BRITISH SPEEDWAY ROUND-UP

Tuesday August 06, 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...

Eastbourne booked their place in the Championship Shield Final after beating Glasgow 55-34 in the second leg of their semi-final at Arlington. The Eagles win 98-81 on aggregate and will face Leicester in the Final.
Picture: MIKE HINVES

PREMIERSHIP SOUNDBYTES…

BELLE VUE
“We had too many passengers, and the lack of consistency after the result at Ipswich last week is something we need to urgently address. These away points are too crucial to be dropping.”
Aces boss Mark Lemon remains frustrated by the inconsistency in the team’s away form, as they suffered an 18-point defeat at Wolverhampton on Monday.
NEXT HOME: Swindon, Mon Aug 12 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: King’s Lynn, Thur Aug 22 (7.30)

IPSWICH
“We had a lot of fans there and we wanted to put on a good show for them. I can understand them being disappointed after travelling and seeing your side not perform. That is sport and in nearly every meeting this season we have performed. At the moment the highs outweigh the lows.”
Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins wasn’t going overboard after his second-placed side suffered their heaviest defeat of the season, going down 57-33 at King’s Lynn on Monday.
NEXT HOME: Swindon, Thur Aug 15 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Poole, Thur Aug 8 (7.30)

KING’S LYNN
“It was an eventful night but we have to be pleased with the result. We know what a tough side Ipswich are and we know all about the rivalry. They’ve been here this season and done well before.”
Peter Schroeck’s Stars fired up their play-off bid with a 57-33 hammering of Ipswich on Monday – having been held to a draw in the Witches’ previous visit.
NEXT HOME: Wolverhampton, Thur Aug 15 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Mon Aug 26 (12pm)

PETERBOROUGH
“Brad was always a key part of our team plans and we were hoping to see him back at the start of this month. It's a major blow to the team because we needed his scoring power and we had high hopes of him returning but it's not worked out like that.”
Panthers boss Carl Johnson is disappointed with the news that New Zealand Champion Bradley Wilson-Dean won’t be able to return from a broken collarbone this season.
NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Thur Sept 5 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton, Mon Aug 12 (7.30)

POOLE
The Pirates remain top of the Premiership table and can take a big step towards league leadership ahead of the play-offs when they host nearest rivals Ipswich at Wimborne Road on Thursday.
NEXT HOME: Ipswich, Thur Aug 8 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton, Mon Aug 26 (8pm)

SWINDON
“I feel we have a very strong top five who are capable of scoring big, and both of the reserves are scoring useful points for us. I’m confident we have the team to get us some away wins.”
Robins boss Alun Rossiter says his side heads into August with plenty of potential to improve their position and move into a Premiership play-off place.
NEXT HOME: Wolverhampton, Thur Aug 8 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Mon Aug 12 (7.30)

WOLVERHAMPTON
“It was a fantastic night of entertainment all round, there was a lot of excellent racing for the supporters to enjoy and we’re pleased to get another three points, as well as to ensure Belle Vue left with nothing, in what was a really strong performance from the team.”
Wolves boss Peter Adams said Monday’s victory over Belle Vue had completed a perfect night at Monmore as they continue to battle for a play-off spot.
NEXT HOME: Peterborough, Mon Aug 12 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Swindon, Thur Aug 8 (7.30)

CHAMPIONSHIP SOUNDBYTES…

BERWICK
“This was a match win that just fumbled out of our hands with a couple of mechanical issues slicing points from our guys with Coty Garcia's start line engine bang, and Leon Flint's rear chain flinging him to the ground when he was set to take second place.”
Bandits boss Gary Flint bemoaned his side’s misfortune as they suffered a rare home defeat at the hands of Redcar on Saturday.
NEXT HOME: Glasgow, Sat Aug 10 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Glasgow, Fri Aug 9 (7.30)

BIRMINGHAM
“Birmingham is a good club and I’ve spoken to a fair few people who I trust who have only said good things. There’s no pressure as such and I just want to come in, take it one ride at a time and hopefully show what I can do.”
The Brummies’ latest reserve recruit Jordan Jenkins is looking to take his first chance of racing at Championship level when he lines up for the Perry Barr side.
NEXT HOME: Eastbourne, Wed Aug 7 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Scunthorpe, Fri Aug 9 (7.30)

EASTBOURNE
“We were telling everyone to stay focussed and keep their mind on the job in hand. I think it affected Glasgow a lot more than it did us. The track was good before the meeting. There was no problem for us. We just got on with it and we have the result we wanted.”
Eagles boss Will Pottinger distanced himself from debate over conditions at Arlington on Saturday with the Eagles marching into the Final of the Championship Shield at the expense of Glasgow.
NEXT HOME: Redcar, Sat Aug 24 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Birmingham, Wed Aug 7 (7.30)

EDINBURGH
“I think James Sarjeant is a very good signing. I guested for Glasgow a couple of weeks ago and he didn't jump the start that night, so I said to him to make it the same tonight! He did that and I think he will become a really good speedway rider.”
Monarchs No.1 Sam Masters is backing his new regular race partner James Sarjeant to make a success of his switch to Armadale from local rivals Glasgow.
NEXT HOME: Sheffield, Fri Aug 9 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Sheffield, Sun Aug 11 (5.30)

GLASGOW
“He is a real trier and going by last season’s score here he knows how to get round our track, so if he can keep doing that for us home and away, it will help us consolidate our position and hopefully go on to have a go at winning the trophy.”
Tigers co-owner Peter Facenna says the move to bring in Mikkel B Andersen should strengthen the club’s bid to take the Championship title this season.
NEXT HOME: Berwick, Fri Aug 9 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Berwick, Sat Aug 10 (7pm)

LEICESTER
“It was a great win, we knew Sheffield could push us really tight but the track rode well and we came away with a good result. It’s important for us to keep the momentum going, covering for Richie (Worrall) and we’ve had some good guests coming in - and Aaron came in today and did a fantastic job.”
Lions skipper Scott Nicholls praised guest Aaron Summers who joined him in a strong top-end performance to see off Sheffield at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena last Sunday.
NEXT HOME: Scunthorpe, Sat Aug 10 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Birmingham, Wed Aug 21 (7.30)

NEWCASTLE
“Danny (Phillips) scored his quota well and Max Clegg was exceptional with his 14 points, unfortunately the fire-power from the upper end of the team, including from the gate, left them lacking and points were not coming at the critical time.”
Stand-in Diamonds boss Roy Clarke suffered a home defeat at the hands of Somerset despite impressive showings from their reserve duo.
NEXT HOME: Redcar, Sun Aug 11 (6.30)
NEXT AWAY: Somerset, Wed Aug 7 (7.30)

REDCAR
“It’s absolutely amazing to have a Bear become British Champion and nobody could deserve it more. He is one of the most dedicated, determined and hard working riders you are likely to meet and he has rightly reaped the rewards for that.”
Redcar promoter Jitendra Duffill is proud of skipper Charles Wright’s national title glory – with the team building on that to move into the play-off places with a successful weekend.
NEXT HOME: Newcastle, Fri Aug 9 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Newcastle, Sun Aug 11 (6.30)

SCUNTHORPE
“When it was raining early on, we just got on with it and adapted to it. I didn’t understand why Edinburgh called for a track inspection, since their track was wetter on Friday night just from track watering without any rain. We’ve had a good night and hopefully we can now build up a bit of momentum because we’ve got a busy August, so it would be great if we can keep it going.”
Scorpions reserve Simon Lambert had no issues with conditions after another high-scoring show with 11+3 in the 56-34 win over the Monarchs on Sundya.
NEXT HOME: Birmingham, Fri Aug 9 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Leicester, Sat Aug 10 (7.30)

SOMERSET
“We worked really hard to get that victory and it was a good meeting. After seeing what they did in heat 13 I knew I had to go with Bomber and Morra in heat 15 and they had a plan. It worked and we got a valuable win.”
Rebels boss Garry May knew the importance of taking victory at Newcastle last Sunday, just four days after slipping to a home defeat at the hands of Glasgow.
NEXT HOME: Newcastle, Wed Aug 7 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Leicester, Sat Aug 24 (7.30)

SHEFFIELD
“Whether it would have changed the final outcome or not I’m not too sure, but the scoreline would have looked quite different had we had a bit more luck on our side. While we weren’t good enough to win on the night, there are still some positives we can take from this.”
Tigers boss Simon Stead is remaining optimistic of a late surge back into the top four from his side, who missed out on league points at Leicester on Sunday.
NEXT HOME: Edinburgh, Sun Aug 11 (5.30)
NEXT AWAY: Edinburgh, Fri Aug 9 (7.30)

NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUNDBYTES…

BELLE VUE
“There was nothing more any of us could have done tonight. The boys rode so hard and in challenging conditions. Defeat is tough to take because we were so close, but it is what it is.”
Colts captain Kyle Bickley says they won’t let their heads go down after being overturned at home by Kent last week, despite having held an 11-point lead with five races remaining.
NEXT HOME: Leicester, Thur Aug 8 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Kent, Mon Aug 19 (6.30)

CRADLEY
“Hopefully we can kick on from this, win all our remaining home meetings and pick up at least one win on our travels. Everyone knows how important away wins can be when it comes to the league table at the end of the year.”
Heathens star Luke Harris says the battle is still very much on for a top four finish, as the club look forward to big meetings later this month.
NEXT HOME: Plymouth, Mon Aug 19 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Leicester, Sat Aug 17 (7.30)

ISLE OF WIGHT
“While it’s amazing to have another piece of silverware I would have rather lost than win like this but that’s part of speedway and I am delighted for the team.”
Warriors chief Barry Bishop had mixed emotions after the Silver Ski Holidays Fours at Kent on Monday was curtailed due to a crash involving Plymouth’s Adam Extance and the IOW’s Danno Verge.
NEXT HOME: Mildenhall, Thur Aug 8 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Mildenhall, Sun Aug 11 (3pm)

KENT
The Kings will now face a Sussex Select side at Central Park on Monday after local rivals Eastbourne elected not to fulfil their intended challenge match.
NEXT HOME: Sussex (Ch), Mon Aug 12 (6.30)
NEXT AWAY: Mildenhall, Sun Aug 18 (3pm)

LEICESTER
“The key to making the play-offs is the four-point away wins and now we’ve got three of them, we’ve got 13 points from four away matches – so obviously that’s a great position to be in with four home matches still to come.”
Lion Cubs boss Dave Howard says his side have put themselves in a very strong position thanks to their recent big away wins at Kent and Plymouth.
NEXT HOME: Cradley, Sat Aug 17 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Thur Aug 8 (7.30)

MILDENHALL
“Things didn’t go so well in our first few National League matches but things are starting to click into place now. The ball is rolling again and we’re slowly but surely starting to get our home track advantage back.”
Fen Tigers star Jason Edwards says the club are well-placed to mount a serious play-off challenge as they go into a vital August fixture programme.
NEXT HOME: Isle of Wight, Sun Aug 11 (3pm)
NEXT AWAY: Isle of Wight, Thur Aug 8 (7pm)

PLYMOUTH
“Leicester deserved the win. They were by far the better team on the night and full credit to them. I always think of myself as an optimist but I’m also a realist and after Friday night’s display from the team I really can’t see us hitting the play offs.”
Gladiators boss Mattie Bates gives an honest assessment of his team’s prospects after a home defeat to the Lion Cubs on Friday left them off the pace of the top four.
NEXT HOME: Mildenhall, Fri Aug 9 (7.15)
NEXT AWAY: Stoke, Sat Aug 10 (7pm)

STOKE
“We were simply beaten by a better team on the night. The track was good with Ellis Perks clocking the four fastest times of the season around here and they had a team which there was simply no weakness - it was strong right the way through.”
Potters boss Adam Isherwood paid tribute to opponents Leicester, who racked up a 54-36 win at Loomer Road in the first leg of the KO Cup semi-final to put one foot into the Final.
NEXT HOME: Plymouth, Sat Aug 10 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Plymouth, Fri Aug 23 (7.15)

FIXTURE PICTURE…

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 7:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Birmingham v Eastbourne 7.30, Somerset v Newcastle 7.30

THURSDAY AUGUST 8:
PREMIERSHIP: Poole v Ipswich 7.30, Swindon v Wolverhampton 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Leicester 7.30, Isle of Wight v Mildenhall 7pm

FRIDAY AUGUST 9:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Sheffield 7.30, Glasgow v Berwick 7.30, Redcar v Newcastle 7.30, Scunthorpe v Birmingham 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Plymouth v Mildenhall 7.15

SATURDAY AUGUST 10:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Glasgow 7pm, Leicester v Scunthorpe 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Stoke v Plymouth 7pm

SUNDAY AUGUST 11:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Redcar 6.30, Sheffield v Edinburgh 5.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Mildenhall v Isle of Wight 3pm

MONDAY AUGUST 12:
PREMIERSHIP: Belle Vue v Swindon 7.30, Wolverhampton v Peterborough 7.30
CHALLENGE: Kent v Sussex 6.30

TUESDAY AUGUST 13:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Redcar v Sheffield 7.30

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 14:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Birmingham v Scunthorpe 7.30, Somerset v Edinburgh 7.30

THURSDAY AUGUST 15:
PREMIERSHIP: Ipswich v Swindon 7.30, King’s Lynn v Wolverhampton 7.30
BRITISH UNDER-19 FINAL: Redcar 7.30
HANDICAP INDIVIDUAL CHALLENGE: Isle of Wight 7pm

FRIDAY AUGUST 16:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Eastbourne 7.30, Glasgow v Sheffield 7.30, Scunthorpe v Redcar 7.30

SATURDAY AUGUST 17:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Eastbourne 7pm
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Leicester v Cradley 7.30

SUNDAY AUGUST 18:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Eastbourne 6.30, Sheffield v Glasgow 5.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Mildenhall v Kent 3pm

MONDAY AUGUST 19:
PREMIERSHIP: Belle Vue v Wolverhampton 7.30, King’s Lynn v Peterborough 7.30, Poole v Swindon 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Cradley v Plymouth 7.30, Kent v Belle Vue 6.30

TUESDAY AUGUST 20:
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Belle Vue 7pm

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 21:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Scunthorpe 7pm, Birmingham v Leicester 7.30, Somerset v Sheffield 7.30

Share This:

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.