SPEEDWAY News and Fixtures, postponements

SPEEDWAY POSTPONEMENT - MONDAY APRIL 30:

CHALLENGE
Kent v Birmingham - OFF
Rescheduled date: Monday July 23
(SPEEDWAY 1)

GREAT Britain’s quartet of Adam Ellis, Stefan Nielsen, Josh Auty and Matt Williamson sensationally won the Four-Team International Challenge event in Neustadt Donau on Sunday.
At a venue where all four riders were making their first visit, the GB team got the better of hosts Germany (including former GP rider Martin Smolinski) and two of the major forces in World Speedway, Poland and Denmark.
They took the lead as early as Heat 5 when Auty clinched a second place after previously winning his first ride, and they totalled 36 points to finish one ahead of Poland, with Germany third.
Ellis top-scored with 11 points whilst a solid all-round show saw Nielsen contribute nine with Auty and Williamson on eight apiece.
Team boss Neil Vatcher said: “It was an unbelievable afternoon, and all credit to the four boys who all rode out of their skins.
“Including all the mechanics and British support we had out in Germany, everyone worked together and got a result that has probably surprised a lot of people.
“The fact that we only had one last place in the 20 heats speaks for itself, and that was only when Josh had a bike problem and had to jump on his second bike with only 30 seconds remaining.
“There was some really tough racing, but the boys were up for the challenge and gave as good as they got.
“I genuinely believe Adam is a top-class rider now, and this weekend has proved that he can mix it with the best of them.
“Both Josh and Stefan really do have the British Bulldog sprit, and both boys do not know when they are beaten.
“A special mention though for Matt, who with no experience in Europe whatsoever was fantastic. Right from Heat 1, where he picked up a second place, until his final race in Heat 17 where he came from the back to pass Polish rider Mateusz Tonder to win, he had a dream debut in Europe.”

(SPEEDWAY 2)

SHEFFIELD missed the chance to secure qualification for the Championship Shield semi-finals when they were beaten 53-37 at Newcastle on Sunday.
Ashley Morris kept up his sensational start to the season with the Diamonds with a 14+2 haul at reserve, dropping his only points in Heat 2.
And the contrast between the sides was that each of the seven Newcastle riders won at least one race, whereas Sheffield had only four scoring team members.
Charles Wright scored 13+1 for the visitors and guest Jason Garrity (in for Kyle Howarth) added 12, but fellow heat-leader Lasse Bjerre failed to score.
Newcastle boss George English said: “We certainly regained our fight tonight, and all seven lads took at least one full win which is a testament to our strength in depth. 
“Sheffield did a cracking job of beating Redcar at their track, so we did well to keep them under control for much of a decent match with good racing, and what about Ashley - words cannot say how good he's getting at the moment!”
Tigers co-promoter Peter Mole said: “We were basically just a four-man team. I can’t fault Jack Smith particularly, but we did expect more from some members of the team. 
“Rider replacement didn’t work again, and we need to look at this as a management team because it is costing us away from home.
“Unfortunately Lasse had a nightmare night with equipment and didn’t actually complete a race, which was probably what cost us at least a point in the end.”

(SPEEDWAY 3)

WOLVERHAMPTON can take over at the top of the Premiership if they defeat King’s Lynn at Monmore tonight (Monday).
The hosts have have been in stunning form around their home circuit in their opening two meetings, sealing convincing wins over Poole and Rye House.
The Stars, meanwhile, include former Wolves rider Ty Proctor, whilst Niels-Kristian Iversen is the track record holder at the West Midlands circuit.
Wolves captain Rory Schlein said: “King's Lynn have got some good riders in their team but I keep saying it, there are no easy fixtures in the league this year.
"We've just got to worry about our own game and if the boys carry on how they've started then there's no reason why we can't get another win.”
Proctor said: “It’s going to be good going back to Monmore Green because I have a lot of experience of racing there with the years I spent riding for Wolverhampton.
“I think I am a different rider now from when I was at Monmore. Back then, my career was just drifting and I didn’t have the drive or determination. 
“When Wolves sacked me, it gave me the kick up the backside I needed because I had to make changes if I wanted to make something of my career.”

(SPEEDWAY 4)

LEICESTER bid to bounce back from last week’s home defeat when they host Rye House tonight (Monday).
But Lions boss Simon Stead is urging his side not to underestimate the Rockets, who arrive at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena having suffered two heavy away defeats so far.
Rye House again operate rider-replacement for the injured Edward Kennett, whilst in-form Nikolaj B Jakobsen steps in for Stuart Robson at reserve.
Stead said: “One thing I'll be saying to the boys in our pre-meeting team talk tonight is don't underestimate Rye House and don't be fooled by their results so far.
“Yes they may have suffered two really heavy defeats at Wolverhampton and Belle Vue, but they've got a solid side full of experience and if they all click on the same night, then they could give anyone a real fright.
“Having said that, the lads are focussed on putting last week firmly behind them by registering a big win here tonight.”
Rockets star Aaron Summers said: “I was at Leicester for three-quarters of that season and enjoyed it there, so I am definitely looking forward to going back.
“Can we win on Monday? Absolutely. You only need to look at our performance against Wolverhampton (at home), and how hard and strong everyone came on, as well as how we bonded and everyone helped each other out, to see what happens when we get going.”

(SPEEDWAY 5)

BELLE Vue welcome back Polish rider Damian Drozdz for tonight’s (Monday) home clash with Somerset in the Premiership.
Drozdz has been missing since crashing out of his second match for the club at Swindon in the Charity Shield last month.
Meanwhile Lasse Bjerre stands in for the injured Steve Worrall, whilst the Rebels name a full-strength line-up.
Aces reserve Jye Etheridge said: “Somerset have a strong team, especially with the likes of Doyley (Jason Doyle) and Jack Holder in there so it’ll be tough.
“It’s great to have Damian back. He’s had some good laps in Poland already so he’ll be back fighting no doubt, and Lasse has been a great guest for us before, so on paper we’re quite even.”
Rebels boss Garry May said: “Belle Vue is a good track to race and I think we have the riders capable of putting on a good show up there, but that said they are going well so we can't afford to allow them to get away from us. 
“Young (Dan) Bewley seems to be scoring for fun and with Cookie (Craig Cook) and Max Fricke doing the same it is going to be tough.”

(SPEEDWAY 6)

ISLE of Wight youngster Chad Wirtzfeld has committed his future to the club.
The 14-year-old has been riding bikes since the age of eight and has benefited from regular tuition and practice at the Island’s speedway school ‘My First Skid.’
He has now confirmed a wish to represent the Warriors and the Wizards (in the Southern Development League) when he is eligible.
Co-promoter Barry Bishop said: “Martin (Widman) and I are absolutely delighted that Chad has committed to the Wizards and Warriors going forward. 
“We have worked extensively with him over the past two years via My First Skid and as the Club’s mascot, and we have seen him improve rapidly over the past six months both on and off the track. 
“Chad has terrific backing, a real hunger to succeed, and we believe we can develop him further so that he can reach his full potential and establish speedway as his career.”

(FIXTURES)

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 OFF (Now Mon Jul 23)

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

Results Sunday April 29, 2018

CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD
Newcastle 53 – Ashley Morris 14+2
Sheffield 37 – Charles Wright 13+1
Championship Shield points: Newcastle 3 Sheffield 0

NATIONAL TROPHY
Buxton v Birmingham – OFF

Coventry v Cradley – OFF


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