I guess the team manager could ask him to step down because of his injury, but if the rider wants to ride, what can you do? From a health & safety point, can the match doctor refuse to allow him to ride, if he felt it was a danger or Smith crashing & injuring himself further or others, by not being fully fit?

100% agree, if he was going for sympathy & excuses for form, that only works if he stopped riding. Because of the guest rule, he's not being a team player & helping Berwick by carrying on. No-one wants to hear about a rider being in pain, I wouldn't want to watch him racing if I knew he wouldn't be able to sleep at night afterwards.

I don't think Lawson has an issue but he is clearly not in top form but in the play offs he always performs. As for Zach, he never performs well at some away tracks and Leicester is one of those.  

Poole 2027?

He’s still number one for Lynne in terms of average . Yes, he’s down on his 2025 Leicester average but nobody is near to that number in 2026.  The problem for the Stars this season hasn’t been Max. 

Well have to say I'm not so sure, it's the final bit of commitment that makes all the difference, I feel he is holding back like he feels he really can't afford the risk of an injury at this time. Once you have that thought in your mind it's hard to shake, it's all about responsibilities imo.  To compound matters Zac doesn't seem on fire either judging from his last few meetings. The upcoming semi/final(s) could be far tougher than expected. Time for all the Pirates to step up.