(SPEEDWAY 1)

BIRMINGHAM have announced the capture of Claus Vissing to fill one of their reserve berths this season.Vissing brings plenty of Elite League experience to the newcomers having previously raced for Peterborough and Ipswich in the top flight, and he starts the season on a bargain 3.08 average.Brummies boss Graham Drury said: "Claus can do a great job for us I feel sure of that, his average makes him a great attraction and we are delighted to welcome him to Birmingham Speedway."He knows what we need from him and the secret to any team's success is signing riders who can increase their average."

(SPEEDWAY 2)

THE famous Hackney Hawks name is to be revived this season with an entry into the National League as a joint venture between Rye House and Lakeside.Home matches will be split between Hoddesdon and Purfleet with the two senior clubs working together to develop young British talent.Lakeside co-promoter Jon Cook said: "I am sure London fans will be drawn to see the iconic Hawks race jacket in action and help us to continue pressure for Speedway to play some part in the Olympic legacy, which of course is on the site of the old Waterden Road Stadium, the former home of Hackney Speedway."Rye House owner Len Silver added: "Because of my own long connection with Hackney it's nostalgic for me to be going back in that direction and I am sure the fans are in for a real treat once this exciting band of Hawks takes to the track in April."