BRITISH SPEEDWAY DECEMBER 20, 2023

(SPEEDWAY 1)

POOLE PIRATES HOPE TO DOMINATE IN 2024

POOLE promoter Dan Ford says his side will be intent on trying to “sweep the board” with their 2024 fixture schedule now in place. The Pirates saw their incredible run of success halted this year, although they did still collect one of the three items of full team silverware as they won the BSN Series.

Ford said: “With the fixtures now released it really feels as if the season is now almost upon us.
“I think there is a better balance to our schedule this year compared to last, and with two Testimonials – Kyle’s (Newman) and Richard Lawson’s, which is a Sunday meeting – being wrapped around the known fixtures, there is plenty to look forward to in a year where we are once again intent on trying to sweep the board.

“Some will look at our schedule and comment that June appears a bit sparse, but hopefully with progress in the knockout competitions then we will see more meetings slotted in to make our programme much busier.”

(SPEEDWAY 2)

SCUNTHORPE promoter Rob Godfrey says a visit from newcomers Workington is the perfect way to start the new season.
The Scorpions will host the Comets, who make their senior league return in 2024 after a successful first year at Northside in the NDL, on March 29 in a BSN Series clash at the Eddie Wright Raceway.

Godfrey said: “The visit of Workington on Good Friday will be the first time they’ve been at the EWR since 2018, when they were here in the first leg of the Cup Final.
“Shortly after that, Derwent Park sadly closed, but it was great to see them back in speedway at their new track at Northside and we welcome them to the Cab Direct Championship in 2024.

“Next year promises to be another exciting year of racing at the Eddie Wright Raceway. This is the earliest that the fixtures have ever been out, so it gives supporters plenty of time to get the dates in their diaries.
“I seem to say this every year, but the Championship is a very competitive league and every meeting has the potential to be a fantastic meeting. I can’t wait for the 2024 season to start.”

(SPEEDWAY 3)

LEICESTER have confirmed captain Joe Thompson will be back to lead their WSRA National Development League team in 2024. Thompson will move into the No.1 position for the Lion Cubs whilst also racing for the senior Lions side in the Sports Insure Premiership.

And the Cubs have also announced the signing of locally based Arran Butcher, who was with Mildenhall this year.
Manager Dave Howard said: “It’s great that Joe still fits into the NDL with the 36-point limit and not having a Championship average above 4.00.

“It will be great for the team to have Joe riding and captaining the Lion Cubs, and I am so grateful for his wish to keep riding for us. “With Arran now living in Leicestershire, it’s good to have him in the team for 2024. He will be looking to progress further next year, and if and when he does, it will be great for the Lion Cubs.”