Rebel1

At least Si has filled the spot left after Joe's injuries. The r/r last Sunday did not fill the numbers that Joe would have generated. Connor with a bit of support could well settle in and find his feet. Sadly there is now little chance of Danno being extended in order to hold down that third heat leader spot. A good win on an extremely hot afternoon by the team out front in the league and surprisingly led by their guest reserve!

Not so much being pessimistic, just that they will place a levy for speedway which may be greater than that in place between Roger and Len. Bear in mind that Roger has personal links to speedway, ARC are a Company in business to make money. Think back to why Wimbledon bit the dust. If ARC are only purchasing the rights to run the dogs ,ok. If they are taking control of the stadium then and only then would I see things being different.

Can see this affecting the viability of speedway here going forward.

Interesting fact as there have been a few tracks around football pitches in the past. When West Ham went to the wall I believe a team was to go into the Rochester dog complex before at the eleventh hour going to Romford football stadium.

East End Fan, I think you have mis-read my comment. I was merely saying that as a new football stadium was being built in Plough Lane that the design could have included a speedway track. As for the Olympic stadium I believe Jon Cook had put out feelers regarding getting track incorporated in that stadium. Both things have been missed opportunities. I used to go to Rayleigh before changing to West Ham in 64 and like you moved across to Arena. Being domiciled in Kent I now have a home County track to end my days at.

Bit late coming back on this, but, one would have thought that with another stadium being designed and now erected that someone from the BSPA could have requested that the design would include a speedway track. I also believe Jon Cook had at one time looked into a track being part of the redesign of the Olympic Stadium when West Ham and other London football teams were vying for the use of those facilities. Perhaps London does not want a speedway team and yes I went to many of those venues during the times when there were sufficient clubs to permit the London Riders Championship.

Even if racing does go ahead I wonder how many fans would risk being in close proximity on the terraces? I would be doubtful of the virus being eradicated even when the powers that be say it is safe to proceed. Hong Kong thought it was clear and then it erupted with 40+ cases last week. They have closed all borders now but here we still keep getting immigrants crossing from who knows where.

New name for the young Kent team as the National League side will be known as the 'Royals'. Just have to wait and see what pictorial will be put on the racing bibs. It can hardly be a crown, but it is possible. Maybe the old Crusaders emblem will be resurrected. No doubt we will have to wait for the first meeting to find out.

The unfortunate part of your thoughts Sidney the robin is the points building formula. The reserves, being these NL lads, tends to see them being dumped for lesser points average riders. Few if any promoters build a side from the bottom as they are more interested in the more solid scoring riders. I do agree though that these young lads need to be nurtured, I am sure that Len will stand by his decision to fledge Dan this year and probably coach him. He has the slot alongside Scott for this season in the pits so he will have lots of encouragement.

I believe that has been Lens' overarching requirement for several seasons now. The issues with the local Council planners have had it all put on the back burner till now. I believe that all League sides should take a real interest in the development of British riders by either running their own team or assisting with one of the dwindling number of stand-alone NDL sides.

Agree Sidney the robin, however, if Alex is placed in the right spot he can be a strong leader in a second string role. Jacob is the flimsy rider, has to regain his confidence after the accident of a couple of seasons ago. He could improve or lay dormant in which case he will become a useful reserve. Just have to wait and see.

With the likes of Scotty putting it about out there I am sure that He and others will influence Len into prepping the track to suit their needs. I doubt Len has listened to anyone else, even Luke. Many words have been wasted out there over the manner in which things are managed. When Len shouts and only when, things take place. At times track staff know that the tractor needs to come out and grade yet the water bowser will emerge alone. WHY! No more time would be wasted as one machine follows the other.

False Dawn, no one can view it for you, but I am sure that you would not be disappointed here in Kent. The third bend camber is one that has been a bother and last season was flattened out a bit so was less likely to draw riders into the fence if they went in wide. Some of the issues with the track arise from the morning running of the dogs which precludes any work until after 2pm.

Interesting, I have spoken to Les about that time but still believe that he started the clock late and had to give the time on the clock at the end. Time for timing transponders methinks! Ah well, tongue in cheek, no management will be keen to implement technology.

Sadly Rob as things stand it looks like 'Rockets' have retired to the big bang up above. My first smell of dope was at the Weir and I am quite content to follow the sport at Central Park, at least I am still able to watch on a weekly basis.