birchfield aces

I would like to see the points limit the same for all three leagues (42.5) However because the number of clubs in the National League seems to be a different number each season, I would like a points limit to be set at a level which will allow teams to build for the future, perhaps being set for a two year period, to allow clubs to encourage more youngsters, to maybe have a squad system for the reserves, to stop clubs running and using an-attached riders all season, make the using of any regular unattached riders only for a maximum of 3 meetings. I hope to see the points limit raised to 41. Let's stop the use of R/R for reasons other than injury or if a rider has educational commitments, certainly for a given maximum time, we can't have a system where Eastbourne 2016 (Gary Cottham) Belle Vue 2017 (Lee Payne) use it as for most of the season, there is no excuse to not sign a replacement for a long term injury. I agree with others, League fixtures must be completed by whatever cut off date is agreed upon, and KOC fixtures to be completed by a set date for each round.

I have decided to choose 7 riders, all from different teams. I think they will up their averages, the total it only comes to 31.71l to start but I'd expect these guys to up their combined average to 45 pts . JPB 6.97 Jack Smith 6.32 Ben Hopwood 5.83 Joe Lawlor 3.59 Taylor Hampshire 3.00 Tom Brennan 3.00 Jordan Jenkins 3.00

I think its going to plan, Bewley, Payne & Shuttleworth as heat leaders, Mellish & Smith as second strings, Bickley & AN Other at reserve?

Can anybody please confirm the first choice race night the Stars are going to use?

James Shanes is a 'no-go' his average is too high (8.53) Buxton have only (8.29) as a balance Ellis Perks at (8.25) would fit nicely but he has said no to riding in all 3 leagues, who they go with must now be a major headache, Luke Chessell(8.09) would fit, but is he available?

The 39 points limit was voted in to make the NL more competitive and judging so far by the make up of most teams this will happen, I don't want to see any team under strength. and so to Buxton, who's likely to complete their seven? 11:29 for the remaining two riders seems good and assuming another 3 pointer is recruited leaves 8:29, but who? (Ellis Perks 8.25) who doesn't want to ride in all three leagues and Luke Chessell (8.:09) says he'll sit out 2017 and I assume most of the others that fit (Lee Payne 8:11), Jack Smith (6.:32) & (Rob Shuttleworth 6:60) will end up at Belle Vue. Is Mr Williamson likely to be challenged at NO.1 I think not. Sorry to be full of doom & gloom, let's hope a rabbit is pulled from the hat!

Does anyone know if the plan is to run mostly on Sunday's as first choice and Saturday night as the reserve night or will we only find out after the fixtures are released?

As a travelling supporter ,has the decision been made as to what day/time will be first choice? What is the Second choice or reserved night?

Thanks Jayne

With Lee Dicken now confirmed as their 5th rider, Buxton still have 11:29 for their final two riders, they need another heat leader. Ellis Perks (8.25) or Joe Jacobs (6.23) perhaps?

Does anyone else think that some of the promoters of the clubs in the National League are like vultures, circling over Belle Vue waiting for an opportunity to pounce. In my estimation five riders would be wanted by other clubs if Belle Vue don't run (Bewley, Shuttleworth, Payne, Bickley, Jack Smith who like most people I think that he'll choose Belle Vue, but if they don't get declared soon by Belle Vue, those five would fit into a lot of gaps in other teams. Interesting that not one rider has been confirmed anywhere since I.O.W. chose Rikki Mullins a few days ago.

Who do you think Eagles no.1? It needs to be some one new to speedway, all Brummies want to find an unknown just like ZACH WAJTKNECHT was,

Those 3 riders are an interesting choice, but I would choose Ben Hopwood (5.83) Terry Ryan Daley (4.55) & Martin Knuckley (6.37) I believe that would offer more strength in depth.

Just a few words of encouragement. I feel that the management at the IOW are doing a great job. I was really impressed with my visit last year with the Brummies, if I lived closer I would visit more regularly. If all goes to plan, I get the chance to maybe visit in the KOC as well. The team that the IOW has put together looks a good one, any good local rider (4.04) remaining, who would the IOW fans like to see?

Can I just say, that I want Buxton to have a good 2017. My team (Brummies) have not always won there, but I enjoy my visits. I believe you have real potential to build a very good team, if you can use your points renaming (17.16) to secure 3 riders, with averages above Shelby's 4.45 to start him at reserve, any team with strength in depth, together with a good No 1. has more than a fighting chance.

It would seem to me that Plymouth have to get a good 2nd heat leader to back up Boxall, with a few good heat leaders not yet committed, quite a choice still exists James Shanes 8.53, Ellis Perks 8.25, Kyle Hughes 8.67 or Oliver Greenwood 8.00 unless any of these are not racing National League in 2017?

I as an outsider (Brummie). What is going on at Kent? I can't believe they are pushing out James Shanes (8.53) With only 3 riders signed totalling 19.5 and four riders still to sign, how can Shanes not be included in the balance of 19.5 that would still leave 10.97 for 3 more riders, surely entertainment should be a factor. A long tail? Join the club, most teams will be in the same boat, so to speak.

I agree that discussions at an AGM are not made public, after all results of those discussions are available in press announcements. As a supporter I think I should be able to know who was there, which representatives from which clubs.

I have a question- What happens if the KOC S/F VS Cradley get postponed on Saturday? As Birmingham are due to host the winners on Wednesday in the first leg of the KOC Final. Would the meeting get re-arranged for the next day? Would this mean no Eastbourne or Cradley representatives at King's Lynn for the pairs. Three questions in one, let's hope in doesn't rain Saturday.

Brummies rider Tom Bacon is due to guest for Cradley at Eastbourne on Saturday in the second leg of the KOC Semi-Final, maybe useful practise for the following Sunday when the Brummies race there in the first leg of the play-off final.

The Cradley website offers the following list of team line-up for Thursday's first leg: BIRMINGHAM: Liam Carr, Danyon Hume R/R, Darryl Ritchings, Tom Bacon, Tom Perry, Jack Smith, Jack Parkinson-Blackburn, Lee Geary (No.8) CRADLEY: Max Clegg, Joe Lawlor, Ben Hopwood, Richard Andrews R/R, Ashley Morris, Ben Basford, Bradley Andrews. Share This:

An interesting point you make about who has the choice of 'home' leg first The Brummies it seems prefer to have the 'home leg' first, as they have done that against Kent in both the National Trophy Final and the KOC, as you say it appears easier to defend a lead than pull it back as the Brummies did in their matches against Kent. Their is no certainty of a Eastbourne versus Birmingham play off final, both teams still have a lot of work to reach that stage. The Eagles vs Brummies KOC should be a classic, if the Eagles reach the final.Now how does Eastbourne 46-43 Brummies, Brummies 47-43 Eastbourne, give the Eagles the advantage in previous NL matches?

My first visit to Smallbrook Stadium, hopefully not my last. The whole set up is excellent, top marks to the promotion, advertising of the speedway was good, the kids had a great time. Nathan Stoneman deserved more points for his efforts, a fast moving presentation, plenty of time to get the last ferry back to the mainland, great to hear George Major speak about his time at IOW.

Good to see the Brummies give Stephen Whitehouse four rides, thanks to Daniel Halsey for his efforts for Buxton.

Whenever this cup semi-final is completed, one fact remains Kent whoever they use, will have to improve, Brummies have won three of this season's meetings, one other which was drawn. Whatever happens, it should be great speedway. Let's hope we see both teams as near to full strength as possible.