BIG EVENT LATESTCOMPETITORS involved in the 2013 British Under-21 Final will have a double incentive to secure a place on the rostrum.Aside from the Championship itselfwhich will definitely see a new name on the trophy as current holder Joe Haines is now ineligiblethe Dudley-staged event is also a stepping stone to the World Under-21 Championship.The top three riders on April 23 will be offered places in the qualification process for the international series, the Final stages of which run over three rounds concluding at Berwick on August 10.The host club have three riders in the field at Monmore GreenAshley Morris, Dan Greenwood and Max Cleggand two more who rode for them last year, in Tom Perry and Darryl Ritchings.British Youth co-boss Neil Vatcher said: With almost half of the field making their British Under-21 Final debutsseven in totaland no previous winners in the competition, it promises to be very interesting.We will have a new winner, and the favourites might come from Kyle Howarth, Dudleys own Ashley Morris, the current British Under-19 Champion Stefan Nielsen, and Rye House entertainer Jason Garrity to name but a few.Its sure to be a very entertaining evening with seven Premier League riders competing and a host of National League contenders going all out to become the new British Under-21 Champion.With the FIM recently announcing that the World Under-21 Final will now only be over three rounds, its another incentive that Great Britain have been allocated three places which will be offered to the top three.They will have to compete in the World Semi-Final to try to reach the Finals, including the third and final round at Berwick.If Great Britain have no representatives in the Finals, there would be a good chance of us having at least one or possibly two Wild Cards in the Berwick round, and also the two meeting reserves would be from GB.BRITISH UNDER-21 FINAL DRAW: Jason Garrity (Rye House), Oliver Greenwood (Coventry Storm), Robert Branford (Unattached), Darryl Ritchings (Isle of Wight), Ashley Morris (Workington/Dudley), Max Clegg (Dudley), Ben Morley (Kent), Josh Bates (Scunthorpe/Mildenhall), Stefan Nielsen (Somerset/Mildenhall), Kyle Howarth (Poole/Workington), Matt Williamson (Buxton), Tom Perry (Somerset/Isle of Wight), Danny Stoneman (Isle of Wight), James Sarjeant (Coventry Storm), Dan Greenwood (Dudley), Joe Jacobs (Glasgow/Coventry Storm). Reserves: Shane Hazelden (Kings Lynn Young Stars), Liam Carr (Unattached).

SPEEDWAYGB EVENTS SERIES 2013BRITISH UNDER-21 FINAL: Dudley, April 23BRITISH FINAL: Wolverhampton, May 13PREMIER LEAGUE PAIRS: Somerset, May 31PREMIER LEAGUE FOURS: Peterborough, July 14PREMIER LEAGUE RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP: Sheffield, Sept 22ELITE LEAGUE RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP: Swindon, Oct 12NATIONAL LEAGUE MAJOR EVENTS:NATIONAL LEAGUE PAIRS: Mildenhall, June 30NATIONAL LEAGUE FOURS: Stoke, August 18NATIONAL LEAGUE RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP: Rye House, Sept 21BRITISH SPEEDWAY FIM EVENT DATES:WORLD UNDER-21 CHAMPIONSHIP Round 3: Berwick, August 10GRAND PRIX CHALLENGE: Poole, August 24

ELITE LEAGUE LATEST

BELLE VUE have swooped to make rising British star Richie Worrall an asset of the club after a planned move to Lakeside broke down.Aces co-promoter George Carswell said: I received a call to tell me there was a problem over his contract at Lakeside. I have a lot of respect for Lakeside and promoter Jon Cook so we had a management discussion and we approached Jon out of courtesy to see what the situation was.It was an opportunity we couldnt miss and we have worked very hard over the last three days to make it happen. Im well pleased that we didnt waste time to secure a fine rider.BIRMINGHAM boss Phil Morris has confirmed a change of riding order for the start of the Brummies Elite League programme, with the Chris Harris/Josh Auty combination split-up and Ben Barker moving to No.5.Morris told the Birmingham Mail: Chris and Josh arent the best of gaters, and we cant afford to have the two of them struggling from the start in the same race.Weve taken this decision having seen the boys in action against Belle Vue where we were pleased to get the win, although it wasnt an ideal performance.COVENTRY skipper Scott Nicholls says he is looking forward to working with new Bees manager Gary Havelock, as the club prepare for their Good Friday Elite League opener against Birmingham.Nicholls said: Gary is an inspiration in the sport, hes had a lot of success, but also hes still current. Hes raced recently and hed still be racing now if it wasnt for the injury, so hes up to date which is a plus for us.He will also see things that other managers perhaps wont. I think he will be a good motivator, he knows how riders tick, and I think thats vitally important.EASTBOURNE boss Trevor Geer has underlined the importance of the Eagles home and away clashes with close rivals Lakeside on Good Friday.Geer said: Theres no doubt it is going to be a busy day for both sets of riders and we are aiming for the lions share of the points to get our league campaign off to a flying start.Thats what happened in 2011 when we finished runners-up in the league but, as we all know, it was a different story last year as we lost both matches. We must not allow that to happen again.LAKESIDE co-promoter Jon Cook believes the eleventh-hour signing of Richard Lawson in a doubling-up capacity will ensure a good balance to the Hammers team in the lower-order.Cook said: We are fortunate that Richard was available and he jumped at the chance of joining us. He is a great big-track specialist and as such gives us strength at reserve on our travels to compliment Rob Mears small-track skills, whilst he learns the Raceway circuit.He is still in the early seasons of his Speedway career and we are delighted to be able to offer our No.7 spot to another ambitious up-and-coming English rider.KINGS LYNN boss Rob Lyon says hopes are high that a much-changed Stars side can enjoy a strong season and reach the Elite League play-offs as they did in 2011.Lyon said: I'm really happy with the team this year, it took a while and we had to be patient. It was important that we got a team of riders that connects, communicates well and can develop a good team spirit.I have a good feeling abut this year, obviously we need to avoid injuries. I'm looking forward to the season starting, and so are the boys. Hopefully we can bring some silverware back to King's Lynn this year.PETERBOROUGH star Ryan Fisher is excited by his return to the Elite League this season, having joined the Panthers after spending 2012 in the Premier League with Plymouth.Fisher said: I have invested in new equipment this season and want to make it a good one for Peterborough and myself. Hopefully I can stay injury free and help the Panthers into the end-of-season play-offs.We have a new looking side and although the practice was rained-off we had a good couple of days with the rest of the boys and we are all pumped for the new season. I like the Peterborough track a lot and we will be looking to win all of our home matches and pick up wins on the road.POOLE promoter Matt Ford says he is happy to go into the new season with the tag of favouritesand believes they are the team others want to beat due to their success this century.Ford said: It sounds conceited, but I believe it to be true that every rival wants to knock Poole off their perch. It doesnt worry me in the slightest. It comes with the territory. Its when they dont give a hoot is the time I have to start worrying. The message about this Pirates side this season is that we will entertain. Home or away, we will be dangerous. You will never be able to take your eyes off us.SWINDON have confirmed the prospects are good for the first leg of the Elite Shield against Poole to go ahead as planned at Blunsdon on Thursday.Co-promoter Gary Patchett said: Looking out of my window I can see a foot of snow on my back lawn. It's snowed in Birmingham throughout Friday and Saturday and it was no surprise that the televised meeting at Perry Barr fell victim to the weather.However, we are good to go on Thursday against the Poole Pirates in a re-run of last year's Grand Final. It's an opportunity to put down an early season marker and gain the first silverware on offer.WOLVERHAMPTON are still sweating on the availability of winter signing Sam Masters, whose application for a visa was rejected.Wolves promoter Chris Van Straaten said: Were keeping in touch with both Sam and his Premier League club Edinburgh, and obviously were desperate to see this issue resolved.But with our opening meetings only a few days away, we do have another rider on stand-by who can come in to cover for Sam if necessary.PREMIER LEAGUE LATEST

BERWICK have named Ricky Ashworth as their captain for 2013 with Kozza Smith adding further support in the pits.Bandits boss Ian Rae said: Ricky will be captain, utilising his superb technical knowledge of tracks, conditions and bike set-ups. Kozza is the one to put a smile on everyones face, and his infectious enthusiasm will only benefit the others in our team, as it did in 2011.EDINBURGH could bring Claus Vissing into the Monarchs team for the opening fixture of the season after Sam Masters return to the UK was delayed due to visa issues.Co-promoter John Campbell said: We do have a very big problem with Sam who has been refused a visa because of a new rule. He is very unlucky and we feel very sorry for him. The clubs local MP Michael Connarty has taken up his case and we have not given up, but of course we are now very close to the start of the season, and we cant start with six riders.GLASGOWS newly-appointed boss Sean Courtney is backing skipper Joe Screen to become the top man in the Premier League this season.Courtney told The Glaswegian: Joe is a proven No.1, and it would be a major shock if he was not our No.1 this season. He is out to prove that he is not only our No.1 but the No.1 guy in the Premier League, and thats good news for Glasgow Tigers fans.IPSWICH co-promoter Chris Louis says hopes are high at Foxhall that the Witches can fulfil their promise as they go into their third season at Premier League level.Louis said: We've built a different type of team this year and I am really looking forward to seeing them all in action. From the entertainment and excitement I expect from our new No.1 Ben Barker, the middle order doing what I know they are capable of and the development of our two young reserves Cam (Heeps) and Adam (Ellis).LEICESTER boss Glyn Taylor is expecting a fierce battle for the Lions No.1 position this season, with Kevin Doolan and Adam Roynon joining the club over the winter to team up with the likes of Kauko Nieminen and Lasse Bjerre.Taylor told the Leicester Mercury: Weve got seven guys who I believe are all capable of improving their average. Three of them are on seven points plus, while Kauko has just over eight. Those four are all going to be challenging for the No.1 spot in the team.NEWCASTLE are anxiously awaiting further medical reports on major winter signing Andrew Tully, who suffered a broken L1 vertebra in a practice crash last Sunday.Diamonds boss George English said: Andrew was absolutely flying and then when he was on his No.2 bike, something went amiss and he ended up solidly in the fence. We can only hope it wont be a long lay-off but we await his specialists report before well make comment.PLYMOUTH skipper Cory Gathercole believes 2013 holds plenty of potential for the Devils, who are under new promotion and have made several new signings.Gathercole told Herald Sport: The guys here have done a massive jobtheres been so many changes. It feels like a completely new place and its exciting. Last year was a big disappointment and Im looking forward to putting that behind me.REDCAR promoter Brian Havelock feels the return of Max Dilger will give the Bears necessary strength in their lower-order during the forthcoming campaign.Havelock told the Evening Gazette: Im as happy as Larry that he has come back on boardwe have a strong look at reserve. To be honest I feel thats where matches are won and lost, especially the big matches and tight matches.RYE HOUSE boss John Sampford is not fazed by unfavourable pre-season predictions for the Rockets, and believes his side will gain in strength as the season goes on.Sampford said: The team has not been built around guaranteed form; its all about potential. With the possible exception of Olly (Allen), who has come in on a high average, everyone else is more than capable of improving their marks. If they do that, we will be up there in the table. This team is in it for the long run. The aim is to finish in the top six and then build on that in the play-offs.SCUNTHORPE are building up to a big start to the season with a double-header at the Eddie Wright Racewaywith the Scorpions League Cup clash with Leicester to be followed by a National League challenge between the Saints and a Long Eaton Select.Manager Richard Hollingsworth said: The Leicester match promises to be a tough opening test and an excellent meeting, and then theres a chance for the fans to see some of the exciting stars of the future in a full-scale meeting. The Bank Holiday double-headers have become very popular with our own fans and also with travelling fans.SHEFFIELD boss David Hoggart says there are already good signs from new recruit Facundo Albin, who has been handed the No.2 riding position for the Tigers opener against Elite League Birmingham on Thursday.Hoggart said: I really get a good feeling about Facundo, he looked sharp on Thursday and his enthusiasm is second to none. He looked well on the pace when he was out on-track with Steady (Simon Stead), and I know it was only practice and its completely different when youre in a competitive race, but he looked fast and its very encouraging from first impressions of seeing him here.SOMERSET boss Garry May admits he would rather not go into the season with the Rebels being tipped for the major honours but says it is now up to his team to produce.May said: I have to admit that I dont like having the tag of being favourites hanging around our necks, but I suppose it does mean that the majority of the pundits think that we have got our team building spot-on, and of course I would love it if we lived up to those expectations. As things stand I think we have a more than decent septet and one that has the capabilities to be up there once again challenging for honours.WORKINGTON fans are eagerly anticipating the first home fixture under their new promotion headed by new owner Laura Morgan, with the Comets facing Newcastle at Derwent Park on Saturday evening in the first leg of the inaugural Ian Thomas Shield. This is in honour of the former England team manager, who passed away two years ago, and who introduced the sport to Derwent Park in 1970 before later re-launching Newcastle in 1975 and then returning to Workington to help Tony Mole revive the Comets in 1999.Comets co-promoter Tony Jackson said: In addition to the main meeting, part of the opening night entertainment will see seven-times, and current British Champion Scott Nicholls, making his first ever appearance at Derwent Park where he will take on three Comets riders in a series of individual match races. With various other entertainments planned to take place throughout the evening, before a firework display brings the meeting to a close, the club are keen to start the new season in the same manner in which Ian liked to promote his meetings, by simply trying to entertain.

FIXTURE PICTURE

WEDNESDAY MARCH 27:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Birmingham v Coventry OFF

THURSDAY MARCH 28ELITE SHIELD 1st leg: Swindon v Poole 7.30TRAVEL PLUS TOURS CHALLENGE: Sheffield v Birmingham 7.45

FRIDAY MARCH 29:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Wolverhampton 1pm, Coventry v Birmingham 8pm, Eastbourne v Lakeside 7.45, Kings Lynn v Peterborough 7pm, Lakeside v Eastbourne 1pm, Peterborough v Kings Lynn 2pmLEAGUE CUP: Ipswich v Rye House 2.30, Scunthorpe v Leicester 3pmELITE SHIELD 2nd leg: Poole v Swindon 12pmCOCK O THE NORTH 1st leg: Edinburgh v Berwick OFFCHALLENGE 1st leg: Somerset v Plymouth 7.30, Scunthorpe v Long Eaton Select (follows LC meeting)

SATURDAY MARCH 30:LEAGUE CUP: Leicester v Sheffield 7.30COCK O THE NORTH 2nd leg: Berwick v Edinburgh 7pmCHALLENGE 2nd leg: Plymouth v Somerset 7.15IAN THOMAS SHIELD 1st leg: Workington v Newcastle 7pm

SUNDAY MARCH 31:SPRING TROPHY 1st leg: Glasgow v Edinburgh 3pmIAN THOMAS SHIELD 2nd leg: Newcastle v Workington 6.30

MONDAY APRIL 1:LEAGUE CUP: Rye House v Ipswich 2pm

TUESDAY APRIL 2:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Wolverhampton v Belle Vue 7.30

WEDNESDAY APRIL 3:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Birmingham v Coventry 7.30, Poole v Kings Lynn 7.30

THURSDAY APRIL 4:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Swindon v Lakeside 7.30LEAGUE CUP: Ipswich v Plymouth 7.30, Sheffield v Scunthorpe 7.45TYNE TEES TROPHY 1st leg: Redcar v Newcastle 7.30

FRIDAY APRIL 5:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Coventry v Belle Vue 8pm, Lakeside v Swindon 8pm, Peterborough v Eastbourne 7.30LEAGUE CUP: Plymouth v Rye House 7.15, Scunthorpe v Sheffield 7.30, Somerset v Ipswich 7.30SPRING TROPHY 2nd leg: Edinburgh v Glasgow 7.30

SATURDAY APRIL 6:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Eastbourne v Wolverhampton 7.30LEAGUE CUP: Berwick v Glasgow 7pm, Leicester v Scunthorpe 7.30, Rye House v Somerset 7pm, Workington v Redcar 7pm40 YEARS AT LOOMER ROAD: Stoke 7pm

SUNDAY APRIL 7:LEAGUE CUP: Glasgow v Berwick 3pmTYNE TEES TROPHY 2nd leg: Newcastle v Redcar 6.30NATIONAL SHIELD 1st leg: Mildenhall v Dudley 4.30

MONDAY APRIL 8:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Coventry 7.30, Swindon v Peterborough 7.30, Wolverhampton v Poole 7.30

TUESDAY APRIL 9:TRAVEL PLUS TROPHY 1st leg: Dudley v Coventry 7.30