STEVEHOLS54

Interesting article on Mikkel Andersen on Speedway News PL website today. https://speedwaynews.pl/zuzel/dunski-talent-zostaje-we-wroclawiu/ Confirming his long term contract with Sparta Wroclaw U24 Team as well as being one of the 4 U24 riders qualifying for the POL EXL Team. He is expected to be second choice in that last role as one chosen for the EXL team normally. Perhaps bigger fish to fry than in UK Champ but the U24 Lge is Tuesdays so could in theory ride UK WED and other days. Probably a pie dream but you never know ?

Also keeping Foord would have only left 4.83 thus reducing options greatly - especially regarding the 5 point overseas option which those rides automatically get if they have ridden in these overseas leagues - especially the Danish & POL U24 leagues.

I agree. As said by some on here it's purely the numbers game and not a comparison of Foord against Starke. Only logic I can come up with is that with 8.75 left IF we assume Law/Cook/Cairns (or another 2.00 until July)Rowe & Kerr it gives the Ford's the option of a rider up to 5.37. For me that realistically leaves Ablitt on 4.91 or better still a young 5 point Continental/Scandinavian/Aussie rider who has had experience in the POL U24 league so has raced in Europe. My wishlist would have Mikke Andersen as top of that list as commented previously. Him getting a Prem slot and doubling up with Poole would be great imo. We tried that with Rew when he first came over but he only wanted to really do Prem as he had a POL girlfriend so didn't want to stay for longer periods in UK, plus I heard he wanted all kinds of expenses covered to travel in and out so he could stay in POL in between.

Some logic as to why Starke might be of interest to Poole bearing in mind we had to lose 6.49 points from the 2024 team. Important thing is to win your home matches and at least gain the agg point over the H/A legs . That in theory should get you into the top 4 for play offs. Any wins away lessen that pressure. Last year was a special one off to win the treble and while would be great to do again the priority in order should be Prem/KO Cup/BSN in that order. Starke is 3.36 incl Brit discount. His averages in last 3 seasons riding at Poole (for away team) are worth looking at as its makes him a reasonably dependent reserve riding at Poole Stadium. 2024 3 meeting - 14 rides - 6.57 av incl bp - Incl 12 incl bp from 5 rides for Workington in one meeting. 2023 3 meetings - 13 rides - 4.31 av incl bp 2022 4 meetings - 21 rides - 4.76 av incl bp. In theory could be a reserve who could add 1/2 points to his starting av. The Fords are always looking to sign riders cpable of adding to their av, especially at Poole where we know from last season at reserve is capable of scoring more especially against weaker reserves.

If correct then will be interesting which combination Poole go for to fill the 8.73 left after Lawson/Cook/Rowe/Kerr and Cairns (or another 2 pointer until July). Thomsen 4.41 Ablitt 4.91 Starke 3.36 Young Dane/Aussie (with experience in POL U24 Lge) 5.00

Would love to see Mikel Andersen sign for Poole. I put his name up on here some time ago and have seen several others mention him more recently. Guy is only 17 in April 2025 but in his short career has Won SGP 3 in 2022 - 3rd 2023 and stepped up to SGP 2 (500 cc bikes) in 2024 where he finished 4th in the standing. Rode POL U24 in 2024 where he was 18th in Lge standings out of 115 riders who rode in the Lge over the season. 9 Matches as being only 16 in April with an av of 2.023 per ride. Finished above likes of Pearson/Rowe/Flint/Bailey/Gilkes/Zischke. Huge potential talent but would he give up DK (rode there in 2024). Knowing our luck it will be a possible chance signing like Aussie Fraser Bowes 36th in same Lge - Age 23 - Not done a lot in the U24 Lge last 2/3 seasons, in the hope that maybe he will be an improver like Ben Cook who many of us thought may not last a season before being dropped. How wrong the doubters were on him 😁. Either would mean it takes 5 points leaving only 3.73 meaning good chance it would be Starke on 3.35 with Brit discount as only suitable option. Unless of course it's Ablitt & Starke meaning we lose Tobias as he is 4.41. Can't see Poole building to 0.96 below the 40 point limit if its Tobias and Starke . Especially with a 2 pointer holding up the rear until Cairns comes in.

Andersen rode 2 matches for Wroclaw in POL EXL - 7 rides 1.143 points per ride. Most of his rides were in the POL U24 league against most of the promising young Poles/Danes/Swedes/Czech riders. He was even higher than the likes of Rowe and all the other UK/Aussie young guys except Rew who is 5 years older. Anyway highly unlikely that such a class talent will ride in Champ.

Hagon's GSA with Brit discount is 4.73. If we keep Vinnie (which hope we do) I fear we may see a lot more of Hagon's second half season form as is as capable of being half a lap behind more than his occasional heat win. I would love to see the Ford's convince young Mikkel Andersen over to UK. Was 16 in April - Won SGP3 in 2022 - was 3rd in 2023 and finished 4th in the 500 cc SGP2 series in 2024. Was 18th in his inaugural POL U24 season considering he was only 16 in April from 9 meetings with a 2.02 per ride av from 44 rides. If we think Cairns has a future then this guys form indicates he is going the right way. Wouldn't be easy prising him away from the Danish Wed meetings Lge, but would be a hell of a coup on a 5 GSA just 0.27 above Hagon and probably in a different League talent wise at only 16.

Nobody I can see on the GSA's. Yes Killeen & Harrison (with Brit reduction) have potential to improve. But so does Thomsen. If he avoids injuries I forsee his home av increasing to compensate away glitches on tracks he is not so familiar with. His fearless attitude on those wide outside lines he takes close to the fence generating so much speed provide plenty of points and entertainment. Plus he can gate which is a plus. We arguably have him still on an average lower than his true worth due to the GSA cut off point and due to the nasty injuries where he definitely came back too early. I also assumed he wanted to show willingness and didn't want to lose his team place if we was out as long as he should have taken in reality.

Said on BSN last night he prefers riding UK to both DK and Swe. Can imagine Poole crowds better than both Leagues add in he loves entertaining the crowd. He also said he definitely wants to be back in UK next season but probably under instruction to say nothing on that score at the moment. His demeanour was definitely of a rider who seemed to believe he is returning to Poole in 2025. On a GSA of 4.41 looks well worth a shout when fit. Loves the track and if his equipment and fitness holds up he well score plenty next season.

Could Poole have a situation where both Cairns & Rowe are rushing back from Tue meetings in the POL U24 Lge next season to get to Poole Wed fixtures home and away ??. Read an article on SGP today that Cairns will ride in that Lge from 30th June 25 as just signed a contract plus Rowe would still qualify for at least one more season at least being only 23 in May 25. I know a number of riders do/did that Lge incl Zach Cook but still a lot of air & road miles on day of the home meetings at Poole flying say POL/Stansted and then Poole. The Poles didn't waste any time snapping up Cairns.

What makes you ask. Rumours on the street or just a hunch. Just my personal view but think he has been a but hit & miss and his stats for 22/23/24 echo that although always middle to high end scorer in the Champ.

Maybe not Poole then as the Ford's normally have their A, B and even C idea of a team well before the AGM based on what is voted on team points limit and rider availability. On that score when do we start playing the name the team for next season game for 2025. We know Lawson signed and there were rumours posted of Rowe/Howarth and Vinnie as well as Zach Cook, plus rumours of Cairns signing, but that will be after 30/6 unless the powers that be tweak the min age rules. But things have gone quiet for a while on the subject.

Members 1.3k Just posted this on Scunthorpe page. If true I wonder where he be heading for 2025 ??. Added over 2 points to his av in 2024 and still has improvement. Perhaps his knowledge and season at a certain Southern Track could come into play in the team building for 2025?? A 4.91 GSA taking off the 2.5% Brit discount not bad for a young Brit with potential. Could add another point plus to this in 2025 with Poole as his home track, considering his previous years experience plus riding for Scunthorpe down there in finals/semi's the last 2 seasons.

Must say I am surprised our new young and exciting prospect Max Perry has not been signed by a NDL club for 2024. The av left at the clubs with places to fill indicate he won't have a starting slot. Can't believe its his injury/fitness issue as would think Poole wouldn't have signed him. Although chances are he was already pencilled in well before season ended and his injury. (Although he has said he would be fit for start of 24. Maybe he is party to information on all the teams not participating in racing NDL squads putting on plenty of Individual meetings or second half events to keep his calendar filled to supplement his Poole appearances. The only problem with the new NLDR series is that it is supposed to be open to the top 2 riders from each club in the NDL. (as per below statement). If he isn't signed to a team how does he get in ??. Unless as a Wild Card as 6 teams x 2 riders is only 12 so will need another 4 and that's also excluding any fixture clashes. The National League Riders’ Development Series will be a series of stand-alone Individual events open to the top two available riders from each club. Even the likes of Boughen & Killeen have 2 clubs each (Boughen in Prem & Champ). (Killeen in NDL 7 Champ). Any thoughts ?

Hi All Can someone explain this to me as a little confused. Tate as young Aussie if he had come straight from Aussie would have been a 4, but because he did 6 matches 23 rides in POL U24 in 2023 he becomes 5. Celina also an overseas rider rode in the same League also 6 matches - but 21 rides and comes in on a 4. Firstly best of luck to Celina, but can someone explain how she arrives on a 4 not a 5 ?

I see. Let's hope it's maybe more than one then, as the words imply giving more to the younger rider development. I refer to the Our specific participation's meaning Poole's. (As below) Our specific participation as to which tier we will be taking is yet to be decided but we are committed to the programme and that means there will be more youth opportunities at Poole for the 2024 season and hopefully our supporters will get behind this and enjoy the development of the sports future. Merry Christmas all.

Well of course we can't rule out Ford's plans as per his big statement of 18/11 Which quotes from his own words: Ford said "it is a big step forward with the emphasis on youth development as we all know how important this is for the sustainability of the sport. All Championship and Premiership clubs will be participating in mandatory youth development on a tiered system. Our specific participation as to which tier we will be taking is yet to be decided but we are committed to the programme and that means there will be more youth opportunities at Poole for the 2024 season and hopefully our supporters will get behind this and enjoy the development of the sports future. I await the statement on what these commitments will be for ||Poole which perhaps may explain why Max is not signed up elsewhere. Haven't heard a peep about this subject since he said it but plenty of time to maximise press coverage about plans like they normally do. I assume he wasn't referring to Hagon/Perry as reserves which I assumed is separate. (That was partly forced on teams due to lower points limit). Of course still some places left but surprising such a future talent not snapped up so far, unless one of the teams holding back news.

Thought Max Perry would be nailed on to go back to Leicester NDL this year to compliment his signing for Poole. Was surprised he was omitted and seen no signs of him signing for anyone in NDL up North or Edinb where some still have some places open. Also can't say I've seen any news on the Youth Development side from Poole where all Clubs are supposed to either lay on teams or sort out racing for these guys (pre or after meetings) on their own track if they are not tracking a team (which Poole have not declared they intend to). Anyone have any ideas on where Max may end up or if Poole are planning anything for young riders ?

Just trying to estimate what we could see as a return (points wise) from Thomsen. looking at last season results if he is at 2 his 4 rides would complete in heat 10. He would get 3 rides with Lawson (knowing him he will do his best to get behind Thomsen IF possible to keep his GSA down). Sensible thinking by Lawson as BP not in GSA calculations and important to keep a workable GSA for attraction for teams the following season. He would meet opposition 1,3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 once. The oppo 2 twice . In theory should beat most of the reserves. Should hold up well against most of the other 2's so far announced as well as some of the 4's, Achieving a 4 point av may not be so difficult but maybe Lawson himself could keep Thomsen's scores down a bit if riding off for the win or best placing. All this is theory of course. Will be interesting to see how it pans out and who knows. He could become a reserve (Wolf) in sheeps clothing if he did. Swapping with Hagon.

I'm trying to work out who Thomsen will meet as opposition in the 2 slot next season (besides obviously the opposite No 1 in the opening heat). If not a stupid question how is the number 2 rider chosen to ride with the heat leader. For example we know the 3 H/L in a team but how is the rider in the 2 slot chosen ??. Is it done automatically based on (excl the 2 reserves) on the 5th lowest average or another method.

It's a fair point. Plus Worky are a Saturday track. I think the 5 point GSA didn't help Poole's case. Secondly I assume he has a multi year contract with Leszno U24 Lge team after his reduced first season in Europe last Summer. That means a lot of Tuesday's are tied up. The finalists rode 18 matches (mainly Tue) plus they also do lot's of practicing in POL. That would have been a hell of a lot of flying back & forth to POL where he based last Summer when he arrived in July. Tate knows the that the future is Poland, and like riders such a Lidsey/Rew he realises that if he breaks through in the U24 in next 2 years or so he will get a chance in the main EXL side similar to Kurtz and the 2 named above. UK Champ is merely a chance to make up for lost time (like last season) after his injury. I made a lot of noise on here about Tate since seeing his brilliant efforts on You Tue and other social media in late 2022 where prior to his injury his style and speed on a bike reminded you of a young Darcy. Even Darcy who has been coaching him said he reminded his of a younger Darcy in an interview back in 2022. You joined the dots and the obvious connection was Poole (also on 4 points as at that stage had not ridden POL). Maybe will never happen with Poole but who knows ?. IF Poole survive into 25/26 (not certain) and IF they were to move up then maybe he will be attracted like Rew/Lidsey to racing top riders in the Prem. Having said that with the strong BV connection with Lemon and young Aussies maybe that could be where he ends up when he does move up to Prem. Sorry I mean IF .

Neither Nielsen and certainly not Roynon is a forward move. Adam had his chance but was starting to struggle in that last 4/6 weeks prior to injury also on poor equipment. Also why would Poole change the Dane so early before at least trying to prove he can achieve at least a 4 point av. As for the Aussie's. Most of the decent one's have already signed in POL U24 with odd exception who may not even want to do UK.

On the subject of IF Thomsen did to work out. (Obviously we hope he does). The fact is as a Dane he will keep his 4 point av, certainly up until the first GSA at least if not longer ??. So we can replace with a 4, but realistically who would be available who is going to do better. Arguably no UK rider. Not unless its another teams 4 pointer who has been dropped. The problem we would now face is that any overseas rider who has ridden (I assume) one or more meetings in DK Prem/Swed/Czech/German/POL Lge of any kind incl Exl/Lge 1 & 2 plus also the POL U24 Lge would be excluded as all would be on a 5. Any half decent young overseas riders have been signed up by POL U24 lge (many on multiple year contracts) as their scouting system seems way ahead of anyone else in the sport. Just Aussie riders as an example proves that with Zischke/West/Rew/Pearson and others means they are 5 pointers as soon as they have ridden in POL. (Unless they rode UK before and got a 4 point or lower av) Effectively means an untried Aussie mid season or another delve into Dk 2nd Div which is arguably at our NDL or just above as many riders just not good enough for their Prem Lge. The good youngsters like Bastian Pedersen/Mikkel Andersen and others in the 15/16 to 21 age are already signed by POL U24 or Dk Prem. In effect our team av alternatively would have to fall to 33 to get a 5 pointer. If that happened chances would be we would be out of the BSN & KO Cup come June and maybe some of the below Lge matches lost Sat 4th May (A) Berwick v Poole Wed 15th May (H) Poole v Workington Sat 25th May (A) Plymouth v Poole Wed 29th May (H) Poole v Berwick June Wed 5th June (H) Poole v Redcar As said hopefully NOT the case. The point being that it would not be an easy problem to rectify if he wasn't to score as we hope.

Don't think Rew wanted to do Champ. He has signed in DK Prem for 2024 where he will race against top riders plus arguably the best of the top young Danes coming through. Plus after doing some Thur Prem meetings he will be able to get back to POL (think I read his GF is Polish) for preparation and practing for the mainly Sunday POL Extr fixtures where he will do his first season the Leszno EXTR main team