Relative Pl/nl Strengths

[ch958]

People worry that British riders make slow progress or are shunned by clubs in favour of imports.

 

If the PL was not as strong as it currently is it would be easier to progress from NL to PL and there may be more opportunities for young British riders. As a side issue it would be less costly too.

 

There seems to be a roster of names who seem unable to break through to PL level after a few years of trying because the jump is too great at the moment.

 

A further benefit may be that the likes of Danny King, Craig Cook, etc could commit to top level racing both here and elsewhere which may aid their development.

 

The cost benefit of a weaker PL may also assist NL clubs considering joing the PL - it still seems odd to me that, for example, Stoke and Mildenhall are not part of the PL.

[refereerick]

People worry that British riders make slow progress or are shunned by clubs in favour of imports.

 

If the PL was not as strong as it currently is it would be easier to progress from NL to PL and there may be more opportunities for young British riders. As a side issue it would be less costly too.

 

There seems to be a roster of names who seem unable to break through to PL level after a few years of trying because the jump is too great at the moment.

 

A further benefit may be that the likes of Danny King, Craig Cook, etc could commit to top level racing both here and elsewhere which may aid their development.

 

The cost benefit of a weaker PL may also assist NL clubs considering joing the PL - it still seems odd to me that, for example, Stoke and Mildenhall are not part of the PL.

I've been saying this for years. The PL should be slap bang in the middle of the EL and NL average wise. We should be looking at 6,8,10 riders looking to step up from the NL to the PL reserve spots each season. Even the top riders in the NL struggle to step up and compete at PL level. The PL is a great product but the like of Stead, Kennett, King, Cook etc are all 6/7 point EL riders and shouldn't be topping up earnings in the PL. Far too much D/U nowadays and the excuse is there is not enough riders. This has been caused by riders not being able to move up the ladder from the development leagues to NL to PL because of team spots being taken up by D/U riders. Lower level riders get disillusioned with the lack of opportunity to progress and get lost to the sport.

[ch958]

the argument of course is that the EL can not give them a living

they could always get a job - EL is only once or twice a week

[foamfence]

The PL seems to mainly exist to give lower grade overseas riders the chance to earn a living or gain more experience. The draft system should be set up so that NL riders get a chance in PL reserve positions and British PL riders get the same in the EL. It's ridiculous when you see PL teams composed entirely of imported riders. The only way is to make these things part of the rules, otherwise some PL promoters will carry on doing as they like, with little or no regard for the development of British riders. The EL has to be applauded for the draft system (even though it was partly done on economic grounds), I note that more and more draft riders are beating main body riders on a regular basis, so it has been beneficial.

[Vince]

I think Speedway in this country would be better with a top league only a little above the current PL standard with the 2nd division between current PL and NL and the NL at a level where heat leaders can compete with PL 2nd strings.

 

Allow doubling up for British riders and have a draft system throughout and you have something that would be more sustainable on current crowd levels.

 

You could then have test matches and individual meetings to give people the opportunity to see the stars of the sport and because of its rarity value they would presumably attract good crowds.

[ch958]

I think Speedway in this country would be better with a top league only a little above the current PL standard with the 2nd division between current PL and NL and the NL at a level where heat leaders can compete with PL 2nd strings.

 

Allow doubling up for British riders and have a draft system throughout and you have something that would be more sustainable on current crowd levels.

 

You could then have test matches and individual meetings to give people the opportunity to see the stars of the sport and because of its rarity value they would presumably attract good crowds.

 

 

you make some great points - i don't know if you're old enough to remember rider control. That wouldn't go down too well.

The idea of seeing top stars irregularly - in tests or open meeting is a good one. And when i say top stars i mean the ones we dont see weekly in the EL

[Fromafar]

I don't think you should be able to use a foreign rider in the reserve berths in Pl.We now have the ludicrous situation of guests for these riders because of foreign commitments,It makes a mockery of the sport in UK.There are foreigners in Pl who have been doing the rounds for years who are not going to get any better.Use NL in Pl reserve positions there enough of them at the same standard(even if not up to PL standard) too make some interesting races.Just have aPool of riders that any Team can use at reserve(no averages)just make the top 5 count for averages and adjust accordingly for Points Limit.Put an age limit on it so as the "old hands" cannot be used.That way you find actually find some UK talent.(on with the tin hat).lets face it the Top Riders ride for every Team in the League so why not reserves.

[The White Knight]

I don't think you should be able to use a foreign rider in the reserve berths in Pl.We now have the ludicrous situation of guests for these riders because of foreign commitments,It makes a mockery of the sport in UK.There are foreigners in Pl who have been doing the rounds for years who are not going to get any better.Use NL in Pl reserve positions there enough of them at the same standard(even if not up to PL standard) too make some interesting races.Just have aPool of riders that any Team can use at reserve(no averages)just make the top 5 count for averages and adjust accordingly for Points Limit.Put an age limit on it so as the "old hands" cannot be used.That way you find actually find some UK talent.(on with the tin hat).lets face it the Top Riders ride for every Team in the League so why not reserves.

I think Tony Atkin should move up.