Scunthorpe’s Jason Garrity leads Sheffield’s Charles Wright in Friday’s Championship Shield match at the Eddie Wright Raceway. 
Picture: ALEX SUMMERFIELD

Soundbytes and fixtures from around the tracks up and down the country.

PREMIERSHIP SOUNDBYTES…

BELLE VUE
“There’s a lot of things you can say about the performance tonight, but it was truly sensational to work with these boys. They were just on fire. Things are clicking for us and nights like this fill me with pride.”
Boss Mark Lemon was delighted to see the Aces show their true form with a 59-31 hammering of Rye House on Monday.
NEXT HOME: Somerset, Mon Apr 30 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Somerset, Wed May 23 (7.30)

KING’S LYNN
“We’ve always felt we’ve put together a decent team. Obviously everyone feels that, otherwise you wouldn’t sign the riders you have, but we’ve always remained calm when we’ve been questioned through the media or anything else. So far, so good, and we’re taking one match at a time.”
Four points from the Stars’ opening two matches has met with the satisfaction of team boss Dale Allitt as the club look to stage a play-off challenge in 2018.
NEXT HOME: Poole, Wed Apr 25 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton, Mon Apr 30 (7.30)

LEICESTER
“It’s disappointing, but our season won’t be defined by tonight – it will be defined by how we come back from the loss. There are certainly positives to take from it. The new boys are settling in, and Kenneth (Bjerre) will be on his own equipment rather than having to borrow his brother’s.”
A philosophical reaction from Lions boss Simon Stead after Monday’s last-gasp home defeat to Swindon.
NEXT HOME: Rye House, Mon Apr 30 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: King’s Lynn (KOC), Wed May 16 (7.30)

POOLE
“It was an improved team performance from the boys but we did not have an answer to Sam Masters and Rory Schlein, who at times looked like Peter Karlsson at his best in showing the youngsters the way around. They both showed brilliant form.”
Pirates boss Neil Middleditch paid tribute to the opposition after a third successive Premiership defeat at Wolverhampton on Monday.
NEXT HOME: Yarmouth Bloaters (Ch), Thur Apr 26 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: King’s Lynn, Wed Apr 25 (7.30)

RYE HOUSE
“Wolverhampton and Belle Vue were tough places to go to, but we are only two matches into the season. Wednesday is another day, and it is up to us to hit the ground running, make some starts and attack them from the off.”
Two heavy away defeats have put the Rockets on the back foot, but boss Peter Schroeck remains optimistic that their form of the second half last season will return.
HOME: Wolverhampton, Wed Apr 25 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Leicester, Mon Apr 30 (7.30)

SOMERSET
“We had a good meeting to enjoy, the boys working hard to get back into contention after a poor start. Looking around there were a number of new faces on the terraces and that is encouraging. Hopefully they all enjoyed what they saw and will be back again. I am also delighted to have several new sponsors on board too.”
Rebels promoter Debbie Hancock was able to reflect on a positive opening home meeting, with a 47-43 win over Leicester at the Oaktree Arena.
NEXT HOME: Poole (KOC), Wed May 2 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Mon Apr 30 (7.30)

SWINDON
“It’s a fantastic start to the season – it’s early days yet and a bit of a reversal compared to last year, but I’d rather get points on the board early than fighting around come the end of August.”
What a difference a year makes for Alun Rossiter, whose side have won their first three Premiership matches, two of them away from home, as they look to defend the title.
NEXT HOME: Poole, Mon May 7 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: King’s Lynn, Wed May 2 (7.30)

WOLVERHAMPTON
“These have been two solid wins against Rye House and Poole with two awesome team performances. Each one of the boys has shown some really encouraging, positive signs so far and it's been a great way to start the season.”
With scores of 60 and 59 from their first two home matches, Wolves skipper Rory Schlein has plenty of reasons to be cheerful about the Monmore side’s prospects for 2018.
NEXT HOME: King’s Lynn, Mon Apr 30 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Rye House, Wed Apr 25 (7.30)

CHAMPIONSHIP SOUNDBYTES…

BERWICK
“We're not in the habit of making excuses for defeats, but our gating was way down, and with the track - for once - as dry due to the lack of watering at the critical time as there was football on today, it was way slicker than we, like leaving passing a bit thin on the ground, which thankfully again is most unusual for us.”
Bandits boss Scott Courtney explains the circumstances behind his side’s home defeat to Newcastle in the first leg of the Tyne/Tweed Trophy.
NEXT HOME: Lakeside, Sat Apr 28 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Edinburgh (CS), Fri Apr 27 (7.30)

EDINBURGH
“The track was difficult, even for me and Ricky (Wells). The difference today was that Glasgow have experienced riders who know what to do with these conditions. We lost to a better team, yes, but it was a lot to do with experience. Me and Ricky tried to tell our guys what to do but they lacked the experience.”
Monarchs skipper Erik Riss says the club’s younger riders need to learn from their home derby defeat to Glasgow last Friday.
NEXT HOME: Berwick (CS), Fri Apr 27 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Peterborough, Sun May 13 (5pm)

GLASGOW
“It all went right today. I was making good starts and was fast. I was disappointed to run a last in heat 15 but I had a bad gate pick - but I'm happy. I've had a good five days in a row on the bike now.”
A positive run from the Tigers’ Lewis Kerr, who hit double figures in the home local derby win over Edinburgh last weekend.
NEXT HOME: Sheffield, Fri May 4 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Redcar, Thur May 17 (7.30)

IPSWICH
“It is almost the same team that started last year but never rode together. However, there are three changes to the team that did so well and ended the season with Nico (Covatti) and Danyon (Hume) coming back. People need to up their game, but when you look at the side and the injuries from last year with riders coming back in and the young reserves, we are a team built to build into the season.”
Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins urges patience after a stuttering start to the Foxhall season.
NEXT HOME: Newcastle, Thur Apr 26 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Lakeside (KOC), Fri May 4 (8pm)

LAKESIDE
“We were never behind and had a lot of race winners again which is a pleasing aspect, and we’re happy to be into the next round of the Shield. We never wanted to rely on the results of other teams, so we’re pleased we’ve got another victory and done what we needed to do.”
Hammers boss Will Pottinger was delighted to see his side become the first to reach the Championship Shield semi-finals with victory at Ipswich last weekend.
NEXT HOME: Ipswich (KOC), Fri May 4 (8pm)
NEXT AWAY: Berwick, Sat Apr 28 (7pm)

NEWCASTLE
“I think we shocked a lot of people tonight, people who simply expected us to go away licking out wounds and 28 points - well we really showed what was possible with positivity and determination.”
Diamonds boss George English was delighted with their away win at Berwick on Saturday, followed up 24-hours later by home success over Redcar.
NEXT HOME: Sheffield (CS), Sun Apr 29 (6.30)
NEXT AWAY: Ipswich, Thur Apr 26 (7.30)

PETERBOROUGH
“There are tracks we’ll be going to which we like, and we’ll be looking to pick up not just three points but four on the road. It’s encouraging so far.”
Panthers boss Carl Johnson expects his side’s positive start to the season to continue, and is optimistic of more good performances away from the East of England Arena.
NEXT HOME: Workington, Fri May 11 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Sheffield, Thur May 3 (7.30)

REDCAR
“I was really happy with everyone tonight. We will get much tougher tests in the coming weeks but every Newcastle rider is capable of good scores at the MPA. It was great to see contributions from everybody and this meeting will be a big boost to everyone’s confidence and team morale.”
Bears boss Jitendra Duffill on a positive season-opener against Newcastle at the Media Prima Arena.
NEXT HOME: Sheffield (CS), Fri Apr 27 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Sheffield (CS), Thur Apr 26 (7.30)

SCUNTHORPE
“The racing was brilliant out there, and that’s why I wanted to come to Scunthorpe. This is what you call a RACETRACK. If you want to come to watch speedway racing, this is the place to come.”
Winter signing Jason Garrity is enjoying his new home base, with another impressive display in last week’s thriller against Sheffield.
NEXT HOME: Redcar, Fri May 4 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Redcar (CS), Thur May 3 (7.30)

SHEFFIELD
“The past two meetings have been a credit to British Speedway. Any newcomers to the sport at our place or Scunthorpe will certainly be coming back because the commitment, racing and entertainment from both sets of riders was second to none.”
Tigers boss Simon Stead says speedway was the winner from his side’s back-to-back clashes with Scunthorpe last week.
NEXT HOME: Redcar (CS), Thur Apr 26 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Redcar (CS), Fri Apr 27 (7.30)

WORKINGTON
“Now I’ve got the e-mail to say that it’s all been approved I’m quite relaxed and happy. It means I miss one Championship Shield meeting, I can tolerate that, if that makes sense.”
Visa issues are over for Comets skipper Ty Proctor, who is all set to lead the team in their forthcoming fixtures against Berwick early next month.
NEXT HOME: Berwick (CS), Fri May 4 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Berwick (CS), Sat May 5 (7pm)
 
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUNDBYTES…

BELLE VUE COLTS
“Nothing is guaranteed so you can’t be in any way complacent. But there was such a positive attitude amongst the team about what we needed to do that we wrapped things up pretty fast.”
Job done for the Belle Vue Colts in their KO Cup tie with Buxton, going through by a 48-point aggregate margin to the delight of Paul Bowen.
NEXT HOME: Plymouth Wed May 2 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Eastbourne, Sat Apr 28 (7.30)

BIRMINGHAM
“We've had three unbeaten riders which is a marvellous achievement, particularly for Leon (Flint) who probably scored more points than his dad Gary did in his entire Stoke career! It really was a great team performance though and I'm glad we did something like that for the supporters.”
Manager Laurence Rogers reflects on a near-perfect night for the Brummies with a 57-33 win at Stoke in the National Trophy.
NEXT HOME: Kent (EC), Wed April 25 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Buxton (NT), Sun Apr 29 (3pm)

BUXTON
“We battled hard and the score didn’t really justify the lads’ efforts. We suffered a little bad luck in Heat 3 with Tom Woolley and David Wallinger coming together and both suffered knocks and carried on.” 
Hitmen boss Joshua Moss looks back on a 32-58 defeat at Belle Vue which effectively ended their interest in this season’s KO Cup competition.
NEXT HOME: Birmingham (NT), Sun Apr 29 (3pm)
NEXT AWAY: Kent, Mon May 7 (3pm)

COVENTRY
“Ten points against Eastbourne was definitely an improvement on the previous week, which was the first time I’d seen the track. I’m getting there with set-ups, and although I’d obviously like to improve further it’s a good starting point for the season.”
Bees’ second-string Luke Ruddick was pleased to hit double figures against the Eagles in Coventry’s first home league match of the season.
NEXT HOME: Cradley (NT), Sun Apr 29 (3pm)
NEXT AWAY: Buxton (NT), Sun May 6 (3pm)

EASTBOURNE
“I don’t agree with that. Just taking out a rider who is struggling a little bit, you are not gaining anything. You are knocking their confidence even more. They don’t get the track time; now he has shown everyone what he can do. We have seen what Charlie can do. It is all a question of getting him out of the gate.”
Eagles boss Connor Dugard has strong words for comments that he should have replaced reserve newcomer Charlie Brooks from races in their early-season fixtures.
NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Sat Apr 28 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Isle of Wight (KOC), Thur Apr 26 (7pm)

ISLE OF WIGHT
“That was not the result we forecasted. One or two of our riders did not deliver at the level we expect and need.”
Warriors manager Jackie Vatcher was left deflated after a home National Trophy defeat to Plymouth last week.
NEXT HOME: Eastbourne (KOC), Thur Apr 26 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Plymouth (NT), Fri Apr 27 (7.15)

KENT
The Kings are finally set to get their home season away next Monday when Birmingham visit in the second leg of the delayed Easter Cup.
NEXT HOME: Birmingham (EC), Mon Apr 30 (6.30)
NEXT AWAY: Birmingham (EC), Wed Apr 25 (7.30)

MILDENHALL
“My lad Stein is mechanicing for him and he reckons Danny is going to storm the National League this year. He was close to a maximum (guesting for Belle Vue at the Isle of Wight) but came off when he tried to pass Ben Morley who picked up a bit too much grip.”
Fen Tigers chief Kevin Jolly expects a big season for new signing Danny Ayres, with their season set to finally get underway this season.
NEXT HOME: Stoke, Sat Apr 28 (7.30)
NEXT AWAY: Isle of Wight (NT), Thur May 3 (7pm)

PLYMOUTH
“He is a battler, which is something we missed in that position last year.”
Devils co-promoter Stuart Kellie has been impressed with the efforts so far of reserve Macauley Leek.
NEXT HOME: Isle of Wight (NT), Fri Apr 27 (7.15)
NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Wed May 2 (7.30)

STOKE
“I think we showed that we're lacking match practice and I think we were unfortunate that our first home meeting of the season was against Birmingham. They'll probably be our hardest fixture of the season with the team they've got and they have got a pretty good record here at Stoke.”
Potters captain Tony Atkin was in philosophical mood after the hosts were humbled 33-57 by Birmingham in their opening home National League fixture of the season.
NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Sat May 5 (7pm)
NEXT AWAY: Mildenhall, Sat Apr 28 (7.30)

MAJOR EVENTS LATEST…

KENT and Glasgow racer Jack Thomas was victorious in the second British Under-21 Semi-Final at Birmingham.
Thomas dropped just one point at Perry Barr as he booked his place in next month's Final at Berwick.
Nathan Greaves secured second spot ahead of Jack Smith on count-back, both finishing a single point behind Thomas.
Joe Lawlor impressed on his way to 11 points whilst Alfie Bowtell won his final ride to jump into the top seven. Taylor Hampshire used his track knowledge from his time at Perry Barr last year to finish sixth ahead of Kyle Bickley, who snatched the last spot.
Thomas admitted he was surprised with how well he performed and believes this is a big year for his career.
“My record in previous Under-21 meetings hasn't been the best at all to be honest," he said.
“So I was travelling up thinking what I could do this year and I'm chuffed to bits to win it.
“I know I haven't done too many meetings yet, but having the two team spots is helping me massively and it's already pushing me in the right direction.”
BRITISH U21 FINALISTS (Berwick, May 1): Robert Lambert, Dan Bewley, Zach Wajtknecht, Max Clegg, Connor Mountain, James Shanes, Josh Bailey, Drew Kemp, Jason Edwards, Jack Thomas, Nathan Greaves, Jack Smith, Joe Lawlor, Alfie Bowtell, Taylor Hampshire, Kyle Bickley.

*POOLE host the first Major Event of the season at senior level with the Premiership Riders’ Championship taking place at Wimborne Road on Wednesday May 9.
The top two riders from each top-flight club will be in action – with World Champion Jason Doyle and fellow Australian Troy Batchelor both bidding to take the title for the second time.
LINE-UP (not in draw order): Craig Cook, Max Fricke (Belle Vue), Niels-Kristian Iversen, Robert Lambert (King’s Lynn), Hans Andersen, Danny King (Leicester), Brady Kurtz, Josh Grajczonek (Poole), Chris Harris, Scott Nicholls (Rye House), Jason Doyle, Charles Wright (Somerset), Nick Morris, Troy Batchelor (Swindon), Jacob Thorssell, Sam Masters (Wolverhampton).

BRITISH SPEEDWAY MAJOR EVENTS 2018
PREMIERSHIP RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Poole, May 9
BRITISH FINAL: Belle Vue, June 11
CHAMPIONSHIP FOURS: Redcar, July 1
CHAMPIONSHIP PAIRS: Somerset, July 20
CHAMPIONSHIP RIDERS’ INDIVIDUAL: Sheffield, September 2
PREMIERSHIP PAIRS: TBC

OTHER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP DATES
BRITISH UNDER-21 SEMI-FINALS: ZACH WAJTKNECHT; JACK THOMAS
BRITISH UNDER-21 FINAL: Berwick, May 1
BRITISH UNDER-19 FINAL: Ipswich, May 17
BRITISH SEMI-FINALS: Sheffield, May 10; Leicester, May 15

NATIONAL LEAGUE EVENTS
NATIONAL LEAGUE FOURS: Coventry, June 24
NATIONAL LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Leicester, September 23

FIXTURE PICTURE…

TUESDAY APRIL 24:
CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD: Peterborough v Ipswich OFF

WEDNESDAY APRIL 25:
PREMIERSHIP: King’s Lynn v Poole 7.30, Rye House v Wolverhampton 7.30
EASTER CUP 1st leg: Birmingham v Kent 7.30

THURSDAY APRIL 26: 
CHAMPIONSHIP: Ipswich v Newcastle 7.30
CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD: Sheffield v Redcar 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP 1st round 2nd leg: Isle of Wight v Eastbourne 7pm
CHALLENGE: Poole v Yarmouth Bloaters 7pm

FRIDAY APRIL 27:
CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD: Edinburgh v Berwick 7.30, Redcar v Sheffield 7.30
NATIONAL TROPHY: Plymouth v Isle of Wight 7.15

SATURDAY APRIL 28:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Lakeside 7pm
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Eastbourne v Belle Vue 7.30, Mildenhall v Stoke 7.30

 SUNDAY APRIL 29:
CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD: Newcastle v Sheffield 6.30
NATIONAL TROPHY: Buxton v Birmingham 3pm, Coventry v Cradley 3pm

MONDAY APRIL 30:
PREMIERSHIP: Belle Vue v Somerset 7.30, Leicester v Rye House 7.30, Wolverhampton v King’s Lynn 7.30
EASTER CUP 2nd leg: Kent v Birmingham 6.30

TUESDAY MAY 1:
BRITISH UNDER-21 FINAL: Berwick 7pm

WEDNESDAY MAY 2:
PREMIERSHIP: King’s Lynn v Swindon 7.30, 
PREMIERSHIP KO CUP Q/F 1st leg: Somerset v Poole 7.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Plymouth 7.30

THURSDAY MAY 3:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Sheffield v Peterborough 7.30
CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP 1st round 1st leg: Ipswich v Lakeside 7.30
CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD: Redcar v Scunthorpe 7.30
NATIONAL TROPHY: Isle of Wight v Mildenhall 7pm

FRIDAY MAY 4:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Peterborough 7.30, Glasgow v Sheffield 7.30, Scunthorpe v Redcar 7.30
CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP 1st round 2nd leg: Lakeside v Ipswich 8pm
CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD: Workington v Berwick 7.30
NATIONAL TROPHY: Plymouth v Mildenhall 7.15

SATURDAY MAY 5:
CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD: Berwick v Workington 7pm
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Stoke v Belle Vue 7pm
NATIONAL TROPHY: Eastbourne v Isle of Wight 7.30

SUNDAY MAY 6:
CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Ipswich 6.30
NATIONAL TROPHY: Buxton v Coventry 3pm, Mildenhall v Kent 3pm

MONDAY MAY 7:
PREMIERSHIP: Rye House v Somerset 3pm, Swindon v Poole 7.30.
PREMIERSHIP KO CUP Q/F 1st leg: Belle Vue v Wolverhampton 12pm, Leicester v King’s Lynn 7.30
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Kent v Buxton 3.30
NATIONAL TROPHY: Cradley v Stoke 7.30

WEDNESDAY MAY 9:
PREMIERSHIP RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Poole 7.30
NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP Q/F 1st leg: Birmingham v Mildenhall 7.30