waco Posted January 30, 2017 Report Share Posted January 30, 2017 I imagine there is not a National League team in the country that would ,not like Kelvin Tatum in the pits working with the young riders .We are lucky to have him at Lakeside..His enthusiasm and knowledge will be invaluable to all the riders young and old... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marko Posted January 30, 2017 Report Share Posted January 30, 2017 Kelvin was a very good rider but in his latter days he wasnt the same rider, i recall only too well a lot of fans including myself being very frustrated at his lack of ability in riding our track, it was pretty much outside line all the time no matter what because he couldn't physically turn the bike hard because his joints were worn or replaced, its why he was able to do long track racing for so many years. That fortunately wont affect his ability off track to give guidance, not so much in a riding capacity because everyone rides a bike a different style but his knowledge of setting the bike up should help a youngster who unlike an experienced rider probably wont likely have as much of an idea about gear ratio's etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E I Addio Posted January 30, 2017 Report Share Posted January 30, 2017 Kelvin was a very good rider but in his latter days he wasnt the same rider, i recall only too well a lot of fans including myself being very frustrated at his lack of ability in riding our track, it was pretty much outside line all the time no matter what because he couldn't physically turn the bike hard because his joints were worn or replaced, its why he was able to do long track racing for so many years. That fortunately wont affect his ability off track to give guidance, not so much in a riding capacity because everyone rides a bike a different style but his knowledge of setting the bike up should help a youngster who unlike an experienced rider probably wont likely have as much of an idea about gear ratio's etc That's a good point about his joints. When you consider what we now know about the severity of his hip injury that required a hip replacement at quite a young age it's not surprising that he struggled with the inside line at Lakeside. It's not surprising either that he wasn't too keen on adverse track conditions. Further damage to his re-built hip would have had devastating consequences. Still , you can't argue with his record : 7 world finals, British Champion, Commonwealth Champion,, Inter-Continental Chamion and World Long Track Champion. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liam Posted January 30, 2017 Report Share Posted January 30, 2017 That's a good point about his joints. When you consider what we now know about the severity of his hip injury that required a hip replacement at quite a young age it's not surprising that he struggled with the inside line at Lakeside. It's not surprising either that he wasn't too keen on adverse track conditions. Further damage to his re-built hip would have had devastating consequences. Still , you can't argue with his record : 7 world finals, British Champion, Commonwealth Champion,, Inter-Continental Chamion and World Long Track Champion.But still some will say he's not worth his wage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halifaxtiger Posted January 30, 2017 Report Share Posted January 30, 2017 (edited) That fortunately wont affect his ability off track to give guidance, not so much in a riding capacity because everyone rides a bike a different style but his knowledge of setting the bike up should help a youngster who unlike an experienced rider probably wont likely have as much of an idea about gear ratio's etc And that is what will count in 2017. But its not just Tatum's ability on the mechanical side. I have no doubt he will be able to tutor the team about actual riding and I have an idea that he is an excellent motivator too, based upon the Lakeside v Poole meeting early last season. Poole were winning easily when Tatum turned up, delayed by the traffic in the area. Lakeside then - especially Lewis Bridger - came out spectacularly fired up and won the meeting comfortably. A very good man to have on your side of the pits indeed. Edited January 30, 2017 by Halifaxtiger 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waco Posted February 26, 2017 Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 I see the predictions are putting Lakeside in the lower part of the league standings, and we still have one more rider to go who,s to say we wont find another Jenkins before the start...Also Lakeside will be one of the most difficult tracks to ride for away teams,especially the many riders that will have had no expierience round our tight circiut .I would like to think the team will make the top half of the league without to much problem,on that basis alone... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurnTwo Posted February 26, 2017 Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 Lakeside won't make play offs or even top 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliv Clav Posted February 26, 2017 Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 Hammers are playing catch-up when it comes to knowledge of riders in the NL. I think we may struggle against some of the reserves in the league unless we can unearth a gem that no other team even knows about. Which is highly unlikely. I think the NL riders are better suited to challenging the Hammers round Arena than the PL or EL guys were against their counterparts. Most of the tracks these guys learnt on are smallish, and as they will be racing at a slower speed, mistakes are easier to recover from. So, I am not sure we will have much home track advantage in comparison to when we have been in the other leagues. Also, we have no real outside riders that we know of. We are always stronger at home when we have outside riders at Arena. Opponents always think the inside is the best line, but AJ, Bridger, Kennett, Kylmakorpi, Shields, Loram, etc would always fly round everyone as they know the fastest lines. This is why most of our most dominant home riders are outside riders. A big problem we may encounter in 2017 will be the time of day we race. It is very difficult to keep moisture in the track during the day, which is why we usually don't perform that well on Good Friday, as it is dry and dusty and favours gaters. Evening racing is always better and suits our outside guys much better. As it is difficult to predict what any NL rider will be like round Arena, whether they are trappers, outside guys etc, it is exciting to think almost every race is going to be a glimpse of the unknown. Because of all these factors, I will go for us finishing around mid-table. I am just glad we are away from of the mess on the EL. For example, the season starts in 2 weeks and one club has just announced it will actually run in the EL and another has just announced it is closing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marko Posted February 27, 2017 Report Share Posted February 27, 2017 I think the fact the track will be prepared more slick in line with the ability of the riders will mean that the outside won't be such a factor anyway. The key for this team will be the presence of Ben and Zach, the latter could have clashes when riding with Swindon and there was a rumour going around at the COS yesterday that Ben is lined up to be a Rye House rider once the first set of averages are produced. If either of those two get injured then there is little for no cover for them, it will affect the team ten times more than when we had to ride without AJ, the team in my opinion is too centered on two riders so very imbalanced and I don't think they will be on par with other reserves, I think they will be around 8th or 9th out of 12. Cradley Heath will finish top with Birmimgham, Kings Lynn, Mildenhall and possibly Plymouth not far behind. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurnTwo Posted February 27, 2017 Report Share Posted February 27, 2017 Unfortunately clearly claret has no clue about nl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E I Addio Posted February 27, 2017 Report Share Posted February 27, 2017 I think the fact the track will be prepared more slick in line with the ability of the riders will mean that the outside won't be such a factor anyway. The key for this team will be the presence of Ben and Zach, the latter could have clashes when riding with Swindon and there was a rumour going around at the COS yesterday that Ben is lined up to be a Rye House rider once the first set of averages are produced. If either of those two get injured then there is little for no cover for them, it will affect the team ten times more than when we had to ride without AJ, the team in my opinion is too centered on two riders so very imbalanced and I don't think they will be on par with other reserves, I think they will be around 8th or 9th out of 12. Cradley Heath will finish top with Birmimgham, Kings Lynn, Mildenhall and possibly Plymouth not far behind. I don't know too much about the NL but what you say sounds logical to me . If they do as bad as you say the long term future and new track must be in a degree of doubt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewy Posted February 27, 2017 Report Share Posted February 27, 2017 Unfortunately clearly claret has no clue about nlHes clearly entitled to an opinion and in your words time will tell,some people may think you dont have a clue but you are entitled to an opinion also! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marko Posted February 28, 2017 Report Share Posted February 28, 2017 Unfortunately clearly claret has no clue about nl 28 years experience of following speedway, how much do you have? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurnTwo Posted February 28, 2017 Report Share Posted February 28, 2017 (edited) Well your predictions are terrible: Birmingham won't be top nor will Cradley Kings Lynn form away from home has always been disasterous Plymouth have the weakest second strings and 3rd heat leader in the league your only close with mildenhall. I think once eastbourne win the challenge against lakeside you will see which team will excel this year Edited February 28, 2017 by TurnTwo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waco Posted February 28, 2017 Report Share Posted February 28, 2017 All opinions should be respected even if you think they are wrong..... 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brummiestormer Posted February 28, 2017 Report Share Posted February 28, 2017 Well your predictions are terrible: Birmingham won't be top nor will Cradley Kings Lynn form away from home has always been disasterous Plymouth have the weakest second strings and 3rd heat leader in the league your only close with mildenhall. I think once eastbourne win the challenge against lakeside you will see which team will excel this year Typical arrogance as usual....would expect no more tbh 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halifaxtiger Posted February 28, 2017 Report Share Posted February 28, 2017 Typical arrogance as usual....would expect no more tbh Actually looking at the predictions thread most agree with him. Belle Vue, Eastbourne, Mildenhall & Cradley are the 4 most fancied teams. He has said the first three and has Cradley 5th. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marko Posted February 28, 2017 Report Share Posted February 28, 2017 Well your predictions are terrible: Birmingham won't be top nor will Cradley Kings Lynn form away from home has always been disasterous Plymouth have the weakest second strings and 3rd heat leader in the league your only close with mildenhall. I think once eastbourne win the challenge against lakeside you will see which team will excel this year I don't know which team you support but I guess it's one I have not fancied for whatever reason, this level is the most unpredictable as riders can make outstanding progress almost from out of nowhere, I certainly would not put money on my predictions but everyone is entitled to them, if someone wants to predict the Eagles, Hammers or Isle of Wight to win the league then I won't argue with them. Some people do take others views far too personally. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E I Addio Posted March 2, 2017 Report Share Posted March 2, 2017 My advice to Lakeside fans is: keep your pen in your pocket. A race is not done until the chequered flag is taken. . Except when David Mason is in the race ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liam Posted March 2, 2017 Report Share Posted March 2, 2017 Who is doing the track now Gerald Richter isn't ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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