BRITISH SPEEDWAY AUGUST 16, 2022

(SPEEDWAY 1)

FIM GRAND PRIX CHALLENGE

GLASGOW owner Gerry Facenna has described this Saturday’s staging of the FIM Grand Prix Challenge as a “dream come true.”
Ashfield will play host to one of the biggest meetings on the International calendar with 16 riders battling for just three automatic places in the 2023 GP series.

The line-up includes British GP winner Dan Bewley, fellow countryman Robert Lambert, two other GP winners from this year in Anders Thomsen and Max Fricke, and 2012 World Champion Chris Holder.

Facenna said: “It’s a dream come true to be hosting what is possibly the most prestigious meeting in Scottish Speedway’s 90-year history.
“There have been many important domestic and international events held in Scotland through the decades but none has offered such a big prize, with the Grand Prix series now broadcast around the world and raced in big stadiums across Europe.

“We believe Saturday night will be a real festival of speedway featuring many of the world’s best riders. Every one could stake a claim for winning it and we know we can provide an exciting racetrack on which they can compete.”

(SPEEDWAY 2)

WOLVERHAMPTON promoter Chris Van Straaten feels it’s been a big few weeks for Rising Star Leon Flint.
The talented teen was crowned the new British Under-19 Champion in July and scored his first senior paid maximum for Championship outfit Berwick at the start of this month.

He then took three rides as track reserve in Saturday’s British Grand Prix at Cardiff before scoring nine points in the SGP2 event the following afternoon.
Van Straaten said: “Full credit to Leon who has really put in some big displays over the past couple of weeks.

“I was at Cardiff on Saturday and I thought his attitude was excellent. While some of the more experienced, seasoned campaigners weren’t too happy with conditions, Leon just got his head down, didn’t moan, got on with it and raced his speedway bike.

“He was in the thick of it, well on the pace and the track didn’t daunt or faze him one little bit.
“I thought he rode really well on Sunday too, again despite some far from ideal track conditions, and recent performances will have given Leon a big, big boost as we head into the business end of the season.”

(SPEEDWAY 3)

KENT have announced the signing of Max Clegg as they bid to stage a run to the National Development League play-offs over their last six matches.
Clegg comes in for Alfie Bowtell, whose knee injury is worse than first feared – but the Royals have received a boost elsewhere with Sam Woolley due back for the home clash with Mildenhall on Sunday.

Promoter Si Kellow said: “Losing Alfie was a blow, but I am confident that Max will enjoy Iwade and give us the edge that we need to get into the play-offs.”
The Royals have also confirmed Jamie Halder is due to see a specialist in the next 24 hours to assess his fitness position as the club bid to return to full strength.

(SPEEDWAY 4)

HANS Andersen will ride in Neil Middleditch’s Testimonial at Poole on August 31 in memory of his friend Joanne Tomlin.
Andersen received extensive support from Joanne and husband Andy, long-time sponsors of the Pirates as owners of Meridian Lifts, during his three spells with the club and in his racing elsewhere.

Meridian Lifts have named one of Middleditch’s Testimonial teams in Joanne’s memory after she passed away in 2019 following a battle with an aggressive form of cancer.
Andersen said: “I’m always delighted to be back at Poole, but this is even more special because it is to honour Joanne. 

“When I first started, Andy and Jo backed me and have always been there for me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that kind of help. They weren’t just sponsors, they were fantastic personal friends, and I knew if I needed anything at all I could just call Jo and she would always put a smile on my face.
“Fans may notice that I have adapted the Meridian Lifts logo on all my gear to include Jo’s initials and a heart because she meant so much to me. I’m really grateful to Middlo for giving me the chance to be included.”

(FIXTURES)

TUESDAY AUGUST 16:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Plymouth v Redcar OFF

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 17:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Oxford v Edinburgh 7.30, Poole v Redcar 7.30
CHALLENGE: Birmingham v Coventry Select 7.30

THURSDAY AUGUST 18:
PREMIERSHIP PAIRS Round 5: Sheffield 7.30

FRIDAY AUGUST 19:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Scunthorpe v Berwick 7.30
CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP S/F 1st leg: Edinburgh v Redcar 7.30
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Leicester 7.30