(SPEEDWAY 1)

LEICESTER promoter David Hemsley expects a fierce contest in Saturday’s Elite League Riders’ Championship at the Jordan Road Surfacing Stadium.The Lions host the first major event of the season, with the eight top-flight clubs all represented by their top two riders, and Swindon’s Troy Batchelor defends the title.Hemsley said: “Let’s hope we are blessed with good weather as the 2015 ELRC is possibly the highest-quality individual meeting in our domestic calendar and probably the most competitive field for many years.“From a Leicester perspective it is an honour to host such a meeting. We have of course held large events before, and I am equally proud to say that Leicester has been recognised as a venue that can accommodate and present major competitions on behalf of the sport.”

(SPEEDWAY 2)

GLASGOW have been boosted by the news that Kozza Smith has been granted permission to race in the UK this season.Australian rider Smith has now started his journey to the UK to join his team-mates, and will line up for the Tigers on the 7.15 average he achieved in 2013, following a ‘cooling-off period’ out of the sport in this country last year.Co-promoter Colin Hamilton said: “We always knew that Kozza was going to get the visa once we had gone through the process of re-applying for Glasgow's licence, which we got, and then applying for Kozza under his circumstances.“I think he'll be a really exciting racer. Plus, he's known for entertaining the fans during and after the meetings - he gets involved with the crowd which is one of the attractions of Kozza. He is going to be a big asset to the team.”

(FIXTURES)

WEDNESDAY MARCH 18:TRAVEL PLUS TOURS CHALLENGE 1st leg: Birmingham v Cradley 7.30

THURSDAY MARCH 19:BILLY SANDERS MEMORIAL: Ipswich 7.30

FRIDAY MARCH 20:EAST MIDLANDS BOWL 2nd leg: Coventry v Leicester 7.30REMEMBERING #RICO SPRING CLASSIC: Lakeside 8pmTHEO PIJPER TESTIMONIAL: Edinburgh 7.30