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That wouldn't just be a travesty for Workington. Its in the interests of the whole of UK speedway to see Workington, or any other team making a comeback, succeed especially when they have a track that has had a lot of work put into.

The NDL of around 4 years ago was for me "the perfect level" for so many teams who struggled at a higher level to generate enough income to pay the riders of top league standard who compete in Div 2, eg Newcastle, Birmingham, Eastbourne, and even Worky themselves.. Used to love watching the Colts for a tenner and free for my U18 lad.. (Bargain)... Maybe if the NDL of four years ago was still in existence so would a few more teams? If it is a stepping stone to a higher league then great, but if it doesnt materialise and Worky make money, and develop talent they can then sell on by riding in the NDL for ever more, then it will never be a bad thing... Good luck to them and I look forward to going next season, followed by a "quiet night" in the town....

Presumably the concern would be third-tier racing rather than second. FWIW I think NDL is the right level (for now) to establish a base and build on it and I echo your comments on both the competitive nature of the side and the racers within it. The track looks superb and I think the huge bends (so big they almost have their own run-off areas!) will encourage the youngsters to wind it on. Really looking forward to the first meeting.

Plus you have got a fair bit wrong already so no need to further embarrass yourself

Aren't all autobiographies by definition a one-sided take. But, as I mentioned previously, much of what PC has written about respective BV managements is supported in print by George Carswell, who was financially involved under all regimes from John Perrin to David Gordon/Chris Morton. Believe me, PC didn't decide to write his story for money. If so, he would have done it many years ago, when speedway had a far bigger following and more fans from his peak racing era were still around. I accept your view that riders know the risks when they begin and that they go into it hoping to earn a living. And PC did very well out of speedway - no doubt - as did the sport out of him. But, come on, some goodwill from all tracks towards their past employees wouldn't go amiss - and wouldn't cost them a penny. To make ex-riders pay (or ask) to get in is, of course, not a crime and it's every promoter's right to dictate his own policy. But it's churlish, mean-spirited and short-sighted when tracks need all the good PR they can muster in these financially ominous times.

How can he be at reserve, his MA is higher than both Lidsey and Blodorn. Surely the 25% reduction is purely for team building purposes, his MA remains unchanged.

For those interested, Zaine finished fourth in the Boxing Day meeting in Aus.. Tungate first J Holder second C Holder third

Totally agree, Eastbourne had so many exciting matches and playoffs against BV, Birmingham especially and even quite raucous derbies against Kent during that period.

I'd hope that Killeen will have improved his ability to stay on his machine.

Just because it’s simpler, doesn’t make it right

They are a joke. Haven't they sold the track equipment as well?. It beggars belief that they think people will will be taken in by their bull crap. Giving some fans false hope after the farce over the Abbey. I'm sure they have had a good Christmas

I actually agree, hence I'd placed him in the top 5, but apparently Mark Lemon confirmed Brennan will be starting at reserve. The 25% should be team building only.

Very bizarre to make such a big thing of reducing the sample down to 10 through 2022 and then at the first opportunity switch back to 20 in 2023..... I believe it is the correct decision but why not just use a 20 meeting sample from the start

The FIM are dealing with it and by all accounts it’s been approved by them but they are just rumours. But it wouldn’t shock me if Emil did ride for Ipswich from what I’m hearing. And the long wait for the next signing speaks volumes.

No problems marra, just Jenga has form of winding up people the wrong way, no offence to you Jenga either

Yep I am and I won't get upset everyone is entitled to an opinion.

Not really.. Doyle got excluded in their semi final after knocking Pickering off, In the re run Zaine picked off Pickering who seemed to have problems exiting a corner. In the final he missed the gate and struggled at the back

But I don't think Congreve is eligible for the NL.

No i think Killen will to very well, i would think he will double his average and more… but Harrison will finish around 8pt mark IMO

Would yous take a new Zealand rider who rode under a lot of pressure over here last season up north & has bags of potential & would do a good job in the national League

I was going to say the same. Doesn't he have a very young family too? He's not listed in any of the big meetings in Aussie this winter!!

Don't need to guess!

In fairness Kemp should have been the RS as Flint had already proven to be the better rider in 2021.

If you use 20 meetings from the start of 2023, most averages would change from the published 10 match stats. Team places would be swapping before the season started! Riders who missed the 2022 season, (Rory Schlein for example) will start with his 17 meetings from 2021 stats. Rolling Average stats will not include any data from seasons prior to 2021.

What planet are those people living on! To think one of them is a credible speedway promoter beggars belief.

Batchelor certainly has a better upside

...blimey I've only just started reading it! I'm intrigued to find out what all the fuss is about?

Sorry Tony, I can't buy that. Unless we have the exact number and names between Wee Eck's 180 and your "tiny handful" it's pure conjecture. I also can't go with the notion of riders "putting their neck on the line". I have admiration for anyone who gets their head above the parapet and goes for it in life, particularly if that is something dangerous like speedway or stepping into the boxing ring. But let's not pretend they are risking their lives for some greater noble cause and sacrifice. These are not volunteers marching off to war. They are sports people in it primarily for selfish reasons, personal glory and remuneration. Without those, they wouldn't be doing it. In PC's case, often very well remunerated, squeezing out as much as he could get from BV in his latter seasons. And fair play to him too...it's a short and dangerous career. What makes me uncomfortable about this book is that it is a one sided take from someone who has had a brain injury. This has had an effect and as such, his interpretations are questionable at least. And, to be really, really honest, it's only been published because there is a few quid in it. We can't take it as some sort of historical document without the views of all other parties involved be they past and current BV management. You can't have your cake and eat it. I was a big fan of PC and I've enjoyed lots of your output over the years. But let's say this as it is.

Since we returned to the top flight Richie's scores around the showground are. 2022 -> 9+1, 8+1 & 8+1 2021 -> 3 & 3 2019 -> 2 & 0 We should leave Worrall & Andersen out and go for Batchelor instead.

I'm in agreement with you. But how will Brennan/Mountain/Hume's rolling averages work in 2023? After (say) 6 matches will they: 1) stay on starting average because in effect they have 'assessed' averages 2) have a GSA based on last 4 of 2022 and 6 from 2023. 3) have a GSA based on the six 2023 matches and 75% of the points scored from the 4 remaining 2022 matches?

The team is built very solid with no weak links, most of the riders are capable improving, some more than others. Worrall and Lawson may not but the others should, even if we have a dodgy start, history tells us that come the play offs we will usually be at our best. I don't know how Middlo does it but if there is a secret formula he has it.

While the Kent team doesn't look bad compared to last years. Workington, Leicester & Oxford look incredibly strong imo. So while it's hard to judge when other clubs either haven't made signings or confirmed their participation in the league, it seems the other clubs will be fighting for the remaining top 4 spot.

No I go to every meeting I can only time I miss is when the lad is racing and that will continue. What I have always said is I'm not bothered if scunny win or loose as long as I'm entertained. If you can see a post contradicting that please post think you could be quoting Phillipsr

Same as those who pay lots of money to watch football only to leave with ten minutes still to play having watched 80 minutes of a boring 0-0 draw. I always like it when that sort of match explodes with three goals in the last 10 minutes. Serves them right and if you enjoy the sport why would you want to miss anything. If you don't enjoy it why bother going in the first place?

Could I ask is there a reason why the support won't turn out to get behind the comets. Personally think the teams very good for the NDL will be very competitive and good to watch. Plenty of racers in the team to give the fans something to cheer about.

Maybe clubs would get more mileage in running a membership scheme rather than Season Tickets? Eg £20 a month for 12 months and you get a free programme when you attend however many meetings there are.. Plus maybe several goes on the centre green per season to watch the racing..? Make the membership transferable for meetings the person paying may miss.. The benefits for the club are a constant cash flow, emails and communication details of fans so they can target them with merchandise offers, send them birthday and Xmas cards etc, meaning they stay in contact all year, not just during the season.. Maybe run prize draws too, once a month, to provide more interest and stimulate take up, cash prizes, merchandise, free food or drink vouchers etc... And non attendance on those "dodgy weather nights" is irrelevant as the money has already been taken.. For the fans they get to pay over 12 months so can budget and get to feel a bit like a "VIP" if the club runs the scheme well enough, seperate entrance, newsletters, etc thus making that so important emotional connection which stimulates loyalty.. A "500 Club" with fans paying £20 a month delivers £10k a month, and £120k a year..

Redcar Scunthorpe Edinburgh Glasgow

You just have

Got mine as well...looking forward to reading it!

Got a signed copy for Christmas, looking forward to reading it.

Agree it looks a really good team, not sure they'll walk it? Leicester and Oxford don't look too shabby, but that's how it should be, hopefully the NL will get back somewhere near to the heady days of 2015/18.

That Oxford team is looking lethal! On paper I don’t think many can touch them. Just hope the big number support them, was class watching the Cheetahs Vs Pirates last year with big numbers in attendance

Rob is a great fella and always tells you as it is most of those who criticise him have never took the time to talk to him .

Correct Steve, At present Andrew is the sole promoter however he does have an experienced mentor in a fellow club promoter... Not sure how well this will go down with the Blue and White faithful but his mentor is none other than Mr Rob Godfrey; Chairman of the BSPL and owner of Scunthorpe Speedway... Now I know there is a little history between the Comets fans and Rob (in his other roles) but being totally honest; Rob is a straight guy and has the best interest of the sport at heart and will support Andrew 100% in his endeavours; and to be fair he doesn't mind being portrayed as the bad guy as its water off the proverbial ducks back to him and it also contradicts what his better half says about him that he is erm "a big soft erm softie" (edited for politeness)... Also I can confirm that she is right... another 100% on that score too... Regards THJ

And Glaswegian.!!

Brilliant, thanks for that and all the best next year. Just to get a reply from speedway people shows the difference with BSN. Thoroughly enjoyed last season and will be signing up to both the championship and premiership

If you watch one game of basketball per month you have too much time on your hands.

If you watch 100 games of basketball a month you have too much time on your hands, how many do you actually watch?

So now everyone knows what belle vue paid to circumvent the rules