False dawn

Premiership? Seriously, it's good to see a track and promotion moving in the right direction. Especially with all the closures and problems some other tracks are having just now.

We can argue about percentages till we're blue in the face. The fact is that two senior, well known riders, as well as Steve Boxall, have been found guilty and banned, this year. Regardless of the number of tests done, this is far too many. Other factors might suggest there are others that have escaped detection and that's an even bigger concern. I have joked in the past, when a rider seems to be doing unusually well, that he won't pass the drugs test. Respected riders being "found out" makes me realise it ain't funny. It undermines the whole sport and threatens to attract the wrong sort of publicity. Not to mention the risk to life.

Spot on IainB. This was a scary accident and the reports from hospital were very concerning. Max is a real stylist and is making good progress in his career. He is one to watch for the future and the hope is that he recovers fully and can put this behind him.

I believe that the hearing is taking place today

I was there. The track was tricky, from the off. But not dangerous. Indeed, conditions improved after a couple of races and without the long delay I'm certain we'd have seen the full 15 heats completed. Max Perry's accident looked like one of those starting incidents. I believe there was bunching before the riders got to the first bend and Max straightened up, going straight on into the first bend air fence, at high speed. Unfortunately he had no chance to bale out. Was the track a contributory factor? That's hard to say with 100% certainty, but in my view, it certainly wasn't the primary cause. I don't think the referee, the team managers or any of the riders are responsible for what happened. It was very sad that the meeting ended and the season for that matter, with serious injuries to a quickly improving rider. Our very best wishes to Max and here's hoping for a full recovery as soon as possible.

It's the "ish" that is critical!

I get what you're saying. But let's not throw out the baby with the bath water. The nonsense we're now witnessing is not due to having a playoff final between two fine sides that could provide some real entertainment over two legs. It's all down to the lack of any priority being given to the National Development League and to any sense of urgency being given to completing the League competition in good time. For those taking part, especially them and for us faithful fans, the NDL league championship is important.

Wow. Truly impressive. 2025 - A Scottish GP ???

Did they buy it from Peterborough?

I did something similar and got the answer that we're not running that cup this year.

There are several speedway apps/programmes that could could "run" all three legs of this final (or a three way final at Sheffield) and tell who would have won this with last year's teams. For me, that would be just as valid as what is now being attempted.

It was a truly shocking and unhappy announcement.

With due respect to Kai, that's a big drop in scoring potential.

Congratulations to Dan Thompson.

Dougy was always a pleasure to watch around BP when he rode for the Lions. He was cheerful and had a positive attitude to his racing. In my book, he'd be welcome back in a heartbeat.

Looks like Leicester have all the advantages in this.

a lap?

We'll get a few posters off here (not you or me of course) and there will plenty of hot air It would be funny if it wasn't so serious

From the Leicester website: LEICESTER'S NDL Grand Final and KO Cup Final fixtures have been re-arranged for next Saturday, October 28.The clashes with Oxford and Mildenhall will be a double header starting with the Chargers match at 6.30pm, and followed up by the Fen Tigers.Should the weather intervene once again, the meeting will switch to Sunday afternoon at 3pm.

I know. It's shocking.

Rather than get into the blame game, I am just very sad that a classic play off final is in danger of not taking place. This year anyway. And if that wasn't bad enough, we're facing the possibility of it taking place when the NDL is no more.

I know Freddie is not down to ride, but do you know he won't be there?

Ok. So if we're going down that route perhaps the BSPA should be organizing formal track days to attract riders from other bike formulae.

I never quite got the objection and eventual banning of ghost teams. If you start with the objective of organizing a racing environment whereby young riders can get competitive track time on a regular basis and enough people are willing to pay to watch them, what's the problem?

The fact that the BSPL has never shown any interest in youth development is very much their fault.