GB LAUNCH SPEEDWAY OF NATIONS ON HOME SHALE

GREAT Britain will launch their assault on the Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations in their home country this summer.
Alun Rossiter’s men will return to the scene of their 2016 World Cup silver medal when they race Australia, Sweden, Czech Republic, France, Italy and Finland at Belle Vue’s National Speedway Stadium in Manchester on Tuesday June 5.
The newly-launched Monster Energy Speedway of Nations inaugural event takes place at German venue Teterow on Saturday, June 2, with Germany meeting Denmark, Russia, Latvia, USA, Slovenia and Slovakia.
The top three from each Race Off will join hosts Poland in the two-day Final, which will be staged at Wroclaw’s recently-revamped Olympic Stadium on June 8 and 9.
BSI Speedway managing director Torben Olsen looks forward to seeing the world’s top pairs battle it out for World Championship glory in June.
He said: “We have four exciting events in store as we launch the Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations. It’s great to add Manchester to the calendar and following the success of the 2016 Monster Energy FIM Speedway World Cup Final there, we’re anticipating another great night on a top race track.
“We’re glad to welcome so many new nations into the international arena as France and Slovakia enter the series, having never competed in the Monster Energy SWC, while Italy, Finland and Slovenia return to the world stage after a few years away.
“This creates the opportunity for new stars to emerge, and we could also see a few big names we rarely get to witness in international team competition.
“We look forward to a fantastic week of speedway, and one that I’m sure will deliver high drama.”
Ticket information will be announced in due course. Follow SpeedwayGP.com and @SpeedwayGP social media for more details.

MONSTER ENERGY SPEEDWAY OF NATIONS DRAW
RACE OFF 1 (Teterow, Germany): Germany, Denmark, Russia, Slovakia, USA, Slovenia and Latvia
RACE OFF 2 (Manchester, Great Britain): Great Britain, Sweden, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Australia and Finland.
FINAL 1 and 2 (Wroclaw, Poland): Poland, top three Race Off 1, top three Race Off 2.

(SPEEDWAY 1)

BELLE Vue CEO Adrian Smith is delighted to bring the FIM Monster Energy Speedway of Nations to Manchester this season.
The National Speedway Stadium will host the second round of the new competition on Tuesday June 5, with Great Britain chasing one of three qualifying places for the Final.
Smith said: “I am sure the supporters of Belle Vue, and of course the wider British Speedway community, will be as delighted with this news as we are.
“I’m certain we can expect a great night of racing, and we are very appreciative of Manchester City Council for their support throughout our discussions with BSI to bring this event to the city
“The National Speedway Stadium is a world-class venue and we’re very excited about welcoming a whole host of world-class riders to this great stadium once again.”

(SPEEDWAY 2)

LEICESTER and Sheffield youngster Josh Bates is set to undergo surgery in South Yorkshire after suffering a back injury when sledging.
Barnsley racer Bates was out having fun with pals on the slopes when he landed on a brick under the snow and was left in agony – and it has been confirmed he has broken a vertebrae.
Damien Bates, his uncle, said: “It’s a massive blow of course, for Josh himself and the two clubs he’s signed up for, Sheffield and Leicester.
“Thankfully he has full movement and at best we are looking at six to eight weeks off the bike, but until the operation has been concluded we don’t know for sure.
“And until we know the full extent of his absence, both Sheffield and Leicester will hold back on deciding on temporary replacements.”

(SPEEDWAY 3)

NEWCASTLE have added Danny Phillips to their asset list – with the deal completed thanks to the involvement of club sponsors.
Phillips is returning from serious injury with Coventry in the National League this season but had made a positive impression with the Diamonds last year, although their 2018 team does not include provision for him as a 2.00 reserve.
Co-owner Martin Phillips said: “Boiler Technical Services, Stakeford Tyre Services, a long-term magazine advertiser and Steve Brock Photography - our club photographer - clubbed together with Danny becoming a full club asset, as they fully believe he could form a solid base for the future of the Diamonds.
“We really must thank the three businesses for their forward thinking in order to add a valuable asset to our portfolio, which has been completed as I put the deal to Peterborough who accepted with all the official paperwork being completed very efficiently indeed.
“Hopefully Danny can get himself a loan deal at some point through the season once the inevitable injuries hit some unfortunate teams, and we wish our new asset all the best in that quest.”