Elite League 2015

[ColinMills]

Great point...

 

if only there was some kind of communication link available where those who have become so disillusioned that they no longer attend, could tell those who run the sport why they simply have given up...

 

what a great asset it would be to actually get 'data based feedback' from your ex customers delivered in a critically constructive delivered manner...

 

if only such a thing as maybe a 'fans forum' on the internet or even a weekly magazine dedicated to the sport existed, then I am sure those who run the sport would reflect on the feedback available with an open mind, and see that the many self inflicted wounds over the years could be reversed, just by making a few fundamental positive changes to both the entertainment levels of the night and the integrity of the sports' administration.....

 

who knows, maybe even acknowledging the fans' feedback and suggestions on possibly how to improve the sport/why they no longer go may result in 'one or two' coming back to it and investing their hard earned cash once again on a 'night out at the speedway'...

 

damn, if only such a great communication vessel existed...

whilst i have no intention of goin over why im a ex fan, i repeatedly get told, "if you dont like it, stay away"..for sum1 who put in 37yrs to the sport, i dont think our views are wanted..

[arthur cross]

omg. what a shambles. the coventry line up sums up why speedway is finished as a respectable sport......sport in crisis or what!!

Tonight's Coventry line-up but using their Premier League averages where those already exist ...

 

1. Simon Lambert (G) - 3.00 at Workington

2. Lasse Bjerre (G) - 8.00 at Peterborough

3. Cameron Heeps (G) - 4.78 at Ipswich

4. Kenneth Hansen - only rides Elite on a 5.85 average that converts to 9.36 Premier

5. Chris Harris - only rides Elite on a 6.78 average that converts to 10.85 Premier

6. Jason Garrity - 6.34 at Rye House

7. James Sarjeant - not in a Premier 1-to-7 so can be a 3.00 "National League guest" at that level

 

3.00 + 8.00 + 4.78 + 9.36 + 10.85 + 6.34 + 3.00 = 45.33

 

Season-starting team-building Premier limit is 42.50

 

Meanwhile, as you'd expect from an unbeaten team this season, Edinburgh's 1-to-7 (still intact from being under the limit pre-season) has a set of July averages with a total nicely beyond that original limit.

 

In fact, Craig Cook 10.62, Sam Masters 6.92, Max Fricke 6.90, Steve Worrall 6.76, Justin Sedgmen 5.82, Derek Sneddon 5.31 and Aaron Fox 3.33 give the Monarchs a current total of 45.66

 

In other words, Edinburgh's Premier 1-to-7 is a third-of-a-point stronger than the Premier-calculated Coventry lineup that's currently trying to avoid getting thrashed at the Elite League leaders !!

[ColinMills]

why would promoters in pl not want promotion? most of these el sides are extremely weak, promotion relegation would add soo much to the leagues

[baldinhio]

Sitting watching Lynn v Coventry having travelled 60 miles. Johnny Rotten's "Ever felt like you have been cheated?" comes to mind. Do the BSPA realise they are killing the sport?

Going forward is there not scope for standardised detuned bikes?This was suggested by someone up at Edinburgh with a fair knowledge of the sport. This would make for a level playing field with greatly reduced costs for the riders which in turn could reduce the sums clubs pay riders which looking at the current state of speedway is essential. As an aside, referees calling clean starts back as unsatisfactory does nothing for the good of the sport.

[tyretrax]

Not a bad shout. I guess if there's no PL clubs wanting to come up that seems a logical solution. I guess less fixtures would hopefully improve rider availability also

I honestly don't see why any P.L. club would want to step up.The "second tier" has always been better run. If there is going to be another "amalgamation" it must be to the benefit of the P.L. not just another bail out for the E.L.

[ColinMills]

I honestly don't see why any P.L. club would want to step up.The "second tier" has always been better run. If there is going to be another "amalgamation" it must be to the benefit of the P.L. not just another bail out for the E.L.

no tier is any longer any good. riders missing everywhere

[tyretrax]

I feel we have reached the last chance saloon and we have only this remaining opportunity to get it right. I sure the answers are there, just the problem of the BSPA recognising them. I believe we need to be radical in our outlook, but also we have to fit into the European timetable. Failing that we are doomed.

 

Below are a few of my thoughts, that are totally focused on fitting in with our neighbours.

 

 

1. The structure of the Leagues has to be progressional, with the Elite being the figure head, followed by the Premier then finally the National League.
2. There will be no double ups allowed only double downs. The higher the league will always take preference. Riders will only be allow to ride for two teams.
3. The Elite league will run on Wednesdays and Thursdays. (or any other, but specific days. Two consecutive days would be best as would assist the riders in travelling arrangements). Premier League to run on all days except those designated for the Elite. (ie: Wed and Thurs). NL to run whenever. Clubs unable to race on Elite League nights, will be destined for the Premier league, and vice visa.
4. Elite league riders will only sign for a club when agreeing to ride each meeting. Premier league to sign riders knowing the Elite would take preference.
5. Limit the Elite league to 8 teams, and split the home matches between the two days. Playing each team twice would result in 14 home matches and 14 away. A break to be arranged between A and B schedules, to allow for major Individual meetings, or SGP, British champion etc. etc.
6. Elite teams to have a squad of 9 riders, playing seven each match. No guest needed and no RR’s (except in certain situations, multiple injuries. Etc.)

 

This way we would appeal to more top riders of the world and be able to promote the sport at the top level. We can then attract more sponsors and television companies. Also, those supporters who don’t go anymore would probably come back if the product was better.

 

Be interesting to hear your thoughts………

How about E.L. teams use their own riders? If they want a P.L. or N.L. rider to ride for them.........buy them and use them, one rider one team.

[weatherwatcher]

With riders being self employed I don't think that this would work. I know they become club assets but they are free agents and can pick and chose where they want to ride. They have to make a living and be able to cover the transport cost, the running of thier vehicles and the upkeep of the bikes. So that would end up with the promoters having to pay them more money to enable them to ride for only one team. When it all comes down to it they are only there to make a living and to enjoy racing and then to keep the fans happy. With less and less riders coming over here to fill all the league places they have to ride for more than one team just to keep all the clubs to be able to fill the team places.

If things get worse over here and all the top stars stop coming which is happening year in year out now. The teams will find it harder to get riders to make a full team and the only solution to that is to bring in riders from overseas to stop the gaps up. Then there will be a lot of substand riders coming over here and I would hate to see that as our speedway is in such a poor state now to what it was, 10 or 15 years ago.

[tyretrax]

They can pick and choose all they like. They should be told that the choices are E.L., P.L. or N.L., depending on ability, or ride in another country of their choice.

[Mad Potter 2]

I think the Elite League Promoters & the BSPA should be sued under the trade Description act. Coventry Elite league team? They already have 2 P/L riders & 1 N/L rider in their team. Bring in 3 Guests 2 P/L riders plus 1 P/L - N/L riders. The Elite League is dying fast. Problem is with the hole of the Elite League not just Coventry.

Edited July 2, 2014 by Mad Potter 2

[Shale Searcher]

Speedway at all levels needs to be competitive, but where do you draw the line in constantly trying to balance teams out strength wise? For God's sake, even the National League use guests from other teams!! All three leagues need their heads banging together!

[g13webb]

How about E.L. teams use their own riders? If they want a P.L. or N.L. rider to ride for them.........buy them and use them, one rider one team.

 

I love this THEM and US attitude. FFS. Nothing will ever be achieved unless we all work together.

 

Your argument above can be applied to all clubs and divisions..............

[stevebrum]

Speedway at all levels needs to be competitive, but where do you draw the line in constantly trying to balance teams out strength wise? For God's sake, even the National League use guests from other teams!! All three leagues need their heads banging together!

 

 

Well said.

For some reason some only think its an a EL problem. It isn't.

Its in the hands of ALL the promoters to work together - they wont.

They are ALL selfish and only think of themselves, the PL promoters are probably the worse for that.

[tyretrax]

 

I love this THEM and US attitude. FFS. Nothing will ever be achieved unless we all work together.

 

Your argument above can be applied to all clubs and divisions..............

I wouldn't argue with that. If you read some of the posts above E.L. supporters suggest that they just need to sort out their league and everyone else should just toe the line. P.L. clubs should also buy their own riders. If a rider goes out on loan it should be for the season no jumping up or down between leagues.

[weatherwatcher]

Riders are free agents and ride in other leagues to make up thier wages. Thats fine until the problems start when 2 of thier teams ride on the same night. If they ride in 2 or more leagues then they should only ride for a club that has a diierent race night. Why should fans have to put up continually with guest riders because on or 2 of thier own team are contracted to a PL team who have priority over his services to the EL league club.

Who ever drempt up these stupid rules didn't look very far down the road did they. Ok the lads need to earn a living and pay for thier bikes, transport etc. But not at the fans losing out on seeing a team, that was was signed to the side at the start of the season.

Lets get this sorted out I am sure it can't be to hard for teams to work out what nights they ride on to pick riders that are not going to be missing meetings because of fixture clashes throughout the season.

[Vincent Blachshadow]

 

I love this THEM and US attitude. FFS. Nothing will ever be achieved unless we all work together.

 

Your argument above can be applied to all clubs and divisions..............

 

Yeah, well, once the EL promoters start working together I'm sure the others will join in.

[ColinMills]

All i can say people is if you want your clubs to survive get out there and support them.Bums on seats are the only thing that will keep your clubs running.For the tv watchers if clubs dont get your support then there will be no league meetings to watch on your telly. Possibly 2 clubs gone MASSIVE WARNING to us all.These club closures are down to the fans and no one else, no one can keep a club going if we dont give them our support and turn up as often as we can.

 

Its down to us people support it or loose it.

if the powers that be LISTEN, drop the stupid sharing rider system, stop the farce that happened at lynn last night, make speedway respectable, only then, i would agree to support clubs, but in current state, its doomed

[T.N.T.]

ELITE LEAGUE ..... ALL matches are on Mondays running over 14 weeks plus 4 weeks for play offs.

 

Belle Vue, Coventry, Kings Lynn, Lakeside, Leicester, Poole, Swindon and Wolverhampton

 

 

 

 

BRITISH LEAGUE; Any night apart from Mondays ..... 11 home and 11 away ..... Top 2 from each meet in the play offs

 

POINTS LIMIT; 24 point limit for 5 riders plus two draft riders

 

NORTH; Edinburgh, Scunthorpe, Newcastle, Redcar, Berwick, Workington, Glasgow, Sheffield ..... Belle Vue, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Leicester.

SOUTH; Ipswich, Somerset, Peterborough, Rye House, Plymouth, Birmingham, Eastbourne, Cradley Heath ..... Poole, Swindon, Kings Lynn, Lakeside.

 

 

 

 

PREMIER LEAGUE Any night apart from Mondays .... 7 home and 7 away - Top two from each group meet in the play offs

 

NORTH; Edinburgh, Scunthorpe, Newcastle, Redcar, Berwick, Workington, Glasgow, Sheffield

SOUTH; Ipswich, Somerset, Peterborough, Rye House, Plymouth, Birmingham, Eastbourne, Cradley Heath

 

 

 

 

ALL Riders use Elite League Averages ..... official or assessed, whichever is highest.

 

ALL foreign riders use their official averages only if that figure is greater than the assessed average they started on. Should their average be lower than their starting assessed average then they must use their assessed average but if they miss a meeting they can only be replaced by a rider with a lower average than their actual average and not their assessed average.

 

 

Those teams that compete in the ELITE LEAGUE use their main five riders from their British League team plus any two riders from their SQUAD LIST. ..... EXAMPLE ONLY; .....As Scott Nicholls and Richie Worrall are already in the Belle Vue BL team, they select Matej Zagar, Emil Sayfutdinov, Craig Cook (Edinburgh) and Charlie Gjedde as EL Squad Riders and can use any two in an EL match ..... They can also use these riders as guests / replacements for missing riders in the BL as long as their averages are lower .... ie Gjedde in for Worrall

 

 

Hopefully this will see the odd appearance of Nicki Pedersen, Emil Sayfutdinov or Greg Hancock etc while also giving plenty of experience to British riders at the correct level and a return of a better race format in the EL wont see unbalanced races and reserves being top scorers each meeting.

 

 

 

........ BELLE VUE V WOLVERHAMPTON

**Matej Zagar 1 Tai Woffinden**

Richie Worrall 2 Ricky Wells ......

.Scott Nicholls 3 Jacob Thorssell

Michael Palm Toft 4 Ty Proctor ..............

**Emil Sayfutdinov 5 Piotr Pawlicki** .......

..... Matt Wethers 6 Nicolai Klindt ........

Stefan Nielsen 7 Ashley Morris ..

In the British League, Wolves would line up with a team of Jacob Thorssell, Ricky Wells, Ty Proctor, Nicolai Klindt, Ashley Morris, Tom Perry and James Sarjeant ...... example only

Edited July 4, 2014 by T.N.T.

[steven101]

I like that a lot T.N.T

[SteveLyric2]

ELITE LEAGUE ..... ALL matches are on Mondays running over 14 weeks plus 4 weeks for play offs.

 

Belle Vue, Coventry, Kings Lynn, Lakeside, Leicester, Poole, Swindon and Wolverhampton

 

 

 

 

BRITISH LEAGUE; Any night apart from Mondays ..... 11 home and 11 away ..... Top 2 from each meet in the play offs

 

POINTS LIMIT; 24 point limit for 5 riders plus two draft riders

 

NORTH; Edinburgh, Scunthorpe, Newcastle, Redcar, Berwick, Workington, Glasgow, Sheffield ..... Belle Vue, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Leicester.

SOUTH; Ipswich, Somerset, Peterborough, Rye House, Plymouth, Birmingham, Eastbourne, Cradley Heath ..... Poole, Swindon, Kings Lynn, Lakeside.

 

 

 

 

PREMIER LEAGUE Any night apart from Mondays .... 7 home and 7 away - Top two from each group meet in the play offs

 

NORTH; Edinburgh, Scunthorpe, Newcastle, Redcar, Berwick, Workington, Glasgow, Sheffield

SOUTH; Ipswich, Somerset, Peterborough, Rye House, Plymouth, Birmingham, Eastbourne, Cradley Heath

 

 

 

 

ALL Riders use Elite League Averages ..... official or assessed, whichever is highest.

 

ALL foreign riders use their official averages only if that figure is greater than the assessed average they started on. Should their average be lower than their starting assessed average then they must use their assessed average but if they miss a meeting they can only be replaced by a rider with a lower average than their actual average and not their assessed average.

 

 

Those teams that compete in the ELITE LEAGUE use their main five riders from their British League team plus any two riders from their SQUAD LIST. ..... EXAMPLE ONLY; .....As Scott Nicholls and Richie Worrall are already in the Belle Vue BL team, they select Matej Zagar, Emil Sayfutdinov, Craig Cook (Edinburgh) and Charlie Gjedde as EL Squad Riders and can use any two in an EL match ..... They can also use these riders as guests / replacements for missing riders in the BL as long as their averages are lower .... ie Gjedde in for Worrall

 

 

Hopefully this will see the odd appearance of Nicki Pedersen, Emil Sayfutdinov or Greg Hancock etc while also giving plenty of experience to British riders at the correct level and a return of a better race format in the EL wont see unbalanced races and reserves being top scorers each meeting.

 

 

 

........ BELLE VUE V WOLVERHAMPTON

**Matej Zagar 1 Tai Woffinden**

Richie Worrall 2 Ricky Wells ......

.Scott Nicholls 3 Jacob Thorssell

Michael Palm Toft 4 Ty Proctor ..............

**Emil Sayfutdinov 5 Piotr Pawlicki** .......

..... Matt Wethers 6 Nicolai Klindt ........

Stefan Nielsen 7 Ashley Morris ..

In the British League, Wolves would line up with a team of Jacob Thorssell, Ricky Wells, Ty Proctor, Nicolai Klindt, Ashley Morris, Tom Perry and James Sarjeant ...... example only

...and all you would need is for the PL promoters to agree??!!!

 

Never gonna happen - unfortunately.