szkocjasid

Average too high (6.64) Scunfield have 4.61 left, but it sounds like it'll be another 3.00 rider from the press release announcing Dicken.

But the team at the top of the league most likely have more riders that have developed. So finishing top is important as it means you've developed riders.

Blodorn's Champ ave would be 8.75, wouldn't fit for the last spot. Agree that Rew is likely to be too busy to race in the Champ.

It's certainly popular of clubs to say they weren't rated, so their achievements look even better. I remember reading non-stop comments from Middlo about how well Ben Cook was doing as a 3rd heat leader when so many people doubted he was ready for the position. 1) I don't remember hardly anyone suggesting Cook couldn't handle the 3rd heat leader role. 2) you don't need a strong 3rd heat leader to win the league (there's 7 men in the team). I feel like saying to Middlo, can't you just say Ben is doing well, without acting like it was "against all odds / proving the doubters wrong"

He could be, that's the fun part of pre-season, hoping you're team has got it right.

Were they really predicted for bottom in 2018?

Can't answer that, till we know how many points are available when the last rider is signed but Zaine Kennedy, Dan Gilkes, Jack Thomas, Ty Proctor, Adam Roynon, Stefan Nielsen. I may well have signed Liebman ahead of the bottom 3 just for the publicity, but if the first 3 fitted, wouldn't have passed them up.

Rew might improve as a rider over the season but will he surpass Vissing, who I think I better now. For example Rew has a 6.00 converted Champ ave based on his 4.00 Prem ave, which is because he can't drop below 4.00 - averaged 3.74 in 2023. Whereas Vissing has a rolling ave of 6.24, despite his 2023 form of 7.07 (8.00 home / 6.19 away). I still can't believe Glasgow dropped Vissing & would love Workington to sign him & so he can top score for a Comets away win at Ashfield. I can dream lol!

Looking at the field 4 points for Pearson is the most you could expect from a 4.1 Champ rider. So his first meetings performance is especially good. While it will be tougher stepping up to second string for the first time, the potential is there.

Rew wouldn't be a bad signing at all, still would have Vissing as my first choice though.

As Janowski has been a GP rider in those years, no reason he should get a reduction imo. As for Wethers (as well as Clegg) not a fan of giving anyone a reduction, but just feel not removing Newcastle matches from the rolling averages, would have been sensible & Wethers could gain a team place on a more realistic average.

It's a forum, are you suggesting people who have no inside knowledge shouldn't give their opinions / ideas on the final 2 riders? We'd be on page 2 not page 62, if only allowed to state facts not theories.

Years ago Tony Rickardsson started the season for Arena-Essex & maybe Oxford too. Perhaps he'd agree to join Brummies till the GPs start? Just be open & hi EST with your fans & they should at least get large crowds to see BZ for a month or so?

Only if they make the play-offs lol!

I think Hook & Joe T are almost certain to stay at reserve for Plymouth. Although I guess the number 7s average could shoot up, but fall again if he's promoted to the top 5?

Good point, I never considered how much harder it should be for a number 2 to get a decent average compared to a number 4. I tend to think about who they race against, rather than finishing behind your number one making it harder to gain points. Will Pearson be at number 2 though?

Probably MPT

Normally riders only get reductions if injured & miss a full season, unless your name is Maciej Janowski riders tend to keep the same average.

Berwick look better placed to challenge for a play-off spot than in recent years. Have strengthened their top end, while having a decent rider at reserve, especially against teams with 2 x 2.00 riders. Big key for me is Etheridge to find his best home form, big home wins = bonus points / aggregate wins.

That makes sense, sounded a bit harsh on Perry to say he's developed & shouldn't be in the NL lol!

I'm curious, how do you rate Berwick's top 2 of Kerr & Schlein?

Is the league weaker because they dropped the points limit or did they drop the points limit because there isn't enough quality for it to remain at 40 (or above)? How many top riders are missing out due to the points limit being lowered (not including riders who chose to miss out)? For example the only missing riders with 4+ averages are: Claus Vissing (possibly at Workington) Erik Riss (does he want to ride Champ?) Anders Rowe Hans Andersen Dan Gilkes Jack Thomas (still injured?) James Wright (still injured?) Ben Morley Max Clegg So a higher points limit would just lead to a large difference between the top & bottom and possibly 2.00 Brits being dropped for new 4.00 riders! With the riders available, I'd suggest they've not gone far wrong with a 38 limit.

Agree with your 8th / 9th predictions. I certainly wouldn't say Oxford look solid, have the best top 2, but a long tail end. Agree about Redcar, they look decent enough to me, but I don't see them as high up as others suggest.

Sedgmen does have the 4th highest average of any second heat leader.

5 clubs will finish outside of the play-offs (top 4 qualify this year)