(SPEEDWAY 1)
THE FIM have confirmed Great Britain’s progression to the World Under-21 Team Cup Final.
GB, represented by Robert Lambert, Adam Ellis, Josh Bates, Dan Bewley and reserve Ellis Perks, finished second on 40 points in their weekend semi-final in Germany.
They then had to wait for an official verdict regarding the other semi-final which was abandoned due to rain in Denmark after ten races. At that stage, Sweden were on 17, trailing the Danes by seven points, with the best second-placed team qualifying for the Final.
The result from that meeting stands with GB confirmed as the side to progress along with Australia and Denmark, joining hosts Poland in the Final at Rynbik on September 2.
(SPEEDWAY 2)
SOMERSET have moved to sign Michael Palm Toft as a replacement for injury victim Patrick Hougaard.
Palm Toft, who also rides for Scunthorpe, will make his SGB Premiership debut for the Rebels in their trip to Leicester on Saturday.
Manager Garry May said: “We initially thought Patrick had broken his shoulder, but it not quite as bad as that, and all he requires is rest and physiotherapy rather than any surgery.
“It still means, however, that he will miss some matches for us while he recovers, and although we are entering a relatively quiet period as far as meetings are concerned, I would prefer to have a full set of seven riders if at all possible rather than rely on the rider replacement facility.
“So we have signed Michael as a short-term injury replacement until Patrick is deemed to be fit enough to return to the side, and I would like to thank Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey for his help and co-operation in allowing Michael to join the Rebels.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
POOLE star Nicolai Klindt has been ruled out of this week’s matches following a Polish League crash on Sunday.
High-scoring reserve Klindt suffered back pain, concussion and knee damage in the accident, and he now misses the Pirates’ home clash with champions Wolverhampton and the trip to Belle Vue, with Josh Bates booked to guest in both matches.
Promoter Matt Ford said: “Losing Nicolai ahead of two really tough fixtures this week is a terrible blow.
“As we knew he would be, Nicolai has proved to be a totally reliable reserve and provided excellent back-up to the main body of the team, so to have to face the might of Wolverhampton and then travel to Belle Vue without him is far from being ideal.
“However, we can only hope that Josh (Bates) will be able to do a reasonable job for us, but I do feel that it will be time for our top five to click as a unit.”
(SPEEDWAY 4)
IPSWICH manager Ritchie Hawkins has praised recent signing Nathan Greaves for his performances since joining the Witches.
The former British Youth Champion came into the side at Foxhall to replace injury victim Danyon Hume, and club bosses are pleased with his early appearances.
Hawkins said: “Nathan has impressed so far and he can keep pushing on. I didn’t know him on a personal level before we signed him but we did our homework and I have seen him ride plenty of times and know a bit about him.
“I’m not surprised about how well he is doing but I’m really impressed with how he has fitted in and his attitude to racing.
“He has come in and set an example at times and has fitted the bracket of what I want from a Witches rider and I’m really happy with how he is doing.”
(FIXTURES)
TUESDAY JUNE 6:
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Belle Vue OFF
WEDNESDAY JUNE 7:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: Poole v Wolverhampton 7.30, King’s Lynn v Rye House 7.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Birmingham v Eastbourne 7.30
THURSDAY JUNE 8:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Ipswich v Edinburgh 7.30, Redcar v Peterborough 7.30, Sheffield v Newcastle 7.30
