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.

BIG EVENT LATEST...

STEVE Johnston is aiming to start the Cardiff weekend in style on June 26… by lifting the Premier League Pairs title on his new home track!

Johnston, one of the sport’s most popular and charismatic characters, has been a big hit with Somerset fans since his move to the Oak Tree Arena during the winter.

And he feels the Rebels have a great opportunity to lift the Pairs trophy on home shale the night before the world’s biggest speedway meeting, the British Grand Prix.

He said: “This will be my first appearance in the meeting and I’m really looking forward to it because I know what a great spectacle it is.

“I know a big crowd is expected because we’ll get a lot of fans making a weekend of it by visiting Somerset before heading off the Cardiff the next day. It’s perfect.

“It’s been good for me this season. There was a time when I said I would never move into the Premier League but it’s good for me at this stage of my career, I’m enjoying riding regularly.”

Johnston will line-up against King’s Lynn, who are expected to include teenage sensation Darcy Ward, Berwick, Rye House and Scunthorpe.

Group Two will see Glasgow, Workington, Redcar, Edinburgh and Birmingham in action.

GROUP 1: King’s Lynn, Somerset, Berwick, Rye House, Scunthorpe.
GROUP 2: Glasgow, Workington, Redcar, Edinburgh, Birmingham.

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 made a storming mid-meeting comeback to set up a home victory over Lakeside - although a last-heat Hammers 5-1 saw the visitors snatch an Elite League point.

Aces owner David Gordon said: "We’ve got to be pleased at beating our bogey team but that dropped bonus point almost leaves us feeling as if we lost.

"Even so I would have been pleased with the win early on because they were riding very well and we had to claw our way back into the match."

COVENTRY co-manager Peter Oakes had no complaints after the Bees rounded off two disappointing away performances with their heaviest defeat of the season at Peterborough.

Oakes said: "We were totally out-ridden and you can't disguise the fact that Peterborough deserved practically every point they got.

"We know there are weaknesses in our side because of the enforced absences, and at the moment we need our four big guns to all be firing, which they weren't in this meeting."

EASTBOURNE owner Bob Dugard said the Eagles' weekend win over Coventry - with winter signing Lukas Dryml outstanding - was one of his best moments in the sport.

Dugard said: "It’s better than money, better than winning the pools.
"I didn’t dare even think we could win like that but the lads did me proud."

IPSWICH continue to scour the rider market for possible new faces with changes on the agenda at Foxhall after a disappointing run of results of late.

Manager Pete Simmons said: "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.

"I must ask our fans to keep faith, but to turn things around we have decided that the only way is to bring in new blood."

LAKESIDE boss Jon Cook is relishing this week's Knockout Cup semi-final clashes with Swindon - and is hoping to hold the Robins to a manageable target from the first leg at Blunsdon.

Cook said: "Both our reserves were injured in our last match there, but I think there was enough in that meeting for us believe that we can do a good containing job when we go back.

"I'm sure we can keep the deficit down to about ten or twelve points, and that would set things up very nicely for the second leg at our place the following night."

PETERBOROUGH manager Wayne Swales paid tribute to the track preparation at the Showground after the Panthers' most impressive display of the season saw them run up a 59-34 win over Coventry.

Swales said: "We'd like to think we can stay unbeaten at home now, and we've upped our performances here immensely since the start of the year.

"A lot of that is down to the hard work behind the scenes as well as the riders putting in 100 per cent effort. We've invested a huge amount in equipment for the track, and it can be seen in the racing. The performance was superb through the board."

POOLE skipper Bjarne Pedersen says that next week is a vital one for the defending Elite League champions.

Pedersen said: "We’ve got Belle Vue away in the cup on Monday and Lakeside at home in the league on Wednesday week.

"After those meetings, we’ll know whether we can still get into the play-offs. We still have half our league matches to go, so if we do well next week, we’ll still be in the mix."

SWINDON manager Alun Rossiter was delighted with the ruthless nature of his side's 64-28 win over Ipswich which took the Robins to the top of the table.

Rossiter said: "You can only beat what’s in front of you and we did the job, so I was really pleased with the boys.

“It puts us back on top, I know we’ve done one more match but being the top team is our goal and that’s where we’re heading. We’ve just got to keep plugging away and nicking a few more away wins."

WOLVERHAMPTON manager Peter Adams says his side are very much on target to meet his pre-season expectations.

Adams said: "We've done well so far, I don't have any complaints about the effort we've put in and nothing has changed my view since the start of the season when I sat in front of supporters at our talk-in and made my prediction.

"It's been good to pick up maximum points from all the home meetings and under my plan I feel we can afford to drop four points at home - but only if we continue to average above a point a match away from home."

PREMIER LEAGUE LATEST...

BERWICK overcame Rye House with a depleted team at Shielfield Park having made a fine guest choice in Carl Wilkinson - who scored 13 (paid 14) for one of his former clubs.

Manager Dave Peet said: "Many people had already written us off as three of our lads were not available. What can you say about Carl other than spectacular - he was excellent, and worth the admission alone. He was the best guest we could ever have had."

BIRMINGHAM promoter Graham Drury believes his side can mount a serious title challenge after seeing them romp to a convincing home win over Scunthorpe at Perry Barr.

Drury said: "The key to our chances will be injuries. If we can stay clear of injuries this season then we will be a major force. I rate Scunthorpe very, very highly and yet we turned them over last week with races to spare."

EDINBURGH captain Matthew Wethers re-discovered his top form with paid-18 point maximum in the Monarchs' hard-fought home win over Rye House.

Wethers said: "I've got to be happy scoring a maximum. The last few weeks have been disappointing for me. I didn't think not having my Armadale engine was making any difference to my performances, but now that I've got it back and I've scored a maximum, I'm not so sure."

GLASGOW took encouragement from the initial displays from their much-revised team, although they were held to two points rather than three by Rye House at Ashfield on Sunday.

Co-promoter Stewart Dickson said: "We feel a little happier with the balance of the team, and both Lee (Dicken) and Rusty (Harrison) have settled in very well. I am certain that they will bring some stability to their areas of the team, and that will make us stronger."

KING'S LYNN are eagerly anticipating the clashes between their 2008 No.1 Kevin Doolan, who returns to the Norfolk Arena with Workington this Wednesday, and their teenage hotshot Darcy Ward.

Promoter Keith Chapman said: "I know Kevin has so much pride and he will be determined to win every single race - but match that up against a 17-year-old who just simply enjoys going fast, has no fear and passes for fun, and I'm sure the result will be spectacular!"

NEWCASTLE overcame a host of injury problems to defeat Somerset 55-37 for one of their best results of the season.

Co-promoter Darryl Illingworth said: "With a makeshift team, that was an excellent performance and we could not have asked any more from our two guests. We had Somerset's measure right from the start."

NEWPORT co-promoter Nick Mallett has confirmed he has spoken to club legend Frank Smart about the possibility of a return from Australia.

Mallett said: "Work commitments would not allow it at this stage but he is working on making a decision on whether to come back in 2010 or not. We cannot emphasise how pleased we are with this news and whilst nothing is certain, in fact far from it, it should please the fans."

REDCAR saw the benefits from improvements to their track as they recovered from recent disappointments with a win over Glasgow.

Manager Brian Havelock said: "We’ve had a complete turnaround with the track. We had a roller in and it was a lot smoother and slicker. If I have to get the roller in again in a fortnight I will, because that was a big improvement."

RYE HOUSE finally gained an away point at Glasgow after a series of near-misses - but Tommy Allen, recently back from injury, says the Rockets need to avoid last-heat deciders if possible.

Allen said: "Other sides have two top riders who are very good on their home track. We have got to make sure we sew up meetings before it comes to Heat 15 so that we're not always left trying to pull something special out of the bag.

SCUNTHORPE have signed former Newport man Nick Simmons to replace out-of-form reserve Byron Bekker.

Promoter Rob Godfrey said: "Byron always gives everything and is a pleasure to deal with, but unfortunately he just can't seem to get his engines working right this season. We feel sure Nick can score as many points as the higher-averaged alternatives, and he should fit in well with the team."

SHEFFIELD manager Eric Boocock admitted he had been cautious about the rapid promotion to the Tigers team of young Australian Hugh Skidmore - who made an impressive debut last Thursday.

Boocock said: "I didn't think he was ready but he proved me wrong last week. He showed no fear after sorting things out in his first ride and he was terrific. Credit to (promoter) Neil Machin, he decided to go with it, so I take my hat off to him."

SOMERSET are set to make a special announcement regarding the club's asset base following Friday's Cup-tie against Rye House at the Oak Tree Arena.

General manager David Croucher said: "I'm sure that what we have been putting together over the last few weeks will please the fans very much indeed and I urge them all to be in the Clubhouse after this Friday’s meeting, when we'll be announcing our first signing for the 2010 season."

STOKE skipper Lee Complin has won the Inspirational Achiever award in the local Sports Personality of the Year event - after recovering from life-threatening injuries in a car accident to resume his speedway career.

Potters promoter Dave Tattum said: "I’m delighted for Lee because it was a torrid time for him and his family. It’s an honour for him and the club, and also shows how well Lee is liked by the supporters here at Stoke with his all-action racing style."

WORKINGTON manager Ian Thomas had mixed feelings after a late Somerset comeback saw the Rebels take a point off the Comets in Saturday's Premier League clash at Derwent Park.

Thomas said: "It’s two points gained and one lost. We wouldn’t expect 12-2 in the final two heats, but if you look at it overall, a lot of people had tipped Somerset to win before the meeting."

NATIONAL LEAGUE action continues and all the latest club press releases are now available at the news section on our website www.speedwaygb.com

FIXTURE PICTURE...

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: Sheffield v Birmingham 7.45
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Bournemouth v Scunthorpe 7.30
STARS OF TOMORROW: Redcar 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 7pm, 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
ATIONAL 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

THURSDAY JUNE 18:
SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Swindon v Peterborough 7.30
PREMIER LEAGUE: Redcar v Scunthorpe 7.30

FRIDAY JUNE 19:
SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Coventry v Swindon 8pm, Lakeside v Peterborough 8pm
PREMIER LEAGUE: Scunthorpe v Redcar 7.30, Somerset v Newcastle 7.30
PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP: Edinburgh v Workington 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Plymouth v King's Lynn 7.30, Weymouth v Bournemouth 7.15

SATURDAY JUNE 20:
SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Eastbourne v Belle Vue 7.30
PREMIER LEAGUE: Rye House v Newcastle 7pm
PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP: Berwick v King's Lynn 7pm, Workington v Edinburgh 7pm

SUNDAY JUNE 21:
PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP: Newport v Redcar 2.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Rye House 3pm, Mildenhall v Newport 4pm

MONDAY JUNE 22:
SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Coventry 7.30, Wolverhampton v Poole 7.30

TUESDAY JUNE 23:
NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Rye House 7.30

WEDNESDAY JUNE 24:
SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Lakeside v Wolverhampton 7.30
ELITE LEAGUE KO CUP: Poole v Belle Vue 7.30
PREMIER LEAGUE: Birmingham v Newcastle 7.30
ASHLEY JONES MEMORIAL: King's Lynn 7.30