BRITISH SPEEDWAY WEEKLY BULLETIN 2022/21

EDINBURGH’S Sam Masters picked himself off the floor to win the Championship League Riders’ Championship at Poole – eleven years after his last triumph in the event.Masters emerged largely unscathed from a heavy pile-up in the first staging of the Final, which also involved Ryan Douglas of Scunthorpe who was able to walk away but could not take his place in the re-run.
Photo Credit: ANTHONY BURCHELL

HERE’S our latest soundbytes and fixtures from around the tracks up and down the country.

PREMIERSHIP SOUNDBYTES…

BELLE VUE
“This was a big result for the team, but equally a big result for myself because this was the first time I’ve scored double figures at home. I think we can be happy with how this meeting went. We knew Wolves were going to give us a tough afternoon and they delivered on that.”

Newly crowned German Champion Norick Blodorn enjoyed his best performance yet at the National Speedway Stadium with a ten-point score in the Aces’ 50-40 home win over Wolverhampton which takes them closer to confirming a play-off place.
NEXT HOME: Sheffield, Mon Sept 5
NEXT AWAY: Peterborough, Thur Sept 15
 
IPSWICH
“Starkey has had some machinery issues of late and has looked a bit down on power lately and I felt that again tonight. We have next week off and next month I expect him to be back down at reserve where he rides well. I am not massively concerned, once he gets back down to reserve, he will get over his troubles and we will see him back to his best.”

Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins says Paul Starke can still play an important role for the club as they look ahead to the play-offs, having confirmed their top four finish with a 53-37 win over Wolverhampton.
NEXT HOME: Peterborough, Thur Sept 8
NEXT AWAY: Peterborough, Mon Sept 5
 
KING’S LYNN
“It’s been a long time in the making. We’ve said all season that if we click together we’ll do the business, and we performed well, and I’m delighted to finally get that away win. Although it’s a long shot, mathematically we’re still in with a shout, so we’ll keep fighting for as long as we can.”

Stars boss Alex Brady says they will look to keep the play-off chase alive for as long as possible after winning at Peterborough last week, although Monday’s results were not in their favour in that respect.
NEXT HOME: Peterborough, Thur Sept 1
NEXT AWAY: Sheffield, Thur Sept 15

PETERBOROUGH
“We never like to abandon meetings, especially when the reason is for something other than weather or track conditions, but on this occasion it was the only decision which could be taken. Peterborough Speedway would like to thank supporters for their patience whilst the discussions were ongoing prior to the abandonment.”

Far from ideal circumstances at the East of England Arena on Monday as the Panthers’ clash with Sheffield was abandoned after ten races due to several tyre issues during the meeting.
NEXT HOME: Ipswich, Mon Sept 5
NEXT AWAY: King’s Lynn, Thur Sept 1
 
SHEFFIELD
“More than anyone else, I feel for the supporters; there was a reasonably healthy Bank Holiday crowd and for them it was desperately disappointing we couldn’t complete the full 15 heats. But at the end of the day rider safety is paramount and regardless of the number of tyres, it wasn’t safe to continue anyway.”

Tigers boss Simon Stead took little in the way of satisfaction from a 32-28 win at Peterborough on Monday to boost their play-off position, with the meeting being abandoned due to tyre problems.
NEXT HOME: Wolverhampton, Thur Sept 1
NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Mon Sept 5
 
WOLVERHAMPTON
“You have to acknowledge that Belle Vue had some difficulties and that obviously impacted on their score. You’ve got to be at your best when it really matters at the end of the season and we’re trying to run into a bit of form.”

Wolves boss Peter Adams was pleased with his side’s Bank Holiday Monday efforts as they took four points from their two meetings against Belle Vue to consolidate their place in the play-off zone.
NEXT HOME: TBC
NEXT AWAY: Sheffield, Thur Sept 1
 
CHAMPIONSHIP SOUNDBYTES…

BERWICK
“It was a dominant performance and, after demolishing Plymouth last time out, at least gives our fans a winning end to what has been a frustrating season. We couldn’t have had a better guest than Richard Lawson and it was also good to see Jye (Etheridge) and Ricky (Wells) back in the thick of the action.”

Bandits boss Gary Flint was pleased to see a tough league campaign end on a high as his side raced to a big win over Scunthorpe at Shielfield Park last Saturday.

BIRMINGHAM
“Predicting a winner is almost an impossibility with so many potential champions in the line-up. When the opportunity arose to apply for the meeting, we were unanimous in wanting to and it was a big plus for us when we were awarded it.”

Brummies boss Laurence Rogers is eagerly anticipating the Tolley Badges British Under-21 Final at Perry Barr on Wednesday with plenty of top talent on display.
NEXT HOME: British Under-21 Final, Wed Aug 31

EDINBURGH
“With a long list of riders eligible, a hugely competitive field is expected to compete for the coveted Jack Young Memorial Trophy. Special guests from throughout the era will be invited to reminisce on the most successful period in the club’s history.”

The Monarchs are making plans for a Farewell to Armadale event in October featuring a special edition of the Scottish Open Championship involving current and former Edinburgh riders.
NEXT HOME: TBC
NEXT AWAY: Redcar (KOC), Fri Sept 2
 
GLASGOW
“I’m absolutely ecstatic to be in the semi-finals again. People don’t realise how hard it is to make the top two in our league because it is so competitive. Redcar might not even make the play-offs and look how good they are. We now need to see if we can get everyone back fit.”

Tigers boss Cami Brown is delighted with the job done by his team so far in 2022, and is now hoping for good news with several riders suffering recent knocks ahead of the play-offs later this month.
NEXT HOME: TBC
NEXT AWAY: Plymouth, Tues Sept 6
 
LEICESTER
“We’ve taken note of Scunthorpe’s recent results, especially their 60-30 win over Berwick the last time they rode at home. The lead we have means we should be able to go through, but we certainly won’t be taking anything for granted.”
Lions boss Stewart Dickson insists a professional approach will be needed when they defend a 26-point advantage at Scunthorpe in the KO Cup quarter-finals on Friday.
NEXT HOME: TBC
NEXT AWAY: Scunthorpe (KOC), Fri Sept 2

PLYMOUTH
“Whatever the outcome the fact that the Westcolour Gladiators have made the play-offs is an incredible achievement, given the fact that at some point in their season every rider in the original seven-man team, and subsequent team declarations, has suffered from some form of injury, four of which have turned out to be season ending or have seriously disrupted their seasons.”
A sense of perspective from Plymouth-speedway.com as they reflect on a season of major achievement in the face of injury adversity at the Coliseum in 2022.
NEXT HOME: Redcar, Tues Aug 30
NEXT AWAY: TBC
 
POOLE
“I think that I have been able to assemble  two good sides and we have a number of stars from the past, both of my racing time at Poole and also since becoming manager so it is going to be a packed programme for sure.

I think the timing of this is just right as the Pirates face a busy schedule in the next month or so, with, as Dan (Ford) has said, all our remaining meetings needing to be treated as Finals, so on Wednesday we can all enjoy the racing without those added pressures and I am looking forward to having a fun and enjoyable night.”

Pirates boss Neil Middleditch celebrates his long-awaited Testimonial meeting at Wimborne Road on Wednesday – before his team turn their focus back to their chase for major honours next month.
NEXT HOME: Neil Middleditch Testimonial, Wed Aug 31
NEXT AWAY: TBC
 
REDCAR
“It was the perfect night, the pressure was on towards the end but I made some dream starts, I had plenty of speed and we got the job done. In terms of Heat 13, I knew it was a do or die effort to get past (Richard) Lawson but I knew I had speed wide and I got the job done.”

Bears star Lewis Kerr was the hero with a huge score of 19+1 in the dramatic comeback win over Scunthorpe on Friday when the home side finished with three successive 5-1s.
NEXT HOME: Edinburgh (KOC), Fri Sept 2
NEXT AWAY: Plymouth, Tues Aug 30
 
SCUNTHORPE
“As a team, we’ve battled all year. We’ve had so many injuries, but we’ve found new riders to bring in and we also had to bring in a new team manager.

So much has happened – it feels like we deserve a place in the play-offs, but now it’s in the hands of the Gods. The big home win over Berwick a week ago meant as a team the morale was fantastic and it was like until around 9.30pm on Wednesday, when Dougie (Ryan Douglas) got wiped out at Poole, just as he was going to win Scorpions some silverware.”
Skipper Simon Lambert hopes the Scorpion still get the chance to keep their league aspirations alive – after defeat at Berwick on Saturday left them sweating on a place in the top six.
NEXT HOME: Leicester (KOC), Fri Sept 2
NEXT AWAY: TBC
 
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE SOUNDBYTES…

ARMADALE
“I think we are as strong as we have been all year now. You can see Lee (Complin) has added firepower at the top end and Elliott (Kelly) is getting better by the match.”
Devils captain Tom Woolley says the side can go into their final matches of the season with renewed confidence with their recent signings having made a positive effect.
NEXT HOME: Leicester, Fri Sept 23
NEXT AWAY: Kent, Sun Sept 4
 
BELLE VUE
“We’ve only got two more meetings left to get as many points as we possibly can to secure our place in the top four. We’ve picked up a few on the road this year, we’ve maxed out at home but there have been some missed opportunities that we really need to make up for.”
Skipper Jack Smith knows there’s still work to be done for the Colts to make sure of their play-off place, with trips to Kent and Armadale to come as they look to confirm a place in the top four.
NEXT HOME: TBC
NEXT AWAY: Kent, Sun Sept 11

BERWICK
“It is down to the Bullets – after trips to Mildenhall and Leicester complete their league fixtures – to hit the play-off trail. There’s still plenty to play for before the season is out.”
Boss Gary Flint is keen to see the club’s NDL side receive reward for a fine season so far by mounting a major title challenge in the play-offs over the coming weeks.
NEXT HOME: TBC
NEXT AWAY: Mildenhall, Sun Sept 4

KENT
“The opening of the match started out in favour of the Royals as they opened up an early lead in the first four races before the visitors hit back over the next five heats to take the lead themselves. It was in the last few races that the hosts once again turned the match on its head to claim their victory.”
The Royals secured a hard-fought 47-43 win over Plymouth on Sunday to remain on the fringes of the play-off battle heading into the month of September.
NEXT HOME: Armadale, Sun Sept 4
NEXT AWAY: Leicester, Sat Sept 3 

LEICESTER
“We’ve got Kent and Berwick at home to come, and then Armadale away as well. If we can keep our home record perfect as we have done so far, that will put in the play-offs, and obviously we would be looking to get some points in our last away match.”
Cubs boss Dave Howard has stressed the importance of keeping their home winning run going with two matches remaining at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena, with top spot in the NDL very much within their grasp.
NEXT HOME: Kent, Sat Sept 3
NEXT AWAY: Armadale, Fri Sept 23

MILDENHALL
“I’m so chuffed – this week couldn’t have worked out better.  Today was another all-round team performance and to get results of these magnitudes against one of the division’s top sides really shows we’ve hit a great vein of form at exactly the right time.”
Co-boss Jason Gardner praised the Fen Tigers’ team effort in Sunday’s vital win over play-off rivals Oxford, as they build up to a big double header this weekend starting at the earlier time of 2pm.
NEXT HOME: Berwick + Plymouth, Sun Sept 4
NEXT AWAY: TBC
 
OXFORD
“Jordan was gutted not to be able to ride for us, but the decision was taken out of his hands by the health professionals who told him he must not ride. Of course, I’d love to have Jordan racing for us today, because he would have made such a difference, but I’m not going to risk a young rider’s health to try to get into the play-offs.”
Chargers boss Peter Schroeck said skipper Jordan Jenkins had no option but to miss Sunday’s meeting at Oxford on doctors’ advice due to abdominal damage.
NEXT HOME: Kent, Wed Sept 7
NEXT AWAY: TBC

PLYMOUTH
The Centurions took a hard-earned point from their away match at Kent last Sunday, and now prepare for the trip to Mildenhall this weekend.
NEXT HOME: TBC
NEXT AWAY: Mildenhall, Sun Sept 4

FIXTURE PICTURE…

TUESDAY AUGUST 30:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Plymouth v Redcar 7pm

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 31:
BRITISH UNDER-21 FINAL: Birmingham 7.30
NEIL MIDDLEDITCH TESTIMONIAL: Poole 7.30

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 1:
PREMIERSHIP: King’s Lynn v Peterborough 7.30, Sheffield v Wolverhampton 7.30

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2:
CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP S/F 2nd leg: Redcar v Edinburgh 7.30
CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP Q/F 2nd leg: Scunthorpe v Leicester 7.30

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 3:
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE: Leicester v Kent 7pm

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4:
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE: Kent v Armadale 12pm, Mildenhall v Berwick 2pm, Mildenhall v Plymouth (follows previous fixture)

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 5:
PREMIERSHIP: Belle Vue v Sheffield 7.30, Peterborough v Ipswich 7.30

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 6:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Plymouth v Glasgow 7pm

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 7:
CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF Q/F: Poole v TBC 7.30
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE: Oxford v Kent 7.30
ALAN GRAHAME MEMORIAL: Birmingham v Cradley Select 7.30

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8:
PREMIERSHIP: Ipswich v Peterborough 7.30, King’s Lynn v Sheffield 7.30

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10:
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE: Leicester v Berwick 7pm

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11:
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE: Kent v Belle Vue 12pm
BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP (125cc/150cc): Kent (follows NDL fixture)

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 12:
PREMIERSHIP PAIRS Round 5: Belle Vue 7.30