(SPEEDWAY 1)

POOLE promoter Matt Ford admitted he was sad and embarrassed by Darcy Wards appearance in a Queensland court this week - but vowed he would do everything to help the wayward speedway star.Ward, 20, was let off with a severe warning by Aussie magistrate Michael Quinn despite pleading guilty to driving under the influence of drink and drugs, failing to stop for police, driving without a licence and driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle.Ford said: I believe Darcys personal statement to his clubs, fans and sponsors with heartfelt apologies is a step in the right direction. The fact it was such a personal note spoke volumes about his embarrassment.I have spoken to Darcy at length this week and I genuinely believe this has been a wake-up call to him. He knows that this is such a big year in his speedway career and this immature behaviour is totally unacceptable.He also realises he has let a lot of people down and the only way friends, supporters and sponsors are going to get to love him again is if he steps up and regains their trust by doing what he does best - being a clean-cut kid on and off the track.

(SPEEDWAY 2)

NEWCASTLE have finalised their line-up with the signing of Lewis Kerr after former skipper Jason King was ruled out of the Diamonds plans.King is not at full fitness after an arm injury so the club have therefore moved for Kerr, who rides for Kings Lynn in the National League and had been set to share a reserve position at Leicester.Newcastle boss George English said: We are delighted to have Lewis on board as he is young, very keen and wants to make progress in the sport which makes his inclusion in our side even more exciting.We must thank our colleagues at Leicester who have acted in a totally professional manner in allowing us to approach Lewis which we have also done with the full backing of Elite League club Kings Lynn, who hold the registration of Lewis and he joins us in 2013 on loan from the Norfolk outfit.