Glasgow’s Richie Worrall leads Redcar duo Jason Garrity (white) and Ben Barker (yellow/black) during Saturday’s 52-41 victory. A result which took the Tigers to the top of the SGB Championship table - albeit for just 24-hours.
Picture: IAN ADAM
SGB PREMIERSHIP SOUNDBYTES…
BELLE VUE – “I just want to go out and do my job, it is all forgotten now.” Justin Sedgmen is not looking back despite his disappointment over not being used by parent club Swindon, Friday’s visitors to the National Speedway Stadium. Read more in this week’s Speedway Star.
NEXT HOME: Swindon, Premiership, Fri May 19 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Somerset, Premiership, Fri June 2 (7.30)
KING’S LYNN – “I am still not happy and it is not quite there yet. I got some points but I was still lacking a bit of speed.” Perfectionist Chris Holder wants to build on his 10-paid-12 return against Leicester.
NEXT HOME: Rye House, Premiership, Weds May 24 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Swindon, Premiership, Thurs May 18 (7.30)
LEICESTER - “They were way better than us and we didn't deserve anything out of the meeting.” Newcomer Jason Garrity held up his hands after Lions were battered 57-36 at home to Wolverhampton on Monday.
NEXT HOME: Rye House, Premiership, Mon May 29 (2pm)
NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton, Premiership, Mon June 12 (7.30)
POOLE – "I have seen my doctor. My shoulder is getting stronger and I will be able to start practising on track in two weeks.” Pirates number one Krzysztof Kasprzak anticipates a swift return from his broken collarbone.
NEXT HOME: Wolverhampton, Premiership, Weds June 7 (7.30).
NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton, Premiership, Mon May 29 (7.30)
RYE HOUSE – “We were effectively wounded before we even started.” Boss Peter Schroeck on the 56-33 defeat at Poole which saw the Rockets lose Ellis Perks to injury.
NEXT HOME: Somerset, Premiership, Sat May 20 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Somerset, Premiership, Fri May 19 (7.30)
SOMERSET - “Rohan and Paul have been great servants to the Rebels but I have to do what I think is best for the club before it is too late.” Team boss Garry May on the decision to bring in Richard Lawson, Lewis Kerr and Cameron Heeps for misfiring trio Rohan Tungate, Paul Starke and Jan Graversen.
NEXT HOME: Rye House, Premiership, Fri May 19 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Rye House, Premiership, Sat May 20 (7pm)
SWINDON - “So far, I have not noticed much difference to what I used before but it does seem better out of the start.” Adam Ellis on his new GTR engine.
NEXT HOME: King’s Lynn, Premiership, Thurs May 18 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Premiership, Fri May 19 (7.30)
WOLVERHAMPTON – "Quick gating and smart first and second turns were where we won this meeting.” Freddie Lindgren on the secret to Wolves’ success at Leicester.
NEXT HOME: Swindon, Premiership, Mon May 22 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Poole, Premiership, Weds June 7 (7.30)
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP SOUNDBYTES…
BERWICK – “Again, when you're down look out for the sand getting kicked in your face.” Boss Gary Havelock rues the absence of Lewis Bridger as the Bandits charger fell ill prior to the 53-40 loss at Workington.
NEXT HOME: Peterborough, Championship, Sat May 20 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Peterborough, Championship, Fri May 19 (7.30)
EDINBURGH - “I thought we were just going to edge it as we got to the latter stages.” Promoter Alex Harkess had to make do with a thrilling 45-45 draw with derby rivals Glasgow in front of a bumper crowd on Friday.
NEXT HOME: Newcastle, Championship, Fri May 19 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Workington, Championship, Sun May 21 (7.30)
GLASGOW – "I'd prefer it to chuck it down like that every week. It produced natural dirt instead of them having to water it all day.” Tigers reserve Tom Perry might start doing a rain dance before meetings after his paid 12 in the 52-41 win over Redcar.
NEXT HOME: Peterborough, Championship, Sat May 27 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Sheffield, Championship, Thurs May 25 (7.30)
IPSWICH - “Edinburgh and Glasgow have had good starts but so have we when you consider what has gone on.” Team boss Ritchie Hawkins is happy with his Witches after an injury-ravaged start to 2017.
NEXT HOME: Sheffield, Championship, Weds May 17 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Sheffield, Championship, Thurs May 18 (7.30)
NEWCASTLE – "We got off to a good enough start, probably better than we had hoped for, but the track wasn't right.” Boss George English reflects on what might have been after the 45-45 draw with Edinburgh on Sunday.
NEXT HOME: Peterborough, Championship, Sun May 21 (6.30)
NEXT AWAY: Edinburgh, Championship, Fri May 19 (7,30)
PETERBOROUGH – “We just need to focus on getting out of the starts a bit quicker and sometimes be a bit harder on track.” Team boss Carl Johnson was not too despondent after the Panthers lost their unbeaten home record to Newcastle on Saturday.
NEXT HOME: Berwick, Championship, Fri May 19 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Berwick, Championship, Sat May 20 (7pm)
REDCAR - “The fans will see yet another showman. He is a very exciting capture and should fit in well with the characters we already have.” Promoter Kevin Keay lauds new recruit Danny Ayres, who will replace Richard Hall after Thursday’s home clash with Workington.
NEXT HOME: Workington, Championship, Thurs May 18 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Berwick, Championship, Sat May 27 (7pm)
SCUNTHORPE – “It’s bound to be a few weeks at least so we’ll be looking out for a temporary replacement.” Team boss Dave Peet on recent recruit Stefan Nielsen’s shoulder injury.
NEXT HOME: Ipswich, Championship. Sun May 21 (5.30)
NEXT AWAY: Redcar, Championship, Thurs May 25 (7.30)
SHEFFIELD – “A couple of the lads struggled but a couple really stepped up their game.” Team boss Simon Stead was purring after a full maximum for Kyle Howarth and a paid maximum for Josh Bates inspired a 50-40 win at Scunthorpe.
NEXT HOME: Ipswich, Championship, Thurs May 18 (7.30).
NEXT AWAY: Ipswich, Championship. Weds May 17 (7.30)
WORKINGTON – “He is improving week by week and making a mockery of his starting average.” Boss Tony Jackson lauds flying reserve Matt Williamson.
NEXT HOME: Edinburgh, Championship, Sun May 21 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Redcar, Championship, Thurs May 18 (7.30)
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUNDBYTES…
BELLE VUE COLTS - “At Lakeside, I just got on the gas and scored paid 13. That was a real confidence boost and it taught me friendly people get nowhere in speedway.” Kyle Bickley lifts the lid on the light bulb moment that propelled him to new heights for the Colts. Read more in this week’s Speedway Star.
NEXT HOME: Stoke, National League, Fri May 26 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Mildenhall, National League, Sun May 28 (3pm)
BIRMINGHAM – "He didn't just win his five rides, he won very comfortably and recorded some very fast times in the process.” Boss Graham Drury was impressed by newcomer Liam Carr’s 15-point maximum in the 56-34 win over King’s Lynn Young Stars.
NEXT HOME: Buxton, National League, Weds May 17 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Kent, National League, Mon June 12 (6.30)
BUXTON – “I don’t know what is going through his mind.” Number one Matt Williamson has been left perplexed by the imminent departure of Ellis Perks. Read more in this week’s Speedway Star.
NEXT HOME: Cradley, National League, Sun May 21 (3pm)
NEXT AWAY: Birmingham, National League, Weds May 17 (7.30)
CRADLEY – “You can’t be too hard on yourself but if I was not disappointed, I’d give up.” Even two maximums out of three is not enough to satisfy Heathens charger Danny Ayres.
NEXT HOME: Belle Vue Colts, National League, Mon May 29 (7.45 approx, follows Wolverhampton’s 6pm start v Poole)
NEXT AWAY: Isle of Wight, National League, Thurs May 18 (7pm)
EASTBOURNE – “He will go up to number one. Because we have no meeting next week, it may mean that Tom’s average will change at the end of the month.” Tom Brennan’s 15-paid-17 return against Stoke is set to push him from bottom to top in the Eagles order says chairman Martin Dugard.
NEXT HOME: Plymouth, National League, Sat May 27 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Kent, Knockout Cup, Mon May 29 (3pm)
ISLE OF WIGHT – “Red tape and other things have got in the way but if the team can develop, the play-offs are realistic.” Chris Widman reckons the Warriors can overcome their early-season troubles. Read more in this week’s Speedway Star.
NEXT HOME: Cradley, National League, Thurs May 18 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Buxton, National League, Sun May 28 (3pm)
KENT – Luke Bowen (15) and Ben Hopwood (14+1) each registered maximums from five rides in Monday’s 64-26 mauling of King’s Lynn Young Stars.
NEXT HOME: Stoke, National League, Mon May 22 (6.30)
NEXT AWAY: Eastbourne, Knockout Cup, Sat June 3 (7.30)
KING’S LYNN – "They're all trying. I can't knock them but it's a strong league and it's not been easy so far." Team boss Scott Campos after his side suffered a fifth defeat of the campaign – a 64-26 thrashing at Kent.
NEXT HOME: Isle of Wight, National League, Fri June 9 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Plymouth, National League, Fri June 2 (7.15)
LAKESIDE - “We put up a brave fight and there were plenty of positives. It was a shame we couldn’t come away with at least a point.” Team boss Kelvin Tatum was left to rue the loss of a 5-1 in heat 15 as the Hammers were denied a return on the Isle of Wight.
NEXT HOME: Mildenhall, National League, Fri May 19 (8pm)
NEXT AWAY: Stoke, National League, Sat May 27 (7pm)
MILDENHALL – “The way the boys are going, we go there with plenty of confidence.” Chairman Kevin Jolly reckons the Fen Tigers are ready for their “difficult” trip to Lakeside following Sunday’s 55-34 beating of Kent in the National Trophy.
NEXT HOME: Belle Vue Colts, National League, Sun May 28 (3pm)
NEXT AWAY: Lakeside, National League, Fri May 19 (8pm)
PLYMOUTH – “The referee decided the meeting was off and was not willing to wait. This angered the Plymouth promotion.” Referee Darren Hartley was clearly not flavour of the month when he postponed the meeting with Birmingham at the St Boniface Arena, according to this official Devils release.
NEXT HOME: Celebration of Speedway, Fri May 19 (7pm), Swindon Sprockets, National Trophy, Fri May 26 (7.15)
NEXT AWAY: Eastbourne, National League, Sat May 27 (7.30)
STOKE - “The lads tried extremely hard on a very technical track and did not let their heads go down at any point.” Team boss Malcolm Vasey was keen to focus on the positives despite the Potters going down 58-32 at Eastbourne.
NEXT HOME: Lakeside, National League, Sat May 27 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Kent, National League, Mon May 22 (6.30)
MAJOR EVENTS LATEST…
GREAT Britain will be represented by Robert Lambert, Adam Ellis and Josh Bates in the 2017 FIM World Under-21 Championship.
The same three riders will be joined by teenage sensation Dan Bewley to make up the Great Britain side for the Under-21 World Team Cup.
Ellis Perks is also involved and will travel to Pocking, Germany for their semi-final on June 3.
Young Lions chief Vatcher explained: “We’ve been allocated three places for the Individual World Under-21 and it will come to no surprise to anyone that Robert, Adam and Josh, who all qualified for last year’s Final, will get another chance to qualify again in 2017.
“They would be the undisputed top three at this stage and they would always be the first pick to have another crack at the World Under 21 title.
“If the three allocations for the individual was easy, then making the decision for the five riders who would represent GB in the team event was not one that was easily made.
“After looking at all riders’ form in all three leagues, and also seeing how riders coped with the pressures of both the British Under-21 semi-final and Final, Belle Vue and Glasgow teenager Dan Bewley will get the fourth spot for the team.
“It is no secret how highly-rated he is, and he does not fear anyone which is a massive bonus. His form this year in all three leagues, and especially the Premiership, has been fantastic.
“Although he missed out on a place in the Final at the British Under-21 Final, I thought he looked as fast as anyone on the night, and deserves his place in the team.
“This year’s event includes each team taking a reserve, who can be used at any time, so for the first time for many years GB will be taking five riders.
“When I spoke with Ellis Perks, he was delighted and proud to represent his country, and even though he is not guaranteed any rides, he will be a massive part of the team and will be ready if called upon.
“I believe this is the strongest team we have had for a number of years and we are all looking forward to June 3 in Pocking, where we will be going all out to qualify for our first World Under-21 Team Cup Final since 2010.”
The Young Lions Management would like to thank Direct Digital Controls Limited and Wessex Marine for their sponsorship of the GB Team and also the BSPA for their continued support.
BRITISH SPEEDWAY MAJOR EVENTS 2017
SGBP PAIRS: KING’S LYNN
BRITISH FINAL: Belle Vue, June 19
SGBC PAIRS: Somerset, July 21
SGBC FOURS: Peterborough, August 6
SGBP RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Belle Vue, September 16
SGBC RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Glasgow, September 24
OTHER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP DATES
BRITISH UNDER-21 SEMI-FINAL: JAMES SHANES
BRITISH UNDER-21 FINAL: ROBERT LAMBERT
BRITISH UNDER-19 FINAL: Plymouth, July 6
BRITISH SEMI-FINALS: RORY SCHLEIN; KYLE HOWARTH
NATIONAL LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Leicester, September 24
FIXTURE PICTURE…
WEDNESDAY MAY 17:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Ipswich v Sheffield 7.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Birmingham v Buxton 7.30, King’s Lynn v Kent 7.30
THURSDAY MAY 18:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: Swindon v King’s Lynn 7.30
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Redcar v Workington 7.30, Sheffield v Ipswich 7.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Cradley 7pm
FRIDAY MAY 19:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: Belle Vue v Swindon 7.30, Somerset v Rye House 7.30
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Newcastle 7.30, Peterborough v Berwick 7.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Lakeside v Mildenhall 8pm
CELEBRATION OF SPEEDWAY: Plymouth 7.15
SATURDAY MAY 20:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: Rye House v Somerset 7pm
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Peterborough 7pm
SUNDAY MAY 21:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Peterborough 6.30, Scunthorpe v Ipswich 5.30, Workington v Edinburgh 7.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Cradley 3pm
MONDAY MAY 22:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: Wolverhampton v Swindon 7.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Kent v Stoke 6.30
WEDNESDAY MAY 24:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: King’s Lynn v Rye House 7.30
THURSDAY MAY 25:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Redcar v Scunthorpe 7.30, Sheffield v Glasgow 7.30
NATIONAL TROPHY: Swindon v Isle of Wight 7.30
FRIDAY MAY 26:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Peterborough 7.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Stoke 7.30
NATIONAL TROPHY: Plymouth v Swindon 7.15
SATURDAY MAY 27:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Redcar 7pm, Glasgow v Peterborough 7pm, Workington v Ipswich 7pm
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Eastbourne v Plymouth 7.30, Stoke v Lakeside 7pm
SUNDAY MAY 28:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Scunthorpe 6.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Isle of Wight 3pm, Lakeside v Cradley 3pm, Mildenhall v Belle Vue 3pm
MONDAY MAY 29:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: Leicester v Rye House 2pm, Swindon v Somerset 5pm, Wolverhampton v Poole 6pm
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Peterborough v Workington 5pm, Scunthorpe v Newcastle 3pm
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Birmingham v Isle of Wight 3pm, Cradley v Belle Vue (follows Wolves fixture)
NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP 1st leg: Kent v Eastbourne 3pm
BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP Round 2 (500cc/250cc): Scunthorpe (follows SGBC fixture)
WEDNESDAY MAY 31:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: King’s Lynn v Swindon 7.30
