Now that the dust has settled after the news of the last few days, I just wondered what others opinions on the proposed “British Riders Only in the N.L” and the 40 points rule are.
I can only presume that the thinking behind the “British Riders Only” has been agreed on in the belief that British Speedway will in some way benefit, and that as a result, the G.B. squad will eventually be become more of a force to be reckoned with. The thinking behind this is all very honourable and patriotic, but to be honest, I think as an argument, it is totally flawed and wrong.
I remember only too well, that in 1974? all Swedish riders were banned from racing in this country for exactly the same reason. Did it prove to be successful? Not at all – no difference whatsoever was noticed in the quality of British riders, and it proved itself to be a total red herring. All it achieved was that it deprived the UK speedway fans of the opportunity of watching the best available riders week in, week out.
Furthermore, if the argument is that the N.L. should be a “training ground” for young British riders, why are riders who in their latter years of Speedway Racing allowed to compete in the N.L.? I am not for one minute suggesting they shouldn’t be allowed to, Im just questioning the argument. The league would be worse off if we were denied the likes of Jon Armstrong, Mark Burrows, Barrie Evans etc – in exactly the same way it will be worse off for banning the young foreign riders.
With regard to the 40 points limit, I reckon that it’s way too low. With only a few weeks left to go, there are several riders with really good averages who haven’t yet got a club to ride for in 2011. I am certain that this is down to the fact that if teams signed them, then the rest of their squad would be under strength. Is the 40 point rule another way of bringing in almost complete novices into the N.L.? If so, yet again, it’s all very commendable, but what about the riders who have done their apprenticeship and got to the top in the N.L. and are now struggling to find a team? I honestly reckon that there will be certain riders who are lost to the N.L. (who should be there) solely down to the 40 points limit and the ban on foreign riders.
Now I know that I support a team that is in the 3rd tier of British Speedway, but even though this is the case, I still want to watch the very best that is available at this level, and feel that we have been cheated out of that by the powers that be.
Just my opinions of course…
