(SPEEDWAY 1)
FORMER Peterborough favourite Ryan Sullivan has announced his retirement from racing at the age of 38.Australian star Sullivan won two Elite League titles with the Showground club but suffered a broken hand in a crash at Belle Vue last September having rejoined the Panthers during their late-season injury crisis.He said: Due to the significant hand pain from the crash which saw me sustain several broken metacarpal bones, I feel there is nothing more I can do but end my career in speedway at this time.After 28 years of being so deeply involved in the sport, it is an extremely difficult decision to walk way from something which has been my life and passion all these years.
(SPEEDWAY 2)
GREAT Britain boss Neil Middleditch has named multiple British Champions Scott Nicholls and Chris Harris in his side to face Swindon at the Abbey Stadium on Thursday.The duo, with ten national titles between them, are joined by Harriss Birmingham team-mates Ben Barker, Danny King and Josh Auty, with Craig Cook and Andrew Tully named at reserve. Edward Kennett will ride for the Robins, as they are his 2013 club.Swindon manager Alun Rossiter said: It should be a terrific night of racing. We have riders making their debuts in our side so I expect plenty of interest in the meeting.Im pleased Middlo has picked such a powerful team and were looking forward to a good night.
(SPEEDWAY 3)
EASTBOURNE boss Trevor Geer believes there could be improvement across the board in his 2013 line-up.The Eagles will be the first club to stage an Elite League fixture, when they face Belle Vue at Arlington on Saturday, and Geer says having a team made up of familiar faces is a bonus.He said: The boys are keyed up and really want to do well. I can see every one of them improving on their averages this year.We have five riders back from last year and the newcomers are, of course, no strangers. Bjarne Pedersen rode for us in 2011 and it was at Arlington that Adam Shields made his mark at senior level in British Speedway.
(SPEEDWAY 4)
BIRMINGHAM manager Phil Morris says team spirit is high as the Perry Barr club look to improve on last seasons third-place finish in the Elite League.The Brummies open up against Belle Vue in a challenge match on Wednesday, and they then host Coventry in the first televised fixture of the season next week.Morris said: I'm expecting big things from the team we have put together for this year, the boys bonded superbly at Press and Practice and now it's time to get down to business in front of the fans. We made the play-offs last season, and this year I'm determined to bring home some silverware to the Midlands.
(FIXTURES)
WEDNESDAY MARCH 20:CHALLENGE: Birmingham v Belle Vue 7.30
THURSDAY MARCH 21:CHALLENGE 1st leg: Peterborough v Lakeside 7.30CHALLENGE: Swindon v British Lions 7.30
FRIDAY MARCH 22:CHALLENGE 2nd leg: Lakeside v Peterborough 8pmTRAVEL PLUS TROPHY 1st leg: Coventry v Dudley 8pmASHLEY JONES MEMORIAL: Kings Lynn 7.30CHALLENGE: Plymouth v Exeter Select 7.30
SATURDAY MARCH 23:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Eastbourne v Belle Vue 7.30
SUNDAY MARCH 24:DAVID HOWE TESTIMONIAL: Scunthorpe 3pm
