szkocjasid

I always rated this Witches side as favourites & it looked as if only injuries could cost them the league. But now I feel I've underestimated them, maybe only injuries will stop them winning every match?

I do agree, but if I were a long suffering Stars fan, I'd be delighted we don't look like the weakest team for a change. Ridiculously early days, but looks like 5 teams fighting for the top 4 spots

Don't worry there's still time for them to weaken if they get too close to the play-offs lol! As crazy as that sounds, that's what they did (multiple times) last season.

If the riders were closer in ability, then yes you'd hope Mulford would beat the RS 2 out of 3 times. Unfortunately for Belle Vue's chances I think he's one of the weaker rising stars.

There is a problem with using a converted average to pick the field (another reason to have the meeting later in the season) for example Riss has a higher average than Danny King, but King had a higher average when they last both rode in the Champ (2023), King has a higher Prem average currently. But as they're using Riss' 24 Prem ave & King's 24 Champ ave, Riss is higher ranked. Just as well it wasn't every number 1 & the top 7 number 2s or King would've missed out.

Oxford fans on FB especially seem to be very protective of Schroeck, don't like him getting any criticism. I was even blocked from the Official Oxford FB site for daring to suggest he was an awful team manager. No abusive language etc, just giving an honest opinion that didn't flatter Oxford.

Surely that's a mistake & it's meant to say battle for 6th?

I personally don't think you could expect more from Mulford. He beat Jenkins once & lost to him twice, who else in the Ipswich team is he likely to beat? The fact he beat a stronger RS once is a positive for me.

While it's a great start for Lynn, Oxford won't be their toughest opponents this season & it'll be harder once Harris isn't at reserve. But whoever replaces him at reserve should also do well (but not scoring maximums). But after 5 poor seasons, Lynn fans must be feeling more positive than they have for some time.

Some managers are more ruthless than others. Someone like Middlo would replace a rider when 20 points up, because he wants to win by 22 points. Ruthless maybe but he gets the results.

For Lynn to have a successful season, then they need to be prepared to drop Boughen from races when he's done no wrong. While it may seem harsh, no point in having a powerhouse reserve if he doesn't get extra rides. So far the TM got it spot on. If the aggregate points are already won or lost before heat 14s, give Boughen his 4th ride then.

They could easily work around Poland. For example the Polish final is held over 3 rounds, I'm pretty sure there won't be any Extraliga matches on those 3 Sundays. Could have chosen to hold any of the British Final / British Semi final / Championship riders Championship / Championship Pairs / Premiership riders Championship / England vs Australia test match / Premiership Pairs / Championship Fours. With so many clubs having so few fixtures, I can't understand why they don't hold more of these "shared events" - well I do, it's about money. But I can remember when there were packed crowds at Coventry / Peterborough / Somerset for the British Final / Fours / Pairs, seems such a shame that this is no longer the case.

I don't agree with running it so early in the season, but understand the idea behind it, to have a strong field. But not every club has fielded their top 2 riders, which seemed to be the whole point of the early date.

Disappointed for Birmingham, not a shock to lose, but thought they'd have scored a bit more. I don't know what it is, but it seems like riders lose form as soon as they put a Brummies race suit on, I almost feel like Zmarzlik wouldn't be the world Champ if he had a big red B on his kevlars (which is ridiculous I know). Almost feel like the reverse of Poole, riders go there & have their best seasons, but go to Birmingham & the opposite happens.

I didn't rate Belle Vue as highly as some, but still expected them to be better at home. If Ipswich can win at Belle Vue, they can win anywhere.

Based on Peter Schroeck's pre season comments, he seems to think Riss is a number 1 or 5! OXFORD boss Peter Schroeck believes that Erik Riss can be a huge star “once he realises how good he is”. “He’s a top rider and in the right environment we get the most out of him, as he showed last year. “Once Erik realises how good he is, he will be even better. We are very lucky to have him back on board and I am obviously delighted.” I know managers have to talk up their team, but if they really believe they have a strong side, could be in for a rude awakening.

Vuolas had a promising debut season for Workington, I wouldn't call him a risk, but I would've gone for Sedgmen before Vuolas or Kemp tbh.

Don't worry, there's plenty of time to weaken the team lol! But seriously, successful season's aren't decided after ONE away match.

Sadly I'm not the least bit surprised by the scoreline. No matter who Birmingham sign, they always seem to ride poorer in a Brummies outfit.

Delighted for King, especially after reading so many comments from the doubters all winter (mostly Ipswich fans it appeared).

Totally agree, but it seems no matter what team Birmingham put out they always disappoint. Hope I'm wrong, but expecting an away win here.

I don't know why they all wouldn't do that? So what if he doesn't like doing them, it's his job.

I think it's very different for Speedway & it's hardly not taking "personable responsibility for their lives" by wanting to park at or near the stadium & hoping the club would assist this. Fans have alternatives, go to another track, watch racing via stream, stay at home, all of these lose the club money. Even if fans are disappointed at not getting to a match, they still have the advantage of saving money. There is no advantage whatsoever for a club if fans drift away.

Brilliant response @stevebrum couldn't have put it any better myself.

Agree with all those points