WELCOME to the latest edition of the weekly BSPA bulletins keeping you in touch with news, views and fixtures from the tracks up and down the country.
BRITISH SPEEDWAY 80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
BRITISH Speedway will mark 80 years of league racing with a week of celebration in July.
Starting on Sunday, July 19, all accompanied children under the age of 15 will be admitted to speedway meetings free of charge throughout the UK.
The first league meeting took place in 1929 and the three-tiers of British racing will celebrate together throughout the week.
British Speedway chairman Peter Toogood said: “This is a tremendous milestone for the sport and this is our way of celebrating.
“We believe the sport has fabulous support and there is also a feeling a new audience has been created through the excellent coverage given to us by Sky Sports.
“What we need to do now is build on that and make the sport accessible to a new generation of supporters.
“This is an opportunity for youngsters going into the school summer holidays to enjoy the thrills and spills of this wonderful family sport – the message to the wider public is to come and join us!”
Full details of tracks throughout the UK can be found at www.speedwaygb.com and links to individual club websites are available through the site.
Full fixture information for the week of celebration is also available on the site and a further announcement regarding a gift incentive is expected in the near future.
SUPER 7EVEN SERIES 2009 BRITISH UNDER 21 FINAL: Lakeside – LEWIS BRIDGER. BRITISH FINAL: Poole - CHRIS HARRIS. PREMIER LEAGUE PAIRS: Somerset, Friday June 26. PREMIER LEAGUE FOURS: Workington, Saturday July 25. ELITE LEAGUE PAIRS: Eastbourne, Saturday August 8. PREMIER LEAGUE RIDERS' CHAMPIONSHIP: Sheffield, Sunday September 27. ELITE LEAGUE RIDERS' CHAMPIONSHIP: Coventry, Friday October 2
ELITE LEAGUE LATEST...
BELLE VUE No.1 Krzysztof Kasprzak was back to top form on his home circuit with a paid maximum in the Aces' convincing 57-39 win over Eastbourne.
But the club's management were also delighted with the performance of Ulrich Ostergaard, as the Dane dropped just one point from five outings.
Manager Chris Morton said: "We have always had faith in Ulrich, even though he struggled for a while after his move up from the Premier League. This performance will have done wonders for his confidence."
COVENTRY star Rory Schlein is hoping that his best run of form of the season so far enables him to make progress from Saturday's Grand Prix qualifier in Italy.
Schlein said: "I haven't been setting the world on fire, but I've been consistent and now we're getting to the stage where I'm hitting my stride.
"It's come at a good time with the qualifier this weekend, and hopefully things will get bigger and better from there."
EASTBOURNE reserve Simon Gustafsson is hoping to make his return from a broken collarbone this week - possibly in the home match against Coventry on Saturday.
The Swedish youngster is set for a practice session on Wednesday whilst the Eagles travel to Poole, and if all goes well from that he will race against the Bees.
Gustafsson said: "I want to ride in England but I don't know if I can do two meetings in two nights with my recovery. I'm feeling much better - not perfect, but much better."
IPSWICH manager Pete Simmons says changes are on the way at Foxhall after two home defeats in succession, including the Witches exiting the Knockout Cup at the hands of Belle Vue.
Simmons said: "We are looking at more than one rider to bring in and we have the names of those we want.
"This squad looked a solid unit when we put it together last winter and while some have risen to the task and done as requested others have been unable to do so."
LAKESIDE boss Jon Cook has praised the efforts of his team in covering for Joonas Kylmakorpi - with the Finn now just back in action after a lengthy injury absence.
Cook said: "It's been difficult for the boys because his absence went on and on without any definitive return date. It's not the fault of Joonas, but we were left to soldier on with a six-man team.
"That put pressure on, but the boys have been magnificent in coping with that and they have shown terrific patience with the situation. They've been taking five rides virtually every meeting, and that does put a strain on men and machines."
PETERBOROUGH manager Trevor Swales believes his team's impressive home form could well establish them in the Elite League's top four over the coming weeks.
Swales said: "Our next two meetings are also at home and hopefully we can carry on in the same vein. We need to keep the pedal to the metal and keep our points tally ticking over.
"We are there or thereabouts in the table and that's where we want to stay. It is up to us to dig deep like we did against Eastbourne and continue picking up the results."
POOLE star Chris Holder is targeting a quick return from a broken collarbone - with the injury sustained whilst riding a motocross bike.
Holder said: "I’m sorry but I do have a life apart from speedway and I’m not going to sit at home in cotton wool. I didn’t mean it, but these things happen.
"There’s not much I can do about it and I don’t think I’ll miss that many meetings. I think I’ll be back pretty soon. It’s probably the best bone to break because it doesn’t take too long to heal."
SWINDON newcomer Matej Zagar scored a brilliant 15-point maximum in the Robins' convincing away win at Ipswich - despite having admitted that he did not like the Foxhall circuit!
Zagar said: "It’s a fabulous turnaround from before for me here at Ipswich. It’s good the team won and everybody is happy.
"I’m not used to winning heats at Ipswich - it’s definitely not my favourite track. All four laps are a battle with the track and the bike. Nothing changes, only the scores are better."
WOLVERHAMPTON star Fredrik Lindgren clocked up yet another home maximum in the win over Lakeside on Monday - despite suffering neck pain from his crash in the Swedish Grand Prix.
Lindgren said: "I was a bit sore but it wasn't too much of a problem and I'm pleased to get through the meeting with another good score for both me and the team.
"We have to be happy with our form so far, it's nice to be top of the table but there are other teams showing good form too."
PREMIER LEAGUE LATEST...
BERWICK No.1 Michal Makovsky produced the match-winning Heat 15 ride to ensure the Bandits took a vital away success at Newport.
Co-promoter John Anderson said: "The whole team pulled together this afternoon, especially when our potentially top-scoring reserve Tero Aarnio picked up a nasty hand injury so early on. It was a real team effort and one to be proud of."
BIRMINGHAM will launch a 'kids for a quid' promotion applying to all accompanied children - starting from this Wednesday's home clash with Scunthorpe.
Promoter Graham Drury said: "We need to be encouraging more youngsters to attend, and hopefully this will make things a little easier for families."
EDINBURGH reserve Michal Rajkowski piled up 16-points in the Monarchs' derby win over rivals Glasgow, which ended any chances of the Tigers reaching the last four of the Premier Trophy.
Rajkowski said: "I was very happy with the points I scored especially as I had bike troubles at Sheffield the night before and only scored two points. managed to make good starts which is important at Armadale, and kept my position. The only points I dropped were a couple in the middle of the meeting."
GLASGOW have made a double team change with Rusty Harrison returning to the sport after illness, and Lee Dicken also rejoining the Tigers - they replace recent recruit Robin Tornqvist and short-term signing Lee Smart.
Co-promoter Alan Dick said: "The unlucky man in all of this is Ben Taylor, who was all set to make his debut but when we made the other change it gave us a lot more scope to strengthen the bottom end, and Lee had been biting to try to get his team place back."
DARCY Ward's sensational start to life in the Premier League will now see him take over King's Lynn's No.1 race-jacket this week - still at the age of just 17!
Team boss Rob Lyon said: "It means our newest riders, Darcy and Linus (Eklof), will ride as a pair which should be exciting to watch. Also Tomas (Topinka) gets three rides paired with a reserve, which should work out well for us because he is the master of team-riding."
NEWCASTLE reserve Adam McKinna made a successful return to the Diamonds' team with an eight (paid nine) score at reserve in the narrow weekend win over Birmingham.
McKinna said: "It was great to be back in the Newcastle team and make such a good start. I have worked hard on my gating and hope that I can cement my place in the team for the rest of the season."
NEWPORT co-promoter Nick Mallett was far from happy with Sunday's home defeat by Berwick and has suggested that changes could be on the way.
Mallett said: "I have spoken to a few riders who are more than capable of coming into the team and doing a big job. We will not tolerate these home defeats and we can assure our fans that this will not be continuing for much longer."
REDCAR manager Brian Havelock is tipping King's Lynn to win the Premier League after seeing his side outgunned by the Stars on their home circuit last week.
Havelock said: "We just weren't good enough against a squad like that. They're going to take a lot of beating - they can win the league, easy. No problem at all."
RYE HOUSE No.1 Robert Mear has been ruled out of the club's Northern tour this weekend and could be on the sidelines for up to four weeks.
Mear suffered a broken left ring finger and abrasions to the rest of his hand when his throttle jammed open during an outing for Elite League Lakeside at Swindon last week.
SCUNTHORPE are through to the semi-finals of the Premier Trophy after a 52-38 win over Newport - confirming their progression with a 5-1 in the last heat of the night.
Promoter Rob Godfrey said: "Only a few weeks ago, people were moaning that we need to make changes and now we're in the Trophy semi-finals. But there's still room for massive improvement and we're encouraging the riders who are struggling."
SHEFFIELD have agreed terms with 18-year-old Australian Hugh Skidmore, who will make his debut in Thursday's home match against Newcastle.
Tigers promoter Neil Machin said: "I've been watching Hugh's progress closely and we will bring him in on Thursday as cover for Ritchie Hawkins. He's keen and ready to go and we're looking forward to seeing him in action on Thursday."
SOMERSET general manager David Croucher was delighted to see young Australian Justin Sedgmen turn potential into big points during last Friday's emphatic home win over Berwick.
Croucher said: "After showing loads of promise and potential already this season, it all came good for him against Berwick. Hopefully now that will act as a springboard for him to realise that potential as the season progresses."
STOKE star Phil Morris has apologised to supporters for a disappointing run of form after scoring four (paid five) against Somerset at the weekend.
Morris said: "I am not one of those people that can score badly then just forget it as if it hasn't happened. Not scoring well really bothers me and I know I am not pulling my weight at the moment but it is not for the lack of trying."
WORKINGTON manager Ian Thomas is pleased to have points on the board as the Comets sit top of the early Premier League table.
Thomas said: "With the way the fixtures have panned out, I’d be worried if we weren’t top of the league. Every other team have meetings in hand, but we can only do what we can do and we’re six points clear."
NATIONAL LEAGUE action is now well underway and all the latest club press releases are now available at the news section on our website www.speedwaygb.com
FIXTURE PICTURE...
WEDNESDAY JUNE 3: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Poole v Eastbourne 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Birmingham v Scunthorpe 7.30, King's Lynn v Sheffield 7.30, Somerset v Edinburgh 7.30
THURSDAY JUNE 4: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Swindon v Ipswich 7.30, Peterborough v Lakeside 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Redcar v Glasgow 7.30 PREMIER TROPHY: Sheffield v Newcastle 7.45
FRIDAY JUNE 5: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Coventry v Belle Vue 8pm, Lakeside v Poole 8pm PREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Rye House 7.30, Scunthorpe v Somerset 7pm NATIONAL LEAGUE: Newport v Buxton 7pm, Scunthorpe v Isle of Wight (follows PL fixture)
SATURDAY JUNE 6: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Eastbourne v Coventry 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Berwick v Rye House 7pm, Stoke v Redcar 7.30, Workington v Somerset 7pm NATIONAL LEAGUE: Rye House v Scunthorpe 7pm, Weymouth v Plymouth 7.15
SUNDAY JUNE 7: PREMIER LEAGUE: Glasgow v Rye House 4pm, Newcastle v Somerset 6.30 PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP: Newport v Redcar 2.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Bournemouth 3pm, Mildenhall v Weymouth 4pm,
MONDAY JUNE 8: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Lakeside 7.30, Peterborough v Coventry 7.30
TUESDAY JUNE 9: NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Newport 7.30
WEDNESDAY JUNE 10: PREMIER LEAGUE: Birmingham v Somerset 7.30, King's Lynn v Workington 7.30
THURSDAY JUNE 11: ELITE LEAGUE KO CUP SEMI-FINAL: Swindon v Lakeside 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Redcar v Newport 7.30, Sheffield v Birmingham 7.45 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Bournemouth v Scunthorpe 7.30
FRIDAY JUNE 12: ELITE LEAGUE KO CUP SEMI-FINAL: Lakeside v Swindon 8pm PREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Newcastle 7.30, Newport v Glasgow 7.30, Scunthorpe v Birmingham 7pm PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP: Somerset v Rye House 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Scunthorpe v Bournemouth (follows PL fixture) CHALLENGE: Plymouth v National League Select 7.30
SATURDAY JUNE 13: PREMIER LEAGUE: Stoke v Scunthorpe 7.30, Workington v Newport 7pm PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP: Rye House v Somerset 7pm PREMIER TROPHY: Berwick v Sheffield 7pm NATIONAL LEAGUE: King's Lynn v Isle of Wight 7.30 BRITISH UNDER-15 CHAMPIONSHIP Round 3: Weymouth 7.15
SUNDAY JUNE 14: PREMIER LEAGUE: Glasgow v Newport 4pm, Newcastle v King's Lynn 6.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Mildenhall 3pm, Newport v Plymouth 2.30
MONDAY JUNE 15: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Wolverhampton v Eastbourne 7.30 ELITE LEAGUE KO CUP: Belle Vue v Poole 7.30
WEDNESDAY JUNE 17: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Poole v Lakeside 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Birmingham v Redcar 7.30, King's Lynn v Scunthorpe 7.30
