(SPEEDWAY 1)
BIRMINGHAM have added spectacular British racer Ben Barker to their Elite League squad for the new season.Barker, 22, was a major player in Coventry's stunning Elite League title success last season and joins Krzysztof Kasprzak in making the switch across from Brandon, taking a doubling-up position alongside Rene Bach in the Brummies' line-up.Birmingham boss Graham Drury said: "We are delighted with the signing of Ben, a real crowd-pleaser. He will delight our supporters, there is no doubt about that."He never knows when he is beaten. Even if he is at the back in the early stages of a race he will remain totally committed for the full four laps and he is a good signing for us."
(SPEEDWAY 2)
KING'S Lynn have announced they will launch their new era of Elite League racing against fellow newcomers Birmingham on Wednesday March 23.The two clubs will contest the Elite Elevation Trophy, with the first leg at the Norfolk Arena and the Perry Barr return the following evening, the Brummies having previously faced local rivals Wolverhampton home and away.Lynn promoter Buster Chapman said: "This trophy is a great way to start the season as our two CV's from the Premier League are extremely impressive."No doubt both of us will have a competitive line up and we will be keen to see who looks to have the edge for the coming season!"
(SPEEDWAY 3)
WOLVERHAMPTON have signed Californian racer Tyson Burmeister for the new Elite League season.Burmeister, 26, comes highly recommended by USA legends Sam Ermolenko and Bruce Penhall who have given him a glowing reference.Wolves owner Chris Van Straaten said: "Tyson started riding speedway at a late stage but he is very much up for the challenge."We have explained to him what we expect and the job he can do for us and he wasted no time in taking up the opportunity. We are pleased to welcome him to Wolverhampton."
(SPEEDWAY 4)
SHEFFIELD star Ricky Ashworth is pleased to regain the captaincy at Owlerton this season.Ashworth has been named as Tigers skipper for his tenth consecutive campaign with the club after handing the role over to Paul Cooper during 2010 in order to concentrate on his own form.He said: "Last year it was difficult because I was riding at No.1, which makes it so much more difficult, and I had a lot of engine problems."But with Shane (Parker) coming on board that will make it easier for me, especially if I'm riding at 3 or 5, and I will have more time to spend with the other guys."
