The White Knight

I wasn't looking for an argument. You asked for my reasoning - I gave it to you. I was talking in general, not specifically. Averages can and do prevent people riding - that is undeniable.

Very true - but what if said Average does not fit in to any Team - you are on the shelf. That is what I was getting at. The Averages for Team building is, by definition, restrictive. You build your Team to an Average Total by fitting people in. Those who don't fit are out of a job.

Keeping my fingers crossed for Cook. Not sure how well he would do in the GP Series - I would like him to get the chance to find out.

Lack of Track time for a start. Money for equipment possibly. As to why so many British Riders don't have a Team. Averages probably, Foreign Riders definitely.

I quite agree ff. It's just not my opinion.

NO!!!

Why would I want to go and watch a bunch of Riders who don't give a toss if they win for my Team or not? I would like to see a Team of Riders who are Racing for the Club, and Supporters they represent on a regular basis. In other words - MY TEAM.

Doubt it very much.

I came across this a while back: http://speedwayinmemoriam.yolasite.com EDIT: I have just noticed as I Posted that this 'Link' is at the bottom of Chunky's Posts.

No less a luminary than Barry Briggs, has castigated 'Lay Downs'. He reckons they are dangerous and I agree with him.

I don't see what more you could do from your Statement. I wish you all the very best of luck, and sincerely hope that your efforts are successful.

And there's the rub. As regards running when you like - that would also be under the Rules of the Council as they always have stipulations on things like this. Curfews etc.

That let's me out then......................... :sad:

Nigel is just trying to give as much information to the Viewer as he can.

Don't we all. :D

Age has nothing to do with it. I know when I saw a Team of Riders - and I know when I see a group of Riders. I watched Team Speedway years ago - nowadays you watch whoever the Promoter can get in and put out in front of you. The 'Team' (in it's true sense) ethic has gone from the Sport, and the Public, the Customers, are recognizing this and are not buying it. No it won't - how can you build up Team Spirit and Camaraderie when you have different Riders in your so-called Team every week? The answer is you can't.

Absolutely Spot On!!!!! That is what is missing now, 'our Riders' - nowadays they are anybodies Riders. Unless the Authorities cotton on to this, ultimately Speedway is finished.

How very true.

Another good advert then. :sad:

Not like it used to be.

It probably has to be in order to actually control the 'Rocket Ships' they are riding these days.

I would only add to that - so must Double Points - if Speedway wants to have a shred of credibility. Sadly credibility, at present, is something the Sport just does not have. I have supported Speedway for over Fifty Years now - I no longer attend solely because of Double Points - and now we have this Double Up and Double Down which does absolutely nothing to encourage me to return. As Tigerowl says, and I have said in the past, people want to watch their own TEAM - not elements of someone else's. Injury/Illness/International Appearances, for me, would be the only permitted ways of being allowed to use Rider Replacement. Unless the Speedway Authorities rediscover what Promoters years ago appreciated, and that is the fact that Speedway is a Team Sport and and that Teams/Riders expect, rightfully, loyalty from their Supporters. They also need to remember - it is a two way thing, Supporters expect loyalty from their Team/Riders. It is not something that you can reach out and touch, it is an intangible thing a sense of it being our very own Team. That is the way I see it anyhow.

Well let's hope that Craig Cook will do as well as that other real BRITISH Rider in the series - I somehow doubt it. Tai Woffinden comes from Scunthorpe - you can't get any more REAL BRITISH than that.

Hear, hear!!! :approve:

Personally, I will wait until any Official News comes out.