1 valve

The owner needs to make sure the first retained signing for 2026 is Stewart Dickson

Rain forecast for Pardubice - so Max may not find the track to his liking especially out of the gate

Pretty sure the following suggestion will not get taken up, but here goes. It is obvious that come what may, 2025 will definitely be the last time speedway would be able to run at its current Perry Barr location and expecting anything other than receiving donations the current promotion is going to come up short on attracting serious long term investors, simply because there is no strategic plan in place for what happens after 2025 and what the investors money would be used for. What should be considered, is creating a well financed promotion (which may exclude or restrict the current promoters involvement) to build a strong team based at Birmingham for the 2025 season, whilst simultaneously searching for alternative venues, existing or new for the 2026 season. To be clear, the search should not solely be focused on finding a place in Birmingham, but should be spread far and wide not just within the midlands region, although folk associated with Wolverhampton, Cradley and (definitely) Coventry could provide possible suggestions for suitable alternative sites. The concept behind this suggestion being that in the 19 months between now and the start of the 2026 season, a business (promotion) is formed to be proactive in building a team capable of doing well in 2025 and then being relocated to a new stadium after the closure of Birmingham. This rather than what appears to be the current thinking of "hoping" something is found to save Birmingham and then "hoping" a team can be put together...Hope has never been a particular strong strategy in business. Finally, a word on the current Birmingham promotion. They have tried their very best to do whatever they can to save, promote and keep Birmingham speedway alive. Every supporter of every club should be grateful for such efforts, even if it is for the simple reason that opposition and fixtures have been provided for other teams to ride against. In doing so, the promoters have dug deeper into their pockets for the required cash than the vast majority reading this post will ever spend on speedway. But unfortunately, their efforts have come up short and so maybe now is the time for them to step aside and create the opportunity for others to seek a way forward with good wishes from the speedway nation.

Rain forecast at Pardubice (airport) on and off throughout Friday & Saturday - pretty heavy from 16.00 hours today. Also tad on the cold side at 10c. Lets hope the forecast is wrong!

Crap? They finished 2nd in the league, made the playoffs and whilst missing their first choice number 6 were beaten by a team over two legs who have hit form at exactly the right time with two big hitters being exceptional. Congratulations to the Aces on being unquestionably the best team & deserved winners of the playoffs. And congratulations to the Lions on achieving the clubs highest position in top tier racing. And to the remaining 5 Premier league clubs of 2024, many thanks for doing your best, and good luck for next season.

Riding or just lifting the trophy?

No. Not all. It would be a miracle!

And very very good - if not brilliant!

As long as Stewart Dickson is in charge of team building & management young Cairns will have nothing to worry about in terms of nepotism being the reason he rides for the Lions.

Ben Cook now available for Monday?

Max just doesn’t go that well on wet/slippery tracks. Not just those caused by rain but heavy watering between heats as seen in the GP’s seem to disrupt his normal fast racing on dry surfaces be they slick or grippy

The Kings Lynn promotion would have called both meetings off by now - For commercial reasons. 😜

No they haven’t. Not at all. You are spouting absolute nonsense.

Belle Vue appear to be the weaker of the two but Lions have performed better at Sheffield and have appeared to lack the speed for the NSS. So maybe the Tigers would be the better option?

Are Dan & Joe both Leicester assets?

err, not true that its the ONLY thing everybody is talking about. Some of the other views effecting the outcome being raised are: The track, Danny King Witches management Leicester riders staying on their bikes Ipswich riders falling off their bikes The home leg result being the reason for the aggregate loss. It is true statement that the referee and her decisions are commented on by many, of which quite a few are factually wrong or appear to be made based on emotion and bias if not a lack of knowledge of the rules of speedway. But, hey , that's the beauty of this forum, everybody is entitled to voice their opinion That is so long as is not made personal and or deeply offensive.

Shame Lions will have to lose any of this years 1-5. But being purely mercenary, Lawson could be favorite given that he is most probably at his best now and Becker in the second half of the season has shown strong indications of improving on his current average. Fricke, Masters, Becker, Douglas 5ptANO looks like another strong 1-5. The big task will be to improve the reserve duo. Alternatively, maybe Robert Lambert will after all become a Lion in 2025 in which case a weaker middle order and strong reserve duo will be required.

The referee didn't steel the show. The riders made it. Shame on a promoter using such wording and showing a complete lack of professionalism.

But, after two years of trying it hasn't produced a title and with Emil not being available next year the plan will be to build as stronger middle order behind Jason D rather than try to find a like for like replacement.

Where is Richard based? He has already committed to the Pirates for 2025 which is a fair drag from Cumbria (his place of birth) but Lynn is some 60 miles less so not sure if traveling was/is the main reason fot turning down the Stars unless of course he is based somewhere between Poole & Leicester?

Lindgren will be required either for the final or the 3rd/4th playoff

The 2 year experiment by the Witches (that nearly paid off this year) of a very strong top two and reserve duo is at an end. For next year with Doyly all but signed and doubts about Emil's availability being voiced by the promotion (read that as "known" for next year) the promotion will be opting for a stronger middle order to put less reliance on the top two whilst reducing the effect (which came to fruition this season) of not having anything like suitable guests being available to step in should a heat leader (or two) be sidelined. The big loser of not having Emil riding in the UK next season will be UK speedway. His commitment, professionalism and charisma has been a breath of fresh air these past two seasons and frankly the powers that be should be seeking to ensure Emil does ride somewhere in the UK - come what may!

Yes Eurosport 7.30pm meaning first race around 7.45pm