(SPEEDWAY 1)

PLYMOUTH are set to enter the 2017 National League under new ownership – after securing agreement with the land owners to continue speedway at the St Boniface Arena.Former rider and ex-Trelawny promoter Mark Phillips has joined forces with Laurence Rogers, most recently of Coventry Storm, to form the new promotion.They will attend an interview with the sport’s Management Committee prior to the forthcoming National League AGM, and subject to final acceptance by the league’s members, will then be permitted to join the meeting to agree the rules for the 2017 season.Phillips said: “This is an early Christmas present for the Plymouth fans. We have gone about things quietly but today (Monday) everything fell into place and the Devils should hopefully be lining up at the start of the 2017 season in the National League. “We have our plans in place and now the work really starts for us as we commence work to find a team sponsor and other backers and advertisers. We are also undertaking some work at the arena so things will start to get really busy from now on.”Rogers added: “I have known Mark since he rode for me at Somerset back in 2000-1 and we have remained good friends. “He approached me to see if I would become involved in this venture and here we are now, just needing the member teams of the National League to rubber-stamp our league spot at the AGM in December and I am very hopeful they will welcome the Devils back into the league. “A lot of planning has already been put into this and we are determined to succeed.”

(SPEEDWAY 2)

EUROPEAN Grasstrack Champion James Shanes will line up for his local team Poole in the 2017 SGB Premiership.19-year-old Shanes has impressed at National League level for parent club Kent in recent seasons and now steps into the top flight for the first time on a two-point average.Promoter Matt Ford said: “We saw what riding for your local club did for Kyle Newman, and I would like to think that James can develop in a similar fashion. He is a near neighbour of Kyle and I am sure there will be plenty of encouragement for James. “It is a very big step up for him and rest assured there will be no pressure on him. By taking advantage of the sub three-point figure it does allow more scope at the higher end of the team and I believe that the other six riders will be able to carry James if they need to.“In saying that however, James is a very determined individual as he showed in last season's Premier league play-off when he guested for Somerset. The reports I had back about him were encouraging and I know he will be keen to rise to the challenge for us.”