g13webb

Such a shame the BSPA don't appear to place as much importance into these things as they should. We had this same attitude last year, when waiting for the new format to be announced. They appear to think, as long as the format is in place before the league starts then all is well. Nothing could be further from the truth. All format changes should've be in place from the AGM so Team Managers can take on the implications of the new program when assembly his team. Last year, the format gave the 2nd strings(2S) a free run to score points far easier than Heatleaders(HL), but the TM, didn't know this until March 2014, when all teams had already been selected. It has been said, this year's format would be different, Like as, the top tier FTR would include 1 race against a HL; The No 4 would race before Ht 5; Team positions would be dictated by the CMA and no swapping riders positions to be allowed. All these ideas will have an influence on the riders scoring potential, and it is for those reasons the TM ought to know well before the season starts. No doubt there will be posters on here saying where's the problem, and its the same for all teams. Yeah, it probably is.... But It does the sport no favours, when nobody is aware of the format ahead, Not the riders, Nor the fans, Nor the TM. How can managers negotiate with riders when they don't know how they will score. Why should Fan buy season tickets when they know nothing of the format of racing ahead. No, I don't see any of this changing this year and the sport will be continue in the shambolic way it always has. No doubt the format will be published in March ready for the new season and nobody knowing what lies ahead.... Such a pity there is not more planned and structured approach to our sport from the people who matter...............

Any rider in the Elite league would easily have a average greater than 3. Even the likes of Compton, Johnson and Hopwood can attain that. so to access a descent rider that low has to be questioned. Every 2nd string in the Elite League last year averaged greater than 5.16. This wasn't because they were all good riders, but mainly due to the sub-quality they were racing against. It about time the BSPA sorted out this ridiculous situation, When they start messing about with race formats, they have to alter the conversion rules and averages as well. It's all very well saying we need to forward young British talent into our league, but it has to be done the right way. Last year Robert Lambert was allocated a 3, at the start of the year, as he was new rider in a new format. But even though he was one of the worst 2nd strings, and finished more of his races third or last, he still finished on a 5.32 CMA. showing that all riders should be accessed at least a 5............ Anything less would be a joke....

Wrong again.... I'm not Starman's brother, and no I don't have a alto ego, or any other problems with Swindon. Over the years, have been to some really good meetings there. I just like things to be right. Can't abide cheats or deceptions in any shape or form. Would rather lose with credit than cheat and win....... That meeting, If you go back long enough, you'll always find results that really pleases you. I'm old enough to remember that meeting when Gedde broke the track record. But I can also remember times when we done the Robins as well, probably its what makes this sport what it is. I can remember the track record when it was 73sec........ and Barry Briggs lowered it to 72.4, that was against Swindon as well. Seasonal greetings to you all and a Prosperous New Year....... PS; Happiness use to be 40 - 38

Mate, I've no axe to grind with Swindon, and relate only to what I hear. It wasn't long ago that Hans Andersen was in the news for all the wrong reasons, apparently withholding his services because of payment issues with Swindon. .. Makes one think doesn't it....... It cant all be wrong, especially when you don't hear much defence coming from your club. Probably Dakota North is not everyone's cup of tea, but he sure was Swindon's saviour last year... Like I say!!!!! when there's smoke, there is usually a fire of some description........ ?????

No doubt there is a lot that goes on behind closed doors the fans know nothing about... But where there's smoke, there usually is a fire of some description..... Shame really.... Pity all clubs can't be run properly and everything was in the open...

No doubt you'll correct me if I'm wrong, but I was, of the impression there was no grading lists of FTR, purely 2 groups of riders Tier:1 and Tier:2 looked upon as equals. When someone gets injured he can be replaced by AN Other from that same tier of riders........ When I questioned the order of the riders in the selection process of the FTR, and asked if injury replacement would be covered by that same criteria, I was informed that all riders in a said group would be looked at as equals and all could be used as injury cover. Shame they didn't think that when the selection was done........

Agree with what you say, but with different emphasis. The fact he is one of our own riders, to me is important, and if there are any chances to improve as a rider, then we should think of our own first. I'm a big supporter of the idea on 'Young British Riders' at reserve. Its the unfair-way it is being administrated that I strongly disapprove with. I've always lived my life on the 'You reap what you sow' philosophy, and have to question the logic of choosing a rider from another club, when that club (i.e.. Swindon, Wolves) had the opportunity, but choose not too..... MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL....... ( Yes even Poole speedway as well) :t:

So many posters on here are of the impression that Darcy will be back this year. My honest opinion is that he hasn't a hope in hell of escaping a lengthy ban. If come the New Year, when he faces the tribunal, for him to be back come March will result in just a 3 months ban, and that would be ridiculous. The minimum he could hope for is 12 months and that would take him to August 2015. Deep down Matt Ford realises this and has signed Holder to replace him. I reckon that's good business........ But all these permutations of 'will he or won't he' is just wishful thinking. My one hope, is when he eventually gets back, he does things right and becomes the rider everyone believes he can be.......He's still got time to win multiple World championships

Cant wait......

Since when do the BSPA put the sport first. Individually or collectively, they always look after their own first............. The sport is secondary......

Not a bit surprised Holder has resigned for Poole, and from me a big welcome back. The League needs all the class it can get. The surprise for me is North. he did very well the backend of the year and his average went up considerably. The format used has a big input on the position they ride. North on a 6.57 is high for a second string and will find the races tough if he's rides as a heat leader. Be interesting to see how Matt Ford uses him.... Like I say signing North has surprised me.....

It is my belief the BSPA have systematically destroyed the sensibility of the riders averages with their new ideas. In the 'Good Ole Days' we use to get Heatleaders on scores of 8,9,and 10 +; Second-strings on 5,6,and 7's, and the reserves were 3and 4's. Just by their scores you had a realistic idea of his capability. Now, we have 80% of the riders between 6 and 7, and depending what position he rides in the team, will determine the difficulty he faces. What a fiasco ....... The fact we are now discussing all riders being accessed on a 6.5 as fair. just highlights how ridiculous our scoring format has become........

Liking the banter, Would have to agree with you about the Stars languishing near the bottom, But then the Witches had a good team and were worthy opponents. How thing have changed! ! ! ! ! The local derby matches against Ipswich would always be near the top of my memories, Big crowds, great atmosphere, brilliant close matches..... If only........

It would be impossible to name them all . Sure, some peoples opinion will always differ from others. Other names would be right up there at the top of any lists. Probably we could start with say five or six maybe, then have a vote each year on the next two names to join them. It would create a lot of added interest with the fans and the 'Hall of Fame' would become a focal point, not only for our fans but visiting fans as well. I'm sure local firms would be only too willing to sponsor something like this, that could offer tremendous advertising exposure for years to come.......... Also, I know of an Artist who could do a tremendous lifelike impression if required. I'm sure cost wouldn't be a stumbling block , but ones doesn't know until he's asked...... But believe me when I say he's an awesome talent......

I like the Retro Idea, no way would I ever criticise the work Buster has done in bringing Saddlebow Road into the 21st century, but in saying that the old place had some fantastic memories. Good crowds, Fabulous atmosphere and brilliant Riders. Anyway we can hang on to those 'Good ole Days' gets the nod from me.... Maury Littlechild was the brains who originally brought Speedway to Lynn. He moved heaven and earth to make it happen, Probably a Bar along the back straight could be named in his honour, or at least a plague commemorating his increditable achievement .

Richie should've kept with the Stars. He was miles better than his brother at that time. It was by far his best year and could have progressed from there. Going back to Belle Vue has turned into a backward step. Now he has to set new objectives . If that means taking a step back before going forward then so be it. Confidence is important in a rider, without that you may as well give up......lets hope he regains the form he showed 2 seasons ago..... This new FTR system is way too complicated with many ridiculous rules. Young riders like Richie should have the chance to race in this scheme, Does it matter he was in a 1 to 5 last year.. The system doesn't take into account riders whose form stutters and need another helping hand. The only important concern of the rule makers should be are riders are young, British and wants to compete. Nothing else matters............ But to say once a rider has ridden in a team's 1 to 5 your illegible is so short sighted.... Its time these people woke up........

Probably the best Belle Vue team I've seen for many years. Gone are the days when you languished in the lower regions, with this new team, I have no doubt you'll be in contention from the start and be a serious opponents for those play-off places......... I'm hoping 2015 will be Lynn's year, winning the big one to mark the 50th anniversary of the club, but it would be real good if Belle Vue was there or thereabout.. Pleased with the plans of the new Stadium, pleased with the new team, pleased that a club with so much of the sports history, will again be strong again and figure prominently in the sport it once ruled......

Reflecting on Tuesday night and what Buster said about the team he referred to it as his close family. Each of the riders wanted to race for Lynn. It wasn't about money, or benefits, all the deals were quickly and easily dealt with, because all the riders wanted to be back. Buster also said he had been unindated with requests from other clubs for the riders, making him realise just how formidable Lynn could be . Niels left a message, relaying he wouldn't ride for anyone else, Kenneth saying he don't need to sign a contract and more than happy to ride for Lynn , Rory saying he belongs here, all gives the impression of togetherness and wanting to carry on, riding as a team. Porsing and Kerr were there too and showed the same team spirit that obviously is very strong. Yeah, cause I'm bias towards Lynn, but isn't it refreshing to hear good things about the sport and exciting plans for the future, instead of clubs struggling to survive or riders with-holding their services for late payments. It just shows, success can be achieved if the club is run properly....... I'd like to say: Well done to Buster and Co

But you know how these things can be twisted to suit whoever......

I like the merits of what your suggesting, It would make a lot of sense to utilise any facilities available. But, and a BIG but, wouldn't it be conceived by the powers at B, that Kings Lynn Speedway would have the opportunity of seeing riders potential first hand, and therefore would have last pick of the riders when on offer ?????

Sidney ! My sentiment exactly. Why should teams, that do very little, benefit at the expense of those teams that do. The idea of the Draft is that all teams put equal amounts into the pot before the weakest take first pick, and the strongest takes the last. The idea of a concocted draw merely makes it more of a mockery than it already is. Am amazed they never allowed Poole their 2 picks prior to the day of the draw, but then again they probably did. The idea of clubs benefitting without contributing, is not what the draft was meant to do..., I'll scratch your back...... Sidney..... No worries...... This advantage, you say that Lynn have their own track was achieved by the astute business accruements of Buster Chapman. It wasn't given to him, it has been hard earnt. He wouldn't have been able to achieve this had he like other promoters wasted thousands of pounds on accumulating unrealistic assets. Many times Lynn have been accused of using other clubs assets but at least Buster pays the rate and run a viable concern. Probably other clubs should take a leaf out of Buster's book.......

Cheers mate, appreciate that........ We sure have been waiting a long time ...........

The idea of a draft selection is for the Best team to have the last pick and the worse to select first. Except when your name is POOLE. It is not meant to penalise the clubs that do most for encouraging riders. I'm all for being FAIR in everything. But conducting business, like what was done in sorting out the positions of the top riders was nothing short than scandalous. But then again, If I said the sky was blue, and water was wet, you would disagree with me..........

Enjoyed our night of Speedway talks, As been said the same 1-5 as last year. Interesting to hear that all the riders so wanted to be a Lynn, and the amount of interest some received from other clubs. Hearing about Joe Jacobs retiring, seem quite ironic, that as a club, we have a few riders to fit the bill yet the only rider from last year that is missing is Lewis Rose and we weren't allowed to keep him. Talk about stupid FTR rules....... Amazed to see so many familiar faces there. We arrive a 7pm as suggested and the place was heaving. Standing room only..... Needless to say, every one is missing the weekly dose of Castrol R. I have a contented feel to 2015. Deep down I believe we were the best last year and should have won, But fate dictated the end results. Next year should be our time..... Can't wait for next year, but March seems a long way off.....

With Lambert doing more meetings, one can envisage it will improve his gating. Once that is sorted he could easily become one of the top dog in the Premier League. and that indirectly will benefit Lynn Stars..... Good Move .