(SPEEDWAY 1)
TWO of the current top four in the Premier League clash on Wednesday as Somerset host Edinburgh at the Oaktree Arena.The Rebels trail leaders Glasgow on points difference but have four matches in hand, with the Monarchs in fourth place after recent successes on the road.Somerset are hoping to have skipper Josh Grajczonek restored to their line-up after he was forced to miss last Friday’s home win over Sheffield due to a leg injury sustained in the previous night’s match at Owlerton.The Rebels will, however, continue to be without Charles Wright due to concussion, and will also bring in a guest at reserve for the injured Zach Wajtknecht.Somerset boss Garry May said: “Whilst it is not an ideal situation to go into a big match such as this without Wrighty and Zach, we coped well enough in a similar situation against Sheffield last week, with rider replacement giving us nine points, so we will be looking for at least the same again on Wednesday.“Edinburgh are having another good season, and have consistently picked up points on their travels, but the Somerset boys are also riding extremely well, so it promises to be a cracker of a meeting, but one I feel we have the ability to not only win but in doing so, to also deny Edinburgh any league points from the match.” Edinburgh boss Alex Harkess said: “Somerset and ourselves have been the outstanding sides of the last three seasons so it is always a big occasion when our sides meet.”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
NATIONAL League leaders Birmingham are looking to make it 11 wins on the spin when they host Buxton at Perry Barr on Wednesday.The Brummies have decided to operate rider replacement for injured No.1 Zach Wajtknecht against a Buxton side who have been decimated by injuries. The Hitmen have drafted in Danny Halsey at No.4 to replace Oliver Greenwood, and the league’s youngest manager will be in charge as 16-year-old Josh Moss stands in for the unavailable Jason Pipe.Birmingham captain Tom Perry said: “We had a really big win over them earlier in the season and we’re confident we can do the same again this time around.“We want to hit as many points as we can and with the boys all riding as well as they are right now there’s no reason why we can’t pick up our biggest win of the season on Wednesday.”Moss said: “I'm looking forward to working with our boys in a different role at Birmingham because I feel i get along with them all well and have a good relationship which will help to create a good atmosphere in our camp.“I feel as though we will put up a good showing even against the high-flying Brummies. My aim is for both me and the lads to enjoy the night enjoy our racing and stay safe.”Belle Vue are looking to gain ground on the top four when they host the Isle of Wight at the National Speedway Stadium.The Colts bring in Danny Phillips to guest at No.1 with Dan Bewley racing in the Premier League, whilst Joe Lawlor comes in at reserve. The Warriors have named Ben Hopwood as a guest for Mark Baseby at No.1.Belle Vue’s Rob Shuttleworth said: “We need to be winning as many of our meetings as possible, particularly at home. With our experience of the circuit, we shouldn’t be anything but strong in Manchester.“Even on the occasions we’ve been a man down, I feel we are a force to be reckoned with. We’ve just got to stick to our game plan, stay focused and hopefully the results will follow.”King’s Lynn are also in play-off contention but need to end a Coventry hoodoo when the sides meet at the Adrian Flux Arena.The Storm have won the equivalent fixture in the last three seasons, and again bring in the in-form Ellis Perks to guest for Dan Greenwood, whilst youngster Taylor Hampshire replaces the injured Shane Hazelden for the Young Stars.King’s Lynn boss Dale Allitt said: “Our home fixture with Coventry has always proved to be tough for various reasons. A few years ago I remember them coming early in the season and James Cockle came down in his first ride, Brendan Johnson laid it down but the bike hit James and broke his arm, and then last year Tom Stokes fell in his first race and hurt his back. “But as long as everyone comes through the meeting okay we’ve still got a very strong top five, and I think that will see us through.”Storm boss Laurence Rogers said: “If our three heat-leaders can do what they did at Birmingham and the others can provide a few more points, it’s a meeting we can win.“We’ve won every time at King’s Lynn so far, which is nice at one of my old tracks, and hopefully we can keep that up.”
(FIXTURES)
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 17:PREMIER LEAGUE: Somerset v Edinburgh 7.30TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Isle of Wight 7.30, Birmingham v Buxton 7.30, King’s Lynn v Coventry 7.30
THURSDAY AUGUST 18:ELITE LEAGUE: King’s Lynn v Swindon 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE: Ipswich v Workington 7.30, Redcar v Newcastle 7.30, Sheffield v Edinburgh 7.30TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Rye House 7pm
FRIDAY AUGUST 19:ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Swindon 7.30, Coventry v Lakeside 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Somerset 7.30, Plymouth v Rye House 7.15
