(SPEEDWAY 1)
CLAUS Vissing gave Berwick a home winner from the club’s 50th Season Spectacular opener at Shielfield Park on Saturday.
Danish star Vissing, back with the Bandits this year, won four of his five races with a second-ride fall not proving costly as he edged out Ricky Wells on count-back after both riders finished on twelve points.
Steady rain began before the planned semi-final and Final which were not staged, leaving Vissing as the winner ahead of Wells, with Richie Worrall in third place.
Berwick co-promoter Scott Courtney said: “The crowd for the Spectacular was fantastic, and we were delighted to see a really big attendance come along to celebrate our 50th, and cheer our own Claus Vissing on to a fine victory.
“It’s a pity the rain intervened late on, but at least we got all 20 of the main event done and dusted which produced some good moments from all 16 riders who put on a good show for our opener, but now we get into the team action.”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
WOLVERHAMPTON legend Peter Karlsson will say goodbye to British Speedway on Sunday as he stages his farewell meeting at Monmore Green (5pm start).
The super Swede is hanging up his goggles 27 years after making his first appearance in the UK with the main event being a Pairs competition and other races featuring youngsters and legends taking place.
Karlsson said: “British Speedway has done so much for me and Wolverhampton has been a massive part of my life.
“For my farewell, I wanted to do something different and I wanted to make sure there’s something for fans of all ages.
“It’s took a lot of hard work and planning behind the scenes, but hopefully it will all be worth it when my meeting runs smoothly!”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
PETERBOROUGH boss Carl Johnson insists his side could not face a tougher start to the season.
The Panthers host Coventry at the Showground (midday start) in what will be an emotional day for the visitors as their full intended line-up takes to the track, with the club having been withdrawn from the SGB Premiership due to stadium issues.
Johnson said: “I really hope plenty of Bees fans make the trip over to the Showground and highlight the need for speedway to continue in Coventry.
“But it is also the first-time our new-look team will be in action and I'm sure our supporters will also turn out in force.
“Time on the bike is always more important than the scoreline in a meeting like this, but that certainly doesn't mean we want to be on the receiving end of a heavy defeat.”
1992 World Champion Gary Havelock makes a one-off return to management duties for Coventry, having left the club at the end of last season after four years in charge.
Havelock said: “Everything seemed okay when I handed in my resignation in October, but it’s all fallen apart since then, and I had no idea about it.
“I’m looking forward to Sunday, it will be nice to see everyone, but I just think what’s happened is tragic, wrong, and I really feel for the fans and the riders.”
(FIXTURES)
WEDNESDAY MARCH 22:
WEST MIDLANDS TROPHY: Birmingham v Cradley 7.30
FRIDAY MARCH 24:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Peterborough v Scunthorpe 7.30
DARCY WARD INVITATIONAL: Poole 7.30
Results: Saturday March 18, 2017
50th SEASON SPECTACULAR, Berwick
1 Claus Vissing (Berwick) 12
2 Ricky Wells (Edinburgh) 12
3 Richie Worrall (Glasgow) 11
Meeting abandoned prior to semi-final/final (rain) – Result stands.
Sunday March 19, 2017
CHALLENGE
Peterborough 33 – Paul Starke 8+1
Coventry 57 – Josh Bates 12+1
PETER KARLSSON FAREWELL, Wolverhampton
1 Wolves Legends 35 – Fredrik Lindgren 22
2 Monmore Nice Guys 31 – Niels-Kristian Iversen 21
3 BMR Rockets 30 – Scott Nicholls 15/Chris Harris 15
