ouch

No brainer. Jason is 10 years older than Brady so naturally his remaining shelf life is limited and only going one way. In their head to heads in ‘23 Brady won 9 to 5. Emil is also older and it only takes things to change internationally for him to revert to the rider that completed 1 UK season out of 18. Jack is just not a Belle Vue kind of rider and wouldn’t fit in despite Marks love for his fellow Aussies.

Which Polish fixtures did he complete whilst swerving UK fixtures? Also if you’re one of those who thinks the PC’s, Lorams, Tatums etc of this world are a holes for chasing championship glory, Roy of the Rovers style, then I’ll have to disagree strongly on this. They all get my backing every time.

Belle Vue sticking with a tried and successful formula aside from the enforced change though even there we’ve kept it in the family and that’s probably the best way to describe The Aces, one big happy family - management, fans & riders. With such longevity in this team of returning Aces I’m surprised that we are the youngest team again. I think we’ll be ok at home as having Tate back from injury will bolster us at reserve, many thanks to Antti for stepping in. Away, Ben and Zach had almost identical averages with Zach slightly higher so bonus's should be won with the odd victory thrown in. It’s then down to the how badly our play off injury jinx affects us.

There was a not right witches fan recently saying how “fans” like it when opponents get injured as it gives them an easier ride to potential victory. I didn’t get it but seeing your latest post I guess it’s a topic of discussion at the Foxhall clubhouse. If you look back I bemoaned the way the rule makers had gone this season and said I’d prefer a witches team with say Zmarzlik covering for Doyle. I bit of a reach for you to grasp. As someone who looks out for people in general and riders in particular, I cannot in good conscience discuss our wonderful sport with someone who takes umbrage at a club trying to cover for an injured hero as it effects your results or not wanting the sport to play by the rules. I’m sure other witches fans will take you to task over this but yourself and the other grim individual, several buttons short of a full cardi or whatever it is are being shunted off to the ignore list.

You’re right there. Playing by the rules is a solitary Aces thing. Still can’t believe an outside source was required to ensure the rules were adhered to, extraordinary behaviour for a “professional” sport.

That included the reductions you mention.

Jeppesen, Nilsson, Thorsell and Zagar look handy guests should teams need them early in the season.

I don’t think managers do that in this league or at least hope they don’t. It’s all about rider development so not having them take their four rides is ridiculous and shortsighted.

He was fine away as a late replacement for Dan in the championship year of 2022 being in the teams top two scorer's in 5 out of his 9 qualifying meetings. Had a blinder in the play off semi and did his job in the final. There was only really wolves he couldn’t be bothered with and who can blame him. Not an issue currently, unfortunately. Top performer given the right canvas and worth a couple of points in the pits with his motivational skills.

Always thought Belle Vue should make more use the massive student population and fact that they generally reside on our side of the city. A coach and admission + drinks ( not trying to get them legless) would be the way to go via the student union. We have a lot of (very) local schools rock up using free tickets but broadening it out to the city would be more beneficial. The Polish community is another miss imo.

The fact is, if we made that move they’d have about half a season each whatever motive you want to spin. Plain English. World champion Jake more than held his own in the play offs with his heat 8 win v the tigers securing the win and the heat 2 paid win at Leicester effectively knocking the wind out of their sails. If we feel it beneficial to share the season for the greater good we will. Having a squad of junior riders on our books gives us that option - which is nice. Keep an eye on them as you might want to tap them up once they become more established. £££££ FYI. Not all clubs are the same.

I don’t consider 0.49 under the points limit to be “well under”. They were a whole point under the limit and were rated as favourites last season. It’s a choice if we decide to give our youngsters half a season each (I like the idea, if we do it). That’s the point I’m making, as you say teams choose to drop/sack/conscious uncouple riders but some play the innocent card when they are anything but. If you want to make changes, that’s fine, just own it.

A quick Google of admission prices in 2014 had Coventry at £17, which I’d say is representative of prices at the time. Put £17 into the Bank of England inflation calculator and it would now be worth £22.96 so we are paying over the odds nowadays. Oxford in 2004 was £13 which gives a similar result.

This perfectly displays the power of social media. If there’s enough posts to the contrary then irrespective of any published facts a new narrative is created and becomes “truth”.

In relation to this matter no but I’m hungry for facts to prove otherwise.

I get where you’re coming from with a UK speedway slant on things. From an everyday/everyman meaning then “Any other rider with an established average, cannot drop below 4.00 in the Premiership or Championship Leagues at any time during the season” means any other rider with an established average, cannot drop below 4.00 in the Premiership or Championship Leagues at any time during the season. An argument of this sort is EXACTLY why we will never be taken seriously as a bona fide sport, unfortunately. BTW, I call a spade a spade - discuss.

The same cannot be said of Ben as we ensured he had a place at Kings Lynn before announcing his departure. I think Keynan would have stayed whatever if you had not opted for Tom in his place. I could be wrong through. It’s all opinions and mine will never change and I can understand your desire to back up your management. Looking forward to our battles this coming season. A final would be awesome with these two teams.

2024 rule book 010.2.2. Any other rider with an established average, cannot drop below 4.00 in the Premiership or Championship Leagues at any time during the season. He had an established average. He rode in a Premiership meeting. He dropped below 4.00. It was at any time during the season. There is no reason to check with the authorities as it is as clear as day when you read rule.

No. Aussie can now ride in the NDL.

Snow! Just put some overalls on and get on with it. 🤣

Must admit I had to google it and I’m still not sure. I don’t think it’s a term of endearment and wonder why you would add it to a response when we are all fans chatting speedway. Probably a bit of naivety on my part. All the best though, looking like a great league this year.

fact - we’ve chosen to hand Ben to Kings Lynn, announcing his necessary move before we announced his replacement, unlike some with an unnecessary sacking. If you are referring to Kings Lynn as the scapheap then we will have to agree to disagree on that. I’ve had many a great day/night there. Also with regards your second paragraph then you can insert any name you want from the 2024 Aces team as the fact is we needed to release one of them by necessity due to the rules - remember them? Did you really need to refer to me as boomer? It feels like pointless, inflammatory, irrelevant, or offensive content.

Ace!

He came in on a 5.00 so I can see the witches frustration with him ending his second season of (pretty much) riding at reserve and only showing 0.67 increase on that starting average. Card was marked imo. https://britishspeedway.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/p23_issue_1.pdf

Great post and a clear description of the situation. The only not the same is point 2 where Ipswich by choice strengthened so Keynan had to go whereas Belle Vue had to de strengthen and not by choice (but due to the rules) a rider had to go. If you are a witch, I’d be interested to know if you think Keynan was dropped due to money or due to the signing of Tom.