BIG EVENT LATEST... THE list of competing riders for the re-named British Under-19 Championship at Rye House on July 23 has been announced. Isle of Wight star Brendan Johnson will defend the title he won at Somerset at Under-18 level last season, with the age group modified to allow British speedway to fall in line with FIM/UEM set-ups. There will be three ‘home’ riders in the meeting with National League Hackney staging half of their meetings at Rye House, so Ben Morley, Shane Hazelden and Marc Owen will all hope to benefit from local knowledge. GB youth coach Phil Morris said: “The field looks very open with Kyle Howarth heading the list of qualifiers after his impressive start to the season in the National League with Belle Vue, and in the Premier League with Edinburgh. “The three home men all look likely to be in the mix as they have lots of Rye House knowledge, and I’m sure Brendan Johnson will be working very hard to hang on to the title he won last year. He does seem to raise his game for the bigger events. “There are four Dudley boys in the line-up which shows they have a great British youth policy which I commend. The four are all showing up well this season, and Ashley Morris and Tom Perry were selected to race in the European Under-19 semi-finals in Germany and Poland. “Also, Jason Garrity of Belle Vue is a rare breed and he’s a pleasure to watch on a bike, and Mildenhall’s Joe Jacobs has recently hit the form we know he’s capable of, and he’ll be looking to emulate last season and make the podium. “But going down the list there are so many talented young riders, and they will all feel they have a chance of being amongst the front-runners.” The draw for riding order will take place a fortnight before the meeting, and Morris’s colleague Neil Vatcher says the youngsters will provide a terrific night of racing. He added: “This is now the middle tier of the British Young Lions, in between the Under-21s and the Youth programme. We have had great success with the other two sections and we’re sure the the Under-19s will prove just as exciting. “I’m sure when race-day comes and they all pull on the Young Lions race-jacket they will be all-out to emulate the senior boys and put on a first-class show of hard and exciting racing. “We need the fans to get behind the riders and lift them as this is a very big meeting in their calendar, and we’re extremely grateful to Len Silver at Rye House for agreeing to stage the event. Len has always been a big supporter of youth development and we thank him for his help.” BRITISH UNDER-19 CHAMPIONSHIP, Rye House, July 23: (not in riding order) Kyle Howarth (Belle Vue/Edinburgh), Jason Garrity (Belle Vue), Ashley Morris (Dudley), Ben Morley (Hackney), Shane Hazelden (Hackney), Jake Knight (King’s Lynn), Brendan Johnson (Isle of Wight), Tom Perry (Dudley), Marc Owen (Hackney), Joe Jacobs (Mildenhall), Richard Franklin (Dudley), James Sarjeant (Stoke), Oli Rayson (King’s Lynn), Tom Stokes (King’s Lynn), Darryl Ritchings (Dudley), Richard Andrews (Newport). Reserves: Danny Stoneman (Dudley), Brandon Freemantle (Hackney). SUPER7EVEN SERIES SPEEDWAY GB EVENTS BRITISH UNDER-21 FINAL: TAI WOFFINDEN ELITE LEAGUE PAIRS: POOLE BRITISH FINAL: SCOTT NICHOLLS PREMIER LEAGUE PAIRS: Somerset, June 24 PREMIER LEAGUE FOURS: Leicester, August 7 PREMIER LEAGUE RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP: Sheffield, September 25 ELITE LEAGUE RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP: Swindon, October 15 ELITE LEAGUE LATEST… BELLE VUE operations director Chris Morton says the club face an important decision in bringing in a replacement for Polish rider Dawid Stachyra. The Aces have a 28-day facility to replace Stachyra, who quit the club earlier this month after a run of rock-bottom scores, leaving the club looking for a rider up to his 4.19 average. Morton said: “We won’t rush into a signing and we want to get the right person this time. But there are very few options and finding someone will be difficult.” BIRMINGHAM boss Graham Drury is backing misfiring No.1 Krzysztof Kasprzak to get things right in Thursday’s Perry Barr clash with Peterborough. Drury said: “He’s a lot happier with his machinery and he’s up for a big display against Peterborough which is a great meeting for us to look forward to. “He invested heavily in new machinery and he deserves the opportunity to put it right, he owes the fans a big performance and he owes Tony Mole and the rest of the team a big performance.” COVENTRY skipper Edward Kennett praised the team effort as the Bees overcame Eastbourne 46-39 in difficult conditions at Brandon, Kennett scoring a 12-point maximum with the meeting brought to a halt one race early. He said: “It was a good performance from the team, and I’m very pleased with Peter (Kildemand) at reserve. He’s a fantastic guy and he put in some superb rides, so that was a great team performance. “I actually hadn’t used that engine here before, but I used it in Denmark and it was really good on a slick track. I thought Coventry had been a bit slicker last week so I gave it a go, and I can’t fault it in any way – it was really working off the corners for me, and I’m really happy.” EASTBOURNE reserve Lukas Dryml has hit a rich vein of form with bumper hauls of points in the last two meetings. Dryml scored 20 (paid 21) including a double-points tactical ride win at Coventry on Monday, and preceded that by dropping just one point from seven rides as the Eagles established a ten-point KO Cup lead over Wolverhampton. Manager Trevor Geer said: “I am really pleased with Lukas tonight. He knew before the meeting that he was going to have seven rides. He just seems to get better and better every week.” KING’S LYNN boss Rob Lyon has delivered a highly satisfactory half-term report on the Stars’ season as the Elite League newcomers look well-placed for a top four finish and a shot at the title via the play-offs. Lyon said: “There’s a long, long way to go and I’m sure there will be plenty of twists and turns ahead, but if we can concentrate on doing exactly what we’ve done over the first half of the season in the second half then there’s no reason why we won’t be in there. “We’ve got three big away matches coming up before the World Cup break, starting at Peterborough next Monday which will be an important one. I’m sure it will be tense, it will be exciting for lots of different reasons, and it’s definitely a meeting where we have the potential to pick up more points.” LAKESIDE boss Jon Cook says the Hammers’ recent KO Cup win over Birmingham, which featured a revised riding order, will give the team confidence to move forward when their Elite League campaign resumes. Cook said: “Everyone fitted into their slot very well, and hopefully when we get back to team action in July we’ll be in a good state to move on up the league. “We are still looking at all the options open to us, but we are not making any rash decisions over the riders that we already have.” PETERBOROUGH boss Trevor Swales has challenged Polish reserve Norbert Kosciuch to reproduce his excellent Showground form in the away matches which will prove pivotal to the Panthers’ challenge this season. Swales said: “Norbi has been brilliant at home – he’s been averaging over seven points a match and has had double figures in three of his last four Showground meetings. “He’s got to start showing that type of form on the away tracks and he’s capable of doing it.” POOLE promoter Matt Ford has billed his current team as the most exciting since he took over the club over a decade ago – as he slashed admission prices for Wednesday’s second-leg Cup-tie against Swindon. Ford said: “Last week’s home meeting against Eastbourne had arguably some of the best racing at the track for many years and I am hoping this admission gesture will sway supporters who aren’t regulars to make speedway a permanent Wednesday fixture.  “This is a fantastic era for the club and I genuinely believe we have the most exciting riders in this side than I have ever had during my time promoting since 1999. I want the whole town to enjoy it.”  SWINDON co-promoter Gary Patchett is calling on his side to produce the right response to last Thursday’s home hammering by Poole – a performance he described as the worst in his five years at the club. Patchett said: “It is scant consolation that the fixture was a Knockout Cup match but we must heed the warning and ensure that these issues are resolved before our next Elite League meeting so that the benefit of the double over Coventry is not lost. “Only two riders emerged with any credit but even they will admit that they were far from happy with their personal performances. Home riders are expected to win heats on their own track and we consistently failed to do that. It is a situation that must and will be addressed otherwise we will have no option but to consider our options, again.” WOLVERHAMPTON star Tai Woffinden says the Monmore men are desperate to get back to racing on their home track against Coventry next Monday after a frustrating string of postponements. Woffinden said: “We need a good run of home meetings now and hopefully we can get a good result on Monday against Coventry. We only need a few good results and we can be pushing for the play-offs again. “I feel I have a bit of catching up to do because of my injury and hopefully we can get some points on the board against Coventry who are a pretty good side once again this season. I’m looking forward to it.” PREMIER LEAGUE LATEST… BERWICK boss Ian Rae is confident that the Bandits are set for a good run after an impressive 62-28 win over Ipswich, with all of their recent signings showing up well. Rae said: “This was a superlative performance by our side against an excellent team who really fought hard and made for some excellent racing despite the dank conditions. The team rode like a single unit and they all deserve credit for a magnificent score.” EDINBURGH star Craig Cook picked up a confidence boosting paid-12 haul as the Monarchs collected all three points over Sheffield with a 49-41 win. Cook said: “The last couple of matches haven't been too good for me and I don't know why that was, but everybody has up and down meetings, you just have to forget about the bad ones and move on. I did a good job and was pleased to top score for the team. I was under a bit of pressure, but there has been nothing wrong with my riding, it's just been my gating.” GLASGOW broke their club record away win on Saturday with a 62-28 demolition of Leicester at Beaumont Park, surpassing a 1991 victory at Rye House. Manager Stewart Dickson said: “I said to the lads to fill their boots on nights like this because they do not come along too often and to their credit they did just that. Nick Morris has come through fine just dropping the one point and Michal (Rajkowski) was a revelation, so all in all this was the day when we sent out a warning to the rest of the league, we mean business." IPSWICH boss Pete Simmons had a unique take on the Witches’ 28-62 defeat at Berwick on Saturday, a result which heightens the club’s concerns about their form on the road. Simmons said: “They were better than us, simple as that. The track wasn’t nice and I think rider-replacement was one of our best riders. Our away form is depressing and we need to address it.” LEICESTER promoter David Hemsley has been left with plenty of food for thought after the Lions suffered a 28-62 home defeat at the hands of title-chasing Glasgow. Hemsley said: “Whilst I have every admiration for Glasgow, we have been given a lesson and I will be seriously considering how we can address the situation to ensure that fans do not have to witness such an inept performance from a Lions team again.” NEWCASTLE boss George English was pleased to overcome several problems to take three points against Plymouth with a 52-40 home victory. English said: “Obviously we are pleased have won and but for several mechanical gremlins, it could have been by a bigger margin. Derek (Sneddon) wrecked his frame after Jason Lyons accidentally brought him down, while the coil went on Kyle Newman’s bike. Robbo (Stuart Robson) was down on power all night and only won one race, but everyone got among the points in a really good team effort.” NEWPORT promoter Steve Mallett admits the club need some better fortune with the weather as they face a fixture backlog following several recent postponements. Mallett said: “While matters have not reached the panic stage yet, there is much hard work ahead now to try and fit in all these outstanding matches. We have been extremely unlucky with the weather recently, and speedway is always in the lap of the gods.” PLYMOUTH boss Mike Bowden was pleased with the efforts of recent signing Kyle Hughes, who picked up an impressive 14-points at Newcastle on Sunday. Bowden said: “Kyle is beginning to get some good results, particularly away from home. He got 14 at Newcastle and 11 away at Leicester, so he’s doing a good job.” REDCAR boss Jitendra Duffill believes this Thursday’s fixture against Rye House could prove to be a tough contest – although he is backing his side to come through it with the points. Duffill said: “Rye House are a team who have a fair amount of experience but are all capable of further improvement in their careers. We also have to keep an eye on their new Aussie teenage reserve Nelson who has made a big impact in a short time. Our reserves must try and contain him. Overall it should be a close encounter on Thursday but I feel that the momentum is with us.” RYE HOUSE promoter Len Silver feels the signing of James Brundle will give his side an added dimension, with Ben Morley rested and now concentrating on his National League racing for Hackney. Silver said: “James is really keen to get back into Premier League racing, and has invested heavily in new equipment toward that end. Plus, there is the added bonus that he will go to the No. 2 position to ride with Jordan (Frampton), which means that we now have the added weapon of Luke Bowen at reserve.” SCUNTHORPE star Carl Wilkinson has suffered a setback in his bid to return this season from a broken leg, having received the news that the injury is not yet healing. Scorpions promoter Rob Godfrey said: “I think Carl is out for the year now. The last x-ray he had showed his injury hadn’t healed at all since the first day he did it. His season is definitely over, but he’ll be back next year.” SHEFFIELD star Josh Auty is determined to return to racing ahead of schedule as he steps up his recovery from a broken ankle sustained earlier this month. Auty said: “I can’t say for sure when I will be back racing but realistically it won’t be in the next three weeks. However, my season is far from over and I feel I have so much more to go for in the months ahead.” SOMERSET promoter Debbie Hancock is reminding supporters to arrive as early as possible for Friday’s Premier League Pairs, with a bumper crowd expected at the Oak Tree Arena and the rider parade taking place at 7.15pm. She said: “We us having to accommodate some 23 heats of racing before our 10pm curfew we will be getting Heat 1 underway at 7.30pm, so I would urge everyone to make sure they allow plenty of time to get to the Arena.” WORKINGTON suffered their third postponement in the space of a week – and their second in two days – when their home clash with Plymouth was called off early on Saturday morning. Manager Tony Jackson said: “The last week has been very frustrating for both the management and the riders, but there is nothing you can do about the weather. We got a lot of rain on Friday night and because we had put down a bit of extra clay to try and keep the dust down, the damage was done.” FIXTURE PICTURE… WEDNESDAY JUNE 22: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: King’s Lynn v Wolverhampton 7.30 ELITE LEAGUE KO CUP 2nd leg: Poole v Swindon 7.30 THURSDAY JUNE 23: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Birmingham v Peterborough 7.30 PREMEIR LEAGUE: Ipswich v Newcastle 7.30, Redcar v Rye House 7.30, Sheffield v Leicester 7.45 STEVE JOHNSTON FAREWELL: Swindon 7.30 FRIDAY JUNE 24: PREMIER LEAGUE PAIRS: Somerset 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Newport v Dudley 7.30 SATURDAY JUNE 25 BRITISH GRAND PRIX: Cardiff 5pm SUNDAY JUNE 26: PREMIER LEAGUE: Rye House v Berwick 2pm NATIONAL LEAGUE: Mildenhall v Buxton 5pm NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP S/F 1st leg: Stoke v Dudley 3pm WELSH OPEN: Newport 1pm MONDAY JUNE 27: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Peterborough v King’s Lynn 7.30, Wolverhampton v Coventry 7.30 SPRING TROPHY: Glasgow v Edinburgh 7.30 TUESDAY JUNE 28: NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v King’s Lynn 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP S/F 2nd leg: Dudley v Stoke 7.30 WEDNESDAY JUNE 29: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Poole v Belle Vue 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: King’s Lynn v Dudley 7.30 THURSDAY JUNE 30: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Birmingham v Belle Vue 7.30, Swindon v Lakeside 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Redcar v Berwick 7.30, Sheffield v Workington 7.45 FRIDAY JULY 1: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Coventry v King’s Lynn 8pm, Lakeside v Belle Vue 8pm PREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Newcastle 7.30, Somerset v Plymouth 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP REPLAY 2nd leg: Scunthorpe v Ipswich 7.30 SATURDAY JULY 2: PREMIER LEAGUE: Berwick v Rye House 7pm, Leicester v Edinburgh 7.30, Plymouth v Somerset 7.30, Workington v Newcastle 7pm NATIONAL LEAGUE: Hackney v Newport (at Rye House) 7pm, Stoke v Buxton 7.30 SUNDAY JULY 3: PREMIER LEAGUE: Glasgow v Leicester 4pm, Newcastle v Scunthorpe 6.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Mildenhall 3pm, Newport v Scunthorpe 2.30 MONDAY JULY 4: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Lakeside 7.30, Peterborough v Poole 7.30, Wolverhampton v Birmingham 7.30 TUESDAY JULY 5: NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Dudley 7.30 WEDNESDAY JULY 6: SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Poole v King’s Lynn 7.30 ELITE LEAGUE KO CUP 1st leg: Coventry v Peterborough 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Somerset v Edinburgh 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: King’s Lynn v Belle Vue 7.30