Bojangles

It literally says he’s Australian in the Oxford press release about their 2023 line-up, but sure, you know better! I suppose you think Marvyn Cox is German.

It would be unfair because they have already earned those points by completing the qualifying heats. Thats how the scoring system works. Replacing a semi-finalist with the ninth placed finisher would mean actually taking points AWAY from an injured rider. It’s a completely different matter if he hasn’t already scored the points before the qualifying heats have finished.

It would be completed with just three riders. This is because of the way the Grand Prix points are allocated. It would be unfair on the rider that had to withdraw from the meeting - he is entitled to his place in the top 8 on the night and would miss out on that if the rider who finished ninth was promoted to the semis. For instance, if Tai Woffinden scored a 15-point maximum, then had to withdraw from the semis, he would score 10 points. If he was replaced in the semis, he would only score 8 points, so it can't be done.

Think Ace would have made the jump up regardless, Killeen isn't British and Trigger hasn't been confirmed. Let's see how the rest of the signings go, just saying it might not be quite as bleak as we think (although you'll probably be right).

Guessing Ashton Boughen will be at one of two places - Mildenhall or Oxford. Would be a huge permanent acquisition for either. I'm hearing his older brother Kiean might also be looking for a team spot as well.

Just to play Devil’s Advocate, what young British riders have been chucked in too early for next season? Atkins was always going to be in Oxford’s 1-7 even if it had stayed at 42pts, and I’m struggling to see any others that it could potentially apply to. Yes, other teams might chuck some in, but they haven’t yet.

Because it is narrow minded. You’re willing to write off a sport you like just because of potential powertrain switch. Other than the noise and smell, how would it be completely different exactly? It wouldn’t be any less ‘raw’ as you put it.

Such a narrow minded view. Granted it won’t be the same, but to go from enjoying speedway (as I presume you do if you’re on this forum) to not watching it in your ‘back garden’ just because the bikes are electric is a bit crazy. What have you got such a big problem with that you’d completely flip like that? Noise? Smell? All motor sports will need to evolve over the coming years, and speedway is no different. If the bikes need to be electric, so be it, I will still be watching (admittedly while no doubt reminiscing of the past).

I’d go as far to say that it’ll definitely be good enough!

Absolutely. I would have loved him at Oxford.

Guess he’s slowly moving towards a full-time broadcast career.

Nicholls not racing in the Premiership should mean he can concentrate on Oxford a bit more. He seems quite passionate about the project.

This is going to sound a bit harsh, but he was probably retained as he’s the only 4.3ish rider left available. There’s not many about with that kind of average. He’ll win a few races I’m sure, but think he’ll generally struggle in the main body of the team. Then again, this is Cameron Heeps. You never quite know what you’re going to get.

Oxford clearly hoping the reserves make rapid progress. Jenkins is a shrewd signing, and should improve his average. He’s also very good around Sandy Lane. Not sure Atkins will do much, and your guess is as good as mine when it comes to Killeen. Looked out of his depth when I saw him this year, but Oxford must think he has potential. Teams are going to be weaker this year though, so there’s more scoring potential.

I think it's pretty certain Henry Atkins will be the 2.00 pointer.

And the Harris to Glasgow rumours. And the Harris to Birmingham rumours. He'll end up signing for Redcar or something.

Hoping they haven't got the space for him and Jenkins. Wishful thinking perhaps.

Masters takes up too much space for me. Would rather something like... Harris Nicholls Kerr Thomas Gilkes Edwards Atkins Comes to 39.82 if my calculations are correct.

Oxford sent out a tweet earlier referencing a guest ride Chris Harris did for the Cheetahs, but it's now been deleted. Read into that what you will...

Starke is definitely consistent. Consistently bad.

The majority of the people on this forum moaned about how the 2022 season was run, yet the same faces are moaning that the results of the AGM have been delayed. Good grief...if it takes a couple of days longer to get it right for 2023, it's worth it isn't it? I'd much rather they took their time and improved the product. Whether they actually do improve it is another thing, but give them a chance at least. Moan afterwards if necessary! And personally I'm glad they said there's been a delay, that's already an improvement on keeping everyone completely in the dark for two days.

Are Redcar going to let Jenkins go? Thought he would have been a prime asset for them in 2023.

My friends in Barbados have just booked a two-week stay in Poole next June. I've told them to go to the speedway, but they said they won't have time as there's too much else to see.

Well....if fans are paying the same next season, it's probably fair considering the extra costs involved in 2022 compared to 2021. If the points limits goes from 42 to 40 as expected, that's just a reduction of just 5%. Considering inflation alone has already risen by 2.6% since March (and likely to go higher before the season starts) and the fact energy bills are considerably higher, it's probably going to hit promoters harder than fans. But I'm playing Devil's Advocate here. It's fair for fans of Championship clubs to feel aggrieved. Just don't be surprised if ticket prices actually go up, not down.

Time will tell I guess. But as I've also said before, it's far less risky for the powers that be to reduce the points limit in the Championship than increase it in the Premiership on the off chance they will return. If they don't return, then I've explained why it won't work. And there doesn't need to be a distinction in my opinion (and I've never said there should be). However the SCB clearly want one, so I'm just explaining the reasons why the Championship will be weakened.