STEVEHOLS54

I took 2.5% off Lawson/Brennan/and Hagon ( who was 2.63 less 2.5%) = 2.56. Or does the 2.5% for him not apply unless its over 3 ?? So Lawson becomes 8.48 Brennan becomes 7.15 B.Cook 7.39 Z Cook 6.22 Hagon 2.56 Perry 2 Total 33.80 (sorry my first calculation was slightly off so it's 4.20 left not 4.30 - By my calculation

Ok, with all the rules now known lets try and name riders for Poole in 2024. So far the forum has rumoured a 6 of Lawson/Brennan/B.Cook/Z.Cook/Sam Hagon & Max Perry (last 2 as reserves). The last 2 also promote the young Brit support policy. By my calculation that leaves 4.30 left. Of existing riders it sweeps up on mid 3 points onward's of Hook/Pearson/Borke/ Joe Thompson/Nielsen/Starke That seems to leave choosing one of them (if not all signed up already) or a young Aussie ??. The Aussie U21 Finals was weekend just gone and a bit of a disaster as 3 rider were excluded, and Michael West was left to ride 4 laps alone to win it. Exclusions included the heavy favourite Rew plus my rider for the future Zischke. Believe Zischke was last exclusion in the 3/4 attempts to race the final so was awarded 2nd place. Can't find individual scores or race videos anywhere on FB or Youtube or any of the POL Speedway sites which is unusual as they gave all heat results in the junior 125cc event. I still have my doubts as to whether the likes of West & Zischke would be 5 pointers having only really raced in POL U24 league bearing in mind the likes of Hook/Pearson and young Brits who raced in it still get away with 4 (if Aussies) or even lower if Brits. Snippit of interest for those maybe not aware. Found a video of Michael West on Youtube doing some after racing laps at Poole Stadium about 5 months ago. The guy is 19 and did plenty of meetings in the POL U24 lge last season. Wonder if it was a precurser to maybe Poole in 2024??. Personally think Zischke would be my choice of the 2 as younger and certainly in late 2022 prior to his accident was well ahead of West and a year younger. No doubt both will be racing on a Tuesday in POL U24 again. If it comes down to saving cost maybe the Ford's will go with one of those named who already raced in UK in 2022 & 2023.

With the rumour that San Hagon maybe coming to Poole in 2024, found this interesting little article posted on Australia Speedway site in last few days. Exciting British youngster Sam Hagon will be joining Mildura’s Olympic Park Speedway ranks during the upcoming summer to further develop his racing talents. Hagon will follow in the footsteps of riders such as Dan Bewley and Tom Brennan who were summer residents at Olympic Park. Hagon has had a great year in 2023 representing the Birmingham Brummies with local star Justin Sedgmen and picking up the Rider of the Year trophy competing with the Belle Vue Colts. Mildura looks forward to seeing Sam in action at the Jason Lyons Solo Trophy on Tuesday December 26th (Boxing Day). A long way to go but obviously they feel he is one with potential to be mentioned in the same breath as Bewley & Brennan.

Not sure if Tate Zischke will be at Poole, but he had a nightmare NSW U21 meeting having won it easily last year. Won his first ride and was just ahead in his second when another rider lost control sending him into a crashing fall where he looked hurt. he made restart after a delay but didn't look right and finished second, His bike also looked slower than usual. Had 2 falls (one in B final) and ef plus bike didn't look so fast, The heavy fall in his second ride didn't help. It's the Aussie U21 final in 2 weeks where he will meet Rew again as last year. Let's hope he recoveRs fully and sorts engine/s out by then. You can see the crash on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6xgkKOXwIw

With the BSPA meting 10/11th Nov, it begs the question what IF Brum can't guarantee having Speedway let alone Prem in 2024 ??. Can they plan or even start a 5 team Prem with doubts about the TV also prepared to cover such a small league. Makes you think what would the back up plan B be.

So if he has signed for POL U24 and for Piratena in SWE Prem, how is that going to work if both on a Tuesday. Surely can't ride for both and would he be allowed to chop and change as its suits. Or is it a case of each having a squad system so he could be in and out of both. Bit of a nightmare for flights though. Swe gives him better quality racing against better riders although POL gives him experience on the top POL tracks against decent U24 riders. Must admit I could understand him doing POL on Sundays for POL Lge 1 team like last season as he could do Prem/Champ/Swe/Pol. Unless not wanted by his POL team this season. In concluding I have just found in last few minutes an article on Sport Fakty dated 31/10 saying he is one of 3 released riders from 8 released at Lodz who will ride for Gdansk in Lge 1 in 2024 (along with NK Iversen & M.Tonder. That fact this was some 2 plus weeks after his X(Twitter) announcement about POL U24 for 2024, perhaps he has decided that option is better for riding Prem/Champ/Swe and then POL on Sunday rather than POL U24 on a Tuesday.

I need to follow more of the British riders on X . I was looking at the 2023 line up's where he rode for Lodz in Lge 1. I wrongly thought the Poles had started listing the 2024 line up's so my bad . Even though apparently most squads are already complete and the one month transfer window only opened on 1st Nov. A Tuesday will tie in on the U24 quite nicely with Poole then as Zach Cook managed both ok. But hang on. Isn't the POL U24 on a Tuesday which is the same night as Sweden ?? where he has signed for Indianera. That news was only released on 1st Nov (yesterday) which was 2 weeks after his X announcement about the POL U24 signing.

Thanks Skidder _ Just saw same on POL Speedway News site. Could this put into question whether Brennan is signing for Poole after the rumours on the Poole 2024 forum ??. This could mean a schedule of: Mon - Prem Tue- Swe Wed - Poole (or another Champ Club) Thur - Prem Fri - one of the Champ meetings Sat - As Friday Sun - POL I thought one of the reason the likes of Douglas and Pickering want to give up Champ was to concentrate on POL (Sundays and odd Saturdays), was also to take part in the Saturday Polish training sessions.Not sure on that last point but I'm sure I read Douglas mention that in an interview.

Only one who I think at this stage could become a big name is Tate Zischke. Just my opinion, but I take your point.

Only mentioned Aussies due to our obvious connection with them over our history plus with the 38 point rule for 2024. Of course it covers all foreign riders. It's interesting because Leszno took this route with Rew in 2022 where he rode Leszno U24 plus 7 matches for Krosno in Lge 1 as a reserve. A rider like Tate Zischke and all other young foreigners mow won't be able to ride at reserve in all 3 leagues. Does that open the door maybe to allow some of them to try Champ even with Sat and the odd Sunday as it would not clash with POL matches if they are not in the teams. Of course if they were signed as one of the 1-5 riders then that changes things. Can't se that happening with most of the younger riders at this stage. Of course for Poole there is still the Wed race night against the POL U24 Tuesday's, but riders like Zack Cook did it in 2022 and other young riders in Champ also doubled up with UK. Only mentioned it due to both POL speedway sites highlighting the new rule today, and the fact it maybe makes the Champ potential 30 match or so season look more attractive.

Interesting comments on both main POL Speedway websites today. Seems from next season in all 3 POL Leagues the 2 reserve positions have to be filled by POL Juniors only and not foreign riders. Believe there was flexibility on this in at least Lge 2 in previous seasons which meant top teams like Leszno could loan their young Aussies/Danes to get experience at reserve. Seems that window has closed. Could that maybe sway some young Aussies to consider UK more if they cannot double up U24 POL Lge with another POL LGE ??. The Aussies also cannot ride in the POL jnr League as all riders have to be POL. Assume they could be nominated into a main team in LGE 1/2 but that would pitch these youngsters against much more experienced rivals. I'm sure most won't want to risk throwing riders of this grade into main slots so early. Was thinking about the likes of Zischke/West/Bowes/Cluff/Brown who all rode POL U24 last season.

These 2 Danny Ford comments shown in the Echo still have me thinking what kind of plans he has. “We had to adapt to an opportunity that was presented to us and one that we feel would put the club in a stronger position for next year. “We just feel that to give us a better balance and a stronger team for next season, we had to let Anders go unfortunately Would signing Brennan thus leaving room for 2 x 2 pointers (2.56 & 2.00) and a 4.20 pointer really make us stronger if you discount the likes of Rowe/Newman & Thomas. Unless it is a 4 pointer with an expected impact. I do not class the likes of Nielsen/Starke and also injury history as going forward on that score.

Jack's final GSA was 4.90 less the 2.5% = 4.77 so still 0.57 above what's left IF it is Lawson/Brennan/Both Cook's/Hagon/Perry. Must admit can't say I am excited at whats left according to the last GSA sheets issued at 4.20 or lower. Of course we could all be wrong on the anticipated team anyway. Joe thompson for example would be too risky if we have 2 x 2 pointers as well.

Nice one Steve. I touched on this interview when I was commenting on the forum when I was raving over him last Autumn/Winter before his post race accident that cost him over 6 months off due to having seizures. Such a silly incident in the meeting final where he crashed into Sedgeman after the finish line. I looked at lots of his races in State U21 - Aussie U21 and other races where he was way ahead of Hook/Pearson and all the other youngsters with a style that indeed reminded me of a young Darcy Ward. Leszno who had won 3 league titles in POL on the trot were so impressed they signed him for their U24 team and remember he was only 17 in late 22. (born in July) Tate has ridden in October 23 in a DW run Aussie meeting and believe he rode well but maybe fell in the final. My concern would be Leszno take the Rew route with him and give him a full POL U24 season and double him up with a POL Lge 2 team as they did with Rew in 2022. Last year Rew was loaned to a POL Lge 1 and this season is replacing Lidsey in first team who is 25, who also had a similar route but that was before the POL U24 Lge so was loaned to lower Lge for experience before going into Leszno team. The question is whether Tate is a 4 or a 5. Seems some divided on that point. What constitutes riding in POL/DK. Is it based on a minimum amount of meetings or based on certain Lge criteria in those Countries ?? For example Tate had a short riding holiday in DK in 2022 where he rode a few meetings for a DK 2nd Div side before going back to Aussie.That league is mainly made up of young DK riders gaining experience and a few DK journeyman. He was only 16.Not sure on how many meetings or points but think it was fairly minimal. In 2023 his medical exemption meant he could not race until July 2023 so missed the main part of the Leszno POL U24 season. Instead of getting the 16/18 meetings dependent upon reaching play offs he rode only 6 meetings - a mere 23 rides. Do the actual rules mean that you automatically get give 5 for riding in Europe or do you need a minimum number of meetings/rides to jump from the normal young Aussie 4 to a 5. I am sure Danny/Matt have checked this one out if Tate is in the plans/thinking. Of course the big money and potential future is POL and if Leszno who followed and supported this guys incredible potential may already have him lined up for a full U24 season (Tuesdays) and maybe a Sunday Lge 2 team loan out also for a season (another 14/18 meetings dependent upon play offs).

Could Jack Thomas be in contention at 4.78 as I read he is riding his moto cross bike and is also looking to train in Poland to get race fit again ??.Possibly an additional risk though were it to be Sam Hagon and Max Perry at reserve. Would also put us 0.53 below the 38 limit. It was those 2 Bournemouth Echo comments though that intrigued me as it may indicate a good opportunity has just become available to make the team stronger with a better balance. It must be to drop Rowe having told him he was 99.9% certain to be in the team until a few days ago. Also Rowe at 21 is still arguably improving so it must be a decent alternative hence my Rew comment which of course be way off the mark. Another option maybe Zischke on a 5 (or 4) as still not sure if racing in POL U24 qualifies as a 5 for that league itself an he only rode 6 matches in his first season due to the delayed return from concussion in Aussie. His previous season was a few matches in Danish 2nd league (mainly juniors) so is that really a 5. On a 4 or 5 I would take him and it creates extra point further down the order. Tate returned to Aussie and is racing aging under Darcy Ward's wing as he raced in a meeting in October. I'm sure Danny has it all in hand but those Echo comments do open up some thoughts.

Trying to read in between the lines on the late turn around with Anders Rowe having initially been told he was almost certain to start in 2024 by Danny initially. Danny said in the Echo interview “We had to adapt to an opportunity that was presented to us and one that we feel would put the club in a stronger position for next year. “We’re working with a massively reduced points limit, probably the lowest my dad or I have ever had to work with, which has made us have to rethink a few things. “We just feel that to give us a better balance and a stronger team for next season, we had to let Anders go unfortunately. Could it be that Keynan Rew wants to race in both UK Leagues in 2024 after all ?. He stated prior to 2023 season start he wanted that,and we know he had meeting/s with Danny but they could not come to terms. Could he be looking to base more time in UK as with a Wed race night he could still get back for Leszno mainly Sunday matches, now he is allegedly being promoted into the main team as their foreign under 24 rider for 2024.. Yes may be the odd Sat/Sun situation but it could work ? Rew on a 6 is arguably better than Rowe on a 5.80 as his elevation to a Champ H/L after his initial season in Prem and a reasonable first season in Pol Lge 1, plus runner up in the SGP U21 series could be interesting if it came off. Plus the guy is only 21 in April. Just some thoughts and I could be way off the mark, but just an idea.

Fantastic news and thanks Skidder - No my Poole visits are few this season with a 3.5 to 4 hour journey from deepest Essex ;-)

Just read someone mentioning Rew. Thought I saw on Polish Speedway site he was being promoted into Leszno team for 24 as their under 24 foreign rider with maybe Lidsey moving on as he is 25 in Feb. If this is the case would Rew really ride Leszno - Ipswich in Prem and Poole in Champ with all the meetings that take place over Fri/Sat in Champ ?? Nice if we could get him but would have thought Sweden on Tuesday would fit his schedule better ?? Also Jack Thomas ??. After that nasty crash and possibly life changing injury, is the guy even up and walking again normally let alone riding a bike again. I have seen nothing on him since being hospitalised back in March. Again I hope things are back to normal with him. Must admit it's the first time I can recall in seasons that 2 riders said they were moving on from Poole before one of the Ford's announcing it and 2 weeks before the AGM. They normally like to maximise Poole's media coverage with all releases/signingds in reference to riders. Must admit the Rowe news was a surprise and let's hope there is something more exciting in news in the offering even with the 7.55 we have to lose under what looks like the new limit.

Think would be a big risk if they had 2 x 2 pointers even though both have long term potential. We saw that having at least one strong/er reserve pays dividends. Also on Kyle Newman. Will he retire after this season as he said prior to season start he would review situation depending on how this season went. Would he be a better option going forward compared to Anders Rowe who although slightly higher may have better scope to improve being still only 21. A 38 point limit sure makes it interesting even if quality reduced a bit. Would the Ford's look at one H/L compared to the 2/3 of before. With a 7.55 point drop on the current team av, we know that probably one of the current 2 may have to go. Especially if both the Cooks (who I believe still lodge together at Middlo's) are still on an upward curve. I also think Ben's GSA would have been even higher had it not been for EF's or mishaps. Also to finish. The Thompson Twins mentioned in earlier post would perhaps be interesting, as sure they would enjoy riding in same team in Champ with I assume Dan doubling up with his parent team Leicester in Prem. I also think Joe would have been singing the praises of Poole who improved him after signing towards season end. Lots of food for thought in coming months. I am sure both Danny & Matt probably know already who their ideal team will be as they sure won't want to miss out on that lower order which will be so important to get the right mix. Assuming the well rumoured 38 points is the new limit in 24.

As we are knocking ideas around. We know positive comments were made when Sam Hagon guested for Poole and although a bit over the flat 2 maybe under consideration depending on plans further up. Also how about trying in 2024 Tate Zischke ?? not sure if we could secure on a 4 (not sure if his sort stint in POL U24 for Leszno from July to Sept makes him a 5). I didn't think U24 Lge pushed you up to a 5. Well worth the investment although Leszno may decide to take the Keynan Rew route with him and loan him to a POL Lge 1/2 team for 2024. Or give him a full season in U24 if back to full fitness. (Tuesday racing in that Lge) Also Luke Killeen maybe if Oxford go for Boughen as their 2 pointer ??

Him and Tate Zischke and only 6 points between the 2 so lots for the top 5 . Young Tate only 2 weeks into returning to racing following his 6 plus months out on medical grounds in Aussie scored 8 plus 2 bp from 5 rides for Leszno 2 weeks ago.

Which considering it's his first meeting in 6 months and believe first time racing in Poland, its a good return. With there not being many meetings left for Leszno U24 (5 i think left in regular season with a max of 4 in play offs IF they get there), I wonder if UK could be tempting.

Just did some checking. Rew's club Gdansk have slipped to 5th in POL Lge 1 and as it stands out of the top 4. Plus they have a club below who have 3 matches in hand and are only 2 points behind. If outside the top 4 I calculate he only would have 3 lge matches left plus the final round (I think) of the GP2 series left where he is 2nd behind Ciernak. Bearing in mind we are only just about to enter July could it be a possibility that Poole with plenty of matches left becomes a possibility. I believe he would have been a 5 before the GSA's come in this season and Rowe also interestingly still on a 5 but only just (this season Lge matches it actually 4.67 from 5 lge matches but will be based on rolling so probably JUST over 5 looking at SGB rider stats. Tate Zischke facing a similar situation as Leszno U24 matches won't be too many as a lot of clubs already ran 6/7 matches and there are only 16 I think in a regular season. he I think is on a 4 but Roynon is currently on only 3.76 for his 5 Lge matches to date and his rolling is 3.62. Maybe an option for August ??. Interesting thoughts but these things cost money and do the Ford's want to pay out knowing they will probably get in the top 6 irrespective ??. Problem is after the first GSA's will Rew's average even allow such a move later ??

Rew is not riding for his parent club Leszno in the U24 Lge this season as he did in 2022. Leszno decided to loan him out to Gdansk Coast in Lge 1 for 2023 to give him more experience against more experienced/better class riders. He is following a similar path to what they did with Jamon Lidsey. This means racing mainly Sundays so no real clashes with UK Prem or Champ. Also in a POL interview he stated that besides Ipswich he also wanted to secure a Champ slot (for which he would be a 5 point rider and not 4 only because he has raced in competitive racing in POL Lge 2 and DK Prem). I understood it was more a cost issue previously in view of flights/mechanic/equipment/accommodation/workshop etc as he planned to base himself in POL with I think his POL girlfriend. You would not have such costs with a Rowe or Kemp or Thompson much as I would like to see Rew at Poole.

Can imagine he isn't. After all the promise showed, this was going to be a big breakthrough season for him. But we have to remember he is only turning 18 on 30th July and even a part season will be good. If he gets snapped up to also do some UK racing when POl tails off (22nd Aug for the last of the regualr season U24 POL EXL matches), he could still get good experience this coming season. He would not have much racing to do POL/DK in those last months of our UK season. As said many times would love to see him at Poole but we will see.