WELL, we've now had a month of the 2008 speedway season, so it's time to take stock and ask some important questions.
How have the Robins performed so far? How have the much publicised rule changes affected the sport that we love? What do we have to look forward to?
For the Swindon management there's no doubt that the signs are encouraging.
The Robins clearly aren't favourites for league honours this year, but I'd say that four of the seven riders (Leigh, Mads, Troy and Seb) have exceeded expectations so far.
And of the others, James is performing as the fans expected, Theo is injured and only Travis is struggling for form. We all know that he can do so much better.
Every home meeting has been won, and there have been some creditable performances so far on our travels.
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Looking at the bigger picture, however, it is hard to remain so upbeat.
There's no doubt that we are seeing a diluted product this year, with experienced riders such as Nicki Pedersen, Greg Hancock, Peter Karlsson and Matej Zagar no longer plying their trade in the Elite League because of the low points limit imposed by the BSPA at their annual conference.
Added to this, the misguided decision to remove the aggregate bonus point has also detracted from the spectacle as a whole.
All speedway fans know that the home team wins most meetings, so often it was the fight for the aggregate point that kept the entertainment alive.
Previously, when you went away the pain of a narrow Swindon defeat could be mitigated by the fact that you knew that the aggregate win would be secured back at the Abbey. Not any more.
In 2008, whether you lose an away meeting by two or 22 makes no odds. You still have nothing to show for your efforts.
On a more positive note, this week saw Swindon secure the rearranged Elite League Pairs Championship that was initially due to take place at a rain-sodden King's Lynn last Saturday.
The meeting will now be staged on Sunday, June 29, the day after the British Grand Prix at Cardiff, and so should have a bumper crowd.
Clearly the Robins will now be among the front-runners for the title.
Before that we visit Ipswich on Monday evening in this week's televised meeting. What better time to secure our first away win of the campaign?
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