foamfence

I have seen photographs and videos of electric bikes, both here and in Germany, they would certainly solve many problems regarding noise and would be ideal for indoor meetings. When I've mentioned them on here in the past the idea was dismissed by those who claim the sound is too important but I think it would allow running race commentaries, which might actually add to the interest and excitement.

Well he hasn't really put a foot wrong so far and does seem to care about the sport, that looks to me like a role model that some of our own would do well to follow.

I thought it actually affected more, what about Tungate etc? The two names were prominent because they are British and this is supposed to be British Speedway (although you wouldn't think so looking at some of the Championship line-ups).

He has family in England, so I think he still has some gear over here. He has been posting photo's of his practising in Australia and has certainly been hoping for a team slot.

Ellis Perks might be worth a go.

Maybe he's another of Lemmo's 'jobs for the boys' signings, like Sedgy was?

I can still remember a seeing a rider with a helmet that covered his ears, the announcer made a point of telling you how it gave better protection to the skull, must've been in the very early 60s I think.

Last season was such an inspiring new start, lots of good British stars and a young British rider who turned out to be one of the finds of the season. Now we have six foreigners! Made up of past their sell by date or the totally untried. I can understand the desire to create assets but this looks like a Berwick side.

Lacking firepower and too many ifs and buts. If the untried riders prove to be sensational then who knows what might happen? Otherwise it looks like a Redcar team of old.

Yes, I understood it, as anyone who knows me will crucify.

Justify what?

Yes, I noticed your own side dropped him.

He's been a big let down in the past and isn't exactly renown for his battling qualities. If he's there a lot wont be.

And how many clubs would this affect? Even at Swindon they're building the houses before the new stadium, then again, are they ever going to build a new stadium?

Hope not!

http://www.itv.com/news/central/

http://www.savecoventryspeedway.com/news.php?extend.121.1&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

And he IS!

As most people either don't know of it's existence or don't care anyway, I don't think the 'family sport' tag of several decades ago still applies. I thought SKY Sport actually marketed it as raw and exciting (no brakes, no fear etc) until they realised that they were giving money to a dead beggar.

That has been common practice for low end riders for many years, even draft riders were on a guaranteed minimum.

Why not, they've never had one before?

Most of the clubs you mention do actually know their line-ups but have various reasons for staggering the declaration, Redcar for instance have known their line-up for months but only declare a limited number of names at each of their fund raising nights, the theory being that it'll attract more fans to these events. When Ellis Perks declares that he hasn't got a club with whom to start the season, he does actually know that.

Because those 'foreign riders' often come from countries that protect their own. It is supposed to be BRITISH speedway but according to you we should just exist as a training ground for foreign youngsters or those who just use us as an easy meal ticket. Fair enough, if that's what you want, it isn't what I want though and I would suspect that the majority of fans would support prioritising our own riders or at least having a set minimum number in each side.

I see he has announced his retirement on Twitter. Assuming this isn't another Josh Bates style incident, then it's certainly a shame. There is something very wrong when our own riders can't get a place or can't double-up, yet quite a few untried or low grade overseas riders will be in the starting line-ups and plenty of overseas riders will be doubling-up. Priority should be with all home riders until they all have a place.

I wasn't aware that he was even interested in coming back, there is no indication on his Facebook.