spin king

Difficult one to estimate, as all the bars were open, so standing on the terraces was difficult to estimate, but I would make a conservative guess of around 3,000 but could have been more.

Cracking meeting with all of the riders putting on a great show for a true racer that Ricky was, and I hope he enjoyed the meeting as much as the crowd did. Lets hope that the money raised was enough to make Ricky's and his wonderful family much more comfortable.

Not sure if I would say emphatic win, but after watching 3 of our riders taking part in the Ricky Ashworth meeting yesterday I am feeling more and more confident.

Confirmed that he replaces Jacob Thorsell.

Have to agree, I always attend the Press and Practice Day and always look forward to it, but it is no way to judge who loks good and who does not.

There has to be something otherwise why have riders obtained visa's? Looks to me as though riders who have for one reason or another not rode over here last season or had a season that has been badly effected by injury have been assessed on season where they have done a full or a near full season.

Ty is Ty Proctor, and is Australian. Tai is Tai Woffinden and is British. Something that has been playing on my mind as well. I have read through the criteria and struggle to find where is fitted in. Maybe he failed to ride enough meetings last season and for reasons for his Visa he has been allowed to use his previous years average instead.

I will add to the debate of Risager and Lambert. The league was a hell of a lot stronger when Risager was 16 compared to Lambert. Lambert is a fine prospect but we have to careful not over hype him.

According to the BSPA site 5.37. But that is a rolling average and not sure whether or not it the rolling average that they are using.

Some interesting views on the latest worthy Ben Fund meeting. First of the the well known forum contributor from Birmingham who as per usual wants to take a pop at the BSPA regarding taking action against riders pulling out of the meeting. (1) The meeting is run by Benevolent Fund not the BSPA, so why should they get involved, the meeting is run to aid riders who have suffered injury. If riders pull out of meeting or refuse to ride then they are putting or potentially putting the chance to raise as much money possible at risk, they are effectively hitting potential their own pockets and so of their fellow riders. (2) Running the meeting later in the season to attract better riders. Not a bad call, but my guess is the reason why they run it as the first meeting of the season is that they know that fans have not seen a speedway meeting for the best part of 6 months, and one of the reasons why the fans make a point of attending the meeting apart from the cause is very dear to all speedway fans hearts it is the chance for a large majority of fans to actually see a speedway meeting. And finally as others have said Well Done to Ben Barker who has ridden every single Ben Fund meeting, surely there should be some sort of special award for the lad.

Have there not been a change in the regulations regarding race suits this season. Maybe Adam Roynon's old suits were not longer within the regulations. Would be rather stupid to have a rider riding in a non regulation racing suit for a meeting that is for the benefit for injured riders.

I think the Promotion has gone for a safe pair of hands in Andre, and if he is fit then looking around at what else was on offer he is possibly the best option. I agree probably means will be even strong er at home. So bring it on.

Good Luck to the lad Morley. Looks like it is sink or swim time for him. The Redcar top 4 is decent, but the bottom three could be their big downfall. The big problem is where to place Gravensen and Skidmore. Skidmore's best riding position and where is most effective is riding the number 2 slot, but that would then mean putting Gravensen at either 3 or 4, and could prove costly when either heat 12 or 13 comes around.

Pontus Aspgren 7.17

Possible, but the problem for me is that his average is below 5 and that would mean putting a young raw rookie in Arthur Sissis in the main body of the team. One name not seen mentioned and he rides Sheffield well is Mathieu Tresarrieu, get him into the team and we still have Sissis at reserve.

Lee Payne.

Absolutely spot on with what you say about Lewis, I have friends who have spent time with Lewis and got to know the lad and they say he is a nice lad. No doubt he has the talent but does not know how to channel it, I really think he needs to take a look at Tai who already has a World Championship under his belt. Tai was going on a similar path, but he appeared to see the light of day, got Peter Adams involved and the rest is history. Lewis should be doing the same rather than involving himself in petty arguments, and getting his head down, otherwise later on on life he might just sit down and think "If Only."

Sounds like Lewis was expecting the club to loan him the money to buy them then.

I will agree with all of those especially the Ricky one. Also Simon Stead retaining his PLRC title. Josh Bates retaining his Under 21 title. Beat Scunthorpe at home. (seems ages since we did). Adam Roynon to have an injury free season. Tai Woffinden to get back his World title. And no serious injuries for any rider.

Not sure what this loan to buy equipment is all about, I understood that he was loaning equipment off Chris Harris.

I quite like Lewis, but does appear to be a case of "Another Day In The Life Of Lewis Bridger." Its nice to see that maybe he still wants to ride and that he will not be lost to the sport. But I am afraid that sometimes he does give of the thought that he thinks he is big time Charlie.

Kozza's situation is very interesting. He does have a average of 7 and over, but that average was gained in the 2013 season. He did not contest any of the State Championships as far as I am aware. He did not ride over here last season due to visa problems, but he was not refused a visa he decided not to take up the terms of the visa, due to the terms stating that he was not allowed to double up or take any Guest bookings, the same terms that Jason Doyle was riding under and I think Ryan Douglas was as well. I just wonder if he's been given a visa, I wonder how he qualifies under the present criteria that I have seen.

According to SCB on here Ty should be okay for his visa as he qualifies via his Elite League average. As to why the Promotion has not announced Taylor's replacement, who knows the reason behind that one, maybe they are negotiating with a rider.

I don't know the club bought Simon Stead, Ash Birks is good around Sheffield. David Bellego is as good as anyone around Sheffield, one the very riders to beat Steady around Sheffield. Taylor Poole was as a decent 2nd string when he eventually got dialled in. Ty Proctor is capable of more than his current average. I think we had a side that could have made us very hard to beat at home this coming season. We have lost Taylor so we now have to look elsewhere, and it will be interesting to see who the Promotion bring in.

Have to concur with those sentiments regarding Charles never really given an extended chance at other clubs or often made the scapegoat for the other team failings, and fully deserves to become a fully fledged member of a club that show faith in him.