False dawn

I'd have had Stan in my team but I don't fancy your chances with Olly.

It could mean (and almost certainly will before very long) that the GP winner won't be the top scorer for the weekend. Now where have I heard a discussion like that before?

Not sure about the wall story. But he did dislocate his shoulder on numerous occasions. Rick was a real favourite with the Coventry faithful, me included and it's a sad day. RIP Rick

You may be right (sadly). However, this application was appealed all the way to the Secretary of State and rejected on numerous grounds. This gives the faithful, me included, some hope.

Next year (or maybe the one after) when racing returns to Brandon

Great idea. Just be aware that the Save Coventry Speedway group have been at it for over 7 years. And the job is only half done.

We know it doesn't mean that speedway is coming back to Brandon necessarily. But it's a massive victory for the SCS team and all the hard work they've put into this. They were facing a seemingly insurmountable set of problems from a company with huge resources to throw at the problem. But right is right. This is a morally correct decision.

Nuneaton Speedway Supporters Club has been going since 1969 and raises much needed funds to support and encourage young British speedway riders. Much of this help is unseen by the average fan. However, it makes a valuable contribution to the future of our sport. I can highly recommend these meetings. They are run in a friendly atmosphere where guests are interviewed and answer questions from the floor. It often provides a fascinating insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of the sport. So come if you can. On what other occasion could you listen to Phil Morris talk about his roles and thoughts about the future in a relaxed atmosphere? And the beer's cheap. What's not to like?

Its interesting to reflect on your comment set against the discussion elsewhere about Poole moving back into the top division. At the time they dropped down, the strength of the two leagues was comparable. Therefore there wasn't a large change in the quality of riders and racing (?) on offer. Surely with the policy change to increase the differential between the two leagues, this is no longer true. Or less so, at least. It will interesting to see if there is an effect on the number of fans through the gate.

Coventry and can I have Coventry. Coventry, of course, and we can't leave out Coventry. Sorry people. I know I/we are not alone in wanting our local club back. But if I can have one New Year wish, please let us have the Bees back. I'll think about the other 19 clubs I want to beat.

We all the know (some of) the ifs and buts surrounding Craig. But let's be cheerful and optimistic for him and Workington. Both have come back from the brink and we should celebrate. Good luck to both in 2024.

Its not a lot of help but I'm guessing Guy Allott is in there somewhere. The records show he was riding for Leicester that year. Also Eric Boothroyd, Bryan Elliot, Jack Geran, Alf Hagon, Dave Hankins, Marian Kaiser and Ken McKinlay. There's some famous names to conjure with in there, eh? Ken McKinlay had a lot less hair when I saw him racing in 1970 but the fellow on the bike has more than a passing resemblance

Freddie at No.1 has to be the dream ticket. World class rider and with more than a passing association with the homeless Wolves fans. Not my favourite rider, but I'd turn out to see him when Birmingham are in town.

Sorry. I hit "enter" accidentally and then got called away...... Do you know? Announcements seem to follow an interesting sequence. 1. Someone makes up an attractive idea and tells a few of his mates. 2. Someone hears it down the pub 3. Someone "suggests it" on the club's forum. 4. Someone quotes the rumour on here as "fact" 5. Someone else denies the it and says he knows it ain't true 6. Someone else claims to know it to be true. 7. It's confirmed (whatever that means) 8. It's on the club's FB page 9. Official sources, such as the BSPL website, carries the story as "news".

Do you know? Announcements seem to follow and interesting sequence. 1. Someone makes up an attractive idea and tells a few of his mates.

Hardly true of all teams. Some have very limited availability of track time.

I quite like it. But do I get a say? I'm a Bees fan. As an aside, I hope the Bees go back to the fighting Bee logo when they reopen.

Riders still have to sign to say they have been paid for the previous meeting before they ride in the next one. Who polices that? And what are the teeth? In fact I can't remember any club ever being sanctioned for non payment.

Quotes from Stewart Dickson: "That was the position [RS] held by Kemp in 2023. With his 4.04 average now meaning he moves out of the Rising Star scheme, but with a 25 per cent discount applied meaning he will start the new season on 3.03 "There was an extensive list of riders on the Rising Star list but Joe was the one who stood out" Could someone help me please? Who qualifies for the 25% discount and is there a published Rising Star list for 2024?

Dan is delighted to go back to Ipswich. He became a firm part of the Ippo family and was given loads of help and support from Emil, JD and all the riders and staff. Who wouldn't say Yes to an offer to go back? Another year there, a solid year in the Championship and we might just see a real British prospect for a golden future.

That makes Birmingham 2.64 km (or 1.64 miles) long. Bomber will be pleased. We can have the World Long Track final there.

We reckoned Emil would take a race or three to fine tune his set up at Leicester. He broke the track record in his first race. My gast has never been so flabbered.

Chris Harris at reserve? He can then effectively "guest" for riders in his own team

I appreciate that the BSPA would not publicise reassessed averages prior to riders being signed. But after being signed why can't we all know the numbers? I didn't. I'm reminded of the case of Man U not taking part in the FA Cup some years ago and the outcry that followed their decision. I believe the rules were changed to prevent this happening again (?).

Sorry if I'm being cynical, but the chairman of the board is promoting a club which is going to hold half the development fixtures of any other club apart from Sheffield.