beckettlion

The example given last time by David Hemsley was that a Monday fixture v Poole at the end of the 2015 season (I think) had a low attendance, so midweek speedway wouldn't work at Leicester. What he failed to consider with that meeting, is that it was rearranged from the saturday prior to it (2 days notice), with a team full of guests against a very strong team (with little chance of Leicester succeeding in the meeting). Don't think it can be said that midweek Speedway at Leicester won't work, without it being tried frequently for an extended period. It would actually be more convenient for myself (and a large number of people I know with an interest in the sport) as Cricket players are busy on a Saturday and always finish too late to get down to Beaumont Park.

Hmm... Elite League Speedway is actually exactly what I want in the City. What I don't want, is this watered down product, in which Leicester alienate themselves from attracting the best riders and therefore limit their chances of ever having success. IF (and it's a big if), we did things the right way, made a genuinely competitive team in a better run league, I'd love the Lions to be an Elite League side.

Just read that Lakeside will not be racing in the top tier next year, I assume Rye House will take their place. I imagine the BSPA will do all in their power to try and maintain Leicester's status as an elite league club

At least Dave Darcy is saying the right things (so he knows what theyre supposed to be doing!). If he can find a way of getting these things done, then there's a chance of a brighter (well, less bleak) future for Leicester Speedway!

1. I assume there's still a strong possibility that the Lions will be running in 2017, but I'd assume it'll be in the premier league (Provided someone steps up to join the Elite League- I imagine, Rye House, Glasgow and Sheffield might all be interested?) 2. Cant help you on that one im afraid 3. I imagine we'll have a new promoter and possibly even a new owner, as i can't imagine Hemsley and the BSPA being a functional relationship any more! Wonder if Dave Darcy might make the step up to promoter? Also, Saw Nickolai Klindt tweeted he's already got one team place ready for next year. I doubt it's Leicester, but whatever league we are in, I would love to see him return as Lions skipper as I think he's been an excellent servant to the club. If we were in the premier league, I wouldn't be surprised to see Jan Graversen (Mr Leicester Lions speedway) return! Also, saw talk at some point during last season of Wozniak racing at Peterborough? If he were eligible for the Premier League, think he'd be fantastic were we to make the drop.

I'd read somewhere (think it was on Facebook, so probably not overly reliable) that there had been a bid from potential new owners for Leicester Speedway. Read that a few weeks ago, so can't find the link, wonder if anyone else had heard anything similar? Apologies if this has already been mentioned, not been on here for a while and only skim read the last few pages of the thread

Not only is it in short supply, it seems to be actively discouraged. Dare to look for the silver lining and watch people begin to slate you!

In fairness, I was playing cricket just down the road and we went off a few times for rain. When the meeting would have been staged, it would have been fine, but throughout the morning and then on and off through the afternoon it had been moist

Think you can have r/r for a draft rider when they're in the 1-5. Starke is currently our number 4, whereas bates and Newman are both currently number 7. When there's no one lower than you in the averages, there's no one to replace the rides! Starkes rides can be covered by auty, mpt and skidmore I think. Not that I think they'll adequately cover starkes rides (he looked impressive in the British final)! Could be a cricket score this meeting

That would involve a Leicester rider winning a heat!

Dont think they should send the winner round with a Lions flag at Coventry, dont think it'd go down too well

It's well known that he dislikes riding at Leicester though. Fricke has been decent around Leicester, but his absence is due to a meeting that he was drawn to ride in after the elite league fixtures were scheduled. I personally just doubt that it's a coincidence that Zagar has not had to race at Leicester this year

Zagar who averages about 2 around our place and has publically stated he doesnt like riding there... being replaced by another GP rider who frequently scores well around Leicester

My point exactly! I really dont see why teams can see that Leicester are weaker and yet feel the need to strengthen and not try to beat us with their own 1-7 when possible. Harris is a quality guest in the elite league. People say he's not on form following one poor showing (in the British Final) and following recent GP results. I actually think he started to look more on the pace at the last GP. and every time I see him in the elite league he's a class above most riders

I thought I was being facetious... Didn't realise he was actually "conveniently unavailable" again. But of a farce that...

Is Zagar riding this time?

People complain about the lack of teams meaning you 'see the same riders week in week out'. If thats a problem for them, they should be a Lions fan!

I think at best houggard should be a third heat leader, that's the reason we struggle. We've essentially got 1 heat leader, 4 second strings and two (albeit very good) reserves. Watt wasn't scoring well at heat leader, but it was more the manner (like ulamek and walasek before him) of seemingly giving up when at the back that frustrated us as fans. I'd sooner see a team of riders that want to represent our club. Watt didn't seem to want to represent Leicester speedway, it was a marriage of convenience

If only he had another team, in a weaker league, to improve his form and confidence You really think replacing someone that's been as weak as watts been for us is getting weaker? Only weaker in reputation (and our reputation isn't exactly sky high)

lindgren signing on paper makes us weaker... Fortunately it's raced on shale and he's been going better than watt has. Anyone know what's happening with szymon?

I think before attempting a massive restructure of British Speedway, smaller changes could be made. A fixed race night (for the elite league at least) surely must be the starting point, it works in Sweden and Poland. Making ourselves more accessible to the bigger names who have said they would ride here if it was realistically easier for them than it currently would be. The premier league as a product on the whole is good. Implementing the fast tracking of young riders in the second tier (as theyre starting too) is more beneficial than throwing them in at the deep end of the elite league. Fixed race nights, no fast track riders and possibly a salary cap (to try and balance the playing fields somewhat- and whilst encouraging the bigger names, implementing rules to prevent them extracting the urine) would be my first steps to improving the elite league.

Having watched the fans forum from last night, I wouldn't say he was particularly boring... Thought he articulated himself pretty well and most of his contributions added to the discussions

Bomber normally goes pretty well round Leicester... Hard to tell if it's because he rides the track well or if it's because he's riding against our weak team though!

Probably for the best that Tungate and Auty dont come up against each other too much

Is it confirmed that Watts ridden his last meeting for the team?