(SPEEDWAY 1)
KING’S Lynn have announced their withdrawal from the 2017 Travel Plus National League with immediate effect.
The Young Stars have endured a troubled start to the campaign with their side decimated, particularly in the upper order, and have now informed the sport’s authorities of their decision.
They suffered a major blow on the eve of the campaign with winter signing Kyle Hughes electing not to take his place in the team, and the problems increased following Danny Phillips’s horror crash at Mildenhall on May 7.
Now Young Stars No.1 Josh Bailey, who suffered a badly broken collarbone last August, has informed the club of his decision to take time out of the sport after a confidence-sapping run.
Co-promoter Dale Allitt said: “It was an incredibly difficult decision, although really things have been tough ever since Kyle retired before the season had even started.
“It’s very disappointing that we’ve got to tell the riders we have left that there isn’t an opportunity to race National League at King’s Lynn any more this year, but we will endeavour to get those guys fixed up elsewhere and also continue to give them track time.
“We were trying to get through things, but after all the setbacks it’s just become impossible.
“I’ve been involved in the National League through Boston and then King’s Lynn Young Stars for over a decade, and I never envisaged or wanted to see our team go in this manner.
“I’ve informed the Management Committee and it’s important to stress the decision was made in conjunction with the NL co-ordinator Peter Morrish, who has reluctantly accepted our resignation from the league, so our results will be expunged, although the riders who have new averages will keep those.”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
SCUNTHORPE’S all-time top-scorer Josh Auty has quit the sport.
The former double British Under-15 Champion has spent nine years racing for the Scorpions in two separate spells, and was the club’s No.1 when they achieved their greatest honour in winning the 2012 Premier League title.
Shell-shocked promoter Rob Godfrey said: “I’m just devastated by the news that Josh has quit, because he has been Mr Scunthorpe Speedway.
“Josh has been such a big part of this club, right from our very first season at the Eddie Wright Raceway in 2005.
“He’s obviously had a frustrating season, and not been scoring the points he know he’s capable of, and he’s told me he’s just not enjoying his speedway any more.
“Josh has apologised for quitting and letting us down. But I want to thank him for all he’s done in a Scorpions race-jacket. He’s played such a big part in our successes, and provided some brilliant entertainment down the years.
“Who knows one day we may see a refreshed Josh Auty riding for us once more. I’m finding it hard to take in at the moment, because I love Josh to bits.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
KING’S Lynn have moved to sign club asset Simon Lambert ahead of Wednesday’s SGB Premiership clash with Swindon.
28-year-old Lambert, who celebrated his Testimonial at the Adrian Flux Arena earlier this season, takes the team place recently vacated by Josh Bailey, who is taking time out of the sport.
Stars boss Dale Allitt said: “We’ve made no secret of the fact that we’d already been looking for a rider to share that position with Josh, that’s been very much an ongoing issue.
“Simon knows King’s Lynn very well, and he knows the tracks in the Premiership very well too. When you look at the reserves in most cases, I’m sure he’ll be one of the stronger No.7s in the league.
“Although he’s found things difficult so far this season, ironically up until his crash up at Berwick last weekend he was starting to come into the form that we know he’s capable of.”
(SPEEDWAY 4)
REDCAR are up into the SGB Championship play-off places after a convincing 50-34 win at Berwick on Saturday.
It was another Shielfield Park meeting saved by track covers after heavy pre-meeting storms, but the home side suffered a nightmare evening with two riders withdrawn after crashes.
An incident in Heat 9 resulted in the Bandits’ David Howe and the Bears’ Danny Ayres curtailing their racing for the night, with home reserve Lee Payne already ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Jason Garrity scored a 12-point maximum for the visitors with reserve Ellis Perks impressing on 12+2, whilst Lewis Bridger collected 10+1 for the hosts, with the meeting ending after Heat 14 due to the curfew.
Berwick boss Gary Havelock said: “We started with six of our guys and Jack Parkinson-Blackburn guesting for the injured Jye Etheridge, and Jack did pretty well in his seven rides.
“But then Lee fell in Heat 2, and while he rode again he had aggravated his shoulder injury and had to be withdrawn leaving us down to five of our riders - then David suffered painful knocks in that awful looking crash and had to be withdrawn leaving us with only four full time Bandits.
“It’s disappointing, it’s frustrating, and we beat the pouring rain again but that when you're down you're down you get smacked in the face with a cricket bat and what can we do?”
Meanwhile Workington collected a convincing 54-38 home win over Ipswich to keep the pressure on just one point outside the top four.
Craig Cook picked up 14 points for the home side with reserve Matt Williamson (10+2) and Ty Proctor (10) also in double figures, although Rob Shuttleworth was withdrawn after a crash and the Comets also have concerns over Thomas Jorgensen.
Danny King top-scored for the Witches with 12+1, whilst Rory Schlein (10) was the only man to beat Cook.
Comets manager Tony Jackson said: “All in all it was quite a night! We had thunder showers within five miles of the track in every direction but somehow they missed us, and we initially had a few problems with the track surface but once the track was bladed after the early heats it rode perfectly.
“However, we have now lost Rob with concussion following a crash with Nathan Greaves in his second ride and we are also sweating on the fitness of Thomas after he fell in his fourth ride and banged his left shoulder.
“But, in the end it was a great result for us and another excellent team effort against what is a solid Ipswich side. In fact, to be honest, we should maybe have won by a slightly bigger margin on the night were it not for a few mechanical issues that cost us points.”
Ipswich boss Ritchie Hawkins said: “We never seemed to get any momentum going and we were on the wrong end of some bad decisions. As a complete team though, we were not good enough.
“There were problems with the track to start with but after a couple of heats they did a lot of work on it and it was a good track after the work was done. It was a shame that it wasn’t done at the start of the meeting but hindsight is a wonderful thing.”
(SPEEDWAY 5)
EASTBOURNE climbed to second in the Travel Plus National League with a thumping 64-26 home win over Plymouth.
The Eagles completed the double against the Devils with four riders finishing on the 11-point mark and reserve Charley Powell adding 9+5.
The only disappointment for the rampant home side was an injury to Kelsey Dugard, who defeated Steve Boxall in Heat 1 but then suffered a suspected broken ankle in his next ride. Boxall, meanwhile, contributed 12 of the Devils’ 26 points.
Eagles boss Connor Dugard said: “It was fantastic tonight. Everyone put in a great shift. We are starting to make Arlington like a fortress again.
“There were good performances from everyone. They have all upped their game.”
Meanwhile Lakeside gained their first away win with a 46-42 victory at Stoke thanks to a last-heat 5-1 from Ben Morley and Zach Wajktnecht.
The Potters were left to rue the events of Heat 14 when race leader Tony Atkin was hurt in a crash with Hammers’ Alfie Bowtell and was unable to take his place in the re-run.
Lakeside then levelled the scores with Wajtknecht (13) and Morley (11+1) then sealing the result ahead of Luke Priest (9+1) and Mitchell Davey (9).
Stoke boss Malcolm Vasey said: “I’m very disappointed about the result because I felt that this was one that got away and a decision in Heat 14 cost us badly.
“I feel that the referee made the decision to re-run the race too quickly and could have awarded it, and ultimately the decision cost us dearly as Ben Woodhull - who was battered and bruised after a couple of falls - bravely got back onto the bike to take Tony’s place.
“All the lads tried extremely hard and tonight is a bitter pill to swallow as I do feel Heat 14 was very costly for us. We now have to assess the situation with Tony and see what the situation is there.”
Hammers newcomer Paul Hurry said: “We got off to a bit of a slow start, because the track was a bit different to what the boys are used to at Lakeside.
“But once everyone got dialled in we performed well, and it was a really good result.
“It was a great effort from anyone, any away win is a good result and we're pleased to come away with three points.”
(SPEEDWAY 6)
NEWCASTLE were taken down to the wire by depleted Scunthorpe before emerging with a 46-44 SGB Championship win on Sunday.
Former Diamonds star Lewis Kerr racked up a stunning 16-point haul for the Scorpions, and his scoring along with Michael Palm Toft (12) and reserve Tero Aarnio (10+1) kept the visitors in touch.
The match was level with three heats to go but two vital 4-2s for Newcastle put them four points up, before Robert Lambert (14) – despite suffering his only defeat of the night – split Kerr and Palm Toft in the decider.
Diamonds boss George English said: “Some said before this match that it was going to be a big win for us as Scunthorpe have had a poor run, but they are full of Brough Park experts and we had a deep-seated feeling this was not going to be a run in the park, which it proved not to be.
“They ran us hard, led us for a while and deserved the point they took as they made us work so hard for our win. There were good moments from all the lads tonight.”
Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “I know everyone who sees the final score will think this is a great result for us, but there’s also a part of me that realises that we could have won the meeting! So, while it’s a big positive for us, it could have so easily been even better.
“Lewis Kerr and Michael Palm Toft were superb again. They have both demonstrated this season that they can beat the best in this league. Lewis beat Robert Lambert in Heat 15 and Michael nearly did that in Heat 13 as well.
“It’s re-assuring to me, that given what’s happened over the last few days, to know that we still have real quality in the team in the shape of Lewis and Michael.”
(SPEEDWAY 7)
MILDENHALL promoter Kevin Jolly hailed his side after a narrow 47-43 home win over Travel Plus National League leaders Belle Vue on Sunday.
The victory did come at a cost for the Fen Tigers, who saw reserve Sam Woods suffer a wrist injury in a Heat 7 crash.
Danny Halsey (10+1) and Jon Armstrong (10) led the way for the hosts, with Jack Smith (11) and Dan Bewley (10+1) both in double figures for the Colts.
Jolly said: “Today was a hard-fought win, make no mistake, and I thought the lads stuck to their task really well.
“The victory, though, has had its gloss taken off with the news that Sam Woods wrist injury could keep him out for up to six weeks. I have a replacement sorted thankfully and we will announce him early next week.
“Sam is a great team man and we will miss his input on and off the track, typical of him he refused to go to hospital until after the meeting as he wanted to be there to support the lads.”
Colts co-boss Graham Goodwin said: “We’re delighted to come away from Mildenhall with a point. That would’ve been the case in any circumstances given how strong they are at home, but Sunday’s performance was exceptional.
“Even with a last-minute guest and a rider replacement facility in effect, the whole team took it in their stride and mucked in with what needed to be done. We’re very proud of their achievement.”
Lakeside star Zach Watjknecht struck a perfect 15-point maximum to lead Lakeside to a 49-41 win over Cradley at the Arena-Essex Raceway.
The Hammers prevailed in another close meeting to continue their perfect home record and leave the Heathens heading back to the West Midlands empty-handed.
The visitors ran just six last places but accounted for only two wins – both from reserve Conor Dwyer – as the home side’s top-order dominated, with recent signing Paul Hurry notching a paid maximum from four rides and Ben Morley adding 11.
Lakeside boss Kelvin Tatum said: “It was a good win. Cradley pushed us hard and we probably made hard work of it at times because we were pretty much reliant on four riders.
“Fair play to Cradley, they came here and gave a good account of themselves but we just about had enough.
“That’s two good wins in two days for us which is very pleasing, and if we can get the lower order firing then hopefully we still have more to come.”
Heathens boss Will Pottinger said: “We’re slightly disappointed because we were hanging in there, but we went eight points down at the wrong time and couldn’t get it back.
“It’s a shame we couldn’t get anything, but Lakeside is a tough place to go and the lads tried their hearts out.
“There’s a concern about Ryan Burton after his crash in Heat 8, it looks like he’s got an ankle injury so we’ll have to wait and see how he is feeling.”
Meanwhile Buxton saw things all come right after a tough start to the season, as they routed the Isle of Wight 66-24 at the Hi-Edge Raceway.
The Warriors went into the meeting without Nathan Greaves, who was injured on Saturday, and James Cockle who was stuck in traffic en route.
Matt Williamson scored a 15-point maximum for the home side, with Ben Wilson scoring 10 of the Warriors’ points.
Isle of Wight co-promoter Martin Widman said: “After our encouraging performance at Swindon we were looking forward to carrying on the good work here.
“But the withdrawals left us in pieces with one heat leader, two second strings and three reserves plus rider replacement, and that was never going to be enough against the Hitmen who were buoyed up by tracking new signing Max Clegg.
“At least we have another meeting tomorrow (Monday) at Birmingham where we have the chance to improve on today and I will be talking to all the riders between now and then.”
(SPEEDWAY 8)
WOLVERHAMPTON skipper Fredrik Lindgren has been ruled out of tonight’s (Monday) bumper Bank Holiday clash with Poole at Monmore Green (6pm).
The Swedish racer is still struggling with a knee injury and needs some time to recover – he has also withdrawn from Polish and Swedish League racing this week.
Scott Nicholls steps in to guest for the SGB Premiership leaders, whilst the Pirates hand a debut to recent signing Grzegorz Zengota, and operate rider replacement for the unavailable Jack Holder.
Wolves boss Peter Adams said: “Poole are always tough opponents and that will be the same again this time around.
“We need to make sure we eradicate any inconsistencies that may have crept in against Swindon last time out and we’re certainly going to require contributions from all areas of the side.
“Obviously it’s a blow to lose Freddie, especially with the form he’s been in of late, but in Scott I think we’ve got an adequate replacement who can cover his points.”
Poole promoter Matt Ford said: “They are a step above the rest of the Premiership at moment and we need to be able to keep pace with them.
“Monday is going to be a real stern test as they have a proud home record. Swindon went there recently and pushed them all the way. We need to be doing the very same thing.
“I don't feel we have seen the best of the Pirates yet and we are already a quarter of the way through the fixtures so we need to start making an impact.”
Meanwhile Leicester are looking to climb off the foot of the table when they host a Rye House side who have yet to score an away point (2pm).
Both teams name full strength line-ups with Lions No.1 Kim Nilsson looking to keep up his impressive form at Beaumont Park in 2017.
Nilsson said: “I am happy with my season so far and just want to keep it going. Of course, I want to improve but things have been okay up to now.
“In the past I have been a bit slower at the start of the season so hopefully, this good start is actually as bad as it gets and I can really push on later in the year.
“My target is to improve my average and keep the number-one race jacket. That means a lot to me and if I score well, that will mean I am helping to push Leicester on.”
Rye House boss Peter Schroeck said: “We’ve only raced four matches away from home so far. From our perspective, we lost three of those, when we were beaten by the better team on the night, and we threw one away.
“We know we really should have taken something away from King’s Lynn on Wednesday. That’s something that definitely rankles with us, and it will motivate us even more at Leicester.
“It’s proving to be a tight league, and if we can keep our home form going we just need to nick a few points here and there in our away matches to keep us right up there in the race for the play-offs. We’ve got a really good opportunity to do that on Monday.”
Swindon boss Alun Rossiter has urged his side to claim their first home win of the SGB Premiership season as they host local rivals Somerset at the Abbey (5pm).
The Robins have won twice on the road in 2017 and picked up several other points but have suffered two defeats and a draw on their home circuit, and now face a Rebels side who include ex-Swindon riders Josh Grajczonek and Charles Wright.
Rossiter said: “We’re looking forward to Monday’s meeting with a few old faces coming back.
“Somerset have made some changes so we have to be on our guard. We have yet to win at home and it certainly won’t be easy but it is time to start delivering at Blunsdon.
“It is no good doing the business away if you’re not backing that up at home. We have to eradicate our middle-order frailties and once we can do that, that’s when I think we can go on a bit of a run and put this up-and-down start to the season behind us.”
(SPEEDWAY 9)
PETERBOROUGH team boss Carl Johnson reckons one of the top meetings of 2017 is in prospect tonight (Monday).
The Panthers entertain Workington in an SGB Championship clash at the East of England Arena (7pm) - and Johnson says it is not a night to be missed.
Chris Harris makes his debut for the home side as their new No.1 and the meeting sees him come up against Comets’ top man Craig Cook, who rode for Peterborough last year. The home side also bring in Josh Pickering as a guest for the unavailable
Johnson said: “All the ingredients are there for a brilliant recipe. I've got a feeling this is going to be a night of speedway to remember.
“We could not be more excited about pulling off the signing of Chris and we can't wait to see him racing for Peterborough again.
“It's vital we start to address our poor run of late by picking up a win to get us moving in the right direction again.”
Workington boss Tony Jackson said: “We now have Rob Shuttleworth ruled out with concussion following his crash on Saturday and with so many matches taking place today we are grateful to Buxton’s Tom Woolley for agreeing to step in as a guest for us at number seven.
“Thankfully Thomas Jorgensen has declared himself fit to ride after giving his shoulder a heavy knock in his final ride on Saturday.
“The addition of Chris Harris to the Peterborough side has certainly not made our task any easier, but at the end of the day he is just one rider out of seven and we will be going there looking to keep our run going if we can and, at the very least, aiming to come away from the match with something to show for our efforts.”
Meanwhile Scunthorpe and Newcastle meet for the second time in under 24 hours (3pm) after the Diamonds’ narrow 46-44 home win on Sunday.
The Scorpions continue to operate rider replacement for Josh Auty, who quit the sport at the weekend, and bring in David Wallinger to guest for Josh Bailey.
The meeting is followed by the 500cc and 250cc sections of the second round of the British Youth Championship.
Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “The one thing that can lift us all is getting back on-track around the Eddie Wright Raceway, seeing some cracking speedway and witnessing a Scorpions victory over Newcastle.
“It won’t be easy, but if were fire on all our remaining cylinders, we can take three league points from the meeting.
“We have an extra 18 races with the cream of Britain’s youngsters taking to the track for the second round of the British Youth Championship at both 250cc and 500cc level. There are some great kids involved who have bright futures in the sport.”
(SPEEDWAY 10)
TWO of the top three sides in the Travel Plus National League go head-to-head tonight (Monday) as Cradley host leaders Belle Vue (follows Wolves v Poole fixture).
The hosts are waiting on the fitness of Ryan Burton after a crash at Lakeside on Sunday, whilst the Colts bring in ex-Heathens rider Jon Armstrong to guest for the injured Lee Payne, with rider-replacement in operation for Rob Shuttleworth.
Cradley boss Will Pottinger said: “We haven’t had a home meeting for four weeks, and it’ll be nice to get into a run of home matches and try to get into some rhythm.
“We’ve picked up some good away wins, but the bread and butter is the home form and we’ll be looking to pick up three points against a very strong Belle Vue team.
“All the lads will need to be at their best, but if we up our game then we’re confident of getting the victory.”
Belle Vue co-boss Graham Goodwin said: “Cradley was always earmarked as a challenge for us but looking at the bigger picture, and the way the boys handled themselves at Mildenhall, I think we’ve got a great chance of at least a point.
“There’s no question the Heathens are very strong around Monmore Green and of course our boys go into every meeting wanting to win but we've got realistic ambitions as to what we can achieve.”
Defending champions Birmingham are looking to play catch-up when they host the Isle of Wight at Perry Barr (3pm).
The Brummies have seen their total reduced by seven points following the withdrawal of King’s Lynn from the league over the weekend.
The home side bring in Luke Harris to guest for Tom Bacon (SGBC commitment) with Luke Priest taking the place of Nathan Greaves for the visitors.
Birmingham boss Graham Drury said: “The Isle of Wight have got what it takes to make this a very interesting Bank Holiday fixture.
“Ben Wilson is a top performer at this level, James Cockle has been registering some good scores this season and in guest Luke Priest they have a rider who knows the Perry Barr track like the back of his hand.
“So they have got some capable riders and we’ll need to be on it from the get go.”
Meanwhile Kent host Eastbourne in the first leg of their Knockout Cup tie at Central Park (3pm).
The Kings will operate rider-replacement for Ben Hopwood (SGBC commitment) and call up Ryan Kinsley to guest for Luke Clifton, who is out with shoulder and rib injuries.
The Eagles are likely to be without Kelsey Dugard, who crashed out of the home win over Plymouth on Saturday, but boss Connor Dugard is still confident of overall progression as they bid for a hat-trick of KO Cup wins.
Dugard said: “We really pushed home our advantage against Plymouth and we couldn’t be set up better for the match at Kent.
“Wherever we go these days, I expect the team to get a result. Kent is no different and I think we can win.”
(SPEEDWAY 11)
STOKE skipper Tony Atkin faces time on the sidelines after crashing out of Saturday’s National League match against Lakeside.
Atkin was involved in a Heat 14 accident with the Hammers’ Alfie Bowtell, and was unable to ride in the re-run due to collarbone problems.
Promoter Dave Tattum said: “I have spoken to Tony on Sunday and he has told me that he has two broken bones and will be out of action for a few weeks.
“The full extent of the injuries will not be known until the swelling has gone down, and then we will be able to put a proper time limit on the injury and we will go from there.
“Tony is eager to get back on the bike as soon as possible, and I know being the team man that he is he will do everything possible to get back on track, and we all wish him a speedy recovery.”
(FIXTURES)
MONDAY MAY 29:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: Leicester v Rye House 2pm, Swindon v Somerset 5pm, Wolverhampton v Poole 6pm
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Peterborough v Workington 7pm, 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
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Buxton 7.30
THURSDAY JUNE 1:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Ipswich v Newcastle 7.30, Redcar v Glasgow 7.30
CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP 2nd leg: Sheffield v Edinburgh 7.30
NATIONAL TROPHY: Isle of Wight v Plymouth 7pm
FRIDAY JUNE 2:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: Somerset v Belle Vue 7.30
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Sheffield 7.30
CHALLENGE: Plymouth v National League Select 7.15
Results:
Sunday May 28, 2017
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP
Newcastle 46 – Robert Lambert 14
Scunthorpe 44 – Lewis Kerr 16
Championship points: Newcastle 3 Scunthorpe 1
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE
Buxton 66 – Matt Williamson 15
Isle of Wight 24 – Ben Wilson 10
National League points: Buxton 3 Isle of Wight 0
Lakeside 49 – Zach Wajtknecht 15
Cradley 41 – Tom Perry 10
National League points: Lakeside 3 Cradley 0
Mildenhall 47 – Dan Halsey 10+1
Belle Vue 43 – Jack Smith 11
National League points: Mildenhall 3 Belle Vue 1
Saturday May 27, 2017
FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Round 3
Latvian Grand Prix, Daugavpils
1 Piotr Pawlicki (Pol)
2 Patryk Dudek (Pol)
3 Maciej Janowski (Pol)
4 Jason Doyle (Aus)
STANDINGS after Round 3 of 12
1 Patryk Dudek (Pol) 38
2 Jason Doyle (Aus) 37
3 Fredrik Lindgren (Swe) 37
4 Maciej Janowski (Pol) 35
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP
Berwick 34 – Lewis Bridger 10+1
Redcar 50 – Ellis Perks 12+2
Abandoned after Heat 14 (curfew) – result stands
Championship points: Berwick 0 Redcar 4
Glasgow v Peterborough – OFF
Workington 54 – Craig Cook 14
Ipswich 38 – Danny King 12+1
Championship points: Workington 3 Ipswich 0
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE
Eastbourne 64 – Matt Bates 11+3
Plymouth 26 – Steve Boxall 12
National League points: Eastbourne 3 Plymouth 0
Stoke 42 – Luke Priest 9+1
Lakeside 46 – Zach Wajtknecht 13
National League points: Stoke 0 Lakeside 3
