywhere. Keep up the good work and thank you.

There is an inverse correlation between the number of wildcards and the integrity of the WC system. The more wildcards, the less credible the system. And am I the only one that thinks it's a bit odd that one rider can qualify three ways, all at the same time, before the end of the current GP series? And they say being the top scorer in a GP and not winning the meeting is an anomaly.

An interesting debate. A couple of us were having a similar discussion about the Thompsons recently. The defining argument was that they would probably be racing against the same riders next years as this. We all know that "going up" a year (or 2) early is worse than staying down a year too long. But these kids are ambitious and we should do everything to make their progress possible. I'll tell you this. Seeing Jordan and the Thompsons racing at Leicester on 23rd October certainly made me think they were all the real deal.

You are 100% right. The GP series, when it was introduced, had one feature which countered the "how can a rider who has one good meeting, be considered WC?" effect. Well, what better way to prove that the WC is the most consistent rider across the season that to make every race and every point count? A 3rd in your opening ride should not be considered a bit of a slip, to be caught up later. It's 2 lost points, lost for good. And what about "I've qualified for the semis, so why try hard to win further races" under the new system? We want riders making every race meaningful don't we? Pushing for every point, not making judgements about their likelihood about their qualification for the later stages of the meeting. This is a fundamental mistake and ignores simple psychology. Think on. At Torun this year, we were following the destiny of the championship from race 1 and throughout the meeting race by race.

Just noticed that the page on the Poole website announcing this has strangely disappeared.

It was nice last night. A bit cold, I grant you, but jolly good racing.

No doubt accompanied by Status Quo singing "Blue for you". I couldn't resist it. I'll get my coat.

Jolly fine idea. And what about maintaining such a reduction throughout the year should they stay with their starting team? I think many fans build a sense of attachment to riders over time. The constant chopping and changing will tend to push them away. The feeling that there are riders hiding in a cupboard to be wheeled out when a team isn't winning every week is a bit of a mystery. But then I disregard the "win at all costs" mentality don't I?

I guess we have to say what we what to achieve? If we want to continue on from where we've finished this season, then the points limit for next year should be the average of the closing team averages. That number is 41.26 btw. So 41 would be the status quo. If you want to go "Down, down, deeper and down", then abandon the Status Quo and set a lower points limit.

Amen to Manchester and amen to the avoidance of the daft situation we had this year (apologies for my minor edit of your post).

Kent in the Championship and the National Development League is a very welcome announcement. I look forward to a visit (or three) next year.

Fair point. Maybe I'm getting too old to offer advice?

Would it be possible to contact the man himself?

Hands off Ellis

Do tell......

Now let's have it right... śrubokręt The Dude would be proud of me!

Nah. We must be at cross purposes. Must be Philipski

What is the Polish for dirtometer?

You. my friend, prove why I still go to speedway after nearly 50 years. A true fan who acknowledges good racing, real sportsmanship and real speedway when he sees it. Tonight saw two quality sides go head-to-head for the trophy we all want. Leicester won, of course, but the real winner was all of us. Even "watching" on updates was nail biting. So as a Leicester fan (till the Bees return) can I say, "Well done to Glasgow".

Leicester x2 barring accidents

A testament to an all round side. A solid performance in both legs but how fitting was it that Ellis Perks, on his way to 3 leagues titles, should not only seal the deal in heat 14, but also be the Lions top scorer. Well done to the whole team for their fighting performance, tonight and throughout the season.

Not a bad idea. But come the day someone on 10 points wins the final with second on 16, there will be complaints aplenty. The winner may not even be in the final. Not a good intuitive result and terrible tv.

Not one for the new generation of fans? But for those of us of over 30 () a welcome distraction. Thanks.

Bit of a strange late season signing if that's true. No offence, but as a neutral I viewed his signing as a means to make something of the season at a a very late stage. I guess making the final is a measure of success but has NKI really sparkled? Last time I saw him ride, he made the final in the GP in Torun alongside the best three in the world.

As they used to say in exam questions..... Compare: 1. A league final in the top league in the land, with the best riders available, including two GP riders. Oh, and it was on TV. and 2. A league semi final in the second tier. 1. you know about. 2. was the match at Leicester last Saturday, where the 2nd leg between the Lions and the Redcar Bears took place. This was a real thriller that was hard fought by 14 riders that went down to the last race. Would have made excellent TV. And people say Leicester is a poor circuit?