BRITISH SPEEDWAY ROUND-UP

Tuesday June 11, 2019

HERE'S our latest soundbytes and fixtures from around the tracks up and down the country.

THE BITE-SIZED BULLETIN

PIC OF THE WEEK...

Fifteen-point maximum man Craig Cook, Niels-Kristian Iversen, Pontus Aspgren and Robert Lambert all booked their places in the Grand Prix Challenge later this year after finishing in the top four in Saturday’s SGP qualifier at Glasgow.
Picture: IAN ADAM

PREMIERSHIP SOUNDBYTES…

BELLE VUE
“We obviously didn’t get off to the best start, that can happen. A few weeks we’ve been dominant from the off. I’m just glad our boys are at the top of the league table and we want to stay there.”
Aces boss Mark Lemon saw his side hit back from a sluggish start to snatch a 47-43 win over Ipswich in their last league fixture, with Peterborough the next visitors to Manchester this week.
NEXT HOME: Peterborough, Thur June 13 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Swindon, Mon June 17 (7.30)

IPSWICH
“He is a seasoned performer and he has started the season very well with Eastbourne and I think he will like Ipswich, so it will be nice to see him get a few points and we all need to perform solidly.”
Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins speaks of the club’s decision to move for Edward Kennett as a replacement for David Bellego.
NEXT HOME: Swindon, Thur June 13 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: King’s Lynn, Mon June 17 (7.30)

KING’S LYNN
“The boys all put the effort in, and we’re heading in the right direction. Of course we want to pick up points from these meetings, but there are more positives than negatives.”
Stars boss Peter Schroeck wasn’t too downhearted after a 40-50 defeat at Swindon last Thursday, as they missed out on a league point to a last-heat Robins’ 5-1.
NEXT HOME: Ipswich, Mon June 17 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Poole (PSC), Thur June 13 (7.30)

PETERBOROUGH
“We missed Hans. He’s a quality rider around here but I’m not saying he would have won the meeting for us. It’s just a little frustrating when you stay so close throughout the meeting and yet we have come away with nothing.”
Panthers star Scott Nicholls felt the absence of No.1 Hans Andersen did have an effect as they missed out at Ipswich in a 41-49 defeat.
NEXT HOME: Swindon, Thur June 20 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Thur June 13 (7.30)

POOLE
Having three riders out against Peterborough, with Brady Kurtz injured, really did affect us – it would affect any team. But with Nicolai (Klindt) and Nikolaj (Busk Jakobsen) back for Thursday, our one-to-seven has a much stronger feel.”
Pirates co-promoter Danny Ford is pleased to get back to something near full-strength for this week’s Cup clash with King’s Lynn.
NEXT HOME: King’s Lynn (PSC), Thur June 13 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton, Mon June 24 (7.30)

SWINDON
“It’s time for us to push on now. The two new signings have added to the team, we’re getting points from them and it was a fantastic ride from Ellis to beat Robert Lambert, and then lead him for another lap.”
Robins boss Alun Rossiter said the displays of recent recruits Ellis Perks and Rasmus Jensen were key in last Thursday’s victory over King’s Lynn at the Abbey.
NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Mon June 17 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Ipswich, Thur June 13 (7.30)

WOLVERHAMPTON
“Nick is struggling for form and confidence at the moment but it’s important to remember how little meetings he’s had since the back end of last year. You don’t become a bad rider overnight and I’m sure he’ll get it together sooner or later.”
Wolves boss Peter Adams is backing winter signing Nick Morris to come good following his delayed start to the season due to injury.
NEXT HOME: Poole, Mon June 24 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Poole, Mon June 17 (7.30)

CHAMPIONSHIP SOUNDBYTES…

BERWICK
“We did really well to qualify for the semi-finals and now we need to make the most of that and go all the way. I think everyone at the club is so pleased to have made it this far. But it would be even sweeter to make the Final.”
Bandits star Aaron Summers says there will be a positive mentality ahead of the Championship Shield semi-final, as they travel to Leicester for the first leg on Sunday.
NEXT HOME: Edinburgh, Sat June 15 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Leicester (CS SF), Sun June 16 (5.30)

BIRMINGHAM
“It looked as though Sheffield were opening up a bit of a gap at one point but we grew stronger in the second half of the meeting and to win a third home meeting on the spin is fantastic.”
Brummies boss Laurence Rogers was delighted with the last-heat win over Sheffield last week which continues the Perry Barr side’s turnaround compared to their early-season fortunes.
NEXT HOME: Leicester, Wed June 12 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Somerset, Wed July 10 (7.30)

EASTBOURNE
“Once you get off to a good start in heat one, you want to keep it going. It was an all round good performance. Gating is one of the keys to my racing and in heat one it is so important to get a good start. I try and take full advantage of that.”
Eagles star Richard Lawson scored a paid maximum in last weekend’s comfortable home win over Newcastle.
NEXT HOME: Scunthorpe, Sat June 22 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Redcar, Fri June 14 (7.30)

EDINBURGH
“We are always pleased to present our long-running Scottish Open Championship and I'm happy to see the field we have gathered. It hasn't been easy I can assure you because so many things can crop up.”
Monarchs chief Alex Harkess is looking forward to the club’s re-arranged big night this week after poor weather scuppered the first attempt to stage it.
NEXT HOME: Scottish Open, Fri June 14 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Berwick, Sat June 15 (7pm)

GLASGOW
“There's a great atmosphere in the team at the minute. It's a key ingredient to a winning team - to have a good bunch of guys throughout.”
Tigers No.1 Craig Cook highlights the atmosphere around the pits at Ashfield with the club looking set to make a serious bid for honours this season.
NEXT HOME: British Youth Championship, Sun June 16 (3pm)
NEXT AWAY: Edinburgh, Fri June 28 (7.30)

LEICESTER
“You could see Sheffield were up for it, and congratulations to them. They needed the victory more than us, and if we’d lost 49-41 it would have been a horrible day but a point does give us a consolation – although I don’t want to get happy with losing!”
Lions boss Stewart Dickson with mixed emotions after a narrow defeat in Sunday’s thrilled at Sheffield, in which his side did add to their Championship total.
NEXT HOME: Berwick (CS SF), Sun June 16 (5.30)
NEXT AWAY: Birmingham, Wed June 12 (7.30)

NEWCASTLE
“Eastbourne had a dodgy start to the season, but now they're settling back into the second level of speedway, a level they excelled at in years gone by, they are starting to perform like the Eagles of old, and that means any visitor to this track will find the going tough.”
Diamonds boss George English wasn’t of a mind to go overboard with criticism following a 31-59 defeat at Arlington last Saturday.
NEXT HOME: Scunthorpe, Sun June 16 (6.30)
NEXT AWAY: Birmingham, Wed June 19 (7.30)

REDCAR
“It was an easy decision for Jade and I to make. Charles is the ultimate professional, is dedicated to his team and thoroughly deserves this title. He is a fantastic role model to his team mates and will make a brilliant captain.”
Bears co-promoter Jitendra Duffill confirms the appointment of Charles Wright as club captain following the recent departure of Ben Barker.
NEXT HOME: Eastbourne, Fri June 14 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Edinburgh, Fri June 21 (7.30)

SCUNTHORPE
“They’re just not getting the races under their belt that they need, so they’re nowhere near as sharp as those riders who are doubling up. You’re getting into a routine where you’re just hoping the call’s going to come through with a doubling-up spot.”
Scorpions boss Dave Peet feels for his inactive riders after a succession of call-offs continued with last week’s postponement of the home clash with Glasgow.
NEXT HOME: Sheffield, Fri June 21 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Newcastle, Sun June 16 (6.30)

SOMERSET
“It is always important in this sport to have options open to you and opportunities to see new talent are not presented too often, so I am grateful to the Plymouth management in agreeing to this fixture and we can see how some of these riders adapt to the stage.”
Rebels boss Garry May will hand opportunities to newcomers Nicolas Vicentin and Zack Cook in Wednesday’s Challenge fixture against Plymouth.
NEXT HOME: Plymouth (Challenge), Wed June 12 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Glasgow, Fri June 21 (7.30)

SHEFFIELD
“We’d like to start making lives a bit easier for ourselves but we’ll take any sort of win against Leicester with the form they’ve been in.”
Yet another last-heat decider for the Tigers with No.1 Danny King the hero in last Sunday’s 46-44 win over Championship leaders Leicester.
NEXT HOME: Somerset, Sun June 30 (5.30)
NEXT AWAY: Scunthorpe, Fri June 21 (7.30)

NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUNDBYTES…

BELLE VUE
“We’re looking forward to seeing what Connor can do. He is a very highly-rated youngster whom we’re confident will flourish in the National League and hopefully well beyond that.”
Colts co-boss Steve Williams has high hopes for new signing Connor Bailey, who has come into the team at the expense of injury victim Paul Bowen.
NEXT HOME: Kent (KOC), Thur June 20 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Kent (KOC), Mon June 24 (6.30)

CRADLEY
“It was important for us to get back to winning ways after losing at home on Monday, although obviously the circumstances were rather exceptional. But we had to do our jobs despite the bad luck Mildenhall were experiencing, and we wish their riders well.”
Heathens boss Will Pottinger led the muted response after a 51-38 win at West Row with the meeting marred by injuries to three Fen Tigers riders.
NEXT HOME: Leicester, Mon June 17 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Stoke, Sat June 29 (7pm)

ISLE OF WIGHT
“We are quite a strong side, but at the moment we’re always having two or three riders not scoring every meeting.”
Warriors man Danno Verge is seeking consistency throughout the line-up as they look to make progress in the National League this season.
NEXT HOME: Plymouth, Tues June 11 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Plymouth, Fri June 21 (7.15)

KENT
“There’s a long way to go but hopefully we can just keep getting better from here and have some more trophies by the end of the year.”
Kings star Anders Rowe hopes the Central Park side can build on their success in the National Trophy and mount a firm bid for league honours this season.
NEXT HOME: Plymouth, Mon June 17 (6.30)
NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue (KOC), Thur June 20 (7.30)

LEICESTER
“In most meetings I’ve scored double figures and I know there are a lot of riders out there in the Championship who I can beat. I feel I’m racing well at the moment and I just want to be given that chance to prove myself.”
Lion Cubs captain Danyon Hume is desperate for a ‘phone call to get him back into Championship racing, after previous experience at that level with Ipswich.
NEXT HOME: Plymouth, Sat July 6 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Plymouth, Fri June 14 (7.15)

MILDENHALL
“In all my long career I have never known anything like today’s events and we wish all the riders a full and fast recovery. I am proud of the team for sticking to an
impossible task and we hung onto Cradley’s tails for as long as possible.”
An almost lost-for-words Fen Tigers boss Malcolm Vasey reacting to the home defeat by Cradley in which Macauley Leek, Elliot Kelly and Charlie Brooks were all early injury victims.
NEXT HOME: Thurrock Hammers, Sun June 30 (3pm)
NEXT AWAY: Stoke, Sat June 22 (7pm)

PLYMOUTH
The Devils suffered due to the weather last week with the home and away KO Cup clashes with Stoke called off, and they now prepare to host Leicester at the Coliseum on Friday.
NEXT HOME: Leicester, Fri June 14 (7.15)
NEXT AWAY: Isle of Wight, Tue June 11 (7pm)

STOKE
The Potters have had a spell of inactivity caused by the weather following their defeat at Leicester at the start of the month – with a home clash against Mildenhall next-up on June 22.
NEXT HOME: Mildenhall, Sat June 22 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Plymouth (KOC), Fri July 12 (7.15)

FIXTURE PICTURE…

TUESDAY JUNE 11:
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Plymouth 7pm

WEDNESDAY JUNE 12:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Birmingham v Leicester OFF
CHALLENGE: Somerset v Plymouth 7.30

THURSDAY JUNE 13:
PREMIERSHIP: Belle Vue v Peterborough 7.30, Ipswich v Swindon 7.30
PREMIERSHIP SUPPORTERS’ CUP: Poole v King’s Lynn 7.30

FRIDAY JUNE 14:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Redcar v Eastbourne 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Plymouth v Leicester 7.15
SCOTTISH OPEN: Edinburgh 7.30

SATURDAY JUNE 15:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Edinburgh 7pm

SUNDAY JUNE 16:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Scunthorpe 6.30
CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD S/F 1st leg: Leicester v Berwick 5.30
BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP: Glasgow 3pm

MONDAY JUNE 17:
PREMIERSHIP: King’s Lynn v Ipswich 7.30, Poole v Wolverhampton 7.30, Swindon v Belle Vue 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Cradley v Leicester 7.30, Kent v Plymouth 6.30

TUESDAY JUNE 18:
BEST PAIRS: Isle of Wight 7pm

WEDNESDAY JUNE 19:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Birmingham v Newcastle 7.30, Somerset v Leicester 7.30

THURSDAY JUNE 20:
PREMIERSHIP: Ipswich v King’s Lynn 7.30, Peterborough v Swindon 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP Q/F 1st leg: Belle Vue v Kent 7.30

FRIDAY JUNE 21:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Redcar 7.30, Glasgow v Somerset 7.30, Scunthorpe v Sheffield 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Plymouth v Isle of Wight 7.15

SATURDAY JUNE 22:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Eastbourne v Scunthorpe 7.30, Redcar v Edinburgh 7.30
CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD S/F 2nd leg: Berwick v Leicester 7pm
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Stoke v Mildenhall 7pm
BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP: Belle Vue 6pm

SUNDAY JUNE 23:
CHAMPIONSHIP FOURS: Peterborough 2pm
INTER-COUNTY CHALLENGE 1st leg: Swindon Sprockets v Kent 5pm
BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP: Swindon (follows Challenge)

MONDAY JUNE 24:
PREMIERSHIP: King’s Lynn v Belle Vue 7.30, Wolverhampton v Poole 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP Q/F 2nd leg: Kent v Belle Vue 6.30

WEDNESDAY JUNE 26:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Somerset v Redcar 7.30

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BRITISH SPEEDWAY SEASON UPDATE

Thursday May 21, 2020
BRITISH Speedway remains united in ‘cautious optimism’ about some league racing this season.

All three leagues have been keeping in touch to measure the impact of no racing so far this season and how it affects business going forward.

And the message is clear – all three leagues are refusing to give up on the 2020 season and are continuing to urge fans to 'do the right thing'.

Rob Godfrey, chairman of the British Speedway Promoters Ltd, said: “Things are changing on a rapid basis and we are all encouraged to see it appears people are continuing to do the right thing to give us a chance of racing this year.

“The Premiership clubs had a catch up on Tuesday via video conference call, the Championship clubs are in regular dialogue and Jason Pipe, back as National Development League co-ordinator, is in touch with his clubs.

“There is little doubt in my own mind that some league racing will be possible this year. We can implement social distancing measures in stadia, both inside and outside the venue.

“We realise various club have different circumstances regarding their business, but I really do believe there will be some speedway this year.”

Damien Bates, vice chairman of the British Speedway Promoters Ltd and promoter of Sheffield, said: "We had a very productive catch-up online with all Premiership clubs and it was good for us all to get together to discuss the situation.

"We are a long way from abandoning the season. We still believe there are possibilities, strong possibilities, that our sport can take place this season with the appropriate safety measures in place for everyone in a stadium.

"Naturally we are keeping a close eye on the travel situation because there are several riders who are in Poland right now and we need to see movement allowed without quarantine. It's a fluid situation.

"We are continuing to look at a full quota of fixtures, or perhaps half a season with 12 meetings per club in the Premiership plus play-offs. We are keeping our options open right now, all three leagues are, but in any situation we remain in the hands of the government.

"We believe we need to make another assessment when the government update us on the next phase of recovery from this crisis which will be early in July.

"In the meantime we urge all supporters of every club throughout the country to stay patient and be assured we are doing everything we can to bring some racing to them this year."

SPEEDWAY PUT FORWARD FOR RESTART TALKS

Thursday April 30, 2020
BRITISH Speedway officials have put the sport forward for discussion at government level regarding how the season can start.

Weekly talks with various sports are set to take place and the government will assess each case individually in terms of how to restart when restrictions are reduced.

Rob Godfrey, chairman of the British Speedway Promoters Ltd, made contact with his local MP in Scunthorpe, Helen Mumby-Croft, over the weekend and all clubs have been asked to do the same.

Godfrey has now been told speedway will be considered by government officials taking into account the venues throughout the country and the size of crowds.

“My understanding was that discussions have already taken place with major sports and I felt it appropriate to put speedway up there,” said Godfrey. “I just wanted to get the sport on the table, that’s all, nothing more, nothing less.

“If ever there was a good time not to be a major sport, it is now. It’s one aspect we are working on, of course, with sponsorship, TV and increased digital output but we are where we are.

“We are presenting the facts. Many of us can work with social distancing in our stadia, restricted numbers in parts of a venue won’t be a problem and certainly the pits area can be tightened up in terms of numbers and space between personnel, but again this is very broadly speaking.

“Above and beyond this, we are an outside sport without any confined space.

“We remain absolutely determined and committed to staging a British Speedway season in some format, but of course this won’t be next week or the week after. Yes, I know there are issues with international travel but for every problem we can find a solution.

“If there is time it would be nice to see a gradual reopening with practice sessions, but that all depends if and when we are allowed to do so.

“Whatever happens we are in the hands of the government and we can only start once we are told we can. We have various permutations available to us in terms of the fixture list, even if it means a three month or a two month season.

“In addition we acknowledge many clubs don’t own their stadium and would need full co-operation from their landlords.”

BRITISH SPEEDWAY SEASON UPDATE

Tuesday April 21, 2020
BRITISH Speedway bosses remain ‘100% committed’ to staging racing this year.

The board of directors at the British Speedway Promoters Ltd have held a conference call today to discuss the way forward.

And Vice Chairman Damien Bates said: “We had a productive conversation and we all agreed we remain 100% committed to putting on a season this year at the first available opportunity.

“There are absolutely no thoughts of cancelling the season. We all want to stage the season in whatever format that can take.

“We have people working on fixtures covering all eventualities in terms of dates and potential rider availability.

“Naturally nothing can happen until the government allow it to, indeed when the next decision is made on the current lockdown situation we will talk again between us.

“We want to give fans, broadcasters and sponsors what everyone wants and that is live speedway to enjoy.

“If it’s July, August or whenever it may be we are determined to stage racing should the government rules allow us to do so.

“In the meantime, on behalf of every club promoter we extend our very best wishes to British Speedway supporters throughout the country and we urge you all to please follow the government rules. They are not guidelines or advice, they are rules.

“We want you all fit and well and ready to come and enjoy this wonderful sport as soon as it is safe and legal to do so.”

BRITISH SPEEDWAY STATEMENT

Wednesday March 25, 2020
THE board members of the British Speedway Promoters Ltd are continuing to monitor the situation regarding the Coronavirus crisis on a regular basis.

With the latest information from the government stating high risk groups of people should stay at home for 12 weeks, it is unlikely that that there will be any British Speedway events taking place before June 15, at least.

The Board have to consider the public, their members, riders and officials, some of which will be included in the high risk group.

It is the wish of the Board that every effort is made to start the new season at the first available opportunity and we have members of the association continuing to provide alternative fixture dates as the situation evolves.

The British Speedway Promoters Ltd sends their best wishes to everyone at this incredibly difficult time.

JOINT BSPA/SCB STATEMENT: CORONAVIRUS

Tuesday March 17, 2020
BRITISH Speedway’s new season has been suspended with immediate effect.

The decision has been taken in line with other sports following the latest update from the government on the Coronavirus crisis.

This suspension will be reviewed on April 15 and the situation will be monitored by the British Speedway Promoters’ Association and Speedway Control Bureau on a daily basis between now and then.