ELITE LEAGUE
BIRMINGHAM ULRICH Ostergaard is on his way back to Birmingham for a second spell with the club. The Dane was part of the Brummies’ team in their re-launch season of 2007 but left in controversial circumstances after a disagreement with boss Graham Drury over his availability. Now he is returning to Perry Barr on an initial 28-day contract as the club await further medical reports on Ales Dryml, who has shoulder and rib damage. Said Drury: “Obviously Ulrich left the club under a cloud last time but we are all grown men and we have moved on. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then and we are delighted to welcome Ulrich back.” .... more
Tuesday 31-May-2011 BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP
SPEEDWAY CONTROL BUREAU Wow!! What a great start to the series of the British Youth Championship 2011, Sponsor by "Friends of Speedway" and "Wessex Marine".
As you all know, this years competitors' have double in numbers, more then we have ever had before, and this goes to show what a great show we are all doing, from you the riders, all the Mums and Dads, and dare we say it ourselves Phil and Neil!
Our thanks must go to Newport Speedway, the promotion and all the hard working staff behind the scenes inc Laurence and Gareth Rogers. Thanks guys for hosting the 1st round for us.
If Sundays racing is any think to go by, then we are all in for a big treat this summer up and down the country, and already looking forward to the next round at Buxton on the 12th June.
It would be unfair to single too many guys out from Sunday as we think that you were all winners for putting on a great show, but a special mention must be made for the 3 winners of the finals.
500cc Winner Nathan Stoneman. The people who have known and seen Nathan ride before this season, would already know that he has a great style and very exciting to watch, moving up a class to the 500cc this year, the 2010 250cc third place man has been working on his speed during the winter months, and it certainly paid off on Sunday, as he broke the Youth track record around the Queensway Meadows circuit, whilst going on and winning all his 5 races in a very classy performance.
250cc Nathan Greaves. Not sure what it is with the name Nathan, but it has a winning ring to name this year. Young Master Greaves is probley the most improved rider over the last 12 months, from a very timed young boy this time last year, Nathan has the ability and aggression not only to win races from the start, but also fights his way through the field with ease in a particular very high class of performers in the 250cc class. Looks like the 2010 250cc runner up is going to be the man to beat this time round!
125cc Henry Atkins. Henry is new to the series this year, and no better way to start than win the final, and lead the series after round 1. As with a lot of the 125cc this there is a few new riders in this class, and as the season progresses we are sure that the lead will change hands on more than 1 occasion.
So congratulations' to all the competitors from Newport as we head to the Derbyshire Dales for round 2, can you please confirm by email to younglionsspeedway@hotmail.co.uk that you will or wont be competing at Buxton on the 12th June.
Here are the points after Newport, keep skidding and look forward to seeing you all on the 12th June.
500cc
Nathan Stoneman 18 pts
Adam Portwood 16 pts
David Abraham 14 pts
Adam Kirby 12pts
Micheal Neale 11 pts
Jack Jones 10 pts
Cameron Hoskins 9 pts
Andrew Ross 8 pts
Sean Phillips 7 pts
Jack Kingston 6 pts
Tyler Govier 5 Pts
250cc
Nathan Greaves 18 pts
Max Clegg 16 pts
Reece Downes 14 pts
Kelsey Dugard 12 pts
Josh Bates 11 pts
Connor Mountain 10 pts
Mitchell Jacks 9 pts
Zach Wajtknecht 8 pts
Josh Bailey 7 pts
125cc
Henry Atkins 20 pts
Kieran Vaughan 17 pts
Ben Woodhull 13 pts
Jack P Blackburn 13 pts
Tom Brennan 12 pts
Lewis Whitmaore 9 pts
Kenny Bowdery 8 pts
Luke Wodhull 8 pts
Kean Dicken 7 pts
William O Keefe 7 pts
Saul Bulley 5 pts
Jack Collins 5 pts
Kyle Bickley 3 pts
Macauley Leek 1 pt
.... more
Tuesday 19-April-2011 LEAGUE NEWS
KING’S Lynn promoter Keith Chapman says the forthcoming Elite League Pairs event at the Norfolk Arena on April 27 promises to provide a stunning night of racing. Chapman is delighted for the Stars to be staging the showpiece meeting as an Elite League track for the first time, enabling their own top two riders, Kenneth Bjerre and Niels-Kristian Iversen, to compete. The home pairing will be amongst the favourites, particularly bearing in mind the Stars’ strong start to the season with several impressive results around their own circuit – but Chapman says the skill level amongst the top riders is so great that home advantage will count for little. He said: "It is obviously a great honour to be hosting this event and unlike the last time it was here, we actually have our own two riders, Kenneth and Niels, representing King’s Lynn. "They have some stiff competition though, with one of the strongest line ups in the competition I can remember. “Obviously our own pairing does look strong and most fans would normally claim home advantage, but if we are successful then I would argue that this doesn’t apply. "The reason? It’s a new home for both riders and they will be racing on one of the fairest tracks in the country.” The Lynn duo will appear in Group A, which will mean they race against the partnerships of Wolverhampton, Peterborough, Birmingham and Swindon, with Bjerre’s Grand Prix rival Fredrik Lindgren one half of the Wolves duo. Group B features defending champions Coventry, and although the Bees have a new combination this year in Hans Andersen and Edward Kennett, the Danish star is a twice former winner of the event – during his previous spell with the Bees in 2008, and with Poole in 2009. Last year’s winning duo are both involved in the meeting, Krzysztof Kasprzak with Birmingham in Group A, and new Belle Vue skipper Chris Harris will face his former club in Group B along with the combinations of Lakeside, Eastbourne and Poole. The meeting format sees each pairing contest four qualifying heats, facing each of the other teams in their group, with the top two from each group then qualifying for the semi-finals, where the 4-3-2-0 scoring system could prove crucial. GROUP A: Wolverhampton (Fredrik Lindgren/Tai Woffinden), Peterborough (Troy Batchelor/Linus Sundstrom), Birmingham (Krzysztof Kasprzak/Daniel King), King’s Lynn (Kenneth Bjerre/Niels-Krisitian Iversen), Swindon (Scott Nicholls/Simon Stead). GROUP B: Coventry (Hans Andersen/Edward Kennett), Lakeside (Adam Shields/Lee Richardson), Belle Vue (Chris Harris/Rory Schlein), Eastbourne (Bjarne Pedersen/Joonas Kylmakorpi), Poole (Chris Holder, Davey Watt). .... more
LEAGUE NEWS
BELLE VUE have elected to switch their riding order for their Good Friday home clash with Wolverhampton, swapping Ricky Kling and Charlie Gjedde after Monday’s defeat by Lakeside. Manager Jim Lynch said: “Gjedde was brilliant on Monday and was unbeaten by a Lakeside rider in his four programmed rides. He was making good starts and he showed what could be achieved. He will make us stronger in some races where we have been struggling if he goes at No.3. “Also, I am hoping that Kling will benefit from being partnered with (Chris) Harris and that it will take the pressure off him a bit. We know he can do better and we need to do all we can to get his confidence up to the level where he can start to make a contribution.” BIRMINGHAM boss Graham Drury has underlined the importance of the Brummies’ Easter clashes with Swindon this week as they look to add to last week’s home win over Lakeside. Drury said: “These are important meetings, it was nice to beat Lakeside at home last week, particularly after our heavy defeat at Eastbourne, but then we lost at Coventry. “Hopefully we can continue to show some improvement and the two meetings against Swindon represent a good opportunity to do that.” COVENTRY skipper Edward Kennett enjoyed the perfect start to the club’s league campaign with a 15-point maximum against Birmingham, recording the five fastest times of the night. Kennett said: “We made a few changes to the set-up and even during the meeting I was making changes before every race when the track was changing, and I think over the last couple of years I haven’t really done that. “I’m enjoying being captain of the club and there is already a fantastic atmosphere in the pits with the boys who have come in. I always want to work with a winning team, and it’s good that we’re all talking with each other and getting on well, that really helps everyone.” EASTBOURNE co-promoter Mike Bellerby says there is even more to come from the table-topping Eagles, who comfortably defeated Poole on Saturday before going close to an away win at Wolverhampton and taking a point from the match. Bellerby said: “There is such a buzz in the pits right now. Everybody from Bjarne (Pedersen) at number one, through to number seven is totally dialled in and determined to succeed. “We honestly feel we can prove a match for anyone, be it home or away and with important matches to come over the Easter weekend we aim to show just what we can do – I believe we can get even better.” KING’S LYNN boss Rob Lyon says the Stars are confident of maintaining their impressive home form on Good Friday when a Poole team containing plenty of track knowledge arrives at the Norfolk Arena. Lyon said: “I’m sure it will be a big test, and one of the things which will make it a good contest is the fact that Holder, Watt and Ward are no strangers to King’s Lynn and, like a lot of the Aussies, they very much like the place and tend to score fairly freely here. “That alone will make it a very interesting meeting I’m sure, but our boys are confident and they are 100 per cent committed to wanting to keep this winning run going.” LAKESIDE boss Jon Cook said the Hammers’ win at Belle Vue on Monday was just the tonic required after their away defeats at King’s Lynn and Birmingham the previous week. Cook said: “Stuart (Douglas) and I were having serious concerns, as I am sure were our fans, as to whether the top five would ever all fire at the same time. “But last night showed just what we are capable of when that happens, and the key now is to push forward and climb up the table in a season of very balanced teams." PETERBOROUGH Director of Speedway Peter Oakes says the club are expecting big things from major winter signing Linus Sundstrom, who will make his league debut for the club on Good Friday. Oakes said: “Linus is a super professional who worked hard throughout the winter despite the total uncertainty over what was happening. “He has until this season spent all his British career on one of the smallest tracks in the country, but his performances against Coventry showed he is already getting dialled in to the bigger tracks.” POOLE are looking forward to tracking a full-strength team for their Easter fixtures after the return from injury of Darcy Ward. Manager Neil Middleditch said: “It will be something of a novelty to have seven riders to look after. Hopefully we will see the collective effect of a full side, although to be honest we haven't done too badly so far have we? “It’s great to have Darcy back and as he showed at the weekend he is really hungry for points and both Jason (Doyle) and Dennis (Andersson) have made terrific starts to the season. We need all three to maintain that form as we have a tough schedule ahead." SWINDON co-owner Gary Patchett says the Robins’ new Danish signings Nicolai Klindt and Jesper B Monberg are both determined to be successful at Blunsdon. Patchett said: “Jesper is bringing his own equipment to the UK on Tuesday, driving over from Denmark, that's how important it is to him, he is desperate to do well for the club. "And Nicolai realises he needs to be riding regularly to enhance his career. He is over the disappointment of losing his place with Wolves and just wants to focus on scoring points with us.” WOLVERHAMPTON skipper Peter Karlsson pulled off a vital 5-1 with fellow Swede Freddie Lindgren for a last-heat 5-1 to give his side a narrow 46-44 win over top-of-the-table Eastbourne in a Monmore Green thriller. Karlsson said: “That must have been a great meeting to watch but it was very tense to ride in. “There was a lot of pressure in the last race but thankfully Freddie and me were able to do the business. It’s nice for the fans and we are really pleased with the result. Credit to Eastbourne, they are a great team.” .... more
Thursday 14-April-2011 ELITE NEWS
EASTBOURNE promoter Mike Bellerby will be telling his riders to discount their comfortable early-season challenge match win over Poole when the two sides meet in the Elite League on Saturday. The table-topping Eagles enhanced their position with a win at Belle Vue on Monday, but the Pirates also have a 100 per cent record, winning both of their away matches so far. Bellerby said: “Forget completely what happened last time we met here, the Pirates had problem after problem to deal with and the result was simply a one-off. “With the likes of track record holder Chris Holder and Davey Watt also in harness, those two in particular know the quickest way around Arlington and with the addition of Dakota North as cover for the absent Dennis Andersson, they certainly have the manpower to test us to the full.” .... more
LAWSON @ PETERBOROUGH
PETERBOROUGH have added Workington’s former British Motocross Champion Richard Lawson to their Elite League squad. Lawson joins the Panthers as a replacement for the injured Alex Davies, and will take top-flight outings when fellow doubling-up rider Dakota North is on duty for Somerset. He said: “I jumped at the chance of joining the Panthers. I had been hoping I’d get a call to ask me to double up somewhere but it was still a surprise when they contacted me. “It took me about 60 seconds to agree and I’m looking forward to racing for them as often as I can.” .... more
Tuesday 12-April-2011 PISZCZ OUT
BELLE VUE POLISH rider Tomasz Piszcz has quit Belle Vue following the Aces’ home defeat against table-topping Eastbourne. Piszcz resigned from the club after failing to score in the 44-45 loss to the flying Eagles, who are now four points clear at the top of the table with Lewis Bridger starring at reserve. Piszcz has struggled with mechanical setbacks since the start of the season and decided to end his Aces career after only six league matches in order to give himself time to try to sort out his problems. Aces' team manager Jim Lynch said: "Tomasz has resigned because of his failure to score against Eastbourne and the fact that his recent poor scores have been due to the fact he has had mechanical problems. He felt it was in everybody's interest that he came out of the team." .... more
EL CLASH
POOLE hope to have World Under-21 Champion Darcy Ward back in their team for the home Elite League clash with Belle Vue on Wednesday. Ward has been sidelined for the opening month of the season after suffering a broken wrist in a motocross accident – although the Pirates have still won both of their opening league fixtures away from home. Manager Neil Middleditch said: “Darcy has left no stone unturned in his quest to get back riding. He is having round the clock physio and treatment and undertaken some practice at Rye House and Newport in the past 48 hours. “We will have to assess his full fitness and the signs are promising, but nice as it would be to have a full seven-man team back on track it is important that he is 100 per cent happy with everything before he comes back.” .... more
Monday 11-April-2011 BSPA PRES RELEASE
SPEEDWAY CONTROL BUREAU The BSPA and Coventry and Peterborough are delighted to announce that both teams will return to the Elite League in 2011. Coventry and Peterborough accept that things said in the heat of the moment could have been avoided. For the sake of British Speedway and more importantly its fans we are all committed to moving on and working together for the future.’ Allen Trump accepts that he said things in the heat of the moment which could have been avoided in relation to the BSPA and certain named individual members. .... more
TRACK RECORD BROKEN
WOLVERHAMPTON boss Peter Adams is calling on his lower-order riders to step up after seeing their home record broken by Poole last Monday. Wolves, who are preparing for a Monmore clash with Swindon, had held an unbeaten Elite League record of over two years around their own circuit prior to the defeat against the Pirates. Adams said: “We just cannot expect Freddie (Lindgren), PK (Peter Karlsson) and (Tai) Woffinden to score all our points, we will achieve nothing with a three-man team. “We need the rest of the riders to start scoring the points we believe they can achieve and we’ll be fine when they do. I’m sure where they are sorted out we will be challenging for the play-offs again which is our minimum target.” .... more
Friday 08-April-2011 SWINDON NEWS
SWINDON co-promoter Gary Patchett says the club are still doing all they can to bring in a new signing. The Robins have gone into the campaign without talented Polish rider Grzegorz Zengota due to a broken leg sustained pre-season, and they started their Blunsdon racing with a 46-46 challenge match draw against Lakeside on Thursday. Patchett said: “We have to take the positives from this, we were up and down but we have shown some encouraging signs and there was some good racing. “And we have been working hard at making a new signing, but for one reason or another it’s not been possible. We have talked to several riders and the question of availability is the major factor, but we are still working on it." .... more
Tuesday 05-April-2011 BELLE VUE ON TOP
BELLE VUE are on top of the early Elite League table after topping the 60-point mark against a depleted Swindon team at Kirkmanshulme Lane. The Robins had gained start permission for their Polish duo Tomasz Chrzanowski and Maciek Janowski – but top man Scott Nicholls did not make the meeting after being stuck in traffic, and Simon Stead was a late withdrawal due to injury. Chris Harris and Rory Schlein both scored paid maximums for the Aces, with Swindon guest James Wright providing much of the resistance with two race wins. Belle Vue boss Jim Lynch said: “It was a convincing win and the boys did a professional job against a side who have been having major problems. I would have been surprised in the circumstances if we hadn't topped 60 points." .... more
ELITE NEWS
POOLE made it two away wins out of two by smashing Wolverhampton’s unbeaten home Elite League record which had stretched back to September 2008. The Pirates collected a 51-42 victory at Monmore Green with Chris Holder outstanding, dropping just one point from five rides, and the Pirates’ strength at reserve was also a major factor. Promoter Matt Ford said: “The lads did us really proud tonight, we came here not at full strength with Darcy (Ward) still out and produced something of a rare result. Few teams have come to Wolverhampton in recent years and taken all the league points and it was a good all round effort. “I am not going to single any one of them out tonight, they worked as a team and we have made a great start to the league campaign even though we are a match further in than what we had expected to be." .... more
Monday 04-April-2011 ELITE NEWS
WOLVERHAMPTON skipper Peter Karlsson scored a superb maximum at Lakeside to help his team salvage an Elite League point against the Hammers. Lakeside took a 48-45 victory despite the mid-meeting loss of Lee Richardson, who suffered tissue damage and missed both Heats 13 and 15 when Karlsson combined with Freddie Lindgren for maximum advantages. Karlsson said: “My bikes are working well and I’m feeling confident on them, so obviously I’m happy with my start to the season. “I just hope it continues like this, but there’s a long way to go and we’ve got some important matches coming up.” .... more
ELITE NEWS
SWINDON are hopeful of being able to track their Polish duo Tomasz Chrzanowski and Maciej Janowski in their opening Elite League fixture on Monday. The Robins travel to Belle Vue having seen their preparations hampered by the issue of Polish riders and the new silencers, but further talks are taking place in a bid to resolve matters. Co-owner Gary Patchett said: “It’s been a nightmare for the club and we are keeping our fingers crossed for a satisfactory conclusion over the weekend. “Should that be the case both Tomasz and Maciej will be flying into the country on Monday for their first meeting in Swindon colours this season.” .... more
ELITE NEWS
BELLE VUE boss Jim Lynch says the performance of Polish rider Tomasz Piszcz was one of the bright spots from the Aces’ defeat at Eastbourne on Saturday. Piszcz has struggled for points since returning to British speedway this season but he picked up seven points at Arlington although the Aces went down 54-39. Lynch said: “He was a lot steadier and coped well with a difficult track. He showed he can make good starts and he was involved in the races where he didn’t score. “We’ll have to see how he does against Swindon tonight and in another difficult match at Lakeside on Friday but he does seem to have broken through a barrier.” .... more
Thursday 31-March-2011 MARK LORAM - FARWELL
POOLE star Fredrik Lindgren proved to be the class of the field in Mark Loram’s Farewell meeting at Poole. Lindgren stormed from the tapes to win the Final against Australian trio Davey Watt, Jason Crump and Chris Holder, as Loram brought the curtain down on a glittering career with a six-lap demonstration in front of an appreciative large crowd. Loram said: “I just didn't want to stop when I was out there. A couple of seasons ago after my injury I got back on the bike and really struggled because my leg wasn't right. But it just felt so much more comfortable out there tonight, and last week when I was practicing. “Unfortunately I am the wrong side of 40 now and I just don't feel as though the body could handle the rigours of regular racing, but I really had the buzz about me tonight." .... more
POOLE @ EASTBOURNE
EASTBOURNE have drafted young Australian Taylor Poole into their line-up to face Belle Vue at Arlington on Saturday. Poole, who is declared as the Eagles’ official No.8, will make his debut for the club because Polish rider Dawid Lampart has had his start permission to ride in the UK withdrawn. Eagles co-promoter Mike Bellerby said: “We received the notification at lunchtime on Wednesday via the BSPA that his start permission had been withdrawn with immediate effect. The letter gave no reason for the decision. “We have moved quickly to get Taylor Poole riding for us against the Aces. I think he will do a good job for us. We have been delighted to see how well he is scoring for Ipswich in the Premier League.” .... more
Wednesday 30-March-2011 NEWS UPDATE
SWINDON are assessing their options for their Elite League opener at Belle Vue next Monday after again being forced to postpone a home fixture. The Robins’ challenge match clash with Lakeside, scheduled for Thursday, is off for the second week in succession due to the ongoing problems surrounding Polish riders and the new silencers. Co-promoter Gary Patchett said: “Whilst the situation is ongoing and could change on a daily basis we feel it is only fair to our fans to make this decision. We hope and expect the situation to be resolved but we cannot predict any timescale for that to happen. "We will go into our league clash at Belle Vue next Monday hopefully with the riders available, if not we will be looking at short term signings and/or making full use of the facilities available to cover their absence.” .... more
Tuesday 29-March-2011 NEW UPDATE
POOLE JASON Doyle’s career-best top flight performance helped Poole to an away win at newcomers Birmingham in their first Elite League match of the season. Doyle scored 12 (paid 13) from five rides in the Pirates’ 48-42 win, and shared in the match-clinching 5-1 with star reserve Dennis Andersson in Heat 14. Doyle said: “I’m very happy tonight to help the team to win. It seems crazy that a month ago I didn’t have a team place in British speedway and bought my own air ticket back to the UK hoping I could land a ride in 2011. “Within four weeks I’m back at Poole and have fixed myself up a place at Rye House in the Premier League too. I’m over the moon.” .... more
NEWS UPDATE
BELLE VUE collected their first Elite League points of the campaign with a 52-42 win over King’s Lynn in front of a bumper crowd for the season-opener at Kirkmanshulme Lane. Danish youngster Patrick Hougaard scored a 12-point maximum from four rides, and his total was matched by Rory Schlein from five outings. Aces’ boss Jim Lynch said: “There were some doubts about certain riders but not any more because everybody contributed. “Tomasz (Piszcz) has still got a bit to do and Craig (Cook) was upset with himself which shows that he cares. Charlie Gjedde was awesome. He did everything tonight, it was vintage Gjedde which we haven't seen for a few years, but the night has to go to Patrick.” .... more
NEWS UPDATE
LAKESIDE asset Jonas Davidsson is on stand-by to provide cover for Piotr Swiderski should the Pole’s start permission problems continue this week. Davidsson has elected to sit out British racing this year, but with the Swedish season not commencing until late April he will be available for the Hammers’ opening fixtures if the ongoing row over Polish riders and the new silencers is not resolved in time. Lakeside boss Jon Cook said: “JD's heart is still very much with Lakeside and he is happy to come over and help out if needed. I am grateful to him and I am sure that Jonas will be an excellent short term solution. “That said, he has built his season around other commitments and we have built ours around having Piotr in our team and that is still clearly our intention once this stupid situation gets sorted out.” .... more
Monday 28-March-2011 ELITE LEAGUE NEWS
POOLE have re-declared their line-up ahead of their Elite League opener without Polish rider Rafal Dobrucki – who is currently caught up in the row over silencers in his homeland. Jason Doyle, who had been included in place of the injured Darcy Ward, replaces Dobrucki whilst the Pirates hope Ward will be fit to return by the middle of April. Promoter Matt Ford said: “Rafal does have his views on the use of the silencers which conflict with those of our Association and to be honest I could not afford to allow the matter to drift on any further. He cannot commit to being able to ride for us so I have made the decision to move ahead without him. “Darcy has been having oxygen chamber therapy on his shoulder and has responded well and although he is still about a fortnight away from a return to the saddle, by making this change now means that he will be able to slot straight back into the side as soon as he is given the go-ahead. In the meantime we will operate rider replacement for him.” .... more
HAPPY HAMMERS
LAKESIDE promoter Jon Cook was pleased with the standard of racing in the Hammers’ season-opener, which saw them take a 56-38 victory over Swindon. Cook also confirmed the club will be making a full statement on the situation facing their Polish rider Piotr Swiderski as a result of the PZM ban on new silencers on Monday. Cook said: “We realise there are tougher tasks ahead of us but as an opener I was very pleased with the performances of our key riders Peter (Ljung), Kakke (Nieminen) and Adam (Shields) plus, of course, Lee (Richardson) was tremendous. “I was particularly pleased with the standard of racing and the amount of overtaking both inside and out, which flies in the face of some of the scare stories we have heard about the new silencers and I didn't feel the noise level was lowered to a level where one’s enjoyment of the entertainment on offer was adversely affected.” .... more
ADAM SKORNICKI
WOLVERHAMPTON has thanked fans, riders and organisers for their support of his hugely successful testimonial meeting. The Wolverhampton favourite celebrated a decade in British racing with an impressive line-up of riders representing his parent club, Belle Vue, Oxford and Poole, with the home side just edging out Belle Vue for top spot and Freddie Lindgren top scoring on 17. Said Skornicki: “It was a nice day and my thanks to everyone who has made it happen, they know who they are, I couldn’t have done it without their help. “Thank you to the riders and to the supporters. I hope everyone goes on to enjoy a good, safe season.” .... more
Thursday 24-March-2011 FAREWELL LORAM
POOLE FORMER World Champion Greg Hancock will make a rare appearance on a British track in Mark Loram’s Farewell meeting at Poole next Wednesday. Event organisers are delighted to bring in the American following the news that Tomasz Gollob is unavailable, and ex-Grand Prix man Ryan Sullivan has also been added to an all-star line-up. Loram said: “It’s great news for me. Tomasz was desperately upset that he couldn’t ride and I know his reasons were genuine. But then Greg called to tell me he was coming - it was perfect timing and I knew that I had something really good to counteract the disappointment. “It was always my aim to bring over some of the riders that often go unseen in Britain, so to have Greg and Ryan coming next week is brilliant.” .... more
NEWS
POOLE DENNIS Andersson maintained his impressive start to his Poole career with three race wins on his Wimborne Road debut. The Swedish reserve clocked up an eleven-point total in the Pirates’ 54-39 challenge match win over Eastbourne, with Davey Watt and Renat Gafurov making successful returns from opening-night knocks. Poole boss Neil Middleditch said: “After all the problems we’ve had with injuries and the non-availability of Rafal Dobrucki, I was very pleased with the way the team slotted together so quickly. “I said after the Eastbourne meeting on Sunday that I was happy with my reserves and once again Dennis and Christian (Hefenbrock) gave us a tail that I’m hoping will wag like this all season!” .... more
OPENING MEETIN
SWINDON have re-scheduled their opening home fixture of the season for next Thursday after ongoing problems in Poland forced a delay. The Robins had planned to host Lakeside but took the decision due to availability issues surrounding Polish riders. The return fixture at Purfleet, which will now become the first leg, takes place as planned on Friday. Swindon co-promoter Gary Patchett said: “There appears to be a stand-off between the F.I.M., PZM and the Polish riders and contrary to what we had originally been led to believe the availability of Polish riders cannot currently be guaranteed. “We were acutely aware of the necessity for us to open our home season and track a team that is representative of that which will compete for the Elite League title.” .... more
Wednesday 23-March-2011 ADAM SKORNICKI
has added top Danish star Hans Andersen to the line-up for his Testimonial meeting at Wolverhampton on Sunday. Andersen, who recently won the Ben Fund Bonanza event at Scunthorpe, will line up for a Poole Select against teams representing three of Skornicki’s other previous clubs – Wolves, Poole and Oxford. Andersen said: “I’ve raced with Adam for many years – I’ve known him off the track mainly because he works with Maliniak, and they’ve been doing my kit for many years. “As a person he is easy to get on with, and if you need some help he is always there to give it. As a rider he is very good and he is probably one of the best Poles on small tracks. He’s won the Polish Championship of course which is not an easy task because there are so many very good Poles.” .... more
NICHOLLS @ SWINDON
SWINDON SCOTT Nicholls is relishing the prospect of a new challenge when he launches his Swindon career at Blunsdon on Thursday. The former Grand Prix man has been recruited by the Robins to replace retired Australian legend Leigh Adams, and he makes his debut in a challenge match against Lakeside. Nicholls said: “Swindon were enthusiastic about me joining them and I like the track. The Thursday race night suits me well. It’s one of the better ones to have in Britain. “It’s something new as well. It’s a club I haven’t been to before. I like to have a new challenge, meet new people and have a new direction. It ticked a lot of boxes for me.” .... more
Tuesday 22-March-2011 NEWS UPDATE
WOLVERHAMPTON WOLVES skipper Peter Karlsson made a triumphant return to Monmore Green with a full maximum in his club’s first home meeting of the season. 41-year-old Karlsson, who was on loan at Belle Vue last year, went through the card as Wolves defeated Birmingham 57-36 to wrap up aggregate victory over their local rivals – and fellow Swede Freddie Lindgren was unbeaten in both legs. Karlsson said: “The welcome back from the fans has been amazing and I will be thinking about that for a long time. “We still have a lot of things to work on as a team but this is a good start for us and we have to be pleased with the result.” .... more
NEWS UPDATE
POOLE promoter Matt Ford admits that the position of Polish rider Rafal Dobrucki is a concern along with several injury problems for his side. Skipper Davey Watt hopes to ride against Eastbourne on Wednesday and Renat Gafurov could join him in the team pending fitness tests – but Dobrucki is caught up in a row over silencers in his home country. Ford explained: “Along with Krzystof Cegielski, Rafal is one of the riders’ spokesmen in Poland and with the current dispute over the new silencers he finds himself in a difficult situation. “He wants to ride for Poole, he has assured me of that, but with the PZM threatening bans then he is in between a rock and a hard place.” .... more
Wednesday 01-December-2010 NEWS UPDATE
BELLE VUE FORMER Great Britain manager Jim Lynch is to take charge of Belle Vue next season. Lynch replaces Chris Morton, who has stood down in order to concentrate on the club's negotiations for a new stadium. It will be the Kettering-based businessman's second spell with the Aces, having been their away team manager in 2004. Lynch said: "I’ve had some good years in speedway but one of my happiest was the last time I was at Belle Vue when we had a very good team with the likes of Jason Crump and Joe Screen riding. "I’ve had a couple of years on the outside looking in but I was delighted when the call came out of the blue to join Belle Vue." .... more
Tuesday 30-November-2010 ELITE LEAGUE NEWS
SWINDON have announced the major signing of Scott Nicholls for the 2011 Elite League season. Five-times British Champion Nicholls will become the Robins' new No.1 after the retirement of Leigh Adams, with his 2010 club Ipswich moving into the Premier League. Swindon manager Ronnie Russell said: "I think it's a massive capture for Swindon Speedway. Scott is a top professional and he will play a model role with the other riders who have had that in the past with Leigh. We felt it was important to have the same type of rider to follow on with. "I think Scott and Simon (Stead) will be as good a top pair as anyone can have under the points limit. We've already announced Simon as captain, but I think between them they will do an outstanding job on the track and in the pits with the other boys, and it's a very exciting prospect." .... more
Monday 29-November-2010 ELITE LEAGUE NEWS
SPEEDWAY’S Elite League will have two new teams in 2011 – with King’s Lynn Stars taking the step up from the Premier League. The Norfolk side have a rich history in the sport with riders from the past like Michael Lee and Terry Betts as household names. And in more recent times the Stars have swept the board at Premier League level making them one of the most successful clubs in the sport. And only last July they won universal praise from organisers, riders and fans for their successful staging of the Speedway World Cup when thousands of supporters roared Team Great Britain onto a stunning Event Two win. It means the Elite League will go to the tapes with eight clubs – Lynn and Birmingham Brummies are the new additions – in a new era for the top flight. Stars co-promoter Keith Chapman said: “Over the past eight seasons we have enjoyed our time in the Premier League, but we have won everything we can possibly win and last season things started to feel a bit stagnated. “We could have stayed within our comfort zone and easily carried on in the second tier but I think the success of the Speedway World Cup highlighted to me and a lot of other people that our track and stadium is world class and should be competing at the highest level. “I also think it was important for the future of British Speedway to be secured by another team joining the Elite League, so after taking our time to look at all the pros and cons I felt it was the right time for the club to make the step back up. “It will be great for our fans to see riders like Darcy Ward, Freddie Lindgren, Chris Harris and Chris Holder racing at King’s Lynn on a regular basis and it will also be good for the local area as it will bring extra tourism and worldwide attention to our very beautiful and historic town.” Co-promoter Jonathan Chapman said: “We are aware some of our fans may be concerned about finances, but we can assure them that this is a calculated risk and not a gamble. “The costs in the Premier League have crept up considerably over the past few seasons while in the Elite League the costs have levelled out, so with this in mind and the fact we will generate extra income through Sky TV and sponsorship it will all hopefully work out well for the club. “As well as fans being able to watch some of the world’s best riders another positive is that admission prices will only increase by a couple of pounds, while all children 11 years and under will still be admitted free of charge. “When you take into account that there will only be around 17 home meetings, which will be alternated on a weekly basis with the Young Stars, it will actually be more affordable to support the team over a season in the Elite League compared to a season in the Premier League.” Rob Lyon is King’s Lynn’s team manager and admits he is rejuvenated by the decision to go up. He said: “This is a really exciting time for the club, we have won everything possible in the Premier League and to be totally honest things started to get a bit tiring last season, there’s only so many times you can enjoy travelling all the way up to Scotland in a season and this move gives me and the club a totally fresh challenge. “I am also pleased to see that Birmingham have taken the decision to step up to the Elite League, since their revival we have built up a friendly rivalry and it will be interesting to see how Graham Drury handles the pressure of a top flight team. “Obviously my experience working with Team GB will be of a great benefit and I am looking forward to building a solid and hopefully successful team for our 2011 Elite League campaign!” The club would like to emphasise to fans that despite certain press articles and rumours, the decision and investment required to move into the Elite League was made solely by the King’s Lynn promoters and with the support of their loyal sponsors The Stars have celebrated their move into the Elite League with a new team logo which will be seen in promotional material used on Sky Sports. The management plan to announce their first signing of the new Elite League season at a Fans Forum on Thursday 2nd December at 8pm, the forum will be held in the new Linnet Lounge at King’s Lynn Town Football Club, in Tennyson Road. Any other company or individuals interested in sponsoring the Stars should call Nathan on 01553 771111 for more information. 2011 SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE LINE-UP: Belle Vue Aces, Birmingham Brummies, Eastbourne Eagles, King’s Lynn Stars, Lakeside Hammers, Poole Pirates, Swindon Robins, Wolverhampton Wolves. KING’S LYNN 2011 Admission Prices: Adults £15, Concessions (Disabled, Senior Citizen, Student, 16 & 17 Year Old) £12, Junior (12-15 Year Old) £6, Kids 11 Years and Under FREE. .... more
Monday 22-November-2010 AGM NEWS
KEY POINTS Three tier structure remains in place, Elite, Premier and National Leagues. ELITE LEAGUE Now includes Birmingham who have exchanged league membership with Ipswich, league numbers are not finalised consequently fixture planning has been deferred. PREMIER LEAGUE Still consists of 14 members including new additions Ipswich and Leicester, who have replaced Stoke. The Potters will apply to join the National league at that league’s AGM in December. The league continues with the third year of it’s 3 year plan for teambuilding with a 42.50 team building limit. The Premier Trophy and Young Shield competitions do not continue in 2011. The Premier League Championship involves each club racing 19 home and 19 away fixtures. PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP DRAW Scunthorpe v Ipswich, Sheffield v Edinburgh, Redcar v Workington, Somerset v Kings Lynn, Rye House v Newcastle, Leicester v Glasgow. 1st Round byes - Berwick and Newport. NATIONAL LEAGUE This league will hold it’s own AGM in December. GENERAL Official Posts ratified so far: The 2010 Management Committee to remain en-bloc with Rob Godfrey to replace Graham Drury as the Premier League reserve member SRBF Secretary – Paul Ackroyd SCB Representatives, Chris Van Straaten and Alex Harkess Super 7even Co-ordinator – David Hoggart Commenting on this year’s AGM, BSPA Chairman Alex Harkess said: "This has been a tough year for British Speedway which has called for harmony and some compromise from our members, we have seen a tremendous amount of goodwill extended between clubs and leagues so that we can look forward to 2011 with optimism. "The potential to expand or consolidate the Elite League still remains and will be finalised before the end of the year." .... more
NEWS UPDATE
BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM boss Graham Drury says he is excited by the prospect of managing a top-flight team next season. The Brummies have joined the Elite League, having last raced at the top level in 1983, replacing Ipswich who will instead enter the Premier League in 2011. Drury said: "The prospect of seeing Grand Prix riders like Chris Holder, Freddie Lindgren, Kenneth Bjerre and Chris Harris at Perry Barr next season is an exciting one. “People have said to me for a long time that Perry Barr is an Elite League venue but Tony Mole (club owner) has had his reasons, extremely valid reasons, for staying in the Premier League. “I’m sure this news will appeal to the wider audience and more people from throughout the area will want to come and see Speedway in the top league." .... more
Wednesday 03-November-2010 ELITE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS OF 2010
ELITE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: Coventry ELITE LEAGUE KO CUP: Poole ELITE SHIELD: Wolverhampton ELITE OPEN RIDERS CHAMPION: Fredrik Lindgren (Wolverhampton) ELITE LEAGUE PAIRS: Coventry .... more
BRITISH SPEEDWAY CHAMPIONS OF 2010
BRITISH CHAMPION: Chris Harris BRITISH U21 CHAMPION: Joe Haines BRITISH U18 CHAMPION: Brendan Johnson BRITISH U15 CHAMPION: (500cc) Brandon Freemantle, (250cc) Robert Lambert BRITISH GRAND PRIX WINNER: Chris Holder .... more
Wednesday 27-October-2010 LATEST NEWS
POOLE Artur Mroczka has been ruled out of the second leg of the Knockout Cup Final following a crash at Eastbourne last weekend. The Pirates will use the rider-replacement facility to cover for the Pole's absence as they bid to overturn an eight-point first leg deficit in Wednesday's clash at Wimborne Road. Promoter Matt Ford said: "Artur's fall was a big crash and although he was able to take his final compulsory ride in the meeting he was not 100%, but we all believed that after a day or so rest he would be suitably recovered and refreshed to be able to ride on Wednesday. "But he continued to feel 'not quite right' so we had him checked over and the medics have advised that, as he was continuing to appear 'vague' and likely to be suffering the ill effects of the knock to the head, he doesn't risk the safety of himself or other riders. "It is a blow to us and to Artur as he was keen to sign off the season with a big performance." .... more
LATEST NEWS
IPSWICH have received good news on the injury front ahead of the second leg of their promotion/relegation showdown with Newcastle. Both Chris Slabon and Robert Miskowiak had to pull out of the first leg following crashes, with the Witches edging to a narrow 46-44 win, but both have been declared fit for Thursday's return at Foxhall - although reserve Kozza Smith is ruled out due to appendicitis. The Diamonds are forced into changes due to an injury crisis of their own, with Stuart Robson, Chris Mills and Simon Lambert all booked to stand-in. Ipswich boss Pete Simmons said: "Newcastle have two of the best youngsters in World speedway in Kenni Larsen and Rene Bach who was outstanding in the Under 21 World Cup Final. "The choice of Stuart Robson as a guest has also been an astute move. We will have to be on our mettle on Thursday. This meeting is a potential banana skin." .... more
Tuesday 26-October-2010 2011 NEWS
SWINDON have confirmed that Simon Stead will take over the club captaincy from the retiring Leigh Adams next season. Adams officially handed over the armband at the Robins' end-of-season dinner-dance to a surprised Stead, whose return to the Abbey Stadium in 2011 is seen as a formality. Stead told the Swindon Advertiser: "The management were aware I wanted to stay, but for it to happen in this environment and for Leigh to hand over the captain’s armband is just unbelievable. "It was an emotional moment and something that I’ll never forget. I’m so pleased and I just really hope I can do it justice." .... more
Monday 25-October-2010 1ST LEG KOC FINAL
POOLE promoter Matt Ford praised Chris Holder for a stunning Heat 15 effort in the first leg of the Knockout Cup Final at Eastbourne. A late surge by the home side looked set to secure them a double-figure advantage to take to Wimborne Road on Wednesday - but Holder superbly passed home star Matej Zagar to leave the Pirates' deficit at eight points. Ford said: "We had our backs to the wall going into that final heat and when we lost the toss for gate positions you couldn't help think that they could easily have been bringing a 10-plus lead with them, and we know from experience how difficult it is to eat into such a large advantage. "But that pass by Chris was something special, and I think that shows his pedigree that he can produce that sort of move when the pressure is really on, and in doing so he has definitely helped the cause." .... more
Tuesday 19-October-2010 CHAMPIONS OF 2010
BRITISH UNDER-21 FINAL: Joe Haines (Redcar/Wolverhampton) BRITISH FINAL: Chris Harris (Coventry) PREMIER LEAGUE PAIRS: Sheffield (Ricky Ashworth & Josh Auty) PREMIER LEAGUE FOURS: Birmingham ELITE LEAGUE PAIRS: Coventry (Krzysztof Kasprzak & Chris Harris) PREMIER LEAGUE RIDERS' CHAMPIONSHIP: Kenni Larsen (Newcastle) ELITE OPEN RIDERS' CHAMPIONSHIP: Fredrik Lindgren (Wolverhampton) .... more
LATEST NEWS
EASTBOURNE co-promoter Mike Bellerby is full of optimism ahead of the Knockout Cup Final against south coast rivals Poole, with the Eagles staging the first leg on Sunday. Bellerby said: "We have twice beaten Poole at Arlington this season and there is no reason at all why we cannot do it in the cup final. Our riders are absolutely on fire, and the semi-final victory over Wolverhampton was quite stunning. "No-one could have predicted we would win the home leg by 34 points and then win the next night at Monmore Green. It certainly shows what this team is capable of, but we don’t under-estimate the task ahead." .... more
SPOOKY GOINGS ON AT IPSWICH
IPSWICH are offering free entry to accompanied under-16s who turn up to Foxhall Stadium in spooky Halloween fancy dress (with an Evening Star voucher) for next Thursday‘s Promotion/Relegation race-off against Newcastle. Witches Director of Speedway Chris Louis said: "We’re the Witches and this is the biggest meeting of our season as we battle to maintain our Elite League status and we have been warned that Newcastle won’t be taking this lightly so we need all the help we can get! "It’s a bit of fun and all the kids who get involved will be invited to the infield at half time for Witches Skipper Danny King to pick the top three who will each receive a voucher to spend in Toy Attic on Heath Road in Ipswich, with the winner also being presented with a Junior Season Ticket for 2011!" .... more
LATEST NEWS
POOLE star Leon Madsen, who played a significant role in the Pirates' KO Cup semi-final win over Peterborough, believes the competition offers the club the ideal opportunity to take some reward for a very strong season. Madsen said: "It is good to get back amongst the points. I have never felt so low in my speedway career as I did after that Coventry match, but now we have got a good chance to make up for that disappointment by going flat out for the cup against Eastbourne." .... more
Monday 11-October-2010 LATEST KNOCK OUT CUP NEWS
EASTBOURNE have qualified for the Elite League KO Cup Final - ending Wolverhampton's two-year unbeaten home record in the process. The Eagles took a 63-29 first leg advantage to Monmore Green but also won Monday's return fixture 46-44, thanks to a last-heat 4-2 from Matej Zagar and Joonas Kylmakorpi. Eastbourne co-promoter Mike Bellerby said: "Everything about tonight proved just about perfect for us. We came here not merely to qualify but to take the win on the night. Before the meeting we told the lads to put the result of the first leg out of their minds, we were starting here at all square. “I’m delighted to say that we came, we saw and ultimately we conquered and we couldn’t be happier about it. Everyone of the team knew the job they had to do and we are most proud of each and every one of them in making this another memorable night for Eastbourne Speedway and every one of the fans who travelled here with us tonight." .... more
LATEST KNOCK OUT CUP NEWS
POOLE hold the advantage in their KO Cup semi-final against Peterborough having won the first leg 50-43 at the Showground. The Pirates will look to complete the job at home on Wednesday and reach another Final as they seek consolation for their Elite League title disappointment last week. They dominated the Panthers at reserve, with Leon Madsen and Jason Doyle scoring 23 points between them, and but for a late Peterborough fightback the margin would have been even greater. Poole chief Matt Ford said: "The whole team were so down after what happened last Monday and for them to come out and produce a performance like this is testimony to their professionalism and ability. "We are not home and dry yet in this tie but we are in a strong position and with more performances like Leon delivered tonight then we will continue to be a stern test for any side. He was just superb, stepping up to the plate and riding probably the best he has all season." .... more
ELITE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
SUPER 7 TOP Elite League stars from every club will do battle for the prestigious Elite Riders’ Championship at Peterborough on October 16 (7.30). The event, which is the last in the hugely successful Super 7even series this season, features six Grand Prix stars and a host of other riders who are more than capable of mixing it with the best in the world. British Speedway officials have also confirmed they extended an invitation to newly crowned World Champion Tomasz Gollob, the former Ipswich man, but he has reluctantly declined because of other commitments. Super 7even series co-ordinator David Hoggart said: “This is a terrific line-up and personally I feel Chris Harris could be one to watch, he’s been in great form recently. “He has ridden superbly in the Grand Prix and looks like he could be an automatic qualifier for next season. He has done British Speedway proud with the way he has gone about his business. “But I cannot really pick a winner with any confidence. It’s a very even field, packed with quality and this is a great way for the series to end after what has been a very successful season. Naturally the success has been created by the supporters and we thank them sincerely for that. “Peterborough was a great venue for the Premier League Fours in August and I am sure we will see some spectacular racing in this meeting. “We are also delighted to see Leigh Adams included in the field and I am sure supporters would like to wish him well for the future, he has been a great ambassador for the sport and we all wish him every success with his farewell meeting at Swindon the following day.” LINE-UP: Freddie Lindgren (Wolverhampton), Hans Andersen (Belle Vue), Scott Nicholls (Ipswich), Simon Stead (Swindon), Bjarne Pedersen (Poole), Kauko Nieminen (Lakeside), Niels Kristian Iversen (Peterborough), Joonas Kylmakorpi (Eastbourne), Leigh Adams (Swindon), Tai Woffinden (Wolverhampton), Krzysztof Kasprzak (Coventry), Chris Holder (Poole), Danny King (Ipswich), Peter Karlsson (Belle Vue), Kenneth Bjerre (Peterborough), Chris Harris (Coventry). .... more
LATEST NEWS
COVENTRY will celebrate their Elite League title win with a homecoming meeting at Brandon this Friday, when they take on fierce rivals Wolverhampton. Promoter Colin Pratt said: "We want to set the record straight after the closest of decisions robbed us of a replay against them in the Knockout Cup recently, and we're grateful they have accepted the invitation to return because there is always some great speedway when we race each other. "It's a celebration night where we salute the magnificent achievements of our team but we also wanted to put on a fully competitive meeting, and there's no doubt we will have just that. It's a night that everyone will be able to enjoy." .... more
LATEST NEWS
EASTBOURNE co-promoter Mike Bellerby was delighted with his riders' efforts in the KO Cup semi-final win over Wolverhampton - and says the Eagles' current form means they will approach the Final in high spirits. Bellerby said: "Every one of the team knew the job they had to do and we are most proud of each and every one of them in making this another memorable night for Eastbourne Speedway and everyone of the fans who travelled with us. "Whoever we face in the Final, be it Peterborough, be it Poole, they’ve seen just what we are capable of, Wolverhampton had a taste of that and I would say beware, it might just be your turn next." .... more
LATEST NEWS
IPSWICH welcome the USA Touring Team to Foxhall on Thursday - and director of speedway Chris Louis says he will be taking a keen interest in events. Louis said: "There are a number of riders taking part in this meeting that I am interested in. This is a golden opportunity to evaluate some new names and see how they get on with the Foxhall circuit." .... more
LATEST NEWS
LAKESIDE season finale is taking shape as the club stage the London Riders' Championship at Purfleet on Friday, preceded by a Young Hammers v USA Touring Team fixture. Latest riders to confirm their attendance are Hammers asset Joonas Kylmakorpi, who will wear the colours of the Romford Bombers, and his Eastbourne team-mate Cameron Woodward, who will represent the White City Rebels. Hammers current riders Kauko Nieminen, Peter Ljung and Stuart Robson will represent Lakeside, the Hackney Hawks and West Ham respectively. .... more
LATEST NEWS
PETERBOROUGH boss Trevor Swales insists the Panthers' KO Cup chances are not over - despite a 50-43 defeat in the first leg of their semi-final against Poole. Swales said: "It’s going to be a massive hill to climb, but we can do it. Coventry went and won by 10 down there so they’ve shown that it is more than possible. "We just need to get ourselves a good start and hope that they have a few problems. It’s going to be hard, but it’s do-able." .... more
LATEST NEWS
POOLE promoter Matt Ford praised his riders for their response to the club's Elite League Grand Final disappointment - as they put themselves in the driving seat for a Cup Final place with an away win at Peterborough. Ford said: "When you look at performances such as these then you realise just how privileged we are at Poole with this side. They all did their job tonight, they were hungry to show everyone that despite the immense disappointment of not being league champions they are still arguably the best in the Elite. "Let's hope we get another good backing on Wednesday and show these lads just how highly we regard them." .... more
LATEST NEWS
WOLVERHAMPTON star Nicolai Klindt will be forced to miss the club's showpiece Banks's Olympique individual next Monday as he needs an operation to correct a shoulder injury. Promoter Chris Van Straaten said: "It’s been causing Nicolai some problems for a while and he needs it sorting out. So we can confirm he will be missing from our meeting at Coventry on Friday and the Olympique, but he will be back over here for our end of season party on October 22. "You can tell it has affected his performance on the bike at times this season and the operation is one which has developed into quite a common one for riders." .... more
Friday 08-October-2010 LATEST NEWS
EASTBOURNE have booked club asset Lewis Bridger to guest in both legs of their Knockout Cup semi-final against Wolverhampton. Bridger, who has just won the Elite League title with Coventry, comes in at reserve for his parent club in place of the injured Lukas Dryml. And owner Bob Dugard is hoping for a big turn-out of Eagles fans for the home leg on Sunday afternoon as the club hope to return to regular weekend racing next year. Dugard said: "Next season we have seven or eight Saturdays we can use without clashing with international meetings. Other tracks are happy with us using Fridays for our other home fixtures. "We hoped for a Saturday before the end of this season to see how things went but we couldn’t because of the GP this weekend and the Elite League Riders championship. We settled on a Sunday afternoon and now I need to see whether we can still draw 1,200 or 1,300 people to a big meeting." .... more
Tuesday 05-October-2010 ELITE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
COVENTRY COVENTRY won one of the most dramatic title races in Elite League history with a sensational victory at pre-season favourites Poole. The Bees led 51-39 from their home leg of the Grand Final having come into form at just the right time of the season, and then took a 50-40 win at Wimborne Road for a 22-point aggregate win. Polish youngster Przemyslaw Pawlicki scored a stunning 16+1 for the visitors, who also had big guns Krzysztof Kasprzak and Chris Harris - after a heavy crash - in top form. Bees boss Alun Rossiter said: "The turning point was when Chris Harris got run over. He's been an amazing captain and to see him run back to the pits after that, it made everyone strong, and we marched on from there. "I'm pleased for him, pleased for the whole team, pleased for the supporters and for the rest of the management for bringing me to Coventry - and I'm pleased to be here!" .... more
FIGHT FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP
POOLE POOLE manager Neil Middleditch offered generous congratulations to new Elite League Champions Coventry after seeing his side beaten in the Grand Final. The Pirates had topped the regular table in finishing 26 points clear of the fourth-placed Bees, but were unable to pull back their 12-point first leg deficit and went down to their first home defeat of the season as the Bees celebrated the title. Middleditch said: "This meeting has been a bit like ping pong. Every time we forced an opening for ourselves they came back at us and did a fine job. "Fair play to Rosco (Alun Rossiter) and the lads, that's what the play-offs are about. We knew that before the season started and even though we didn't get the result we wanted to I still believe this crop of Pirates is the best I have had to work with for a very long time." .... more
ELITE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
TOP Elite League stars from every club will do battle for the prestigious Elite Riders’ Championship at Peterborough on October 16 (7.30). The event, which is the last in the hugely successful Super 7even series this season, features six Grand Prix stars and a host of other riders who are more than capable of mixing it with the best in the world. British Speedway officials have also confirmed they extended an invitation to newly crowned World Champion Tomasz Gollob, the former Ipswich man, but he has reluctantly declined because of other commitments. Super 7even series co-ordinator David Hoggart said: “This is a terrific line-up and personally I feel Chris Harris could be one to watch, he’s been in great form recently. “He has ridden superbly in the Grand Prix and looks like he could be an automatic qualifier for next season. He has done British Speedway proud with the way he has gone about his business. “But I cannot really pick a winner with any confidence. It’s a very even field, packed with quality and this is a great way for the series to end after what has been a very successful season. Naturally the success has been created by the supporters and we thank them sincerely for that. “Peterborough was a great venue for the Premier League Fours in August and I am sure we will see some spectacular racing in this meeting. “We are also delighted to see Leigh Adams included in the field and I am sure supporters would like to wish him well for the future, he has been a great ambassador for the sport and we all wish him every success with his farewell meeting at Swindon the following day.” LINE-UP: Freddie Lindgren (Wolverhampton), Hans Andersen (Belle Vue), Scott Nicholls (Ipswich), Simon Stead (Swindon), Bjarne Pedersen (Poole), Lee Richardson (Lakeside), Niels Kristian Iversen (Peterborough), Matej Zagar (Eastbourne), Leigh Adams (Swindon), Tai Woffinden (Wolverhampton), Krzysztof Kasprzak (Coventry), Chris Holder (Poole), Danny King (Ipswich), Peter Karlsson (Belle Vue), Kenneth Bjerre (Peterborough), Chris Harris (Coventry). .... more
WEEKLY UPDATE
BELLE VUE salute little legend Kelly Moran when they close their season with a special challenge match between the Colts and the American Touring Team at Kirkmanshulme Lane next Monday (7.30). Aces promoter Chris Morton said: “I rode with and against Kelly and it was always a great experience to be on the same track as him. His balance was fantastic, he was a great guy and it was always good to watch him because he was a natural on a bike. "It was so sad to lose him at such an early age but the memory of him will certainly linger on. I asked his family to give their blessing to us running the meeting as an official tribute and, I am glad to say, they were happy to do so." COVENTRY boss Alun Rossiter paid tribute to skipper Chris Harris after the Bees completed their astonishing surge to glory at Poole on Monday, becoming Elite League Champions having had a run of 12 straight wins in all competitions. Rossiter said: "After that performance, I think everyone should see why I've been banging on about Chris Harris all season. "What we saw on Monday sums up the man. I hadn't worked with him before this season, but I saw straight away what he could do. He was truly inspirational as captain and we have put a special team together. I am so pleased for everyone with what we've achieved." EASTBOURNE will switch to a Sunday staging this week for the first leg of their Knockout Cup semi-final against Wolverhampton, with the Eagles looking to build up a lead to take to Monmore Green the following evening. Co-promoter Mike Bellerby said: "I’m sure this is a match all our supporters will want to see and that’s why we have switched to a weekend staging. "The 5pm start gives time for Wolves’ GP riders to get to Arlington but also ensures parents should be able to get children to bed at a reasonable time before school the next day." IPSWICH Director of Speedway Chris Louis believes the annual 16-Lap Classic at Foxhall on Thursday could be one of the most spectacular in the event's history. Louis said: "For a start, the new wider track will allow for more jockeying for position in the early laps, and in addition we have put together a field which looks to be very evenly matched. "It is pretty well impossible to even predict which riders will make it through to the final, never mind who is going to win it." LAKESIDE are planning a big finale to their season when they stage the London Riders' Championship, preceded by a Young Hammers v USA Touring team match, on Friday October 15. Hammers boss Jon Cook said: "We wanted to go out with a bang and this is the best way to do it. It’s an exciting way to look at several riders and see the season out properly with the fans. With Lee Richardson and Adam Shields now out for the season we are deliberately building a field of the same level so the racing should be entertaining and the winner unpredictable. "Fans of the much missed London teams, plus a few local to us, can see their club’s body colours take to the track one more time and we will be keeping admission prices at normal rates as a thank you to our faithful supporters for sticking with us over the year." PETERBOROUGH will be without French racer Mathieu Tresarrieu for the remainder of the season, which sees them go into KO Cup action against Poole this week, as he has undergone surgery on a groin injury. Panthers boss Trevor Swales said: "Matt came in on a 3.12 average and actually improved on that so we can have no complaints about his efforts. “He was always having a go and was certainly an improvement on some of the riders who had been at reserve before his arrival." POOLE skipper Davey Watt's amazing record of title wins with the Pirates was ended on Monday with Coventry's aggregate win in the Elite League Grand Final. Watt told the Bournemouth Echo: "We were pushing, doing everything we could, but it just didn’t happen for us. Bees are a good team with quality riders and we’ve got no complaints about losing to them. "Unfortunately we fell away at the most cruel time of the season and it can’t be more frustrating." WOLVERHAMPTON have advanced to the semi-finals of the KO Cup and a clash with Eastbourne, with the home leg on Monday also featuring Elite League action against Swindon in a big double-header. Wolves boss Peter Adams said: "The Eagles have done very well in the second half of the season and you can be sure they will make life tough for us when we go down there on Sunday. "It means we have a terrific end to the season and the double header will provide plenty of entertainment for the fans." .... more
KNOCK OUT CUP NEWS
PETERBOROUGH will be without reserve Mathieu Tresarrieu for their Knockout Cup semi-final against Poole - with the first leg at the Showground on Thursday. The Frenchman will miss the rest of the season after having surgery on a groin injury - but the Panthers have been boosted by the availability of Polish racer Norbert Kosciuch. He looked set to miss the Pirates match due to a fixture clash in Sweden but has now re-arranged his schedule to line up for his British club. Panthers owner Rick Frost said: "We didn’t put any pressure on Norbi because he signed for his Swedish club at the beginning of the season and only came to us at the end of June. "At a time when so many Polish riders seem to miss meetings in this country for the flimsiest of excuses it says an awful lot for Norbi’s dedication to Peterborough that he has agreed to help us try and get into the Cup Final." .... more
Monday 04-October-2010 LATEST NEWS
POOLE POOLE promoter Matt Ford wants to see the spirit of the Ryder Cup present at Wimborne Road for the Elite League Grand Final. The Pirates go into Monday's second leg chasing a 12-point first leg deficit against Coventry having finished clear at the top of the table with a faultless home record. Ford said: "When you hear the passionate chanting for Ian Poulter and the rest of the European golfers it makes you feel very patriotic and, as the European manager Colin Montgomerie said, the support can make that difference. "This is a big challenge for Poole on Monday night. Coventry are the form team and it’s going to take an exceptional performance from all the boys. "But I want to be able to put the 'house full' signs up. I want to see our club with an electric atmosphere and for Coventry to know they are going to have to withstand a fired-up home team with a massive eighth man on the terraces." .... more
LATEST NEWS
COVENTRY COVENTRY boss Alun Rossiter says his side are fully focused on the job in hand as they bid to complete a remarkable turnaround at Poole. The Bees, who were second from bottom in the Elite League table two months ago, have won their last eleven matches and start the second leg of the Grand Final twelve points up on the pre-season favourites. But they go into the meeting without GB star Edward Kennett, who suffered a broken ankle in a crash last Thursday. Rossiter said: "Losing Edward is a blow but we can't whinge about it, it's happened and we can't change it. We can cover for him as long as everyone is on it. "You have to remember our run of form going into the meeting, eleven straight wins, and that's what we'll be saying to the riders - but I don't believe the talk about Poole now being underdogs. They've been a fantastic team all season and they have huge pressure on them to turn their dominance into the title." .... more
Sunday 03-October-2010 ELITE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS OF 2010
2010 BRITISH SPEEDWAY ROLL OF HONOUR ELITE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: Coventry ELITE LEAGUE KO CUP: Poole ELITE SHIELD: Wolverhampton ELITE OPEN RIDERS CHAMPION: Fredrik Lindgren (Wolverhampton) ELITE LEAGUE PAIRS: Coventry .... more
BRITISH CHAMPIONS OF 2010
2010 BRITISH SPEEDWAY ROLL OF HONOUR BRITISH CHAMPION: Chris Harris BRITISH U21 CHAMPION: Joe Haines BRITISH U18 CHAMPION: Brendan Johnson BRITISH U15 CHAMPION: (500cc) Brandon Freemantle, (250cc) Robert Lambert BRITISH GRAND PRIX WINNER: Chris Holder .... more
Wednesday 29-September-2010 ELITE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
SUPER 7 INVITATIONS have gone out to riders for the Elite Open Riders’ Championship to be staged at Peterborough on October 16. The event is the last in the 2010 Super 7even series which has been a massive success both on and off the track. And series-co-ordinator David Hoggart has revealed how invitations have been sent to riders not currently racing regularly in the UK. He said: “The final event in the series will feature the top rider from each team together with invited riders from the Grand Prix series who are not currently racing in the UK. “Invitations have been despatched and the line up reveal will commence very shortly. “We are expecting an absolute cracker and of course another bumper crowd. “Peterborough is a fantastic venue for big meetings and you can purchase tickets on line at www.peterboroughspeedway.co.uk/onlinetickets or follow the links from the Peterborough home page. “Admission prices are the usual for Elite shared events and in line with the series policy have not been increased since the outset way back in 2007.” .... more
LATEST NEWS
COVENTRY COVENTRY star Lewis Bridger collected double-figures in Monday's Elite League Grand Final win over Poole - and feels the Bees have the ability to defend their 12-point lead in next week's return fixture. Bridger said: "We've got to forget about the 12 points, and go there and try to win. We've got to make starts, run no last places, and look for heat advantages. "I like Poole, I had a bad one at the beginning of the year but I was terrible everywhere at that time, so I've put that one behind me. I had some really good ones there last year, so I know how to ride the place." .... more
LATEST NEWS
EASTBOURNE EASTBOURNE are awaiting news of their opposition in the semi-finals of the Knockout Cup after putting rivals and holders Lakeside out of the competition. The Eagles built up a 12-point lead in their home leg and then held the Hammers to a draw at Purfleet, and they now wait for the winners of the tie between Coventry and Wolverhampton. .... more
LATEST NEWS
PETERBOROUGH PETERBOROUGH skipper Niels-Kristian Iversen believes the Panthers can gain some consolation for their Elite League disappointment in the Knockout Cup. Panthers face Poole in the semi-finals, and Iversen said: "We have two big meetings now in the Knockout Cup, and I think that we can win them. Obviously Poole are the best team in the league, and will probably win the league, but if we get our heads together we can cause them trouble. "We’ve got a bit of time until our next meeting so we have to regroup and hope that we can end the season on a high." .... more
LATEST NEWS
POOLE POOLE boss Neil Middleditch is hopeful of reserve Jason Doyle being fit for the second leg of the Elite League Grand Final after he suffered further shoulder damage at Coventry on Monday. Middleditch said: "Jason says he’s all right and that he has a week to rest his shoulder. He did knock it again in his second fall and we’ll have to see how it is. "Although a 12-point deficit is a lot, it’s not insurmountable. But the boys are going to have to show that same fighting spirit again next week from the off." .... more
LATEST NEWS
SWINDON SWINDON owner Terry Russell has clarified that he intended Lee Richardson to be in the Robins' plans for 2011 - until the rider submitted a transfer request. Richardson cited family and sponsor reasons for making a permanent move to Lakeside. Russell told the Swindon Advertiser: "Gary Patchett made it clear that there was no way Lee Richardson wouldn’t have a team place in 2011. He knew the day Leigh Adams retired we were bringing him back." .... more
LATEST NEWS
WOLVERHAMPTON WOLVERHAMPTON have confirmed that their next meeting at Monmore Green will be on October 11 - and depending on the outcome of their cup-tie at Coventry this week, it could be a double-header. Promoter Chris Van Straaten said: \"We have Swindon in our final league meeting that night but I’m also hoping we will be running a double-header with a cup semi-final against Eastbourne on the same night. “Because of the rain-off in our cup tie at Coventry last week we haven’t got enough time to sell and promote a meeting this Monday should we get through this Thursday in the re-arranged Coventry meeting.\" .... more
Tuesday 28-September-2010 ELITE LEAGUE GRAND FINAL - 1ST LEG
COVENTRY UNDERDOGS Coventry built up a 12-point lead to take to Poole for the deciding leg of the Elite League Grand Final next Monday. The Bees won 51-39 at Brandon, racking up their advantage in the first five races of the first leg in tricky track conditions due to pre-meeting rain with the Pirates then containing that margin for the rest of the match. Polish star Krzysztof Kasprzak top-scored for the home side with 11 points, and they were also well-served at reserve by Przemyslaw Pawlicki (10+1) and Lewis Bridger (10). Bees boss Alun Rossiter said: "It's quite a good lead for us - fourteen at one stage was looking like a good number, but twelve against a side of that calibre is still good for us. "We adapted well to the conditions, and now we have to be focused at Poole next week and finish the job off. We have riders who can ride very well down there, we know the track will be totally different to how it was tonight, but we can do it." .... more
ELITE LEAGUE GRAND FINAL - 1ST LEG
PETERBOROUGH POOLE boss Neil Middleditch is calling for a big performance from his team at Wimborne Road next week as they bid to overturn their first leg Grand Final deficit. The pre-season title favourites were in trouble at Coventry on Monday, 21-9 down after five races, but they pegged the Bees over the rest of the meeting to leave the margin at twelve points with Bjarne Pedersen top-scoring on 15. Middleditch said: "It's a bit more than we would have liked, but we certainly won't be giving up. It's going to be difficult, but we're very capable. "Luckily Chris (Holder) wasn't hurt after a nasty-looking tumble although Doyley (Jason Doyle) has a question mark over his shoulder. But no complaints from me, Coventry adapted to the track far better than we did, "Our fans will be behind the boys at home and I'm sure Coventry fans will be filling their coaches like crazy so it will be a bumper crowd. We need our home fans to get behind us and we can get through this." .... more
Monday 27-September-2010 ELITE LEAGUE GRAND FINAL - 1ST LEG
COVENTRY and Poole have both named full-strength line-ups for the first leg of the Elite League Grand Final. The Pirates had a concern over Jason Doyle ahead of Monday's showdown at Brandon, having missed last week's win over Wolverhampton with a dislocated shoulder. Coventry, meanwhile, suffered several crashes in their semi-final at Peterborough but they are able to track an unchanged team. Poole finished 26 points clear of the Bees in the Elite League table - but promoter Matt Ford knows that counts for nothing over the next two weeks as they face a team who have won their last nine matches. He said: "We can be under no illusions that our next two meetings will be the toughest two matches of the season and we will be needing to be scoring from every position in the side if we are to secure that title we have been pressing so hard for." Coventry boss Alun Rossiter said: "It's a chance for all of the boys to enjoy it in front of what should be two bumper crowds, and the chance to ride in the Elite League Grand Final should be enough motivation for anyone. Obviously we need to get a good win at home, and hopefully give ourselves something to defend when we go down there next week." .... more
Friday 24-September-2010 LATEST NEWS
LAKESIDE boss Jon Cook is optimistic of pulling back a 12-point deficit in their KO Cup tie against Eastbourne - despite suffering another injury. The Eagles won the first leg 53-41 at Arlington, and the Hammers will be without Adam Shields for Friday's return after he suffered a heavy crash in his second ride. With Jonas Davidsson also on the sidelines, Cook has booked Edward Kennett to stand in as a guest - and he has issued a further rallying call to his team. Cook said: "When we lost Adam the writing appeared to be on the wall for our season but the boys fought for every point led by Lee (Richardson), and with Peter (Ljung) again filling a heat leader role we managed to drive away from the Sussex coast with a foot still in the competition. "The spirit from our remaining five riders was superb. We have a real chance to go through and with the addition of Edward, plus an extra ride available for Lee through the ‘Rider Replacement’ facility for Adam, we can really aim to get stuck into the Eagles at our Raceway on Friday." .... more
Wednesday 22-September-2010 RICHARDSON AT LAKESIDE FOR 2011
LAKESIDE have announced that Lee Richardson will be staying with the club in 2011 - on a full transfer from parent club Swindon. And further business between the clubs will see Peter Ljung also join the Hammers' asset base from the Robins after a successful late-season spell at Purfleet. Richardson said: "It was always my intention to return to Swindon at some time as I have many good friends there and the fans have always been brilliant to me, but I have enjoyed my time at Lakeside so much that this is where I want to ride for the rest of my career. "It's close to home so my family can come up and watch, and my main sponsor Hagon Shocks is just down the road. Working with Stuart (Douglas) and Jon (Cook) is great fun and as captain I want to play a full role in helping build winning teams for the fans here in the years ahead. "I wish Swindon every success and thank them for the speed at which they have allowed this to be sorted." .... more
Tuesday 21-September-2010 PLAY OFF NEWS
TITLE favourites Poole booked their place in the Elite League Grand Final with a 53-41 win over reigning champions Wolverhampton. The Pirates made a storming start to the meeting with a series of race advantages, with Chris Holder and Darcy Ward combining for three 5-1s and Bjarne Pedersen winning his first four rides. Wolves fought back late on with Freddie Lindgren winning three of the last five races, and Adam Skornicki also showed up well for the Monmore men, who now turn their attentions to the Knockout Cup. Pedersen said: "It was a team effort as it has been all season. I was on a new engine and it went well for me tonight. Now we need to focus on Coventry and that promises to be a tough ask." Lindgren added: "I must pay credit to Poole, they should go on and win the title because they've been the best team all season." COVENTRY will face Poole in the Elite League Grand Final after winning the second leg of their semi-final at Peterborough 49-44. The Bees led by 14 points going into the meeting and never looked like losing their grip on the tie from the moment Krzysztof Kasprzak broke the track record in the first race. With Panthers No.1 Kenneth Bjerre enduring a nightmare meeting, the Bees - who lost their first seven Elite League matches this season - had booked their place in the Final with four heats to go, skipper Chris Harris top scoring with 13 points. Manager Alun Rossiter said: "It was an ultra-professional performance from our boys and I'm so pleased with the way we rode. "We weren't bothered with whether the track was grippy or slick, we just got on with it and we have a strong unit now from one to seven. "We've just got to go out and enjoy the Final now. Poole will certainly be favourites but we have nothing to lose." .... more
ELITE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
SUPER 7 INVITATIONS have gone out to riders for the Elite Open Riders’ Championship to be staged at Peterborough on October 16. The event is the last in the 2010 Super 7even series which has been a massive success both on and off the track. And series-co-ordinator David Hoggart has revealed how invitations have been sent to riders not currently racing regularly in the UK. He said: “The final event in the series will feature the top rider from each team together with invited riders from the Grand Prix series who are not currently racing in the UK. “Invitations have been despatched and the line up reveal will commence very shortly. “We are expecting an absolute cracker and of course another bumper crowd. “Peterborough is a fantastic venue for big meetings and you can purchase tickets on line at www.peterboroughspeedway.co.uk/onlinetickets or follow the links from the Peterborough home page. “Admission prices are the usual for Elite shared events and in line with the series policy have not been increased since the outset way back in 2007.” .... more
NEWS UPDATE
BELLE VUE final Elite League home match of the season ended in major disappointment when Swindon collected a 53-39 win at Kirkmanshulme Lane, ending the Aces' chances of completing the campaign in the top six. .... more
Monday 20-September-2010 NEWS UPDATE
COVENTRY boss Alun Rossiter said he was proud of his riders after their ninth straight win home and away booked a place in the Elite League Grand Final. The Bees were rock-bottom of the table earlier in the season, but will now face Poole having overcome Peterborough home and away in the semi-finals. Rossiter said: "It was an ultra-professional performance from our boys and I'm so pleased with the way we rode. "Our team is now a very strong unit from one to seven, and Chris Harris is an inspirational captain. We will still be big underdogs against Poole in the Final, but we're riding with confidence and everyone is enjoying it, it's such a change from how we started the season and I couldn't be happier with them." .... more
NEWS UPDATE
EASTBOURNE will give new World Longtrack Champion Joonas Kylmakorpi a hero's welcome when he returns to Arlington to face Lakeside in the Knockout Cup on Thursday. Co-promoter Mike Bellerby said: "We are determined to give Joonas a huge welcome home after his wonderful success. He’s been close a couple of occasions before to being world long track champion but this year he has really dominated the Grand Prix series. "It’s a massive honour for both the rider and the club and gives us a flying start to our KO Cup quarter final tie with Lakeside. We could not have wished for a better start to our cup campaign." IPSWICH were put to the sword by Poole in last Thursday's Elite League meeting at Foxhall. The Pirates won 59-33 and the Witches will hope for better when they face Peterborough this Thursday. .... more
NEWS UPDATE
LAKESIDE have re-shuffled their riding order for their Knockout Cup clashes with Eastbourne this week, with Peter Ljung moving to the No.5 position as the Hammers continue to use rider-replacement for the injured Jonas Davidsson. Manager Jon Cook said: "This is our last throw of the dice for this season and we are hoping the changes will help us contain the Eagles at their place and the move to No.4 will hopefully give us an in-form Adam (Shields) available in three of the last four heats there. "We have had a two week break to get ourselves re-motivated and the boys are determined to give it their all in the defence of the title, in which four of them rode so well to win it 11 months ago." .... more
NEWS UPDATE
PETERBOROUGH manager Trevor Swales delivered a damning verdict on Peterborough’s Elite League Play-off collapse against Coventry – and issued an apology to the club’s fans. Swales said: "To be honest, we were just beaten by the better side. Coventry were the better team over both legs and we just weren’t good enough. I feel sorry for our fans, because they have stuck by us all season and we have just thrown it away. "I feel for the fans, I feel for owners Rick and Julie, I feel for the staff here, everyone because we have thrown away a whole season’s worth of effort. I’m disappointed in the boys, because some of them didn’t have the will. I don’t care what they say about the track, you have to get on and ride it." .... more
NEWS UPDATE
POOLE booked their place in the Elite League Grand Final with a 53-41 win over outgoing champions Wolverhampton at Wimborne Road. The Pirates showed their strength around their home circuit with Chris Holder and Darcy Ward recording three straight 5-1s as a pair, and Bjarne Pedersen winning his first four rides. Pedersen said: "It was a team effort as it has been all season. I was on a new engine, well the second time I have used it and it went well for me tonight. Now we need to focus on Coventry and that promises to be tough ask." .... more
NEWS UPDATE
SWINDON made sure of a top six finish in the Elite League with an impressive 53-39 win at Belle Vue on Monday. Leigh Adams and Mads Korneliussen starred for the Robins with three 5-1s as they took their first maximum-points away win of the season. Team boss Ronnie Russell told the Swindon Advertiser: "Mads had a fantastic meeting and to win 53-39 with them using the black and white helmet against us was just sensational. The effort and commitment was superb.” .... more
NEWS UPDATE
WOLVERHAMPTON star Freddie Lindgren offered his congratulations to Poole after seeing the club's reign as Elite League Champions ended with their play-off defeat at Wimborne Road on Monday. Lindgren said: "I was pleased with the way I raced in the end but it would have been better for the team if I had made a better start. I hate being on the wrong end of a 5-1. "And I must pay credit to Poole, they should go on and win the title because they’ve been the best team all season." .... more
Friday 17-September-2010 LATEST NEWS
POOLE POOLE showed their strength with a huge 59-33 win at Ipswich in their final regular Elite League match of the season. The league leaders are favourites to reach the play-off Final after drawing at Wolverhampton earlier in the week, but there was no let-up at Foxhall as they demolished a below-strength Witches side - despite the absence of Bjarne Pedersen (illness) and Jason Doyle (shoulder). Australian ace Chris Holder scored a four-ride maximum with Darcy Ward, Leon Madsen and Artur Mroczka all in double figures. Promoter Matt Ford said: "I am mightily relieved that we came out of that meeting unscathed. We stayed safe and still registered our biggest away win of the season, but let's not forget that this was a weak Ipswich side who had nothing to ride for." .... more
LATEST NEWS
COVENTRY COVENTRY registered their eighth straight win, and their sixth on the road this season, with a 46-44 victory at Swindon. The Bees' win at Blunsdon was perfect preparation for their play-off semi final at Peterborough on Monday where they will defend a 14-point first leg lead. Edward Kennett top-scored for the Brandon side with ten points, including three race wins, whilst Leigh Adams' final home League appearance for the Robins saw him drop just one point to an inspired Ben Barker in Heat 10. Coventry boss Alun Rossiter said: "Monday is the focus for us but it's nice for us to keep on winning. I was also pleased to see Leigh finish well because he's a legend of the sport and I've ridden and worked with him during a lot of my career." .... more
Thursday 16-September-2010 PETER COLLINS
BELLE VUE BELLE Vue speedway legend Peter Collins is recovering in hospital after suffering a brain haemorrhage. Lymm-based Collins, 56, won the World individual title in 1976 and added nine more World Team and Pairs titles with his thrilling style and breathtaking balance. His wife, Angela, said: “Peter is improving nicely and we are sure he will be fine. We are seeing improvements every day and we are hoping to have him back home soon. "He is still waiting to undergo some tests, but is eager to get back on track and come back home to his family. The family want to thank everyone for all their messages of support." .... more
JASON DOYLE ACCIDENT
POOLE ELITE League favourites Poole have been hit by the news that key reserve Jason Doyle could miss the rest of their play-off campaign. Doyle has suffered a dislocated shoulder in a moto-cross accident, and his place in the Pirates' final regular league fixture of the season at Ipswich will be taken by club No.8 Gary Havelock. Promoter Matt Ford said: "It's a frustration for us, a similar thing happened to Chris Holder last year. "Jason could well miss the remainder of the season so you can guess how annoyed he is with himself." .... more
Tuesday 14-September-2010 LATEST NEWS
POOLE POOLE promoter Matt Ford was delighted with his team after the league leaders drew at Wolverhampton in the first leg of their play-off semi-final. A last-heat 5-1 preserved Wolverhampton's unbeaten home record, which now stretches back two years, but the Pirates were much the happier side with their home leg to come. The final outcome of 44.5-44.5 featured the rarity of a dead heat when the referee, having studied all possible angles, was unable to split Wolves' Freddie Lindgren and Poole's Davey Watt in Heat 13. Ford said: "This was a terrific team performance and you really can't fault any of riders as they really threw everything into it. You have to remember that Wolverhampton have an incredible home record and trying to break them at Monmore was never going to be easy. "Our aim was to run it as close as possible and you really can't get any closer than that can you? That said we have to remind ourselves that we are only at the halfway stage of the tie and we can learn something from our achievement tonight - that is, if we can do it away then so might Wolverhampton." .... more
LATEST NEWS
COVENTRY COVENTRY skipper Chris Harris was in blistering form as the Bees built up a 14-point lead to take to Peterborough next Monday. Harris scored a paid maximum from five rides, making overtaking moves in every outing, but his side looked set to be run close by the Panthers as they led by just two points with three heats to go. But the Bees produced a big finish with 5-1s in each of those last three races, two of them from the combination of Harris and Krzysztof Kasprzak. Boss Alun Rossiter said: "Heats 13 and 14 were fantastic, and I was always confident we could get a 5-1 in the last one if we won the toss. I knew KK (Kasprzak) was fired up, he was upset with his performance early on and he's such a proud lad, and what can I say about my captain - Chris was truly outstanding. "It's still going to be hard when we got there next week, but we've given ourselves a good chance. If you'd said fourteen points beforehand we'd have taken it, but they're still going to be up for it on their own patch." .... more
LEAGUE UPDATE
BELLE VUE BELLE VUE have confirmed that Danish star Charlie Gjedde is in their plans for next season after missing the entire 2010 campaign. Gjedde needed surgery after suffering serious damage to knee ligaments and muscles in a pre-season practice session at Stoke last March. He was on the verge of a comeback after being forced to stop racing in July 2009 for a shoulder ligament operation. Team boss Chris Morton said: "Charlie reports that his rehab is ahead of schedule and he will be ready to ride at the start of next season. We have told him that we plan to have him back in the team." .... more
LEAGUE UPDATE
COVENTRY COVENTRY skipper Chris Harris praised the Brandon circuit and his team-mates after the Bees ran up a 52-38 first leg win over Peterborough in the Elite League play-offs, with Harris scoring a maximum. Harris said: "I think that was the best the track has been all year. You could really race on it and the bike was pulling me around. Credit to the track staff, they've done a fantastic job and hopefully if we get to the Final they can make it the same if not even a bit better! "It's a team effort and the whole team rode well. It was a bit of a slow start but we pulled ourselves together and we always come strong towards the end of a meeting - hopefully we can start next week how we finished tonight!" .... more
LEAGUE UPDATE
EASTBOURNE EASTBOURNE skipper Cameron Woodward says he would like to see current Eagles' No.1 Matej Zagar back with the club next season. Woodward told Speedway Star: "He is absolutely class. Let's hope we can have him back for next year - I'd like to see him back, definitely. "Obviously his absences are frustrating but we can only hope for better, I suppose." .... more
LEAGUE UPDATE
IPSWICH IPSWICH boss Pete Simmons is urging his team to finish the season strongly - with the relegation race-off looming next month. King told the Evening Star: "We must ensure that we cut the deficit to the club above us as much as possible. Of course the most vital meeting will be the play-off against the winners of the Premier League play-off. "We probably won’t know who our opponents are for a while yet, and although we will be strong favourites to win over two legs we know that we can’t afford to show any complacency." .... more
LEAGUE UPDATE
LAKESIDE LAKESIDE manager Jon Cook has called on his team to bounce back from the big disappointment of missing out on the Elite League play-offs. The Hammers have their KO Cup defence to come, and Cook said: "It’s hurt all the riders to drop out this late and the fact that two of them, who have been crucial to earlier wins, have had such a dramatic loss of form is beyond explanation to the individuals concerned and to me as a Team Manager. "Fans need to understand that however frustrating it is for them and us as a Management this is also Robbo's (Stuart Robson) only form of income so nobody wants to turn things around quicker than him. Adam (Shields) needs to get over his illness bug and take some time away to clear his head and get back to enjoying his racing." .... more
LEAGUE UPDATE
PETERBOROUGH PETERBOROUGH boss Trevor Swales admitted his disappointment with the Panthers' late collapse at Coventry on Monday - but insists their 14-point deficit can be turned around in the second leg of the Elite League semi-finals. Swales said: "I’m not happy with the performance, there are some we are not happy with but next Monday is another day. “They came back at us in the last couple of races but it’s not all over yet. There’s still another leg back at the Showground." .... more
LEAGUE UPDATE
POOLE POOLE promoter Matt Ford felt the Pirates' selection of Wolverhampton as semi-final opponents was vindicated with their 44.5-44.5 draw at Monmore Green on Monday, which makes his side hot favourites ahead of the second leg. Ford said: "You have to remember that Wolverhampton have an incredible home record and trying to break them at Monmore was never going to be easy. Our aim was to run it as close as possible and you really can't get any closer than that can you? "But we can't take anything for granted and we will honestly need all the support we can get to spur us on to finish the job on Monday night. Our fans can certainly be our 8th man and I really hope that they come along to give the lads the support they justly deserve." .... more
LEAGUE UPDATE
SWINDON SWINDON boss Ronnie Russell has dropped a hint that club asset Lee Richardson - who scored 16 points at Blunsdon for Lakeside last Thursday - could figure in the Robins' plans for 2011. Russell told the Swindon Advertiser: "We are already planning for next season, of course we are. We must finish our fixtures and it’s up to my riders to post their CV’s. "Lee Richardson posted his CV last Thursday. He came for the interview and left his CV and it was an impressive one. I can’t reveal any plans we have for next season but obviously it is up to the riders to impress me in the remaining meetings." .... more
LEAGUE UPDATE
WOLVERHAMPTON WOLVERHAMPTON boss Peter Adams insists his side will travel to Poole with a positive attitude next Monday - needing a win at Wimborne Road to continue their Elite League title defence after a draw in the first leg of the semi-final. Adams said: "We are going to Poole to win and we will be ready for the challenge. I'm sure there will be a packed house in anticipation of a Pirates victory but we will go there to try and ruin the party. "If we miss out, then I hope Poole win the title. For a team to finish top by as many points as they have, they would be questioning the play-off system if they didn't win the title from here.". .... more
Monday 13-September-2010 LATEST NEWS
PETERBOROUGH PETERBOROUGH will be forced into a change ahead of the first leg of their play-off semi-final against Coventry. Polish reserve Norbert Kosciuch is suffering from an eye injury and will miss the trip to Brandon, with the Panthers set to bring in a guest rider. Manager Trevor Swales said: "We had a text from Norbi’s manager telling us about the injury. “We know he didn’t ride in Hungary (on Sunday) even though he was named in the Poznan team and we are not sure if he will have recovered in time for Friday night’s Knock Out Cup quarter final against Swindon." Opponents Coventry have been boosted by the news that Przemyslaw Pawlicki has been declared fit to race after an arm injury, but boss Alun Rossiter is refusing to set any targets for the first leg. He said: "We'll be going for every point possible. We know whatever happens it's only halfway and we can get round their track too, but we just want as many points as we can, and hopefully the supporters can re-create the same kind of atmosphere as Thursday because that really helped us." .... more
LATEST NEWS
WOLVERHAMPTON WOLVERHAMPTON boss Peter Adams says his side will relish the challenge of facing league leaders Poole in the play-offs. The Pirates elected to take on the reigning champions at the semi-final stage, and Adams knows his side will need to maintain their superb home form in the first leg. He said: "We’re going to need a handy lead to take to their place next week but the boys are in a good frame of mind going into this meeting. "And the fact that Poole changed their minds so late in the day shows they have doubts in their own minds over whether they can even get to the final." Poole promoter Matt Ford says his side can take the positives from recent results, even though their big lead at the top of the table now counts for nothing. Ford said: "The word on the street is that the side is looking a little jaded of late, but when you look at the form guide then our last six away matches have seen us win twice and lose by six, four, ten and eleven. Lets be honest, a result within that sort of region wouldn't be a disaster." .... more
Friday 10-September-2010 LATEST NEWS
COVENTRY COVENTRY completed a spectacular run into the play-off places with a 53-42 win over league leaders Poole - whilst top-four rivals Lakeside missed out at Swindon. The Bees were rock bottom of the table after starting the season with seven straight defeats, and they were still second-from bottom on August 9. But they have won eight of their last nine matches, including six on the trot, and young Polish reserve Przemyslaw Pawlicki was in sensational form against the Pirates with his 12 (paid 14) score his best for the club. There was a nervous finale to the night's action with Heat 15 crucial in both fixtures, but the Bees made sure of their position when skipper Chris Harris and Krzysztof Kasprzak surged clear for a 5-1. Harris said: "It was a great meeting, we pulled away and then they came back, and we knew what we needed to do in the last heat. Thankfully me and Krzysztof got it done, we made good starts and we covered each other. "The fans were our extra man, and hopefully they'll come out on Monday. It means a lot to everyone, we've all had a tough season after we started so badly, but now the team spirit is as good as it ever has been and we can't wait for the semi-final." .... more
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PETERBOROUGH PETERBOROUGH ensured their play-off place with a comfortable home win over Eastbourne - who had shocked the Panthers at the Showground just ten days earlier. This time around there were no slip-ups from the home side, although they were kept on their toes in the early stages with the scores 15-15 after five races. The Panthers then eased clear to win 57-36 on a night when their Polish pair of Krzysztof Buczkowski and reserve Norbert Kosciuch came good – rattling up 17, paid 23, between them, whilst Troy Batchelor reeled off four wins out of five. Manager Trevor Swales said: "We asked for a big show as we prepare for the semi-finals and that’s exactly what we got. We got better and better the longer the meeting went and it was exactly what we were looking for. “We got rid of all those gremlins and hoodoos of the last couple of home matches." .... more
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POOLE POOLE have sprung a major surprise by selecting reigning Elite League champions Wolverhampton as their opponents in the play-off semi-finals. The Pirates had previously stated their intention to pick Peterborough should their previous first-choices Lakeside drop out of the top four at the expense of Coventry. But with Poole losing at Coventry on Thursday and the Hammers taking no points at Swindon, Poole have now elected to face Wolves, starting at Monmore Green on Monday - with Coventry and Peterborough now set to do battle at Brandon in the first leg of their tie. Promoter Matt Ford said: "I was following all the developments tonight from afar and weighed up all the options, and although we would have jumped at the chance of riding at Lakeside I just feel that with the way results have been falling then the option of taking on Wolverhampton could work in our favour." .... more
Thursday 09-September-2010 LATEST NEWS
BRITISH Champion Chris Harris is determined to keep his strong Grand Prix run going when he competes at Vojens on Saturday. Harris goes into the Danish GP in the all-important top eight in the overall standings, and clear of his rivals by seven points after his superb second place in Croatia a fortnight ago. He said: "I'm pleased with how I'm riding at the moment, and I'm happy with how things are going on and off track after I made a lot of changes. "I'm sure everyone can see that with my performances, I feel like I'm riding better than I ever have done and obviously I'm getting the right combination around me. "Having that gap is nice but it can all turn around quickly and someone who is ten points behind could get back ahead, but then again I'm only ten points behind fourth place! I've just got to keep knocking on the door, I'll be battling to finish as high as I can but my main aim is to make sure of top eight." *Live coverage of Saturday's Danish Grand Prix will be available via the red button on Sky Sports 4, starting at 6pm. .... more
Wednesday 08-September-2010 TODAYS NEWS
COVENTRY COVENTRY manager Alun Rossiter says Poole will provide a huge threat to his side's chances of completing their amazing charge to the play-offs. The league leaders visit Brandon in a critical fixture on Thursday, with the Bees needing to register their eighth win in nine and hope that Lakeside miss out at Swindon. Rossiter's side have to make up two league points on the Hammers. Poole have indicated that their choice of play-off opposition would be Lakeside if available, but they would select Peterborough if Coventry replace the Hammers in the top-four. Rossiter said: "Poole aren't top and haven't absolutely battered everyone this season for no reason. They've got a great side, and I'm sure they won't want us to be in the play-offs. "They will get their riders fired up to win at our place, because I don't think anyone wants to take Coventry on at the moment in a play-off situation. We've got to get on with our job and win the meeting." .... more
TODAYS NEWS
SWINDON SWINDON boss Ronnie Russell knows his side can play a pivotal role in the race for the play-offs - as they face fourth-placed Lakeside at Blunsdon on Thursday. The Hammers can hold on to their position with an away win, but defeat will leave them vulnerable to Coventry. Russell said: "Lakeside will be targeting their second Blunsdon victory of the season on Thursday. I’m confident we can repel their charge and I’m expecting a strong performance from the Robins’ squad. "We demonstrated terrific form at Lakeside last week and shone in the face of adversity. We’re now riding for pride and I want the Swindon boys to contribute fifteen heats of speedway that the supporters will thoroughly enjoy." Lakeside owner Stuart Douglas meanwhile, admits his side need to step up their game if they are to challenge for honours. He said: "Our team, on current form, is not strong enough for the play-off challenge although we had ridden so well earlier in the season to put us in the picture. The last two home meetings represent the kind of low we are not used to these days, but I know Jon (Cook) will do everything possible to re-shape, and re-motivate the riders to give the Hammers fans something to shout about once again." .... more
EL PLAY OFFS UPDATE
THE race for Elite League Speedway's Play-off places will reach a thrilling conclusion on Thursday night. Poole and Wolves are already assured of their place in the top four ahead of the semi-finals which start next Monday, September 13. Peterborough are in a great position to join them but the remaining place is a straight battle between Lakeside and Coventry. The Hammers travel to Swindon on Thursday night and Coventry face league leaders Poole at the same time - and regular updates will be available on Sky Sports News HD throughout the evening. .... more
Tuesday 07-September-2010 LATEST NEWS
BELLE VUE BELLE VUE promoter David Gordon was furious with his side's lacklustre performance in their 37-53 home defeat by Coventry on Monday. Gordon fumed: "This was our biggest match of the season because we still had a chance to make the play-offs, mathematically at least. Coventry also had a chance but they came with the right attitude and we were pathetic. It was such a disappointing performance in such an important match. "I’m not making any excuses for the riders. I can’t think of one who deserves any praise for his efforts, possibly with the exception of guest rider Chris Schramm." .... more
LATEST NEWS
COVENTRY COVENTRY boss Alun Rossiter says he is proud of his side's current form as they bid to break into the play-offs - but he has underlined that Thursday's clash with Poole still represents a massive test. Rossiter said: "Poole aren't top and haven't absolutely battered everyone this season for no reason. They've got a great side, and I'm sure they won't want us to be in the play-offs. "We need to get on with our job, not get too carried away, and win the meeting. The belief and will to win in our team at the moment is amazing but we've now got to turn over the team who will finish top of the table by a distance." .... more
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EASTBOURNE EASTBOURNE star Matej Zagar hit back at his critics after scoring a 15-point maximum in the Eagles' home win over Ipswich - a result which mathematically ensured the Eagles will finish off the bottom. Zagar told The Argus: "I always give 100% when I ride over here and today 100% was enough to get a full max. I’m pleased for the club. We got the crucial points to secure our position in the league so that is the main thing. "I’ve missed meetings due to injury. I got over one injury and took a bad smash in Poland so I had to take another ten days off. Obviously it proved to be the right decision because I came back here fully fit and rode like I need to." .... more
LATEST NEWS
IPSWICH IPSWICH star Chris Slabon was forced to pull out of the Witches' defeat at Eastbourne with a hand injury after a Heat 5 crash. The Witches return to Foxhall action against Belle Vue on Thursday. .... more
LATEST NEWS
LAKESIDE LAKESIDE boss Jon Cook believes the prospects of the Hammers holding on to their play-off place are bleak - and is already turning his attentions to the Knockout Cup. Cook said: "It’s bitterly disappointing to go down without a fight, and the dreary wet night (on Monday against Peterborough) just about summed up of performances of late. It’s a bitter pill for all at the Club to take and I have to pay tribute to those fans that made the effort to support us in person. "They deserved much better and we will make it up to them in 2011 with lessons learnt along the way this season. The riders to a man were gutted and now is no time for recriminations as we have to re-gather our strengths for the Knockout Cup in a couple of weeks time." .... more
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PETERBOROUGH PETERBOROUGH boss Trevor Swales was relieved to see his side recover from two home defeats to pick up an impressive win at Lakeside and ensure their play-off place. Swales said: "We came here tonight knowing exactly what we needed to do and we've now wrapped it up with one match to spare. We didn't really want to have to carry it over to Thursday at home to Eastbourne and have the worry of something like a rain-off. "We'll be ready for the play-offs and to be honest we're not worried about who we face. They'll all be tough, but we just have to focus on our own performances and give it everything we've got." .... more
LATEST NEWS
POOLE POOLE boss Matt Ford admits recent Elite League results have affected his club's likely choice in the play-off semi-finals, with in-form Coventry threatening to overhaul Lakeside for a top-four finish. Ford said: "We had looked at the scenarios and prior to last Friday I think we were all geared up to go to Lakeside, but the results have shaken things up a good deal and if we still want to go there then we need to upset Coventry's splendid run (on Thursday). "We owe them for beating us in the Best Pairs on Saturday. They have gone five matches unbeaten in the league and I think it is something like just one defeat in eight for them, so it would be good to spoil that run. If, on the other hand they beat us on Thursday, then I think we will leave Wolverhampton to take care of them in the semi-final play-offs and we will take on Peterborough." .... more
LATEST NEWS
SWINDON SWINDON's depleted team pulled off a shock draw at Lakeside last Friday with Polish newcomer Maciej Janowski starring on his first visit to Purfleet. Robins boss Ronnie Russell told the Swindon Advertiser: "If I’m going to give special mention it must go to Janowski who had never seen the track in his life before, but he was incredible. "Poles aren’t supposed to be able to ride Lakeside at all and lo and behold we got a class performance. It was a great result and a great effort from the team. Just incredible, there’s nothing else I can say about it." .... more
LATEST NEWS
WOLVERHAMPTON WOLVERHAMPTON have confirmed they will take the home leg of their play-off semi-final first, which means their title defence continues at Monmore Green on Monday - although their opponents will not be known until Thursday's results. Promoter Chris Van Straaten said: "It should be a massive night of racing at Monmore next Monday, whoever we are up against, and it's going to be very tense. "We are keeping our admission prices at the usual level and with the opportunity to see the other meeting on the big screen it's a great night of entertainment ahead for the fans." .... more
Thursday 02-September-2010 TODAYS NEWS
POOLE POOLE will go into the Elite League play-offs with a one hundred per cent home record after surviving a scare against Peterborough on Wednesday. The Panthers remained in the hunt for an away point, which would have boosted their own play-off hopes, and may well have achieved it but for a last-race engine failure for Kenneth Bjerre. Bjerre led away in Heat 15 but ground to a halt and the Pirates took full advantage with a 5-1 for a 50-39 victory, and now await news on the other top-four finishers before choosing their semi-final opponents. Poole star Chris Holder said: "I wasn't really making too many starts tonight but I certainly had the speed and you needed that against some of these Peterborough boys tonight. "That Heat 10 race was a bit awesome and I would like to apologise to Rory (Schlein) for the sore ankle, it wasn't intentional, just a by-product of some hard and fast racing." .... more
Wednesday 01-September-2010 LATEST NEWS
IPSWICH IPSWICH director of speedway Chris Louis says he particularly enjoys the team-riding element which should be prevalent in Saturday's Elite League Pairs. The prestigious meeting will be staged at the Foxhall circuit which Louis played a major part in re-shaping last winter to produce better racing. All nine Elite League clubs will be represented, the majority with their top two riders, and the 4-3-2-0 scoring system means avoiding last places will be imperative. Louis said: "I still feel the most exciting element of speedway is good, hard team-riding to keep the opposition behind, something we don't see anywhere near enough today. "With the skills of the pairings on show, we should be in for a real treat of team-riding, and I hope the Witches fans get behind Scott (Nicholls) and Danny (King) as we look to put some silverware in the cabinet." .... more
Tuesday 31-August-2010 LATEST NEWS
PETERBOROUGH PETERBOROUGH manager Wayne Swales pulled no punches after the play-off chasing Panthers crashed to a shock home defeat against Eastbourne. The Eagles, with Matej Zagar absent but with Joonas Kylmakorpi and Simon Gustafsson in inspired form, were 47-43 winners, leaving the Panthers facing a huge clash with fast-finishing Coventry at the Showground on Friday. Swales said: "It was an appalling meeting for us. Words fail me really, we were so poor. We didn’t ride as a team tonight, and we simply weren't good enough from 1-7. "I’m hoping that this was the kick up the backside that we need, but it could prove very costly. I’m not saying that the wheels have fallen off, but they’ve certainly gone a bit loose." .... more
LATEST NEWS
COVENTRY COVENTRY kept up the pressure on the top four with their biggest win of the season against injury-hit Belle Vue at Brandon. Krzysztof Kasprzak and Ben Barker both scored paid maximums in the Bees' 65-27 win which takes them above the Aces in the Elite League table. But the meeting was marred by an horrific Heat 4 crash which left Belle Vue's Ulrich Ostergaard with a double leg fracture and team-mate Peter Karlsson with a shoulder injury. Coventry captain Chris Harris was the only rider involved in the accident who was able to continue in the meeting. Harris said: "Belle Vue were very unfortunate with injuries and we wish the guys all the best, but our boys showed their capabilities and we do have some real talent in this team. "The crash was just one of those things but fortunately I managed to get off the back of the bike. I know what it's like to go in like that, I've done it a few times and it hurts, but I was lucky this time." .... more
LATEST NEWS
BELLE VUE BELLE VUE are counting the cost of a serious crash in their heavy defeat at Coventry, with Ulrich Ostergaard suffering a double fracture of his left leg and Peter Karlsson a shoulder injury. Aces boss Chris Morton said: "The injuries made the match pretty pointless and it could have been so significant for us in terms of the play-offs in view of Peterborough's shock home defeat by Eastbourne. "It was a bitter blow to lose two of our best riders. It made things very difficult because we could only put out one rider in some races." .... more
LATEST NEWS
COVENTRY COVENTRY star Ben Barker secured his first Elite League maximum in the Bees' big win over Belle Vue - and now says they are fully focused on Friday's crunch showdown with Peterborough at the Showground. Barker said: "The whole team are riding with confidence, and the crowd are getting right behind us. I think we hardly had a last place all night. "We can do it at Peterborough. It's not one of my favourite tracks but I will be going there and giving it one hundred per cent to score a lot of points. If we can get a win there, it would be one hell of a performance from us and it would put us in with a chance." .... more
LATEST NEWS
EASTBOURNE EASTBOURNE turned the formbook upside down with their first away win in 15 months, becoming the first visiting side to win at high-flying Peterborough this season. Former Panther Joonas Kylmakorpi raced up a 15-point haul for the Matej Zagar-less Eagles, and Simon Gustafsson also played a vital part at reserve with 14+1 as the duo shut out Troy Batchelor in the last race to secure the win. .... more
LATEST NEWS
IPSWICH IPSWICH were defeated in their Bank Holiday away clashes against Lakeside and Swindon, and their bid to avoid the wooden spoon may now depend on winning at Eastbourne on Thursday. The Witches are also building up to their staging of the Elite League Pairs at Foxhall on Saturday, with Scott Nicholls and Daniel King representing the home side. .... more
LATEST NEWS
LAKESIDE LAKESIDE boss Jon Cook has quashed speculation that the Hammers could change their racenight next season, pointing out that Friday is the best for the club. Cook told the official Lakeside website: "We have polled fans on a preference of racenight should the Elite League move to a midweek single race day of either Wednesday or Thursday, with the former being a clear winner, but I think it's increasingly unlikely that the League will be heading down that path. "Rather, tracks like ourselves and Coventry are determined that British Speedway puts itself first in its winter planning to allow regular use, at least 3 in every 4 weeks, of our Friday racenight." .... more
LATEST NEWS
PETERBOROUGH PETERBOROUGH co-boss Wayne Swales is urging a rapid response to the Panthers' shock home defeat by Eastbourne - with play-off rivals Coventry set to visit the Showground on Friday. Swales said: "All I can do is apologise to the supporters for what happened. It was more a case of what didn’t go wrong, rather than what did. "The performance wasn’t good enough and quite simply we cannot afford to produce another display like that. We didn’t get out of the starts all night long and that cost us dear. We have to learn our lessons quickly." .... more
LATEST NEWS
POOLE POOLE promoter Matt Ford wants to see the Pirates complete a 100 per cent home record when they face Peterborough in their final home fixture ahead of the play-offs on Wednesday. Ford said: "I don't know where it went wrong for them on Monday, I don't think too many of us saw that result coming, but there is absolutely no doubt that they will be even more fired up and determined to wrestle our unbeaten home record away. "In a way that is a good thing as it ensures that our riders will be put to the test and we need as much competitive action to keep us sharp for the play-offs. I also don't believe that we have seen the very best of the Pirates in recent matches." .... more
LATEST NEWS
SWINDON SWINDON star Simon Stead summed up the relief in the Robins' camp after their poor run of results was ended with a win over basement club Ipswich at Blunsdon. Stead told the Swindon Advertiser: "It's been really frustrating for everyone involved in the club - the riders, the fans and the management. Tonight is a step in the right direction. I thought as a team we rode well, so there's plenty of positives to take. "A win's a win, regardless of how it comes around. You can only beat the opposition that you've got in front of you, and we did that and we did it well." .... more
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WOLVERHAMPTON WOLVERHAMPTON skipper Tai Woffinden feels his side are timing their run to perfection as they prepare to defend their Elite League title in the play-offs. Woffinden said: "It's good at Wolves right now, we have a great bunch of guys and we all get on great, we're really excited about the play-offs and what we might be able to achieve. "Freddie (Lindgren) is on fire, these last couple of weeks he's really come good and he is the best rider in the league right now. By the time the play-offs come around I want to be up there with him." .... more
Wednesday 25-August-2010 TODAYS NEWS
IPSWICH IPSWICH boss Pete Simmons believes his side can still avoid bottom spot in the Elite League and a relegation race-off at the end of the season. The Witches are currently eight points adrift of Swindon with six matches to go, and Thursday's home clash with play-off chasing Peterborough is therefore a must-win encounter. Simmons said: "Chris Slabon and Ales Dryml seem to be really dialled in to the new Foxhall circuit now and the side has a really solid look to it. "I think we’re going to be a really tough act to beat on our own track now and I still believe we can avoid the dreaded wooden spoon." .... more
TODAYS NEWS
SWINDON SWINDON manager Ronnie Russell has stressed he finds the Robins' current run unacceptable - and he is desperate to see an improvement. Russell's side go into a busy Bank Holiday period starting with a home clash with Lakeside on Thursday, and have matches in hand to climb the table. New Pole Maciej Janowski will make his debut against the Hammers. Russell said: "Ahead of these matches, I’d like to reassure supporters of Swindon Speedway that I’m hugely passionate about this club, I live and breathe it. "I can sympathise with those who feel frustrated about out current situation, I feel that way too. We need to stick together, though, and ride out of this run of form we currently find ourselves in." .... more
Tuesday 24-August-2010 ELITE LEAGUE PAIRS
SUPER 7 HOLDERS Poole will be represented by Chris Holder and Bjarne Pedersen at the Elite League Pairs Championship on Saturday, September 4. The Pirates won the title at Eastbourne on a memorable night last season but this year’s event will take place on the newly-shaped Ipswich track. Home hopes rest on the shoulders of Scott Nicholls and Danny King in a star-studded field which is sure to pull in a bumper crowd on a big weekend for the sport. Hans Andersen, who won the event as a Poole rider last August, will partner Peter Karlsson in a powerful Belle Vue pairing. The meeting takes place the night before the World Under-21 Team Cup Final at Rye House which means Wolves star Tai Woffinden faces two major meetings in as many days. The Elite League Pairs has the unique scoring system of 4-3-2-0 to encourage team racing which means avoiding last place is the priority. It’s the fifth event in the Super 7even series of meetings which have proved so popular with fans up and down the country. Series Director David Hoggart said: “The line-up at Ipswich means the meeting is too close to call, how can you predict a winning pair with any confidence? “It’s a bumper weekend for Speedway fans with the Pairs followed by the World Under-21 Team Final when we will be backing the young British boys. We wish them well at Rye House. “I’m delighted with the success of the Super 7even series so far and we are delighted to be taking it to Ipswich, a new venue for us. We’re looking forward to seeing an entertaining meeting on their new-look track.” POOLE: Chris Holder, Bjarne Pedersen. PETERBOROUGH: Kenneth Bjerre, Niels Kristian Iversen. BELLE VUE: Hans Andersen, Peter Karlsson. EASTBOURNE: Ricky Kling, Cameron Woodward. WOLVERHAMPTON: Freddie Lindgren, Tai Woffinden. LAKESIDE: Adam Shields, Jonas Davidsson. COVENTRY: Krzysztof Kasprzak, Chris Harris. SWINDON: Leigh Adams, Simon Stead. IPSWICH: Scott Nicholls, Danny King. .... more
ELITE LEAGUE UPDATE
BELLE VUE manager Chris Morton says experienced Swede Peter Karlsson will be a key figure in the Aces' final matches of the campaign. Karlsson recovered from a nightmare meeting at Eastbourne to score 14-points in the Aces' win over Poole in their last outing. Morton said: "It was good to see Karlsson leading from the front. He showed all his skills and experience, and I want the side to continue in this mood in our remaining matches." COVENTRY boss Alun Rossiter says his side will be looking for a big start when they face Wolves in the Cup on Wednesday at Brandon - trailing by eight points from the first leg. The Bees hit Peterborough early on last Friday, and Rossiter said: "We've got to look to try and make the same sort of start. It's not going to be easy, but we need to hit hard and also take care if and when the tactical rides come in. "I always felt that when we started beating people we'd do it well, and I do think some other promoters are a little concerned about us at the moment." EASTBOURNE have defended the call-off of last week's scheduled Cup-tie with Lakeside, as it would have been unfair on supporters to go ahead with a below-strength team. Co-promoter Mike Bellerby told The Argus: "We fully appreciate that the postponement is inconvenient for Eagles fans, but as the Knockout Cup provides us with our last chance of a trophy this year, there was no way that we wanted to field a less than 100% full strength team. "To do so, would have been unfair to supporters and would have jeopardized our chances of progressing in the competition." IPSWICH will be looking to break their win-lose-win-lose Foxhall sequence that has stood throughout the season when they entertain Peterborough on Thursday. The Witches were convincing winners over Swindon in their last home outing so will now be chasing two home wins in succession for the first time. LAKESIDE have unveiled 16-year-old Marc Owen as a new asset of the club - signing his full contract on his birthday prior to last Friday's Elite League clash with Wolverhampton. Hammers boss Jon Cook said: "Marc is one hundred percent British and a big rising star of the National League destined for an exciting future in the Sport. He has been earning rave reviews at Rye House this season and has caught the eye of our own senior riders when practising before the meetings here. "We have beaten a host of other clubs to his signature on his 16th birthday and I am delighted as over the last few months Marc and his Mum and Dad have become good friends of mine. This is a very big feather in the Club’s cap and I believe Marc will start to feature in the main team towards the middle of next season as well as spending the education years of his career at Rye." PETERBOROUGH star Rory Schlein had no complaints as a patched-up Panthers side were defeated at his former home track Coventry. Schlein said: "Our backs were really against the wall from the start, with Troy (Batchelor) pulling out last-minute with his shoulder. Fair play to Coventry really, they were pretty fast and we got caught with our pants round our ankles to be honest. "We have to forget about it now and concentrate on next week. We’ve got a big week and we’ve got to make sure that we don’t let our head hit the pillow and let up. We’ve got to keep our wits about us and not let anything slip." POOLE promoter Matt Ford said there were encouraging signs in the ten-point defeat at second-placed Wolves, with the Pirates keeping things tight even with their big guns failing to hit form. Ford said: "We lived with them for much of the meeting but we just couldn't find the killer punch when we needed it, but perhaps this will give us some confidence should we meet Wolves in the play-offs. "Chris (Holder) just couldn't get going early on and Leon (Madsen) had one of those nights but can still learn from the experience. Once again I was more than pleased with the performance that Jason (Doyle) delivered, a further confidence boost for him just at the right time." SWINDON boss Ronnie Russell is looking forward to the debut of new signing Maciej Janowski, who has joined the club as a replacement for the banned Thomas H Jonasson. Russell said: "When we knew Thomas would get a suspension we seized the opportunity to contact him, to ask if there was any chance of him committing for the rest of the season. He asked for confirmation of our fixtures and then said ‘yes, I can’. "Him signing now is a plus for Swindon because it shows there’s still a genuine commitment and that we are all looking for the future. He comes with lots of credentials and lots of people are tipping him to be very good." WOLVERHAMPTON boss Peter Adams felt his side's 50-40 win over Poole on Monday proves his point that anything can happen in the play-offs, which both teams will be a part of next month. He said: "Poole have been consistently the best team in the league but there is still a long way to go. You never know what might happen in the play-offs. I think it will boil down to how many times we can win races in the away leg of a play-off. It could be interesting. "It was a good result on Monday, all of our boys played their part by chipping in and it was nice to see Freddie Lindgren and Tai Woffinden in such good form." .... more
Monday 23-August-2010 LATEST NEWS
COVENTRY COVENTRY kept up their recent revival with a thumping 58-34 win over Peterborough to add three more points to their Elite League total. The Bees are still outsiders for a play-off place but are also gaining in confidence ahead of the second leg of their Cup-tie against Wolverhampton next week. They won the first ten races in the Brandon clash with the Panthers to romp into a 26-point lead before ex-Coventry man Rory Schlein gained some consolation for the visitors, winning three of the last five races with Kenneth Bjerre taking the other two. Bees boss Alun Rossiter said: "I've said it's been coming for some time, this should have been happening a couple of months ago but we are building momentum and it's great to see. "I think a few people are surprised and maybe a bit concerned about the form we're showing, and now it's a case of taking it on and hopefully it's not too late." .... more
LATEST NEWS
POOLE ELITE League favourites Poole have injury concerns over several riders - despite not racing as a team on Friday! No.1 Chris Holder missed Somerset's anniversary celebration meeting as he was nursing a wrist injury sustained in Wednesday's home clash with Wolverhampton. Reserve Jason Doyle crashed during that meeting and was withdrawn with concussion - whilst skipper Davey Watt guested for Coventry but had to pull out after two rides with a hand injury. Pirates promoter Matt Ford said: "It has been a frustrating night with the telephone ringing and seemingly bad news after bad news. "I was pleased that Chris took the right advice and withdrew because he was in a lot of pain. We will have to wait and see the full medical condition of both Davey and Jason but its not the news we wanted especially now we are in the business stage of the season. "These injuries just go to emphasise the point I have been saying all year, its not about the 32 league matches its all about the play-offs." .... more
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WOLVERHAMPTON WOLVERHAMPTON expect to be back to full-strength for Monday's top-of-the-table clash with Poole. Both Adam Skornicki and Nicolai Klindt were missing due to injury at Lakeside on Friday but they are scheduled to return for the clash with the Pirates. And Wolves boss Peter Adams has stressed that Poole's current 20-point advantage in the table will count for little in the play-offs other than giving them the right to pick their semi-final opponents. Adams said: "They can be beaten over two legs. The Poole management are only too aware that, whilst they've had a terrific league season, the biggest test of all is still to come next month in the play-offs. "This meeting will be entertaining, I'm sure. It will be good to have Adam coming back from injury and Nicolai should be fit after his big crash last week. "What we need is for Adam and Nicolai to reach peak fitness when we go into the play-offs. Our team have already achieved a lot when you consider we are a team of improving youngsters, now we need to time things for the play-offs." .... more
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POOLE NEWCASTLE boss George English was pleased with his side\'s powers of recovery as they picked up maximum points against injury-hit Sheffield. The Diamonds had been heavily beaten at Berwick on Saturday but secured a 56-35 win over the Tigers thanks mainly to 5-1s in the last three races. Danish youngster Rene Bach scored a paid maximum, including his fastest-ever time at the venue, with Sheffield hampered by Richard Hall missing out due to illness and Ricky Ashworth pulling out with bruising after a fourth-ride crash - with Hugh Skidmore and Paul Cooper already on the sidelines. English said: \"That was far better, and it’s good to see how quickly this team can reverse a very negative night for us into a superbly positive one, which means we can pile up as many league points to get up as high as possible in this year\'s League table.\" .... more
Friday 20-August-2010 LATEST NEWS
BELLE VUE BELLE Vue skipper Hans Andersen is hopeful of returning to racing this weekend ahead of the Aces' clash with Swindon on Monday. The Dane broke a finger in the Scandinavian Grand Prix last Saturday and missed his side's thrilling 48-44 win over Elite League leaders Poole. Boss Chris Morton, disappointed not to have done better away from home in the bid for a top four play-off place, is anxious for his side to extend their successful record on home soil and having the inspirational Andersen back will help. Andersen said: "The broken finger is being supported by a bracket and my bruised fingers are on the mend but still hurting. "I've also hurt a couple of ribs and pulled my shoulder but I'm hoping to ride (in Poland) on Sunday." .... more
Wednesday 18-August-2010 LATEST NEWS
SWINDON SWINDON have signed 19-year-old Polish hotshot Maciek Janowski as a replacement for Thomas H Jonasson. Jonasson is serving a ban after failing to make it to the Robins' match at Ipswich on Monday, and Janowski will make his debut against Coventry on Thursday. Boss Ronnie Russell said: "The absence of Thomas means we’ve had to bring in a replacement to fill a second-string capacity. We’re delighted to have secured Janowski, who has already achieved plenty in his short career. "I know that Leigh Adams has been impressed when he’s seen Maciek ride in Poland and we’re hopeful that this short stint in British speedway will lead to greater things in 2011. I urge the Swindon fans to make Maciek feel very welcome on Thursday, as I’m sure he’ll be feeling a little nervous before the action gets underway." .... more
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POOLE POOLE promoter Matt Ford feels the upcoming clashes between his side and Wolverhampton could be a prelude to the Play-Off Final later this season. Reigning Elite League champions Wolves travel to Wimborne Road to face the 2008 winners on Wednesday, with the return at Monmore Green next Monday and the two teams holding the top two places in the table. Ford said: "Wolves will be looking to try and gain psychological advantage and upset our 100% home record but the passion of the Pirates is such that it won't take much to motivate our lads. "They were disappointed that they only managed one league point on Monday at Belle Vue and they are also upset that their performance at Wolverhampton earlier in the year did not show them at their best. "Our next two matches are against the Wolves and there is a strong possibility that these two meetings could be a dress rehearsal for the play-offs. I am really looking forward to it and I hope that the public can come along and really get behind our boys, for that little extra lift that a partisan crowd always gives a home side." .... more
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POOLE POOLE moved to within a point of guaranteeing top place in the Elite League ahead of the play-offs by overcoming nearest challengers Wolverhampton at Wimborne Road. The Pirates could seal their position in the return fixture at Monmore Green on Monday having secured a 53-39 result on home soil. Wolves fought hard with Nicolai Klindt winning his first three rides before coming to grief in Heat 13, whilst Poole skipper Davey Watt conceded a 5-1 in his first outing but then dropped just one more point. Watt quipped: "This is the second time in two weeks when we have let the opposition get near to 40 points, it's about time we started upping our game a bit! "I started badly tonight and had to make some changes and I wasn't the only one, but we battled away and saw it come good in the end." .... more
Tuesday 17-August-2010 LATEST NEWS
SWINDON SWINDON star Thomas H Jonasson will miss the remainder of the British season after receiving a 28-day ban for his non-appearance at Ipswich on Monday. The Swedish rider failed to reach Foxhall due to passport issues and missed the Robins' 56-37 defeat which was a major blow to their hopes of challenging for a play-off place. Swindon manager Ronnie Russell said: "By his own admission, Thomas needs to become a more organised rider. He admits that riding in three domestic leagues really is too much and the organisational side of his racing must improve dramatically." "Thomas remains an integral part of Swindon Speedway's future and I fully expect him to feature heavily in our 2011 team building plans. Having spoken to him, I know he feels desperately sorry about letting the Swindon fans down." .... more
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BELLE VUE BELLE Vue defied the loss of their injured captain Hans Andersen to pull off a brilliant 48-44 Elite League victory over red-hot title favourites Poole at Kirkmanshulme Lane last night. Veteran Sweden Peter Karlsson took over the mantle of main strikeforce for the Aces, dropping only one point from five rides to top the scorechart with 14. Poole needed maximum points from the final race but Karlsson ensured the home win by relegating Darcy Ward and Bjarne Pedersen to the minor places. Team boss Chris Morton said: "We would have liked all three league points for winning by seven or more. But there is always the chance you can lose all three against a team like Poole so to come away with the win and two points was not disappointing." .... more
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EASTBOURNE EASTBOURNE promoter Mike Bellerby is optimistic that his side's strong home form will continue when they go into Knockout Cup action on Thursday. The Eagles are looking to build up a first-leg lead over local rivals Lakeside in the quarter-final tie, and expect to have Matej Zagar and Lukas Dryml back from injury and illness respectively. Bellerby said: "Having twice defeated Poole around here in recent weeks, and having secured our biggest home win of the season against Belle Vue only last Thursday, that achieved without both Matej and Lukas, we feel we have no need to fear any opponents at Arlington. Indeed, we achieved a convincing 53-40 against the Hammers themselves less than a month ago. "Okay, our away form has been somewhat less inspiring but in spite of nightmarish starts to both our matches at Purfleet back in June we recovered to lose by less than that 13-point margin on both occasions." .... more
NEWS UPDATE
SUPER 7 EVERY Elite League club will be represented in the hugely popular Elite League Pairs Championship at Ipswich on Saturday, September 4. It's the first time Foxhall Stadium has staged a Super 7even event and fans from all over the country are expected to make the trip. The event is also reward for the investment and work which went in to reshaping the track during the winter which has improved the entertainment spectacle. The prospect of a meeting including Grand Prix stars Kenneth Bjerre, Chris Holder, Hans Andersen, Freddie Lindgren and British duo Chris Harris and Tai Woffinden is a mouth-watering one - and when you add big names like Ipswich hero Scott Nicholls and Swindon's Leigh Adams it looks even more impressive. Ipswich Speedway Director Chris Louis said: "To see top class meetings back at Foxhall makes me feel very proud after all the hard work we put in on the track. "With the Foxhall faithful seeing exciting, close racing and the riders enjoying the safer, wide open spaces of the re-modelled track, I can’t wait to see what the best riders in the League have in store for us! "I for one always thoroughly enjoyed the pairs events with the 4,3,2,1 points scoring system meaning tactics and team riding become a vital ingredient for those with their sights set on victory. It should be quite a night of racing." The Pairs event is the first of two major meetings that weekend with the Rye House staging of the World Under-21 Team Final the following afternoon (2pm). Great Britain will be represented by former Rye House man Tai Woffinden as skipper of the side, current Rye youngster Kyle Hughes, in-form Sheffield and Coventry man Josh Auty, British Under-21 champion Joe Haines and Coventry's Lewis Bridger. The other competing nations are Sweden, Denmark and Poland - which means the meeting features the same countries as the senior World Cup Final in Vojens earlier this month. .... more
LEAGUE NEWS
BELLE VUE star Peter Karlsson recovered from a nightmare two-point display at Eastbourne to lead the Aces to a 48-44 win over title favourites Poole. Karlsson, who scored 14, said: "I had my worst meeting ever at Eastbourne and don't know why. But I was glad to help the side have a fine win over a very strong Poole side, especially with Hans (Andersen) being out injured." Aces boss Chris Morton added: "There were three points up for grabs if we won by more than seven but also three points for us to lose so it was not disappointing to come away with two." COVENTRY boss Alun Rossiter knows his side face two big matches this week against Swindon (away) and Peterborough (home) as they look to maintain their positive recent run. The Bees won 49-41 at Ipswich last Thursday and Rossiter said: "I'm very happy with that, we've been pushing the riders on and we've certainly turned the corner because the last few weeks have been a lot better. Four points is all you can ask for. "In a way it's still frustrating because of what could have been this season, but we're still hanging in there and we're not giving up completely on the play-offs. It's going to take a big push but we'll battle on." EASTBOURNE promoter Mike Bellerby is eyeing the possibility of a repeat of the 2008 Knockout Cup Final when the Eagles lifted the silverware against South coast rivals Poole. The Eagles go into quarter-final action against Lakeside on Thursday and Bellerby said: "We must look to make up for what must be classed a disappointing Elite League campaign by chasing Knockout Cup glory. If we can make our way past Lakeside and book a place in the semi-final, who knows just what might happen. "With Poole in the other half of the draw, it would certainly prove the perfect end to our season if we were fortunate enough to face the Pirates once again in the Final, just think we could yet have a repeat of 2008 on our hands." IPSWICH gave their flagging season a boost with an impressive 56-37 win over Swindon at Foxhall - maintaining a remarkable record around their home circuit this season. The Witches bounced back from their home defeat against Coventry last Thursday, meaning that their home form in all competitions from the start of the season reads win-lose-win-lose throughout the campaign! LAKESIDE boss Jon Cook has explained the decision-making process which led to Daniel Davidsson being replaced in the Hammers team by Peter Ljung. He told Speedway Star: "We had been looking at all the options open to us for a while because it was clear that we needed to alter the team after losing our form. We spoke to Paul (Hurry), Daniel and Kake Nieminen after our second away defeat at Coventry and they were told that we would be looking for an improvement in their form. "To be fair Kake responded well. By his own admission Daniel didn't know why he had lost his form and he was very honest about that, so we made the move to replace him. It certainly wasn't a case of him being dropped but more a case of us mutually agreeing that, at this moment in time, he wasn't in any shape to be riding in England." PETERBOROUGH skipper Niels-Kristian Iversen believes his side are gaining in strength at just the right time of the season. The Panthers are likely play-off qualifiers, and Iversen said: "The team is getting stronger all the time and I definitely think our best days are in front of us. Our reserves are settling in and everyone in the main body of the team is starting to show their best form. "“I feel we can beat any team on aggregate over two legs which we will need to do if we reach the play-offs." POOLE'S long-serving star Bjarne Pedersen insists he has no thoughts of walking away from British speedway or the Wimborne Road club. Pedersen said: "Last year I had a low average so I could fit into this year's team. Right now my average is much higher. "I feel I can live up to my current average next year. At the end of the day it's down to Matt Ford to pick the team. If he does pick me, I'll go for it." SWINDON are assessing their options for replacing Thomas H Jonasson, who has incurred a 28-day ban after missing the Robins' televised defeat at Ipswich on Monday. Manager Ronnie Russell said: "Thomas remains an integral part of Swindon Speedway's future and I fully expect him to feature heavily in our 2011 team building plans. It's disappointing for Thomas that his 2010 campaign has concluded in this manner. Having spoken to him I know he feels desperately sorry about letting the Swindon fans down." "However, the club will ensure that the necessary changes are made to THJ's off-track set-up to ensure future campaigns at Blunsdon aren't hindered by organisational issues." WOLVERHAMPTON youngster Ludvig Lindgren says he is pleased with his form in his first full Elite League season - and he's hoping to help his side to retain their title. Lindgren said: "I know I've still got a long way to go, but I do feel this has been my breakthrough season in England and it underlines the fact that I did the right thing in moving to the Elite League. "I'm feeling good about things and so are the team. There are some very important meetings ahead of us and it would be an unbelievable achievement if the team could win the league again." .... more
Monday 16-August-2010 LATEST NEWS
SWINDON SWINDON boss Ronnie Russell has confirmed that Danish rider Morten Risager has been rested from the team. Risager failed to score in the Robins' home defeat against Poole on Thursday, and was to be left out of Friday's trip to Lakeside - which was postponed due to rain. He will also miss the visit to Ipswich on Monday. Russell said: "I'm going to be talking to Morten and I will be telling him I will be resting him, not sacking him, resting him. "I don't know what's wrong. There seems to be something in the aggression department, sadly it has slipped away somehow." .... more
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WOLVERHAMPTON WOLVERHAMPTON will take a close look at potential Grand Prix stars of the future in the Gary Peterson Memorial Trophy at Monmore on Monday. The event, which remembers the former Wolves youngster who died after a track crash in 1975, sees home skipper Tai Woffinden defending his trophy - and he's up against several of his team-mates including fellow World Cup rider Nicolai Klindt. Woffinden is a Grand Prix rider these days and the meeting is packed with riders with similar ambitions. Newcastle's Kenni Larsen has been hitting the high scores for Newcastle in the Premier League and Edinburgh duo Kalle Katajisto and Kevin Wolbert have played a major role in the Monarchs' push towards the Premier League title. There's plenty of interest for Birmingham fans, too, with the appearance of Richard Sweetman - and Dudley Heathens teenager Tom Perry is included for the biggest event in his short career so far. Wolves owner Chris Van Straaten said: "This has all the makings of a great night of racing with riders from eight different countries. There's plenty of interest in the riders coming through from the Premier League and they will all be desperate to put on a good show on an Elite League track." .... more
LATEST NEWS
BELLE VUE BELLE Vue skipper Hans Andersen has been ruled out of the Aces' big home clash with Elite League leaders Poole on Monday. The Danish star broke a finger in a crash during Saturday's Scandinavian Grand Prix as he hit the fence when compatriot Nicki Pedersen fell in front of him. Andersen pulled out of his meeting in Poland on Sunday, and Belle Vue are now searching for a guest replacement for the match at Kirkmanshulme Lane. Andersen said: "I feel as if I have been hit by a train. There was no way I could ride because the finger is on my clutch hand." .... more
Friday 06-August-2010 LATEST NEWS
PETERBOROUGH PETERBOROUGH took a massive step towards confirming their play-off place with an historic away win at Swindon. The Panthers hadn't won in 24 previous visits to the Abbey Stadium but came through 49-47 on Thursday even though they finished with just three fully-fit riders in an incident-packed meeting. The visitors roared into a 22-8 lead after five races and had extended it to 17-points at the halfway stage, with Swindon's fightback coming just too late. Rory Schlein gave his best performance since his mid-season move from Coventry, scoring 12+1, and Polish reserve Norbert Kosciuch also contributed a crucial double-figure score. Panthers boss Trevor Swales said: "It’s been 17 years coming – but we richly deserved the win. It was a terrific performance, particularly considering all our injury problems. “We certainly boosted our chances of making the end of season play-offs and the good thing is we are getting better and better." .... more
Thursday 05-August-2010 LATEST NEWS
POOLE BJARNE Pedersen became Poole's all-time third highest scorer during the Pirates' emphatic win over South coast rivals Eastbourne. Danish star Pedersen overtook Steve Schofield in the standings and is now behind only fellow former club captains Pete Smith and Craig Boyce. Individual honours in the match itself went to the Poole reserves Leon Madsen and Jason Doyle, who collected 23 (paid 27) between them in their side's 61-31 victory which takes them further clear at the top of the table. Pedersen said: "It is nice to go from fourth to third but the way I look at it there are still two others who have scored more than me. I would love to have the chance to be around long enough to try and catch them. "Although plenty of people came up to me beforehand to wish me luck and get the seven points I needed to go third it didn't actually put any extra pressure on me because my meeting goal is always ten points in any case." .... more
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WOLVERHAMPTON WOLVERHAMPTON star Adam Skornicki has undergone an exploratory operation on his troublesome knee injury. Skornicki was ruled out of Wolves' home win over Ipswich having aggravated the problem during an attempted comeback in Poland last week. He has now gone under the knife to reveal the full extent of the damage he caused when celebrating a win last month. He twisted the knee when performing one of his trademark donuts, where he spins the bike in front of the fans. Wolves owner Chris Van Straaten said: "We have some massive meetings coming up and we cannot afford to be without Adam. He's been in great form and we just hope the damage isn't too bad. "He has said he will be in touch as soon as he knows the extent of the injury and how long he needs to recover." .... more
Wednesday 04-August-2010 TODAYS NEWS
LAKESIDE PLAY-OFF chasing Lakeside have signed Swedish international Peter Ljung as a replacement for Daniel Davidsson. Ljung has previously ridden for Hammers boss Jon Cook at Eastbourne, and joins on loan from Swindon in time to make his debut at Ipswich on Thursday. Cook said: "Peter is a determined character who by his own admission has not given UK Speedway a proper go, but he feels now is the time and he will give us added bite particularly away from home - although I am sure it won't take long for him to get to grips with the Raceway. "Lee (Richardson) and Adam (Shields) are both fans of Peter's style of racing and fans that have seen him in previous year’s Speedway World Cups will know that on his day he can beat the best. "He joins us at an age when he still has many years of UK racing ahead of him and we will talk to Swindon about making the move permanent should the rest of the season prove a success." .... more
Tuesday 03-August-2010 TODAYS NEWS
POOLE POOLE remain on course to finish top of the Elite League table after breaking Lakeside's unbeaten home record on Monday. The Pirates won 46-43 at Purfleet with Chris Holder winning a last-heat decider backed up by his partner Darcy Ward in third place. It was Poole's fifth away win of the season and the result keeps them eight points ahead of Wolverhampton with a match in hand. Pirates boss Neil Middleditch said: "People keep saying that we are the best in the league but we have to keep reminding everyone that as a team we haven't won anything yet. The trophies aren't handed out until the play-offs and so we need to keep our focus and stay winning right to the very end. "Speedway is so much about confidence and the more you win, or even ride well the more confidence you can take into a meeting. We are determined to keep things as tough as possible for our opponents." .... more
TODAYS NEWS
WOLVERHAMPTON WOLVERHAMPTON tightened their grip on second place in the table by overcoming the absence of Adam Skornicki to comfortably defeat Ipswich. Wolves' unbeaten home record now stretches back nearly two years and they eased to a 57-38 win with Fredrik Lindgren scoring a maximum and Nicolai Klindt and skipper Tai Woffinden also hitting double figures. The Witches lost Robert Miskowiak to a crash in Heat 9, the Pole suffering ankle damage when he hit Klindt and went heavily into the home-straight fence. Wolves' concern at present is the injury to Skornicki, who may need surgery on his knee problem. Boss Peter Adams said: "The way it's looking it could be a couple of weeks for him and there is also the possibility of some surgery. It's a major worry for us because Adam has been in great form since coming back to us. "We have a lot of meetings throughout August and obviously we need him, but the priority has to be for him to get right." .... more
LATEST NEWS
BELLE VUE chief David Gordon was delighted with the club's staging of the Peter Craven Memorial Trophy, which was won by British Champion Chris Harris. Harris defeated Simon Stead and Joe Screen in a three-man run-off after the riders had tied on twelve points, although travel problems prevented Aces skipper Hans Andersen from taking part. Gordon said: "Hans had taken his Belle Vue bikes to Denmark with him for the (World Cup) final. He sent me a very apologetic e-mail saying he'd had a problem with a ferry and was stranded. It was a pity because be missed an excellent meeting in front of a good crowd." COVENTRY star Edward Kennett is looking forward to a positive run-in to the end of the season after regaining his true form in the Bees' last meeting before the World Cup break. Kennett said: "It's a bit late now but hopefully I've got things sorted out. I've had a lot of machine problems this year and my confidence has been really low, but I do want to get back to how I left off last year. "I looked at my times (against Eastbourne) and a couple of them were fast, and that's always a bit of a confidence booster as well." EASTBOURNE promoter Mike Bellerby is hoping families will take advantage of the club's kids-for-a-quid policy again in Thursday's crunch clash with Poole at Arlington. Bellerby said: "Certainly it was a delight to see so many family groups, having taken advantage of the offer, on the terraces at our win against the Lakeside Hammers. "That proved to be another fantastic night for the Eagles and that is what we are looking to repeat against the Pirates this coming week. We know it won’t be easy by any means, it never is against Middlo (Neil Middleditch) and his lads, however we have already done it once and see no reason why we shouldn’t do it again”. IPSWICH have an injury concern over Robert Miskowiak ahead of their home clash with Lakeside on Thursday. Miskowiak crashed heavily at Wolverhampton on Monday, damaging his ankle in a defeat which leaves the Witches adrift at the foot of the table. Manager Pete Simmons told the Evening Star: "We thought we had our best team for three years last March, but it hasn't worked out. We are looking for something to pull ourselves away from the bottom if possible between now and the end of the season." LAKESIDE promoter Jon Cook has hinted that changes could be on the cards at Purfleet after the Hammers surrendered their unbeaten home record at Poole. Cook told Sky Sports: "We got stuck in although we were carrying a passenger or two. They're good guys but they're just not getting the points, and hopefully we'll be able to make a bit of a change so that we get into the play-offs and do something there. "This was our home match in hand over Peterborough, so there's only one point in it between us, and our main job also is to stay ahead of Swindon." PETERBOROUGH manager Trevor Swales is delighted with the impact of his two Polish riders, with Krzysztof Buczkowski having enjoyed a fine first season with the club, and Norbert Kosciuch settling in well after joining midway through the campaign. Swales said: "Krzysztof has to be one of the best - if not the best - newcomer to Britain this year. I know he had a short stint at Reading three years ago, but this is the first time he has experienced most of the tracks and he has been absolutely superb. "The fact Norbi arrived halfway through the season, when the majority of riders are already dialled in, made his job even harder. But he has settled in well, is really getting to grips with the Showground and is showing improvement in every meeting." POOLE boss Neil Middleditch felt his side had made a statement of intent by becoming the first side this season to take an away win at Lakeside. Middleditch said: "Some people thought we might take our foot off the gas, but I said to the boys we have to keep going, really stamp our authority on it and make whoever we get in the play-offs know what we're about. "I've got a team of racers and triers, Bjarne (Pedersen) had a knock but be bounced back and had a good meeting, and we are determined to keep things as tough as possible for our opponents." SWINDON boss Ronnie Russell is hoping to quickly regain momentum when the Robins commence their 12-match run-in with a home clash against Peterborough on Thursday. The Robins still have a chance of overhauling the Panthers or Lakeside for a play-off place, but need to find a consistent run of form. Russell said: "We gained momentum chasing down the top four, but defeats at Wolverhampton and Peterborough plus the freak rained-off home match against Coventry mean we have lost that impetus." WOLVERHAMPTON are anxiously waiting on Polish star Adam Skornicki, who made an aborted comeback from a knee injury last weekend. Boss Peter Adams said: "The way it's looking it could be a couple of weeks for him and there is also the possibility of some surgery. It's a major worry for us because Adam has been in great form since coming back to us. "We have a lot of meetings throughout August and obviously we need him, but the priority has to be for him to get right." .... more
Monday 02-August-2010 LATEST NEWS
BELLE VUE BELLE Vue are planning a full night of entertainment for Monday's Peter Craven Memorial Trophy - with several special guests in attendance. The trophy is staged in memory of their double World Champion who died after a crash in 1963, and his wife, now Brenda Leat, will attend the meeting with members of her family. They will be joined on the guest list by Jean Fisher whose late husband, Dick, was another Aces' star of the Craven era. Also, Peter Collins, the club's 1976 World champion, will be bringing a link with Belle Vue's early days amongst a collection of his bikes which he is putting on display, having spent four years restoring a machine used by 1930s superstar Eric Langton. The field for the individual event features all of the Aces regulars plus star names such as Chris Harris, Simon Stead and Rory Schlein, and accompanied children under-12 will be admitted free. Belle Vue chief David Gordon said: "Kids are on school holiday now so they can stay out later and we are making this a real family night. There will be a bouncy castle and face painting for the younger fans. The gates will open an hour earlier than usual because there will be plenty going on." .... more
Tuesday 27-July-2010 LATEST NEWS
BELLE VUE will have several local youngsters on show when they stage the ATPi Junior Championship at Kirkmanshulme Lane on Wednesday.Former British Under-15 champion Jason Garrity, from Droylsden, Jack Hirst, an apprentice joiner from Middleton and Steve Worrall, from St Helens, head the local challenge against a field which includes four Australians and an American. Belle Vue team boss Chris Morton said: "It's important to have these kind of meetings and I'll be keeping a close eye on the talent taking part. This will sort out the young men from the boys." COVENTRY boss Alun Rossiter admitted he had been waiting some time for the all-round performance which saw the Bees hit 58 points in their home win over Eastbourne last Friday. Rossiter said: "It's very pleasing, we know we have a talented team and that's what we should have been doing a lot more of. Tonight was the first time it's really clicked. "I've been getting stuck-in to Edward Kennett and I don't really know what he's done differently but it's obviously worked, and that was the Edward Kennett of old." EASTBOURNE No.1 Matej Zagar suffered a wrist injury in a tangle with team-mate Tomasz Jedrzejak as the Eagles' impressive run of form suffered a dent at Coventry. Manager Trevor Geer told The Argus: "I’m hoping Matej’s injury is not too bad but he was taken away in the ambulance to get it checked out. He just clipped the back of Tomasz’s bike and high-sided into the fence. "It was a really disappointing night. I thought we had a chance of getting that away win but no one really got stuck in apart from Simon (Gustafsson), Joonas (Kylmakorpi) and Matej before he was injured." IPSWICH director of speedway Chris Louis has vowed to launch a re-building process at Foxhall. Louis told Speedway Star: "No-one is going to tell me we are the worst side in the Elite League, but the club does need re-building and that's exactly what I am going to do. "I'm frustrated and upset by what's happened on the track this season, but I'm determined we will not finish bottom of the table. I want fans to know I'm planning the future of the club right here, right now." LAKESIDE boss Jon Cook admits his side need to improve their away performances if they are to have a big say in the Elite League title honours this season. Cook told Speedway Star: "The nature of our team is that they all seem to have settled down into a groove and we are very much a home team at the moment whilst our away performances are generally pretty shocking. "For all that, we are trundling along towards the play-offs, but we do have some big meetings coming up in the league in August." PETERBOROUGH boss Trevor Swales saw his side roar to a third home win in a week against Wolverhampton - and then challenged the Panthers to reproduce that form on the road. Swales said: "The boys have really gelled as a team and have picked up three excellent results in the past few days. It was an impressive performance from one to seven despite the tough conditions, but we all know you don’t win league titles just because you are capable of getting success at home. "We need to supplement our income with away points and that’s something I believe we can do. We are not at home again for another month and we have to make sure we are still in a good position in the table then.” DARCY Ward was the POOLE hero with his first paid maximum at Elite League level as the Pirates overcame a ten-point first leg deficit against Belle Vue to advance to the KO Cup semi-finals. Club chief Matt Ford said: "Darcy rode superbly for us tonight and he thoroughly deserved the maximum, and I am really pleased for him as he has been through a tough time of late. "His performance tonight certainly kept us on the right track, but I will add that it wasn't a one-man show by any stretch of the imagination, yet again it was a very good team effort." SWINDON boss Ronnie Russell lamented an unwanted break in home fixtures for the Robins after their eagerly-awaited clash with Coventry was postponed. Russell said: "We never ran last week at home and next week is the World Cup, so now we won’t run until Thursday week which will make it almost a month, and that’s no good to anybody. It’s yet another match in hand and it leaves us in a poor position. "Had we run tonight and got three points, we would have been back in our position of challenging for the play-offs." WOLVERHAMPTON skipper Tai Woffinden is unconcerned about the possibility of facing Peterborough in the play-offs despite last week's defeat at the Showground. Woffinden said: "I can understand why people would ask how we'd feel about the play-offs, but it's beyond our control. We all know Poole will get first pick and we will just have to see what we get. "That meeting at Peterborough wasn't even a proper speedway meeting. Conditions were dreadful because of the rain and there was a load of dirt on it, but I guess it's the same for both sides and Peterborough attacked it more” .... more
Tuesday 20-July-2010 LATEST NEWS
BELLE VUE boss Chris Morton said it was the right decision to abandon the Aces' clash with Lakeside with one heat to go, with the home side holding a 47-37 advantage and therefore adding three points to their Elite League total. Morton said: "We were glad to get the meeting in and have kept talking to the riders about the conditions. We agreed to declare the result after Patrick Hougaard won heat 14 for us. “The dirt on the track had been moving further and further out and when Patrick came back he said he had to race so close to the fence that the track was dangerous in his opinion. We took that on board and it was decided to call it a night." COVENTRY manager Alun Rossiter felt a late team-talk had paid dividends as the Bees halved a 16-point deficit to eight in the first leg of their Knockout Cup tie against local rivals Wolverhampton. Rossiter said: "We sat down during the interval and tried to work things out, and fortunately we came out afterwards with a lot more positivity. "Hopefully this will be a turnaround for us, and we'll certainly take that result. It was a good recovery and we showed a bit of character which was pleasing." EASTBOURNE have agreed a tie-up with local newspaper The Argus which allows under-12s entry to home meetings for one pound on production of a voucher printed on the day, between now and the end of August. Co-promoter Mike Bellerby said: "We are delighted to be able to give something back to our supporters, the sport has always prided itself on its family image and an offer such as this can only embolden that impression. "With the Eagles fortunes most definitely seeming to be on the up following resounding victories over Coventry, Peterborough and last Thursday epic triumph over the Pirates of Poole, our ideal would see the Arlington terraces teaming with family groups throughout the summer holidays." IPSWICH have re-signed Polish rider Chris Slabon who previously rode for the club back in 2002, and have released Olly Allen - whilst Kozza Smith replaces Carl Wilkinson in the club's double-up role. Smith rides for King's Lynn in the Premier League whilst Wilkinson remains with Scunthorpe. Speedway director Chris Louis said: "I’m sorry that it hasn’t worked out for Olly and Carl but we couldn’t just let the situation slide given our league position. We wish them both well and hope that they are soon fixed up elsewhere." LAKESIDE boss Jon Cook remains confident that the Hammers will maintain their top-four position during the run-in to the end of the regular season. Cook told Speedway Star: "We have put a lot of work in to get to where we are at the moment, and I think it is going to need a serious turnaround in form or a serious loss of form by ourselves for anyone to catch up with us. "Providing we can hold our home form and chip in with a few away points during the month of August, then we should be in good shape." PETERBOROUGH overcame Elite League leaders Poole in a last-heat decider at the Showground in a meeting delayed due to a freak accident. Panthers skipper Niels-Kristian Iversen's chief mechanic Ray Blackwell suffered serious thumb injuries when he fell whilst carrying an engine, and he was detained in hospital overnight pending an operation. Manager Trevor Swales said: "We had Poole on the run and the break couldn’t have come at a worse time because Poole relished the slicker track. Of course that was of secondary importance weighed up against making sure Ray had the very best treatment." POOLE are looking to end their Belle Vue hoodoo at Wimborne Road on Wednesday, trying to pull back a ten-point first leg deficit having lost all seven previous KO Cup encounters with the Aces. Pirates boss Matt Ford said: "History is not on our side in cup matches against Belle Vue. The statistics clearly show that we struggle each time we meet them in cup encounters. "But no-one would have predicted the Pirates team could have run up 70 points against Lakeside earlier in the season or that Chris Holder could win the British Grand Prix on his first ever rides at the Millennium. That’s what the personnel in this Pirates side are capable of. With us chasing a 10-point deficit this looks on paper to be a potential cup classic in the making.” SWINDON boss Ronnie Russell remained positive despite a heavy defeat at Peterborough on Friday which saw the Robins lose ground in the race for a top four spot. Russell said: "It was very difficult at the start because they were making starts and we weren’t - it was processional. But as the track became more ride able, we won the second half of the meeting. "Mads Korneliussen rode very well as did Simon Stead, and a very encouraging light at the end of the tunnel was Cory Gathercole, who was having a ‘mare but went and won his last ride of the night." WOLVERHAMPTON star Nicolai Klindt is hopeful of being fit to return for Thursday's trip to Peterborough - but the reigning champions now have a concern over Adam Skornicki, with the Pole damaging his knee during his trademark donut celebrations on Monday. Club owner Chris Van Straaten said: "Adam has hurt the same knee which he seriously injured at the end of last season which is a major blow. "He's in a lot of pain and obviously it's a worrying time. He will seek specialist advice in Sweden today and report back to us." .... more
Tuesday 06-July-2010 LATEST NEWS
ELITE LEAGUE LATEST NEWS BELLE VUE put on their finest performance of the season to overcome the absence of James Wright and take a 50-40 first leg win over powerhouse Poole in the first leg of their Knockout Cup tie. Aces chief David Gordon said: \"This was an excellent result against a very strong team. It was a pity we didn’t win by a bit more but we’ll take ten because they are such a very strong team. It will be very tough down there in the return but it was a marvellous match and this was as close as we have been to racing on all cylinders for several weeks.\" COVENTRY boss Alun Rossiter is planning to re-shuffle his riding order for Thursday\'s home clash with Eastbourne in the wake of two disappointing away displays last week. Rossiter said: \"We made our team changes for the better six weeks or so ago, but our gating at both Poole and Eastbourne last week was atrocious and I need to be seeing more from several of our riders. We\'re more than halfway through the season now, and whilst wanting to do as well as we can this year, it would be wrong of us not to also be planning ahead and having an eye on the future.\" EASTBOURNE co-promoter Mike Bellerby believes his side can look forward to the rest of the season with great optimism, following two thoroughly convincing home wins. Bellerby said: \"We’ve had a rocky spell in recent weeks, but the lads are certainly making up for it now. The win against Coventry was fantastic but to beat Peterborough, a team heavily involved in the Play Off race, in the way we did is, if anything, even better. It is certainly a very happy camp at the moment and every rider is striving for every point. Simon (Gustafsson) and Lukas (Dryml) were phenomenal in the reserve berth and Tomas Jedrzejak has done everything we hoped and more. However, no exceptions, this was a superb all round display by all the lads and we are very proud of each and every one of them.\" IPSWICH were without both Olly Allen (injury) and Ales Dryml (Czech League fixture) for their defeat at Wolverhampton on Monday. The Witches return to Foxhall action after a two-week break from home matches with a clash against Wolves on Thursday, over whom they secured a 50-43 win earlier in the season. LAKESIDE\'S televised clash with Elite League leaders Poole at Purfleet has been put back from July 12 to August 2. Hammers boss Jon Cook said: \"When the schedules were re-examined, it was preferable for Sky and us to be on television the week after the World Cup rather than the week following the British Grand Prix, and for ourselves that probably works out better. The gap in our home fixture list in July is not really going to be solved by staging a match on a Monday because we know they are not the best supported of meetings, but to have a Sky match the week after the World Cup does mean that we get a good flow of fixtures from July 16 right through to the end of August.\" PETERBOROUGH paid the penalty for the slowest of starts in Monday\'s televised match at Eastbourne, finishing on the end of a 56-37 defeat despite being much-improved in the second half of the meeting. Boss Trevor Swales said: \"You need to ride well for 15 heats if you want to win a speedway meeting – and we didn’t do that. We left ourselves with an impossible task after starting so poorly and that’s not something we can afford to repeat.\" POOLE boss Neil Middleditch is confident that his side can overturn their ten-point first leg deficit in their KO Cup tie with Belle Vue, having gone down 50-40 in Manchester on Monday. Middleditch said: \"In the end we pulled it back to a level that I feel we are more than capable of clawing back in the second leg. It was a bit disappointing that they were able to amass a double figure advantage after we were matching them in the first half of the meeting. I really don\'t think you will see many occasions when both Davey (Watt) and Chris (Holder) struggle like they did tonight. Once the track really slickened off it was a case of just getting out the gate and just bolting it to the line.\" .... more
Monday 05-July-2010 RIDER NEWS
TAI Woffinden insists he's proud to be British ahead of his full debut in the FIM British Speedway Grand Prix at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium this Saturday (5pm).
Woffinden, 19, is making steady progress up the world rankings in his first season of Grand Prix racing.
And he's hit back at a report over the weekend which suggested he could be considering switching allegiance to Australia after spending much of his life 'down under'.
"Nothing can be further from the truth and I'm very angry about one report in particular," said Woffinden. "I was born in England and I've ridden for Great Britain. I'm proud to be British and I'm thrilled to be one of three British riders on Saturday.
"I don't know what more I have to do to prove myself and how patriotic I am to people. Of course I have a lot of Australian friends but I'm British and that's the end of the story as far as I'm concerned. I really wish this report hadn't appeared, I want the support of the British fans at Cardiff just as much as Bomber (Chris Harris) and Scotty (Scott Nicholls).
"I want to put the record straight. The article concerned missed out loads of relevant things I was talking about and it came across completely distorted and wrong. I repeat, I am British and I will always be British. I was proud when I first rode for Great Britain as a team and I was equally proud when I made my Grand Prix debut with the British flag on my chest.
"I'm so looking forward to walking out on parade on Saturday. I've been there before as a reserve but I intend to do my very best to maintain my steady improvement and give the British fans something to cheer about."
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Tuesday 29-June-2010 LATEST NEWS
BELLE VUE boss Chris Morton has expressed his frustration at William Lawson's decision to quit Elite League racing for the Aces. Morton, who saw his side miss out on points in any of their three away matches in the last week, said: "William said he wasn't getting enough rides and claimed he was guaranteed only 15 races over five meetings in July. The truth is that he has averaged more than 4.5 rides a match over 13 meetings this season, which is more than most riders in a team, so I don't know how he can say he might only get 15 races in July. "I know he wasn't happy about the amount of racing he has been getting because we have talked about it. But we have tried to help all we can and he has received great support from other team members" COVENTRY boss Alun Rossiter has handed his backing to former British No.2 Edward Kennett who endured a torrid night in the Bees' 45-45 draw with Swindon, scoring just one point. Rossiter said: "Edward made a lot of changes during the winter and clearly they haven't all been for the better. Sometimes you have to say that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. "He's a good kid and really professional so I'm sure he'll get through it and turn things around. The problem is that, like we were as a team earlier in the season, the more you try the deeper it seems to get." EASTBOURNE promoter Mike Bellerby has stressed the club have been looking at several transfer market options having announced the signing of Tomasz Jedrzejak - but he says the club's dealings will not be done in the public domain. Bellerby said: "Quite clearly it would be nice to state whose services we are chasing but while transparency and openness are refreshing qualities for the most part, it would tend to alert others as to our ambition and furthermore without any positive feedback from our prospective targets as to their availability, I somehow doubt that we would be thanked for raising supporters hopes for no good reason. "All I can simply do is assure people that we have been, and will continue to work as hard as we can behind the scenes to do the very best we can to help restore winning ways here at Arlington.". IPSWICH continue their run of away matches with trips to Swindon (Thursday) and Wolverhampton (Monday) in the next week. The clash with the Robins allows the Witches chance for revenge after a narrow 47-46 home defeat recently, and they were close again to a point on the road at Coventry before just missing out in the last race. LAKESIDE boss Jon Cook says the England football team could take lessons from Stuart Robson after an all-action display in the Hammers' defeat at Peterborough on Monday! Cook told Sky Sports: "I've got to give credit to Robbo, he was absolutely astonishing and talk about effort - he only got seven points but if you could have put an ounce of that pride into England we might still have been in the World Cup. "We had a few rides where we should have done a lot better, and Kauko (Nieminen) had a nightmare whereas he was probably our best rider here a few weeks ago, so we couldn't really see that coming." PETERBOROUGH star Rory Schlein turned in a double-figure display in the vital win over Lakeside on Monday - despite suffering from a serious bout of hay-fever. Victory took the Panthers five points clear of play-off rivals Belle Vue, and Schlein said: "I suffer badly from hay fever and I usually have to have an injection to keep me riding. “Unfortunately my doctor has been on holiday and doesn’t get back until tomorrow. I’ve tried all sorts of remedies but the injection is the only thing that seems to work properly." POOLE promoter Matt Ford was pleased to see No.1 rider Chris Holder back in action in Poland over the weekend, just a week after suffering an arm injury in the Torun Grand Prix. Ford said: "We all know that Chris is a great rider and the fact that he is back scoring points so quickly is great news for us. When you have a winning formula like we have this season you never want to interrupt it. "Whilst it is important to have a fully fit side it is also good news that we can continue with the same lads that have done so well for us. Wednesday night looks an absolute mouth-watering meeting and it couldn't have come at a better time in the calendar really as we will be celebrating Armed Forces Day." SWINDON boss Ronnie Russell regarded the Robins' draw at Coventry as two points gained, with Leigh Adams and Simon Stead picking up a 4-2 in the last race to leave the scores tied at 45-45. Russell said: "Yet again we've come out of an away meeting with points, which keeps our league tally progressing very nicely indeed. I've said it before, but the second half of our season began with the win at Ipswich and we've produced solid performances since then. "We showed tremendous spirit at Coventry and the boys rode with passion. Coventry are now an extremely strong side, and we've matched them on their own circuit. I'm very pleased." WOLVERHAMPTON boss Peter Adams hailed the strength-in-depth of his side as reserve Ludvig Lindgren scored a paid maximum in the 56-39 victory over Belle Vue. Adams said: "Before the meeting if somebody had told me Tai (Woffinden) would only get 5 and Nicolai Klindt 3 then I would have probably put us down for a defeat, but the rest of the boys did the business for us. "The Lindgren family bank account was swelled nicely and I was very pleased for Ludvig, he rode superbly and there is no doubt he is a better rider with us now than when he joined us at the start of the season." .... more
Thursday 24-June-2010 WEEKLY NEWS
BELLE VUE collected a maximum haul of six points from their home fixtures against Ipswich and Eastbourne - but manager Chris Morton says away results will now be crucial.
The Aces moved back into the top four on Monday with their win over Eastbourne, but they now face trips to Ipswich and play-off rivals Peterborough.
Morton said: \"It was a real team performance and I was pleased with the way we turned the match our way in the later races. The win put us back into a play-off place but we must improve our away results if we are to stay there.\"
COVENTRY return to action on Friday after a near-month break, with two home matches in four days against Ipswich and Swindon, and then away trips next week to Poole and Eastbourne.
Bees co-boss Alun Rossiter said: \"It\'s been frustrating to be without matches after we had some good results before the break. We\'ve won our last three and now we need to pick up where we left off.
\"We need to make sure of maximum points from our home matches but I also feel we\'re more than capable of going away and gaining plenty more.\"
EASTBOURNE co-promoter Mike Bellerby insists that the club remain fiercely ambitious to climb the Elite League table during a busy programme of fixtures over the next month.
Bellerby said: \"It is imperative that we start to pile up the Elite League points in these fixtures, not merely to ensure that we stay ahead of the Ipswich Witches in the lower reaches of the table. A sustained run of favourable results could yet see us as upwardly mobile and heading towards the section’s top four.
\"We are also aware that changes are being called for, however make no mistake, we are constantly examining our options and we shall leave no stone unturned in making this operation, and ultimately the survival of Eastbourne speedway, as successful as we can, both for ourselves and our loyal supporters.\"
IPSWICH skipper Daniel King is adamant that the Witches will start to climb the Elite League table over the second half of the season.
He told the Evening Star: \"I can only see better times ahead for us, especially now we have added Ales Dryml. The management have made that change and there may be more to come.
\"It’s frustrating for all of us in the team that we don’t win more and I’m just staggered as to why we don’t. When I look at our side on paper, I can’t understand why we have won so few meetings.\"
LAKESIDE promoter Jon Cook is wary of the threat posed by his former club Eastbourne who visit Purfleet on Friday for the first meeting at the Arena-Essex Raceway for three weeks.
Cook said: \"We aren’t concerned about our lack of match fitness as all the boys, with the exception of Paul Hurry, have been racing regularly elsewhere during our break, and Paul needed the extra weeks to recover fully from his hand injury.
\"But I am extremely wary of the fact that Eastbourne were our last visitors on the 4th June and finished the match strongly. It means we will carry little home track advantage into the meeting and will have to be on top form. It could, therefore, be a somewhat unexpected cracker of a match for the fans.”
PETERBOROUGH\'S new signing Norbert Kosciuch will fly into the UK on Friday morning for his debut against Belle Vue that night, determined to make an impression in British speedway.
Director of Speedway Peter Oakes said: \"Norbi is determined to put everything into racing here and he appears to be as well organised as Krzysztof Buczkowski when he came over at the beginning of the season.
\"Because of his own racing schedule – he has a meeting in Poland on Wednesday and Czecho on Thursday – he can’t bring the bikes over himself but part of the contract was that he must have his own machinery. We have sent a van and two drivers across to Poland to pick up everything from his house so there should be no worries on that score.\"
POOLE star Chris Holder is fighting to be fit for the Pirates\' home clash with Coventry next Wednesday - but he admits the arm injury sustained in the Grand Prix at Torun last weekend could have been so much worse.
Holder said: \"They tell me nothing is broken. I can move the arm and I am not afraid to move it but it is very sore indeed.
\"They (the Polish medics) are telling me it is muscle damage. It looks as though it will be a couple of weeks though before I can ride again but I am pleased its not a bone break.\"
SWINDON breathed new life into their season with a sensational comeback to win at Ipswich, fighting back from twelve points down to snatch a 47-46 victory.
Manager Ronnie Russell told the Swindon Advertiser: \"We had a very bad start and had to rely on an early tactical ride. I know people were wondering why I gave the ride to Mads (Korneliussen) but I looked at the Ipswich pairings and they looked like the only ones that were really vulnerable.
\"Mads played a massive part tonight. I gave him Heat 15 as well when people were wondering if I should have gone for Simon Stead or Zengota, but Mads was on such a high after heat 14 that I gave him the ride and he didn’t let me down.\"
WOLVERHAMPTON No.1 Fredrik Lindgren helped to secure a last-heat 3-3 at Eastbourne which confirmed a vital away win for the reigning champions.
Lindgren said: \"After we lost at Ipswich we needed a good result and we got it. It was a good effort from the whole team and we were put under pressure.
\"We rode hard to get into a good position and then they came back at us real hard. We managed to hold on in the last race and it must have been a good meeting for the fans to watch.\"
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Friday 30-April-2010 FIRST-EVER MAXIMUM AT ELITE LEAGUE
BELLE VUE star James Wright continued his terrific start to the season with a first-ever maximum at Elite League level in the Aces' comfortable home win over Lakeside.
Wright said: "I have been working to improve my starts and they were good all night. It is such a boost when you can do that.
"I am really enjoying my partnership with Hans (Andersen). We’ve only had a few meetings together so far but we are looking out for each other in races." .... more
FIRST ELITE LEAGUE WIN
COVENTRY finally gained their first Elite League win of the season at the eighth attempt with victory over Lakeside at Brandon - and they now look forward to the debut of Polish youngster Przemyslaw Pawlicki against Wolverhampton on Friday.
Edward Kennett, who stood in for Chris Harris as captain, said: "We really needed the win, and it was a great team performance. The boys got stuck in, and bringing Richard (Sweetman) in certainly worked because he was a fantastic reserve.
"We've all been down on confidence and that's such a big thing. You've got to be high, and this time we were all trapping, unlike at Poole when we were half-asleep and it wasn't interesting. " .... more
Tuesday 20-April-2010 TOBIAS KRONER DREAM DEBUT
BELLE VUE New signing Tobias Kroner made a dream début with ten points in the Aces' Monday night win over his parent club Ipswich, which moves them up to second place in the table. Manager Chris Morton said: "I was so pleased with Toby's performance because he hasn't had much racing so far this season. He drove here from Germany because there were no flights and he was desperate to get into action for us. He had a practice session in the afternoon and looked good, but you never know what will happen until a rider starts racing with three others. .... more
COVENTRY REBUILD
COVENTRY have begun their rebuilding process by signing 18-year-old Pole Przemyslaw Pawlicki, who will make his Bees debut against Wolverhampton next Friday. Manager Alun Rossiter said: "He comes with a really good pedigree, although we have to remember his age and he will need to settle in. I'm really pleased to have him, and I do have other irons in the fire because we have to turn around what's been a horrible start to the season. It's never nice to tell a rider he's out of the team, and Christian (Hefenbrock) is simply a victim of the circumstances of his injury and the fact that we have needed to make a change. .... more
RICKY KLING EXCELLENT START
EASTBOURNE reserve Ricky Kling kept up his excellent start to the season with double-figure scores as the Eagles overcame Coventry at home and then gained a notable away point at Wolverhampton. Manager Trevor Geer said: "Ricky was star of the show again. If he carries on like this he will be out of the reserves and that’s good for us because who is going to go in there? Simon (Gustafsson)? Cameron (Woodward)? There is some time to go until then but at least we will always get a good reserve there." .... more
JASON CRUMP LINE UP
IPSWICH have confirmed that reigning World Champion Jason Crump will line up in the Billy Sanders Memorial Trophy at Foxhall on April 29. Crump will team up with Ty Proctor in a Pairs event which features three British and three Australian combinations including home No.1 Scott Nicholls and World Under-21 Champion Darcy Ward. .... more
HAMMERS POSITIVE START
LAKESIDE skipper Adam Shields is pleased with the Hammers' positive start to the Elite League campaign as they prepare for a hectic run at the end of the month. Shields said: "I don't think anyone was really too anxious about the first couple of meetings, but if anyone was over concerned then I don't think they have been around speedway too long. Performances like we turned in at Swindon and against Coventry the following night are very rewarding when you can see that everyone in the team is giving one hundred per cent and getting the results their efforts deserve." .... more
BIG WINTER SIGNING
PETERBOROUGH have given their backing to big winter signing Lewis Bridger, who has struggled for points early in his Panthers career. Manager Trevor Swales said: "Of course we are disappointed with the way he has started the season, but no-one is more gutted than Lewis himself. You don’t go from riding at number one for Eastbourne for part of last season to not being able to score a point unless there is something wrong. It is at a time like this that a rider needs everyone to get behind him and that is what the club are doing. Lewis has received plenty of advice from our technical advisor Michael Lee and is now acting upon it." .... more
BJARNE PEDERSEN RETURNED TO TOP FORM
POOLE star Bjarne Pedersen returned to top form with a 14-point haul in the Pirates' convincing win over Swindon, which leaves them clear at the top of the table. Manager Neil Middeditch said: "I said to Bjarne when he came back into the pits after his Heat 11 win that it was vintage Pedersen. He looked quick all meeting. By his own admission, Bjarne is ready to have another go at the Grand Prix Series. He needed a bit of a rest to recharge his batteries, but he’s in the GP qualifiers this year, so maybe we’ll see him back in the series in 2011. He’s certainly quick enough." .... more
RONNIE RUSSELL BANNED FOR A MONTH
SWINDON boss Ronnie Russell is angry that the club will be without star reserve Thomas H Jonasson for a month after the Swedish Motor Federation confirmed a ban starting on April 27. Russell said: "I still believe it’s completely unjust and the circumstances haven’t been given enough consideration. He rode very well against Wolverhampton on Thursday night and is just starting to get settled in and now he’ll miss an entire month of speedway. It’s not right and I would say the same whether he was my rider or not." .... more
NARROW WIN AGAINST EASTBOURNE
WOLVERHAMPTON skipper Tai Woffinden admitted his side had been taken by surprise with Eastbourne's performance at Monmore Green on Monday, with Wolves limited to two points for a narrow 46-44 win. Woffinden said: "I think Eastbourne surprised us by how well they were making the starts and they probably deserved to get something from the meeting on the balance of it all. They’ve obviously got a lot of character in their team and we were relieved to get the win in the end, but we know we should have got all three points." .... more
PREMIER LEAGUE
SPEEDWAY CONTROL BUREAU PHIL Morris will stage his Farewell meeting at Birmingham on September 1 – and part of the proceeds will be donated to good causes. Morris will be making a substantial donation to the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund and will also contributing towards the Under-15 development funds. He has already confirmed Lakeside skipper Lee Richardson as a starter for the meeting and expects to announce more top names soon. Morris said: “The SRBF helped me several times when I was on the injury list, so I would like to help them out. I will also be doing something for the Under-15 lads who I have been helping to develop since I joined the Team GB set up last season.” .... more
Tuesday 19-April-2011 LEAGUE NEWS
BERWICK boss Ian Rae felt a lack of heat winners had been the Bandits’ downfall as they were unable to take any points from their first visit to the modified Glasgow circuit. Rae said: “For a while we managed to peg their scoring to a good level but we slightly lost our way later on and allowed them to get a few good heat wins under their belts, and with only five race wins to our name the win was always going to be a tough ask.” EDINBURGH No.1 Kevin Wolbert showed he is right back to top form around his home circuit with a 15-point maximum, including a last-pass of Charlie Gjedde, in the Monarch’s 49-44 win over Berwick. Wolbert said: “I got a new engine from Peter Carr at Birmingham and I don’t even know what the cost of it is, but I don’t care because it is worth it!” GLASGOW co-promoter Alan Dick was satisfied with the opening meeting on the new Ashfield circuit, with the Tigers securing a 50-39 win over Berwick for all three Premier League points. Dick said: “We have had a very good meeting in front of a very healthy crowd with the team getting all the points. Although the track is not anywhere near at the quality we know it will produce in the next few weeks, there was plenty of exciting racing to keep everyone happy and enough to suggest that as the weeks go on, the racing will become top notch.” IPSWICH skipper Kevin Doolan scored a paid maximum in the Witches’ comfortable home win over Workington – and said relaxation was the key following their home defeat seven days earlier. Doolan said: “I think we were all too tense last week. We all came here much more relaxed tonight and proved again what happens when we all click. A great result and it should set us up for a good meeting against Sheffield on Good Friday.” LEICESTER are waiting for news on the extent of a shoulder injury suffered by Russian rider Ilya Bondarenko, who was involved in a crash at Newcastle on Sunday. Promoter David Hemsley said: “We’re awaiting the results of a CT scan on llya, and we’re having a specialist look at him on Saturday, so we’ll have to see where things go from there. It’s really disappointing because his scores and his riding have been very encouraging.” NEWCASTLE boss George English was pleased to see his side overcome Leicester at home to avenge a defeat at Beaumont Park the previous evening. English said: “We were a little slow early on, but with the likes of Mark (Lemon) and his perfect five ride maximum, backed up by Stuart (Robson) and Derek’s (Sneddon) excellent returns we were onto a confident win which was well received by our supporters on a chilly night.” NEWPORT turned around a disappointing start to the season with a stunning win at Rye House on Saturday – just 24 hours after being beaten by the same opposition on their own circuit. The Wasps are building up to an away trip to Redcar on Thursday, followed by a home clash with Edinburgh on Saturday. PLYMOUTH promoter Mike Bowden acknowledged Joe Screen had been the star of the night with a 15-point maximum on his guest appearance for the USA Touring Team in the first meeting of the season at the St Boniface Arena. Bowden said: “Joe Screen contributed to a very entertaining meeting. His performance was top class and I believe his form was typical of what we can expect to see from visiting number one riders this season.” REDCAR boss Jitendra Duffill is expecting a tough battle against Newport on Thursday, with the South Wales side having turned around their early-season form with a shock win at Rye House. Duffill said: “Even with Matej Kus back from international duty for the Czech Republic we will not be complacent against a side that contains a wily top two in Leigh Lanham and Kyle Legault plus a rider in Kim Nilsson who has always shown a liking for our racetrack since his stunning British debut here in September 2009.” RYE HOUSE experienced mixed emotions over the weekend, starting with an emphatic away win at Newport courtesy of four 5-1s in the last four races, with Jordan Frampton scoring a maximum – but the Wasps turned the tables the following night, condemning the Rockets to their second home defeat of the season. SCUNTHORPE have moved to sign 2010 British Under-21 Champion Joe Haines as a replacement for broken leg victim Carl Wilkinson. Manager Richard Hollingsworth said: “It is great news that we have signed Joe to cover for Carl. Joe will make his debut at Somerset on Friday, and then we have the double header on Easter Monday. We’ve got Somerset in the Premier League and then the Saints take on King’s Lynn.” SHEFFIELD star Josh Auty says there will be no panic buttons pressed at Owlerton following their home defeat at the hands of in-form Somerset last Thursday. Auty said: “Somerset had a rider missing and it seemed to make them stronger, but that’s not an excuse it’s just perhaps one of the reasons why they were able to beat us. It’s a great result for them. But I don’t think there’s any need for us to panic at Sheffield, it’s still very early days in the season and there is a long way to go.” SOMERSET promoter Debbie Hancock is taking nothing for granted as the Rebels bid to continue their storming start to the season in their Good Friday home clash with Scunthorpe. She said: “We might be top of the league and holding an unbeaten record, but I can assure everyone that there is no way any complacency will be allowed to set in. We fought hard to attain away victories at Ipswich and Sheffield, two of the more fancied teams in the Premier League, plus our away win at Newport as well, and we are in no mood to let that good work go to waste.” WORKINGTON promoter Keith Denham said his side had been given a real scare by a Redcar team inspired by Gary Havelock and ex-Comet Adam Roynon. Denham said: “There were some points during the night were I was getting frightened that we weren’t going to get the three points. I thought it was going to be a piece of cake but it didn’t work out that way. I am pleased, at the end of the day all you want is exciting racing and the right result, and I think we got both.” .... more
Thursday 14-April-2011 SLABON OUT
NEWPORT deal to sign Chris Slabon as a replacement for the injured Robin Aspegren has been called off. The Pole had been expected to make his Wasps debut against Rye House this weekend, but commitments in his home country have scuppered the deal. Co-promoter Steve Mallett said: “It's back to the drawing board as we press on to find a solution to our injury problems. At least Anders Mellgren is definitely with us from Friday evening when we entertain the Rye House Rockets at Queensway Meadows before the return at the Rockets base in Hertfordshire on the Saturday evening. “Rider-replacement is the likely option for those fixtures while we search for a new rider.” .... more
Monday 11-April-2011 WILKINSON OUT
SCUNTHORPE star Carl Wilkinson suffered a double break of his left leg during the Scorpions’ win over Rye House on Friday. Wilkinson was involved in a collision with Rockets’ skipper Chris Neath, who has an arm injury, and with Tero Aarnio still on the sidelines Scunthorpe are now without two of their regular riders. Manager Richard Hollinsgworth said: “We now have to work out what to do with the team. We’ll weigh up our options and work out what best to do. For Sunday at Leicester we have Hugh Skidmore in as a guest for Tero and will operate rider replacement for Carl. “David Howe was sensational. The track record, a full maximum and some great passing. He gave us everything whilst doing a great job as captain.” .... more
SOMERSET ON TOP
SOMERSET dream start to the season continued as the Premier League leaders backed up their win at Ipswich with a convincing home victory over the Witches. Reserve Dakota North followed up his paid-21 maximum at Foxhall with another full house at home, this time from five rides, and Christian Hefenbrock was also unbeaten by an opponent in the 59-34 win. Assistant Rebels boss Garry May said: “We said before this match that we needed to be focussed as Ipswich would want to try and exact revenge for our win at their place the previous night, and I think we showed that in the way the boys went about their business. “Everyone played their part in what was an excellent team performance and what we need to do now is to build on the momentum that we have started to develop as we go into our next set of matches.” .... more
EDINBURGH WINNERS
EDINBURGH boss Alan Bridgett had praise for former Monarchs rider Aaron Summers for a terrific display back at Armadale for his new club Redcar. Summers won four of his five rides on his way to a 16-point haul, but despite support from Adam Roynon it was the home side who were much more solid. Edinburgh ran out 56-37 winners in the Premier League clash, with Andrew Tully (13) clocking up his best score of the season so far. Bridgett said: “It was just the start we wanted with the whole side doing well. But full marks to Aaron for his showing, I doubt we will see a better visitor all year.” .... more
PL POINTS
BERWICK picked up all three Premier League points from an extraordinary clash with reigning champions Edinburgh. The Bandits broke the deadlock in Heat 4, which turned out to be the first of six successive maximum heat wins, but they still had to hold off a Monarchs’ fightback before confirming a 53-39 win. Berwick boss Ian Rae said: “It was a very strange match, not one anyone could have predicted with deadlock in the first three races followed by no less than six Berwick 5-1s! “Then Edinburgh started firing 5-1s back at us again, but the lads held it together and took a deserved victory, but I have to point out what a superb ride Tamas (Sike) took in Heat 7 to hold out the tenacious Craig Cook for four laps – amazing race!” .... more
RENE BACH OUT
NEWCASTLE home win over Rye House came at a huge cost with No.1 Rene Bach hospitalised with a broken leg as well as collarbone and rib damage. The Danish youngster was involved in a Heat 10 collision with Jordan Frampton and went into the fence at high speed – and the Diamonds also have a worry over reserve Kyle Newman with a wrist injury. Manager George English said: “This was a tougher match than expected and I’m delighted we won all points available, but that is secondary in our thoughts at the moment as we await the full extent of Rene Bach’s leg injuries in the hope they may not be quite as bad as they first seemed. “Kyle Newman also took a knock and is off to see if he has any broken bones in his wrist – again, we’re hoping not.” .... more
AWAY WIN
SCUNTHORPE boss Richard Hollingsworth reflected on a positive weekend after his side gained their first away win of the season with a 52-40 success at newcomers Leicester. The Scorpions achieved the result without injury victims Tero Aarnio and Carl Wilkinson, with Wilkinson’s recovery period from a broken leg projected at twelve weeks. Hollingsworth said: “Results-wise the weekend has been a tremendous fillip for the club. We’ve gained a point at Redcar, dished out a heavy defeat to Rye House despite our reserves having to have fourteen rides between them and now got within a point of the club’s record away win at this level. “At the top of the order David Howe looks to be right at the top of his game again whilst Ben Wilson has been a revelation and is matching him blow for blow. Viktor Bergström is riding as well as he ever has and this really could be his breakthrough year.” .... more
KRAMER MEMORIAL
SOMERSET have assembled a strong line-up for Friday’s Emil Kramer Memorial Meeting as they pay tribute to one of their most popular riders. Kramer was tragically killed in a road accident in 2009, and promoter Debbie Hancock says the Swede would thoroughly approve of the Rebels’ start to the season. She said: “I would like to think that Emil is looking down on us with some degree of satisfaction given the way the team have started. He was the consummate team man, and we have seven riders here that really want to work for the good of the team and that has showed in our results to date. “We have assembled a field that we think is worthy of Emil’s name and have tried to combine riders who had a connection with Emil together with some top Elite League riders and some of the current Somerset septet.” .... more
WITCHES
IPSWICH boss Pete Simmons was pleased to see his side bounce back from home and away defeats to Somerset with Saturday’s victory at Newport. The Witches, who were the pre-season title favourites, dropped seven points against the Rebels but got back on track with a 50-42 win in South Wales. Simmons said: “For us to lose our unbeaten home record in only our fourth meeting was very disappointing, but with a bit of everything included in the home meeting last week the entertainment value was top-drawer. "That great win at Newport on Saturday night helped put right the wrongs from the previous two days and my targeted five points from the three matches was nearly achieved. We must just forget all that happened against Somerset and move on.” .... more
Friday 08-April-2011 PREMIER NEWS
SOMERSET reserve Dakota North scored a stunning seven-ride paid-21 maximum as the Rebels confounded expectations with a 51-42 win at Ipswich. The Witches are the hot Premier League title favourites but dropped to a home defeat with North outstanding and fellow Australian Sam Masters dropping just one point. Rebels boss Steve Bishop said: “The boys were really up for this meeting and carried the form they showed at Newport last weekend into this match with them. Dakota was just superb tonight, his ride in Heat 6 to hold off Kevin Doolan showed maturity beyond his years. “We must, however, remain focused on that fact that Ipswich now come to Somerset tomorrow night (Friday) and they will be out for revenge, so we’ve had our moment of celebration, but tomorrow we will need to put our thoughts of our win to one side.” .... more
WILSON SHINES
REDCAR man Ben Wilson shone on his return to South Tees as his new club Scunthorpe collected a useful away Premier League point. The Scorpions showed a significant improvement on their previous matches on the road as they held the home side to a 48-45 win, with Wilson unbeaten in five of his six rides. Team boss Richard Hollingsworth said: “It makes it all worth while when you claim a league point away from home. This was a much better display and credit to all six riders who made it happen. “If I could have predicted Viktor’s (Bergstrom) great gate in Heat 14 then I would have maybe given him his seventh ride but he’d had two last places prior to that. Hopefully we can take that encouraging display into tomorrow’s (Friday) meeting against Rye House.” .... more
PREMIER LEAGUE
BERWICK director John Anderson has given his full backing to all of his riders as they prepare for Saturday’s home clash with Premier League champions Edinburgh. Anderson was pleased to put a win on the board against Redcar last weekend and says there are no plans to change the team in the long or short-term. He said: “There are some people who apparently disagree with our choice of our seven riders this year. That is their privilege, although I would hope to have their support for any rider we hand a black-and-gold race-jacket. “In the case of locally-based rookie Tamas Sike, we have every faith in his ability to develop over this first season into a rider who will become a solid scorer for years to come. Each time he has raced this year he has shown an improvement, he’s here to stay.” .... more
Tuesday 05-April-2011 SHARED EVENTS LATEST
SUPER 7 THE final two venues for the staging of this season’s major events have been announced – with Premier League newcomers Leicester joining the schedule. The Lions opened up to a 4,500 crowd at Beaumont Park last weekend and they will now host the Premier League Fours on August 7, with Swindon to stage the Elite League Riders’ Championship on October 15. Series co-ordinator David Hoggart said: “I was very impressed by the track and facilities at Leicester on a hugely successful opening night and we are delighted to be taking the Premier League Fours there in August. "And Swindon is a very worthy venue for a top meeting like the Elite League Riders' Championship in October.” .... more
NEWPORT SIGNING
NEWPORT have moved to sign reigning British Under-21 Champion Joe Haines after Alex Davies was ruled out with a broken vertebrae. Davies sustained the injury at Poole last Wednesday and Haines’ average places him in the Wasps’ top five, meaning Mark Jones moves to reserve. Manager Kevin Brown said: “We obviously missed the points contribution that a rider of Alex's calibre would have brought when the Somerset Rebels defeated us last Saturday. “We have plugged the gap with Joe being available and that will assist in our forthcoming fixtures against Sheffield away on Thursday and Ipswich at home on Saturday.” .... more
Monday 04-April-2011 PREMIER NEWS
RYE HOUSE manager John Sampford says the Rockets’ useful away point at Somerset on Friday provided compensation for last week’s home result. The Rebels won a thrilling contest 46-44 at the Oak Tree Arena, but ex-Somerset men Jordan Frampton and Jason Doyle combined for 24 points between them for the visitors – who were left to rue a Heat 12 stoppage for reserve Nelson. Sampford said: “That blown engine robbed us of at least one match point, as we were confident of getting a drawn result from Heat 12 rather than the 4-2 we actually conceded. “Having said that, we achieved the minimum target we set ourselves beforehand by taking away a match point, and it’s one that makes up for the point we dropped last week at home to Sheffield.” .... more
MORE PREMIER NEWS
SCUNTHORPE bounced back from their big defeat at Ipswich to get the better of another of the Premier League’s fancied clubs, Newcastle, at the Eddie Wright Raceway. Reserve Viktor Bergstrom (15+1) and new signing Ben Wilson (13+1) starred for the Scorpions, although the Diamonds snatched a point from the meeting in Heat 15 thanks to a 5-1 from Mark Lemon and Stuart Robson. Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “We’re in the entertainment business and that meeting was ten out of ten for entertainment. It was such a close match all the way through and to win the meeting was simply the icing on the cake. “Of course it would have been nice to grab the bonus point but as the season goes on I think we’ll more and more start to see this as two points gained rather than one dropped.” .... more
NEWCASTLE NEWS
NEWCASTLE secured a crucial early-season away win with a dramatic one-point success at Rye House. The Diamonds trailed by three points going into the last race but a 5-1 from Mark Lemon and Stuart Robson, with Jason Doyle falling on the last bend when chasing, turned the meeting in the visitors’ favour. Manager George English said: “Winning down here takes some doing, so we rightly have to pour ample praise on our big scorers tonight with Mark, Stuart and Derek Sneddon all catching the eye. “But we need to work hard with Rene Bach who is going through a rough patch at present, but we will get him back to his amazing best, for we all know when he is on top form he’s nothing short of stunning.” .... more
SOMERSET NEWS
SOMERSET promoter Debbie Hancock was full of praise for her side after a 50-43 win at local rivals Newport took the Rebels second in the early Premier League table. The visitors took the lead in the second heat and were never headed thereafter, a maximum 5-1 race win in Heat 14 sealing the victory and Cory Gathercole’s last-heat win making sure of all four points from the meeting. Hancock said: “All the guys deserve credit for the way they rode tonight, and whilst I wouldn’t want to single out any rider you have to say that Dakota North had a stormer of a meeting, scoring paid 12 from his five rides and this on a track he has never ridden on before. “The team were disappointed to have dropped a point in our home match against Rye House on Friday night, but they certainly made up for that in the best possible way.” .... more
ELITE NEWS
LAKESIDE promoter Jon Cook was appreciative of the efforts of Jonas Davidsson in the Hammers’ opening Elite League victory against Wolverhampton on Friday. The Swedish star rejoined the Purfleet club at short notice as cover for the unavailable Piotr Swiderski, and that arrangement could continue into next week. Cook said: “I have to personally thank Jonas for going the extra mile for the Hammers cause with his paid nine points that included the shepherding home of Kyle (Legault) to seal the match in Heat 14. That was what we had both hoped for. “He rode a bike that he had never seen before and an engine that, due to a mid-week mix up with his own, was our track spare so his performance was rather special. He is already keen to continue next Friday for us against the Belle Vue Aces and we will make a decision midweek on that one.” .... more
PREMIER SHIELD
NEWCASTLE collected their first national trophy of the season by lifting the Premier Shield in a tight battle with Edinburgh. The Diamonds took a two-point lead into their home leg but the Monarchs mounted a late fightback and the silverware was not secured until Stuart Robson’s race win in the penultimate heat. Newcastle boss George English said: “We really deserved this win and the trophy tonight, and it was just rewards for Rene (Bach) who really regained his form and is now looking forward to another record-breaking season with the Diamonds. “The Monarchs played their part and gave us a great battle, and a fine speedway meeting, and without worthy opposition you don’t get good speedway – so our congratulations and thanks to them as well.” .... more
Friday 01-April-2011 PREMIER NEWS
SCUNTHORPE manager Richard Hollingsworth believes Ipswich’s status as Premier League title favourites is well-founded. Hollingsworth saw his side suffer a heavy 69-24 defeat at Foxhall on Thursday, and whilst calling for improvement from his own riders, he also believes the Witches will provide the rest of the league with the toughest of opposition. He said: “Of course that kind of defeat is never acceptable. We are sorry we didn’t make a better show of things but everything seem to go against us. “To be honest it is difficult to see who can win in Ipswich with the side they have assembled. It is easy to see why they are favourites for the league so our riders have to draw a line under tonight and focus on Friday’s home clash with Newcastle .... more
Thursday 31-March-2011 GLASGOW HELD UP
GLASGOW start to the season at Ashfield has been put back until the middle of April with the Tigers postponing their next two home matches. This Sunday’s clash with Newport and next week’s match against Workington are both off with the club needing to ensure that all areas of their new track are fit for racing. Co-promoter Stewart Dickson said: “The problem revolves around an area from the middle of the back straight right round to the crown of the bend between turns three and four. Certain sections in that are exceptionally soft and the real danger is that they collapse during racing. “We can't have that, it would be far too dangerous, so having had a meeting with experts in their field, they have told us the correct remedy required to ensure that problem is eradicated.” .... more
Wednesday 30-March-2011 NEWS UPDATE
EDINBURGH No.1 Kevin Wolbert will be mounted on new machinery for the Monarchs’ Spring Trophy clash with Glasgow on Friday. The German has impressed on his Elite League level outings for Birmingham so far, but endured a disastrous home meeting for Edinburgh last Friday, scoring just one point. Wolbert said: “I spoke with Kalle (Katajisto) after the meeting about using an engine he has which was specially prepared for Armadale. I will try it on Friday, and if it is good I will buy this engine. Peter Carr has prepared it for the track. “The engines I have work at Birmingham and bigger tracks but it seems they are not OK for Armadale. I must score more points for myself and the team.” .... more
INGALLS OUT
WORKINGTON have confirmed that Kenny Ingalls will not be fit to start the season for the Comets. The American is still to fully recover from a broken leg sustained in a crash last year, and he is now booked for an operation in early April to have a rod in the leg removed, with a further recovery time of at least 3-4 weeks predicted. Promoter Keith Denham said: “With the Challenge match against Redcar on Thursday looming we have chosen Gary Irving to replace him. Gary went well at press and practice on Saturday and also had a further spell on Sunday with Rich Lawson to improve his gating technique. "We will use Thursday to gauge where we are with a replacement for Kenny and take it from there. However, we are still on the lookout for a full 5-point rider to replace Kenny during his injury lay-off.” .... more
Monday 28-March-2011 PREMIER SHIELD
NEWCASTLE took the upper hand in the first leg of the new Premier Shield competition with an impressive win at Edinburgh. The scores were level going into the final race but Stuart Robson headed home Monarchs skipper Matthew Wethers, and with both Mark Lemon and Craig Cook falling on the last lap it was the Diamonds man who recovered for third place and a 46-44 victory. Robson (13) and Lemon (11) were both in double-figures to give Newcastle the edge ahead of the second leg in early April. Team boss George English said: “This was an excellent all-round performance with Stuart Robson deserving a special mention, but it was also pleasing to see Rene Bach start to score good points again including a win which will only boost his confidence too, and therefore the Diamonds benefit as well.” .... more
PREMIER LEAGUE
SCUNTHORPE started their Premier League campaign with a comfortable 56-39 win over Berwick – a result achieved without the injured Tero Aarnio. The Finn was missing having hurt his arm at Sheffield on Thursday evening, but the remaining six Scorpions showed strong form, led by winter signing Ben Wilson with 11+2. Manager Richard Hollingsworth said: “There was plenty of passing and great racing from Heat 1 to Heat 15 and I’m chuffed to bits with how the side rode. David’s (Howe) confidence is back and he has ridden the last two nights like a number one. “It was great to see Wilko (Carl Wilkinson) back to his amazing best around here whilst Ben Wilson is a great capture on a sub-six point average. He’s now ridden in all three Heat 15s so it just shows how good he has been.” .... more
U21 SEMI
STOKE JASON Garrity headed the list of qualifiers for the British Under-21 Final with an impressive performance in the semi-final at Stoke on Saturday. Belle Vue youngster Garrity won four of his five races, dropping his only points when he was disqualified from his third ride for breaking the tapes, and he completed overall meeting victory in the final on the night. Garrity was joined in the top three by Ashley Morris and Shane Hazelden, with Ashley Birks fourth after falling in the final. The other qualifiers for Lakeside next month were Brendan Johnson and Steve Worrall, with Jaimie Pickard taking the reserve spot after winning a four-man run-off. .... more
PREMIER NEWS
SHEFFIELD boss Eric Boocock is taking the positives from the Tigers’ narrow defeat at Rye House in their opening Premier League match of the season. Home star Chris Neath completed a maximum in the final race to secure a 46-44 win, but Sheffield still took a point from the meeting for losing by less than seven. Boocock said: “It’s such a tough place to visit so for us to come away with a point is something at least and I guess you would have taken that if you were offered it before the meeting. “It would have been a massive result if we could have just got the win in that last race but it wasn’t to be. We still have to look at this as a positive.” .... more
Tuesday 22-March-2011 NEWS UPDATE
IPSWICH youngster Jerran Hart has won a call-up to the World Under-21 quarter-finals after a strong start to the season. Great Britain have been allocated an extra place in the meeting at Herxheim in Germany on April 17, and Hart has been nominated by Young Lions bosses Phil Morris and Neil Vatcher. The 20-year-old top-scored for the Witches with 12 points at Rye House on Saturday, and also won two races on his home debut two nights earlier. Hart joins Josh Auty and Joe Haines in the qualifier, and another place in the competition will be up for grabs from the British Under-21 Final at Lakeside on April 15. .... more
Wednesday 01-December-2010 PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS
NEWCASTLE have completed a strong top-three line-up with the signings of Rene Bach and Stuart Robson. Danish youngster Bach returns for his third season with the Premier League runners-up, whilst Sunderland-born Robson joins from Elite League Lakeside, with whom he is expected to double-up. Co-promoter Darryl Illingworth believes Bach, Robson and Mark Lemon will give the Diamonds a heat-leader trio to be feared. He said: "To say we are delighted to bring Stuart back to the North East is really an understatement. He has a few years left in him yet and while he joins us at this point in time on loan from Lakeside, we are still in talks to make it a permanent move. "Rene made it perfectly clear to everyone that he only wanted to ride for Newcastle next year as he regards it as his second home where he is well looked after both on and off the track. I firmly believe that in Rene, Mark and Robbo we have a top trio that will be a match for any other club in the Premier League." .... more
Tuesday 30-November-2010 PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS
NEWPORT Swedish star Kim Nilsson has agreed terms to return to the Queensway Meadows club next season. 20-year-old Nilsson was unveiled as the Wasps' third signing over the weekend, and he joins Australian duo Mark Jones and Todd Kurtz as confirmed starters. Manager Kevin Brown said: "Our Swedish international finished the 2010 campaign with a bevy of big scores following a consistent first full year in British Speedway. He can only get better and that is good news for our prospects to climb the table even further." .... more
Monday 29-November-2010 PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS
PLYMOUTH are set to be accepted into Premier League Speedway for the 2011 season. The Devils have applied to make the switch from the National League and, following King’s Lynn’s move into the top flight, the Devon club will replace them subject to terms and conditions. British Speedway Promoters’ Association Chairman Alex Harkess said: “With King’s Lynn moving up it created a vacancy for one more Premier League team and Plymouth’s application was next on the table. “We expect them to be racing in the Premier League next season subject to an inspection of the track and facilities at the St Boniface Arena.” Plymouth would be the third new club in the Premier League for 2011 with the other additions of Leicester Lions and Ipswich Witches. .... more
Wednesday 03-November-2010 PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS OF 2010
PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: Edinburgh PREMIER LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS: Newcastle PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP: Newcastle PREMIER TROPHY: Newcastle YOUNG SHIELD: Workington PREMIER LEAGUE FOURS: Birmingham PREMIER LEAGUE PAIRS: Sheffield PREMIER LEAGUE RIDERS CHAMPION: Kenni Larsen (Newcastle) .... more
SHEFFIELD 2011
SHEFFIELD have made their second signing for the 2011 season after agreeing a new deal with Australian youngster Hugh Skidmore. Skidmore has just returned to his home country after a successful second half to the 2010 campaign and he joins Josh Auty as a confirmed starter for next year. He said: "Scott Smith has been brilliant for me, helping out in every way possible. Shaun Gibson has also been there and made it possible for me and I would like to thank everyone who has helped me throughout the 2010 season. "Everyone knows who they are and I would like to thank the Sheffield management and my team-mates. I’m delighted to be back for the 2011 season." .... more
Monday 25-October-2010 PROMOTION/RELEGATION ?
NEWCASTLE came within one race of upsetting Elite League Ipswich in the first leg of the promotion/relegation race-off. The Diamonds, who won the Premier League play-offs, led throughout the meeting and were eight points up after Heat 9 inspired by Danish duo Kenni Larsen - who broke the track record - and Rene Bach. Ipswich rallied late-on and took the lead for the first time with a 5-1 in the last race from Scott Nicholls and Daniel King for a 46-44 victory. Both sides have injury concerns ahead of the second leg with Diamonds skipper Derek Sneddon joining their growing casualty list, whilst Chris Slabon and Robert Miskowiak both crashed out for the Witches. Newcastle boss George English said: "We may not have won but we did ourselves and the Premier League proud by only going down by two points and all credit to the lads - we know that the return on Thursday is going to be very hard, but we’ll be going for it!" .... more
YOUNG SHIELD
RYE HOUSE will take a twenty-point lead to Workington on Saturday as they look to end the Comets' stranglehold on the Young Shield. The Comets appeared to be doing a good containing job in the first leg of the Final at Hoddesdon only for the Rockets to fire in 5-1s in the last three races for a 55-35 win. Skipper Chris Neath surged to his fourth successive home maximum, whilst Linus Sundstrom was also unbeaten by a Workington rider and Jordan Frampton dropped just one point. Rockets boss John Sampford said: "We were desperate to build a good lead to take up to Cumbria this Saturday. Having lost by 30 points the last time we were there in the League, we knew we needed a healthy advantage and we finally got it, but only after a real fight." .... more
Friday 22-October-2010 LATEST NEWS
SHEFFIELD have already named Josh Auty as the first name on their team sheet for 2011. Auty agreed terms ahead of the club's end-of-season party and will spend a third campaign at Owlerton next year, on loan from parent club Coventry. Co-promoter David Hoggart said: "The fans have stuck by us this year, which we do appreciate, and we wanted to get this done quickly to put everyone's minds at ease. "Josh gives top value in entertainment and it's great to go into the winter knowing that he's already put pen to paper. He is the first, and we still have to talk to the other riders, but it's good to make a fast start to our planning." .... more
LATEST NEWS
BIRMINGHAM will be under new management next season - after owner Tony Mole confirmed that Graham Drury is leaving the club. Drury, along with wife Denise, has been promoter and general manager since the re-launch of the sport at Perry Barr in 2007, and the Brummies have had several strong seasons under his control. Mole said: "My company has reluctantly decided against re-engaging Graham Drury as promoter and team manager on cost grounds. "A team manager will be appointed in due course, but as soon as possible. "I take this opportunity of thanking Graham and Denise Drury for the sterling work they have put into making Birmingham Brummies the success it has known since the re-opening in March 2007." .... more
LATEST NEWS
STOKE promoter Dave Tattum has confirmed that this Saturday's Staffordshire Cup clash with Dudley will still go ahead as a stand-alone fixture. The scheduled first leg at Monmore Green was rained-off on Tuesday and cannot be re-staged due to stadium and rider availability issues, but the Loomer Road meeting will still take place. Tattum said: "I can confirm that the Stoke leg will go ahead on Saturday night and I hope it will be a good night for both sets of supporters. "Rumours had started to break that because the Dudley meeting would not be restaged due to the unavailability of the tracks at Wolverhampton and Birmingham, where Dudley stage their home meetings, that we would cancel our meeting. "But this is not the case and I'd like to stress that the meeting will be going ahead as planned." .... more
Tuesday 19-October-2010 LATEST NEWS
BERWICK wrap up their season on Saturday with a high-class field invited for the Bordernapolis - including 21-year-old Polish newcomer Borys Miturski. Bandits boss Ian Rae said: "We have a good record of attracting Poles to Berwick. Stan Burza and the Rempala brothers come to mind from recent seasons – now here comes Borys, and it seems his Polish club Czestochowa are very excited about his coming over here, as they are making very big mentions of his trip on their website!" .... more
LATEST NEWS
EDINBURGH will make their seventh appearance in the KO Cup Final when they face Newcastle at home on Friday in what will be the final meeting of the 2010 season at Armadale. Monarchs director Mike Hunter said: "Both teams have injury problems and much will depend on how the sides cover for their absentees." .... more
LATEST NEWS
KINGS LYNN aim to move into the top half of the Premier League table when they race their final team fixture of the season against Newcastle on Wednesday. Promoter Buster Chapman said: "Newcastle really are the form team of the moment having just qualified for the KOC Final as well as the Promotion Play Off Final, but on the flip side this means we have a lot to ride for and a win would guarantee the club finishes the season on a high." .... more
LATEST NEWS
NEWCASTLE boss George English heaped praise on guest Stuart Robson whose performance against Sheffield helped the Diamonds into the promotion/relegation race-off against Ipswich. English said: "Stuart was a magnificent replacement for the injured Lemo (Mark Lemon), and to bounce back after to that heavy fall in Heat 7 shows that they breed speedway riders tough in the North East." .... more
LATEST NEWS
NEWPORT senior riders will compete for the final time this season in the Prince of Wales Trophy at Queensway Meadows on Friday. Wasps star Craig Watson said: "It is a chance for the team which has gelled so well and really turned the season around to say goodbye to our loyal fans. Plus a rare chance for us to race against each other, it should be interesting!" .... more
LATEST NEWS
RYE HOUSE skipper Chris Neath says the Rockets are well-equipped to finish the season on a high, whether they face Workington or Scunthorpe in the Young Shield Final. Neath said: "We definitely won’t be lacking in the determination stakes for sure. We need a trophy this year. We started the season off so well and, yes, we did have a dip in the middle, but it would be really disappointing if we finish the season without something to show for our efforts." .... more
LATEST NEWS
SCUNTHORPE promoter Rob Godfrey remains optimistic that a 61-35 first leg deficit against Workington in the semi-finals of the Young Shield can be overcome - after rain wrecked the return fixture on Monday with the Scorpions 22-8 up at the time! Godfrey said: "Let's hope the weather is kind to us on Friday and we can get a big crowd in to cheer us on. Twenty-six points is a lot but, with the odd exception, we have been pretty good round our own track this year." .... more
LATEST NEWS
SHEFFIELD will stage an end-of-season party for riders and supporters at Owlerton on Thursday, with admission free. Co-promoter David Hoggart said: "The boys will be there to say their farewell speeches and we will be showing some footage from the season which has just ended. It’s a good chance for supporters to come along, get autographs and have their picture taken with our riders before we all head off for the winter break." .... more
LATEST NEWS
WORKINGTON have confirmed they will stage their home leg of the Young Shield Final on Saturday - if they can defend their 26-point lead at Scunthorpe in the re-staged semi-final 24 hours earlier! Comets chief Ian Thomas said: "Our supporters will have to watch events on Friday to see what happens and whether we have a match at Derwent Park on Saturday night or not. It isn’t ideal but that’s what we have to try and cope with at this stage of the season.” .... more
Monday 11-October-2010 LATEST NEWS
NEWCASTLE have booked their place in the Premier League play-off Final after victory over Birmingham in a thriller at Brough Park. The Diamonds secured a last-heat 5-1 from Kenni Larsen and Mark Lemon to overcome the Brummies by just two points on aggregate, to set up a clash with Sheffield in the Final. Larsen then scored a 15-point maximum in the second meeting of the day as Newcastle established a 23-point advantage over Birmingham in the first leg of their Knockout Cup semi-final. Diamonds boss George English said: "The team pulled well together once they got to grips with the night and did exactly what was needed in each match, with them just managing to win by sufficient in the play-off. "They then put in a decent sized win in the Cup to take to Birmingham on Wednesday, the day before we’re now at Sheffield in the Play-Off Final. We’ll be doing our best again, as we’ve done all season and here’s hoping we can sneak more success." .... more
LATEST NEWS
RYE HOUSE will face Newport in the semi-finals of the Young Shield after getting the better of King's Lynn in a last-heat decider at Hoddesdon. Skipper Chris Neath scored a paid maximum for the Rockets, and his Heat 15 5-1 with Linus Sundstrom made sure of their progression, with the Stars just two points adrift going into that race. But the win did come at a cost with reserve Kyle Hughes crashing in his sixth ride and suffering a suspected broken collarbone. Neath said: "People wrote us off completely pre-season, but we are fifth in the League table. We may not have been quite as dominant at home as in recent years, but all teams have to accept that’s going to happen at some point. "The boys have knuckled down and got their heads into gear now, and we’re ready for one more push." .... more
LATEST NEWS
BERWICK are making preparations for their traditional big end-of-season individual meeting, the Bordernapolis, which takes place on Saturday October 23. American star Ryan Fisher and Australians Travis McGowan and Ty Proctor are definite starters along with James Wright, Tero Aarnio, Craig Branney and Joe Haines. .... more
LATEST NEWS
BIRMINGHAM boss Graham Drury will be motivating his riders for a big push in an attempt to turn around a 23-point first leg deficit in Wednesday's KO Cup semi-final against Newcastle. Drury said: "This could be the last chance for the supporters to come out and see their team in action this season. Obviously we hope that won’t be the case and we will be doing all we can to turn around the deficit. Our boys will be fired up." .... more
LATEST NEWS
EDINBURGH overcame a 16-point first leg deficit to get the better of fierce rivals Glasgow in the Scottish Cup, taking the silverware by a seven-point aggregate margin. Monarchs chief Alex Harkess said: "We’ve achieved a lot this season but it is always nice to come out on top in a derby. We showed a lot of determination." .... more
LATEST NEWS
KINGS LYNN boss Buster Chapman is anxious to move up the Premier League table with wins in the Stars' last two fixtures against Newport and Newcastle. Chapman said: "Newport are a good team and have won their last six matches on the bounce so it should be a cracker but I believe we are good enough to overcome them and gain all three league points so we can move another place up the league. It is important to me that we do that because personally I do not want the history books to say we finished more than half way down the league after having so much success in the past few years!" .... more
LATEST NEWS
NEWCASTLE boss George English was delighted with the outcome of Sunday's double-header against Birmingham, with the Diamonds booking their play-off Final spot and building up a 23-point first leg KO Cup semi-final lead. English said: "The team pulled well together once they got to grips with the night and did exactly what was needed in each match, with them just managing to win by sufficient in the play-offs and then put in a decent sized win in the Cup to take to Birmingham on Wednesday." .... more
LATEST NEWS
NEWPORT overcame Berwick to reach the semi-finals of the Young Shield and will now face Rye House - with the first leg at the Hayley Stadium this Friday evening. Wasps stalwart Craig Watson said: "'We have got to keep up the winning mentality that we have developed since mid-season. I was always confident that we had a good side and stated that opinion consistently. We must take the opportunity to gain an advantage from the first leg as the Rockets can be pretty impressive at their tight and demanding circuit." .... more
LATEST NEWS
RYE HOUSE reward for a tense 94-88 Young Shield success over arch rivals King’s Lynn is a Semi-Final tie against Newport - and despite losing Kyle Hughes to injury against the Stars, Rye captain Chris Neath remains upbeat about the Rockets’ Final Four prospects. He said: “People wrote us off completely pre-season, but we are fifth in the League table. We may not have been quite as dominant at home as in recent years, but the boys have knuckled down and got their heads into gear now, and we’re ready for one more push." .... more
LATEST NEWS
SCUNTHORPE have signed 18-year-old Danish rider Thomas Jorgensen on a full contract for the Scorpions in 2011. Jorgensen defeated a strong field to win the club's inaugural Rob Woffinden Memorial Shield last Friday, ahead of Rye House's Ben Morley and another Danish rider Patrick Tarp. .... more
LATEST NEWS
SHEFFIELD star Ricky Ashworth says the Tigers are in great spirits ahead of the first leg of the promotion play-off Final against Newcastle on Thursday. Ashworth said: "After what we did against Edinburgh it just underlines that anything can happen, that was an amazing night and we’re buzzing as a team right now. We know Newcastle are a good side, they’ve got a lot of strength at the top end of their team but we know we can match them around our own track and I fancy us to be the stronger all-round side at Sheffield." .... more
LATEST NEWS
SOMERSET boss Steve Bishop says the Rebels restored some pride with their sterling Young Shield fightback against Scunthorpe, winning the second leg 65-29 after facing an initial 50-point deficit. Bishop said: "I doubt if many people would have believed ahead of the meeting that it would have taken Scunthorpe until Heat 12 to assure themselves of the aggregate victory, but that's how close we took them as we ran up our biggest home win of the season. I was immensely proud of each and every one of the team." .... more
LATEST NEWS
STOKE boss Malcolm Vasey says his focus is now firmly on 2011 after the Potters were dumped out of the Young Shield by holders Workington at the quarter-final stage. Vasey said: "It has been a difficult season for us through one thing and another and we now have to turn out attentions to team building for next season." .... more
LATEST NEWS
WORKINGTON will continue their defence of the Young Shield with a semi-final clash against Scunthorpe, starting at Derwent Park on Saturday - and the two teams could be perfectly matched! Comets boss Ian Thomas said: "I’m looking forward to the two semi-final clashes with Scunthorpe because on what we saw in the League there’s nothing to choose between the two teams. We won 56-36 at Derwent Park and 24 hours later the Scorpions beat us by exactly the same score at their place." .... more
Friday 08-October-2010 LATEST NEWS
GLASGOW co-promoter Stewart Dickson is hoping his side can overcome several injury setbacks and finish a difficult season on a high. They complete their Premier League campaign against Sheffield on Sunday with Joe Screen and Lee Dicken both having admitted defeat in their attempts to race again this season - whilst fellow reserve Jake Anderson is also unavailable. Dickson said: "It really is a case of going out and racing without too much pressure on them as there is no great expectation in this one. "Obviously the loss of these three riders is a great blow and it is almost impossible to cover for them so there is a greater expectation on the remaining four riders but all I want is for them to go out and race with spirit and see how well they can go. "Sheffield have proved what a good side they are as they are into the Premier League Play Off final after defeating the champions." .... more
Tuesday 05-October-2010 WEEKLY UPDATE
BERWICK have suffered a further injury setback with Jade Mudgway now on the sidelines, having suffered a cracked bone in his coccyx and bruised kidneys. Bandits boss Ian Rae said: "This is a real disappointment for the lad as he’s had such an amazing season, but these things can happen at anytime, and now he’s our fourth in a very short time, but at least they are not too serious injuries, although very painful. BIRMINGHAM boss Graham Drury insists his side have what it takes to overcome Newcastle in the promotion play-offs as they bid to set-up a Final against Sheffield. Drury said: "We need to apply ourselves in the correct and proper manner, we need to get a lead to take to Newcastle because they are such a good side and we will be up against it. We need all our riders firing on all cylinders and we cannot afford any mechanical slip-ups, we have to be on top form from start to finish.” EDINBURGH chairman Alex Harkess could not explain the reasons for the champions' shock collapse at Sheffield last Thursday as they exited the play-offs at the semi-final stage - and he now says they must focus on the KO Cup. Harkess said: "I cannot give an answer as to why it happened, it was as big a shock to me as it was to everybody else, but one performance like that doesn't change the team. We cannot dwell on it, we have to move on and concentrate on winning the Cup." NEWCASTLE will stage a massive double-header at Brough Park on Sunday when Birmingham provide the opposition in both the promotion play-offs and Knockout Cup semi-finals, to give 30 heats of action. Manager George English said: "It's far from ideal to host the same team twice on the same night in two different competitions, but really with this extreme fixture clog up, with the same club, there is no option and all we can do now is pray for good weather to come." NEWPORT boss Kevin Brown insists his side will avoid complacency when they face Berwick in the Young Shield on Friday - despite holding a 52-41 lead from the away leg. Brown said: "The lads will retain the high level of focus and commitment that it has displayed on a consistent basis since turning our season around from mid-July. We want to end the season with the prospect of silverware and so will be up for it from heat one on Friday evening." RYE HOUSE have been given a boost ahead of their re-arranged Young Shield trip to King's Lynn with the news that No.1 Linus Sundstrom - who would have missed the postponed fixture last week - is available to ride. Boss John Sampford said: "It’s going to be a tough tie to call, especially when you factor in the local derby atmosphere at both legs. Both teams will be going all out, for sure, and having Linus available for both legs will be a big plus for us." SCUNTHORPE boss Richard Hollingsworth says his side will look to keep winning races in the Young Shield at Somerset on Friday, holding a massive 70-20 lead from the first leg. Hollingsworth said: "We’re just going to try and win every race. If we go with that attitude we can get a decent result to keep confidence high and give us the momentum for the semi-finals. Obviously a night like tonight (first leg) does wonders for confidence so a good result next Friday will keep that up. It’s all shaping up to be a pretty exciting end to the season." SHEFFIELD are set for another big night at Owlerton on Thursday as they pay tribute to ex-Tiger Kelly Moran with a meeting against a USA Select - one week on from their stunning win over Edinburgh in the play-offs. Tigers chief Neil Machin said: "It will be a USA test team and the only American missing will be Greg Hancock because of his Grand Prix commitments. There will also be a lot of special guests and it should be another great night." SOMERSET will be looking to restore pride when they face Scunthorpe in the Young Shield on Friday, having crashed to a disastrous 50-point defeat in the first leg. Rebels boss Steve Bishop said: "To say that we are bitterly disappointed with both the result and performance is an understatement, but in saying that Scunthorpe deserve full credit for the way they set about their task, they were firing on all cylinders on Saturday night and were just far too good for us on the night. We are, however, a better team than we showed at Scunthorpe on Saturday and Friday night’s second leg is the ideal opportunity for us to restore some pride to the club." STOKE boss Malcolm Vasey was left to rue dropped points as Workington took the advantage from the first leg of their Young Shield quarter-final at Loomer Road. Vasey said: "A succession of falls and machine failures cost us dearly. The lads were really up for the meeting and it was very frustrating. With the mishaps that occurred we have tossed away ten to a dozen points tonight, and it has cost us." WORKINGTON'S defence of the Young Shield started well with a win at Stoke on Saturday - but team boss Ian Thomas insists the tie is not over yet. Thomas said: "It was a really solid team effort, spearheaded by Peter Kildemand and it was a great way to start the defence of our trophy. But we must leave nothing for granted. Complacency would be very dangerous. I can remember winning at Berwick and then the Bandits coming to Derwent Park and beating us here." .... more
MORAN MEMORIAL
SHEFFIELD SHEFFIELD and Belle Vue will both be major stops on the USA Touring Team's schedule as the clubs remember their former rider Kelly Moran. The American World Cup winner passed away earlier this year, and Sheffield's tribute - where Moran rode between 1989 and 1992 - takes place on Thursday. Tigers boss Neil Machin said: "It will be a USA test team and the only American missing will be Greg Hancock because of his Grand Prix commitments. There will also be a lot of special guests and it should be another great night." Moran moved from Owlerton to Belle Vue in 1989 and rode for the Aces for four seasons, and a Colts team will face the tourists on Monday. Belle Vue co-promoter Chris Morton said: "It was so sad to lose him at such an early age but the memory of him will certainly linger on. I asked his family to give their blessing to us running the meeting as an official tribute and, I am glad to say, they were happy to do so." .... more
Monday 04-October-2010 LATEST NEWS
NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE and Birmingham have agreed to contest a double-header next weekend in order to ease fixture congestion. The two clubs meet in the semi-finals of both the play-offs and the Knockout Cup, but recent attempts to race at both venues have been foiled by the weather. Now Newcastle will stage two meetings in one evening next Sunday, with the play-off clash being followed immediately by the Cup fixture. Diamonds boss George English said: "It's far from ideal to host the same team twice on the same night in two different competitions, but really with this extreme fixture clog-up there is no option and all we can do now is pray for good weather to come. "If we lose any more matches to these almost flood-like conditions, I'm not sure what the next step would be." .... more
Sunday 03-October-2010 PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS OF 2010
2010 BRITISH SPEEDWAY ROLL OF HONOUR PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: Edinburgh PREMIER LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS: Newcastle PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP: Newcastle PREMIER TROPHY: Newcastle YOUNG SHIELD: Workington PREMIER LEAGUE FOURS: Birmingham PREMIER LEAGUE PAIRS: Sheffield PREMIER LEAGUE RIDERS CHAMPION: Kenni Larsen (Newcastle) .... more
Wednesday 29-September-2010 LATEST NEWS
BERWICK BERWICK star Adrian Rymel continues to make encouraging progress from serious multiple injuries, and is now walking well with a stick despite suffering spinal damage. A club spokesman said: "Obviously, he has a long, long way to go to regain full mobility. We have to remember Adrian has a broken neck, a splintered shoulder-blade and a broken wrist in addition to his severely-damaged spinal cord – but to learn of all this progress is quite superb!” .... more
LATEST NEWS
BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM boss Graham Drury believes the return of Chris Kerr from long-term injury will give the Brummies a major boost ahead of two big semi-finals against Newcastle. Drury said: "Everyone knows how much we've missed Chris, and it's great to have him back. I think we're in for two cracking speedway matches this week, and obviously I'm convinced that we can get through to the KO Cup Final." .... more
LATEST NEWS
EDINBURGH EDINBURGH star Andrew Tully rode in George Stancl's Farewell meeting at Newcastle on Monday - and it helped him to iron out a major machinery issue! Stand-in team manger David McAllan explained: "Andrew discovered that when he hit the fence last Friday night he had actually bent the frame. He also had a spark plug problem but was able to sort it all out during the night. Better to discover these things in a Testimonial than in a Play-off!" .... more
LATEST NEWS
KINGS LYNN KING'S LYNN promoter Buster Chapman is calling on his team to finish the season on a high with success in the Young Shield - starting in their quarter-final tie with Rye House. Chapman said: "This season has felt flat after five massive years of success, but not all is lost and we should take this opportunity with both hands and finish the season off with a bang!". .... more
LATEST NEWS
NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE boss George English is bracing himself for a series of clashes with Birmingham as the Diamonds to make two more major Finals this season. English said: "We are concentrating on the Knockout Cup semi-final matches against Birmingham and, with Edinburgh choosing to race against Sheffield in the play-off semi-finals, it means we will be tackling the Brummies in that competition as well. We will be sick of the sight of each other by the end of the season, that is for sure!" .... more
LATEST NEWS
REDCAR REDCAR bring down the curtain on the 2010 season with an evenly-matched field doing battle for the South Tees Silver Helmet on Thursday. Promoter Brian Havelock said: "Predicting a winner of this year's Silver Helmet is a difficult task as there are so many riders who perform well at our track in the field. That makes it a great event for our fans to climax their season." .... more
LATEST NEWS
RYE HOUSE RYE HOUSE had named youngster Ben Morley to make his senior debut for Wednesday's Young Shield trip to King's Lynn in place of the injured Paul Starke - but that meeting has now been postponed and re-arranged for next Wednesday. .... more
LATEST NEWS
SCUNTHORPE SCUNTHORPE star David Howe paid tribute to ex-Sheffield man Sean Wilson after finishing second in the weekend Premier League Riders' Championship at Owlerton. Howe said: "I've got to thank Sean a lot for the last two years as he's really saved my career from looking like an absolute novice in the middle of 2008 to getting second place in the PLRC. I called him up for some help and he helped me at the time and we've just gone from strength to strength in our relationship. I've been with him two years now and I just can't thank him enough. I think he's one of the reasons I was standing on that podium today." .... more
LATEST NEWS
SHEFFIELD SHEFFIELD promoter Neil Machin wants to see more major events at Owlerton next year after the roaring success of the Premier League Riders' Championship on Sunday. Machin said: "I just feel we have the facilities and the location which make Owlerton perfect for the big meetings and I would welcome the opportunity to stage the British Final here. That would pull in a massive crowd." .... more
LATEST NEWS
SOMERSET SOMERSET are confident of overcoming Scunthorpe in their Young Shield quarter-final clash -despite Scorpions having had the better of things when the sides met earlier in the season. Promoter Debbie Hancock said: "Since then, I feel that we have become a much different proposition as our draw here against Edinburgh, the runaway League Champions, proved and I think that the fans of both teams are in for two great matches this weekend." .... more
LATEST NEWS
STOKE STOKE promoter Dave Tattum feels his side have the ability to cause an upset in their Young Shield clash with Workington this weekend. Tattum said: "On our current form I do feel we have a real good chance of beating the Comets over the two legs. They will be a difficult couple of matches but we have some confidence in the side now and hopefully we can take a lead from our home meeting up to Derwent Park for the second leg." .... more
LATEST NEWS
WORKINGTON WORKINGTON star Craig Cook escaped serious injury in a crash at Ipswich last Thursday and will be fit for the Comets' Young Shield campaign - although he will miss the home leg of the quarter-final against Stoke as he defends the National League Riders' Championship. He said: "I think the shoulder popped out of joint but it appears to have gone back in. I can’t remember much of what happened but I do recall someone saying it looked as if I’d broken something. I know I panicked when I heard that but that doesn’t appear to have been the case and I’ve got away with it." .... more
LATEST NEWS
SHEFFIELD SHEFFIELD promoter Neil Machin says his team are riding for their futures when they face Edinburgh in the promotion play-offs on Thursday. The Tigers go into the second leg as clear underdogs after losing 59-31 to the league champions at Armadale on Friday - and Machin was far from happy with that display. He said: "I will be using this meeting to see who wants it, who will respond after a dismal display at Edinburgh in the first leg. "I wasn’t happy with that, Eric (Boocock) and David (Hoggart) felt the same way, and we have to put the record straight. It could well have an influence on the way we see things and I want to see who has the desire to put things right." .... more
LATEST NEWS
SCUNTHORPE SCUNTHORPE have announced plans to honour club legend Rob Woffinden with a memorial meeting on October 8. Former rider Woffinden, father of GP star Tai, died of cancer aged just 47 in January, and the meeting will be run at National League level with several talented youngsters involved. Promoter Rob Godfrey said: "In Kenny Smith and Rob Woffinden we have two of the sport’s great personalities linked to this club and it was so cruel that they died so young. It is great to be able to honour them both over the next few weeks. "Just like Kenny, Rob was loved by so many in the sport. His widow, Sue, is going to present the trophies and I’m sure there will be a few tears shed around the stadium on the 8th as we honour a truly great man." .... more
PREMIER NEWS
BIRMINGHAM GARY Patchett has confirmed he will be handing Birmingham Speedway back into the hands of Tony Mole at the end of the season. Patchett, who has been leasing the club from Mole this year, says he cannot justify the financial outlay it needs to purchase the Brummies from Mole. Now it is widely expected that Mole, the man who brought the sport back to the city in 2007, will resume running the club himself for the 2011 campaign. Patchett said: "Sadly my tenure of the Brummies is coming to an end. When I took control of the club last November it was on the basis of a one year lease with an exclusive option to purchase the club outright from Tony Mole if and when he was able to deliver renewed planning permission. "However, that option was at a pre-agreed figure and given that Mick (Bratley) and I have now had the benefit of a season here I have come to the conclusion that the purchase of the club, at the pre-agreed figure and in the current financial climate, does not make sound business sense." .... more
NATIONAL LEAGUE FOURS
RYE HOUSE youngster Joe Jacobs is facing a hectic schedule as he bids to help the Cobras to success in the National League Fours at Hoddesdon on Saturday. Jacobs will be competing in the prestigious Golden Ribbon individual meeting in the Czech Republic on Friday before returning to line up for his club the next day. Rye House face Bournemouth, Buxton and Dudley in what appears an evenly-matched Fours contest at the beginning of a bumper weekend of National League action in Hertfordshire. The following afternoon, Rye House stage the individual Riders' Championship which features Craig Cook defending his title with home star Kyle Hughes looking for revenge after being denied by mechanical failure last year. .... more
Monday 27-September-2010 PLRC
NEWCASTLE'S Danish star Kenni Larsen was crowned Premier League Riders' Champion at Sheffield on Sunday evening. Larsen and team-mate Rene Bach both qualified directly for the Final after scoring 13 points, with Edinburgh's Ryan Fisher and Scunthorpe's David Howe coming through the semi-final. Bach required treatment after colliding with Larsen in the first attempt to run the Final, and in the re-run it was Larsen who went clear with Howe working his way through to second place and Fisher third. Larsen gets an immediate chance to show off his silverware in front of the Diamonds fans as he rides in George Stancl's Farewell meeting at Newcastle on Monday. Elite League stars Kenneth Bjerre, Rory Schlein, Danny King and James Wright are also included in the line-up. .... more
Friday 24-September-2010 LATEST NEWS
SHEFFIELD JOSH Auty will carry home hopes in Sunday's Premier League Riders' Championship at Sheffield. The talented youngster edged reigning champion Ricky Ashworth out of the meeting as his average this season is fractionally higher, and Auty is relishing his debut in the showpiece event. He said: "I'm so excited about riding in this meeting, it means everything to me and it will be a dream come true for me to ride in it for Sheffield. "I feel I can do well, I will go into the meeting with the attitude to win it, why not? If I don't believe I can win it then I might as well not bother turning up!" .... more
Thursday 23-September-2010 NEWCASTLE
SUPER 7 boss George English feels his top two riders both have a strong chance in Sunday\'s Premier League Riders\' Championship. Kenni Larsen qualified for the Sheffield-staged event as the Diamonds\' No.1, with fellow Dane Rene Bach also gaining a place in the top-quality line-up due to his high average. English said: \"With having both Kenni and Rene in the field at Sheffield and with the incredible way they’ve been racing of late we would be crazy not to admit we’re hopeful of having two on the rostrum. \"The one thing I do know is that my pair will give nothing but total 100% commitment to taking as many points as possible, and we cannot ask any more so we’re looking forward to the action in Sheffield.” .... more
PREMIER LEAGUE PLAY OFFS
SHEFFIELD promoter Neil Machin says his side are capable of pulling off an upset in the semi-finals of the Premier League play-offs. The Tigers will face newly-crowned champions Edinburgh with the first leg at Armadale on Friday, and Machin knows his team need to keep themselves in the hunt ahead of next week's return. He said: "The prospect of promotion to the Elite League is a long way off and our immediate focus is to do well against Edinburgh. "We congratulate them for their Premier League championship success and they will be looking for a big win against us on their own track. "But we'll have a positive attitude and if we can keep it close up there then there is no reason why we can't finish the job at our place next Thursday." .... more
Wednesday 22-September-2010 RYMEL ON HIS FEET
BERWICK SERIOUSLY injured Berwick star Adrian Rymel has stunned medical staff by taking his first steps since his crash at Edinburgh at the start of the month. There had been initial fears that Rymel had suffered paralysis after suffering severe damage to his spinal cord, but he has now walked over 70 yards around his hospital's gymnasium A Bandits spokesman said: "He has a long, long way to go to regain full mobility. We have to remember Adrian has a broken neck, a splintered shoulder-blade and a broken wrist in addition to his severely-damaged spinal cord – but to see him standing up, and taking these first steps, is just marvellous. "It is less than three weeks since his accident, and in the beginning his doctors would not even commit themselves as to whether he would be able to move all his limbs again, let alone get out of his bed and walk. "Now the authorities are telling him to slow down, and not take too much out of himself in his sessions in the gym!" " .... more
Tuesday 21-September-2010 NEWS UPDATE
BERWICK will be represented by former Sheffield man Lee Complin in Sunday's Premier League Riders Championship at Owlerton - with Adrian Rymel and Michal Makovsky missing out due to injury. Super7even co-ordinator David Hoggart said: "The addition of Lee will only add spice to what is an already very exciting line-up. Who can forget his win in the Garry Stead meeting here? He could be a threat on Sunday." .... more
NEWS UPDATE
BIRMINGHAM are bracing themselves for a double clash with Newcastle, having been drawn against the Diamonds in both the Knockout Cup and promotion play-off semi-finals. Boss Graham Drury said: "I know there’s a lot been said and written about how they beat us comfortably in the Premier Trophy final but this is a different situation. We’ve got our best reserve (Chris Kerr) coming back and facing Newcastle again doesn’t worry me one bit. I say bring them on." .... more
NEWS UPDATE
EDINBURGH Chairman Alex Harkess has explained the Monarchs selected Sheffield in the semi-finals of the promotion play-offs as they are confident of scoring heavily at home against the Tigers. Harkess said: "We've beaten Birmingham, Newcastle and Sheffield at home and away this year. However, we feel that we have the best chance of building a big home total against the Tigers. We're not taking anything for granted. Teams reaching the top four in the league have got their on merit and we'll give the Tigers the respect they deserve." .... more
NEWS UPDATE
GLASGOW GLASGOW are waiting to confirm a date for the re-arrangement of their home fixture against Sheffield which was rained-off last weekend. The Tigers are already out of the Young Shield places, having missed out in their vital away matches at King's Lynn and Rye House, but they will face fierce rivals Edinburgh in the Scottish Cup next month. .... more
NEWS UPDATE
KINGS LYNN star Kozza Smith feels the Stars still have the potential to finish a difficult season on a high. Smith told edp24.co.uk: "You have to remember this is a new team which has only been together about a month. We're still gelling but I think the Young Shield is looking good and we will be going to win. Once we start winning some home matches that builds confidence and you can take that away from home." .... more
NEWS UPDATE
NEWCASTLE completed a terrific season of home results with a 58-36 win over King's Lynn on Monday, with the Diamonds now looking forward to the Knockout Cup and the play-offs after securing second place in the table. Manager George English said: "Once again we hammered home a dominant win over a good side and in doing so have recorded the best home record in this year’s Premier League. But more importantly at this stage of the season it was an excellent match with some great racing and incident, and in that King’s Lynn have to take a good deal of credit for that too." .... more
NEWS UPDATE
NEWPORT kept up their impressive home form with a 57-35 win over Rye House on Sunday, and could well be a major threat in the Young Shield after a positive run of results in recent weeks, with Canadian star Kyle Legault scoring especially well. .... more
NEWS UPDATE
REDCAR will track a Select side this Thursday in a home clash with Team Viking, who include several talented young riders for their trip to the South Tees Motorsport Park. Bears boss Brian Havelock said: "'This is something different for our fans, but again it is a chance to see emerging talent in the world of Speedway. Our own Peter Juul put his marker down for a team spot after good performances for the Vikings in the Summer. It will also be interesting to compare the young Brits in our select against the young Scandinavians in the opposition." .... more
NEWS UPDATE
RYE HOUSE boss John Sampford is expecting a tough encounter when his side face arch-rivals King's Lynn, the Rockets having chosen to face the Stars in the quarter-finals of the Young Shield. Sampford said: "There is always a needle atmosphere when we meet the Stars. We’ve worked hard for the No.1 seeding over the whole League programme, but the timing could obviously be much better, with Robbie Kessler retired and Paul Starke now out with a broken collarbone. As always, though, we’ll take it race by race over the thirty, and give it our best shot." .... more
NEWS UPDATE
SCUNTHORPE have scrapped plans to bring in a new rider for their Young Shield fixtures, and have stated that Redcar duo Peter Juul Larsen and Tomas Suchanek will come into the equation to guest for the injured Jerran Hart. Promoter Rob Godfrey said: "They are my preferred guests, but it depends if they are in the country and available. It will be a help rather than bringing someone new in. Someone new won't have been to these tracks, whereas these riders have and will know the set-up from the beginning." .... more
NEWS UPDATE
SHEFFIELD co-promoter David Hoggart says the Tigers will be doing everything they can to shock league champions Edinburgh when the two sides clash in the semi-finals of the promotion play-offs. Hoggart said: "We’re pleased to have been able to qualify for the top four, it’s a fine effort by the boys after a tough start to the season. “The lads deserve a lot of credit for what they’ve achieved so far and hopefully we can round the season off in style.” .... more
NEWS UPDATE
SOMERSET have opted to face Scunthorpe in the Young Shield with the first leg set for the Oak Tree Arena on Friday October 1, and the return fixture the following night. Co-promoter Debbie Hancock said: "It is unfortunate that we have to leave this coming Friday blank, but given that it wasn’t until Tuesday lunch-time before it was decided as to who would be facing who, it left us no time to organise everything in order to stage the first leg this Friday and we would prefer to give our fans sufficient notice of the match rather than it be a last minute thing.” .... more
NEWS UPDATE
STOKE have re-arranged their final Premier League fixture of the season against Newport for this Saturday after the meeting was rained-off last weekend. Promoter Dave Tattum said: "We've arranged the meeting for this Saturday as we want to keep the lads race fit for the Young Shield play offs, rather than most of them having a two week break without a meeting. We are on a good run at the moment after our victories over Berwick and Rye House here the other weekend and we want to keep the momentum going into the play offs." .... more
NEWS UPDATE
WORKINGTON bosses thanked supporters for turning out in far from ideal conditions for the Comets' Knockout Cup semi-final against Edinburgh, with the Monarchs going through in a meeting curtailed after twelve heats due to the rain. .... more
Friday 17-September-2010 PREMIER LEAGUE RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP
SUPER 7 A NEW champion will be crowned when Sheffield host the Premier League Riders' Championship on Sunday, September 26 (5.30). The draw has been made for the latest Super 7even event which is sure to pull in a bumper crowd on the Owlerton terraces and in the luxurious Panorama Room restaurant. Reigning champion Ricky Ashworth has missed out by a fraction in the rankings and home representation comes from teenage sensation Josh Auty. Here is the full line-up: 1. Leigh Lanham (Newport) 2. Kenni Larsen (Newcastle) 3. Ryan Fisher (Edinburgh) 4. Taylor Poole (Stoke) 5. Lee Complin (Berwick) 6. Travis McGowan (Glasgow) 7. David Howe (Scunthorpe) 8. Linus Sundstrom (Rye House) 9. Josh Auty (Sheffield) 10. Rusty Harrison (Workington) 11. Rene Bach (Newcastle) 12. Cory Gathercole (Somerset) 13. Gary Havelock (Redcar) 14. Tomas Topinka (King’s Lynn) 15. Joe Screen (Glasgow) 16. Jason Lyons (Birmingham .... more
LEICESTER SPEEDWAY
NEWCOMERS Leicester have named their first signing for 2011 with Russian racer Sergey Darkin signing on for the club. The Lions plan to enter the Premier League next season at their purpose-built Beaumont Park facility, and promoter David Hemsley is delighted to have Darkin on board. He said: "As this is our first forage into the transfer market I felt that it was important to give fans a rider who they could immediately relate to in the new Lions team. "Sergey is a firm favourite with supporters who have already built up a deep affection for him after his high scoring exploits for the Lions in our three challenge match fixtures at Sheffield, Swindon and King’s Lynn." .... more
Wednesday 15-September-2010 NEWS UPDATE
EDINBURGH EDINBURGH co-promoter John Campbell says the club's top priority is to complete a League and Knockout Cup double. The Monarchs will be presented with the Premier League trophy prior to Friday's Cup semi-final clash with Workington, and Campbell is urging supporters to back their bid for more silverware. Campbell said:"In my mind there is nothing more important than the match against Workington on Friday. I'm really keen that we win the Knock Out Cup this year. "Our record in the competition is not great and we have to go way back to 1999 since we last won it. That's surprising as the best years in the Club's history have been the last seven. "The riders were telling me how wonderful it was when the 'wall of sound' hit them as they passed the fourth bend enclosure at Glasgow last week, and I'm sure we can get the same kind of atmosphere on Friday." .... more
NEWS UPDATE
WORKINGTON WORKINGTON will be able to track a full team for their Knockout Cup semi-final against Edinburgh this weekend with their injured riders fit to return. Danish star Peter Kildemand is back from a broken hand, and Richard Lawson's shoulder is much improved - and the Comets will also hand a debut to recent signing Casper Wortmann. Team boss Ian Thomas said: "Peter has been riding in Denmark and of course he helped his home country win the World Team Cup for Under-21’s at Rye House. Getting him back, fit and firing, is a big boost to our chances. “I spoke to Richard earlier in the week and he’s feeling 100% better than he was two weeks ago when he struggled to complete the home meeting with Berwick. His shoulder is a lot better and stronger and he's looking to score well." .... more
Tuesday 14-September-2010 LATEST NEWS
BERWICK BERWICK have reported the very welcome news that Czech star Adrian Rymel's severe injuries are responding to treatment. Rymel is in a specialist Glasgow spinal unit after a crash at Edinburgh earlier this month, and he now has movement in his previously-inert right leg. Club boss John Anderson said: "Of course, his broken neck has to heal after the operation, and his shoulder, which is ironically now perhaps the most painful of his injuries, needs to mend, but after all the fears over permanent spinal damage, everyone here at Berwick is so relieved and so happy for Adrian and his family. "This news makes everything else – the crash at Edinburgh, carnage in two matches with Redcar and the defeats against Stoke and then on Sunday at Newcastle – totally unimportant." .... more
LATEST NEWS
RYE HOUSE RYE House have made a team change on the run-in to the end of the season with Australian rider Jay Herne joining the Rockets. Herne started the season with Somerset but has been ruled out since the end of March after sustaining a wedge fracture of the vertebrae in a crash at Newport. Now he has joined the Hoddesdon club who still have a chance of reaching the Premier League's top four play-offs, with Robbie Kessler making way. Manager John Sampford said: "Hopefully, this change will help provide the spark that we’ve been missing as a team. We can’t change the past – the disappointment of the weekend’s defeats against Newport and Stoke – but we’ve got to go for what’s still available in the future. "We still have a mathematical chance of making the Play-Offs, and we’ll keep fighting for them until that chance is gone. Even if we miss out there, we still need to finish as high up the table as we can so that we get the best possible seeding in the Young Shield." .... more
PLRC NEWS
SUPER 7 LEE Complin will be hoping past experience of the Sheffield track will help him when he represents Berwick in the Premier League Riders' Championship on Sunday, September 26 (5.30). Complin has been called into the meeting following the serious injury sustained by Adrian Rymel and he is sure to revel in the surroundings. The West Yorkshireman is a former Sheffield rider who spent the early part of his career with the club and won the treble in 2002. And he gave one of the most memorable displays in recent years around the Owlerton circuit when he won the Garry Stead Benefit meeting. It's the sixth meeting in the hugely popular Super 7even series and is sure to pull in a bumper crowd. Series co-ordinator David Hoggart said: "Who can forget that wonderful performance by Lee in Garry's meeting, it was something special from the lad. "His presence in the meeting adds spice to what is already a terrific line-up and I'm sure the action will once again be fast and furious. "I believe the race for the title is wide open and I'm not sure if anyone can predict a result with any amount of confidence. I'm looking forward to a terrific event. "I know Joe Screen will be keen to win the title in his first appearance in this meeting and he is sure to take some stopping, but it really is there for the taking." Meanwhile fans can enjoy the action from the luxurious surroundings of the brilliant Owlerton Stadium restaurant - full details and menu are available from 01142 853142. LINE-UP: 1 Joe Screen 2 Ryan Fisher 3 Linus Sundstrom 4 Kenni Larsen 5 Jason Lyons 6 David Howe 7 Lee Complin 8 Gary Havelock 9 Josh Auty 10 Cory Gathercole 11 Leigh Lanham 12 Tomas Topinka 13 Rusty Harrison 14 Taylor Poole 15 Travis McGowan 16 Rene Bach .... more
LEAGUE UPDATE
BERWICK BERWICK owner John Anderson has admitted his relief at the progress being made by Adrian Rymel as the Bandits' No.1 deals with his serious injuries. Anderson said: "Dick Barrie and I were visiting Adrian, and we watched in delight as he demonstrated how all his limbs are now moving freely – just wonderful! After all the fears over permanent spinal damage, everyone here at Berwick is so relieved and so happy for Adrian and his family." .... more
LEAGUE UPDATE
BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM will honour the memory of their former promoter and clerk of the course Joe Thurley with Wednesday's individual meeting at Perry Barr. Promoter Graham Drury said: "When Joe passed away it wasn't a case of just losing a Clerk of the Course, it was a personal friend who we lost and I'm sure Joe would be more than happy with the field we've put together for this meeting in his memory. We have all of our regular riders and several track specialists, and I'm expecting a first-class individual meeting." .... more
LEAGUE UPDATE
EDINBURGH EDINBURGH skipper Matt Wethers says the Monarchs' strength in depth was key to their title success, with the team hitting a rich vein of form after an indifferent Premier Trophy campaign. Wethers said: "When someone had an off night, including myself, somebody else stepped up and got the job done. We all had our bad nights but we had the strength in depth to make sure another rider would put in the extra effort to get the result we wanted." .... more
LEAGUE UPDATE
GLASGOW GLASGOW gained a welcome home victory over King's Lynn on Sunday - but Stoke's away win at Berwick leaves the Tigers still outside the Young Shield places and in need of some big points during three matches in three days this weekend. KING'S LYNN are sweating on the fitness of No.1 Olly Allen for their fixtures this week after a crash at Sheffield in the Northern Riders Championship last Thursday, which caused him to miss the defeat at Glasgow. Manager Rob Lyon said: "Olly is suffering bruising and concussion, we badly missed him at Glasgow but hopefully he will be fully fit for this week’s matches." .... more
LEAGUE UPDATE
NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE boss George English admitted he couldn't take maximum satisfaction from his side's 67-27 demolition of injury-hit Berwick at Brough Park last weekend. English said: "We were completely dominant, yet it was an empty victory in terms of giving our public good entertainment as there was so little in opposition to test our lads apart from an occasional first bend here or there which is not our job. We have to win, yes and win well, but we have to keep the fans happy too so here’s to fulfilling wins in the future!” .... more
LEAGUE UPDATE
NEWPORT NEWPORT will be looking to complete a double over Rye House when the sides meet at the Hayley Stadium on Sunday, the Wasps having pulled off a shock win at Hoddesdon last weekend. .... more
LEAGUE UPDATE
REDCAR REDCAR switch their home racenight to Friday this week when fierce rivals Sheffield visit in a grudge challenge match. Bears boss Jitendra Duffill said: "If only we had started the season the way we are finishing it. We were delighted to win some silverware last week (against Berwick) and we have been stung by losing to Sheffield in April and May so it is certainly time for revenge." . .... more
LEAGUE UPDATE
RYE HOUSE RYE HOUSE boss John Sampford says his side must quickly put behind them the disappointment of losing at home to Newport last weekend, with Jay Herne set to join the team for their next fixture. Sampford said: "We’ve got to go for what’s still available in the future. We still have a mathematical chance of making the Play-Offs, and we’ll keep fighting for them until that chance is gone. Even if we miss out there, we need to finish as high up the table as we can so that we get the best possible seeding in the Young Shield."
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LEAGUE NEWS
SHEFFIELD
SHEFFIELD will showcase some of the sport's big talents for the future when they stage their popular Top Gun individual event at Owlerton on Thursday.
Co-promoter David Hoggart said: "We are very much looking forward to this meeting because these lads will give it everything they've got, there is no backing off in these events. And if anyone in particular impresses us we might just have to get their telephone number for next season - after asking their parent club, naturally!"
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LEAGUE NEWS
STOKE
STOKE seem to be set for a Young Shield place after a double success over the weekend - a vital away victory at Berwick, followed up by a home win against Rye House.
Manager Malcolm Vasey said: "We have had two powerful results over twenty-four hours and I really could not have asked for any more from the team. I don’t normally like to single riders out but I do feel Ricky Wells’ contribution was absolutely mega."
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LEAGUE NEWS
SOMERSET
SOMERSET boss Steve Bishop says his team can take real confidence into the final weeks of the season if they can get the better of new champions Edinburgh at the Oak Tree Arena on Wednesday.
Bishop said: "Being the side that they are, I am sure that they are not going to take their foot off the gas just because the league title has been won, and we will be in for a real battle. In saying that, however, we have been riding very well ourselves of late and it would be a real feather in our cap if we could be one of the few teams to inflict a league defeat on the Monarchs this year."
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LEAGUE NEWS
WORKINGTON
WORKINGTON will welcome Peter Kildemand back from injury when they face Edinburgh in the Knockout Cup this weekend - and the Dane has helped his country to victory in the World Under-21 Team Cup.
Comets boss Ian Thomas told the News & Star: "Peter will be our first world champion and that can only help us against Edinburgh. He will come back full of confidence and ready to race but at the same time he will be wary that the last time he rode around the Derwent Park track he broke his hand. We know it will be a tough test for us but we’re not frightened of Edinburgh."
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Thursday 09-September-2010
LATEST NEWS
RYE HOUSE
RYE House are hopeful of having key rider Jordan Frampton back in their side this weekend as they bid to pip Sheffield to a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Frampton has been out since suffering a knee injury at Berwick, but he could now make his comeback against Newport on Saturday.
Rockets boss John Sampford said: "Realistically at this stage, Sheffield are our strongest rivals for finishing in the top four. They are six match points ahead of us, with one away fixture at Glasgow to come.
"The worst case situation for us is that they win that for maximum points and take a ten point lead, so are current planning is that we have to go all out for wins in our final four fixtures.
"The positive news is that Jordan has been given the all-clear by his doctor today and is scheduling a private practice session. If he comes through that – and it is an IF at this stage – then we’ll be looking for him to ride against Newport on Saturday."
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Wednesday 08-September-2010
TODAYS NEWS
BERWICK
BERWICK have handed exciting Polish rider Grzegorz Strozyk a team place for the rest of the season after an 11-point haul as a trialist last weekend.
Strozyk will come into the Bandits side as a replacement for the seriously injured Adrian Rymel, who has now been transferred to a specialist spinal unit in Glasgow.
A Berwick spokesman said: "We had the option of going with guest riders at No.1 for the rest of the year, but we prefer to have our own men out there on track wherever possible. Grzeg was available on the doorstep, so we said let's give him a chance.
"Strozsyk is an ambitious young man - when his Polish club Wanda Krakow finished their season a couple of weeks ago, he packed two bikes into his van and drove to the UK begging races from as many British clubs as would let him ride trials after their matches."
Meanwhile Rymel will undergo an operation on Wednesday to adjust the broken area of his neck. The Czech star also suffered severe damage to the right side of his spinal cord, although he does have feeling down the right side of his body.
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Tuesday 07-September-2010
PREMIER LEAGUE RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP
SHEFFIELD THE line-up has been confirmed for the eagerly-awaited Premier League Riders' Championship.
And there will be a new champion crowned on Sunday, September 26, at Sheffield's Owlerton Stadium as Ricky Ashworth has failed to qualify.
Teenage ace Josh Auty will represent the home club after a fine run of form - but he will find it tough as the line-up has to be one of the strongest in recent years.
The meeting is the sixth in the popular series of events throughout the country and a bumper crowd is once again expected as fans throughout the country make the journey to the plush South Yorkshire venue.
Super 7even series co-ordinator David Hoggart said: "This is such an attractive line-up and I really cannot pick a winner. There's a mix of young, enthusiastic and up and coming riders alongside the likes of Joe Screen and Jason Lyons who have been there and seen it all.
"I'm sure Joe will be good value on a track he knows and likes. It's going to be one heck of a meeting and Sheffield Speedway are once again proud and honoured to be hosting the event on behalf of the British Speedway Promoters' Association."
Meanwhile fans can enjoy the action from the luxurious surroundings of the brilliant Owlerton Stadium restaurant - full details and menu are available from 01142 853142.
LINE-UP:
1 Joe Screen
2 Ryan Fisher
3 Linus Sundstrom
4 Kenni Larsen
5 Jason Lyons
6 David Howe
7 Adrian Rymel
8 Gary Havelock
9 Josh Auty
10 Cory Gathercole
11 Leigh Lanham
12 Tomas Topinka
13 Rusty Harrison
14 Taylor Poole
15 Travis McGowan
16 Rene Bach .... more
LATEST NEWS
BERWICK
BERWICK star Adrian Rymel's broken neck is reported as stable, but his spinal injuries require more immediate attention. He has now been transferred to a specialist unit in Glasgow following a freak accident at Edinburgh last Friday.
Over the weekend it was reported that he could move his left arm and leg fairly freely, his right arm with difficulty and he has feeling down the right side of his body.
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LATEST NEWS
BIRMINGHAM
BIRMINGHAM will honour the memory of former promoter Joe Thurley in a special individual meeting next Wednesday, with all of the regular Brummies competing along with former favourite Tomasz Piszcz and Elite League stars Ben Barker and Ty Proctor.
Boss Graham Drury said: "It's a meeting which has attracted a superb line-up and we're looking forward to it. We asked fans for their suggestions in terms of who they would like to see and we have delivered the goods. I think every Birmingham fan wants to see Piszcz again."
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LATEST NEWS
EDINBURGH
EDINBURGH secured the Premier League title with a blistering week of away wins, taking maximum points from their matches at King's Lynn and Stoke to make sure of their success, and then celebrating with a repeat performance at Glasgow.
Monarchs spokesman Mike Hunter said: "When we started the week, we still needed five points to clinch the title and had a lot of miles to travel. No task seems to be too much for this team who have covered themselves in glory to the delight of our travelling fans - just a few at King’s Lynn but hundreds at the weekend matches."
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LATEST NEWS
GLASGOW
GLASGOW are desperate to see their injury crisis ease as they attempt to break into the Young Shield places.
Manager Stewart Dickson told Speedway Star: "The worst of all is that all of these meetings are coming in mini-tours and putting a lot of stress on the lads. I would find it astonishing if we were not able to make the Young Shield with the team we have, but we are running out of steam and hopefully we can do it."
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LATEST NEWS
KINGS LYNN
KING'S LYNN promoter Buster Chapman has described Wednesday's home clash with Birmingham as vital to his riders.
He said: "I now need you all to look at this week’s match as one of the most important matches of your career, and squeeze out every last bit of effort and determination from yourselves so that the Stars can get back to winning ways and gain an important moral victory over Birmingham."
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LATEST NEWS
NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE had three maximum scorers - Kenni Larsen, Rene Bach and Mark Lemon - in their 60-35 win over Birmingham on Monday which makes the Diamonds favourites for the runners-up spot in the Premier League.
Manager George English said: "Now we’ve achieved second place again we need to secure it and make sure of the silver medal, so we can assure any opponents for the remaining league matches that we’ll be giving them all a hard run for their money."
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LATEST NEWS
NEWPORT
NEWPORT have elected to put back the staging of the Neil Street Kangaroo Cup, which was to take place on September 17.
Club owner Steve Mallett said: "The riders for the original date were being co-ordinated by Neil's grandson Jason Crump and Australian team manager Craig Boyce. However fixture changes and other commitments by several senior Australian riders has meant that a decision was taken to seek a new date when a first class field can be assembled."
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LATEST NEWS
REDCAR
REDCAR emerged from a bruising night at Berwick with just a four-point deficit in the first leg of the Tweed/Tees Trophy, which they will look to overturn at home on Thursday.
Boss Jitendra Duffill told Gazette Live: "Losing Carl (Wilkinson) and Greg (Blair) is the way our season has gone, but it was a good result in the end and it puts us in with a good shout of overhauling that deficit and winning overall on Thursday."
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LATEST NEWS
RYE HOUSE
RYE HOUSE could be boosted by the return of Jordan Frampton from a serious knee injury when they look to gain ground on the top four in their remaining Premier League fixtures.
Manager John Sampford said: "Realistically at this stage, Sheffield are our strongest rivals for finishing in the top four, and our current planning is that we have to go all out for wins in our final four fixtures. The positive news is that Jordan has been given the all-clear by his doctor and is scheduling a private practice session over the next few days. If he comes through that – and it is an IF at this stage – then we’ll be looking for him to ride against Newport on Saturday."
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LATEST NEWS
SCUNTHORPE
SCUNTHORPE have confirmed that GP star Tai Woffinden will be back at the Eddie Wright Raceway to honour the memory of former manager Kenny Smith in a big individual meeting on Friday October 15.
Promoter Rob Godfrey said: "As always, we want to end the season with some great meetings and I suspect that Kenny’s meeting or the Young Shield Final will be the last one for 2010. I’m confident we will have some more top names take part and I’m sure it will be the strongest field we’ve had at the Eddie Wright Raceway. Of course Tai is outstanding around our track after having two years here - but he didn’t win on his last visit!"
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LATEST NEWS
SHEFFIELD
SHEFFIELD have named an all-star line-up including Olly Allen, David Howe, Shane Parker and Mark Lemon for the re-staging of the Northern Riders' Championship on Thursday.
Co-promoter David Hoggart said: "The fact that we have been able to pull in this line-up so soon after the original staging of the meeting was rained off just underlines how much the riders love Owlerton. Our own riders, particularly the top guys, will have a real tough test against this standard of opposition and it should be a fantastic night of racing."
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LATEST NEWS
STOKE
STOKE manager Malcolm Vasey had no complaints after the Potters were beaten at home by Edinburgh, whose 51-41 victory at Loomer Road was more than enough to clinch the Premier League title.
Vasey said: "Edinburgh are a quality side and showed why they are league champions and the best in the league this year. I felt we did well and kept the hunt during the meeting and made a match of it, and I do still feel we can qualify for the Young Shield - but we now have to take points in our remaining home fixtures."
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LATEST NEWS
SOMERSET
SOMERSET boss Steve Bishop feels the Rebels' home victory over Newport was an important one in the race for a top-12 finish to make sure of progression to the Young Shield.
Bishop said: "Our win over Newport was vital to our chances of qualification, and this was helped by the fact that both Stoke and Glasgow lost at home to Edinburgh over the weekend. While we current sit in ninth place, clubs below us have matches in hand, but Stoke and Glasgow still have tricky away matches to come, so us having the ‘points on the board’ puts the pressure on those other clubs."
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LATEST NEWS
WORKINGTON
WORKINGTON will unveil new signing Casper Wortmann when they face Edinburgh in the semi-finals of the Knockout Cup on the weekend of September 17/18.
Comets boss Ian Thomas said: "Casper is keen to show that King’s Lynn slipped-up when they let him go. He scored four points at reserve when they visited Derwent Park in August. He actually won the reserve race, beating Richard (Lawson) and Kenny (Ingalls). He lives only five minutes away from Peter Kildemand in Denmark and we hope to have both of them riding at Edinburgh on Friday, September 17.”
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Thursday 02-September-2010
TODAYS NEWS
WORKINGTON
WORKINGTON have signed Danish rider Casper Wortmann to cover for broken leg victim Kenny Ingalls.
Wortmann recently lost his place during King's Lynn's major team shake-up, and he faces a baptism of fire for the Comets as he will make his debut in the KO Cup semi-final against Edinburgh.
He is unable to ride in this weekend's Cumberland Classic at Derwent Park due to a prior engagement in Denmark.
Manager Ian Thomas said: "It wasn’t working just relying on National League riders so we decided to try and bring in one who was experienced in the Premier League.
"Obviously there aren’t a lot around who fit the bill but Casper is keen to show that King’s Lynn slipped-up when they let him go."
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Wednesday 01-September-2010
LATEST NEWS
RYE HOUSE
RYE House star Kyle Hughes is hoping home advantage can help Great Britain when they complete in the World Under-21 Team Cup Final at Hoddesdon on Sunday.
Hughes is in the GB side to take on Sweden, Denmark and Poland, and skipper Tai Woffinden and Joe Haines are former Rye House riders. The quintet is completed by Lewis Bridger and Josh Auty.
Hughes said: "We’ve been wild-carded into the Final because it’s our home track, but I think that we would have qualified anyway because we have a strong team.
"We stand as good a chance as anybody else, and obviously this is a good British track because it is quite tight and technical. I’m not going to predict who is going to win the Final, but I just hope it is us and that we deliver our best out there."
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Tuesday 31-August-2010
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SHEFFIELD
SHEFFIELD made major gains in the race for the Premier League play-offs with a 51-41 away win at Scunthorpe.
The win lifted the Tigers into the top four, and their chances were further boosted by Workington's double defeat against Berwick over the Bank Holiday, which puts the Comets out of play-off contention.
Ricky Ashworth scored 11 for the Owlerton club a the top of a solid all-round display, whilst the Scorpions were heavily reliant on David Howe (16).
Sheffield boss Eric Boocock said: "It was perfect. They tried a couple of tactical rides but we were too good for them and I was really pleased with our lads.
"We want to make the top four, it's going to be tough and very tense, but we want to get in there and achieve as much as we can."
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KINGS LYNN
KING'S Lynn have recalled Chris Mills as they bid to get back in contention for honours in the final stages of the season.
The Stars will now have Adam Roynon at reserve as he has a new September average, which means they have space to bring back Mills in the top five. Cal McDade remains in the side as Roynon's reserve partner.
Promoter Buster Chapman said: "Speedway is ultimately governed by averages and on this occasion Chris had to sit out for the month so we could make the necessary changes, it wasn’t nice for him but he understood the reasons and is now raring to get back on the bike and score some points. He is a great guy and is very popular with the King’s Lynn fans.
"We gave a number of the Young Stars a chance to shine and Cal certainly did that. He showed us he has got the talent and determination and we believe he will score some vital points for us."
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BERWICK
BERWICK enjoyed a terrific Bank Holiday weekend with recent signing Marcin Rempala once again showing his worth with two big performances in the Bandits' home and away wins over Workington.
Team boss Ian Rae said: "They worked magnificently once again proving their team mentality is at an all-time high and again got the points they deserved to remain in equal sixth in the Premier League, and we have higher in our sights - just watch and observe!”
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BIRMINGHAM
BIRMINGHAM promoter Graham Drury has paid tribute to club owner Tony Mole after the Brummies' long-term future was secured as they gained permanent planning permission at a council meeting last week.
Drury said: "Tony Mole has invested so much time and money into this, he deserves all the praise. He is a remarkable man who refused to let this go, he was determined to see it through and now he's delivered what he wanted which is great. This has to be the biggest result in the club's long and proud history."
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EDINBURGH
EDINBURGH are closing in on the Premier League title following their comfortable home win over Somerset - although Newcastle delayed the celebrations by taking maximum points from Glasgow later in the weekend.
Monarchs skipper Matthew Wethers said: "It was a good night for the whole team, everybody chipped in with something, and our new boy Ashley (Morris) turned in a couple of good rides. We must just try to keep on winning."
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GLASGOW
GLASGOW No.1 Joe Screen suffered mild concussion in the home defeat against Newcastle on Sunday, and missed the return fixture the following day. He is hopeful of returning for the Tigers' trip to Scunthorpe on Friday.
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KINGS LYNN
KING'S LYNN will have Chris Mills back in their side with Adam Roynon at reserve for Wednesday's home clash with Edinburgh - and manager Rob Lyon is expecting a very different outcome to the Monarchs' big away win in the KO Cup on their last visit.
Lyon said: "That was a horrible match and I would like to think that our new number one, Olly Allen, will score a hatful of points. I also think the rest of the team feels more solid and less vulnerable, and with Adam Roynon now riding at reserve I believe we have every chance of beating the Monarchs this time round."
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NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE moved into the top two by completing a weekend double over Glasgow, with a 53-37 win at the Scottish venue backed up by a big 62-33 victory at home.
Manager George English said: "We know we’re unlikely to get the better of the leaders, Edinburgh now, but we are fully intent of holding this second place and making a real mark in the Play offs for the Elite League challenge - and if we make it to that then the top flight side had better watch out!”
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NEWPORT
NEWPORT defeated Sheffield 47-43 at the Hayley Stadium on Sunday and now travel to Birmingham on Wednesday and Somerset on Friday. The Wasps' next home fixture is their re-arranged clash with Glasgow on Saturday (7pm).
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REDCAR
REDCAR stage their annual Stars of Tomorrow event at the South Tees Motorsports Park on Thursday, with 12 riders competing over 12 qualifying heats with the top eight qualifying for the semi-finals.
Line-up: Ashley Birks, Robert Branford, Jason Garrity, Jack Hirst, Gary Irving, Nick Morris, Tom Perry, Paul Starke, Jamie Swales, Richard Worrall, Steve Worrall, Adam Wrathall.
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RYE HOUSE
RYE HOUSE star Kyle Hughes is building up to one of the biggest meeting of his career when he represents Great Britain in the World Under-21 Team Cup Final on his home circuit this Sunday.
Hughes said: "It’s going to be one of the biggest days of my life, and I’m really looking forward to it. There’s quite a lot of pressure. Obviously, I’ve not got the regular experience of riding against Elite League riders, but to be picked in the team gives me that shot. I just need to go for it; it’s on my home track, so there’s no reason I can’t outpace any of them."
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SCUNTHORPE
SCUNTHORPE boss Richard Hollingsworth couldn't hide his frustration as the Scorpions were beaten at home by local rivals Sheffield, a result which will damage their league position.
Hollingsworth said: "That was hugely disappointing and quite simply not good enough. We might not have had the rub of the green tonight but we were vying for sixth spot and had beaten Sheffield convincingly on their last three visits. We had one of the best home records in the Premier League but now we have lost three times and have no say in who our opponents are in the Young Shield."
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SHEFFIELD SHEFFIELD'S win at Scunthorpe on Monday, in addition to a point gained at Newport 24 hours earlier, has put the Tigers into the top four and in with a great chance of a play-off place.
Manager Eric Boocock said: "To be honest, we would have been there already but we have wasted so many points it's unbelievable. Hopefully we can put that right against Somerset and get all three points to keep up the pressure." .... more
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SOMERSET
SOMERSET promoter Debbie Hancock has underlined the importance of the Rebels' next two home matches against Newport and Edinburgh.
She said: "We must not let our great away win at King's Lynn go to waste by dropping points in either of our two remaining home matches. Hopefully that will be enough to see us through to the Young Shield,though there are a few clubs vying with us for a place in that competition."
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STOKE
STOKE promoter Dave Tattum admitted he didn't have great expectations for the Potters' trip to Rye House on Monday, which ended with a 61-31 defeat.
Tattum said: "With essentially four of our riders not having even seen the place prior to today it was always going to be difficult. I do feel we could have done with a meeting under our belts after a two week lay off due to the weather with the new riders having come in as we looked a team of individuals."
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WORKINGTON
WORKINGTON completed their League season with a second home defeat as the injury-hit Comets were beaten by Berwick.
Richard Lawson returned from a shoulder injury, but the Comets were without Peter Kildemand (broken hand) and Kenny Ingalls (broken leg), and they went down to 47-43 defeat which leaves them out of contention for the top four and now looking towards the Young Shield.
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Friday 27-August-2010
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BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM'S future has been secured after city councillors granted full planning permission for the continuation of speedway at Perry Barr.
The Brummies have operated on a temporary licence for the last four seasons and have had to make strenuous efforts to reduce noise levels for the surrounding area.
The steps have included the planting of trees to act as a buffer, temporary stands which also deflect the noise, a banning of airhorns on the terraces and strict time restrictions over when racing can take place.
Brummies co-promoter Graham Drury said: "This is a massive result, the biggest result this club has enjoyed in the four seasons since we have been back in the sport.
"Speedway is a wonderful family sport and the councillors complimented us on the work we had done to meet their requirements, they also noted how many youngsters come and enjoy the sport at Perry Barr and also the heritage of the club. We will continue to work with our neighbours and ensure a smooth relationship.
"I'm particularly pleased for (owner) Tony Mole who has worked so hard for this outcome, he deserves it." .... more
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GLASGOW
GLASGOW have handed Australian rider Jake Anderson a route back into the Premier League as fellow countryman Mitchell Davey makes way.
Andersen joins the Tigers having had previous spells this season with Birmingham and Somerset, and he will make his Glasgow debut against Newcastle on Sunday.
Co-promoter Alan Dick said: "There is no doubt that Mitchell was having a tough time and I think it was essential for everyone that we took him out of the firing line as it could have serious implications for him long term. His confidence is at an all time low and he is not scoring any points.
"The National League racing has done a lot for Jake and he is improving all the time, and we hope that he can score a few points for us in the coming meetings. He will miss a couple of our meetings as Dudley are racing on the same day, but by and large he will be with us for the rest of the season."
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Thursday 26-August-2010
TODAYS NEWS
SCUNTHORPE SCUNTHORPE promoter Rob Godfrey feels the Bank Holiday Monday clash with rivals Sheffield will be crucial to their hopes of finishing above the Tigers.
The Scorpions are putting on 30 heats of racing with admission prices raised by just two pounds, as the Premier League clash is followed by a National League fixture between the hosts and Buxton.
Godfrey said: "We’re not only looking to defeat Sheffield but we are desperate to win the bonus point as it seems like it might give us a chance of finishing above them.
"Not only should that give us a pick of opponent in the Young Shield but local bragging rights are always nice to have and it would be the first time we’ve ever achieved it.
"There are quite a lot of fans who like to travel from far and wide to come and see our Bank Holiday double-headers. I know there are fans that regularly come from North Wales and Oxford and they are just the long distance ones I’ve heard about.
"If they are prepared to come that distance to visit us then we have something special. I really believe it is the standard of our racing that attracts so many to travel and we have two first-rate opponents this week to boot." .... more
KANGAROO CUP
NEWPORT
NEWPORT manager Neil Street is to be honoured with a special meeting at Queensway Meadows on September 17.
The event will be co-ordinated by Street's grandson, current World Champion Jason Crump, and Australian team manager Craig Boyce, who are putting together "Neil Street's Kangaroo Cup" with a parade of riders of that nationality competing in an individual contest.
Wasps promoter Steve Mallett said: "'We were pleased to make the stadium available to honour not only one of Newport Speedway's greatest servants but one of the most revered names in the history of the sport as Neil has been a rider, manager, engine innovator and engine tuner in his long career.
"I have an idea of which Australian riders are being approached by Jason and Craig. Once confirmed then fans from near and far can look forward to something special on September 17."
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Wednesday 25-August-2010
TODAYS NEWS
SHEFFIELD
BERWICK'S Michal Rajkowski has been ruled out for the rest of the season following his crash at Shielfield Park on Saturday.
Rajkowski hit the fence when trying to avoid the fallen Derek Sneddon, who has apologised for the incident, and the Pole now needs an operation to repair damage to his left knee and lower leg.
Bandits boss Ian Rae said: "Michal has just been so good in recent meetings, and his loss will be felt by us all.
"After the crash he was actually trying to walk on it, and even told his father to get his spare bike warmed up - but the pain quickly overtook him and he had to bow to the inevitability of medical instructions.
"As a popular visitor to Shielfield Park, Derek's immediate and obvious regret about what was indeed an accident in every sense of the word has been fully accepted by Rajkowski and everyone in the Berwick camp."
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Tuesday 24-August-2010
PREMIER LEAGUE UPDATE
BERWICK owner John Anderson looked back on a sensational weekend which featured a big home win over title contenders Newcastle, with the Bandits following up by taking an away win at Glasgow.
Anderson said: "On Saturday we enjoyed the second-biggest attendance we’ve had since taking over two years ago, they saw us thrash Newcastle Diamonds 61-32 and then contributed a fantastic £1,411 - more than last season’s record return - to the Speedway Riders' Benevolent Fund Our new man, Polish ace Marcin Rempala, was paid for maximum points as we downed the Diamonds – and now we’ve been up to Scotland and tamed the Tigers and go into eighth place in the Premier League."
BIRMINGHAM are anxiously awaiting news from Thursday's council planning committee meeting which will determine their future at Perry Barr.
Brummies chief Gary Patchett said: "The people of Birmingham are superb and they deserve to enjoy their sport at Perry Barr. I would be shocked and stunned if the councillors turn it down now when you bear in mind everything that has been done to meet the planning requirements."
EDINBURGH have given their public backing for recent signing William Lawson, who has been struggling for form since his return to the club.
Promoter John Campbell said: "It’s not as easy as people think just to snap back to form after time off, all riders are different. We are all behind William and believe that he will regain the form that made him No.1 two seasons back.”
GLASGOW hope to return to full strength for their home clash with Newcastle on Sunday, with John Branney due to make his comeback after missing out on the Tigers' home defeat by Berwick - which leaves them with work to do in order to move into the Young Shield qualifying places.
KING'S LYNN promoter Buster Chapman is optimistic that his side can arrest their recent run of results when they face Birmingham home and away this week.
Chapman posted on the club's Facebook: "On paper Birmingham are a much stronger team than us but we don’t race on paper, the reserve changes should help and I think (manager) Rob (Lyon) has done the right thing pairing Lasse (Bjerre) with Olly (Allen). The team will be giving it 110% so I hope the fans get behind them!"
NEWCASTLE boss George English was pleased with his side's bouncebackability as they recovered from a big defeat at Berwick to secure a comfortable home win over Sheffield.
English said: "It’s good to see how quick this team can reverse a very negative night for us into a superbly positive one which means we can pile up as many league points to get up as high as possible in this years League table.
NEWPORT'S big floodlight launch night fell victim to the weather with last Friday's clash with Glasgow postponed. The meeting has been re-arranged for Saturday, September 4 (7pm).
REDCAR star Emiliano Sanchez is likely to miss the rest of the season with bad bruising to his hand.
Speaking to Gazette Live, boss Brian Havelock said: "The damage to his hand is worse than we first feared and Emiliano has a sick note which takes us past the end of our league fixtures."
RYE HOUSE boss John Sampford believes a top four place is still a possibility despite seeing his side drop two points in Saturday's surprise home draw against Scunthorpe.
Sampford said: "Normally, we expect to be defending a lead after the early stages, but tonight there was no lead to defend. We’ve got to try to re-group; to go to Stoke next Saturday and get a result that makes up for the points we’ve dropped tonight. We want to be a part of the promotion play-offs, rather than the Young Shield, and we can still get the results to make that happen."
SCUNTHORPE are considering their options for replacing Jerran Hart, who will miss the rest of the season after suffering breaks to his wrist, ankle and heel in a serious crash at Redcar last week.
Scorpions boss Richard Hollingsworth said: "He's in the main body of the team from September 1, so we won't be able to have a guest. Of course we can have rider replacement but that relies on the two reserves going well because they would have to have a minimum of 11 rides between them. The other option is to bring someone else into the side for the Glasgow match and the Young Shield but choices are limited to say the least and not without their own risks."
SHEFFIELD should have three key riders back for Thursday's home clash with Redcar after a series of problems before and during the defeat at Newcastle on Sunday.
Boss Eric Boocock said: "We're confident Ricky (Ashworth) will be fit to ride, Richard (Hall) should be available as well and Hugh (Skidmore) just needed that little bit of extra time to get over the shoulder injury. The only long-term casualty is Paul Cooper who won't race again this season."
SOMERSET switch to Wednesday night racing at the Oak Tree Arena this week when fellow Friday night regulars Edinburgh make the trip south.
Rebels manager Steve Bishop said: "The last thing we want to do now is to throw away all the good work gained by our win at King’s Lynn. It's not going to be easy, but then what matches are when you reach this stage of the season? We will need to be at our very best if we are to defeat Edinburgh."
STOKE manager Malcolm Vasey has high hopes for new signing Jeremia Thelaus, who has joined the Potters as a replacement for the suspended Claus Vissing and will make his debut on Saturday against Rye House.
Vasey said: "He was eager to come to Stoke and has bags of potential and is full of promise. He has very good equipment and also looked quick on the occasions I’ve seen him. After Claus was suspended for the rest of the season we felt that rider replacement was not an option and it was decided we’d bring the lad over.”
WORKINGTON remain in contention for a top-four finish and a place in the promotion play-offs having put in their best performance of the season to take all three points against title favourites Edinburgh.
Boss Ian Thomas told getnoticedonline.co.uk: "It was a phenomenal result. Edinburgh have only lost two meetings in the League all season until this and they can have no complaints. It was a hard competitive speedway match and with half a team it was a terrific result for us."
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Monday 23-August-2010
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SCUNTHORPE
SCUNTHORPE duo Tero Aarnio and Carl Wilkinson both recorded paid maximums in an impressive home win for the Scorpions over Redcar.
The home side triumphed 57-34 with Aarnio and Wilkinson unbeaten, and David Howe and Magnus Karlsson both dropping just one point to Bears riders.
The result gave the Scorpions a welcome boost after the news that Jerran Hart suffered three broken bones in his crash at Redcar on Thursday - a broken wrist, ankle and a sliced heel bone.
Aarnio said: "It was really my first maximum in the UK tonight. You can't count my previous maximum at Berwick as it didn't include Heat 15 so I didn't beat the hardest riders.
"Of course it was a maximum but this one, to me, is much more important as I was number 3 so I met all their heat leaders and Heat 15 is always the four best riders of the night so it feels really good."
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BERWICK
BERWICK duo Adrian Rymel and Marcin Rempala both scored paid maximums as the Bandits stunned title-chasing Newcastle at Shielfield Park.
The Diamonds crashed to a 61-32 defeat on a night where a win would have seen them make ground as rivals Edinburgh lost at Workington.
But the Bandits dominated and are becoming an increasing force around their home circuit - although they did suffer a blow with Michal Rajkowski's crash in Heat 8, from which he suffered a suspected broken leg.
Berwick boss Ian Rae said: "Everything is just clicking perfectly for us right now and I defy any team to come here and think they can take a win over us now.
"It’s awful that Michal Rajkowski has a possible leg break, and it looks like we’ll be looking for a guest or two over the next weeks, but our spirit has risen so well now that we should still be a force to be reckoned with for any side, especially at Shielfield Park."
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NEWS UPDATE
SCUNTHORPE SCUNTHORPE completed a positive weekend with an impressive draw at Rye House to move into the Premier League's top six.
Tero Aarnio kept up his fine run of form as he top-scored again for the Scorpions, and he and Magnus Karlsson ensured the 45-45 outcome by splitting Linus Sundstrom and Chris Neath in the last race.
Scorpions boss Richard Hollingsworth said: "That was the meeting of the season for me. This place isn’t easy to come to but all seven riders rode superbly. We had contributions from everyone and to get a draw at a place like this is exceptional.
"It’s a shame Carl (Wilkinson) was just pipped in Heat 14 because he was so close to winning it. It was great to see Viktor (Bergstrom) produce two outstanding rides. We got two 5-1s and he figured in both. It will do wonders for his confidence and it looks like he will be at reserve from September 1." .... more
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BERWICK BERWICK'S late-season run of form continued with an impressive away win at Glasgow.
The Bandits' fortunes have improved significantly since the introduction of Polish rider Marcin Rempala, who scored 11 points in the 48-42 victory at Ashfield.
Team boss Ian Rae feels his side have a good chance in the forthcoming Young Shield competition, although he is concerned by the potential injury absence of Michal Rajkowski.
He said: "Once again we’ve proved we’re a solid team unit now, capable of picking up league points at places which just two months ago no-one would have given us a slim chance of.
"We have one concern though, and that’s over the condition of our injured reserve Michal Rajkowski, who we’re still waiting the full word on with regard to his leg or knee injury. But if we get guests like Alex Davies today we’ll be okay as he was flying and did a great job for us." .... more
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NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE boss George English was pleased with his side's powers of recovery as they picked up maximum points against injury-hit Sheffield.
The Diamonds had been heavily beaten at Berwick on Saturday but secured a 56-35 win over the Tigers thanks mainly to 5-1s in the last three races.
Danish youngster Rene Bach scored a paid maximum, including his fastest-ever time at the venue, with Sheffield hampered by Richard Hall missing out due to illness and Ricky Ashworth pulling out with bruising after a fourth-ride crash - with Hugh Skidmore and Paul Cooper already on the sidelines.
English said: "That was far better, and it’s good to see how quickly this team can reverse a very negative night for us into a superbly positive one, which means we can pile up as many league points to get up as high as possible in this year's League table."
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Friday 20-August-2010
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SCUNTHORPE
SCUNTHORPE'S Jerran Hart has been ruled out for the rest of the season after a crash at Redcar on Thursday.
The Scorpions' teenage reserve was involved in a collision with Charles Wright and sustained a broken wrist with further x-rays required to determine the extent of leg injuries.
The news is also a blow to National League title holders Bournemouth, who had recently brought Hart back into their team in their bid to defend the championship.
Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: "Jerran was desperately unlucky to be involved in that accident and obviously we hope that he is soon sorted out, able to go home and we wish him a speedy recovery.
"We were also unlucky to lose the meeting. The referee’s decisions didn’t go our way tonight and with an even rub of the green I think we’d have got the victory we needed."
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STOKE
STOKE have moved to fill the gap left by Claus Vissing's ban by signing 22-year-old Swede Jeremia Thelaus.
Vissing is unable to ride for the remainder of the season after being banned by his Federation, and Thelaus will make his debut in Saturday's home clash with Newport.
Manager Malcolm Vasey said: "I’ve seen Jeremia a couple of times last season when he rode at Redcar and Scunthorpe in a couple of individual meetings and have kept my eye on him this year. He was eager to come to Stoke and has bags of potential and is full of promise.
"He has very good equipment and also looked quick on the occasions I’ve seen him. After Claus was suspended for the rest of the season we felt that rider-replacement was not an option and it was decided we’d bring the lad over."
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Wednesday 18-August-2010
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WORKINGTON
WORKINGTON will be without both Peter Kildemand and Richard Lawson when they face Premier League title favourites Edinburgh on Saturday.
The Comets will at least have Andre Compton back in the team after a recent lay-off but boss Ian Thomas knows his team face a tough test without Kildemand (broken hand) and Lawson (shoulder injury).
Thomas said: "I know already that Richard can’t be included on Saturday and unfortunately we can’t get in a guest at reserve. If this had happened after September 1 we would have been able to do just that.
"As it happens we have to book a National League rider to fill his place – and that’s a nightmare in itself. You can’t book a rider who is doubling up in the Premier League or who has ever had an average in excess of four in the Premier League.
"We have booked Steven Worrall from Scunthorpe Saints but of course it’s going to be a massive step-up for him taking on the Premier League champions elect."
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SOMERSET
SOMERSET enjoyed their best result of the season with a shock 48-45 away win at King's Lynn.
The Rebels dominated at the Norfolk Arena and moved into a ten point lead after Heat 9, forcing the Stars to use the double-points facility - but their late comeback was not enough.
Aussie youngster Sam Masters impressed with 12 points with veteran Shane Parker adding ten for a result which boosts the Rebels' chances of Young Shield qualification - whilst also heavily denting the Stars' aspirations of reaching the top four play-offs.
Somerset boss Steve Bishop said: "This was a tremendous result for the team, and one that showed just what we are capable of now we have a settled side.
"We were strong right through from 1-7 tonight and it was a measure of our dominance that we were disappointed not to have come away with a maximum four-point win under our belts."
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BIRMINGHAM
BIRMINGHAM remain on course for the Premier League top-four play-offs after a 53-41 win over Rye House at Perry Barr.
The Brummies celebrated their recent PL Fours triumph in front of their home supporters before the meeting and then put together another solid team effort to keep their good run going.
Australian star Richard Sweetman stole the show with a stunning effort in Heat 11, going from third to first on the run to the finish line to prevent the Rockets' duo of Linus Sundstrom and Stefan Ekberg from taking a maximum 8-1 race advantage.
Brummies boss Graham Drury said: "That was a big night for us and we're delighted to win the meeting. The fans enjoyed it and we saw some superb action, hopefully we can keep that going for the rest of the season."
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NEWPORT NEWPORT are gearing up for an historic meeting on Friday night when the club's new floodlights will come on during the Premier League clash with Glasgow.
The sport was run under lights between 1964 and 1977 at their former Somerton Park venue, but since the Hayley Stadium opened in 1997 meetings have generally been staged on Sunday afternoons, with the only night matches being in the height of summer.
The Wasps are planning a pre-match Happy Hour in the bar, and a firework display and karaoke evening after the racing, with child admission (5-15) for one pound.
Club owner Steve Mallett said: "It is a moment we have all looked forward to and I would like to thank Gareth 'Gazza' Ward and his volunteers for turning the project around in only six weeks.
"We now have more options over our raceday, plus we can attract more events to the stadium which is good news for the continuity of the sport in the city." .... more
Tuesday 17-August-2010
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NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE have recalled Adam McKinna for the closing phase of the season after a successful return from injury.
McKinna suffered neck damage in a late-May crash but has proved his fitness with Weymouth in the National League and now rejoins the Diamonds as a replacement for Anders Andersen.
Team boss George English said: "We’ve been monitoring Adam’s scoring at Weymouth and he’s been putting in some very impressive returns. So as we’ve parted company with Anders Andersen we think it is a good time to give him another shot at the Premier League with the Diamonds.
"His time with Weymouth has been a vital part of his recuperation and it’s fair to say without a good run in the National League he may not have made it back to the Premier this season."
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LEAGUE NEWS
BERWICK are hopeful that skipper Paul Clews' knee injury sustained in the Premier League Fours proves not to be serious ahead of the weekend clash with Newcastle.
Manager Ian Rae said: "The crash for Paul didn’t exactly help our cause, and the skipper seems to have hurt his knee, but we’re hoping not too badly as we approach the weekend against Newcastle. It’s a trophy that has not come our way, but we weren’t that far off the pace to be fair to the lads, but we weren’t good enough on the day to make the final."
BIRMINGHAM promoter Graham Drury described the club's Premier League Fours triumph at Peterborough as one of the best moments of his managerial career.
Drury said: "This means more than the other wins, with all due respect to our friends at Long Eaton and Workington. Birmingham is a big city club where success is almost expected and whatever happens this season we know we have delivered a national title to the city. It was a wonderful all-round effort by everyone involved and the fans were fantastic."
EDINBURGH skipper Matthew Wethers says the Monarchs need to keep their focus - after just securing all three points from an uncomfortable meeting against Berwick.
Wethers said: "I think a few of our guys need to take a look at themselves and pick up their performances. We are top of the league and I don't want to lose that, so I'm going to have a word with them and make sure they lift their game."
GLASGOW have matches in hand as they look to secure a Young Shield place, with their hopes boosted by their draw at Somerset last week.
Co-promoter Stewart Dickson told Speedway Star: "This result will give us a huge lift and hopefully will allow us a greater opportunity to cement our place. As I have said before, I cannot believe with this team that we might be struggling to qualify for it, but this does ease the problems a little."
KING'S LYNN will hand 17-year-old Young Stars' rider Jake Knight a Premier League debut in their home clash with Somerset on Wednesday.
Team manager Rob Lyon said: "We got a real buzz from last week’s match, and part of that came from watching someone as young as Lasse (Bjerre) go out and mixing it with the more experienced riders, therefore I feel we have nothing to lose but everything to gain by giving Jake this opportunity."
NEWCASTLE were left to rue a freak engine failure for Rene Bach which cost them the chance of progression to the final stages of the Premier League Fours.
Manager George English said: "Kenni Larsen’s engine sucked in the air filter in the Pairs at Somerset ruining our chances there, and now the self-same bizarre thing happened to Rene when he’d shot from last to first in his last ride only for the mechanical anomaly to stop his engine too and send him to the back, and again stop us reaching a final. It’s frustrating in the extreme as they rode well and deserved a lot more."
NEWPORT face Glasgow on Friday (7.45pm) in the first floodlit speedway in Newport since the sport closed at the former Somerton Park stadium in 1977. There will be a Happy Hour in the bar between 6pm and 7pm, a firework display at the conclusion of the match and a karaoke in the bar afterward. Also, Kids for a Quid as part of an historic evening for the club.
Commented club owner Steve Mallett: "The floodlights will allow us more options to consider about our race days and allow us to attract more events to the stadium, all of which helps the continuity of the sport in the city."
REDCAR staff have paid tribute to office manager Julie Lewis, who passed away on Saturday evening.
Club co-founder Chris Van Straaten said: "Julie's local knowledge and history of previous Bears promotions made her invaluable particularly in the initial years of Redcar Speedway. She was fiercely loyal and committed to anything to do with her beloved Bears with an energy that belied her years. Julie epitomised the qualities of many fine people I met while establishing Redcar - loyal, hardworking and outspoken. She will be sorely missed."
RYE HOUSE are desperate to get back into action this week to prevent them going cold in the run-in to the Premier League season.
Manager John Sampford said: "We really need to get the matches in again. Five match points from the Northern Tour gave us a real high, albeit with the loss of Jordan Frampton, but we’ve not ridden since apart from a disappointing eight races in the Fours. We need to get back into the groove again this week. We’ve got Birmingham away coming up on Wednesday, and Scunthorpe at home on Saturday, for what will be our first fixture at Rye House in five weeks. They’ll both be difficult without Jordan, although we can spread the load as the rest of the team will be eligible for Rider-Replacement rides. We’ll give both matches our best shots."
SCUNTHORPE were out of luck in the Premier League Fours as they went out at the semi-final stage on a countback having tied on points with Edinburgh.
Manager Richard Hollingsworth said: "The eight-race format is such a short one that anything can happen and nobody wants to come to a meeting and only get two rides. David (Howe) was winning his second race when he was wiped out and only got a second in the re-run. It’s disappointing but we have to take the positives out of the meeting and carry them forward to next week. We’ve got three meetings in three days and in the league and if we avoid any last places we’ll be winning matches."
SHEFFIELD take a break from Premier League action this week to stage the Northern Riders' Championship at Owlerton with several riders with successful records at the track included.
Co-promoter David Hoggart said: "This is a very exciting meeting for the fans to look forward to and there's a bit of rivalry between some of the riders. The Championship has a rich heritage and tradition, and I feel confident this meeting will live up to the prestige of the occasion. It should be a cracker."
SOMERSET celebrate ten years of racing at the Oak Tree Arena with a special anniversary meeting on Friday - which was postponed earlier in the season. The line-up includes Elite League stars Chris Holder, Darcy Ward and Mads Korneliussen as well as recent major event winners Jason Lyons and Ricky Ashworth.
Rebels promoter Debbie Hancock said: "We did say at the time that if we couldn’t get a line-up comparable to that we had for the original staging then we wouldn’t run the meeting, but I have had so many fans come up to me to say that they still wanted to have a celebration meeting. The riders we have booked have all had excellent meetings here on their visits to the Oak Tree Arena."
STOKE promoter Dave Tattum has confirmed that Claus Vissing has been banned by the Danish Federation until the end of the season.
Tattum said: "Claus informed us on Saturday and it is a bombshell for the club and supporters as he is a favourite here at Stoke. We are currently looking at all the options available to us."
WORKINGTON reserve Richard Lawson is set for an x-ray on his shoulder after crashing when taking a guest appearance for Sheffield at Berwick on Saturday.
Comets boss Ian Thomas told getnoticedonline.co.uk: "I certainly won’t be pushing him into riding again if he’s not right because I know how he had problems with the shoulder last year. He’s flying at the moment so this will be a big set-back to him if he can’t continue in the form he’s been showing and has to miss-out."
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Monday 16-August-2010
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BERWICK BERWICK kept up their strong run of home form with a 54-39 win from a bruising encounter with Sheffield.
The visitors were left waiting on medical reports on Josh Auty (back) and Hugh Skidmore (shoulder) who were both withdrawn from the meeting, and guest Richard Lawson also suffered a shoulder injury.
For Berwick, Lee Complin starred against his former club with 12 (paid 13), and every member of the home side was paid for at least one race win.
Bandits boss Ian Rae said: "Again this win has proven what an excellent squad we have right now with them all weighing in with good solid points, meaning if one of them has a duff ride it’s covered.
"Tonight they got all three league points and it’s nothing more than what they fully deserved. They should be proud of their work tonight." .... more
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STOKE
STOKE remain confident of securing a top-twelve finish and a Young Shield qualification place following a home win over King's Lynn.
The Potters were, however, limited to two points on the night as the 49-43 outcome left them just short of the mark required for all three.
Danish star Claus Vissing was in fine form with 16 points, but Stars' duo Olly Allen and Lasse Bjerre managed to hold off Taylor Poole in the last race to make sure of a point for King's Lynn which keeps them in the race for the top four.
Stoke boss Malcolm Vasey said: "It’s disappointing to have dropped a point, we had opportunities to put the meeting to bed but several incidents cost us, and that is a little disappointing.
"We need to be a little more ruthless in finishing teams off, but at the end of the day a win is a win and I still believe we can make the Young Shield play-offs."
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BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM were crowned Premier League Fours champions as the event made a hugely successful return to its spiritual home of Peterborough.
The Brummies, led by skipper Jason Lyons, won their semi-final and were then the most consistent team in the Final which they won by six points from runners-up Edinburgh, with Somerset third and Sheffield fourth.
Steve Johnston took the title-winning ride for the Perry Barr club, his third place in the penultimate race ahead of Edinburgh's Kalle Katajisto being enough to secure overall victory, and Richard Sweetman and Aaron Summers won two races apiece in the Final.
Delighted Brummies boss Graham Drury said: "It was a great team effort from all the riders and I’m really proud of all of them.
“It’s great to finally win a trophy this year after going so close in the Premier Trophy and the Premier League Pairs. Our supporters have also been fantastic, they’ve backed us all season and they were right behind us again this afternoon.”
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Friday 06-August-2010
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NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE kept up their impressive away record with victory at Redcar - and now the Diamonds are preparing for a crunch home match on Sunday.
They provided 13 of the 15 heat winners against the Bears, with David Howe proving an ideal choice of guest for the unavailable Kenni Larsen, as he scored a 15-point maximum.
The 50-40 victory takes the Diamonds up to third in the table, ahead of their crucial home clash with Edinburgh.
Boss George English said: "Once again, even with a lowly score here and there the team have pulled so well together to take another decisive away win and a one that nets us all four points.
"Now we look to Sunday back home at 6.30pm against the table-topping Edinburgh Monarchs, their new number seven, one of our former heat leaders, William Lawson and knuckle down to concentrate on what is our most crucial League match of the campaign yet."
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NEWPORT NEWPORT are offering a special admission deal for their clash with local rivals Somerset on Sunday.
The Wasps stage the National League Pairs on Saturday afternoon and then take on the Rebels the following day looking to continue a recent impressive run of form at home.
Promoter Steve Mallett has reduced adult admission prices to £10 for the Premier League encounter, with a family ticket for two adults and two children available for £25.
Mallett said: "It will have been a busy weekend at our Queensway Meadows Stadium with the staging of the National League Pairs Championship on the Saturday and the local derby on the Sunday afternoon so we want help fans with that.
"Also, speedway is a family sport and so two adults and two children can come in at a special rate. We are expecting a fair number of Rebels fans to make the journey over the Severn Bridge on Sunday so there will be a really good atmosphere."
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WORKINGTON WORKINGTON boss Ian Thomas says his side are very much in the race for a top-four Premier League finish and a shot at the play-offs.
The Comets have been one of this season's surprise packages and were close to an away win at Birmingham on Wednesday before having to settle for a point.
They will face one of their former riders at Derwent Park on Saturday, with visitors King's Lynn having redeclared their team to include Adam Roynon in place of Joe Haines.
Thomas said: "We have now done exceptionally well to pick-up a bonus point at two of the leading teams in Birmingham and King’s Lynn where very few teams get anything.
"We are clear fifth now in the table and if we can beat King’s Lynn on Saturday and get something from our trip to Glasgow on Sunday we are very much in there fighting for fourth."
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Thursday 05-August-2010
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RYE HOUSE
RYE House star Jordan Frampton faces a lengthy lay-off after it was confirmed he suffered a fractured knee-cap in his crash at Berwick last weekend.
Frampton already knew he had a dislocation, and doctors are now waiting for the swelling to subside in order to check for possible ligament and tendon damage.
Recent Rockets signing Robbie Kessler is also on the sidelines at present having suffered a foot injury in an accident on a trials bike.
Team boss John Sampford said: "We're obviously delighted with the five match points we gained (on Northern tour) – which pushed us back up to third place in the Premier League table – but have we paid too high a price?
"Jordan has contributed so much to the team’s results this year, and now we are left with trying to fill a huge gap."
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SOMERSET
SOMERSET have handed a team place to rising star Kyle Howarth after an impressive display in the British Under-18 Final at the Oak Tree Arena last week.
16-year-old Howarth finished third in the national event, and has already made guest appearances for the Rebels this season.
He replaces Jake Anderson at reserve and will make his home debut in the eagerly-awaited televised fixture against Glasgow on Monday.
Rebels co-promoter Debbie Hancock said: "Speedway is, unfortunately, a cruel sport and as we are starting to look ahead towards next year we have decided let Jake go in order to bring in Kyle.
"I would like to thank the Birmingham management for the loan of Jake over the last month and I would personally like to thank him for all of his efforts and wish him well at his National League club Dudley and for the future."
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Wednesday 04-August-2010
TODAYS NEWS
EDINBURGH EDINBURGH have bolstered their line-up for the Premier League run-in with the signing of William Lawson to replace Tobias Busch.
Lawson comes into the Monarchs side at reserve having previously raced for Belle Vue in the top flight this season, and it is a homecoming for the 23-year-old Scot as he has already spent four seasons with Edinburgh, including being No.1 for much of their title-winning 2008 season.
Monarchs spokesman Mike Hunter said: "Tobias was forced out of the side last week through severe problems with his equipment.
"William's arrival means that the Scotwaste Monarchs are fielding very close to the side they announced back in December that they wanted to track this season.
"The only difference is that German Max Dilger was then included in the septet, now replaced by Arlo Bugeja."
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STOKE STOKE have finalised the signing of German star Frank Facher in time for him to make his debut at Sheffield on Thursday.
The 21-year-old is joining the Potters on a full contract in place of the injured Hynek Stichauer, having had a brief spell with Berwick last season.
Stoke promoter Dave Tattum said: "I'm pleased to welcome Frank to the club, he is a talented rider who has done well on the continent this season and has made the World Under-21 Final.
"He is a young lad and has plenty of ambition and drive, and we're very happy to have added him to the team." .... more
Tuesday 03-August-2010
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SUPER 7 EIGHT top Premier League clubs will do battle for the prestigious Premier League Four Team Tournament title at Peterborough later this month.
The field is now known for the fourth in the Super 7even series of events which takes place at the East of England Showground on Sunday, August 15 (2.15).
Newcastle and Birmingham will meet in Group 1 in a repeat of the Premier Trophy Final alongside Sheffield and Berwick.
And in Group 2 Premier League title favourites Edinburgh will face Rye House, Scunthorpe and Somerset.
There's also plenty of interest for Peterborough fans with 2006 Panthers hero Richard Hall returning to his former track with Sheffield and David Howe also makes an emotional return to Alwalton where he started his career as a schoolboy. He represents Scunthorpe.
It promises to be a bumper day of entertainment with the parade taking place at 2.15 and the first race at 2.30pm with a bumper crowd expected with the tournament now back where it is regarded as home.
Super 7even series co-ordinator David Hoggart said: "You only have to look down this line-up to realise how tough it is to predict a winner from this meeting. It should be a very memorable afternoon."
Tickets for the meeting are available to buy online from www.peterboroughspeedway.co.uk.
Gates will open at 11am and the first race will be at 2.30 pm and advance online tickets can be purchased up to a 1pm deadline on the day of the meeting. .... more
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BERWICK introduced 25-year-old Pole Marcin Rempala, formerly of Ipswich, to their crowd during Saturday's home win over Rye House.
Subject to official approval, Rempala will join the Bandits in time for next Saturday's clash with Edinburgh in place of the injured Craig Branney, who is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.
BIRMINGHAM boss Graham Drury says the club's move to sign Klaus Jakobsen as an injury replacement for Chris Kerr comes at the right time with several important home matches to come.
Drury said: "Our guests have averaged seven points a meeting, but this month we wouldn't be able to use the same riders, the calibre we could pick from would be much lower so this is the right time to make a new signing. Klaus likes our circuit and he will come in until Chris is fit to return."
EDINBURGH boss John Campbell bemoaned a series of falls and other non-finishes in Friday's 49-43 win over Rye House, although the Monarchs remain in a strong position to continue their title bid.
Campbell told the Scotsman: "At Armadale we just seem to throw away points all the time and our riders seem to think that because we are unbeatable at home, it doesn't matter. But I knew Rye House would give us a run. Their track is similar to ours so it's perhaps just as well that Rockets skipper Chris Neath was caught in a traffic jam and missed his first ride. To drop a point wasn't catastrophic because I'm confident about what we'll do for the rest of the season."
GLASGOW'S John Branney missed the Tigers' home defeat against Rye House on Sunday following a horror crash at Workington the previous evening.
The encouraging news, however, is that Branney did not suffer a broken wrist as had been thought at the time, and he was released from hospital suffering from cuts and bruises. An assessment on his fitness will be made ahead of the trip to Rye House on Saturday.
KING'S LYNN promoter Keith Chapman is frustrated by the difficulty in making hoped-for team changes in a bid to revive the Stars' season.
Chapman said: "In all honesty it has been much harder to make them happen than we would have liked but I would like to assure fans that the wheels are in motion."
NEWCASTLE skipper Jason King spoke of his pride after the second leg of the Premier Trophy Final at Birmingham which saw the Diamonds clinch their first silverware since 2001.
King said: "It is a marvellous feeling and I am proud of what we have achieved this season. Kenni Larsen, Rene Bach and Mark Lemon were outstanding, and the rest of us all chipped in with a few points to take us to another away win. I don’t think Birmingham recovered from the shock of us taking a 5-1 in the first race over Jason Lyons, and we had Kenni and Derek Sneddon to thank for that."
NEWPORT gained another big home victory with a 60-35 win over reigning champions King's Lynn last weekend. The Wasps' next home encounter is a clash with local rivals Somerset on Sunday.
REDCAR boss Brian Havelock is looking for his reserves to make the difference when in-form rivals Newcastle make the short trip to face the Bears on Thursday.
Havelock said: "Tomas Suchanek has been gathering heat wins from the No.7 spot both at the Motorpark and on other circuits, while newcomer Peter Juul was tremendous with his initial race victory in Heat 14 in last Thursday's close encounter with Birmingham. That took us into a last heat decider. He has settled well and that could have been a breakthrough moment."
RYE HOUSE are waiting to discover the full extent of Jordan Frampton's knee injury, which provided the down-side of an otherwise positive Northern tour with five Premier League points gained.
Manager John Sampford said: "Jordan will have an x-ray once the swelling has subsided to determine the extent of the full damage. Even if he’s escaped with just a dislocated knee, he’s likely to be out for a month, or possibly more. If there is tendon damage or a break, it would obviously be much longer."
SCUNTHORPE promoter Rob Godfrey says more sides should go down the Scorpions' route of offering chances to young British riders, with Steve Worrall and Gary Irving currently sharing the club's No.7 berth.
Godfrey said: "As a sport we really need to do more to encourage young British riders because it wasn’t an easy decision to give Steve and Gary the opportunity to race in the Premier League. There should be strong incentives for young British riders to be used so we can keep bringing them through and not just relying on overseas riders."
SHEFFIELD skipper Paul Cooper is likely to miss the rest of the season after suffering severe concussion and a bone fracture in an horrific crash at the British Masters grasstrack event last weekend.
Tigers co-promoter David Hoggart said: "Paul is in good spirits and appears to be making good progress. If he has a good few hours and perhaps another night in hospital they may look to release him."
SOMERSET host a live Sky meeting for a second successive season when the Rebels face Glasgow next Monday - and promoter Debbie Hancock is hoping for similar entertainment to last year's win over King's Lynn.
She said: "It must say something about the club and track here at Somerset that Sky have chosen to come back here for a second successive season, and they have certainly picked an attractive match to broadcast. In saying that, there is nothing quite like watch speedway live and first-hand and I would urge all Somerset fans to make a real night of it and come along to support the guys on Monday evening."
STOKE star Lubos Tomicek is aiming to keep up his positive start to life with the Potters in order to earn a contract for next season.
Tomicek said: "I was quite nervous when I first came here because I had not scored well with my previous club, Somerset, and I had to come in at Stoke as No.1. I wasn't ready for that, but the club and the rest of the team have helped me to settle down and now I just feel so much better about my racing."
WORKINGTON boss Ian Thomas is getting set for a Cup semi-final showdown with Edinburgh - after the Monarchs' astonishing 56-34 first leg win at King's Lynn last week.
Thomas told getnoticedonline.co.uk: "I have to be honest and say that score in reverse is what you have come to expect at the Norfolk Arena. I imagine it will be a long, long time since King's Lynn lost anything near as badly as that."
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Monday 02-August-2010
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RYE HOUSE RYE House kicked off their Northern tour with a useful away point at Premier League leaders Edinburgh.
The Monarchs extended their advantage at the top of the table with a 49-43 win but were limited to two points from the meeting after a last-heat Rockets' 5-1.
Jordan Frampton and Linus Sundstrom were the men to give the visitors some reward from the meeting, which was a boost to their chances of reaching the play-offs.
Rye boss John Sampford said: "It was a superb effort by the boys, absolutely brilliant. To be 14 points down at one stage, and then come back and get a match point at the home of the champions elect, is simply fantastic. The boys were determined to get back to their best form after last week’s hammering at Workington, and they made up for that result in a big, big way tonight."
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BERWICK BERWICK produced a dramatic late comeback to secure maximum points against Rye House in a true meeting of two halves.
The Bandits were under pressure against a Rockets side re-enforced by the appearance of Shielfield Park track specialist Josef Franc as a guest at reserve - and the Czech rider piled up 17 points.
It took Berwick nine races to manage a heat winner, skipper Paul Clews rounding Jordan Frampton to take the flag, and the visitors' early eight point lead was eventually overturned by a 5-1 in Heat 11 with the Bandits then keeping the momentum going to the end for a 50-40 outcome.
Club owner John Anderson said: "The team's character thankfully shone through for the last few heats and they bounced back wonderfully well despite the demoralising opening races. They did an excellent job to win so well."
Berwick also introduced 25-year-old Polish rider Marcin Rempala as a new signing, subject to approval, to replace the injured Craig Branney.
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BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM have moved to sign Danish rider Klaus Jakobsen as an injury replacement for Chris Kerr.
Jakobsen, whose previous Premier League experience has been with Stoke, joins the Perry Barr club on a 5.35 average and will make his debut on Wednesday against Workington.
Brummies boss Graham Drury made the change with Kerr's leg not yet strong enough for a racing return.
Drury said: "Klaus is a rider I have rated for some time, and he has a good record around Perry Barr which is important as we have a number of home matches coming up this month.
"He likes our circuit and he will come in until Chris is fit to return, so I've told him to impress us and give us a tough decision to make."
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SHEFFIELD SHEFFIELD skipper Paul Cooper is in hospital following an horrific high speed crash in the British Masters grasstrack event.
Cooper, a talented all-round motoryclist, suffered concussion and a bone injury and was airlifted to hospital after the crash at Rhodes Minnis in Kent.
Sheffield co-promoter David Hoggart said: "It's early days but this was a nasty crash and Paul has fractured a bone at the base of his skull where the neck joins and has suffered severe concussion although I understand the fracture has not separated.
"The hospital will carry out regular observations following the head injury and once Paul has passed through a period of stability they will then make a decision on treatment."
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RYE HOUSE RYE House boosted their bid for a play-off place with an impressive 49-42 win at Glasgow - giving them a total of five points from their Northern tour.
The result came despite the absence of second heat-leader Jordan Frampton, who has been diagnosed with a dislocated and possibly broken kneecap following a crash at Berwick on Saturday. He could face several weeks on the sidelines.
Swedish star Linus Sundstrom headed up a solid all-round effort by the Rockets at Ashfield with 13-points, as the Hoddeson men went third in the Premier League table.
Manager John Sampford said: "When we lost Jordan, we thought we would end up making up the numbers at Glasgow, but we got off to a wonderful start with maximums from the first two heats and we just went for it from there. Everyone played their part, and got stuck in for points.
"Jordan will have an x-ray once the swelling has subsided to determine the full extent of the damage. Even if he’s escaped with just a dislocated knee, he’s likely to be out for a month, or possibly more. If there is tendon damage or a break, it would obviously be much longer."
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NEWCASTLE NEWCASTLE manager George English praised the riders of both teams for completing the Diamonds' clash with Scunthorpe despite heavy rain.
The home side won 53-39 in a meeting delayed by over an hour and a half following a mid-meeting downpour, with Kenni Larsen romping to yet another maximum for the Diamonds.
English said: "All the lads of both sides showed great character in taking the huge rain-delay in their strides, especially the Newcastle seven who raced so bravely in the wet to take a superb and well deserved win.
"I have to thank all 14 riders for their determination to finish the meeting, as well as the amazing work from the track staff and the excellent control shown by the match referee Chris Durno. Also all the fans deserve a huge vote of thanks for their patience under very difficult circumstances."
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Friday 30-July-2010
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EDINBURGH GLASGOW have re-called Australian youngster Mitchell Davey after a lengthy injury absence.
Davey returns to the Tigers team for the remainder of the season, starting at Workington on Saturday, as a replacement for Jamie Courtney.
Co-promoter Alan Dick said: "I know that Mitchell has perhaps not hit the heights that we think he is capable of but we still see plenty there that suggests he can take huge jumps in the sport. We need him back on the track and we need him to build his confidence as that, I think, is a major issue with Mitch and hopefully he can hit the ground running. Jamie came here with high hopes but he has not really been able to be as consistent as he would have liked. He does have ability and I hope a move to another track will kickstart his career." .... more
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WORKINGTON WORKINGTON'S Danish star Peter Kildemand will miss at least their next two matches after suffering damaged foot ligaments in a crash last weekend.
Kildemand was competing in his national Under-21 Final and although he was able to take his remaining rides, he has been in pain since.
Comets boss Ian Thomas said: "Peter thought he’d got away with it because he was able to complete the meeting but the pain and discomfort since then has just got worse. He’s been told at hospital that he could be out for up to two weeks so he will definitely miss Saturday’s home match with Glasgow and next Wednesday night’s trip to Birmingham. We will assess the situation ahead of the home match on August 7 against King’s Lynn.” .... more
Tuesday 27-July-2010
LATEST NEWS
BERWICK owner John Anderson has paid tribute to former team manager Dave Peet, who has now been succeeded in the position by Ian Rae.
Anderson said: "I cannot emphasise how much Lynda Waite - who also stepped down from her role with the promoting company this week - and I benefitted from Dave’s knowledge and experience since we took over this club. Neither of us had any real experience in speedway administration, and Dave guided us wisely in so many ways."
BIRMINGHAM skipper Jason Lyons says his side can still produce a massive fightback in the second leg of the Premier Trophy Final - despite facing a 22-point first leg deficit against Newcastle.
Lyons said: "We haven't thrown this away, we know we can beat Newcastle by the same score at home and that's our aim although I have to say we all left Newcastle pretty cheesed off on Sunday."
EDINBURGH star Kalle Katajisto has been forced to take a week out of action after suffering a foot injury in the Monarch's Premier Trophy defeat at Glasgow on Sunday.
Katajisto told The Scotsman: "There is no point in riding unless I'm 100 per cent fit and you cannot race speedway if you cannot walk. My foot is still very sore and I cannot put any weight on it. Hopefully the rest will do me good and I'll be ready to race again for the team next week."
GLASGOW skipper Lee Dicken is a doubt for the Tigers' trip to Workington on Saturday - but he avoided serious injury in a crash at Ashfield last weekend.
Dicken and Edinburgh's Kalle Katajisto were both brought down when Tobias Busch shed a chain, but a visit to hospital confirmed Dicken had not broken his collarbone, although he could have some muscle damage.
KING'S LYNN boss Rob Lyon has threatened team changes if the Stars do not come up to scratch in this week's important Cup-tie against Edinburgh.
Lyon said: "I know that the team isn’t performing like it should do but the guys know how important this match is and have all pledged to give it 110%. So let’s get behind them and give them the support they deserve, then if they don’t come up with the goods I will unfortunately be forced to make changes."
NEWCASTLE will defend a 22-point advantage at Birmingham on Wednesday as they bid to clinch the Premier Trophy.
Manager George English said: "22 points is an excellent margin but we're not going to get over-confident as that would be a fatal mistake. We are going into that match the same as any other, we need to win and we'll be going for that."
NEWPORT secured their biggest win of the season with a 61-29 victory over Scunthorpe, with Craig Watson scoring 12 (paid 14). The Wasps' next home fixture is against King's Lynn this Sunday.
REDCAR are hoping to keep up their big improvement in home form on Thursday when they face Birmingham - who have booked track specialist Michal Rajkowski as a guest.
Bears boss Brian Havelock said: "'We conquered Kings Lynn a fortnight ago when no-one gave us a chance then kept up that momentum with last Thursday's victory over Stoke in which skipper Gary Havelock was unbeaten in five rides and James Grieves was obviously getting dialled in with twelve and one bonus point in his tally. We will go into this match against one of the top teams in the division in the right frame of mind."
RYE HOUSE promoter Len Silver views the signing of Paul Starke - who will make his debut on Friday at Edinburgh - as an exciting move for the future.
Silver said: "We were very surprised to hear that he’d lost his team place at Plymouth. As soon as we did, we got in touch with the Devils to arrange to have his contract as quickly as we could. They agreed to a loan arrangement, and we are over the moon to have such an exciting prospect coming on board with the Rockets."
SCUNTHORPE promoter Rob Godfrey says the heavy 61-29 defeat at Newport would be a wake-up call for his riders - who are now into a period of three weeks without a home meeting.
Godfrey said: "We were up on Friday after beating Newcastle, but we let ourselves down on Sunday. Now they're facing three weeks off because we're out of everything else."
SHEFFIELD skipper Paul Cooper says confidence is high as the Tigers chase a top-four finish with a current run of just one defeat in then matches.
Cooper said: "I know it was a major blow to lose at home to Newcastle but even if we met them in the play-offs we would fancy our chances of gaining some revenge. We had things go against us and yet everything went for them on that night, that happens in Speedway sometimes. There’s a real buzz in the camp and it has to be a good sign when all the lads want to do is get out there and race."
SOMERSET stage the British Under-18 Championship at the Oak Tree Arena on Friday - and national coach Neil Vatcher is urging supporters to back the next generation.
He said: "You read and hear people bemoaning the perceived lack of British speedway talent, so here is an opportunity for them to get behind these kids and give them the support and encouragement they need and deserve.
"The Oak Tree Arena in a superb track and venue for these youngsters to show-case their talents, having arranged a couple of under-15 second half meetings there already this year, I know how much the kids enjoyed riding there."
STOKE star Lubos Tomicek says he has settled well at Loomer Road and has hinted he would relish the chance to extend his stay with the club.
Tomicek said: "I’m enjoying things here at Stoke, I’m more relaxed and I feel there is more to come from me. The fans are behind the team and I do not feel under pressure here. I want to do well for Stoke, they have brought me here on a high average and I want to be good enough for the team here in the future.”
WORKINGTON boss Ian Thomas was a happy man after the Comets bettered their 62-33 home win over Somerset by seeing off Rye House 62-32 one week later.
Thomas told newsandstar.co.uk: "We only had two last places all night, each rider got at least one win and five of the six riders were in double figures with all six in double figures if you add on the bonus points. It is the best I can remember a Comets team gating for quite some time."
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Tuesday 20-July-2010
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BERWICK boosted their hopes of finishing in the top twelve to secure a place in the season-ending Young Shield tournament by taking all three points from their home clash with Birmingham.
Co-owner John Anderson said: "There was still an occasional weak moment to concern us, but this was a far better team effort by the whole squad with Michal Rajkowski excelling once more against a good side many expected to win here tonight. If we can continue this style of riding then we should be able to clinch our place in the Young Shield much sooner rather than later."
BIRMINGHAM have booked club asset Lee Smart to guest in both legs of the Premier Trophy Final against Newcastle as Chris Kerr is still ruled out - whilst Aaron Summers is rated 50/50 following his collarbone injury.
Boss Graham Drury said: "It's vital that we go there and get a good score to bring them back to Perry Barr the following Wednesday, it will be tough but we have the riders who can do it. The Chris Kerr situation is a bit like a bombshell because we were planning on having him back by now."
EDINBURGH star Ryan Fisher racked up 17-points in the league leaders' important win over Birmingham, and featured in a dramatic Heat 13 when he passed Steve Johnston on the last bend whilst also keeping Jason Lyons at bay.
Fisher told the Scotsman: "That race meant a lot to me and I thought I was going to get squeezed out at first. But I kept things together on that final turn and just went for it, it was such a good feeling to win a race like that."
GLASGOW returned to action with a bang after a three-week break from home fixtures and overcame Birmingham in a last-heat decider. Travis McGowan and Joe Screen secured the vital second and third places in Heat 15 to complete the Tigers' comeback from six points down with four heats to go.
KING'S LYNN's title hopes were dented with two away defeats last week at bottom club Redcar and also at Rye House, all of which puts more pressure on the reigning champions' trips to Sheffield (Thursday) and Somerset (Friday) this week.
NEWCASTLE will go into this weekend's Premier Trophy Final against Birmingham at the top of their form after seeing off Somerset for a tenth straight win on Sunday.
Team boss George English said: "This team is motoring in top gear at the moment, it's like a well-oiled machine and it sets us up beautifully for the Final."
NEWPORT gained a hard-fought 48-43 win over Stoke at the Hayley Stadium despite being without Swedish rider Anders Mellgren, who suffered a further injury setback just after being re-declared into the Wasps team.
REDCAR are looking to keep their momentum going when they face Stoke at home on Thursday, fired up by their dramatic win over King's Lynn last week.
Team boss Jitendra Duffill said: "Everybody at every level was not only jubilant by a long-awaited victory in a difficult season but to defeat our bogey team was something else. We enjoyed those celebrations and we want to experience more this Thursday evening. We have just got to keep up the momentum now."
RYE HOUSE star Linus Sundstrom led the way with a five ride paid maximum as the Rockets got the better of rivals King's Lynn in a typically hard-fought encounter between the clubs.
Sundstrom said: "There’s always an added tension when we meet King’s Lynn and it showed in the effort of both teams and the quality of the racing. I was really pleased with my own performance; I went from last to first in my opening ride and I won a really tough Heat 15 as well."
SCUNTHORPE manager Richard Hollingsworth described the Scorpions' 53-40 defeat at Stoke on Saturday as a "body blow" - and called for a reaction this weekend.
Hollingsworth said: "Most of the side were a little below par and it added up to a really disappointing result. We came here believing we would win but it just didn’t happen. It means the pressure is really on us to get it right next weekend. We have two massive meetings and we can, and must, win them both."
SHEFFIELD boss Neil Machin says three points are of vital importance to the Tigers when they face King's Lynn at Owlerton on Thursday.
Machin said: "Traditionally our home meetings with King's Lynn are always lively and I expect this one to be no different to be honest, it should be a good one. We're back in form and we need to keep that going. The top four is our aim now and we want to be in those play-offs at the end of the season."
SOMERSET promoter Debbie Hancock is expecting another thriller against King's Lynn when the sides meet at the Oak Tree Arena on Friday, and is hoping the Rebels maintain the recent sequence of results.
She said: "Unbelievably, our last three home matches against King’s Lynn have all ended up as 46-44 victories for the Rebels, and have been amongst the most exciting matches seen at the Oak Tree Arena, with them all going to last heat deciders. Hopefully Friday’s meeting will be just as exciting as those previous matches, though my nerves would prefer it if this time around we had the match won before we get to Heat 15!”
STOKE boss Malcolm Vasey was pleased with the Potters' efforts over the weekend with four points gained from three meetings despite injury setbacks for Claus Vissing and Hynek Stichauer at Scunthorpe on Friday.
Vasey said: "The lads fought for every point and we have a great team spirit which is building with each meeting we have. You can see the confidence is also coming back into the team, I feel we are really coming on and we hope to build on that."
WORKINGTON put on a dominant performance for their biggest win of the season with a 62-33 success against Somerset, highlighted by Rusty Harrison's paid maximum.
Manager Ian Thomas told newsandstar.co.uk: "Rusty did really well to get his maximum because he was suffering from a stomach bug the day before and it was borderline whether he could have raced. That result has made it 11 wins out of 12 at home which is pretty good going."
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Tuesday 06-July-2010
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PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS
BERWICK'S Craig Branney suffered a further injury setback in his first meeting back falling heavily in Heat 8 of the Bandits' narrow 46-43 win over Newport. He was treated for shoulder and collarbone problems, and a knock on the head. Co-owner John Anderson said: "We made heavy weather of that win, and of course the injury to Craig didn’t do anything to help, but we cannot take anything away from Newport who rode a great meeting with some fine character and made it a superb meeting to watch."
BIRMINGHAM owner Gary Patchett admits that the weekend defeat at Workington - where the Brummies led by six points with four heats to go - was a major blow to their title hopes. Patchett said: "We haven’t been ruthless enough, we haven’t been able to finish the job and that’s proved costly. We’ve also been involved in some last heat deciders which have gone against us so, when you look at things in the cold light of day, we haven’t been too far away – but we’ve been short of what’s needed to top the league."
EDINBURGH boss John Campbell paid tribute to recent signing Tobias Busch after the Monarchs' win at Newport, which took them nine points clear at the top of the table. Campbell said: "After wrecking his own bike at Rye House on Saturday, Tobias jumped on Kalle Katajisto's second bike and he was simply sensational. It's great to have such a big lead at the moment at the top of the league but it's not over yet. But I can say to the other teams in the league - catch us if you can."
GLASGOW co-promoter Alan Dick says the club are considering the possibility of staging a midweek fixture due to a backlog of home matches caused by postponements. Dick said: "We really do not have any Sundays free for ages. We will look and see what options we have, and that could include a double header or it might be we do look at running something in midweek."
KING'S LYNN boss Rob Lyon says this Wednesday's home clash with Scunthorpe will be a good test of whether the Stars - who have matches in hand on all of their rivals - are back on track in the title race. Lyon said: "Two weeks ago we looked weak against Newcastle, we then signed Millsy (Chris Mills) and the team looked a bit better against Rye House, but in my eyes this is the match where will genuinely see if the team has what it takes to turn things around. I have set them a target to beat Scunthorpe by at least ten points."
NEWCASTLE boss George English underlined how the Diamonds had performed under pressure during a memorable weekend of racing for the club, in which they secured three wins out of three. English said: "We rode 45 races and the only one which didn’t matter to the result of a meeting was Heat 15 against Workington, as the previous 44 were vital to winning a match and that in itself serves up huge pressure on the lads, not to mention the management. But we’ve done so well and sit in fourth now and have matches in hand on all three of the teams sitting above us now."
NEWPORT’s Line-Up for this year’s Welsh Open (Sunday at 1pm) has been enhanced by the addition of former British No.2 Edward Kennett as Kevin Doolan defends his title. Other Elite League regulars in the field include Ty Proctor and Jason Doyle, with David Howe, Ryan Fisher, Cory Gathercole, Justin Sedgmen and Chris Slabon named alongside Wasps regulars Leigh Lanham, Kyle Legault and Craig Watson.
REDCAR boss Brian Havelock is hoping his team return to action fully fit and refreshed ahead of Thursday's vital basement battle with Berwick. Havelock said: "The rest will have allowed team members such as James Grieves and Ben Wilson to recover from heavy knocks they have suffered in the past month and hopefully the same will be true of Stuart Swales too. We need to be firing on all cylinders as Berwick and ourselves are fighting to get away from the basement positions in the league, so there is a lot at stake on Thursday."
.... more
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PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS
BERWICK'S Craig Branney suffered a further injury setback in his first meeting back falling heavily in Heat 8 of the Bandits' narrow 46-43 win over Newport. He was treated for shoulder and collarbone problems, and a knock on the head. Co-owner John Anderson said: "We made heavy weather of that win, and of course the injury to Craig didn’t do anything to help, but we cannot take anything away from Newport who rode a great meeting with some fine character and made it a superb meeting to watch."
BIRMINGHAM owner Gary Patchett admits that the weekend defeat at Workington - where the Brummies led by six points with four heats to go - was a major blow to their title hopes. Patchett said: "We haven’t been ruthless enough, we haven’t been able to finish the job and that’s proved costly. We’ve also been involved in some last heat deciders which have gone against us so, when you look at things in the cold light of day, we haven’t been too far away – but we’ve been short of what’s needed to top the league."
EDINBURGH boss John Campbell paid tribute to recent signing Tobias Busch after the Monarchs' win at Newport, which took them nine points clear at the top of the table. Campbell said: "After wrecking his own bike at Rye House on Saturday, Tobias jumped on Kalle Katajisto's second bike and he was simply sensational. It's great to have such a big lead at the moment at the top of the league but it's not over yet. But I can say to the other teams in the league - catch us if you can."
GLASGOW co-promoter Alan Dick says the club are considering the possibility of staging a midweek fixture due to a backlog of home matches caused by postponements. Dick said: "We really do not have any Sundays free for ages. We will look and see what options we have, and that could include a double header or it might be we do look at running something in midweek."
KING'S LYNN boss Rob Lyon says this Wednesday's home clash with Scunthorpe will be a good test of whether the Stars - who have matches in hand on all of their rivals - are back on track in the title race. Lyon said: "Two weeks ago we looked weak against Newcastle, we then signed Millsy (Chris Mills) and the team looked a bit better against Rye House, but in my eyes this is the match where will genuinely see if the team has what it takes to turn things around. I have set them a target to beat Scunthorpe by at least ten points."
NEWCASTLE boss George English underlined how the Diamonds had performed under pressure during a memorable weekend of racing for the club, in which they secured three wins out of three. English said: "We rode 45 races and the only one which didn’t matter to the result of a meeting was Heat 15 against Workington, as the previous 44 were vital to winning a match and that in itself serves up huge pressure on the lads, not to mention the management. But we’ve done so well and sit in fourth now and have matches in hand on all three of the teams sitting above us now."
NEWPORT’s Line-Up for this year’s Welsh Open (Sunday at 1pm) has been enhanced by the addition of former British No.2 Edward Kennett as Kevin Doolan defends his title. Other Elite League regulars in the field include Ty Proctor and Jason Doyle, with David Howe, Ryan Fisher, Cory Gathercole, Justin Sedgmen and Chris Slabon named alongside Wasps regulars Leigh Lanham, Kyle Legault and Craig Watson.
REDCAR boss Brian Havelock is hoping his team return to action fully fit and refreshed ahead of Thursday's vital basement battle with Berwick. Havelock said: "The rest will have allowed team members such as James Grieves and Ben Wilson to recover from heavy knocks they have suffered in the past month and hopefully the same will be true of Stuart Swales too. We need to be firing on all cylinders as Berwick and ourselves are fighting to get away from the basement positions in the league, so there is a lot at stake on Thursday."
.... more
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SUPER 7 PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS
BERWICK\'S Craig Branney suffered a further injury setback in his first meeting back falling heavily in Heat 8 of the Bandits\' narrow 46-43 win over Newport. He was treated for shoulder and collarbone problems, and a knock on the head. Co-owner John Anderson said: \"We made heavy weather of that win, and of course the injury to Craig didn’t do anything to help, but we cannot take anything away from Newport who rode a great meeting with some fine character and made it a superb meeting to watch.\"
BIRMINGHAM owner Gary Patchett admits that the weekend defeat at Workington - where the Brummies led by six points with four heats to go - was a major blow to their title hopes. Patchett said: \"We haven’t been ruthless enough, we haven’t been able to finish the job and that’s proved costly. We’ve also been involved in some last heat deciders which have gone against us so, when you look at things in the cold light of day, we haven’t been too far away – but we’ve been short of what’s needed to top the league.\"
EDINBURGH boss John Campbell paid tribute to recent signing Tobias Busch after the Monarchs\' win at Newport, which took them nine points clear at the top of the table. Campbell said: \"After wrecking his own bike at Rye House on Saturday, Tobias jumped on Kalle Katajisto\'s second bike and he was simply sensational. It\'s great to have such a big lead at the moment at the top of the league but it\'s not over yet. But I can say to the other teams in the league - catch us if you can.\"
GLASGOW co-promoter Alan Dick says the club are considering the possibility of staging a midweek fixture due to a backlog of home matches caused by postponements. Dick said: \"We really do not have any Sundays free for ages. We will look and see what options we have, and that could include a double header or it might be we do look at running something in midweek.\"
KING\'S LYNN boss Rob Lyon says this Wednesday\'s home clash with Scunthorpe will be a good test of whether the Stars - who have matches in hand on all of their rivals - are back on track in the title race. Lyon said: \"Two weeks ago we looked weak against Newcastle, we then signed Millsy (Chris Mills) and the team looked a bit better against Rye House, but in my eyes this is the match where will genuinely see if the team has what it takes to turn things around. I have set them a target to beat Scunthorpe by at least ten points.\"
NEWCASTLE boss George English underlined how the Diamonds had performed under pressure during a memorable weekend of racing for the club, in which they secured three wins out of three. English said: \"We rode 45 races and the only one which didn’t matter to the result of a meeting was Heat 15 against Workington, as the previous 44 were vital to winning a match and that in itself serves up huge pressure on the lads, not to mention the management. But we’ve done so well and sit in fourth now and have matches in hand on all three of the teams sitting above us now.\"
NEWPORT’s Line-Up for this year’s Welsh Open (Sunday at 1pm) has been enhanced by the addition of former British No.2 Edward Kennett as Kevin Doolan defends his title. Other Elite League regulars in the field include Ty Proctor and Jason Doyle, with David Howe, Ryan Fisher, Cory Gathercole, Justin Sedgmen and Chris Slabon named alongside Wasps regulars Leigh Lanham, Kyle Legault and Craig Watson.
REDCAR boss Brian Havelock is hoping his team return to action fully fit and refreshed ahead of Thursday\'s vital basement battle with Berwick. Havelock said: \"The rest will have allowed team members such as James Grieves and Ben Wilson to recover from heavy knocks they have suffered in the past month and hopefully the same will be true of Stuart Swales too. We need to be firing on all cylinders as Berwick and ourselves are fighting to get away from the basement positions in the league, so there is a lot at stake on Thursday.\"
.... more
Monday 05-July-2010
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EDINBURGH EDINBURGH Monarchs have gone nine points clear at the top of the Premier League after a stunning weekend of victories.
After the win at home against Newport on Friday the team travelled to Rye House on Saturday and pulled off a last gasp success over the Rockets. Then in wet conditions on Sunday scored another impressive victory over the Wasps.
Said co-promoter John Campbell, "After wrecking his own bike at Rye House on Saturday, Tobias Busch jumped on Kalle Katajisto's second bike and he was simply sensational.
“It's great to have such a big lead at the moment at the top of the league but it's not over yet. But I can say to the other teams in the league - catch us if you can."
.... more
Tuesday 29-June-2010
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BERWICK went out of the Knockout Cup with aggregate defeat at the hands of Workington - and were left to rue their first-leg performance as they were only able to win 46-44 at Shielfield Park before going down by 19-points in the return.
Co-owner John Anderson said: "We should have been capable of taking a much bigger lead to Cumbria."
BIRMINGHAM hope to have broken leg victim Chris Kerr back in their team next week - but will now be without Aaron Summers for up to six weeks after the in-form Aussie suffered a broken collarbone at Somerset.
Boss Graham Drury said: "July 7 is the target at the moment because Chris is making good progress. When you are running rider replacement in the team and then we are without a key rider like Chris on top of that then we are struggling. It’s a big blow to lose Aaron and so typical, as one rider is on the way back we lose another."
EDINBURGH co-promoter John Campbell has ruled out any possibility of a move for club asset William Lawson this season after the rider left Elite League Belle Vue.
Campbell told The Scotsman: "We have no thoughts about taking William back, definitely not. I'm very happy with the squad we now have, especially as we are sitting at the top of the table."
GLASGOW'S weekend postponement of their clash with King's Lynn due to a thunderstorm came at a good time for captain Lee Dicken, who has been struggling with illness.
Dicken said: "I felt terrible at Stoke and it got little better the next day. I was sick and aching bones so I spoke to the medical people at the track who advised me that I might have something which required medical attention at the hospital, and thankfully I went to get that sorted. They discovered a bone infection which means that there is something in the bloodstream which is causing pain and irritation."
KING'S LYNN have re-signed Chris Mills for his second spell with the club after Swedish rider Linus Eklof walked out of British speedway.
Mills was a 2007 title winner with the Stars, and he said: "That was a really special time for me and probably my most enjoyable season in British speedway. I have missed being at the club and still have lots of friends and sponsors from the King’s Lynn area so I can’t wait to come back. I am sure I can do a brilliant job especially at reserve!"
NEWCASTLE have made progress in two cup competitions in the last week and will now face Birmingham in the Premier Trophy Final - and it could the Brummies again in the KO Cup semis, after the Diamonds comfortably overcame Redcar.
Manager George English said: "It was another fine show and a totally deserved win and progression to the cup semis on so many levels. Indeed, it was very satisfying and fulfilling as we look forward to who we will meet in the next round."
NEWPORT are making progress with the line-up for the Wales Open on Sunday July 11, with Polish rider Chris Slabon along with Ryan Fisher, Ty Proctor, Cory Gathercole, Justin Sedgmen and David Howe amongst the starters along with the Wasps' own top riders.
Meeting co-ordinator Laurence Rogers said: "We are pleased with how the field is assembling and in Chris Slabon we have attracted a rider who has not raced in this country since his days as an Ipswich Witch in the Elite League several seasons ago. With a massive influx of Polish speedway fans into South Wales for the weekend then our stadium at Queensway Meadows could be very busy indeed."
REDCAR star James Grieves is confident he can make a success of his return to Teesside after losing his place at Glasgow.
Grieves told Gazette Live: "I’ve bounced back from a couple of big crashes in the last few weeks and I’ve just had a rotten season so far to be honest. I’ve had lots of crashes and engine blow-ups - I’ve just got to ride through it and see if I can turn the corner."
RYE HOUSE have booked Aussie star Kevin Doolan to guest for the injured Linus Sundstrom at Sheffield on Thursday, and will also have Robbie Kessler in their team after bringing in the German rider to replace broken-arm victim Luke Bowen.
Manager John Sampford said: "We'll have Stefan Ekberg back from bruising at King's Lynn on Wednesday, but we have to use rider-replacement (for Sundstrom) because he is still technically fourth in our averages, but then the July green sheets will come into force and move him to No.1."
SCUNTHORPE promoter Rob Godfrey says the timing was right to offer two riders from the club's National League team - Gary Irving and Steve Worrall - their chance in the Premier League at the expense of Simon Lambert.
Godfrey said: "We have two riders, possibly three with Ashley Birks, who need Premier League experience to progress and this is a good time to give Gary and Steve some meetings. This change isn’t just for now, it is with an eye to the future and I don’t think we have anything to lose."
SHEFFIELD have wasted no time in responding to the availability of Simon Lambert by snapping him up for the Tigers team in place of Arlo Bugeja.
Co-promoter David Hoggart said: "Simon is a good lad, he has guested for us before and has never let us down. A change of club for him will do him good also and I know how delighted he is to be joining Sheffield and racing at a track he likes so much."
SOMERSET have booked former favourite Jordan Frampton to guest for new No.1 Cory Gathercole in Friday's clash with Newcastle, as Gathercole and recent signing Christian Hefenbrock are both involved in World Championship semi-finals.
Promoter Debbie Hancock said: "It is unfortunate that we will be without both Cory and Christian for Friday’s match, but I believe we have made an excellent choice of guest and with all the other guys being eligible to take Christian’s rides, I would like to think that we still have sufficient strength in depth to see off the Diamonds."
STOKE expect to return to full strength this weekend since the first week in April, as skipper Jason Bunyan is expected to make his long-awaited comeback, and promoter Dave Tattum is optimistic about what the Potters can achieve.
He said: "There’s nothing like having your own one to seven taking to the track where the lads will have some sort of understanding of where each other will be on the track once the partnerships settle down, and I really do hope we can push on from here on in. We have only ridden just over a quarter of the season so far, so we have plenty of matches to turn things around and move on up the table."
WORKINGTON boss Ian Thomas is hoping for a Knockout Cup semi-final clash with King's Lynn after the Comets overcame Berwick over two legs - and must now await the tie between the Stars and Edinburgh to determine their opponents.
Thomas told getnoticedonline.co.uk: "Obviously we haven’t any dates and we’ll only get round to that when we know who we are up against. If I could choose the winners I would go for King’s Lynn because of the result we got there recently and the fact that at least two of our riders go very well round the Norfolk Arena." .... more
Thursday 24-June-2010
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BERWICK star Lee Complin is desperate to see a change of fortunes after an injury-hit first half of the season when the Bandits return to Shielfield Park action on Saturday.
Complin said: \"As everyone knows I have had a lot of injury problems this year. First of all there was my broken arm, then the bone in my foot. Hopefully all that is behind me now, and for me the season really does start now.\"
BIRMINGHAM boss Graham Drury is calling for a big effort from his side to overturn their 13-point first leg deficit in Wednesday\'s Premier Trophy semi-final against Rye House.
Drury said: \"We\'re definitely back in the tie from where we were early on Sunday, it\'s right on a cliff-edge and all the lads are very confident that we can pull those points back. If we ride to our potential that will see us through.\"
EDINBURGH star Andrew Tully reeled off four unbeaten rides in the Monarchs\' win over Redcar, only to come to grief in the last race - one of several home riders to fall during the meeting.
Tully said: \"It would have been nice to finish with a maximum, but I was going a bit haywire in the final heat and fell off. I sort of knew I was going to hit the fence.\"
GLASGOW\'S powerful top two of Travis McGowan and Joe Screen both scored full maximums in the Tigers\' 53-40 win over Stoke on Sunday.
It was Screen\'s second full house of the weekend as he had also been unbeaten in the nine-point defeat at Loomer Road one night earlier.
KING\'S LYNN manager Rob Lyon says the standard of the Premier League is improving year-on-year, and he believes several teams are in contention for the title.
Lyon said \"I think four or five clubs will realistically be challenging, but that is good in the sense it keeps the standard up of the league and keeps it competitive. What I have noticed more and more is that clubs have become so much more professional.\"
NEWCASTLE boss George English is confident of progress in both the Premier Trophy and Knockout Cup in a busy schedule of vital fixtures.
He said: \"Whenever we are able to track our full seven-man team, I am confident of a good result, and, as Kenni and Rene have no commitments abroad to prevent them riding in any of the upcoming matches, you can bet we’ve got our eyes on a place in the next stage of both competitions.\"
NEWPORT skipper Craig Watson has praised fellow countryman Alex Davies, who has moved up into the Wasps\' top five in his first season of British racing.
Watson told the South Wales Argus: \"Full praise to 17-year-old Alex. He is having to take tougher rides because of his elevation to the top five in the riding order and he has really stepped up to the plate.\"
REDCAR promoter Brian Havelock is backing his revised team including recent signings James Grieves and Charles Wright to build up a first-leg lead from Thursday\'s Cup-tie against Newcastle.
Havelock said: \"Any fixture against our Tyneside rivals is something to look forward to and the fact that this is a Knock Out Cup match adds an extra dimension. I am sure that James and Charles are capable of making a big difference to the Bears\' scorechart and it is important that we build a reasonable lead to take to Newcastle for the second leg on Sunday evening.\"
RYE HOUSE boss John Sampford is hoping that a 13-point first leg lead over Birmingham will be enough to take the Rockets into the Premier Trophy Final - but he knows the tie is still well-poised. Sampford said: \"I would have liked more points in the bag to go to Perry Bar with, but we’ve got what we’ve got and we have to make do with it. We seemed to stall when they threw in the Tactical rides.\"
SCUNTHORPE star Viktor Bergstrom is expected to be out until mid-July after crashing during his comeback meeting at Workington and suffering a broken finger.
Bergstrom said: \"I hurt my finger and hit my head pretty bad because I don\'t remember much from it. Also my leg is still not very good, which could be a problem if I have another crash. It might be if I have one more crash I might not be able to ride any more.\"
SHEFFIELD star Richard Hall says the Tigers\' current run of five straight Premier League wins has brought the feel-good factor back to Owlerton.
Hall said: \"It was a tough start to the season and it\'s going great for us now, I always enjoy riding at Sheffield and the track is brilliant for us at the moment. We were riding hard early on but the track was suitable to visiting riders as well as ourselves. Now we seem to have the home advantage back and we are making the most of it.\"
SOMERSET are seeking revenge for a recent home defeat by Birmingham when the sides meet in the Knockout Cup this week.
Manager Steve Bishop said: \"It was a great feeling when the team won the KO Cup back in 2008, and we would dearly love to repeat that success again this year. However, as Birmingham proved here a couple of weeks ago, they are a tough nut to crack, but hopefully with the changes we have made to our line up since then, plus we will have Cory [Gathercole] in the side this time around, I really think that we could go to Perry Barr for the second leg with a good lead behind us.\"
STOKE manager Malcolm Vasey was far from downhearted with the Potters\' 13-point defeat at Glasgow, coming a day after an impressive home victory over the Tigers.
Vasey said: \"We battled really hard and I was pleased with our performance. We were just five points down going into the last three heats but we just couldn’t handle Joe Screen and Travis McGowan. We also paid the penalty for not scoring enough points against their middle order but all in all it was a battling display by us and I’m not too disappointed.\"
WORKINGTON boss Ian Thomas was left bemused by his side\'s display in the 56-36 defeat at Scunthorpe - just 24 hours after defeating the Scorpions by the same scoreline at Derwent Park!
Thomas told getnoticed24.co.uk : \"I thought we had the measure of them, especially after the way we had dealt with them on Saturday and I was looking for a victory and certainly, at the very least, a bonus point. But from that point we just went backwards. They started gating and we just fell off the pace.\"
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Tuesday 20-April-2010
EX-BANDIT JOSEF FRANC...
BERWICK made a good choice of guest with ex-Bandit Josef Franc collecting 14 points from five rides as a replacement for the stranded Adrian Rymel in the 52-39 win over Glasgow. Manager Dave Peet said: "We had to make a hurried team for tonight and they all gelled perfectly together admirably covering our stranded Bandits to gain us a good 3 Trophy points and put us right in there with a chance of toppling (Newcastle) Diamonds next weekend.” .... more
SPIRIT IN THE BRUMMIES CAMP
BIRMINGHAM skipper Jason Lyons says the spirit in the Brummies camp is sky-high following their spectacular run of results in the Premier Trophy. Lyons said: "I'm so proud of the boys and the form they've shown so far because I haven't been at my best so far although I had a good one at Stoke on Saturday which has helped me feel better about my racing." .... more
SPECTACULAR WIN FOR BRUMMIES
BIRMINGHAM skipper Jason Lyons says the spirit in the Brummies camp is sky-high following their spectacular run of results in the Premier Trophy. Lyons said: "I'm so proud of the boys and the form they've shown so far because I haven't been at my best so far although I had a good one at Stoke on Saturday which has helped me feel better about my racing." .... more
GREAT WIN FOR BERWICK
BERWICK made a good choice of guest with ex-Bandit Josef Franc collecting 14 points from five rides as a replacement for the stranded Adrian Rymel in the 52-39 win over Glasgow. Manager Dave Peet said: "We had to make a hurried team for tonight and they all gelled perfectly together admirably covering our stranded Bandits to gain us a good 3 Trophy points and put us right in there with a chance of toppling (Newcastle) Diamonds next weekend.” .... more
SEMI-FINAL CHANCE STILL IN SIGHT
EDINBURGH still have a chance of reaching the Premier Trophy semi-finals - and were somewhat relieved with the rain-off of last Sunday's key fixture at Newcastle, when they would have been below-strength. Monarchs boss Alex Harkess said: "It is not going to be easy to find another date because we have no spare Sundays on our fixture list. However, when we do go back, hopefully we will have a full team." .... more
LOSS FOR GLASGOW
GLASGOW are out of contention in their Premier Trophy group after slipping to a home defeat against Workington - the result coming as a surprise despite the injury absence of Robert Ksiezak (bruised kidney and knee swelling). Manager Stewart Dickson said: "That is a meeting we should have won but we contrived to lose it. We did not have the necessary scoring power from the bottom end of the side and while we were winning a few heats we were not gaining the heat advantages that we required and that put a lot of pressure on the lads who were winning these heats." .... more
SKIPPER OUT DUE TO INJURY
KINGS LYNN will start their Premier League campaign without skipper Tomas Topinka, who suffered a broken fibula in an horrific crash with Luke Bowen at Rye House on Saturday. Manager Rob Lyon said: "The two riders took about 20 metres of fencing down as they came to a standstill and both laid motionless for at least five minutes. It is a blow for Tom to suffer the injury but it could have been much worse and I am sure the team will pull together to cover for him." .... more
FINGERS CROSSED FOR KENNI LARSEN
NEWCASTLE are keeping their fingers crossed that No.1 rider Kenni Larsen - who would have missed Sunday's postponed home fixture - will be available for their Premier League opener at Birmingham on Wednesday. Manager George English said: "The rain-off was unfortunate, but our main concern now is getting Kenni back for the trip to Birmingham – otherwise we will have to call upon a guest again. Kenni tried his best to get back for Sunday but even the Esbjerg to Harwich ferry broke down so he was completed snookered." .... more
HOME VICTORY FOR WASPS
NEWPORT star Kim Nilsson showed his true form with four race wins in a 13-point haul for the Wasps