(SPEEDWAY 1)

NEWPORT skipper Leigh Lanham is hoping to give Wasps supporters a home winner in Sunday's New Year Classic.Lanham is one of the favourites for the popular winter event which also features defending champion Steve Boxall as well as Ben Barker who was victorious when it was staged at Poole in 2009.Lanham said: "I'm pleased to be racing after missing last year's New Year Classic through an injury sustained at the end of the 2009 season."It's going to be tough but it's also going to be fun. We all go to the line wanting to win but I really enjoy this close-season action. It's great to be back on a bike again."

 (SPEEDWAY 2)

TELFORD specialist Tony Atkin is to make a welcome return to the ice on Sunday, February 13.Atkin, who went agonisingly close to winning the British Open title when he lost out in a run-off to Jan Staechmann in 2004, was quick to accept the invite to take part in the return of one of the sport's most traditional events after a two-year gap.Telford co-promoter Graham Drury is excited with the line-up so far which includes reigning British Open champion Martin Smolinski, Elite League champion Eddie Kennett, Scunthorpe newcomer Thomas Jorgensen, former Dudley and Stoke star Lee Smart and ex-British international David Howe.Said Drury: "Telford wouldn't be Telford without Tony Atkin, he really is a specialist on the small ice track and he is sure to be a major challenger for the title once again."

(FIXTURE)

SUNDAY JANUARY 2:

NEW YEAR CLASSIC, Newport 1pm