The victorious Newcastle team with the Ian Thomas Memorial Shield following their last heat aggregate Championship KO Cup tie against Workington.
BELLE VUE – “Collectively, we had built a stigma that we were not a force to be reckoned with. The mentality is certainly different these days.” Boss Mark Lemon believes his Aces are mentally prepared to win the title after two near misses. For the full interview, pick up a copy of this week’s Speedway Star.
NEXT HOME: King’s Lynn, Premiership, Weds June 28 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Swindon, Premiership, Thurs July 13 (7.30)
KING’S LYNN – “I need to be fit for the World Cup!” Robert Lambert vows to defy a broken wrist in order to ride for Team GB at his home track on Saturday.
NEXT HOME: Monster Energy FIM Speedway World Cup Event One, Sat July 1 (7pm), then Poole, Premiership, Thurs July 13 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Premiership, Weds June 28 (7.30)
LEICESTER - “It is not a case of licking our wounds, we need to assess whether it was simply a bad day or we have to do something more to the team.” Boss Jim Lynch promised a calculated review after Lions lost 61-30 at Somerset.
NEXT HOME: British Youth Championship, round five, Sun July 9 (3pm), then Swindon, Premiership, Mon July 17 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Rye House, Premiership, Weds Aug 2 (7.30)
POOLE – “I never doubted for a second that it was going as I wanted it to.” Brady Kurtz revealed he was always content with his moderate progress last season. His form this term has seen him top the Pirates averages.
NEXT HOME: King's Lynn, Premiership, Weds July 12 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: King's Lynn, Premiership, Thurs July 13 (7.30)
RYE HOUSE – “It is just frustrating. Once again we were in the match for so long without getting anything from it. We really deserved at least a point.” Boss Peter Schroeck rues the Rockets conceding three 5-1s at the end of a meeting that promised so much at Belle Vue. Rye House lost 52-38.
NEXT HOME: Wolverhampton, Premiership, Sat July 15 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton, Premiership, Mon July 10 (7.30)
SOMERSET - “I have never had such an easy night to be honest.” Charles Wright was relaxed about his 12-point maximum in the Rebels’ 61-30 trouncing of Leicester on Friday. For the full interview, pick up this week’s Speedway Star.
NEXT HOME: Somerset Select VII v Isle of Wight, Challenge, Fri July 7 (7.30), then Wolverhampton, Premiership, Fri July 28 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Poole, Premiership, Weds July 26 (7.30)
SWINDON - “I tend to block it out but when a lot of people get on your case it can get a bit annoying to a certain degree.” Bradley Wilson-Dean lifts the lid on social media criticism. Pick up a copy of Swindon’s programme on Thursday for the full interview.
NEXT HOME: Wolverhampton, Premiership, Thurs June 29 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Premiership, Fri July 14 (7.30)
WOLVERHAMPTON – “We managed to turn the heat up after the interval and King’s Lynn couldn’t respond.” Boss Peter Adams was happy enough after Wolverhampton battled back to beat King’s Lynn 48-42 in a rather academic Knockout Cup 2nd leg tie. Wolves had led 54-36 from the first leg and progressed 102-78 on aggregate.
NEXT HOME: Rye House, Premiership, Mon July 10 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Swindon, Premiership, Thurs June 29 (7.30)
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP SOUNDBYTES…
BERWICK – "I'm past the point of trying to understand what's going on with our luck and injuries.” Boss Gary Havelock after Jye Etheridge left in an ambulance following a 52-40 home defeat for the Bandits against Redcar.
NEXT HOME: Ipswich, Championship, Sat July 8 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Newcastle, Championship, Sun July 2 (6.30)
EDINBURGH - “After a couple of weeks with a track which was too grippy, it was a bit slick but we’ll get it right eventually!” Promoter Alex Harkess vows to work on the racing surface for his Monarchs.
NEXT HOME: Caledonian Riders’ Championship, Fri June 30 (7.30), then Berwick, Championship, Fri July 7 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Ipswich, Championship, Thurs July 27 (7.30)
GLASGOW – "To beat (Jack) Holder was a great feeling and a good achievement.” Reserve Jack Smith’s scalping of the in-form Holder was small consolation as the Tigers were tamed 55-37 at Peterborough on Sunday.
NEXT HOME: Sheffield, Championship, Sat July 1 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Berwick, Championship, Sat July 15 (7pm)
IPSWICH - “It was the most relaxed expectation I have had going into an away meeting this season. It was more about learning and preparing ourselves for coming here later in the season and it could be a place we visit for a more vital meeting.” Boss Ritchie Hawkins was pleased nevertheless as his Witches plundered a point at Glasgow.
NEXT HOME: Scunthorpe, Championship, Thurs July 6 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Peterborough, Championship, Sun July 2 (5pm)
NEWCASTLE – "In our heart of hearts we thought it would be too high a mountain to climb.” Boss George English was delighted after his Diamonds overcame a 16-point 1st leg deficit to oust Workington in Sunday’s Knockout Cup replay double header.
NEXT HOME: Berwick, Championship, Sun July 2 (6.30)
NEXT AWAY: Scunthorpe, Championship, Fri July 7 (7.30)
PETERBOROUGH – “I know a few people have been saying we are only capable of beating the bottom sides but this shows that’s not the case.” Captain Ulrich Ostergaard was in bullish mood after the Panthers beat Glasgow 55-37 on Sunday.
NEXT HOME: Ipswich, Championship, Sun July 2 (5pm)
NEXT AWAY: Glasgow, Championship, Sat July 8 (7pm)
REDCAR - “We managed to nullify their tactical ride and went on to win more comfortably than expected.” Promoter Kevin Keay was a happy man after his Bears reigned supreme in a 52-40 win over Edinburgh Monarchs on Thursday.
NEXT HOME: Sheffield, Championship, Fri June 30 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Sheffield, Championship, Thurs June 29 (7.30)
SCUNTHORPE – “He tells me the break of a few weeks has done its job and he’s now got full movement in his arm.” Promoter Rob Godfrey says returning Scorpions reserve Josh Bailey is ready to roll.
NEXT HOME: Redcar, Championship, Sun July 2 (5.30), followed by the British Youth Championship.
NEXT AWAY: Ipswich, Championship, Thurs July 6 (7.30)
SHEFFIELD – "I have to be honest, I expected even more of a challenge from Peterborough but credit to our team for brushing them to one side to get the win.” Josh Bates was in bullish mood after the Tigers beat the Panthers 51-42 on Thursday.
NEXT HOME: Redcar, Championship, Thurs June 29 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Redcar, Championship, Fri June 30 (7.30)
WORKINGTON – “Nobody approached us to ask how far we were from being ready to race. If they had, they would have seen that we clearly weren't.” Boss Tony Jackson felt hard done by after Comets were forced into a rushed re-run of a decisive heat 15 in Sunday’s Knockout Cup elimination against Newcastle.
Craig Cook and Thomas Jorgensen crashed in the first attempt with Cook subsequently going off 15 metres having missed the two minutes.
NEXT HOME: Sheffield, Championship, Sat July 8 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Newcastle, Championship, Sun July 16 (6.30)
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUNDBYTES…
BELLE VUE COLTS – “We know it’s a long season and we can’t afford to lose concentration.” Colts team boss Graham Goodwin insists they won’t get complacent despite their early-season success.
NEXT HOME: Kent, National League, Weds July 5 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Plymouth, National League, Thurs July 20 (7.15)
BIRMINGHAM – “Some other high-profile clubs were interested in his signature, but naturally we're thrilled he has chosen us and we can't wait to get working with him.” Brummies boss Graham Drury has revealed how they fought off competition from several other clubs to secure the signature of Taylor Hampshire.
NEXT HOME: Plymouth, Knockout Cup, Weds June 28 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Plymouth, Knockout Cup, Thurs June 29 (7.15)
BUXTON – “I think today we've now come across the second team that will be contesting the 2017 NL play-off final together with Belle Vue!” Hitmen boss Jason Pipe believes his side were beaten by future play-off finalists after a 52-38 home defeat against Eastbourne on Sunday.
NEXT HOME: Plymouth, National League, Sun July 30 (3pm)
NEXT AWAY: Cradley, National League, Mon July 3 (7.30)
CRADLEY – “We’re coming upon a very busy month with lots of important league fixtures, so we’re putting all our efforts into finding a replacement for Ryan.” Heathens team manager Will Pottinger admits seeking a replacement for Ryan Burton is of paramount importance after he broke his collarbone in five places riding in the SGB Championship at the weekend.
NEXT HOME: Buxton, National League, Mon July 3 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Stoke, National League, Sun July 2 (6pm)
EASTBOURNE – “It was a really good weekend all round, we had a good win at Stoke where once again we all fired and chipped in. Buxton couldn’t have gone much better either, to be honest.” Eagles boss Connor Dugard was thrilled to emerge with two big away wins to go top of the table over the weekend.
NEXT HOME: Kent, Knockout Cup, Sat July 1 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Mildenhall, National League, Sun July 2 (3pm)
ISLE OF WIGHT – “The Island is probably the only place I would have gone to and now I am absolutely buzzing. I cannot wait to meet the fans and my new team.” Scott Campos is delighted to have secured a deal with the Warriors to replace Kelsey Dugard.
NEXT HOME: VFM and AS Challenge, Thurs July 6 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Kent, National League, Mon July 3 (6.30)
KENT – USA Dream Team emerged with a comfortable win in the Transatlantic Fours at Central Park on Monday. Their young side claimed 40 points to see off home side Kent, who finished second on 26.
NEXT HOME: Isle of Wight, National League, Mon July 3 (6.30)
NEXT AWAY: Eastbourne, Knockout Cup, Sat July 1 (7.30)
LAKESIDE – “I thought we showed impressive form, all the riders were looking confident and quick, so things look encouraging for when we face tougher tests.” Co-promoter Jon Cook was encouraged by a 63-27 thrashing of strugglers Isle of Wight at the Arena-Essex Raceway on Sunday.
NEXT HOME: Buxton, National League, Fri July 14 (8pm)
NEXT AWAY: Kent, National League, Mon August 14 (6.30)
MILDENHALL – “The USA lads were a joy to watch and their efforts and will to entertain rubbed off on everyone. It seemed and we saw some of the finest racing seen here for many a day.” Fen Tigers’ co-promoter Kevin Jolly felt the USA Dream Team contributed to some spectacular action as West Row hosted the Transatlantic Challenge on Sunday.
NEXT HOME: Eastbourne, National League, Sun July 2 (3pm)
NEXT AWAY: Kent, National League, Mon July 10 (6.30)
PLYMOUTH – “We are on the up for sure and hopefully the Plymouth fans will love this and get along to support us and the club for the rest of the season as we chase some silverware and success.” Devils’ skipper Benji Compton believes they are moving in the right direction after two wins in two days last week.
NEXT HOME: Birmingham, Knockout Cup, Thurs June 29 (7.15)
NEXT AWAY: Birmingham, Knockout Cup, Weds June 28 (7.30)
STOKE – “We had substandard performances in the team and we cannot go on like this forever. I think that in the next week we will be looking to address this issue.” Potters’ boss Malcolm Vasey has vowed to address their problems after another home defeat against Eastbourne on Saturday.
NEXT HOME: Cradley, National League, Sun July 2 (6pm)
NEXT AWAY: Mildenhall, Knockout Cup, Sun July 9 (3.30)
MAJOR EVENTS LATEST…
THE competing riders for the British Under-19 Final at Plymouth on Thursday July 6 have been confirmed.
SGB Premiership riders Dan Bewley, Nathan Greaves, Jack Smith - who finished third last year - and Zach Wajtknecht head the line-up for the major event at the St Boniface Arena.
Talented youngsters Kyle Bickley, Tom Brennan and Jordan Jenkins, who have all made a significant impression as full-time National League newcomers this season are also included – as well as the home club’s 16-year-old rising star Henry Atkins and in-form team-mate Callum Walker.
British Youth boss Neil Vatcher said: “In previous years we have struggled to find a venue, but in the last three or four years clubs have now applied to host the event, as the quality of these young British riders is reaching a much higher standard.
“With the 2016 Under-19 Champion Max Clegg now being ineligible, there will be a new British Champion crowned on the night.
“As with all Under-21 competitions, each and every year the line-ups for these Finals seem to get stronger and stronger and with this Under-19 Final it is no different.
“Some of the early favourites will be the likes of Dan Bewley, Nathan Greaves and Zach Wajtknecht, also not forgetting 2016 Under-19 third placed rider Jack Smith plus 16-year-old sensation Jack Parkinson-Blackburn.
“The home supporters will also have plenty to cheer with both Callum Walker and Henry Atkins in the sixteen.
“The talent we have coming through really does excite me, and this Final is such a strong line-up, with riders who ride in all three leagues across the country, as well as some very talented 15 and 16-year-olds.”
LINE-UP (alphabetical): Henry Atkins (Plymouth), Dan Bewley (Belle Vue/Glasgow/Belle Vue Colts), Kyle Bickley (Belle Vue Colts), Tom Brennan (Eastbourne), Kelsey Dugard (Isle of Wight), Nathan Greaves (Wolverhampton/Ipswich), Jamie Halder (unattached), Luke Harris (Cradley), Jordan Jenkins (Mildenhall), Joe Lawlor (Cradley), Jack Parkinson-Blackburn (Sheffield/Birmingham), Luke Ruddick (Mildenhall), Jack Smith (Belle Vue/Glasgow/Belle Vue Colts), Jack Thomas (Kent), Zach Wajtknecht (Swindon/Lakeside), Callum Walker (Plymouth).
Meeting organisers are looking for a sponsor who can help out each of the riders with a tyre if possible.
That sponsor’s logo will go across the front of the Race Jacket for this event, as well as an advert in the programme. Anyone interested should e-mail younglionsspeedway@hotmail.co.uk .
BRITISH SPEEDWAY MAJOR EVENTS 2017
SGBP PAIRS: KING’S LYNN
BRITISH FINAL: CRAIG COOK
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 FOURS: Swindon, Date TBC
NATIONAL LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Leicester, September 24
FIXTURE PICTURE…
TUESDAY JUNE 27:
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Cradley OFF
WEDNESDAY JUNE 28:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: Belle Vue v King’s Lynn 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP Q/F 1st leg: Birmingham v Plymouth 7.30
THURSDAY JUNE 29:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: Swindon v Wolverhampton 7.30
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Sheffield v Redcar 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP Q/F 2nd leg: Plymouth v Birmingham 7.15
FRIDAY JUNE 30:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Redcar v Sheffield 7.30
CALEDONIAN RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh 7.30
SATURDAY JULY 1:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Glasgow v Sheffield 7pm
NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP 2nd leg: Eastbourne v Kent 7.30
WORLD CUP EVENT 1: King’s Lynn 7pm
SUNDAY JULY 2:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Berwick 6.30, Peterborough v Ipswich 5pm, Scunthorpe v Redcar 5.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Mildenhall v Eastbourne 3pm, Stoke v Cradley 6pm
BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP: Scunthorpe (follows SGBC fixture)
MONDAY JULY 3:
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Cradley v Buxton 7.30, Kent v Isle of Wight 6.30
WEDNESDAY JULY 5:
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Kent 7.30, Birmingham v Cradley 7.30
THURSDAY JULY 6:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Ipswich v Scunthorpe 7.30, Redcar v Peterborough 7.30
BRITISH UNDER-19 FINAL: Plymouth 7.15
VFM and AS CHALLENGE: Isle of Wight 7pm
FRIDAY JULY 7:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Berwick 7.30, Scunthorpe v Newcastle 7.30
SATURDAY JULY 8:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Ipswich 7pm, Glasgow v Peterborough 7pm, Workington v Sheffield 7pm
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Stoke v Plymouth 7pm
SUNDAY JULY 9:
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Ipswich 6.30
BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP: Leicester 3pm
MONDAY JULY 10:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: Wolverhampton v Rye House 7.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Kent v Mildenhall 6.30
WEDNESDAY JULY 12:
SGB PREMIERSHIP: Poole v King’s Lynn 7.30
SGB CHAMPIONSHIP: Ipswich v Sheffield 7.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Cradley v Plymouth 7.30 (at Birmingham)
