Wee Eck Posted July 28, 2019 Report Share Posted July 28, 2019 I’ve just read that Henry Atkins has stood down from Somerset. This used to be a rarity but is this not the third or fourth young British rider this year? Part of this might be caused by the reduction in the points limit at the beginning of the year, meaning that too many riders came into the league before they were ready but it doesn’t explain Zach Wajtnecht and Jack Thomas taking a break. The up and coming riders need all the experience going but maybe it’s time to bring back the protected races that the Elite League used when they had the draft system? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MD Posted July 28, 2019 Report Share Posted July 28, 2019 1 hour ago, Wee Eck said: I’ve just read that Henry Atkins has stood down from Somerset. This used to be a rarity but is this not the third or fourth young British rider this year? Part of this might be caused by the reduction in the points limit at the beginning of the year, meaning that too many riders came into the league before they were ready but it doesn’t explain Zach Wajtnecht and Jack Thomas taking a break. The up and coming riders need all the experience going but maybe it’s time to bring back the protected races that the Elite League used when they had the draft system? Jack Thomas was allegedly not being paid. Atkins is the second Somerset rider to step down this weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShyTalk Posted July 28, 2019 Report Share Posted July 28, 2019 Zach W averinging over 6 this year. Think he is ready for championship Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudtobeaBrummie Posted July 28, 2019 Report Share Posted July 28, 2019 1 hour ago, Wee Eck said: I’ve just read that Henry Atkins has stood down from Somerset. This used to be a rarity but is this not the third or fourth young British rider this year? Part of this might be caused by the reduction in the points limit at the beginning of the year, meaning that too many riders came into the league before they were ready but it doesn’t explain Zach Wajtnecht and Jack Thomas taking a break. The up and coming riders need all the experience going but maybe it’s time to bring back the protected races that the Elite League used when they had the draft system? Heats 2 and 8 are protected . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bagpuss Posted July 28, 2019 Report Share Posted July 28, 2019 (edited) It’s Somerset’s choice but I’m no fan of top heavy teams and almost having sacrificial reserves, to be fair Rowe has done well but it was inevitable that at least one of them wouldn’t see the season out. Hopefully he will come back stronger for the experience. A little bit of pressure is good for youngsters but not too much, plus does it really make for enjoyable, unpredictable meetings if like at Brum in Wednesday a team has ten plus wins and lasts. Edited July 28, 2019 by Bagpuss 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudtobeaBrummie Posted July 28, 2019 Report Share Posted July 28, 2019 Feel that no rider who has a Premiership average over 7.00 should be permitted to riding in the championship . 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foamfence Posted July 28, 2019 Report Share Posted July 28, 2019 I think there'll always be those who fall by the wayside, moving up isn't just about riding ability, it needs a strong and determined mindset. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spin king junior Posted July 28, 2019 Report Share Posted July 28, 2019 Can't win. Riders and fans alike have been begging to give the youngsters a chance but when given the chance they've ultimately failed to take the pressure of proper league racing. At the end of the day we as fans don't understand the full extent of what's happening behind closed doors and we'll probably never know. But I think on this one you can't blame the bspa. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted July 28, 2019 Report Share Posted July 28, 2019 You have to start somewhere,Lee,Collins Jessup’s were all in British League at young age.You have to have the mentality and ability to cope.Lots of these young guys were riding underage speedway and grasstrack so they know what to expect.You either have it or you don’t that’s the brutal reality of sport. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cheese Posted July 28, 2019 Report Share Posted July 28, 2019 Don't think it helped Atkins that he started off with no NL place so just had Championship meetings, he seemed to be scoring okay until his injury as well. Hopefully he'll regain his confidence with Mildenhall and come back stronger next season. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sings4Speedway Posted July 29, 2019 Report Share Posted July 29, 2019 21 hours ago, The Cheese said: Don't think it helped Atkins that he started off with no NL place so just had Championship meetings, he seemed to be scoring okay until his injury as well. Hopefully he'll regain his confidence with Mildenhall and come back stronger next season. To be fair Henry had NL offers but turned them down at the start of the season as the initial thought was that he didn't need them. He quickly backtracked but it was too late by then. He is a well polished and likeable lad who knows how to be publicly perceived but would benefit with a mentor behind the scenes to help him take the next step up as the majority of riders who have gone on to bigger things all learn from someone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted July 29, 2019 Report Share Posted July 29, 2019 (edited) On 7/28/2019 at 10:56 AM, Fromafar said: You have to start somewhere,Lee,Collins Jessup’s were all in British League at young age.You have to have the mentality and ability to cope.Lots of these young guys were riding underage speedway and grasstrack so they know what to expect.You either have it or you don’t that’s the brutal reality of sport. I think Poland have it just about right. Whilst U21 you can stay at reserve.. Then its over to your capability.. If your not cutting it at reserve in the Championship then, harsh reality that it is, it may not be the sport for you if you have designs to make a career out of it.. Edited July 29, 2019 by mikebv 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghosty Posted July 29, 2019 Report Share Posted July 29, 2019 On 7/28/2019 at 8:40 AM, Wee Eck said: I’ve just read that Henry Atkins has stood down from Somerset. This used to be a rarity but is this not the third or fourth young British rider this year? Part of this might be caused by the reduction in the points limit at the beginning of the year, meaning that too many riders came into the league before they were ready but it doesn’t explain Zach Wajtnecht and Jack Thomas taking a break. The up and coming riders need all the experience going but maybe it’s time to bring back the protected races that the Elite League used when they had the draft system? Is it Henry or Mike Atkins that has decided? Henry has talent but he needs an unbiased experienced mentor guild him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted July 29, 2019 Report Share Posted July 29, 2019 36 minutes ago, mikebv said: I think Poland have it just about right. Whilst U21 you can stay at reserve.. Then its over to your capability.. If your not cutting it at reserve in the Champion then, harsh reality that it is, it may not be sport for you if you have designs to make a career out of it.. That’s my sentiments it is a sport and as in any sport nowadays money seems to be all it is about ,there are hundreds if not thousands who do not make the grade in their chosen sport.Like you say these people have to find something else.Harsh but true IMO. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWC Posted July 29, 2019 Report Share Posted July 29, 2019 Lad was never ready for CL level of racing and again shows up teams using riders from the NL to fit in higher averaged riders at the top. Teams will change come what may so I hope Henry continues in the sport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldenGauntlet Posted July 29, 2019 Report Share Posted July 29, 2019 I'm not convinced putting 2 point riders in a SGBC team does anybody any good, least of all the riders, for whom it's too big a step up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foamfence Posted July 30, 2019 Report Share Posted July 30, 2019 12 hours ago, GoldenGauntlet said: I'm not convinced putting 2 point riders in a SGBC team does anybody any good, least of all the riders, for whom it's too big a step up. So how are riders supposed to progress? There are others who are doing OK. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sings4Speedway Posted July 30, 2019 Report Share Posted July 30, 2019 Putting them in is fine but the cap needs to be at the top end. having riders on 10 point averages and 2 point averages on the line together is never going to produce an entertaining product. It might also be sensible to cap it to one 2.00 rider per team so there is more completion for spaces and there fore push the standard up rather than the current situation where there are many sub standard riders competing in the championship. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldenGauntlet Posted July 30, 2019 Report Share Posted July 30, 2019 3 hours ago, foamfence said: So how are riders supposed to progress? There are others who are doing OK. Maybe become top NL riders rather than 7-point NL riders before they step up to the Championship? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sings4Speedway Posted July 30, 2019 Report Share Posted July 30, 2019 5 minutes ago, GoldenGauntlet said: Maybe become top NL riders rather than 7-point NL riders before they step up to the Championship? Can you blame the riders though? The temptation to ride for Championship sides with sign on fee's, the prestige of the next level in some cases kevlars, bikes supplied etc along with the possibility of racing full time and no work is pretty tempting. There have been 2nd halfers up and down the country who have raced in the Champs and higher simply because teams needed a rider quick. Do you think they did it because they believed they were that standard all of a sudden or were they hoping to pick up the odd gifted point and have a nice photo in the race jacket for the mantle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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