Sings4Speedway

Im not doing leaps of joy over either option if im brutally honest. Best of 3 races prior to the meeting would be a last man standing event with predictable results; Race 1 Cousins 1st Shepard Fell Race 2 Shepard 1st (awarded) Cousins (major fall bike wrecked) Race 3 Cousins NS (no bike) Shepard EX 2 mins (mechanical gremlins)

If I sponsor a rider with machinery can I get a ride....... Not a particular shock in terms of names but I was Sheppard and ended up at 8 id be hacked off. Neither of the others have done much competitive racing over the past year. Just goes to show dedication doesn't always get you very far!

The Rye House fans may not be expecting a table topping side but I doubt they will turn out for a "Scunthorpe" style side that gets battered regularly. The national league produces some of the most entertaining racing in the country (for both right and wrong reasons) and a Raiders side that could mix it in most meetings could be very well supported.

Id say Covatti & Pavlova are certs to put 2 pints on their average. Brandford & Knopka are my "outsiders" to do the same.

Whilst I agree there is no rush if I was a rider I would like to know by now even if I was told to keep quiet until official release. If those involved had been notified then there is a stronger chance they would be better prepared / be investing in new or upgraded equipment sooner rather than a last minute rush.

The worst place to introduce any new iniatives would be via the national league. Most riders in tier 3 are lucky if they can make the sport pay for itself with the majority losing year on year. To add more expense would retire many riders out. Innovation needs to come in at a younger level anyway so the next generation learn to ride the bikes from a young age.

Personally I think he would have delivered by now if he was going too and the only 3 pointers round him are Verge who isn't completely raw and the tba. My bigger issue is dedication. He retired last season whilst doing the MDL and has to use sponsored kit as he sold his own! Dan Blake mk2 ? (with less potential imo)

It could be that Andrew has his team down and is just building suspense? With all the other teams completed (barr a heat leader at Buxton and a couple of 3 pointers at Kent / Eastie) the available riders now must be clear and not in negotiations with others. I would be amazed if Chessell isn't at Rye House this season. Hopwood again is a strong possibility + one other heat leader then 4 rookies I suspect. I guess Andrew has to get the top end in place though in case he has issues getting over the bottom limit.

Not a great signing imo. Drifted in and out of teams to often and didn't really bother with the mdl last season despite being given a place with Milton Keynes knights. sure I remember him no showing for a meeting at belle Vue. Trumping rumsey at Mildenhall as the strangest signing thus far in the national league but only my opinion. Which of Hunts old mates will be next?!

My choice was based more upon experience of the league tracks and mileage already put in. Not sure how many tracks Couzins has actually been too or how prepared for all the travelling he is? I think there will be some shocks for several of the newbies across the league this year when they learn how time and financially draining league racing is and sadly suspect mid season retirements.

Of the eligible 3 point riders available for the remaining places I believe both Jamie Couzins & Rob Watts are Kent lads. Personally I think Adam Sheppard & Watts would be a good fit at 6&7 with Couzins filling the required No.8 berth.

"With an overall aim of getting as many Kent-born or Kent-based riders as possible into the Kings’ squad....." Interesting statement from Kent? With only Verge & Baseby current born or based Kent riders does this point to other local lads for the 6&7 positions?

I think the hold up with Benji is that he is hoping for a premier league reserve berth.......fingers crossed once the penny drops that Rye are one of the few options left he will sign and then the team building can begin in earnest?

"One thing is for sure, we will be there or thereabouts again and that should make sure the support is retained. I think the standard of the racing may suffer due to the reduction in the points limit but everyone has to start somewhere, that's what the NL is about, and let's hope it is as entertaining as the other years since our return.." I completely agree with you that everyone has to start somewhere and I strongly suspect the racing will be very entertaining this season. The quality of riding may suffer a little but the racing I think will be closer than ever due to the points drop.

Afternoon Pirate. I personally have never heard of a solid footrest & wouldn't recommend one. The footrest is the lowest part of the bike (apart from the tyres obviously) and the intention of swinging is so that if you hit a bump / rut etc it flicks back up rather than digs in and unceremoniously remove the rider from the bike. Several riders use springs to flick the footrest up when there is no pressure on it so in theory you could apply the same in reverse and have the rest permanently down? Alternatively its make a home made one or fill the excess gap with something but I wouldn't recommend it and think you will be better off persevering even if it does feel a little strange to start off with. Good Luck & Have loads of fun.

Sorry to sound grim but Dwyer packing up work to concentrate on speedway? Either he has good backing or good savings? Very few could make the NL pay for itself, giving up work should be the last consideration ive known riders take on extra jobs to help pay for racing.

I don't think its rubbish at all and should be a much more competitive & sustainable league this year. My Only gripe thus far is the number of riders being signed that did little or no MDL last year. I thought this was branded as the perfect training ground for riders wanting to break through where the promoters would be looking? From the debut 3 pointers signed thus far 50% come from the MDL and the other 50% appeared from nowhere............

The below is an extract from Speedway GB. Very clever achievement by the two gents...... He’s the son of former Hackney rider Trevor Banks and Phil Morris, who is putting the Brummies team together before taking up his role with the FIM at Grand Prix and World Cup level, is pleased with the move.

Im going to edge for Perks being top 3 pointer this year (depending how many meetings he can do without doubling up clashes) However Ellis & Perry are going to want some stopping.....

Ah missed that one.......about blooming time. That does make things more interesting......

Personally I think Cradley have been very clever thus far. They have all their 3 / 4 pointers in place so now they can focus on the heat leader berths which currently have the most options available. Far too early to call on the B'ham team as they only have two names on the sheet.

I think the crazy age rules will stop him being at Easty. With Warwick already over 30 its blocked any potential move for Mason.

Is it just me or as I see more and more riders added to other teams im feeling more & more confident about the Kent side? Aside from those Cradley rotters Im not in fear of anyone else thus far.....

Right first stab for 2015 B.Morley 9.06 D.Ayres 4.47 D.Phillips 4.98 J.Kingston 4.90 M/Owen 6.11 M.Neale 3.00 E.Perks 3.00 Total 35.52 Can see all upping their average apart from Morley who can maintain it...........where do I collect my prize?

It's not a line of work, it's a developement league. The clue is in the name, the "National DEVELOPMENT League" Whilst I agree that it is and should be a development league does that mean that it should discriminate on the basis of age? Im not saying that I want to see a selection of 30 & 40 plus year old riders who will never achieve any better than the third tier I feel its hard on those who would benefit on another seasons racing whilst finding their feet in the PL. At present the regulations favour the 16 year olds who go flat out rather than those who have taken a little longer to find their feet. Whilst a flow of new talent is obviously required to keep things ticking over I don't approve of the make it by the time you are 25 or tough luck mentality.