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REDCAR have unveiled a new team sponsorship deal with locally-based surface preparation and finishing products firm Ecco Finishing Supplies. Established in 1995, the company are based on the Letitia Industrial Estate in Middlesbrough and are now global suppliers. Principal Keith Miller is a former fan of the sport from Cleveland Park Stadium. Miller said: “When I was a teenager I was a fan of Bruce Forrester who was a class act on the bike, and feisty Frank Auffret who was so robust! “I am so excited about getting involved again and supporting the Bears fits in well with our current sports sponsorship portfolio as we also back Middlesbrough Cricket Club and the Middlesbrough Homeless football team.”
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WORKINGTON have secured the services of British Champion Scott Nicholls to take part in match-races on their opening night under new ownership next month. The Comets launch on March 30 with the inaugural Ian Thomas Shield against Newcastle, and Nicholls will compete in three races against Workington riders as well as joining fans for an autograph and photo session. Owner Laura Morgan said: “We wanted to do something special to mark our first home meeting as promoters and with Scott being one of the most popular riders in the country, and the reigning British Champion, he was an obvious choice to give the fans something extra on what promises to be a terrific opening night of the season. “The fact that he has never previously appeared at Derwent Park makes the occasion a little bit special and, in many ways, it is fitting that we should have Scott appearing at this meeting as Ian Thomas was always a great advocate of having an additional attraction for the fans on opening night.”
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SWINDON will welcome Elite League title-winner Troy Batchelor back to the Abbey Stadium for the Bob Kilby Memorial on March 14. The recently-crowned Australian Champion was a member of the Robins’ victorious 2012 squad and will take his place in what is expected to be a strong line-up for the individual event. Co-promoter Gary Patchett said: “As this is our first meeting since our Elite League glory last year, this meeting will represent a celebration of that success and well as an opportunity to remember one of the Robins’ finest. “It was always our intention to feature as many of last year's title-winning team in this event and it's a pleasure to be able to name Troy first.”
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STOKE have brought their start-time forward to 7pm for all home meetings this season. The Potters took the decision after a local radio poll showed an overwhelming majority in favour of an earlier start to racing at Loomer Road. Promoter Dave Tattum said: “I was in the studio doing an interview and a phone-in and a couple of supporters asked about a change of start time, and Signal kindly offered there and then to put a poll on their website. The result was comprehensively in favour of an earlier start. “Last season we chopped and changed depending on when we had a Midland Development League match on or not and it got very confusing, and with such an overwhelming vote in favour of the earlier start-time we have decided to change on a permanent basis.”
(FIXTURE)FRIDAY FEBRUARY 8: WINTER CRACKER: Somerset 7.30
