Hodgy

Clear. Still think it's finances. The guy can ride a bike, they just never look quick enough.

Certainly no intent from Smolinski, unlucky to hit the rut and take off. Thought Woffinden on Gollob in the last 2013 GP was more desperate - but that goes down as a racing incident.

It's all about the money money money - in my opinion. I couldn't ever dis Harris after giving me one of my best nights in Speedway. In addition to many other meetings he has entertained, be it at track or on TV. He has proved he has the ability, apart from gating, as many suffer. Just doesn't seem to have fast bikes - I always think that comes down to finances. But hey, have a good laugh, stick in the knife - sure he's feeling great about it. At least he wants to give it a go. There are ways to voice an opinion.

It's not his job at all (and hope we never have to hear him again, cringeworthy). In these PC times we now live in I'd be surprised if he's not sacked after some of those comments. You must have had the sound down. It doesn't bother me, he is probably only saying what many of us are thinking but we wont offend anyone with our thoughts 😜😝😛

Nothing against RH or Bunyan, can understand his situation. Unlike Ward and Oik he doesn't need to prepare for Poland and Sweden etc... but I do get fed up with how few meetings consist of full line ups. R/R and guests will be in abundance this season. 👎

My understanding is as he spends the winter in NZ, staying until after GP. I can understand that but still no need for R/R surely.

R/R in the season opener. Arghhhhhhhhh!

If you get there early enough you might get your car cleaned 😂😂😂

The last 4 British World Champions all came up through the PL. A former PL rider has finished on the rostrum for the last 14 years bar 2011. The majority of next seasons EL riders started in the PL. The price delta between the 2 leagues isn't a result of a less valued PL product. I have said all along the draft system should have started at PL level, like the 3 2 1 idea - but you can hardly blame them for not wanting to follow a group renowned for rash decisions and 'cock ups'. Would you volunteer to jump aboard a sinking ship. Would be great if they all worked together but too many have their own personal agenda. Until that changes.......

No not what I'm saying at all. No disservice intended.

Completely different situation. Sheffield would have been far too weak 😉

Faced an unexpected situation = encountered. If Sheffield's future wasn't so uncertain at the time of the draft picks this situation may have been avoided. Which riders declined a place that were in exactly the same position?

No not for me. Logic prevailed. You have really got it in for this kid. A young lad encounters an unfortunate situation and you want him hanged. Send him to the gallows or maybe a good stoning will sort the renegade out 😄😄😄.

Kind of see where your coming from but peeps need to be entertained. One or two good races per meeting is not entertaining - we need more than that. Not logical to keep paying your entrance fee just to support your local track, it must be exciting. It's all too slick (there are a few exceptions), consistent track preperation and plenty of dirt / grip would create better racing. That's the only way to retain / attract punters.

Can't see how they could have predicted the situation. Draft picks were months before Sheffield saviour.

Not really. He negotiated a deal that would benefit his career aspirations. Unfortunately Sheffield's future was very uncertain at the time of draft picks. Unforeseen and unfortunate clash of race nights - thought the idea was to give the youngsters support.

Great to see Speedway represented on BT Sports.

Going to give the SS fantasy league a miss this year, first time since the start. It's just too complicated now with who owns who, who is riding for who, international / GP commitments and the new EL/ NL format. Always used to enjoy putting a couple of teams together. It's all too confusing for me now - don't have the time for all the workings out. Good luck with mini league.

Me thinks you have awoken the beast

It clearly wasn't meant like that. Competitive as in the PL trophy hunt starts with....

Shhhhh, don't wake it up.

Don't think you are.

They are both acceptable.

Difficult one this. Unfortunate for Bates that his EL pick clashes with his PL opportunity - could have happened to any of them. Logic should say if a conflict of EL/ PL race nights I say he should go back on the list. Guess he would like to be part of this new trial system but at his stage of career PL is more beneficial. It definitely shouldn't be a free for all but in this case you can't expect the lad to have to choose. I thought the new idea was to bring the Brits on, not penalise them. Maybe having clear and concise rules and regulations in place prior to making a major change (often referred to as risk analysis), would reduce the knock on knock on knock on effect. You could see it a mile off but some don't want to hear it, it'll be alright on the night.

Don't be sorry, it's not your fault. 😄😄😄