Bryn

I think you'll find that apparently, for some unknown reason, there's no reduction in a rider's NL average no matter how the length of absence.

The Wightlink Islanders have signed 21 years old Welshman Tom Young to replace the unfortunate Byron Bekker and Tom debuts for the team tonight.

Saw the USA team in action at King's Lynn last night and would highly recommend you at least go along to see the very impressive duo of Gino Manzares and Rocco Scopollite plus Kiwi teen Hayden Sims in action even if nothing else 'floats your boat' as it were. Alas I can't get there myself much as I'd like to as can't find a lift from here just the Kent side of the Dartford Tunnel and my current knee/ foot probs rule out going by train unfortunately. You can always record the GP!

Chuffed that I was at the meeting and those that weren't missed a cracker!

It is far too early in the season for any rash predictions to be made by any club / supporter, Most certainly the Wightlink Islanders have shown in their opening two matches winning away by 20pts at Buxton and 61-31 at home against Stoke last night, that they will be a force to be reckoned with in this year's NL. No news yet on a permanent replacement for the unfortunate Byron Bekker who was at the track last night but Jake Anderson who deputised last night only dropped one point in five rides! RESULT and SCORERS (in riding order 1 to 7) FROM LAST NIGHT'S MATCH: WIGHTLINK SHIELD - 1st LEG WIGHTLINK ISLANDERS 61: Tom Perry 9+1, Danny Stoneman 8+1, Ben Hopwood 8+2, Darryl Ritchings 7, Jake Anderson 11+3, Adam Ellis 13+1, Brandon Freemantle 5+1 STOKE 31: Lee Smart 4, Ben Reade, 3, Luke Chessel (rider replacement), Luke Priest 8, Kyle Hughes 12, Shaun Tedham 2+1, Chris Widman 2+1

As I understand it because he has not yet ridden for the team 'montie.'

Can I state that, at this stage, the IOW club itself has made NO official announcement although they have been made well aware of the situation by Byron himself. Irrespective of rumours the situation is, as I personally understand it, is that Byron is very down at what the specialist he saw has said and has stated that he is seeking further opinions at this stage. IF he is subsequently ruled out for a lengthy period then the club will obviously have to secure a replacement for him as no facility (i.e. using r/r to cover) would be available. I feel sure the IOW management would, and most certainly already have, make moves towards exploring just who would be a suitable replacement for him if he were to be ruled out of action. Meanwhile best wishes to Tom Perry who has been called up at the last minute to ride in tonight's British title semi-final at Sheffield to replace the injured Lewis Bridger.

Anyone got the details/results of the junior heats that were run after last night's main match please?

Just been confirmed to me that tomorrow's scheduled Lakeside Academy on the new training circuit at the Essex venue is, alas, OFF but there are still places left for next week and the week after. Anyone interested please email: spdwy@hotmail.com for further details. Bryn Williams

No need to panic surely bearing in mind our sport's newest venue is not scheduled to open it's doors until next month and there's only one rider to name!

The sun shone throughout and we enjoyed an action packed meeting with all riders having practice laps prior 50 plus races. Main results: NOVICE PAIRS: 1st - Wayne Beckett and Andy Harrison 2nd - Keiron Davidson & Mark Anderson 3rd - Duane Wuerzeburger & Neal Richmond INTERMEDIATE PAIRS: 1st - Rod Woodhouse & Mick Skinner 2nd - Martin & Simon Pearce 3rd - John Markham & Ricky Davison There was also two solo support classes, youth 250cc races, together with youth 125cc and Youth 500cc demos and a current PL rider testing out a few things with his bike set ups in his solo practice outings.

Glad a texter has been found. Was hoping to get there myself and would have volunteered despite my mangled mitts if a texter hadn't have been found. Alas it hasn't proved possible for me to get there so will rely on the excellent updates site Sue organises. Hope it's a good meeting with no injuries and great racing and that those there don't get too cold!

Have sent you a message. Bryn

Is there anyone going to the meeting from the Kent side of the Thames via the Dartford tunnel with a spare seat in their vehicle that could possible give me a lift there and back - will pay petrol and tunnel/bridge fees obviously! If there IS anyone who can help would very much appreciate it and if you can indeed help, please phone me on 07774 935468. Bryn

Just to confirm firstly, for Tony Mac's info, that I never took up the mantle of editor of the Speedway Mail as back in those days I worked full time in the Insurance industry in addition to devoting a heck of a lot of my spare time to this sport I've been hooked on since watching my first ever meeting at West Ham in 1966. Thanks to both Tony and 'Ommer Mon' for mentioning the late Tony Barnard and bringing back memories of "The Professor" as a one time announcer, programme editor and chief scribe of the weekly Kestrel News at Waterden Road dubbed him!

So Parsnips old Fruit, YOUR predicted NL finishing order is?

Given that impressive previous record, it'll be interesting to see if you get it right this year! Will be interesting to see given the amount of postings all leagues (not only the PL) prompt on this and other forums, just how many regular contributors will 'put their neck on the line' as it were and predict finishing orders - and to see who gets closest!

"Good on ya Dave," as my Aussie mates would say. Let's hope you're the first of many who'll respond to the challenge.

The tone of the last three or four postings on this thread have suggested disagreement with the predictions in the Speedway Star and people are perfectly entitled to do that BUT what about posters having a go and making their OWN predictions/guesses/callitwhatyouwill and posting them here? Even if they ultimately prove to be completely wrong, you have the cover of your 'forum name' so come on, don't be shy, GO FOR IT!

I enjoyed heat 20! Time for bed Zebedee!

In my days as a Speedway Mail track correspondent, and that was certainly before everything went computer orientated, I well remember on one day a week finishing work at my 'day job,' and then making my way round to the Mail HQ to 'do my bit' and arriving to see yourself TMC and John Bolle both be slaving away - well that's what it looked like!

But did you ever have a clue what he was shouting? I certainly never had a clue no matter how hard I tried to understand him!

We're shortly about to set off from Kent to be at TT's big night so be warned weather gods, there'll be BIG trouble if you attempt to spoil the party!

Fingers crossed (not that I can cross my arthritic mangled ones!) on the weather as four of us are coming up from Kent for Tom's big event.

I see it's going to cost five quid a copy (including postage) - I wonder what people think about that?