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I can't imagine they'd have expected the averages to go down though? Cook, Jeppesen & especially Zischke would've been looked at to up their averages!

Totally agree with the first part, I think because Kvech was a GP rider you automatically expect more of him, but have to remember he finished 15th. Think he was always gonna lose his extraliga team spot as he's no longer an U24 rider. British Speedway should be important to him if he wants to prove he can compete with the best.

I'm not saying it's definitely wrong for Cooper to step up so soon, or that it definitely won't work out, just that it could prove disadvantageous if it hurts his confidence in such a tough position. He could have a long career in front of him, so thought "why take the risk"? Obviously didn't do Robert Lambert any harm, but most riders take smaller steps.

I do feel like Lynn were thought of as a strong team by the majority & Ipswich as potentially wooden spoonists, hasn't taken people long to change their mind lol! I always thought Lynn had too long a tail & suggested Gusts instead of 2 x rising stars (pretty much got laughed at for that).

I agree with your first point, I don't see the rush for him to be a top 6 Prem rider in his first season as a 16 year old. Not sure if have recommended him as the RS either, felt there was no harm, starting in the Champ only & if he's scoring well, then look to step up. But I wouldn't say he's been "thrown to the Wolves" he could simply have said no thank you to the offer of a top 6 team place.

I agree with the suggestions that Trigger & Perry would strengthen the Comets team. While it seems incredibly harsh on Etherington, it's nothing to do with his form, more a case of the step up coming too early in his speedway career. Is he can knock in maximums in the National League, I'm sure he'd get more chances in the Champ.

I feel that's a little bit harsh on Castagna, who at least managed to average over 4 last season. But totally agree about the reserve berths, I wouldn't have used both "rising stars", especially as inexperienced as they are.

I feel that's a little bit harsh on Castagna, who at least managed to average over 4 last season. But totally agree about the reserve berths, I wouldn't have used both "rising stars", especially as inexperienced as they are.

I agree this is a ridiculous situation, but for once British Speedway can't take any blame for it. If British Speedway strongly feel the protocol is important for a riders health & safety officer their opponents, then I'm glad they haven't decided to do what the others do to keep the rules uniform.

Hoping to go one better than last year! Jake Mulford (K) 8.74 Nathan Ablitt (M) 8.33 Vinnie Foord (E) 7.73 Jamie Etherington (B) 6.05 Ryan Ingram (L) 5.18 Charlie Southwick (M) 3.76 Seth Norman (L) 2.00 Total 41.79

I think while Klima is at reserve, r/r works well for Plymouth. But it looks like he'll pretty soon be in the top 5, so they'll need guests till they find a replacement for Thomsen. The team definitely has potential to do well, just need to make sure whoever is signed means they'll still have a strong reserve. Get well soon Tobias.

As long as Klindt was signed as an "injury" replacement, then Wright can replace him regardless of averages.

Glasgow had the better team manager today & that helped them to a draw. I said before heat 11, I didn't trust Cluff to beat Hausl, I'd have Loftus in 11, Cluff in 12, Loftus in 14, thinking Loftus was more likely to beat Pedersen than Flint? Then when Tigers used a tac sub, in 12 meant it would've been even more advantageous swapping the reserves round. Brilliant ride by Dan T in heat 15, to a draw, Monarchs fans may feel relieved to get a draw rather than bemoan throwing away an 8 points lead? Felt it showed there was no need for a "stupid heat", the heat 15 decider was exciting on its own & "stupid heat" could've been a from the gate anticlimax.

Newman is in Poole's current 1-7, the current team can remain till the end of the season regardless of averages. In normal circumstances, If Poole want to make changes, they can build up to the 40 limit or sign a lower averaged rider. Except they can bring Gilkes back for Newman, regardless of averages.

Happy with that prediction 🙂

Think Lynn will have too long a tail to challenge the Witches. But then again, Fricke could score 15 (from 6), so I'll go Witches 49-41 Stars

It would be impossible to build a strong looking team with Pickering on an 11+ average, so I naturally assumed they had a plan for when he got a new average? Technically Harrison is a second string & riding with a heat leader (Connor Mountain). Mountain certainly did his job yesterday.

I feel that's a little harsh on Ablitt, he hardly struggled at reserve as he raised his average so much he then got dropped the following season. So naturally gonna find it tough after racing a handful of NL matches & being thrust into the top 5. I'd blame the team selection, of picking him to be a second string in a struggling team rather than the rider not doing his job (as it's early days yet). The team looked the weakest by far, so I'm not surprised by the 61-29 scoreline, be interesting to see what they do at home in the 2nd leg. Wouldn't be surprised to see team changes on the horizon, almost surprised they didn't make a change as soon as Pickering got a new average.

If I was Zach, I'd be offended by their comments, thinking "is that the best they think I can do" lol!

Maybe they (foolishly) believed they had a decent team & didn't need changes? Some clubs are certainly more ruthless than others & will make changes to strengthen an already strong team!

Bachelor will be on his 2025 converted Champ ave. I'd have gone for Jonas Jeppesen instead of Kye Thomsen, especially after his two guest appearances in the top 5. Think that would've given them more strength at reserve.

while I think Mulford is a fair shout, I can understand Joe T because he's got experience at Leicester, Foord could improve but he's currently only a Champ reserve, so not on the level of the aforementioned duo yet.

When the points limit is lowered, it's hard for teams to appear strong compared to last season's side.

Which available RS is currently better than Joe T? Granted I'm asking this after his better score at home.

On Cook's FB page it's full of his supporters telling him how well he's done, I could hardly believe it. Obviously his followers are gonna be fans, but does it do him any good telling him he did well with 3 last places? I'd think it's be more motivating to say "you did your best, I'm sure you'll do better next time & well done on winning heat 14"?