(SPEEDWAY 1)

BUXTON have named Jason Pipe as their new team manager ahead of the 2015 National League campaign.Pipe has previously taken charge at third-tier level of teams operating at Redcar, and his appointment for the Hitmen sees him return to front-line management after a five-year absence.He said: “I've always admired the set up at Buxton and the Moss family really put in a lot of hard work and time to make Buxton the success it is today. I'm very happy that I'm going to be working for people that share the same enthusiasm and who put the long hours and hard work in, like I try and do myself.“I have always made sure that my teams in the past had a good team spirit and most of all it was important that they went out and enjoyed themselves, which I'll be making sure my riders do next season. I also like to see my riders and their mechanics mucking in helping out team-mates if they’re in a position to.”(SPEEDWAY 2)

STOKE have added locally-based Sam Ward to their squad as No.8 for the new National League season.All NL clubs must declare a stand-by rider this year and Ward, who will continue to captain Stoke’s Midland Development League team and had a spell with Buxton last year, is set to fulfil that position for the Potters.Manager Malcolm Vasey said: “The lad made a lot of progress last season and is well kitted out with two machines and has brand new kevlars in readiness for the new season. “He assures me that he will be spending time in the gym to raise his fitness levels and he has an excellent attitude and the determination to succeed in a very difficult sport. It is always good to have local riders in a team and in the course of history many such men have worn the Potters colours with distinction.”