(SPEEDWAY 1)

RICKY Ashworth has made the defence of his Premier League Riders' title oneof his main priorities for the new season.The Sheffield skipper won the title in front of a bumper crowd at Owlerton Stadium last September.And he said: "I want to retain the title but I also want to improve my average. I know a lot of people said I won because it was on my own track, Ineed to prove it was no flash in the pan."

(SPEEDWAY 2)

LEWIS Dallaway has agreed to stay with National League Buxton Hitmen for a fifth successive season.Dallaway, who turns 24 next week, has praised the club's management and supporters.He said: "There have been times when other clubs have shown an interest inme but leaving Buxton never entered my mind. Richard and Jayne Moss have always been superb with me and the supporters always make a point of stopping you and saying hello. It's a nice club to be with."