topsoil

Good on them if they can make a living from it, they've got more balls than I ever will have, the risks they take. It needs authorities to step in and monitor costs, especially the machinery. I could see it happening in this country (standardised bikes), but not in Poland, where they can afford to throw money at it.

Most riders these days have "teams" with them in the pits, simply because they see GP riders and think they must have the same. Far too many riders now trying to make a full time career from speedway and the sport just cannot justify this on crowds of 500 to 1,000 a week. Costs have spiralled out of control and most riders have become involved in an arms race, spending ridiculous amounts of money to try and get that tenth of a second quicker. Undoubtedly speedway has become a much more professional sport, but the costs can only be justified if they are met by money coming into the sport, from TV, sponsors or more fans. None of which is happening. Unfortunately riders are killing it for themselves.

So far from the truth. I go because I have good nights with friends, they make me laugh, make it enjoyable, that's why I go. The speedway accompanies this, gives you things to speak about, a chance to express your opinions (I actually have some). I can handle being a sheep, because sheep belong to flocks.

The banter you can have with Zielona Gora fans, priceless. Live for that interaction.

You're right, can't wait for the Polish season to start, so I can sit in the house and watch two teams nobody else around me has an interest in, rather than watching live sport and having a night out with friends.

Ain't going on no plane

b

Carry On Bandits?

Wouldn't mind seeing both competitions run during the season

But there are a lot more countries who compete in the Cricket World Cup and Twenty20 World Cup. Look at the IRB Rugby Sevens circuit as well. It's a good way for developing nations to get experience playing international competition.

Different strokes for different folks, some will like it, some won't

Much prefer the Pairs to the 4TT format. Actual team racing rather than individuals and different teams in every heat, rather than just the same four.

It looks like a year of struggle ahead, the team certainly looks weaker than those with out and out heat leaders. But you have to live within your means and I can understand the promotion not wishing to mortgage the future of the club. Hopefully they can continue the way they ended last season. I think this is what the promotion are banking on. I really hope Leon Flint is a success. It would be a great boost the profile of the sport in the area. It would also be great to see him ride for his local club at some point. Again this would raise the profile of the club and hopefully act as an inspiration for other local youngsters to take up the sport.

The truth is that Berwick find it harder and harder to compete at Premier League / Championship level each year. Occasionally they will get lucky and uncover the odd gem. They had a couple of riders lined up this season until they were gazumped. Hopefully, through time, the academy will pay dividends, but speedway doesn't do long-term.

Didn't Scunthorpe start last season with the same team that finished the 2016 season? Okay, not what the question asked, but quite unique. Can't imagine in this era of averages that there would have been the same line up more than a year apart.

Where are you Ben?

And will Ben ever get back in touch with Colin? mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Remember it too. Never seen a track as deep as that day.

Irrespective of whether his name is Joe Jacobs or Mr X, it is sad to see a young British rider, who has potentially ten years in the sport ahead of him, retire. The sport needs as many young British riders coming through as possible for the future.

Or there weren't any other offers? Didn't see anybody else looking to bring him in. It's bidding wars where the likes of Berwick fall down. The promotion, quite rightly, won't go in over their heads.

Exactly. Britain can't hope to compete with Poland when you read of the signing on fees given over there. Sweden try to keep up, but look at the mess some of their clubs are in, getting bailed out by local councils. If a British club tried to compete with Polish wages, it would be bankrupt within a couple of months. Concentrate on developing your own local talent, improve the entertainment factor to get crowds back, work hard at attracting TV and sponsors into the sport. Then you can think about attracting bigger names.

And would have done this season, but money talks

And this is where Berwick just cannot compete with other clubs in the league, who have far bigger financial resources. This forces Berwick to settle for more balanced team line-ups.

Two for Berwick, one for Jye

Nope, track covers and training track. Jye Etheridge also appears in the list.