BRITISH SPEEDWAY ROUND-UP

Tuesday August 20, 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...

Sheffield and Kent star Drew Kemp was crowned British Under-19 Champion last week at Redcar. Also finishing on the rostrum were Jason Edwards and Anders Rowe.
Picture: COLIN POOLE

PREMIERSHIP SOUNDBYTES…

BELLE VUE
“The next two meetings against King’s Lynn are going to be really important for us. We need to channel our frustration into action and make up for this with some big results against them.”
Kenneth Bjerre’s late arrival at the National Speedway Stadium on Monday due to traffic problems was a contributory factor to a home defeat by Wolves – and the Dane is keen for the Aces to bounce back.
NEXT HOME: King’s Lynn, Mon Aug 26 (12pm)
NEXT AWAY: King’s Lynn, Thur Aug 22 (7.30)

IPSWICH
“This week we need to get three points and a home win otherwise things will start to become difficult for us to make the play-offs. We need to get some wins on the board and get ourselves in a more secure position. A couple of home defeats have dropped us back down into the race for the top four.”
Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins wants his side to get back on the winning track quickly, to avoid the threat of being reeled in prior to the play-offs.
NEXT HOME: Peterborough, Thur Aug 22 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Swindon, Mon Aug 26 (7.30)

KING’S LYNN
“Erik’s crash was a tough one, he hit the ground really hard and I think he’s feeling it now, but he’ll be fine. He didn’t go in Heat 15 because his best bike was totally damaged, but Bomber (Chris Harris) did a great job for us and he deserved to have Heat 15.”
Stars boss Peter Schroeck was relieved to see German star Erik Riss walk away from a heavy crash in Monday’s win over Peterborough as the home side kept up a strong run on their own circuit.
NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Thur Aug 22 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Mon Aug 26 (12pm)

PETERBOROUGH
“Losing Hans (Andersen) was disappointing, plus Ty (Proctor) not scoring after he scored 12 here last time. But we keep fighting away, and the result didn’t really reflect how we rode. It’s just disappointing and frustrating.”
Panthers boss Carl Johnson was left to rue another night where his side didn’t get thing together as a full unit, as they slipped to an eighth successive defeat at King’s Lynn on Monday.
NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Thur Sept 5 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Ipswich, Thur Aug 22 (7.30)

POOLE
“We knew it was going to be a tough meeting, but we got the three points on the board which was the main thing. Obviously Swindon came back at us a bit at the end of the meeting, but three points is three points.”
Pirates skipper Josh Grajczonek was pleased that his side did enough to defeat in-form Swindon on Monday, maintaining their place at the top of the table.
NEXT HOME: Wolverhampton, Thur Sept 5 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Swindon, Mon Aug 22 (7.30)

SWINDON
“We’ll stick together and after gaining six points on the road from three away meetings we are in a great position so I’d urge the fans to come along and support us starting on Thursday.”
Robins boss Alun Rossiter has overseen an excellent run for his side
NEXT HOME: Poole, Thur Aug 22 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Ipswich, Thur Sept 5 (7.30)

WOLVERHAMPTON
“We’ve now got another massive match on Monday against Poole, we have to make sure we don’t undo the good work we’ve done tonight. Every team bar Peterborough are in the mix and there’s a lot of matches to be ridden just yet. We’ve just got to keep up this good form.”
Wolves boss Peter Adams challenges his team to build on their victory at Belle Vue which brings them right into play-off contention heading for the run-in.
NEXT HOME: Poole, Mon Aug 26 (8pm)
NEXT AWAY: Poole, Thur Sept 5 (7.30)

CHAMPIONSHIP SOUNDBYTES…

BERWICK
“It looks like we had a runaway win, but they made us work for it, and it was a very entertaining meeting, with all points coming to us.”
Bandits boss Gary Flint says the 58-32 win over Eastbourne on Saturday was not as straightforward as the final score appeared.
NEXT HOME: Scunthorpe, Wed Aug 21 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Redcar, Fri Aug 23 (7.30)

BIRMINGHAM
“Just when we thought we’d got a settled 1-7, bad luck strikes us again. And the timing couldn’t be much worse because a change in the averages sees Nick (Agertoft) drop to reserve with Shanesie moving back into the main body of the team.”
Brummies promoter David Mason reacts to the bad news that skipper James Shanes will miss the rest of the season after suffering multiple injuries in a grasstrack smash at the weekend.
NEXT HOME: Leicester, Wed Aug 21 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Edinburgh, Fri Aug 23 (7.30)

EASTBOURNE
The Eagles gained relief on the road in their final away fixture of the league season when they won 47-43 at Newcastle to pick up their first points on their travels in 2019.
NEXT HOME: Redcar, Sat Aug 24 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Redcar (KOC), Fri Sept 6 (7.30)

EDINBURGH
“It was a good team win tonight, we need to do some pretty drastic away wins in the matches we have left so I need to get my act together and start scoring away.”
Monarchs skipper Ricky Wells was unbeaten in a big home win over Eastbourne, but knows the club’s destiny for this season will largely be determined on the road in the coming weeks.
NEXT HOME: Birmingham, Fri Aug 23 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Somerset, Wed Aug 28 (7.30)

GLASGOW
“We're gutted not to get the win but the fact we took a point from their place, something they didn't manage to do at our track last month, is a positive we can take from the match.”
Tigers co-promoter Peter Facenna took some consolation from a narrow defeat at title rivals Leciester on Saturday, in what could prove to be a dress rehearsal for a play-off clash between the clubs.
NEXT HOME: Scunthorpe, Sat Aug 31 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Berwick, Sat Sept 7 (8.30)

LEICESTER
“This was a big win but it means nothing in terms of the play-offs. That’s when we need to all be firing as a team as there will be no easy matches if we are to lift the league title.”
Lions skipper Scott Nicholls warns that the hard work is still to come after they maintained a 100 per cent home record by edging out title rivals Glasgow 46-44 at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena.
NEXT HOME: Somerset, Sat Aug 24 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Birmingham, Wed Aug 21 (7.30)

NEWCASTLE
“We had this meeting in the bag and we were in control, set for the win, but from the tenth race onwards we lost the plot just as Eastbourne had an epiphany which gave them renewed belief, led by our former riders Lewis Kerr and Kyle Newman, and we were sunk in a match we should never have lost.”
Diamonds boss George English was left in virtual disbelief as his side threw away a 33-21 advantage to lose at home to Eastbourne on Sunday.
NEXT HOME: Birmingham, Sun Aug 25 (6.30)
NEXT AWAY: Scunthorpe, Fri Aug 23 (7.30)

REDCAR
The Bears kept their impressive play-off push going by defeating Sheffield at home last Tuesday, and also enjoyed a successful staging of the British Under-19 Final, won by Sheffield’s Drew Kemp.
NEXT HOME: Berwick, Fri Aug 23 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Eastbourne, Sat Aug 24 (7.30)

SCUNTHORPE
“We’ll assess our options, and we’ll see if there is another rider that we can bring in for the rest of our season.”
Scorpions promoter Rob Godfrey is looking into the possibility of signing a replacement for Danny Ayres, who is ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken leg.
NEXT HOME: Newcastle, Fri Aug 23 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Berwick, Wed Aug 21 (7.30)

SOMERSET
“If we can finish with two more home wins then we should accomplish the first goal of making the play- offs. It will then be a case of stepping it up a notch to go beyond and try and win the title. But we have two tricky home matches to deal with before we can begin to give that second goal too much attention.”
Rebels boss Garry May stresses the importance of keeping a ‘clean sheet’ at home so his side can confirm a place in the Championship play-offs this season.
NEXT HOME: Sheffield, Wed Aug 21 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Leicester, Sat Aug 24 (7.30)

SHEFFIELD
“Now we have to kick on. Every match is a Cup Final and we need to keep winning to make the top four and play-offs. The boys have shown what they are capable of. It’s actually a bit frustrating because I’ve known for some time that this side is capable of this sort of performance.”
Tigers boss Simon Stead says his side must build on last Sunday’s home performance, when they inflicted Glasgow’s heaviest defeat of the season to remain in the play-off race.
NEXT HOME: NL Pairs, Sun Aug 25 (5.30)
NEXT AWAY: Somerset, Wed Aug 21 (7.30)

NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUNDBYTES…

BELLE VUE
“You’re always hopeful of achieving your minimum goal, and Kent have some very strong riders so this is a major positive for us. It’s a great boost of confidence and we hope to carry this forward.”
Colts co-boss Steve Williams was more than satisfied with the outcome of Monday’s trip to Kent, where his side came away with a league point from a narrow 43-47 defeat.
NEXT HOME: Cradley, Thur Aug 29 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Isle of Wight, Tue Aug 20 (7pm)

CRADLEY
“Everyone chipped in with something and we’re happy because we needed that win. I thought it was a cracking meeting for the fans with how close it was throughout and there was some good racing as well.”
Heathens skipper Max Clegg scored a 15-point maximum in a hard-fought 47-43 win over Plymouth at Monmore on Monday.
NEXT HOME: Kent, Mon Sept 9 (6.30)
NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Thur Aug 29 (7.30)

ISLE OF WIGHT
“It is important that we look after our own situation first and foremost, especially as I do believe that we still have a chance of the play-offs. The boys know that they will have to scrap for every point and some great crowd backing will help the riders tremendously.”
IOW chief Barry Bishop isn’t giving up hope of the Warriors making their way back into the top four of the National League with big matches over the coming weeks.
NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Tue Aug 20 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Stoke, Sat Aug 31 (7pm)

KENT
The Kings have confirmed Jake Mulford as a full member of their one-to-seven with Nathan Ablitt dropping out having informed the club he does not intend to race again this season. Mulford comes in alongside Jacob Clouting, who has replaced the injured Alex Spooner.
NEXT HOME: Mildenhall, Mon Aug 26 (4pm)
NEXT AWAY: Leicester, Sat Aug 31 (7.30)

LEICESTER
The Lion Cubs are looking to deal with a fixture backlog after Saturday’s home clash with Cradley was postponed following a Heat 3 crash in which the Heathens’ Tom Spencer required medical attention and a trip to hospital.
NEXT HOME: Kent, Sat Aug 31 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Isle of Wight, Thur Aug 29 (7pm)

MILDENHALL
“We now have a breather until Monday when we meet the Kings again in the return League fixture when if we show the passion and character we have in the last two home meetings there is no reason why we cannot get something out of the meeting.”
Fen Tigers boss Malcolm Vasey has high hopes for his side’s Bank Holiday trip to Central Park after defeating Kent at home last weekend.
NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Sun Sept 1 (3pm)
NEXT AWAY: Kent, Mon Aug 26 (4pm)

PLYMOUTH
Gladiators star Nathan Stoneman scored 19 points as the Coliseum side gained welcome reward for their efforts on their travels with a league point from a narrow defeat at Cradley on Monday.
NEXT HOME: Stoke, Fri Aug 23 (7.15)
NEXT AWAY: Stoke, Sat Sept 7 (7pm)

STOKE
The Potters are set to return to action this weekend after a series of recent postponements, as they make the trip to Plymouth on Friday before hosting a big home clash with Belle Vue the following evening.
NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Sat Aug 24 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Plymouth, Fri Aug 23 (7.15)

FIXTURE PICTURE…

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

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

THURSDAY AUGUST 22:
PREMIERSHIP: Ipswich v Peterborough 7.30, King’s Lynn v Belle Vue 7.30, Swindon v Poole 7.30

FRIDAY AUGUST 23:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Birmingham 7.30, Redcar v Berwick 7.30, Scunthorpe v Newcastle 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Plymouth v Stoke 7.15

SATURDAY AUGUST 24:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Birmingham 7pm, Eastbourne v Redcar 7.30, Leicester v Somerset 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Stoke v Belle Vue 7pm

SUNDAY AUGUST 25:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Birmingham 6.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE PAIRS: Sheffield 5.30

MONDAY AUGUST 26:
PREMIERSHIP: Belle Vue v King’s Lynn 12pm, Swindon v Ipswich 7.30, Wolverhampton v Poole 8pm
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Kent v Mildenhall 4pm

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 28:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Birmingham v Berwick 7.30, Somerset v Edinburgh 7.30, Sheffield v Newcastle 7.30

THURSDAY AUGUST 29:
PREMIERSHIP: Ipswich v Poole 7.30, Swindon v Peterborough 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Cradley 7.30, Isle of Wight v Leicester 7pm

FRIDAY AUGUST 30:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Newcastle 7.30, Redcar v Somerset 7.30, Scunthorpe v Leicester 7.30
CHALLENGE: Plymouth v Exeter Select 7.15

SATURDAY AUGUST 31:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Newcastle 7pm, Eastbourne v Sheffield 7.30, Glasgow v Scunthorpe 7pm
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Leicester v Kent 7.30, Stoke v Isle of Wight 7pm

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1:
CHAMPIONSHIP RIDERS’ INDIVIDUAL: Sheffield 4pm
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Mildenhall v Belle Vue 3pm

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 2:
PREMIERSHIP: Wolverhampton v King’s Lynn 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Mildenhall 7.30
CHALLENGE: Kent v Young Lions 6.30

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 4:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Birmingham v Scunthorpe 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.