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GRAND Prix star Hans Andersen is on his way to Swindon for the 2012 Elite League season.Andersen, who returns to the SGP series after missing the 2011 campaign, joins fellow Dane Peter Kildemand in what is shaping up to be a new-look Robins side, on loan from parent club Peterborough.Co-promoter Alun Rossiter said: “Hans is bursting with enthusiasm and is delighted to be joining us here at Swindon.“I believe his return to the Grand Prix will see him take his performances up to the next level and we will see him once again emerge as a genuine number one in the Elite League.”
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COVENTRY have added Redcar’s Australian star Aaron Summers to their squad in a doubling-up position.Summers previously held the No.8 spot with the Bees in their Elite League title-winning campaign of 2010, and is set for a greater role with the club next year.Co-promoter Colin Pratt said: “We’re pleased to welcome Aaron back, and we know him well after he was part of our squad before. He did a good job for us when we called on him in 2010, and since then he’s improved as a rider.“He had a really good season at Redcar and he’s definitely ready to be a doubling-up rider in the Elite League, and we feel this is another strong addition to our squad.”
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LEICESTER have completed the signing of talented Danish youngster Lasse Bjerre – and also announced the return of skipper Kauko Nieminen.Bjerre, who performed well at Beaumont Park in his appearances for Ipswich last season, will start as the Lions’ new No.1 in a strong heat-leader trio also comprising Nieminen and Magnus Karlsson.Bjerre said: “After a good year at Ipswich, I look forward to riding for Leicester. I have always been impressed by the track conditions, facilities and people around the club. It’s a nice place to visit. “The track has given me great experiences and many race victories for Ipswich this season, it will be nice to ride there in every home match.”
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SHEFFIELD Tigers have agreed new deals with club assets Emiliano Sanchez and Hugh Skidmore to stay with the club next season.And the Owlerton club have swooped to sign former British Under-21 champion Joe Haines in a loan deal from Elite League Wolverhampton.Club owner Neil Machin said: “Emiliano is always a popular rider and we’ll be looking for him to carry on where he left off at the end of the past season. Hugh is investing heavily in his equipment for 2012 and that has to be good news.“Joe Haines is buzzing about joining Sheffield and sees this as his big chance to get his career back on track after suffering a bad knock in Australia last winter.(SPEEDWAY 5)
PLYMOUTH have confirmed deals with three riders for next season and also announced a change in team manager.Former captain Seemond Stephens has agreed to take over in charge of the Devils and promoter Mike Bowden has already signed Ben Barker, Brent Werner and Nicki Glanz as the first three team members.Barker topped the Premier League averages in his first season at Plymouth and took over as captain when Mark Simmonds dropped out through injury during the summer.Young Danish rider Glanz returns to the St Boniface Arena after previously starring for the Devils in the Conference and National Leagues, whilst Werner last rode regularly in this country in 2008 when he was an ever-present for Somerset.
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RYE House have named James Sarjeant as a new signing for their National League team which will be reverting to the Raiders nickname in 2012.The 18-year-old added around three points to his average with Stoke this year and also finished fourth in the British Under-19 Championship which was staged at his new home track.The club have also confirmed returns for David Mason and Ben Morley, who were part of the Hackney operation which was shared between Rye House and Lakeside.Meanwhile rivals Dudley have confirmed their Rider of the Year Darryl Ritchings will be back with the club in 2012, and he will sign his contract at their Christmas party on December 10.
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TELFORD’S 25th anniversary ice speedway spectacular on Sunday, February 26 will also be the last.Organisers have confirmed the rink will be redeveloped and there will be no provision for the bikes to return.Promoter Graham Drury, who has already announced Edward Kennett and Adam Roynon as competitors on the day, said: “The new ice rink will have a special fence for the skating which won’t be compatible with the motorbikes so sadly we have been told this is the last ever staging.“We plan to invite all the past winners of the British Open to the event and we want to make it a massive send-off.”
