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IPSWICH have been handed a major boost with a three-year extension of their team sponsorship deal with Sackers Recycling.The local company have backed the Foxhall club since their move into the Premier League in 2011, and Witches Director of Speedway Chris Louis says the ambition remains to return to the top-flight in the future.Louis said: This is excellent news for the club and our fans. Sackers have supported us since our move into the Premier League two years ago and this new deal will allow us to plan for the future. They, like me, believe that the club belongs in the Elite League but are happy to continue to support us in the Premier League until the time is right to move back up.
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SHEFFIELD Tigers have appointed Great Britain international Simon Stead as their new captain.Stead, an Elite League title-winner last season, is on his way back to the Owlerton club and is set for a busy year as he also doubles-up in the top flight with Kings Lynn.Tigers co-promoter David Hoggart said: We had this in mind when we signed him, hes got everything you need from a skipper. Were pleased with the appointment.Hes a fine rider and a good character. Hes willing to help the other lads and thats what we need. The youngsters will be looking up to Simon and all his experience.
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DUDLEY and Coventry have announced plans to start the season with a two-legged Challenge ahead of the new National League campaign.The clashes will take place at Brandon on March 22 and Monmore Green on April 9, with Coventry set to enter the league at next weeks AGM.Dudley chairman Nigel Pearson said: Were delighted to provide the opposition for the exciting launch of National League racing at Coventry and we wish Mick Horton and his management team every success with the project. There will be some terrific racing in both meetings and its a fabulous way for the curtain to go up on 2013.Coventry co-boss Blayne Scroggins added: Its great to see the old rivalry between Coventry and the Heathens back on track after an absence of too many years. Im sure Dudley will bring massive support to Brandon, so I hope lots of fans turn out to support the Storm in their first meeting.(SPEEDWAY 4)
RIDERS competing in Freddie Lindgren's Testimonial in March will be up against the clock.Lindgren celebrates a decade with Wolverhampton when he stages the Fast Freddie Challenge at Monmore on Sunday, March 10 - and the Swedish Grand Prix star has come up with an incentive for the riders to stay competitive throughout, even if they are out of contention for top spot.Prize money will be handed out for the fastest race time in each block of four races under the traditional 20-heat format.Lindgren said: I really want my Testimonial meeting to be competitive throughout, and this will make the guys really push it over four laps.
