Speedway fan Posted March 1 Report Share Posted March 1 (edited) 2025 MDL contested by three teams The 2025 MIDLAND DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE will have three teams vying for the title . There were high hopes that three more clubs would be lining up in the league but unfortunately each of them have been unable to. The three teams in the 2025 competition will all run out of Birmingham’s Perry Barr circuit . The Bulls, the Buffaloes and the Wolves will race each other “home and away” twice giving each side eight fixtures. Utilising the four National Development trophy meeting for the DUCTAIR Bulls , eight further Monday night Premiership fixtures will have MDL clashes, whilst most meetings will have second half action. The third side will carry the Wolves name with the permission of Chris Van Straaten which Birmingham thank him for. MDL co-ordinator Laurence Rogers is pleased that the youngsters will have the opportunity to race under league conditions in teams. He commented, “ I have tried to keep this competition going to give some of the youngsters valuable track time. When the three possible tracks were unable to confirm being able to join in I looked at keeping things going by running three sides out of Perry Barr. We have a close connection with the Formula Grass Track Association and a lot of the young lads have progressed in to riding speedway as well . I knew we had sufficient riders to run the three teams so it was all steam ahead. CVS has kindly let me use the Wolves name for the third side and it’s good to keep the name alive as he searches for a new venue for the club.” Most of the youngsters who rode in 2024 will be back with some now also securing National League team spots whilst a few newcomers reaching 15 will now come into contention for rides in the MDL. FIXTURES : MARCH MON 24 FGA IND BIRMINGHAM MON 31 BUFFALOES V WOLVES 10--25 APRIL MON 14 BULLS V BUFFALOES MON 28 BULLS V WOLVES MAY MON 5 WOLVES V BULLS MON 19 BULLS V BUFFALOES MON 26 NO 2ND HALF TV MEETING JUNE MON 2 MON 16 BUFFALOES V WOLVES MON 23 BUFFALOES V BULLS MON 30 WOLVES V BUFFALOES JULY MON 7 BULLS V WOLVES MON 21 BUFFALOES V BULLS AUG MON 4 WOLVES v BULLS MON 11 WOLVES V BUFFALOES E= Edited April 10 by Speedway fan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamonds85 Posted March 3 Report Share Posted March 3 May as well just call it the Birmingham Development League... Can't believe that no one else can put on second half racing... Costs nothing really Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petecc Posted March 4 Report Share Posted March 4 The amount of rubbish I read on these forums about birmingham speedway is terrible. Then when a positive comes, no other club backs them. I'm sure there will be moaners saying only 3 teams, all at birmingham, not worth bothering with. At least they are trying to do something for the future. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*JJ Posted March 4 Report Share Posted March 4 17 hours ago, Diamonds85 said: May as well just call it the Birmingham Development League... Can't believe that no one else can put on second half racing... Costs nothing really I was told by a promoter that they can't be bothered to keep the track open for another half hour. Still, everybody knows that speedway riders come from Australia or Poland ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedway fan Posted March 4 Author Report Share Posted March 4 (edited) Birmingham are certainly doing their bit to give youngsters a chance and give them track time . They have had British Youth rounds, staged the British u 19 and 21 meetings. The club are forerunners in getting kids out on track on REVVI bikes, have 125cc and 250cc chances and demo rides, now putting three sides in the MDL plus putting out a side in the NDT in 2025 . Edited March 4 by Speedway fan 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secsy1 Posted April 1 Report Share Posted April 1 Ant details of yesterdays result? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edmon Posted April 1 Report Share Posted April 1 2 hours ago, secsy1 said: Ant details of yesterdays result? Don't understand why details are not included online with Referee's Scorecard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedway fan Posted April 1 Author Report Share Posted April 1 WOLVES START 2025 MDL IN WINNING FORM The 2025 Midland Development League commenced at Birmingham with newest side the Wolves securing an emphatic victory over the shorthanded Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes. The Buffaloes ended up as a three man outfit with skipper Eli Meadows withdrawing with arm pump after a successful debut in the preceding National Development Trophy meeting. Rider replacement was used for his rides. Max Broadhurst , who also rode in the main meeting , missed his last ride after having had 7 rides and also hit by arm pump. The Buffaloes battled hard with Will Boraston too scoring with 5. The Wolves were led by skipper Ryan Ashcroft with a 9 point three ride maximum with Harrison Rogers joining him on a full score too. Hayden Watts after a first race retirement remained unbeaten by an opposing rider whilst Harley Driscoll-Freeman had three third places. The next MDL meeting is the clash of the two Birmingham sides the DUCTAIR Bulls v the Buffaloes on Monday April 14th. Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes 10 ( Will Boraston 4r 5, Max Broadhurst 3r 4, Jake Breeze 4r 1) WOLVES 25 ( Ryan Ashcroft 3r 9 max, Harrison Rogers 3r 9 max, Hayden Watts 3r 4+2, Harley Driscoll-Freeman 3r 3) Table: M W D L F A PTS WOLVES 1 1 0 0 25 10 2 BUFFALOES 1 0 0 1 10 25 0 BULLS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedway fan Posted April 15 Author Report Share Posted April 15 CRASH ENDS MDL CLASH … WILL BORASTON BROKEN RIGHT HUMERUS The MDL clash of the two Birmingham sides ended after a heat 4 crash involving Will Boraston and Joe Crewe but a result was called at 14-9 to the DUCTAIR Bulls. The Bulls had a makeshift side with the Fellows cousins, Jacob and Bailey unavailable then debutant Harry Fletcher forced to pull out with his father’s van in the garage for repairs. Ryan Ingram stepped in for his MDL debut at No.1 whilst Hayden Watts had a late call to ride and notched a two ride maximum. The Crewe brothers had mixed fortunes with Jack including a paid win in his second ride to end with 3 and 2 bonus points. Brother Joe , captaining the Bulls, had a first race fall then changing bikes unfortunately picked up drive and crashed with Will Boraston in heat 4. Will suffered a broken right humerus whilst Joe was treated for burns to his leg . With the curfew approaching and medical staff dealing with both riders the meeting was curtailed. For the SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes Eli Meadows started with a win before his engine packed up on the line for heat 4 . Max Broadhurst had a second and at third for a 3 point return with Jake Breeze adding paid 2. The next MDL action is on Monday 28th April when the Bulls meet the Wolves . DUCTAIR Bulls 14 Hayden Watts 2r 6 max, Ryan Ingram 2r 5, Jack Crewe 2r 3+2, Joe Crewe 2r 0 SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes 9 Eli Meadows 2r 3. Max Broadhurst 2r 3., Will Boraston 2r 2. Jake Breeze 2r 1+1 TABLE : M W D L F A PTS WOLVES 1 1 0 0 25 10 2 BULLS 1 1 0 0 14 9 2 BUFFALOES 2 0 0 2 19 39 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedway fan Posted April 29 Author Report Share Posted April 29 (edited) MDL …. WOLVES MAINTAIN TOP SPOT AFTER WIN OVER DUCTAIR BULLS The WOLVES secured another win at Perry Barr with a win over the Bulls to hold on to top spot. Despite being without Hayden Watts, who had crashed practicing the day before , the other three Wolves were in good form to secure a 18-16 victory to remain undefeated in 2025. They had two unbeaten riders in Harrison Rogers and skipper Ryan Ashcroft although neither appeared in the final race ! For the Bulls skipper Bailey Fellows had three second places for his 6 point score whilst his cousin Jacob Fellows had 5+1. Joe Crewe started with a tapes exclusion when his clutch dragged him into tapes whilst brother Jack missed his last ride with his engine losing oil. Harley Driscoll-Freeman’s ended with a crash but thankfully was ok. DUCTAIR BULLS 16 (Bailey Fellows 3r 6, Jacob Fellows 3r 5+1, Joe Crewe 3r 3+2, Jack Crewe 2r 2) WOLVES 18 ( Harrison Rogers 3r 9, Ryan Ashcroft 3r 8+1, Harley Driscoll-Freeman 4r 0) TABLE : M W D L F A PTS WOLVES 2 2 0 0 43 26 2 BULLS 2 1 0 1 30 27 2 BUFFALOES 2 0 0 2 19 39 0 Edited May 6 by Speedway fan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*JJ Posted April 29 Report Share Posted April 29 Harrison looked very brave ... he could be very useful with experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedway fan Posted May 6 Author Report Share Posted May 6 MDL WOLVES REMAIN UNBEATEN AS BULLS HOLD THEM TO A DRAW League leaders Wolves remain at the top of the MDL after a thrilling 18-18 draw against the DUCTAIR Bulls. Despite being without Harrison Rogers, riding for his NDL side , the unavailable Hayden Watts and Harley Driscoll-Freeman who was ill, the patched up side maintained their 2025 unbeaten run. Dylan Huthwaite came in for his MDL debut and impressed with a paid 9 score from 4 outings with rider-replacement used to cover Driscoll-Freeman’s rides. Wolves Skipper Ryan Ashcroft notched 8 being beaten only by rival captain Bailey Fellows in heat 1 whilst guest Max Broadhurst , who came in at the last minute, had a mixed night but combined with Ashcroft for a vital 5-1 in heat 5 that put the Wolves ahead for the first time 16-14. For the DUCTAIR Bulls the Fellows cousin Bailey and Jacob led the scoring with 6 points apiece. Jack Crewe started with a fine win combing with Jacob Fellows for a 5-1 to put the Bulls 8-4 up. But in heat 3 he hit the deck chasing the opposition but was ok. Brother Joe combined with skipper Bailey Fellows in heat 4 for a 4-2 that regained the lead for the Bulls at 11-13. The Wolves then hit back with a 5-1 from Ryan Ashcroft and Max Broadhurst to swing the lead Wolves way at 16-14 . Jacob Fellows then hit the front in the final heat ahead of Ryan Ashcroft but with Broadhurst retiring the 2-4 to the Bulls levelled the scores at 18 each and the points were shared in what was an entertaining clash. WOLVES 18 ( Ryan Ashcroft 3r 8, Dylan Huthwaite 4r 7+2, Max Broadhurst 3+1) DUCTAIR Bulls 18 ( Jacob Fellows 3r 6+1, Bailey Fellows 3r 6, Jack Crewe 3r 4, Joe Crewe 3r 2) TABLE : M W D L F A PTS WOLVES 3 2 1 0 61 44 3 BULLS 3 1 1 1 48 45 3 BUFFALOES 2 0 0 2 19 39 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedway fan Posted May 7 Author Report Share Posted May 7 MDL FIRST LEAGUE BONUS POINTS GOES TO LEAGUE LEADERS WOLVES The first league bonus point of the 2025 MDL season as a new addition to the rules goes to current league leaders the Wolves. They held out for an “away” 18-16 win over the DUCTAIR Bulls then followed that up with a hard fought 18 all draw as the “home” team at Perry Barr last Monday. This puts the WOLVES in a stronger position at the top of the table one point now ahead of the Bulls. The next MDL clash is on Monday 19th May when the DUCTAIR Bulls host the SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes in the B fixture . TABLE : M W D L F A PTS BONUS TTL WOLVES 3 2 1 0 61 44 3 1 4 BULLS 3 1 1 1 48 45 3 BUFFALOES 2 0 0 2 19 39 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedway fan Posted June 24 Author Report Share Posted June 24 BULLS BATTLE BACK TO TOP OF TABLE OVER SHORTHANDED BUFFALOES The Birmingham DUCTAIR Bulls regained top position in the Midland Development League with a 19-8 win over shorthanded rivals Birmingham SUPPORTERS CLUB Buffaloes. Both teams were hit by pre-meeting late withdrawals . The Buffaloes Jake Breeze had a an accident at work and was hospitalised with a piece of metal being removed from his arm putting his side down to three riders. Whilst warming up his bike Bulls Jacob Fellows was out of the meeting with engine gremlins putting the Bulls to a 3 man team. Things then went from bad to worse for the Buffaloes with skipper Eli Meadows bike packing up at the tapes in heat 1 forcing him out of the clash bringing his side down to two riders! Disaster struck again in heat 2 when Max Broadhurst’s bike dropped a timing chain and he too was forced to withdraw from the meeting. That left Guest Ryan Ashcroft as their lone representative and he notched 8 points from 3 rides being beaten only by Bulls skipper Bailey Fellows in heat 5. Bulls Jack Crewe had the novelty of being the only finisher in heat 2 then when racing Max Broadhurst in heat 2 when the Buffalo had to pull out putting the younger Crewe brother on 6 from 2 rides! Brother Joe also rode unopposed in heat 6 to finish a bizarre night ! The win pushes the DUCTAIR Bulls back above the WOLVES who have the chance to regain pole position in the next MDL next Monday June 30th when they take on the Buffaloes. BUFFALOES 8: Ryan Ashcroft 3r 8, Max Broadhurst 1r 0, Eli Meadows 1r 0 , Jake Breeze R/R BULLS 19 Jack Crewe 3r 7. Bailey Fellows 3r 6+1. Joe Crewe 3r 6+1 , Jacob Fellows DNR M W D L F A PTS BONUS TTL BULLS 5 3 1 1 88 67 7 1 8 WOLVES 4 2 1 1 76 62 5 2 7 BUFFALOES 5 1 0 4 59 94 2 0 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortythirtyeight Posted June 24 Report Share Posted June 24 Whilst it’s an opportunity for youngsters to ride the fact they can’t field four rider sides on a regular basis is a sad sign of the state of the sport . it’s dying from the bottom up ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arnieg Posted June 24 Report Share Posted June 24 1 hour ago, Fortythirtyeight said: Whilst it’s an opportunity for youngsters to ride the fact they can’t field four rider sides on a regular basis is a sad sign of the state of the sport . it’s dying from the bottom up ! Birmingham are getting plenty of flack elsewhere, but I think we should at least acknowledge that they are giving opportunities to six juniors on an almost weekly basis while some tracks do the square root of f'all. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Technik Posted June 25 Report Share Posted June 25 On 6/24/2025 at 7:05 PM, Fortythirtyeight said: Whilst it’s an opportunity for youngsters to ride the fact they can’t field four rider sides on a regular basis is a sad sign of the state of the sport . it’s dying from the bottom up ! Whilst that is a fact. Other factors have to be considered, It's on a week night, possible work/school commitments, racing elsewhere. This is a chance for these riders to get track time & for the most part it's the same group of riders each week. I can remember when we had second half racing with 3 man teams followed by scratch races all of which were viewed by only a couple of spectators but for those guys out on track it could have been the world final. For many it will be the highest level they achieve some may progress through the leagues & maybe an international star. Everyone has to start somewhere & if Birmingham in their last season can give a starting point to a Champion they should be applauded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sargent10 Posted June 25 Report Share Posted June 25 44 minutes ago, Technik said: Whilst that is a fact. Other factors have to be considered, It's on a week night, possible work/school commitments, racing elsewhere. This is a chance for these riders to get track time & for the most part it's the same group of riders each week. I can remember when we had second half racing with 3 man teams followed by scratch races all of which were viewed by only a couple of spectators but for those guys out on track it could have been the world final. For many it will be the highest level they achieve some may progress through the leagues & maybe an international star. Everyone has to start somewhere & if Birmingham in their last season can give a starting point to a Champion they should be applauded. Laurence Rodgers gets some shameful treatment on this forum from complete and utter muppets, some of whom are supposed to be speedway fans and incredibly Birmingham fans, not one of whom has actually played any part of bringing anything to the table in regards to introducing a single rider into the sport (probably), gave any encouragement to the same as making a point of chatting with juniors before meetings asking if they require any assistance in the sport, (if so they are hiding behind a keyboard which is even worse) personally I have had dealings with Laurence for a great many years and his encouragement and support is beyond any other promotion, he’s always been very supportive to all the juniors and young riders and always keeps in touch regarding the next meeting, how many clubs are actually doing that?? And to think all clubs are still required to do something to promote junior level, he’s doing it every week not just once. Remember once it’s gone it’s permanent and then you have nothing to moan about, however, judging by some he is getting the blame for that also! Shameless 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*JJ Posted June 26 Report Share Posted June 26 Quite right: Laurence Rogers has done more for British speedway than just about anyone. I spent five years trying to help a rider make his way in speedway, in the face of massive indifference from the promoters and the BSPL in general. But everyone knows that speedway riders come from Denmark, Poland and Australia, don't they? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluejam Posted June 26 Report Share Posted June 26 On 6/25/2025 at 8:46 PM, Sargent10 said: Laurence Rodgers gets some shameful treatment on this forum from complete and utter muppets, some of whom are supposed to be speedway fans and incredibly Birmingham fans, not one of whom has actually played any part of bringing anything to the table in regards to introducing a single rider into the sport (probably), gave any encouragement to the same as making a point of chatting with juniors before meetings asking if they require any assistance in the sport, (if so they are hiding behind a keyboard which is even worse) personally I have had dealings with Laurence for a great many years and his encouragement and support is beyond any other promotion, he’s always been very supportive to all the juniors and young riders and always keeps in touch regarding the next meeting, how many clubs are actually doing that?? And to think all clubs are still required to do something to promote junior level, he’s doing it every week not just once. Remember once it’s gone it’s permanent and then you have nothing to moan about, however, judging by some he is getting the blame for that also! Shameless Since he has been involved with Brum I have never seen so many speedway followers walk away from watching speedway at Birmingham.Would you like me to compile a list of followers who watched every home meeting both home and away for 10 years since the re-launch back in 2007?Every other Midlands speedway teams have gone to the wall and Brum are the last team remaining and wtf has been done on getting those lapsed speedway followers keeping an interest in continuing watching speedway?Things may have been a litle different regarding the outcome of the Brummies fate come the end of the season if this had been focused on. Maybe very supportive to young riders making their way in the sport but at present Birmingham Speedway is supposedly a Premiership team🤔How dare you refer to folk being complete and utter muppets who followed their team literally everywhere the Brummies have ridden🤬 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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