I'll completely disagree that the Ipswich team needed strengthening, they were he best team by far (till injuries came in). Obviously they want to put out the best team they can to improve their chances of winning the league, so naturally looked to strengthen up. While it seems a surprise a successful team could drop their averages, that could be expected more due to the high points limit. Teams should average out at 42, teams are really running at 43 (40+RS) so teams should end up with lower averages (on the whole).

We’ll never know the ultimate result, what we can say with more certainty is that without the injuries the team was finishing top of the table. There is little doubt about that. So with Ipswich looking even stronger next year, and the two closest rivals both looking weaker, it doesn’t take a genius to work out Ipswich will be clear favourites. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll win the title though, obviously.    The “strengthening” thing is actually irrelevant. No rider that rode for any team has a right or obligation to remain in that team the following year. When one season finishes, the slate is wiped clean. There is then an agreement for all clubs to build a team of seven riders up to and including an agreed points limit.    Belle Vue, Sheffield, Lynn, Oxford, Birmingham and Leicester all build to exactly the same points limit as Ipswich. If their eventual teams end up not looking as strong as Ipswich, then that’s their problem. 

Surely the skill is to sign up and coming British riders as assets. That way you receive a loan payment over a number of seasons if you cannot fit them into your side. Riders like Lawson, Kerr etc where they ride Champ and Prem must be a nice income stream for some clubs.

Having said that re: the strengthening? IF Ipswich hadn't suffered the injuries that they did last season, they most likely would have won the title/play-offs... So, in essence, they may not needed to have strengthened....  

The witches management were no doubt aware strengthening was needed. When comparing the teams ‘24 against ‘23 averages there was a distinct drop and you’re not going to win trophies with a falling team average. Injuries somewhat masked the inevitable failings of a side that would have struggled to maintain a potent challenge for silverware. As with previous seasons they have Hawkins in charge and the witches faithful have been very vocal about his obvious lack in getting the best from the team and directing them to the ultimate goal. Will they pull defeat from the jaws of victory as has been their modus operandi of late? I hope so.    https://britishspeedway.co.uk/2024-rider-statistics/ https://britishspeedway.co.uk/2023-rider-statistics/ https://ipswichwitches.co/team_member/ritchie-hawkins/ https://britishspeedway.co.uk/event/sheffield-tigers-v-ipswich-witches-5/ https://britishspeedway.co.uk/24results/leicester_12.09.24_res.pdf