Sings4Speedway

As far as im aware the only requirements of a club hosting an MDL side is the provision of drinking water (in fact i believe a plastic cup and tap suffices). The team manager needs to be a BSPA member (plenty of those about) and possibly a nominal entry fee (certainly shouldn't be much if anything at all). The riders receive nothing in terms of financial payment or travelling expenses although i believe some teams may supply methanol. All the junior league riders generally want is the chance to get some competitive laps in, be treated with a little respect by clubs and the occasional compliment from the spectators who choose to remain and watch. Doesn't sound like a lot to ask to me.

The curfew could well cause a problem although im certain Ipswich have hosted MDL matches in the past even as a guest venue? What time do meetings usually conclude? If its a case that its not physically possible then so be it but i can assure you that 6 MDL heats would be concluded quicker than the first 6 of most league meetings.

Fingers crossed Ged can get a couple of NL challenge matches on this season to see if it can drum up more support. A quick look at the 2017 championship sides shows 9 ex MDL riders who have progressed through the ranks including both Ipswich reserves so it shows the value of the work done by the few who actually bother.

It also has to be said that David Mason was/is the most viable rider available on a sub 6.98 average which is what was required for the 3rd heatleader role. There are only 3 suitable alternatives (Jack Smith, Rob Shuttleworth & Nathan Stoneman) all of these are likely signed elsewhere, have other clubs with fixture clashes or priced themselves out of the market. Surely it must be better to get a rider with some of the best equipment in the league and be near the points limit.

That sounds like a logical approach if things were to progress with a mandatory introduction meaning NL riders could utilise the outgoing engines and replace with GTRs when they can afford them. My concern is that if there is no difference between one GTR to another the 2nd hand market will largely not exist barring retiring riders as why would a rider sell one for say £2000 and replace with an identical engine at a cost of £5000+? It would make life a lot harder for new riders entering the sport at an introductory budget level.

So 2018 for Prem/Champ and 2019 for NL. Out of interest Dean if you were still riding today and that was imposed what would you do? Buy 2+ new GTR engines, wait/hope that some become available 2nd hand (although if they are all the same why would you sell them?) or pack up as its a huge expense you cannot justify?

I think most of the predictions above are accurate except for those who are expecting an average increase from both reserves. That may be possible in the stronger teams if the main body riders are taking the pressure off but most sides will be swapping the reserves about all night to favour the stronger rider and most likely one will take 5 rides and the other get 3. Interestingly/irritatingly the three that might be affected most are the three who were in most demand Smith, JPB & Bacon.

Sadly i suspect you are right. Very disappointing really as far too few clubs take responsibility for developing new riders (not a dig solely at Ipswich there are far too many guilty parties).

I believe the NJL & MDL will stay in tact but a new Southern league is being created? However rumours are that this will include teams based around the Plymouth, Somerset, Swindon areas so might be a lot of travelling for a Lakeside team? The AGM for this isn't until the end of the month but it would be good for Lakeside to look to attend with the intention of competing in some capacity.

What are the chances of Ipswich entering a MDL side this year? With teams based at K.Lynn,P'Boro & Mildenhall it would create plenty of local rivalry and offer the chance to unearth future assets/2 point reserves plus additional value for money that all fans are craving these days.

I for one am looking forward to the additional option of watching NL at Lakeside & fingers crossed get to make a few visits this year. With the entry into NL, the academy already in place what are the chances of Lakeside running a MDL side to help bridge the gap and obviously develop riders to fill the reserve berths either this season or next?

I thought much the same. Last time he was seen he was disappearing under the Kent air fence in a post match spin. Given the issues IOW were having at reserve early season i figured if he was doing anything good he would have had more rides.

If you are referring to "the bottom group who are likely in demand**" then i stand by this comment as all of the riders included have been consistent NL point scorers & have averages that lend themselves to be included in 2017 teams as for whetever the pros & cons of the points limit system it is currently a numbers game. If you mean "some may struggle due to improved averages & others may struggle because they struggled at NL level." as above its a numbers game and sometimes a rider ups their average a little and makes them unattractive compared to a flat 3 pointer. There are also riders in the list that struggled with NL for various reasons be they technical, financial or otherwise. As such these will make way as many 3 pointers have done in every season before. The nature of the sport suggests that some riders do not make the best of the opportunities given for various reasons and fall by the wayside.

If thats what Eastbourne riders have to do to get sponsorship i think i would take my chances with Pipe at Buxton

I think the signings have further implications than just the already documented shortfalls of each rider. With this two included it means that both Bowtell & Hunter will have to start the season in the main body of the team and with only 3.44 to play with there are limited options for a rider to use up those points or its sign another flat 3 pointer and end up almost half a point short of the team building limit.

Would make a good side however we are led to believe that Hopwood will be much further south, RTD will be going potty unless he has a change of mind again and sadly i thought Knuckley had retired?

Sorry i make so many interesting comments its hard to know which you are alluding to could you refresh my memory?

They can offer all the money they like, will be extremely funny when he doesn't get paid! Getting Shelby at reserve would be ideal but tricky as the rest of the team would be very strengthish in depth? If i was Jayne Moss (and thank goodness im not or the club would be in a terrible state) i would try and use my remaining points on Lee Payne(8.11), Lee Dicken(5.87) & Ben Basford(3.09) leaving them 0.09 under the limit.

Right then so strike Geary (signed), Cottham (unlikely to ride) & the bottom group who are likely in demand** it leave 3 groups. Group 1 includes riders who featured in a 1-7 last season, some may struggle due to improved averages & others may struggle because they struggled at NL level. Group 2 were included in NL teams but didn't maintain their place Group 3 are these still riding? names that have been mentioned but dropped off the radar? Group 1. J,Halder J,Purchase S,Tedham S.Woods B,Basford K,Bowdery N,Phillips C,Hay D,Holt M,Leek C,Locke A,Mellish Group 2. R,MacDonald R,Parker k Dicken Group 3. L,Millar D,Morgan G,Piper H.Banks Rest L Dicken** RT Daley.** D.Mason** N.Stoneman** J.Shanes** K.Hughes** L,Payne**

I think that statement was more positive spin than fact. Many riders could quote a full time mechanic (Dad/Mate), catering/dietary specialist (Mum/GF with sandwiches), Grand Prix level bikes (5 yr old Hans Andersen Engine) doesn't mean the Rickardsson Express is going to roll up.

I have to admit that i thought Lee might get snapped up elsewhere. Good rider with good equipment and solid foundations in speedway technique which other newer riders lack. Could easily put 2 points on his average if he hits a decent run of form.

Right back on track and based upon the original post with the inclusion of the most obvious omissions B.Andrews - Signed Kent J.Bailey - Signed K.Lynn B,Hopwood - Rumoured signed S,Bebee - Confirmed not fit for start of season? E,Jones - Retired? J,Kingston - Retired? M,Knuckey- Retired? E.Perks - Missing NL? S.Hazeldon - Confirmed not fit for start of season? Which leaves: H.Banks B,Basford K,Bowdery G,Cottham L,Geary J,Halder C,Hay D,Holt M,Leek C,Locke R,MacDonald A,Mellish L,Millar D,Morgan R,Parker N,Phillips G,Piper S.Woods J,Purchase S,Tedham L&k Dicken RT Daley. D.Mason N.Stoneman J.Shanes K.Hughes L,Payne I suspect the bottom 7 will be desirable/in contention for team places as established NL riders so leaves the remainder contesting the available reserve berths? (Disclaimer: the above is based solely on information i am aware of/has been posted at some point on this forum/or has been implanted in my brain by other means) if any of the above is incorrect please point out in the usual polite forum manner.

Whilst i am not doing cartwheels at the signing there are plenty of worse options available. Andrews was pretty dissapointing the last time he visited Central Park so would definitely need some laps to get dialled in to the place. Hopefully this can be the year he kicks on and proves to be a good signing rather than just one made due to the very ancient history his family has with Len.

Great to see Bailey back in the side. Local lad progressing well & a true product of British speedway development. As for the additional heat leader would Hughes fit?

Putting a line through those who i think will miss out on starting places B.Andrews/J.Bailey/H.Banks/B,Basford/S,Bebee/K,Bowdery,G,Cottham/L&k Dicken/ L,Geary/J,Haldeer/C,Hay/D,Holt/B,Hopwood/E,Jones/J,Kingston/M,Knuckey/M,Leek/C,Locke/R,MacDonald/A,Mellish/L,Millar/D<Morgan R,Parker/L,Payne/N,Phillips/G,Piper/J,Purchase/S,Tedham/RT Daley.