Sings4Speedway

Taking the early part of this comment, some of the "best" / closest racing i have seen regularly features 250cc speedway machines, the lack of power actually enables the riders to take a few more liberties and are forced to look for additional grip from the track. Given the nature of UK tracks these could be a much more practical solution however they wouldn't resolve the cost reduction element.

Fortunately Stoke host an MDL team (although not overly cooperatively) so the opportunity is there IF the reserves take part in it. They will always have the advantage of getting dialled in to the track already so should be capable of taking care of any challengers but often hide from it as they are not brave enough to risk losing their place.

Certainly commendable but lets be honest Drew was already good as a 14 year old, if he was average / bit better than average would Ipswich have been so accommodating? Its not a jab at the Witches alone, the majority of clubs wash their hands of any level of responsibility towards the future of the sport.

But at least everyone will know where they stand. Pay up at the end of each meeting and a rider will turn up for the next (considering how easy it is to do via bank transfer these days). Should never be situations where riders ride for 9 meetings without getting paid. No pay, no ride but no risk of being banned.

When it comes to local riders clubs need to do things for the future and then there will be some local riders available. However everyone looks to someone else to do it and then moans when the pickings are scarce. Why does Ipswich not run competitive second halves any more or a development league side? They will host a youth round this year because they were forced too (along with all top flight clubs). Who was the last local rider that Ipswich genuinely went out of their way to help out?

The current crop of wasteful riders cannot but there are plenty of future riders coming through who can and would.

Thats it latest average rather than latest Prem average. Appreciated, good job the rules are nice and clear and easy to follow.

With reduction isn't Barker 5.85? (6.00 x 0.975) Or have i missed him gaining a Prem average somewhere? Thought he would revert to start 2018 Rye average like the others?

Got slightly bored but a very quick look at the archives for 2012-2014 shows just how many riders progressed through the MDL into the higher leagues (ive only listed full time places and not unattached guests as that would make it even longer. Many notable names along with some wasters but still impressive and a credit to all those involved in organising and 2 fingers to those who brand it the wobblers club. Max Clegg Chris Widman Andy Mellish Tom Woolley Shaun Tedham Adam Kirby Jack Kingston David Holt Josh Bates Daniel Greenwood Lee Geary Conor Dwyer Tyler Govier Martin Knuckey Adam Portwood Ellis Perks Oliver Greenwood Liam Rumsey Connor Coles Nick Laurence Danno Verge Ryan Terry-Daley Adam Sheppard Connor Dugard Danny Phillips Martin Wrathall Luke Chessell Matt Williamson Rob Shuttleworth Adam Extance Sam Woods Nathan Greaves Luke Crang James Shanes Martin Knuckey Lewis Rose Josh Bailey Connor Mountain Ryan MacDonald Arron Mogridge Lee Payne Reece Downes Sam Chapman Layne Cupitt Stefan Farnaby Tom Bacon Ben Basford Robert Parker Danyon Hume Jason Garrad Paul Bowen Ryan Kinsley Alex Wilson Danny Ayres Luke Harris Jamie Couzins

Just wondered as the Sheffield fans took to the NL standard meeting that took place last year? Plus with the promotion having a lower division side based at Leicester adding an MDL side into the mix would create the full conveyor belt for potential rider progression and offer extra races to any fans who wanted to view it.

More a hope that Long Eaton will run again rather than realistic visions but maybe the new promotion could really start to put together a conveyor belt? (we can dream) Sheffield popped into my head again as the move to Sundays "may" mean an earlier start time / more time prior to curfew? To be honest the Bulls don't have one decent bike between them and that will always hold them back and will halt any of their progress long term. Hellowell is probably the best female rider competing in the UK at this current time however that is not what speedway is about.

Out of interest is there any plans to include an MDL team again now the team is racing on the weekend?

Bulls squad (or most of it) is is on the Brum website, Weymouth have been leaking riders through social media channels. For the most part its encouraging to see the majority of sides returning to the tapes again although question marks remain over P'boro & Kents involvement. Would be nice if Sheffield & Leicester (Long Eaton) could track sides again especially with the switch to weekend race days.

Likewise its great to look back and see the humble beginnings which grew so rapidly in just a couple of years. Far too many dismiss the league and its racing but the list of riders who have progressed through the MDL and into NL and beyond is extensive so a great many owe you, Nigel and all the other volunteers a huge debt of thanks (if only the bspa were as supportive).

Found this which is very informative http://www.spensites.co.uk/mdl.html#mdlabout Good news is you are both correct.

Bit of a poisoned chalice really. Certainly needs some organised figures to take part and effectively communicate their (their teams fans opinions) whilst remaining objective. There is clearly a danger that each individual could go with an agenda that only benefits their own team and/or there could be disregard for teams not within the same league. However if the group of individuals can get together and communicate the views of British speedway from the terraces including the huge mistrust in those running the sport things could be moved forward. Whoever takes up the places from each club i commend them for doing their bit which is more than most of us can say we are doing.

Certainly a better looking Bulls outfit this year which should help rectify the poor impression the development leagues can give (the standard gulf within riders last year was far too wide). Does make me chuckle slightly that several development squads have already been named despite AGM not taking place until Feb.

Ooh what a great question that is. Would think Geary, Springthorpe & Strudwick will be near the top ?

Quite right. Add in that the element of anticipation has gone from the current society, everything is available instantly now, no need to wait excitedly all week praying the weather forecast is wrong and the match will go ahead.

Surely that would make far too much sense. Why save a team from extinction when he can buy a team (Ipswich) that wasn't up for sale.

Bets being taken upon when Jake Allen ends up at number 1? Or what stage of the season Harris ends up at reserve?

Another that has suffered from the reduction in lowest signing average. Did alright coming in at short notice and will probably do the same again this year. Kit needs updating badly but hard to see any motivation to do that without a team place.

Oops forgot about Leicester running on the days/nights that Leicester are not running. Its straight forward really Leicester say when they can run, then Leicester get told when the will run, so that Leicester can say when they can run before Leicester finally get told when they will run.

So much for fixed nights on the top two tiers then. In fairness to the NL there are stadium availability and potential grouping of matches by location to be considered BUT every team knows the risks of fixture clashes when signing double uppers and there is a guest system in place to cover this so im not really sure why there should be such a delay on the fixtures (at any level) being issued.

The big downside with Harris is the "he never knows" statement especially at the start of the season, he never knows how to get his bikes set up, he never knows any other excuse other than im struggling for speed and don't know why and he never knows any other response when he has an early mechanical failure but to put his hand out and say i need more money. Come play off time i suspect he will deliver but sadly as a guest and not the team he signs for.