STEVEHOLS54

You mean Mikkel Andersen ?. He has been burning up the SGP3 scene the last 2 seasons winning it in 22 and third in 23. His FB page posts some excellent results. Looks to have a good future in the sport. Was invited to train with Zielona Gora just before the play off final and is friends with Luke Bekker. His FB comments post a lot of good scores and did plenty of racing around Europe incl International meetings. Also seems POL teams want him for U24 Lge in 2024. Could be interesting considering he was only 15 last season. Although not 16 i think until 28th April and already signed in DK for Vojens so possible fixture clashes if going to Poole.

Of course Danny Ford could put it to bed by announcing this new talent to us this week as it's Christmas near enough. Going to miss trawling through the POL/DK/SWE stats for a clue until then. Of course we can't discount the possibility that an untried Aussie new to these shores could be in the mix (I mean one who has not ridden in Europe). Must admit I am still not sure if the POL U24 league qualifies as normal league for the 4/5 point discussion as the POL in effect deem it as a junior Lge ?? I just have a small concern about having a rider inexperienced in Lge racing joining our other 2 young reserves and leaving us very exposed. Anyway we will see hopefully soon.

Hence. the confusion. Or the rules are not as clear as they really are supposed to mean. Question I have is if there is some kind of qualifying criteria that a young rider where it be Dane/Swede/Pole/Czech/Aussie has to ride a minimum of xyw meetings BEFORE they they get upgraded from a 4 to a 5 pointer. For example if a rider does say only 4/5/6 meeting in POL U24 or Dk/Swe/Czech he gets upgraded to a 5 automatically ??. If so would mean cannot sign any foreign rider unless he has NEVER ridden in Europe/POL/Scand leagues of any kind. Would mean only an Aussie who has NEVER ridden in POL U24 league or anywhere else in Europe Leagues. Would Poole really sign a rider with NO league experience anywhere bearing in mind we have 2 inexperienced young reserves. There must be some qualifying criteria otherwise the untried Euro or Aussie rider doesn't make sense.

Okay one to put in the mix. Bastian Pedersen - Nicky Pedersen's nephew. Has a familiar all action style like his relative and won 2 of 3 races when riding as a reserve in one of the SGP 2 rounds (excl in the other). That is of course unless he is a non starter on a 5 as has ridden a bike in POL U24 and in DK . Will be 18 in April but already shown lots of speed and promise in DK & POL U24.

Have posted 2/3 times about who our last signing (up yo 4.20) might be. Haven't seen a single reply/response or comment other than Skidder one liner that it might be a Cont/Scand untried rider new to our shores. Would have thought there would be plenty of interest in who it might be, considering how important the role could be with the new young reserves we have with the lower points limit. Any thoughts ?

Yes but some of these promising young riders have ridden only 3/4/5 meetings (also in POL u24 Lge) which would seem a bit unfair that they would get given a 5. yet you have young Aussies who come over on a 4, do near enough a full season keeping their 4 but can race a full 11/12/13 league season in POL U24 teams yet still retain their 4. Then someone like Tate Zischke who only rode 6 matches in POL U24, but many on here say he is a 5 because he raced last season in POL only (due to his injury delaying his season until July). Was hopeful a few who were so in the know on the 6 named for so long before it was official, might know who the 4 pointer MAY be. Another name I checked is Michael West who did some after meeting laps at Poole in July (has said on his instagram) he will be returning to Europe after Aussie season. Did 5 POL U24 meeting for 19 rides last season so goes as officially unclassified in POL Lge stats but so does Tate Zischke who only did the 6 so is he a 4 or 5 ???

Some expressing concerns over our 2 young reserves but should hold up against a lot of the others. Not seen a single comment on who our last signing may be on a 4 as he is obviously an overseas rider. Would have thought with younger/more inexperienced youngsters in both slots, it will be even more important that the young 4 pointer hits the ground running. Still struggling to come up with names as not sure at what stage a rider jumps from a 4 to a 5 if raced in Pol U24 or Scand. Could it be you have to ride a minimum of ?? meetings or rides to get upgraded to a 5 ??

Considering a good few knew well in advance our 6 named riders, any ideas/clues on who the last one is. Have seen comments from it being a new Aussie to a untried Continental/Scandinavian rider. One would assume they already have him signed up. I'm intrigued if he is an untried Eur/Scand rider how they would get around the 5 point limit for these riders if they have already ridden in Leagues around Europe/Scand. Same applies to an Aussie if he has ridden Europe prior to UK. An thoughts/ideas who it could be ??

Wonder why he would not nominate himself having I assume put himself forward when the Aussie's notified he was going to be one of the starting 15/16 in Oct & Nov. If nothing else it was a chance to showcase his undoubted talent against more experienced and the top Aussie riders. His FB page has not updated since mid last year when he finally came over to POL for a late start in the POL U24 league when it was nearly over (hence only 6 meetings - 24 rides). Apologies as this is the Poole Page but I had high hopes he would sign for Poole in 2023 & also for next season. Alas seems that may not happen.

Have been checking various young rider Euro stats for possible clues. Trying to avoid those who have ridden regularly in Europe or have done near enough season long racing in POL or POL U24 and other Euro leagues. The latter would be on a 5 which too high. Sure there must be some criteria that a rider has had to have ridden X number of meetings to have been upgraded from a 4 to a 5. Are we in effect saying that if we are signing a European/Scandinvian young rider then he need to have not raced in any League to qualify for a 4 ??. If that's the case then who can it be as it would be like signing a third junior on top of Perry/Hagon. Just an aside footnote. Tate Zischke was my choice of rider but many say he would be on 5 due to his 6 meetings in POL U24 last season. Just saw in POL article today he is not named as one of the riders for the Aussie Champ or even as wild card or reserve over the 5 meetings. He was named as one of the main field in previous releases in POL & Aus Oct/Nov. Bowes and Pearson are named with west as Wild Card. I wonder why ??

Well just for fun and as I love playing guess the team game I am going to throw this one out there. Check this recent press release on Polish Speedway site Speedway News about a young Adam- Bubba-Bednar dated 15th November. https://speedwaynews.pl/zuzel/stal-gorzow-z-nowym-nabytkiem-kim-jest-adam-bubba-bednar/ Some are making noise that this young recently turned 16 year old (2nd September) could be a potential World beater. Just signed up for POL U24 Lge. Sounds exciting and could be anything going by the reviews. Has modled himself on Tai Woff & Bewley for driving style and pesonality. Matej Kus an ex Czech Riders quotes: Adam is undoubtedly the most talented player I have seen in years. He has an amazing feel for the bike and is very good at being in the right place at the right time. He has the heart of a warrior and no position is lost for him. – Lists its advantage Reading that article and signing somebody of that potential would be a real statement of intent. Probably wrong as there are a whole host of promising Europeans out there.

I originally thought West at one stage as I also looked at his FB page after he won the Aussie U21 title (more by default after all 3 other riders were excluded incl Zichke & Rew). I found a video on his Youtube page where he rode some laps around Poole pre or after meeting about 5 months ago. But then I checked and he rode POL U24 Lge last 2 seasons (full seasons not like Tate who only rode about 6 meetings last season after his injury ruled him about until July). That would mean he would probably be on a 5 which is too high. Haven't seen any rumours on Hook so maybe ??.

So, that indicates you know who it may be . Last nights sponsors meeting seems to have been informative by the sounds of it . Brennan news was good. Not unexpected for us on the forum but the majority of fans don't come on here so it would be viewed as exciting news for sure to get an exciting 22 year old Brit signed up. I take it you mean the assumption on the other 2 probably being Zach & Tom Perry as rumoured here for some time. As for the possible surprise last signing. With only approx 4.20 left you have Nielsen/Starke/Joe Thompson - The Dane Borke who we can probably exclude as a Dane with a Wed track - Aussies Pearson (rumoured to be going to Glasgow) or Hook. Besides them its a young untried Aussie ??. Can you maybe throw us a teaser/clue or two so that at least a few of us maybe able to work it out without naming said rider. Or you could mail me as we have exchanged views before .

I'm still intrigued by who our 4 pointer will be if the other 6 are as expected. (Law/both Cooks/Hagon/Perry/Brennan) Still early days but none of Hook/Borke/Joe Thomspon (below 4), Starke or Pearson have been announced elsewhere yet, and of course any young Aussies being considered. Personally feel that could be a crucial slot. Anything the 2 young 2 point reserves do would be a bonus whatever they get in points, even with the lower points limit & some weaker reserves elsewhere compared to past seasons. Could the Ford's be waiting to see how the Aussie season develops to see who of the lower end riders performs as they have done in some past seasons ?.

Yes - Middlo really is an asset to the sport. Not only an excellent Manager for many years but the way he has supported riders (especially young Aussies new to our shores). Maybe a slight shame that Danny's special announcement maybe slightly tempered by some of the forum contributors having worked out the likely signing of Brennan, coupled with Lisa's post about Brennan posting on X the closing date for his final club naming date in Champ for his win a beanie competition, which coincides with Danny to make a special announcement on the 8th. Could be wrong of course and it may be totally unrelated. Must admit I am more interested in our 4 point signing now as the other 6 seem to be known by either shrewd select posters in the know or good guessers of the team for 2024

No - Wasn't referring to Zaine being at Poole. Only an option maybe for Declan. I agree though would make a lot of sense for both to ride at one club similar to the Cook's. If i recall from the past didn't Zaine stay up that way as his base for UK making it sense if they both stay together like the Cook's did which worked well at Poole. Handy having Middleditch having lodging available which has worked well for Poole's young Aussies over the years.

Saw on the forum recently a poster comment about maybe Josh returning to UK (Poole ??). May have been a tongue in cheek comment. When looking up for info on Zischke via Youtube 2/3 weeks back found a recent meeting for 2023, where Josh rode and completely outclassed the other riders. Looked like he had never been away. Next I saw he won the above which I assume helps him in getting a Visa to ride in UK if he chose. Believe they were the rules a few years ago from memory, that you had to be placed in a State meeting to help qualify for one. Can't sign a POL contract this late (as window closed) but suppose a doubling up in UK possible if he has set sights on a return to UK ??. Unless just keeping his hand in at riding in Aussie. Personally thought he had stopped riding but sure looked quick in races I saw in. Last rode Champ in 2017 with a final GSA of 9.47. (No idea if any reduction for being away 6 years). My over active mind says Lawson loan to Workington (with his family connection) with Josh to Poole but at 0.77 higher than Lawson would tie up nearly a point more with the lower 38 point limit. Of course could still double up but with other clubs or it may just me overthinking it

Believe 4.20 left if the others are as rumoured. My thoughts are : If they got Zische reduced to 4 based on circumstances last season then my first choice. Would not surprise me if they gave Declan Kennedy a try as never rode UK. Could well come over with his older brother Zaine and they lodge together plus help each other at their respective Clubs. Similar to what the Cook Bros have done. If it comes down to saving cost maybe they will go Nielsen or Starke but neither really going forward and Nielson especially injury prone. Joe Thompson on 3.51 after Brit reduction may be risky as team would be 0.69 below an already low 38 point limit plus exposes us at the bottom end. Besides that only leaves Hook/Borke/Pearson. Or another young Aussie but some of them have raced full POL U24 in last 1/2 seasons, so I assume they get a 5 so excluded. The Poles are very switched on to rising Aussie talent and quickly sign them up for the POL Extra Lge u24 teams flying them over and looking after them. They not only race but get lots of additional training on good tracks.

Only yesterday I commented below: Looking at last green sheets it left either a 4 point Aussie or Hook/Borke/J Thompson (although we would waste near enough half a point)/Nielsen/Starke/Pearson. Not convinced on Hook personally as he is 21 has had 2 seasons in Champ and POL U24 but hasn't really done much. Pearson may offer more as only 18 but has shown some signs. Declan Kennedy (Zaine's younger brother) has shown promise in Aussie and have seen the odd rumour about maybe UK bound. Would love it if the Ford's could pull some strings on Zischke with powers that be. Some say he was going to join Poole for 2023 (March) before POL U24 season started on 18th Apr. Unfortunately his injury in Aussie before end 2022 ruled him out for 6 months, so only rode 6 matches - 23 rides from July to season end, rather than 18 matches for finalists. Just seems unfair that he is penalised a point so 5 not 4 if rumours on the forum about him being a 5 for racing in POL U24 before riding UK, where Pearson/Hook still keep there achieved 4 point av despite riding 2 seasons in both UK and POL U24 league. If that is the rule despite it being circumstances outside his control just seems a bit unfair. Just my opinion but I am biased I suppose having raved on Zischke since before start of last season having seen his exciting style and potential with even Darcy Ward saying he reminded him a lot of a younger DW.

My calculation based on above left 4.20. Looking at last green sheets it left either a 4 point Aussie or Hook/Borke/J Thompson (although we would waste near enough half a point)/Nielsen/Starke/Pearson. Must admit still annoys me that Zischke who was earmarked for Poole (allegedly) for 2023 on a 4 before his injury, could only race from July so for 6 matches and about 23 rides in the POL U24 league gets allocated a 5 where Hook/Pearson who raced UK on below 4 av have ridden in POL U24 for near enough 2 years but still get allocated a 4. Even if we tried to sign Michael West I assume he would get same 5 (raced in POL U24 Lge) as Zische despite never riding UK.

I thought this unexpected rider available development was mentioned a little while ago prior to the local radio interview. I am sure it coincided with Brennan being released by Glasgow that fueled the Brennan to Poole rumours. Could be wrong but I'm sure it was mentioned on the forum. Also thought it was one of the rumours that Rowe went from 99% certain of a team place to 1% being actually released by Danny due to unexpected team developments according to Anders comments. Think it was mentioned about giving the team a stronger look for 2024 with the new lower limit.

Wouldn't be the biggest surprise as if Zaine is returning to UK, I'm sure he could maybe lodge with Zaine and they could help each other like the Cook's have done. Also checking back can't find any record of him having done Europe racing (certainly not the 2 seasons of POL U24). So maybe he qualifies on a 4. Also been riding well in Aussie as has had some impressive scores including beating likes of Zischke and believe he won a 5 round Darcy Ward series in Aussie. For interest an article recently published in Aussie said: Declan Kennedy, regarded by experts, as having an extremely big future in the sport, won the BRTS Darcy Ward Track Championship in 2022 and currently leads the points standings in the 2023 domestic series. Kennedy has appeared in the prestigious Darcy Ward Invitational and acquitted himself brilliantly.

Earlier comments on the forum from several people prior to the AGM. May be all hot air of course. Just trying to cultivate a discussion based on what's been on the forum, none of those named was initiated by me.

If that really was the case (and is that on basis it is assumed he is on a 5 for racing only 6 matches in POL U24). Or is it based on actual factual information from UK authorities that he is a 5. Just seems a bit crazy that the likes of Pearson/Hook can race near enough 2 seasons in the same league but only get classified at 4 because racing in UK they achieved that, where an inexperienced Aussie who lost 6 months to injury has to accept a 5 for in effect 6 meetings. Also his Danish experience in 2022 was a quick flying visit where he rode a few meetings as a short working holiday in their junior div 2 before jetting back home.

Hopefully one of our better informed colleagues may be able to throw some light on who that 4 pointer (or up to 4.20) rider might be