MARK246

This problem was faced in the 70's, British speedway had a season without foreign riders. It didn't IMO, alter the quality of the racing, but there was a strong 2nd division with British and commonwealth riders who filled the gaps in teams.this is no longer the case as all teams are now dependant on foreign riders.(catch 22) Because of ECU regulations it would be difficult to enforce a limit of riders as they will complain about restricted practises. The other problem will be promoters saying one thing doing another,they all want to win.It would need someone with real control to make it work (BSPA IMO not) The best way is to encourage promoters to run junior teams,run in the interval, so the assets they gain remain with the promotion.If you don't produce your own you buy others.When there is a larger base of riders to select from then you can reduce the oversea's riders. IMO there are not enough British riders to remove anyone from the league setup without effectingl the quality,but promoters must be encouraged to train prospects as none will do so on their own.

IMO you are looking through those specs again in Britain. The reason Stead, Mcgowan and Harris are reserves in the Elitserien are their averages. If you need a reality check the result from the SWC is on another thread.

The early season international series in Sweden,the Santa cup have provisional dates already 26-12-07 @ Örnsköldsvik 27-12-07 @ Östersund 28-12-07 @ Bollnäs 29-12-07 @ Gävle Most of the riders will be Swedish, but there is always the best from other nations as well.

As a lone travelling rider to Russia, I quite agree that Russia is best visited as a tour group (if visited at all). In my opinion it is better to stay in places like Germany or Holland for the viewing but not for the racing. Russia in my experience proved very costly for anyone travelling in a foreign vehicle. The roads are not good past Moscow but that is where the good racing can be found.

Ludvig Lindgren looks IMO a real good prospect.his ride when he lead Scott Nicholls (Indianerna V Hammerby) was exceptional for a rider of his age. But time will tell,it's hard to judge as Ghostwalker described,form in Sweden is different to the GB.

If you ride the motor regular keep an eye on the woodruff key on the camshafts. They are cut so only half of the raised part is left,the other removed section, is for clearance on the timing plate with the drive pin ,which sets the cam timing.These have a tendency to shear,because of the direct cam to valve position any failure on the key can lift the cam housing from the head casting.I was lucky when mine went ,I was "pulling back" the engine when it sheared.Other than having problems cleaning dirt from the head to change the spark plug it gave me great service for two seasons racing. Have fun and enjoy it, I still think it was one of the best motors ever.

No not shameful just a true reflection of the state of the sport in Britian.No riders with the ability or the experience at the level required.But it will happen one day, don't know how though.

Hope David Howe is ok with the SWC looming.

No maybe about Reading, he rode there with Bernie Leigh who was riding enduros but in poor health last I heard.

Sorry typing is not good missed a dot. The web site for Antig is www.antig.co.uk. Weslake Rye web site www.weslake.co.uk,

The DOHC I owned was built in Rye by the Weslake engine company. The company (or the speedway part ;unsure ) was bought by Tig perry and Bill Davis in the early 80's . This became Antig Weslake the company still produces parts for Weslakes their webb site with contact details is on www.antig.co uk. I am sure that there was a post on this forum from, either a relative or employee of the original Weslake (Rye) works their main business was car motors maybe cosworth ? I hope you can use this information in your search good luck.

Good post Kevin, The BEL should be reduced in size to maybe 8 teams and run on the same format as the Swedish elite league.It could be run on say, thursday night if the other main leagues took different nights you could then have your top stars available for all matches and run extra GPs as well.With more earning potential you can reduce wage bills too as the top men can ride 4 nights a week and a GP. The PL could be used as a feeder or training scheme,but due to league set up currently in GB I dont see the promoters of successful clubs being happy to release star riders.Maybe a better way is to encourage dual teams, one in EL one in PL on the same track on alternative weeks. The main problem with rain offs cant imo be solved until promoters become stadium owners so their investment can remain as an asset. At the moment any improvement is not in the lease holders interest as promoters only hire facilities. Just a thought or two.