PIC OF THE WEEK...
Wolverhampton’s Freddie Lindgren on his way to victory in the Grand Final of Saturday’s SGB Premiership Riders Championship at Belle Vue. The Swede won the title for the second successive season and third time in total.
Picture: IAN CHARLES
SGB PREMIERSHIP SOUNDBYTES…
BELLE VUE – “This is such an important meeting for both teams and to have even attempted to race would’ve been too risky and not great for the cameras.” Aces’ man Steve Worrall admitted there was no choice but to call off their play-off semi-final first leg with Wolverhampton after a late downpour.
NEXT HOME: Swindon, KO Cup Semi-Final, Fri Sept 22 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton, Premiership Play-Off Semi-Final, Mon Sept 25 (7.30)
KING’S LYNN – “I think we deserved to get something out of the meeting in the end but I guess that just sums it up really.” Stars’ boss Dale Allitt felt their last-gasp 46-44 defeat at home to Rye House in their final fixture summed up their season.
LEICESTER – “There was some good racing today, the track was a little slick and although I didn’t win a race I got a couple of paid wins, so it was nice to be back on form.” Josh Bates was pleased to be back in action as he scored paid double figures in a 50-43 win over Coventry in the East Midlands Bowl.
NEXT HOME: National League Riders’ Championship, Sat Sept 23 (3pm)
POOLE – “When we ride as a seven-man team, we’re a good team.” Pirates’ boss Neil Middleditch told Speedway Star they need everyone contributing ahead of their play-off semi-final second leg.
NEXT AWAY: Swindon, Premiership Play-Off Semi-Final, Mon Sept 25 (7.30)
RYE HOUSE – “Overall, it was a great way to finish off our first season in the Premiership. All I can say now is: roll on 2018!” Rockets’ manager Peter Schroeck believes they set themselves up nicely for 2018 with a 46-44 win at King’s Lynn in their final meeting of the season.
SOMERSET – “It just seems to me that everything with this tie has revolved around what Wolverhampton wanted and Lindgren’s commitments, which has meant that matters have been dragged out, instead of being sorted out and completed in a timely manner.” Rebels’ chief Garry May revealed he has been frustrated by the situation when arranging dates for their Knockout Cup semi-final tie with Wolverhampton.
NEXT HOME: Wolverhampton, KO Cup Semi-Final, Fri Sept 22 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton, KO Cup Semi-Final Weds Sept 20 (7.30)
SWINDON – “We’re heading into a big part of the season, and I’m looking forward to it.” Robins’ star Nick Morris can’t wait for the business end of the season.
NEXT HOME: Poole, Premiership Play-Off Semi-Final, Mon Sept 25 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, KO Cup Semi-Final, Fri Sept 22 (7.30)
WOLVERHAMPTON – “So whether we’ve beaten them a few times or not doesn’t really matter and we have to make sure we approach the meeting in the right way.” Kyle Howarth insists they can’t take anything for granted in their Knockout Cup semi-final tie with Somerset.
NEXT HOME: Somerset, KO Cup Semi-Final, Weds Sept 20 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Somerset, KO Cup Semi-Final, Fri Sept 22 (7.30)
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP SOUNDBYTES…
BERWICK – “After our lousy start to the season with all that bad luck and injuries we've finished this season like a steam train and it really gives us strength and a real belief for the seasons to come.” Gary Havelock believes the Bandits have plenty to build on heading into next season.
EDINBURGH – “It’s a great result and it was nice to do it at one of my old tracks. I know the set ups and I was trapping tonight, my suit is clean and I’m really happy.” Maximum man Ricky Wells was delighted to lead Edinburgh to a big away win at Workington on Saturday.
NEXT HOME: Ipswich, Championship Play-Off Semi-Final, Fri Sept 22 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Ipswich, Championship Play-Off Semi-Final, Thurs Sept 21 (7.30)
GLASGOW – “Everyone is up for the playoffs now that we’ve made it there – even with all the bad luck we’ve had lately. I don’t see our form being an issue. The boys are raring to go for it.” Skipper Aaron Summers insists the Tigers can defy the form book in the play-offs.
NEXT HOME: Championship Riders’ Individual, Sat Sept 23 (3pm)
NEXT AWAY: Sheffield, Championship Play-Off Semi-Final, Thurs Sept 21 (7.30)
IPSWICH – “We need to leave nothing out there and literally it has to be like that. Everyone has got to give everything because we are taking this no matter what.” Skipper Danny King says the Witches must leave everything on the track heading into the play-offs.
NEXT HOME: Edinburgh, Championship Play-Off Semi-Final, Thurs Sept 21 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Edinburgh, Championship Play-Off Semi-Final, Fri Sept 22 (7.30)
NEWCASTLE – “The Cup is our best chance of winning some silverware and there’s no chance we’re going to Glasgow without Robert Lambert or at least a facility for him.” Diamonds’ team manager George English is determined to take their chance in the Knockout Cup when their fixtures with Glasgow are finalised.
PETERBOROUGH – “I was very confident we would get a result at Glasgow with a full team – and that’s exactly how it turned out.” Panthers’ boss Carl Johnson insists he always had faith in his side after their away win at Glasgow.
NEXT HOME: Scunthorpe, Championship, Tues Sept 26 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Scunthorpe, KO Cup, Fri Sept 22 (7.30)
REDCAR – “Ben is a heck of a character. What else can you do but praise him?” Bears’ boss Kevin Keay praised Ben Barker for battling through the pain barrier in last week’s Speedway Star.
SCUNTHORPE – “I’d like to thank the fans for their patience. We’re very fortunate that we have no curfew here, but that doesn’t mean that we want to leave people standing around all night, and I apologise for the delay in getting racing underway. We got on with it as soon as we could.” Promoter Rob Godfrey thanked fans for their patience after a 39-21 win in a rain-delayed meeting against Workington at the weekend.
NEXT HOME: Peterborough, KO Cup, Fri Sept 22 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Peterborough, Championship, Tues Sept 26 (7.30)
SHEFFIELD – “When the play-offs get underway, the whole season starts again and everything you’ve done beforehand counts for nothing.” Co-promoter Damien Bates knows the table-topping Tigers must refocus ahead of the Championship play-offs.
NEXT HOME: Glasgow, Championship Play-Off Semi-Final, Thurs Sept 21 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Glasgow, Championship Play-Off Semi-Final, Tues Sept 26 (7.30)
WORKINGTON – “I have been involved in the sport for many years in one capacity or another but I, along with many other promoters and team managers, am finding the current situation regarding rider availability a problem that is proving increasing impossible to resolve!” Comets’ co-promoter Tony Jackson believes rider availability is becoming an increasing issue in British speedway.
NEXT HOME: Glasgow, Championship, Sat Sept 23 (7.30)
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUNDBYTES…
BELLE VUE COLTS – “We want to go all the way in the league and cup if we can, so if we can keep riding well at home it will give us a good chance.” Luke Woodhull told Speedway Star their strong home form could be crucial heading into the business end of the season.
NEXT HOME: Eastbourne, National League, Sat Sept 23 (7.30)
BIRMINGHAM – “A couple of us had really good meetings and everyone put in 100% effort as we have done all season, but the tail was just a bit long in the end.” Tom Bacon admitted lack of lower order strength cost the Brummies as they suffered a 49-41 defeat in their Revenge Challenge at Kent on Monday.
NEXT HOME: Cradley, Challenge, Weds October 11 (7.30)
BUXTON – “I've always said speedway is full of surprises and always expect the unexpected. Today was one of those days. Hardly anybody in the world of speedway thought we would win one home meeting, let alone win both of them!” Hitmen boss Jason Pipe was pleased to prove people wrong and shock both Lakeside and Kent at Hi-Edge Raceway on Sunday.
CRADLEY – “These circumstances are far from satisfactory but we have, ultimately, paid the price for not having a track of our own with access to regular racing.” Director Nigel Pearson was frustrated to miss out on the National League play-offs due to the fixture cut off date.
NEXT HOME: Eastbourne, National League, Weds Sept 27 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Isle of Wight, National League, Thurs Sept 21 (7.15)
EASTBOURNE – “Clearly, we are disappointed to have lost our unbeaten record. It had to end at some stage.” Eagles’ boss Connor Dugard was philosophical after losing their long-standing unbeaten home record against Kent on Saturday.
NEXT HOME: Plymouth, Knockout Cup, Sat Sept 30 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, National League, Sat Sept 23 (7.30)
ISLE OF WIGHT – “It’s fair to say that on track our results have not met our pre-season expectations and we now find ourselves propping up the table, however off track the club has gone from strength to strength and I believe will continue to do so.” Co-promoter Barry Bishop says there is plenty to be pleased about despite their on-track struggles in 2017.
NEXT HOME: Cradley, National League, Thurs Sept 21 (7.15)
NEXT AWAY: Stoke, National League, Sun Oct 8 (3pm)
KENT – “I’m just going there in a positive frame of mind and I’ll see what happens. I know it’s going to be tough, but I’m looking forward to it.” Kings’ youngster Jack Thomas told Speedway Star he can’t wait to test himself in the upcoming National League Riders’ Championship.
NEXT HOME: Plymouth + Reading, Southern Development League, Mon Sept 25 (6.30)
NEXT AWAY: Stoke, National League, Sat Sept 23 (approx. 7pm)
LAKESIDE – “It’s never the easiest of places to go to and credit to Buxton for getting the win, but we should be doing a lot better really.” Paul Hurry says the Hammers were simply not good enough as they suffered 53-37 defeat in their crucial clash at Buxton on Sunday.
MILDENHALL – “The spirit in the team this year has been excellent even in the most difficult times and this has helped us immeasurably in recent weeks.” Chairman Kevin Jolly has praised the team spirit within the Fen Tigers’ camp this season.
NEXT HOME: Plymouth, National Trophy Final, Sun Oct 8 (3pm)
NEXT AWAY: Plymouth, National League, Fri Sept 22 (7.15)
PLYMOUTH – “Rider safety is highly important. Even riders winning races were having problems with spray and vision and the black clouds above us looked full of rain.” Devils’ boss Laurence Rogers felt the right call was made after their home clash with Birmingham reached an early conclusion.
NEXT HOME: Mildenhall, National League, Fri Sept 22 (7.15)
NEXT AWAY: Mildenhall, National Trophy Final, Sun Oct 8 (3pm)
STOKE – “I believe in the club and this team so I think we can have a really strong end to the season.” Luke Priest told Speedway Star he believes the Potters can end their campaign with a flourish.
NEXT HOME: Mildenhall + Kent, National League, Sat Sept 23 (5pm)
MAJOR EVENTS LATEST…
WOLVERHAMPTON captain Fredrik Lindgren stormed to a stunning victory in the 2017 SGB Premiership Riders’ Championship at Belle Vue.
It was the Swede’s third triumph in the top-flight showpiece event and completed a successful defence of the title he won at Coventry last year.
The Wolves No.1 emerged from a breathtaking night of action to see off home stars Max Fricke and Craig Cook in a frantic Grand Final which also featured his Monmore team-mate Jacob Thorssell, who was fourth.
Late call-up Josh Auty, who was in the thick of the action throughout, was amongst the riders to just miss out on the top six along with Scott Nicholls, Nick Morris and Chris Harris after they were all tied on eight points.
Hans Andersen and Josh Grajczonek did do enough to progress, but they were left trailing the front two in the semi-final and saw their nights come to an end.
Lindgren said: “It was really tough tonight. We had a bit of rain beforehand which made the track wet and tricky, especially early on.
“It was very tough for every rider, so I was really glad to make it straight to the Final and even though I didn’t get the setup 100 per cent with my bike I managed to ride a really good race.
“It’s not easy to make the Final in this field, so I’m very happy with my performance and very happy to get the win.”
Fricke said: “Only two or three weeks ago I was still in a neck brace so it feels great to be back on a bike again.
“I’m still building my strength back up after so long out but certainly this last week has been a real confidence-booster, and I’ve gradually fallen back into my usual routine of keeping busy.
“I can’t be disappointed with second on the night. Sure, I was really after first as was Cookie but it was a great final between us and the Wolverhampton boys, and Freddie was a deserved winner.”
*THE final Major Event of the season takes place on Sunday October 8 as Sheffield host the re-staging of the SGB Championship Pairs.
The meeting was called-off due to heavy rain at its traditional staging venue of Somerset the day before the British Grand Prix at Cardiff, and now switches to Owlerton with all ten Championship clubs to be represented.
BRITISH SPEEDWAY MAJOR EVENTS 2017
SGBP PAIRS: KING’S LYNN
BRITISH FINAL: CRAIG COOK
SGBC FOURS: PETERBOROUGH
SGBP RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: FREDRIK LINDGREN
SGBC RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Glasgow, September 24
SGBC PAIRS: Sheffield, October 8
OTHER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP DATES
BRITISH UNDER-21 SEMI-FINAL: JAMES SHANES
BRITISH UNDER-21 FINAL: ROBERT LAMBERT
BRITISH UNDER-19 FINAL: ZACH WAJTKNECHT
BRITISH SEMI-FINALS: RORY SCHLEIN; KYLE HOWARTH
NATIONAL LEAGUE FOURS: TBC
NATIONAL LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Leicester, September 24
FIXTURE PICTURE…
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 20:
PREMIERSHIP KO CUP SEMI-FINAL 1st leg: Wolverhampton v Somerset 7.30
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL 1st leg: Ipswich v Edinburgh 7.30, Sheffield v Glasgow 7.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Cradley 7pm
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22:
PREMIERSHIP KO CUP SEMI-FINAL 2nd leg: Belle Vue v Swindon 7.30, Somerset v Wolverhampton 7.30
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL 2nd leg: Edinburgh v Ipswich 7.30
CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP 2nd leg: Scunthorpe v Peterborough 7.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Plymouth v Mildenhall 7.15
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Workington v Glasgow 7pm
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Eastbourne 7.30, Stoke v Mildenhall 5pm, Stoke v Kent (follows previous fixture)
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24:
SGBC RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Glasgow 3pm
NATIONAL LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Leicester 3pm
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 25:
SGB PREMIERSHIP PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL 2nd leg: Swindon v Poole 7.30, 1st leg: Wolverhampton v Belle Vue 7.30
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 26:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL 2nd leg: Glasgow v Sheffield 7.30
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Peterborough v Scunthorpe 7.30
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 27:
SGB PREMIERSHIP PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL 2nd leg: Belle Vue v Wolverhampton 7.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Cradley v Eastbourne (at Birmingham) 7.30
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 29:
NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP S/F 1st leg: Plymouth v Eastbourne 7.15
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 30:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Workington v Peterborough 7pm
NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP S/F 2nd leg: Eastbourne v Plymouth 7.30
SUNDAY OCTOBER 1:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Peterborough v Edinburgh 5pm
