SPEEDWAY News
(SPEEDWAY 1)LEIGH Adams has announced the 2010 campaign will be his final one in Europe.The former world No. 2 plans to stage two farewell meetings, in Leszno, Poland, on October 10, and at Swindon on October 17, before he and his family return to their native Australia to begin a new life.It will bring to an end a hugely successful 22-year racing career for the 38-year-old, although he still hopes to remain involved in the sport back home."You've got to stop somewhere and it's just the perfect time to do it,"Adams told Speedway Star magazine in an exclusive interview."I'm 39 this year and I've had 22 years of a great career in England."Back home, I want to get heavily involved with my training schools, try and set up a Leigh Adams Academy and do weekends in Adelaide, Perth, Mildura, Sydney, and up to Queensland."I'm always being asked to do them but I've never had the time. I'd like to get involved with MA (Motorcycling Australia), they're pretty keen."(SPEEDWAY 2)SHEFFIELD have revealed they will race Elite League title hopefuls Belle Vue on their opening night of the season.The Owlerton doors will open on Thursday, March 18 - and a bumper crowd is expected for the 'War of the Roses'."In recent years we have always tried to field a very attractive opening fixture at Owlerton, the Elite League boys love to give it a blast on the fastest track in Britain," said Tigers owner Neil Machin."We have tried to bring Belle Vue to Sheffield in previous seasons but rider availability has always been complicated."(SPEEDWAY 3)BELLE Vue have landed a major pre-season boost by agreeing a 'substantial'deal with a new main sponsor, Autogate Systems of Bolton.They will be known as the Belle Vue Autogate Aces after the company's managing director and speedway fan Mark Hennessey stepped up his backing from last season.Said Hennessey: "Speaking as a fan, I am very excited about the team. David Gordon and Chris Morton have put together for this season. If we don't make the play-offs I'll be most disappointed."Great teams have great riders who can lead from the front and we have them in Hans Andersen and Peter Karlsson."Then we've got Charlie Gjedde coming back from his operation and can look forward to youngsters like Patrick Hougaard coming through. I am sure the fans will be very impressed by this team."(SPEEDWAY 4)NATIONAL LEAGUE BRIEFS...WEYMOUTH have announced the signings of Garry Cottham and Nick Lee ahead of the new season.SCUNTHORPE have named Gary Irving, Adam Wrathall and Scott Richardson as their first three signings for 2010.