BWitcher

I don't need to dress up any stats. For the past five or six years people have been making these ridiculous claims that weaker EL (as was) would struggle in the PL (as was). They've always been ridiculous and still are now. When you choose to argue the point, provide ZERO to back it up you set yourself up for patronising comments. Last year the leagues were as 'close' as they have ever been in terms of strength, yet in the play off the higher division absolutely destroyed the lower division. It wasn't even a half competitive match. If Rye were in the Championship their team average adds up to over 50pts and I've not even converted KK's or Kennett's averages... so more likely near 54pts.

As Naijer says, it was to be reduce the clashes with the Championship. They can't afford the top stars, as Wolves picking Thorssell over Lindgren shows. However, I do agree with you regarding the complete mess that they have got themselves into with the constant weakening of the league. The gap is still big though. They have effectively six Championship level heat leaders.

Of course it won't, nor anything remotely close to it because such strong teams aren't allowed in the Championship.... there's a clue for you there. These kind of sweeping statements are often made, but in reality it's nonsense. Think of the strongest Championship team, then compare the two rider for rider. Rye have a Championship 2nd heat leader at reserve. A Championship No 1 at 2nd string.

You wouldn't be wagering very well if you did. Rye House are WAY above anything in the Championship. There isn't even the slightest argument. I'd be surprised if any Championship side got within 20 over 2 legs.

Rye are not a great top flight side.. however, they'd walk the Championship.

Cracking start from the team on what could have been a banana skin given lack of practice. It does very much look like Rye are going to struggle away and maybe even at home at times as Nicholls and Harris are only going one way. Brilliant start from Jacob at No 1, I have little doubts about him at home. If he can take that confidence to the away tracks maybe he can surprise me. I hope he does! Great to see Kyle Howarth get a maximum. This is one rider I will hold my hand up and say I got it wrong. I wasn't impressed at all when we originally signed him as I didn't think he'd ever adapt to Monmore. He most certainly has and I love to watch him race when I get the chance. Promising looking start from Ashley Morris too.

Very very sad to have just seen this on Social Media. Ivan won the very first speedway race I ever saw, I was only 5 so didn't really know who he was, but was told 'the guy in the red helmet' is the best. I was hooked from then on. RIP

If that was the case, why was it abandoned after less than a lap?

I haven't slated him in the slightest, I am simply setting realistic expectations.

Riding at No 4. You really aren't grasping the massive difference between No 4 and No 1.

If he performs as he did last year, we are finished. He has to improve massively away from home.

Whereas I prefer a full glass rather than a half full one with a hope it might fill up. I have no idea why you've picked Schlein over Masters. Masters rode pretty much the entire year at No 5. Thorsell and Schlein were riding at 3 and 4. They all have three equal rides, then their fourth.. Schlein and Masters are facing another no 3 or 4 and a reserve... Masters is facing the opposing 1 & 5. The difference is anything from 1-2pts average wise. Despite that Masters was above Schlein. Masters is currently our best rider. Thorssell is at No 1 because of his race position last season. Agree about Howarth if he can continue his rate of progression.

If Thorsell gets in the top 4 in the league averages I would be utterly astounded and we'd be nailed on for the playoffs again at the very least. I would say the following will certainly be higher: Doyle Iversen Cook Kurtz Morris Most likely higher: Fricke Andersen Masters Lambert Top ten he will have done well.

Another point... Leaving Lindgren out and keeping Thorssell will do only one thing to crowds.. drop them even lower, so the financial savings may not even be there.

Looking at the bigger picture we have a No 1 who has never ridden as a heat leader.. It's a recipe for complete disaster. The last time we thrust someone into the No 1 position who wasn't ready was 2008 with Lindgren. He had spent a full year at No 5, so ahead of where Thorssell is now. We were shocking. Are you honestly suggesting Thorssell will be in the top 4 of the league averages???? Edited to add: I would love Thorsell to prove me wrong and I truly hope he does. If so, I'll be the first to say I was wrong!

It seems to me speedway has found yet another way to drive the nail deeper into it's coffin. Not so long ago, if it was dry on the day, a meeting would be on, regardless of how much rain over previous days and weeks. In fact I never batted an eyelid about rain on days before a meeting. All that mattered was, if it was dry on the day you knew things were going ahead. It seems now zero effort is put in... which soon makes fans think why should they put any effort in either.

Fred is the ultimate troll, especially when it comes to Wolves but in his comments about Lindgren/Thorssell he is 100% spot on.

You've hit the nail on the head Speedy69. People keep trotting out the line of 'It's 2018, not the 1970's' just because they've read it somewhere. Actually stop, engage your brain. What is happening is minority groups with no interest are dictating what others should or shouldn't be doing and embarking on hate campaigns if companies don't tow along with their views/policies.

Ok, you're simply wrong then. You couldn't be more wrong in fact. Complaints about 'grid girls' and 'walk on girls' most certainly aren't coming from right wingers.

What the poster means to say is the sport should be pitching itself at social media warriors who don't watch the sport and will never watch the sport.

Right wing? Think you are getting your left and right mixed up there.

No, they like many other brands bow to the pressure of a nasty, vindictive, vociferous minority who 'claim' to be all about rights, but the reality is quite different. Do as they say or they will viciously attack you via social media platforms. You can keep posting 'no longer appropriate for a global audience' as much as you wish, however every survey I have seen of F1 fans and Darts fans has been 80%+ in favour of keeping them. Interestingly there are just as many women in favor as men. It's also very relevant that many of those 'against' don't even watch either sport, they're just jumping on the bandwagon.

You have clearly stated it's embarassing. Now you're fast back pedalling. Why is it embarassing?

Ah but you do have 'the problem' as you are complaining about it. So again, what is the issue you have with an attractive woman? Is it sinful? Should women always be covered up? Maybe you'd be more at home in the Middle East? As for people's expectations... in every available survey conducted since this movement towards abolishing women from these types of roles began the support has been massively to retain them. Unfortunately companies pander to a very vocal vociferous, vindictive minority whose aim is to impose their views on others and lambast them if they don't tow the line. You are very much party to that.

What exactly needs explaining? Seems it's you have the problem.