Sings4Speedway

The apparent new focus is to bring more new riders through the sport, "places for all" if you like with the hope that if you throw enough ahem at a wall some will stick. The NL has always been plagued by those riders that hang around achieving not much more than 3rd heat leader at best, these are the riders that will end up on high averages with the new points reduction. If they are not good enough to step up to Cl then step aside and let the new crop through. In the same way that in 1,2 or 3 seasons max a half decent embryo youth rider could easily achieve a 7 point average in the weakened leagues but if they are not good enough to step up then what's the point of giving them places year on year? Likewise promotors want average improvements and shouldn't be signing riders who manage to keep their average in the 5-6 point range year on year (although its worked for Scott Campos for the past decade).

Its fair to say several (7ish) of those have retired but i do take the point that there are riders who's averages were attractive last season and now don't fit. I have said throughout that whilst i don't like the lower limit i like the way its been imposed and handled less. Current rules allow rookies and 8+ point riders in the same meeting/race. Should have been cut to less that 8 This season, decreasing by 0.5 over the next couple of season until no higher than 7. That would have left a league with plenty of spaces for new riders, riders starting out whos averages will rise and the current crop improving. Once they exceed the top limit they will either be good enough for a CL place or pushed out and not become a blocker for other riders looking for places.

I think you have almost nailed it. I see NL reduced to 4 man 2nd halfs in the not to distant future. Possibly 8 heats format. The top brass dont like that it was a good attractive product at a better price. Still thin £20-24 double headers is better value than the PL but that may change on a cold evening..

It does seem odd that whenever calls for the NL to be a £10 product have been shot down but running as part of a double header makes it a £3-4 product. I can only think that expenses of staging a double header are greatly lesser than two individual meetings along with lesser riders on probably lower points monies.

if you thought gardening at NL level was annoying...........

I think weekends tend to lend themselves better to earlier start times than week days but it won't be for everyone. Likewise the increased admission, for all those who bang he drum and support the new venture there will be plenty who have no interest in it and will be unhappy at paying for a product they have no intention in hanging around to see.

Not great news. I have to question the benefit to the Berwick riders Bickley & Flint having to put in the extra laps straight after the main meeting other than building excellent fitness? Same goes for the other sides using riders in both senior and junior sides, should anything unfortunate happen during the main meeting be it mechanical or physical then the Bullets become quite prone.

Confirmed as stand alone meetings then. Any ideas of the admission price yet?

Wont be bitten twice surely

Reserves lowest 2 averages. In event of tie BSPL decides who in team based upon previous experience etc so basically no reserve chances for Sheldon all season.

Agree largely with the masses Plymouth, Scunny and Newcastle to struggle massively away and take some beatings at home too. Eagles home advantage might be key but Lions, Pirates and Tigers all going to be pushing hard and certainly worth a watch of those meetings. Berwick to be dark horses and get near the play off spots...

Might be slightly telling that Eastbourne have let him sign on a full transfer. Will certainly be interesting to see him back and how he applies himself

Excellent news. Out of interest with these "shared" events is it the SCB/BSPL who sets the pricing and then splits any profits with the host club?

Agreed regarding Bailey. McGurks deserve a chance and would be staggered if at least Harry isn't in. Unconvinced about the others though. Woodhull dropped a point off his average in 2019 and doesn't have full speedway focus. Bowen has been around a while to still have an average just over 3 (especially with NNS as a home track), Smith seems to be idling badly, chances have come and gone for him at higher levels and is now available on a very average 6.5. For the potential and opportunities he has had presented he hasn't taken them. In contrast the other Jack could have done with some decent kit in the past but again priorities were not always as needed for speedway and he drifted away, talent not doubted but parallels to Bridger will always be drawn.

Both leagues? Thought there were three or are you on the board of the BSPL?

Mega signing is Adam Ellis may not draw the crowds like Pedersen but makes the Tigers look a real threat with the current line up

Danno how well thats going to go down

I hope i am. I rate the reserve pairing and obviously the heat leader duo were world class but its a big ask for the other 3 running at 2,3 &4 (that's if they run that way of course as i would be tempted to put Bjarne at 3 and spread the burden a little). There's no doubting potential of the the riders but as yet that's all it is. Ruml isn't the top American, Cook is the best of the untried Aussies and Goret has some youth pedigree and Longtarck experience but little more. I want these riders to succeed but its far from a guarantee and unless at least two of them fire early on the side will be in trouble.

Obviously i hope that is the case and that the Plymouth farewell roadshow continues to draw the crowds (i admit im equally keen to see the legends again) however if they are not as dominant as they should be at this level my interest would wain and a fear others would feel the same, if the team is bottom two which is my opinion of it then there could be problems this season. I do however hope im wrong and its a mid table team and gives a base to build upon for future seasons. Apologies forgot about Newcastle and Brum....updated to bottom 3 side

Spot on. The sport has become fixated with introducing new riders overnight but has done little to assist any development prior to this point. Yes the youth rounds have been expanded and offering better opportunities but this is mostly down to the individual clubs involved rather than a BSPL initiative (remember when all PL teams would hoist a round and then a couple just didn't bother). The lack of support for the various development leagues over the past few years has been poor and yet now the league is in search of riders to fill team places, indeed Belle Vue could have continued with a dev league side and had some riders ready to go right now.

Still knocking around i believe and was eyeing a place on the Island with Tom. Guessing he will be a 3.00. So the 3 from last year, 2 x Woolleys, Spooner and plenty left over for a big number 1 like Hume, Bowtell or Morley.

Good spot! Tom & Sam Woolley are a good shout, Smith possibly but the fact that he hasn't got fixed up anywhere as yet speaks volumes. Slim pickings given the Northern group have snapped up most of the local talent so either longer distance signings or a couple of rabbits out the hat

I certainly hope that Plymouth are competitive as stars aside it will do neither the home fans or the league any good to be whipping boys most weeks. Im yet to be convinced that this team has many hallmarks of success about it BUT i would be delighted to be proved wrong.

Great news that the Colts are in. What the team looks like will be interesting with Flint, Bickley & Rathbone moving on, Palin allegedly not allowed to treble up? I can see Bailey, Woodhull, Bowen & McGurk returning with Brennan for the extra laps still leaving 8.92 for the final two riders (verge + 3 pointer?)

Frustratingly once the first set of averages are out and if the side is struggling a little its likely to be Bowtell in the firing line, Cook & Ruml have had a fair amount of investment into them if they ride or don't so unless one or other is a complete dud they will keep their places leaving Bowtell or maybe Goret as the likely changed riders. I hope im wrong and the 3-7 all perform well and bang in the points to keep their places but it looks a big ask for the top two to consistently score 25+ points between them and still find the other 20 points needed to get something out of a match, so much so that i can see the outcome of heat 2 deciding if Plymouth win or lose.