smedley_scott

I believe the tactical ride should be kept but must be radically changed. Detailed below iare changes I feel should be made to the rule. One tactical substitute per team per meeting Can only be used when a team is 12 or more points behind The team member with highest average is not eligible to take a tactical substitute ride A rider must have ridden in at least two heats before being eligible for a tactical substitute ride (the rider being replaced must have ridden three heats by the end of the meeting or the points from the tactical substitute ride are not doubled) An opponent must be beaten for the points to be doubled (same as current rule) Tactical rides cannot be used beyond heat 12

I am inclined to disagree with that, especially since the Tomasz Chrzanowski was signed. Just this week I have seen some very eventful meetings, with Swindon managing to claw back a 19-point deficit to force a run-off for the bonus point against Ipswitch on Monday, something you don't see very often in elite league meetings. Then on Thursday they completely dominated Eastbourne, securing all three points after just 11 heats. The whole team contributed to that victory, but Leigh Adams, Seba Ulamek and Tomasz Chrzanowski were absolutely impecable. Chrzanowski even chased down and past Nicki Pedersen to finish in second and secure a 5-1 in heat 4. Leigh Adams was the only other rider to beat Pedersen on the night, which shows just how good that ride was. I also think that both meetings, especially the Eastbourne meeting, showed exactly what Elite League Speedway is all about, with good quality racing and top class passing attempts (not all successful). Regarding European riders, it is my belief that riders will show loyalty to teams providing promotors know how to support their riders properly. This is where Alun Rossiter has had immense success. Not only did he make the most amazing find in Chrzanowski, but he has managed his riders so well that they all want to ride in Swindon. All the riders look very comfortable with the club, and the support from all the supporters (attendances have been the biggest of any Elite League meetings - caused by fantastic team riding) has only made them feel more loyal. The only real rider problem for Swindon has been Adrian Miedzinski, but that is the fault of his Polish club, and has nothing to do with his loyalty, as I am sure he wanted to ride in Swindon at those times. Apologies for being very biased towards the Robins in this post, but I honestly believe that they put on the best show of any of the Eilte League teams, and if it wasn't for a few bad away meetings, they would be top of the Elite League going into the playoffs. I should also note, however, that I have not travelled much and seen many other teams ride at home (I have only been to Coventry and Oxford, and they were to go and watch Swindon), so currently my comments are extremely biased, and thus I also apologise if I what I have said is in accurate.