(SPEEDWAY 1)

GREAT Britain have been drawn against reigning World Cup holders Poland for their opening appearance in this year's competition at King's Lynn.The Norfolk Arena event on July 11 will also feature the emerging Russian nation as well as the winners of a qualifier as the nations battle to reach the closing stages of the tournament in Poland.BSI Speedway managing director Paul Bellamy said: "It was a great event last year and I'm sure the Brits will have some patriotic fans behind them. But it will be tough for them against the Poles, who are chasing their fifth gold medal since the current format was introduced in 2001."The meeting will be a rare opportunity for British fans to see the likes of individual world champion Tomasz Gollob, world No.2 Jaroslaw Hampel, Rune Holta and Janusz Kolodziej racing on UK shale."

(SPEEDWAY 2)

LEICESTER's return to the sport this season will feature strong support from Breedon Aggregates after the two parties agreed a major team sponsorship deal.The company have supplied track material for several Elite and Premier League clubs as well as for Grand Prix events at Cardiff, Gothenburg and Copenhagen.Lions promoter David Hemsley said: "We have been working closely with Breedon Aggregates over a number of weeks in connection with supplying material for the track at Beaumont Park and during this time we have formed a good working relationship."I have been impressed with how they conduct business, their level of customer service and a commitment to always deliver their promises. We are a new business that is in the early stages of evolvement and I can see that our core values are beginning to mirror the way Breedon Aggregates operate."

(SPEEDWAY 3)

FORMER Newport star Niels-Kristian Iversen will make a welcome return to Queensway Meadows for the Wasps' season-opening Prince of Wales Trophy meeting on March 19.Iversen rode his first full season in British speedway for the Welsh club in 2003, averaging over nine points a meeting, and has since enjoyed a successful career both in the top-flight and at international level.Newport general manager Laurence Rogers said: "Puk (Iversen) is the icing on the cake as far as the line-up is concerned. A world-class racer whom Newport fans had the privilege of seeing in his formative season."He may start as favourite to lift the trophy after 21 heats of cut-throat speedway but there are a lot of other Queensway Meadows specialists in the field too."

(SPEEDWAY 4)

BUXTON skipper Adam Allott has agreed to return to his hometown club for a second successive season.Allott captained the Hitmen to a Treble of major National League honours last year having started his career with the club back in 1998 at the age of 15.Buxton boss Jayne Moss said: "It's great to have Adam back. He has plenty of experience and is good with the rest of the team, the supporters love him and it is great to have a Buxton lad in the side."He has been unlucky with injuries throughout his career which have set him back at bit but certainly knows the quickest way around Hi-Edge and can never be underestimated. Our thanks go to Kings Lynn for agreeing to loan him to us once again."