BRITISH SPEEDWAY ROUND-UP

Tuesday October 01, 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...

The victorious Ipswich Witches after their remarkable Premiership Play-Off semi-final triumph against Poole on Saturday.
Picture: PHIL HILTON

PREMIERSHIP SOUNDBYTES…

IPSWICH
“When you see an atmosphere like that, I have been talking to the boys and saying to the press about how much it means to the town, I think they realise now what it means to the club and the supporters. I am delighted for them and we have some amazing track staff here who work year after year, they are so reliable and so hardworking. That was for them, we are one big team and I am delighted to be a part of that team and have a final to be a part of.”
Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins was proud of the efforts throughout the entire club after his side toppled champions Poole to reach the Premiership Grand Final.
NEXT HOME: Swindon/Wolverhampton, Prem Grand Final, Thur Oct 10 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Swindon/Wolverhampton, Prem Grand Final, Mon Oct 14 (7.30)

KING’S LYNN
“We might catch them on the back foot a little bit after their defeat to Ipswich in the play-offs so; hopefully we can take advantage and have a decent meeting down there.”
The Stars round off their campaign at Poole next week in the Premiership Supporters’ Cup, with boss Peter Schroeck hoping to end on a high.
NEXT AWAY: Poole (PSC), Wed Oct 8 (7.30)

PETERBOROUGH
“It was a brilliant night for myself. I couldn’t be happier scoring five points, I’ll take that any day against these sort of riders who are the best in the world. Everything went to plan on the night. “It will be a day I will never forget and hopefully I will be able to do it again.”
British Champion Charles Wright reflects on a fantastic experience as the Wild Card at the British Grand Prix last month following his national title success.
NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton (PSC), Sun Oct 13 (4pm)

POOLE
“Obviously Saturday’s result against Ipswich wasn’t the one we wanted and it was a disappointing end to the season. But it’s important to remember we did finish top of the league and the boys really put in some great performances over the course of the season, providing great entertainment along the way.”
Pirates promoter Matt Ford attempts to look on the bright side after their shock play-off exit at the hands of Ipswich at Foxhall last Saturday.
NEXT HOME: King’s Lynn (PSC), Wed Oct 8 (7.30)

SWINDON
“I sincerely hope nothing drastic happens and we have a situation which makes it hard to employ riders like Doyley in this league. He’s box office and there’s no need to do it. We are very happy with Jason here at Swindon and we would like to have him back in the side next season.”
Robins owner Terry Russell makes it clear that he wishes for club captain Jason Doyle to be back to lead the side again next season.
NEXT HOME: Wolverhampton, Prem Play-Off, Thur Oct 3 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton, Prem Play-Off, Mon Oct 7 (7.30)

WOLVERHAMPTON
“At the end of the day, this is what we’ve been fighting for all season and while we’re glad to be in the play-offs, we won’t be happy unless we win them. We’ve got the form, we’ve been battling to get the results and now it’s time to take things up another level.”
Wolves star Jacob Thorssell is confident in his side’s ability to overcome Swindon when they go into play-off semi-final action over the coming days.
NEXT HOME: Swindon, Prem Play-Off, Mon Oct 7 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Swindon, Prem Play-Off, Thur Oct 3 (7.30)

CHAMPIONSHIP SOUNDBYTES…

BIRMINGHAM
“We’ve really enjoyed the entertainment served up by the riders and we’ll definitely be looking at building another team to entertain the supporters again next season.”
The Brummies signed off for 2019 with a defeat at Eastbourne last weekend, but boss Laurence Rogers is already looking forward to brighter times next season.

EASTBOURNE
“We all went want to race, we all want to win and earn money but there is a point in the year when the weather will not be getting more favourable, so you have to take the opportunity to get the meeting over and done with when you can.”
Eagles star Kyle Newman says there was a sensible attitude all-round in ensuring last Saturday’s season-ending clash with Birmingham was raced through to a result.

EDINBURGH
The Monarchs will make another attempt to complete their league programme by hosting Newcastle at Armadale this Friday.
NEXT HOME: Newcastle, Fri Oct 4 (7.30)

GLASGOW
“It would be fantastic to give those wonderful fans another trophy. It’s my dream to be involved with getting a league title for the Glasgow Tigers and the Facenna family, who have put so much into this club.”
Tigers boss Cami Brown has high hopes for the Championship play-offs, which get underway this week after a weather delay with his side facing Somerset in the semi-finals.
NEXT HOME: Somerset, Champ play-off, Tue Oct 1 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Somerset, Champ play-off, Wed Oct 2 (7.30)

LEICESTER
“All of the four play-off teams are strong, and having topped the table we’re now the ones with something to lose – but we feel strong over two legs against anyone.”
Lions boss Stewart Dickson is all set for the Championship play-off battle with Redcar, with the first leg of their semi-final now set for this Friday on Teesside.
NEXT HOME: Redcar, Champ play-off, TBC (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Redcar, Champ play-off, Fri Oct 4 (7.30)

NEWCASTLE
The Diamonds head back to Edinburgh on Friday to complete their Championship campaign and then turn their attentions to a KO Cup Final battle with local rivals Redcar.
NEXT HOME: Redcar KO Cup Final, Sun Oct 13 (6.30)
NEXT AWAY: Edinburgh, Fri Oct 4 (7.30)

REDCAR
The Bears’ play-off semi-final with Leicester has been re-arranged and they will now host the first leg at the Media Prima Arena this Friday.
NEXT HOME: Leicester, Champ play-off, Fri Oct 4 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Redcar, KO Cup Final, Sun Oct 13 (6.30)

SOMERSET
“Nothing changes in our approach, like I said last week, we are going there looking to try and win it. It is going to be a busy couple of days, but that’s an occupational hazard in this game.”
Rebels boss Garry May is ready for the most important two days in their season as they take on Glasgow in the Championship play-off semi-finals.
NEXT HOME: Glasgow, Champ play-off, Wed Oct 2 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Glasgow, Champ play-off, Tue Oct 1 (7.30)

NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUNDBYTES…

BELLE VUE
“We’ve had an amazing season and we want to share our success so far with the fans. We know we are capable of bringing home the league title and it’s going to be a fantastic night of racing for sure.”
Colts captain Kyle Bickley is hoping for a big turn-out to back the side in their vital play-off semi-final with Kent this week.
NEXT HOME: Kent, NL play-off, Thur Oct 3 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Kent, NL play-off, Mon Oct 7 (6.30)

CRADLEY
“It’s not ideal having to stage the semi-final in Birmingham because Cradley fans have a trickier journey, so we felt it was only right to reduce admission. We know how hard the task is going to be to get the better of a wonderful team in Leicester, they didn’t finish top of the table by fluke.”
Heathens chairman Nigel Pearson hopes his side can revel in their underdogs tag as they face Leicester in the play-offs, with the first leg at the ‘neutral’ venue of Birmingham.
NEXT HOME: Leicester (at Birmingham), NL play-off, Wed Oct 2 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Leicester, NL play-off, Sat Oct 5 (5.30)

KENT
Bad weather forced the Kings to put back their home play-off semi-final against Leicester, which will now take place on Monday October 7.
NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, NL play-off, Mon Oct 7 (6.30)
NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, NL play-off, Thur Oct 3 (7.30)

LEICESTER
The Lion Cubs stage a double-header at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena this Saturday at the earlier time of 5.30pm, as they look to book their places in both the National League Grand Final and the KO Cup Final.
NEXT HOME: Cradley, NL play-off, Sat Oct 5 (5.30)/Stoke, KO Cup (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Cradley (at Birmingham), NL play-off, Wed Oct 2 (7.30)

STOKE
“We have had some brilliant riders over the years and it would be great to see some of them come home and have a great knees-up and send the club out in style. We had a great turn-out for our last meeting and it would be good to see plenty more turning up on the evening, and once we know the numbers we can then announce a date and the venue.”
Potters promoter Dave Tattum is making plans for the club’s end-of-era event as the curtain falls on over 40 years of racing at Loomer Road.
NEXT AWAY: Leicester (KOC), Sat Oct 5 (7.30)

FIXTURE PICTURE…

TUESDAY OCTOBER 1:
CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL 1st leg: Glasgow v Somerset 7.30

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 2:
CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL 2nd leg: Somerset v Glasgow 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL 1st leg: Cradley v Leicester 7.30 (at Birmingham)

THURSDAY OCTOBER 3:
PREMIERSHIP PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL 1st leg: Swindon v Wolverhampton 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL 1st leg: Belle Vue v Kent 7.30

FRIDAY OCTOBER 4:
CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL 1st leg: Redcar v Leicester 7.30
CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Newcastle 7.30

SATURDAY OCTOBER 5:
NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL 2nd leg: Leicester v Cradley 5.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP S/F 2nd leg: Leicester v Stoke (follows previous fixture)

SUNDAY OCTOBER 6:
NATIONAL LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Scunthorpe 6pm

MONDAY OCTOBER 7:
PREMIERSHIP PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL 2nd leg: Wolverhampton v Swindon 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL 2nd leg: Kent v Belle Vue 6.30

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 9:
PREMIERSHIP SUPPORTERS’ CUP: Poole v King’s Lynn 7.30

THURSDAY OCTOBER 10:
PREMIERSHIP GRAND FINAL 1st leg: Ipswich v Swindon/Wolverhampton 7.30

FRIDAY OCTOBER 11:
CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP FINAL 1st leg: Redcar v Newcastle 7.30

SATURDAY OCTOBER 12:
NORTHERN JUNIOR LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh 6pm

SUNDAY OCTOBER 13:
PREMIERSHIP SUPPORTERS’ CUP: Wolverhampton v Peterborough 4pm
CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP FINAL 2nd leg: Newcastle v Redcar 6.30
BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP Round 7: Wolverhampton (follows PSC fixture)

MONDAY OCTOBER 14:
PREMIERSHIP GRAND FINAL 2nd leg: Swindon/Wolverhampton v Ipswich 7.30

SUNDAY OCTOBER 20:
90TH ANNIVERSARY: Newcastle 6.30

MONDAY OCTOBER 21:
NGK SPARK PLUGS OLYMPIQUE: Wolverhampton 7.30

FRIDAY OCTOBER 25:
TEESSIDE SILVER HELMET: Redcar 7.30

MONDAY OCTOBER 28:
FAST GOLDEN HAMMER: Cradley 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.