szkocjasid

When Scott signed a contract for the GPs he must have known there was a chance of a Saturday match taking place, either because of rain-offs or racing Berwick. So I assume there is a contingency plan for fixture clashes. I don't think Oxford should be able to refuse the date because he is missing, especially as Redcar rode at Oxford with missing riders. Plus other riders have second jobs, but still make all their matches. I'm not saying Scott isn't good at his TV job, but him missing the match isn't going to stop people watching / hurt the show, but missing the Oxford match could be a travesty for the Cheetahs, so I'd imagine he'd prefer to be there.

I'm sorry but I think that's the worst thing they could do, fans already complain that too many guests are used, now this would lead to clubs using a guest when their own riders are fit!

I wouldn't say Joe struggled at Scunny earlier in the season, he was doing his job & got dropped because they couldn't find a replacement for Kennedy. He struggled at Birmingham (as many do), but has found form since joining Poole (as many do)

I don't think you can give any Speedway club that much credit, plenty matches been called off early (not just by Glasgow) in the hope the weather will be better later on. Looking at Scunthorpe & Redcar, it appears they no longer cared about the KOC, just the league, but as soon as they're knocked out of the play-offs, will again try to explain to their fans how important the KOC is & why the fans should turn up to watch it! I'm sure Glasgow are expecting Oxford to either be told to turn up on a certain date, or race in October, can't believe they would risk no racing the tie?

Don't think they will ever do that (sadly). Last year there was 10 play-off matches, this year it's up to 14. If they think they'll struggle for dates, top 4 knockout is only 6 matches!

I'm not sure if that's a rule, I know guests can't compete for different teams in the same time.

I'll go for: Wolves 51-39 Sheffield

I'll go for Belle Vue 52-38 Ipswich. Witches top 2, to score enough that the rest of the side only need a few points each.

I think if Emil can win the first heat it will give Witches a massive boost. But if Aces can get a heat advantage, could it make Ipswich doubt themselves?

Are you sure? It seems like Pedersen, Kasprzak & Laguta have missed GB meetings when still riding abroad, but they never got a ban?

It would be tough on Scunthorpe have to postpone their match at a couple of days notice, could certainly imagine Redcar having to swap opponents if they were the home team.

Poole were able to hold Middlo's testimonial mid-season (August last year). Plus they announced earlier in the year, they could run mid season, but didn't think they'd get a suitable field I believe? I'm sure fans would turn up for Robbo even if it didn't have strong riders in it?

Too early to say who are the favourites imo. Glasgow have a very strong top 4, but Oxford have a strong top 3. Glasgow's reserves needing to take 10 rides between them balances out thier top end. Could go either way imo

I'm meaning I've not seen an announcement of who would be replacing them at either match? Assuming it would have been Kinsley & Scott on the NLRC, but they weren't in the preview?

It makes me wonder why Robbo's testimonial was allowed to be staged, means Redcar can't race on Saturday. I'm not saying Robbo shouldn't get his testimonial, just that it could have been held in one of the many free days mid-season

What loophole did you spot? As it turned out Harris was an awesome guest, but before the match I would've suggested Lambert is the best option (if legal).

I noticed the Workington preview didn't name any Oxford riders in it, so we'll never know, which riders would've be competing where?

I glad they prioritised the BSN trophy, avoided the shambles of last year's jubilee league, or teams reaching a final in May, only to race it in October. There was enough weeks in the year to race fixtures, too many gaps early on, then clubs planned to be busy in August, so there was no contingency for rain-offs late in the season (except extending the cut-off date)

Don't forget the summer / jubilee trophy from last year. Fans paid to watch qualifying matches, but one team pulled out of the final, which still hasn't been raced!

Well if I had my way, no play-offs, top of the league are Champions, got until Oct 31st to complete fixtures

One thought about riders not wanting to travel up to Edinburgh (for whatever reason) in theory every NL heat leader should want to step up to the Champ next year, but there won't be that many places available, if riders only want to race for local clubs, they may miss out on a Champ team spot.

I find it strange they allow the league cut-off date to be extended, presumably as it's important for all teams to have an equal chance of qualifying. But then don't extend the cut-off date, once the play-offs start!

Alex Spooner would have been the obvious pick, had he not got injured. I also feel riders like Danny Phillips & Greg Blair (before injury) surely wouldn't have said Edinburgh is too far when they race for Berwick? They're not exactly strong 2.00 riders, but would score more than Wood.

It's interesting some saying Glasgow are stronger without Vissing, others saying they have no chance using r/r. I feel they are slightly weaker without him, but don't feel r/r could be used as an excuse for defeat / explanation for a victory.

It's not every year the top 5 are so far ahead of the bottom 4. But yes, the less teams in the play-offs the better! Personally I think it's a bit rediciulous finishing 6th of 9 gives you a shot at the title!