(SPEEDWAY 1)

FORMER World Champion Gary Havelock has announced his retirement from racing due to injuries sustained in a crash last season.Havelock, who secured the sports top prize in Wroclaw in 1992, required two extensive operations after suffering serious nerve damage to his arm, as well as shoulder and rib injuries, in the accident whilst racing for Redcar in March 2012. He said: My battle with the nerve injuries in my arm has just been one bad injury too far. At the moment it is a daily struggle to try and restore full feeling back into my arm, so riding a bike would be impossible.I feel very lucky to have been able to make a long and successful career out of something I loved doing most, riding my bike fast. It has been a privilege and an honour to represent some of the worlds greatest clubs.

(SPEEDWAY 2)

STEVE Boxall has agreed to put professional boxing plans on hold to return to speedway with the Kent Kings.Canterbury-based Boxall will line-up at No.1 for the National League newcomers, having previously ridden for club co-promoter Len Silver at Rye House and been part of the Rockets 2007 Premier League winning team.Boxall had retired from speedway last year and had commenced boxing training, winning two unofficial bouts.He will make his track return in the Kings opening meeting on May 6 and is delighted to return to the sport, saying: If I fail, I can still go back in the ringbut Speedway is better!