(SPEEDWAY 1)

DAVID Gordon has announced he is retiring and stepping down as Chief Executive Officer of Belle Vue.Gordon, who has been in control of the Aces for ten years and helped oversee their move to the National Speedway Stadium last winter, says he will continue to maintain close ties with the club.He said: “It has been a privilege to be a part of Belle Vue for the past ten years. It has been exciting and at times challenging, and I wish to thank everyone connected with the club and all the supporters for what we have achieved. We should all be justly proud!“I will be maintaining my close relationship with this club and I will help and support it in every way I can, and I take this opportunity to wish both the team and the fans much success in the future.”(SPEEDWAY 2)

SHEFFIELD promoter Damien Bates says the future of British Speedway needs to take priority at this week’s AGM.The sport’s club bosses will gather in Hertfordshire as they look to agree on the rules and regulations - and league structure - for the 2017 season.Bates said: “I know I’m not the only person who thinks the sport is at a big crossroads at the moment and that’s what makes this year’s AGM even more important.“What we as promoters need to do is all get our heads together and put the interests of the future of British Speedway at the forefront of everything.“Any rules and regulations that get brought in or taken out need to have the future of the sport in this country in mind.”

(SPEEDWAY 3)

GRAHAM Drury has described Jack Parkinson Blackburn’s Knockout Cup Final performance at Eastbourne as one of the best individual displays he’s witnessed during his time in the sport.While it wasn’t enough to stop the Brummies falling to a 52-38 defeat at Arlington on Sunday, the 16-year-old scored a staggering 19 points out of a possible 21 from seven rides.Drury said: “For a lad of his age and of his inexperience to do what he did was utterly tremendous and it shows how he has matured beyond all recognition.“To progress the way he has in his first proper year in the sport suggests he is going to be one of the brightest stars of the future, and hopefully he’ll always remember where things really started for him as a league Champion.“His performance at Eastbourne was without doubt one of the best individual showings I’ve seen during my time in the sport – definitely during my ten years at Birmingham.”

(SPEEDWAY 4)

LAKESIDE will not compete in the 2017 top flight as negotiations for an extension to the club's rental arrangement with the Arena-Essex Raceway are still ongoing.Consequently, the club cannot confirm its place in the League at the BSPA AGM this week as required by the sport’s rules and regulations.Hammers co-promoter Jon Cook said: “This doesn't mean the end of racing by any means as our talks are cordial and in line with every year's timescale.“However, this year's early AGM and the need for us to look at more weekend dates to avoid the calamitous weekday tunnel toll and A13 road chaos that adversely affected a third of this year's fixtures means we need the right agreement for all parties.“We understand this news will come as a huge shock to fans but our long-term need for our own home, and our will to achieve that goal remain as strong as ever.”

(SPEEDWAY 5)

LAKESIDE star Lewis Bridger is looking for more racing in 2017 – despite the shock of the Hammers’ Elite League exit.Bridger was expected to be again be in the Purfleet side’s top-flight plans prior to Monday’s announcement, but he has now stressed his determination to continue at that level and preferably add a second-tier club.He said: “I’m looking to race in both leagues next season although obviously I’m unsure of Lakeside’s plans at the moment.“The news was a surprise to everyone and it’s such a shame we won’t be in the Elite League, but for myself I’m keen to get as much racing as possible so I can climb the ladder as high as I can.”(SPEEDWAY 6)

ISLE of Wight captain James Cockle is already a confirmed starter for the Warriors in 2017.Cockle was an ever-present for the Smallbrook side this year as they made their return to the National League and has wasted no time in extending his stay.Cockle said: “It’s a dream come true to be back on the Island in 2017 after a fantastic change of teams in 2016 from King’s Lynn. It was a move I wasn't too sure about at first but it didn't take long for me to realise what a great decision it was. “The Warriors fans have been superb. They are amazing, they supported me in every single race this year and that was a great feeling. I've met some great people along the way too, as well as new sponsors.”