WELCOME to the latest edition of the weekly BSPA bulletins keeping you in touch with news, views and fixtures from the tracks up and down the country.
BIG EVENT LATEST…
KING'S Lynn promoter Jonathan Chapman is predicting a memorable night of racing at the Elite League Riders' Championship on August 30.
Chapman, the driving force behind this summer's Super 7even series of big events throughout British Speedway, insists the line-up is fit for a Grand Prix and predicting a winner is impossible.
"This is going to be a massive night of racing," said Chapman. "And I expect all the boys to be going for it in a big way.
"Ever since the line-up was announced the interest has been phenominal and we're expecting a bumper turnout, it's not very often you get a line-up like this on one night at a British track.
"It's a line-up which would grave any Grand Prix, from the top boys in the world we are only missing a couple - and I'm delighted to see Andreas Jonsson back in Britain, even though he isn't in this meeting.
"I really don't know who will win, but it's sure to be a night to remember whoever comes out on top!"
LINE-UP (in riding order): Peter Karlsson (Wolves), Jason Crump (Poole), Chris Harris (Coventry), Davey Watt (Eastbourne), Joe Screen (Belle Vue), Niels-Kristian Iversen (Peterborough), Rory Schlein (Coventry), Leigh Adams (Swindon), Krzysztof Kasprzak (Arena Essex-Lakeside), Bjarne Pedersen (Poole), Nicki Pedersen (Eastbourne), Chris Louis (Ipswich), Hans Andersen (Peterborough), Scott Nicholls (Coventry), Lee Richardson (Swindon), Matej Zagar (Reading).
*KEEP in touch with all aspects of the exciting Super7even series at www.speedwaygb.com and www.super7even.com , with the build-up to the Premier League Riders' Championship at Swindon and Conference League Riders' Championship at Rye House to commence shortly.
ELITE LEAGUE LATEST…
ARENA ESSEX-LAKESIDE boss Jon Cook praised reserve Ricky Kling after a key contribution as a weakened Hammers team saw off League leaders Swindon at Purfleet.
Cook said: "We've seen the real Ricky tonight, the rider we've been watching week-in week-out on our travels. He's put in a lot of effort to get to this stage and we're all delighted for him.
"I also can't give enough praise to Simon Stead and Chris Mills, who've done a great job for us. We showed true grit and I am so proud of them all."
BELLE VUE promoter Chris Morton is desperate to see Antonio Lindback recapture his old form after struggling once again in the Aces' home defeat by Peterborough.
Morton said: "Antonio had either carburettor or electrical problems which was so frustrating. We will have to sort it out in time for Wednesday's match at Poole.
"He was feeling frustrated because he felt he was ready to get stuck in after his injury. Simon Stead also had bike problems and while these things are not really acceptable, they do happen in speedway."
COVENTRY co-boss Peter Oakes felt that the Bees had overcame a potentially tricky challenge in winning at Reading on Monday - their ninth Elite League victory on the trot.
Oakes said: "That was certainly a meeting that we could have lost if we weren't careful and up for it because Reading were at full strength with two in-form reserves, but the key was getting a 5-1 in Heat 2.
"We also had the incredible 5-1 over Matej Zagar which was the turning point, and I'm sure the heads went down in the Reading pits when they saw that."
EASTBOURNE owner Bob Brimson was a frustrated man after seeing the Eagles crash to a 20-point defeat at Swindon and, in doing so, surrender the aggregate point.
Brimson said: "We had our usual bad luck, but in truth we were dreadful for the first ten heats. I did not even speak on the way home, I was so angry and frustrated.
"I need riders, pit crews and management to get stuck in from Heat 1. We have done well recently but that was simply not acceptable. People seem to accept that it's just bad luck, but I will not accept that."
IPSWICH track record holder Jarek Hampel has hinted at a possible return to Foxhall next season - for the first time since 2003.
The Polish star said: "We will have to see what the winter brings, but perhaps it's time I rode in British speedway again. And, if so, it would be for Ipswich. I still keep in touch with their results.
"I will decide in the winter and much will depend on how big the Ipswich fixture list is in 2008."
PETERBOROUGH manager Trevor Swales has vowed to carry on in his position despite admitting to feeling disillusioned after a controversial postponement at the Showground last week.
Swales said: "I am still seriously angry about what happened on Thursday when I felt the wrong decision was made. I find it really disappointing that some riders turn up to a meeting not wanting to ride and that is not something which will change anytime soon.
"I think the attitude of a lot of riders towards British speedway needs to change, but that's something we have to live with at the moment. We have a job to do this season and I am going to do it. Every one of our remaining meetings is a must-win."
POOLE manager Neil Middleditch says that Steve Boxall has an important part to play in the Pirates' run-in as he shares a reserve position with Tai Woffinden with the Dorset club having replaced Piotr Swist.
Middleditch said: "Steve had a couple of engines made up especially for the Elite League and is not taking this late season move to us lightly. He realises that having been at Poole already this season we expect a lot from our riders.
"I don't know what his plans are for next year, but he can use this opportunity to show people want he can do. He is putting himself in the shop window for next season."
READING suffered home defeats against two of the title contenders, Poole and Coventry, in four-day period, but promoter Malcolm Holloway is pleased with the progress being made at Smallmead.
Holloway said: "We had another excellent meeting, and it was nice to see an increased level of support.
"I think word is getting around that the racing is good and supporters can see the effort the lads are putting in on the track."
SWINDON manager Alun Rossiter admitted that the League leaders had been fortunate to win at Wolverhampton on Monday in a last-heat decider after the home side lost top man Peter Karlsson in Heat 1.
Rossiter said: "We didn't deserve it, but at the end of the day that is how leagues are won. We've come away with the win, and you take everything you can.
"Lee Richardson redeemed himself for Heat 12 when he had a poor race. It could be a massive result for us and an unexpected one, even if we did ride our luck."
WOLVERHAMPTON are sweating on the fitness of skipper Peter Karlsson ahead of their bumper double-header at Monmore Green on Monday.
They take on Eastbourne at 6pm, followed immediately by Poole and Karlsson suffered bad burns to his hand in a crash during the 45-44 home defeat by Swindon on Monday.
He said: "It's heavily strapped and the dressing is important and I guess I'll go and see my own doctor back home later in the week when things have settled down.”
PREMIER LEAGUE LATEST…
BERWICK managed to complete their 40th anniversary celebration meeting at the second time of asking, with Belle Vue's Kevin Doolan taking the win ahead of fellow countryman Chris Holder.
Promoter Peter Waite said: "All the lads really put their hearts and souls into this for the fans and it showed with some fine racing and good entertainment. The new boys really had their moments and again gave the crowd some good exciting memories to take away with them.”
BIRMINGHAM are awaiting further medial reports on injured Argentinian Emiliano Sanchez.
Sanchez crashed in the last race of the Brummies’ 48-42 win at Newport on Sunday and is badly bruised.
Boss Graham Drury said: “It was a bad crash and he was taken to hospital in a lot of pain.
“It’s cruel timing for us because he’s a rider who has been in good form, he’s been improving.”
EDINBURGH promoter John Campbell says the Monarchs simply have to keep on battling in order to overcome a serious injury crisis which contributed to their double derby defeat against fierce rivals Glasgow.
Campbell said: "It is very difficult for us at the moment, it is fair to say. In speedway you have problems and you move on. And doubtless there have been periods before which have proved just as difficult."
GLASGOW promoter Alan Dick is working hard to re-schedule fixtures before the Premier League cut-off date as the Tigers feel they still have a chance of breaking into the top four.
Dick said: "We may have to consider double headers soon, although we really do not want to run one - but it may come to that. We do have a local holiday Monday in September and we may consider a late afternoon start that day."
ISLE OF WIGHT manager David Croucher was in jubilant mood after the Islanders secured one of the best results in their history, a 55-35 win over Redcar at the Teesside venue.
Croucher said: "We came here looking for the win but I don't think any of us expected to win by a 20 point margin. It just goes to show though the talent we have within the side, and the determination within the camp that must be regarded as our best away result of the season and was really beyond our wildest expectations."
KING'S LYNN are expecting to wrap up the Premier Trophy when they host Birmingham this week with a 12-point first leg lead, and they then into KO Cup semi-final action against the Isle of Wight.
Manager Rob Lyon said: "In speedway it's extremely hard for any team to be successful two years in succession because of the team building rules, but we are aiming to go one better and make it three years in succession. The fans should be proud of us and come and give every single bit of support possible."
MILDENHALL promoter Simon Barton feels that an improved standard of racing is a major reason for the Fen Tigers' attendances being boosted by around 15 per cent this season.
Barton said: "With 'Huggy' preparing the track now, people know they are going to see plenty of passing and, more often than not, close exciting matches. This is why we also get a lot of neutrals at our meetings from all around the area."
NEWCASTLE team manager George English has given further details of the reasons for the recent exit of Ross Brady, who has been replaced in the Diamonds team by Paul Clews.
English said: "Ross has been a pleasure to work with, but his early-season form had deserted him and the natural consequence of that is that his confidence has hit rock-bottom. For the last six weeks or so he has been struggling, but we wish him well for the future."
NEWPORT promoter Tim Stone could not hide his disappointment after a second successive home defeat for his team at the hands of play-off chasing Birmingham.
Stone said: "It was another great meeting, but it's not so great when you are on the wrong end of it, and I can assure our supporters that it's as frustrating for me and the riders as it is for them."
REDCAR manager Brian Havelock was disappointed to see the Bears crash to their heaviest-ever home defeat against the Isle of Wight, less than a week after a fine away win at Newcastle.
Havelock said: "We were given a lesson in gating. It was a shame because we were as high as a kite when we started, but then we got so deflated. If we'd have got an 8-1 in Heat 9 it would have narrowed the gap and maybe given our lads a bit more determination."
RYE HOUSE have snapped up experienced Swede Stefan Ekberg to join their push for honours after Robbie Kessler was ruled out for the rest of the season with shoulder damage.
Promoter Len Silver said: "While I am not expecting Stefan to be a major force at least until he settles in, his listing at number two ensures that Adam Roynon stays at reserve during September and this gives the Rockets good scoring power at the lower end."
SHEFFIELD owner Neil Machin admits his side need to win some away meetings to keep alive their play-off hopes.
They go to Somerset on Friday and Mildenhall on Sunday, where they will face one of their own assets, Kyle Legault.
“Our home form is good, but we really need to pick some points up on the road to get into the play-offs,” said Machin.
SOMERSET star Danny Warwick has paid tribute to the Rebels fans ahead of their final push for the play-offs.
He said: “It is a fantastic track to ride week in week out, and the fans are second to none, if for nothing else than for their sake I would love up to make it into the play offs just as a way of thanking them for the great support they give us, home and away.”
STOKE reserve Barrie Evans is gaining further confidence from good scores in both Premier and Conference Leagues for his best spell of the season.
Evans said: "My bikes have been serviced recently and they are working really well. I suppose that is giving me confidence and the other thing is that I am really enjoying the Conference League too."
WORKINGTON fans will be entertained by soccer sensation Mr Wood during their Bank Holiday Monday meeting with Berwick at Derwent Park.
Comets boss Ian Thomas said: “I said at the start of the season that I would bring something different in the form of entertainment to Workington speedway – and I think Mr Woo is the perfect example.”
FIXTURE PICTURE…
TUESDAY AUGUST 21: PREMIER LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Mildenhall 7.30
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Arena Essex-Lakeside v Coventry 7.45, Poole v Belle Vue 7.30 PREMIER TROPHY FINAL: King's Lynn v Birmingham 7.30 CONFERENCE LEAGUE: Stoke v Weymouth 7.30
THURSDAY AUGUST 23: GARRY STEAD GRAND PRIX: Sheffield 7.15
FRIDAY AUGUST 24: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Reading v Wolverhampton 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Workington 7.30, Somerset v Sheffield 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE KOC: King's Lynn v Isle of Wight 7.30 CONFERENCE LEAGUE: Weymouth v Buxton 7.15 CONFERENCE TROPHY FINAL: Plymouth v Scunthorpe 7.30
SATURDAY AUGUST 25: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Eastbourne v Arena Essex-Lakeside 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Berwick v Workington 7pm, Stoke v Rye House 7.30 CONFERENCE LEAGUE: Cleveland v Sittingbourne 3pm, Rye House v Oxford 7pm
SUNDAY AUGUST 26: PREMIER LEAGUE: Birmingham v King's Lynn 6pm, Glasgow v Newcastle 4pm, Mildenhall v Sheffield 4.30, Newport v Somerset 4pm CONFERENCE LEAGUE: Buxton v Scunthorpe 3pm
MONDAY AUGUST 27: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Coventry v Arena Essex-Lakeside 8pm, Reading v Belle Vue 7.30, Swindon v Ipswich 6pm, Wolverhampton v Eastbourne 6pm, Wolverhampton v Poole (follows previous match) PREMIER LEAGUE: Newcastle v Glasgow 6.30, Rye House v Isle of Wight 7.30, Workington v Berwick 7pm CONFERENCE LEAGUE: Scunthorpe v Buxton 3pm CONFERENCE LEAGUE KOC: Oxford v Plymouth 3pm
TUESDAY AUGUST 28: SIDECARS: Isle of Wight 7.30
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 29: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Reading 7.30, Poole v Swindon 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Birmingham v Mildenhall 7.45 CONFERENCE LEAGUE: Stoke v Scunthorpe 7.30
THURSDAY AUGUST 30: ELITE LEAGUE RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP: King's Lynn 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Workington 7.30, Redcar v Newcastle 7.30, Sheffield v Birmingham 7.45
FRIDAY AUGUST 31: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Arena Essex-Lakeside v Peterborough 7.30, Coventry v Ipswich 8pm, Reading v Swindon 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Sheffield 7.30, Somerset v Isle of Wight 7.30 CONFERENCE LEAGUE: Oxford v Boston 7.30, Plymouth v Weymouth 7.30
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 1: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Eastbourne v Peterborough 7.30, Ipswich v Swindon 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Berwick v Stoke 7pm, Rye House v Newcastle 7pm, Workington v King's Lynn 7pm BRITISH UNDER-15 CHAMPIONSHIP: Weymouth 7.15
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 2: PREMIER LEAGUE: Mildenhall v Workington 4.30, Newcastle v Rye House 6.30, Newport v Redcar 3pm, Stoke v Berwick 7.30, Glasgow v King’s Lynn 4pm CONFERENCE LEAGUE: Buxton v Stoke 3pm, Sittingbourne v Rye House 1pm
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 3: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Swindon 7.30, Peterborough v Poole 7.30, Wolverhampton v Coventry 7.30
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 4: PREMIER LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Sheffield 7.30
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 5: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Poole v Coventry 7.30, Reading v Peterborough 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Birmingham v Edinburgh 7.45, King's Lynn v Stoke 7.30