BRITISH SPEEDWAY DECEMBER 11, 2023

(SPEEDWAY 1)

ERMOLENKO APPOINTED BRUMMIES’ MANAGER

SAM Ermolenko says he’s ready for a new challenge in the sport having being appointed Birmingham team manager.
The American legend, who became World Champion in 1993, was announced on Friday as the Brummies’ new boss following the club’s step up into the Sports Insure Premiership.

“This has probably come at just the right time,” Ermolenko said.
“I’m in a position where I can dedicate some time to helping the Brummies out and I think I can do a good job – but I’m as good as my riders.
“I’ve got to get the best out of them and make them see what I see as a former rider myself., and I think I can have a good rapport with the riders.
“It’s going to be a challenge, but I like challenges and I’m ready to take this one on.”

(SPEEDWAY 2)

THOMAS Jorgensen will return from injury with a second stint in Redcar colours next season.
Jorgensen’s 2023 campaign came to an end with a broken neck when he was racing for Berwick, but the Dane will make his comeback for the Bears after previously racing for the Teesside outfit five years ago.
Danny King, Connor Bailey and Jake Mulford have all secured returns to the Ecco Arena from this season, with Mulford another rider to have recovered from a season-ending injury.

With Charles Wright and Jason Edwards already heading into the second year of two-year deals, the Bears have completed their Championship side with the signing of youngster Ben Trigger, who was with Plymouth in 2023.
REDCAR 2024 (Subject to approval): Danny King, Charles Wright, Thomas Jorgensen, Connor Bailey, Jason Edwards, Jake Mulford, Ben Trigger.

(SPEEDWAY 3)
 
EDINBURGH have made 16-year-old prospect Max James their first signing for the 2024 season.
James will be making his debut at Cab Direct Championship level but has enjoyed plenty of success at Armadale in the British Youth Championship, and he then piled up an incredible 15+1 score at the venue in the NDL for Leicester earlier this year.

Co-promoter Alex Harkess said: “Max has developed strongly through the youth scene and has always been one to keep an eye on as he was a real contender.

“At the Monarchs we have always given youth a chance to flourish, and our supporters enjoy watching young riders on their journey. We are delighted to have Max in the team and we are excited to watch him progress.”

(SPEEDWAY 4)

BERWICK boss Stewart Dickson believes new signing Danyon Hume will flourish at Shielfield Park next season.
Hume has made the move to the Bandits after spending 2023 with Cab Direct Championship rivals Redcar, and he joins Rory Schlein and Lewis Kerr as confirmed starters.

Dickson said: “Danyon is an exciting young rider with an impressive record around Shielfield Park and I’m confident 2024 will be a big season of progress for the lad.
“Establishing a side of riders who can improve on their starting average will be very important next season and Danyon is very capable of doing just that, and I am excited to work towards getting the best out of him.”

(SPEEDWAY 5)

REDCAR have unveiled six members of their new National Development League team – which is to be branded as the Middlesbrough Tigers.
There will be a strong local flavour in the line-up with Danny Phillips, Jamie Halder, Ben Rathbone and Archie Freeman all having spent time with Berwick in the NDL this year, although Freeman’s season was wrecked by an accident in his very first race at Belle Vue on Good Friday.

The Tigers have also signed Elliot Kelly who was with Workington in 2023, whilst Ben Trigger will be on double duty at the Ecco Arena as he also appears for the club at Championship level.
Meanwhile Katie Gordon has been named as No.8 with the target to reach the team during the season, and former Middlesbrough rider Stuart Swales will take charge as manager.