Sings4Speedway

Definitely can't see a return to the PL any time soon. Too much financial uncertainty. That said you have a good NL side this year that's very capable of pushing for honours in a league that looks closer than it has for years. Enjoy the entertainment of the NL and support any speedway whilst its still around.

Not sure why Jamie didn't show? The only reasons given were the engine failure and obviously Nick Laurence's injury. The way the website reads it seems most of the no shows notified the club in advance except for Connor King who just didn't turn up. Think the extra laps for Jamie would have beneficial and wouldn't have done Danno any harm either.

Really enjoyed last night. Shame the field was decimated by late withdrawals and a engine failure during warm up for Dan Berwick meaning major changes to the program and an extra ride for each rider but still 15 heats of entertainment for £6 cant be sniffed at. Despite a few breaks as most riders had back to back rides at some point and more track work completed than usual the meeting moved along at a good pace. Only a couple of fallers (not helped by a water bowser malfunction on turns 1&2) but no continual re-runs due to starting shenanigans. The top 3 were a cut above the rest and very little distance between them in the final but congratulations to Adam for getting the win. Fingers crossed this will return again either later in the year or next year as with a full field it would make for a very entertaining evening.

Bit concerning that nobody else has said grass/longtrack. Other than that darts, touring cars, Rally X, Moto X and indoor bowls (dangerously addictive!)

Like him or loathe him im glad Brendan has got his chance. Temporary replacement or not its a chance to show what he can do to both Rye House & other teams. Priest may be straight back in the team once he has recovered but I suspect that Brendan will not be the one heading out.....

Annoying yes but not directly the fault of those who do the fixtures. There is always the risk of clashes with doubling up/down riders included in a side. Given that Cov NL get the spare Fridays the Cov EL aren't at home and that several PL teams run on Friday nights it was bound to happen. Plenty of others will be in the same boat.

Apologies badly worded. Should have said fewer sponsored riders than many people realise. I agree that any assistance to any rider is beneficial however I don't believe that riders should be dependant on it. But that's just my opinion and doesn't necessarily mean it is shared by others.

I didn't say that there shouldn't be sponsors. I said riders in the NL shouldn't rely on them. If sponsors want to get on board with a rider then great. It eases the burden but when riders (and we have all seen them) say if I don't get some sponsorship I will have to quit it really gets up my nose. There are a lot fewer sponsored riders than you think and many of them are turning in good performances every week.

The costs are huge but riders should be aware of this before accepting team places. If they have had / maintained bikes previously they would know the massive costs even to run in amateur events. The pay in the NL should be seen as a contribution towards something the rider enjoys rather than try and make it pay for itself. I tire of hearing riders saying I need sponsors to do X or I can't continue unless Y. Id like to drive across America but don't have the money but I certainly wouldn't ask somebody else to pay for it. On a positive note Mondays meeting looks to be an entertaining event. Fairly evenly matched riders and a test of the reserves / potential to look at new recruits? All for £6. I will certainly be making the effort for this one.

Rumsey to Kent possibly? I certainly hope not. Had a poor attitude at Mildenhall along with poor equipment and poor pace. NIck Laurence features in Sundays match and the Monday amateur meeting at Kent so a very good opportunity to see where he's at.

Its not a personal dislike. I just don't particularly rate the team you have put together. However every time I post your lads deliver something and get results I wouldn't expect. So hats off.

Good guest booking but cant see R/R getting close to the 6-8 Chapman would have. Think that will prove the major difference and offer up a vital away win for the Raiders.

I think KL will safely clear 30 but might struggle for 40. Bailey, Hazeldon, Stokes & Kinsley all look he sort to be comfortable on the tighter track. Portwood may add some entertainment if he features. Confidence will be high after bashing Mildenhall twice in a week but I think the Eagles will knock that out of them.

Sadly Mildenhall now look perilously fragile following the departure of Jack Kingston & Liam Rumsey. Jack was a bargain on his average. Liam has joined the ranks of those who will withdraw / retire during the season and sadly won't be the last. Although given his previous experience he should have known what lay ahead and its a shame he took a starting position from somebody else better prepared. Early scores show that Nick Laurence may be a better replacement..........

What other guy left Mildenhall today? (Sorry Waco. Although as Kent are against Mildenhall Sunday I think its allowed) Scratch that just seen it was Rumsey. Another fleeting return / retirement. I was expecting a high attrition rate this year but didn't think it would be this soon.

Anyone know why Tom Sipos withdrew the day before and decided to retire?

mason wood owen johnson warwick wilson dean dugard I would have expected more like this. Wilson Dean in the reserve berths to really clean up.......that said it doesn't appear to matter what number is on his back

There are some who think I am being optimistic.............only time will tell.

I will say whatever I choose to I will be more than happy to see the bottom 3 progress to mix it with most teams this season. Eastbourne are the exception to the rule and I am not unrealistic. Kelsey has probably done thousands of laps of Arlington over the years, Georgie is a National Champion on the grass and clearly a natural motorcycling talent. Richard is the signing of the season given his current performances vs his average. If Kent can get themselves into a competitive side home and away and are not haemorrhaging points from lower order I will be happy-ish.

Credit where its due to Adam. He seems to be putting himself about and getting as many rides in as he can MDL, Eastbourne meeting etc and the more time on a bike the better. It is hard to judge the bottom 3 when they have only ridden against one of the best bottom 3's in the league. There will be easier tests to come and its how they perform in these that determines what judgement is to be made. Adam & Danno should have the edge over Jamie regarding experience of the away tracks however its the home performances that keep fans happy.

Good efforts Islander. So as it currently stands his average is either 3.00 or 3.68 or somewhere in between and even the BSPA may not know. It may not matter though? Do I remember somewhere that your average gets re-set to 3.00 if you haven't ridden for 5 years? Although if that is the case it wouldn't be re-set until the end of this season?

Whilst in theory it makes sense it doesn't quite work in practice. Being told to be able to lay a bike down at a certain point is a world apart from having to make that decision in a split second and then having the ability to do so. If riders serve their apprenticeships via practice days then amateur meetings then MDL etc the riders will progress and learn at a sensible rate and gain valuable track racing experience. The sudden influx of riders that have shown some promise after a few practice laps and then get thrown straight in does alarm me. Do not forget though that this is not the riders fault. It is the management / promoters who include the total rookies when they are not ready.....

Where does the next breed of riders come from then? Every league needs a starting block / entry level. Even the elite league reserves you mention look far more inexperienced than the Second strings heat leaders they go up against. All riders know and accept the risks. Not pleasant but a true fact. Race with the risks or pack up its always been each riders choice.

Better to Remain Silent and Be Thought a Fool than to Speak (type) and Remove All Doubt

Dan Berwick might not fit anyway then. I will be taking in a few Eastbourne meetings this year especially as Sunday is a far more amiable day ditto Mildenhall if the track gets sorted. As for Kent I think I will definitely be more choosy this season. The whole set up this year seems pretty half @rsed.