szkocjasid

Seems I'm in the minority regarding the RS system. Even if I agree Joe T & Boughen aren't ready for the Prem, then my suggested alternative, would be to allow Kemp & Jenkins to remain "rising stars" so it's a more level playing field, not to get rid of the system.

Can't agree with that, Gilkes is a near 5 points Champ rider, so exactly the sort of rider who should be holding down a RS spot.

First year no-one Second year Brennan, Hume, Mountain Third year Jenkins, Kemp These are the riders who have progressed from the RS system & gained team spots in the Prem. Not sure if you can count Edwards, as he's an RS racing in the top 6? I think that's a decent level of progress.

I think the RS system is the best rule they've introduced in years, just because one or two riders are struggling doesn't mean it doesn't work. You can't expect everyone to excel, but as long as one or two progress every year, it's working imo. Personally I think it should be used in both leagues, every Champ team actually has an RS in their team, but unlike the Prem, they aren't guaranteed to meet each other twice a meeting.

While Joe is struggling in the top division, I'm not sure there's anyone better out there, certainly not with Leicester track experience. Lions probably better off just giving him time.

While King's average has dropped, there's still decent riders available to guest. Might not always get a rider as good as Riss, but shouldn't hurt Redcar too much.

Who would you put at 5?

Not really, Milik hasn't been going well. I thought he would be a potent reserve, but after losing a 5-1 in heat 2, quickly changed my mind.

Be tough for him against Fricke & Lawson. I'd use Rew, give him practice before heat 2.

Yeah my (pre-season) Atkins suggestion was based on him being a 4+ Champ rider last year, so statistically the strongest non RS available. As he started the season poorly (till last night) don't see him getting a chance now.

I said pre-season start with Atkins, then if Boughen is outperforming him in the Champ, give him a chance. It's a big step up from less than half a season in the Champ to the Prem.

The Starke situation is an odd one, started with a 4.00 average (4.10 before reduction) has ridden 2 matches for a 5.00 average, yet his green sheets have dropped to 3.52. I think he may have been carrying some high scoring meetings from 2021, which were dropped off once he rode his first 2024 match, so his average has shot down, despite scoring above it. Even last year he rode better for Plymouth in matches that didn't count for the averages (BSN, KOC), but poorer for Birmingham when they did (league).

As much as I love Speedway the attitude from the BSPL towards the NDL leaves me losing interest in it. The first match if this season for example, Leicester allowed a guest for Max James as he was due at Edinburgh's pre-season practice. If the powers that be have decided that is considered more important than a NDL fixture, it doesn't exactly encourage me to attend NDL matches.

While people may not be saying this exactly, at times it looks like they are waiting for Cook to miss matches due to mental health so they can say "I told you so". Do people really get pleasure in suggesting something will go wrong for Craig? Because that appears to be the case at times.

Boughen, Killeen, Hodder, Scott not riding (unless abroad) certainly hope Glasgow wouldn't ask Pijper to ride when not fit & even moreso hope Ace wouldn't agree if not fit.

Managers can, but rarely do from what I've seen

Well I called that wrong, Oxfords second strings & 1 reserve did far better than all season. Glasgow's bottom 4 not doing enough. Well done Oxford. Delighted Glasgow got knocked out lol!

I think I'd do the opposite, as they are chasing a 14 point win, better to have both reserves scoring. If McGurk has the better of Trigger, then leave Starke Tu beat the second strings? But I think they'll do a straight swap & put Starke at 7.

You won't need to drop Wright for a top rider, their averages will be so low, could probably replace their number 6 for a top rider. Don't see Oxford doing that tbh, can see them running with 5/6 "second strings" & Boughen. Can't agree re the RS system, just because it's not even. Whatever the system it won't be even, look at the points limit - otherwise Birmingham would be the same strength as Sheffield & Ipswich. As for Boughen, I don't think that's an issue with the RS system, more Oxford picking a rider too inexperienced. Same happened last year, people said the RS system didn't work with Mulford & Joe T out of their depth, but that was only because Kemp, Rowe & Bailey were overlooked. Not so much strength in depth this year, but there's still 3+ Champ riders Hagon, Pijper, Atkins, Mulford waiting in the wings. If NL second strings were being forced in the RS spots, I'd agree it's not working.

Wright would probably be the last rider I would drop. Harris too has to stay. Simple answer is drop the lowest averaged rider. This is where the RS system works, 5 years ago the option would be to bring Kerr back in place of Boughen.

That made me laugh lol!

Oxford are 2.33 below the limit, with Janowski due to drop about 2.5 off his starting average. They could make wholesale changes, that is if they can find more top class heat leaders who want to race in GB.

Has the SCB conducted an investigation into this call-off?

100% agree. The Championship needs Mildenhall a hell of a lot more than Mildenhall need the Championship imo. Racing on a Sunday is a disaster due to Poland, just ask Newcastle!

How is calling off a match they're favourites to win, due to poor weather forecast a "dodgy call-off"