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BRITISH Speedway bosses have moved to clarify the situation surrounding the announcement of the wildcard for the British Grand Prix.Birmingham star Chris Harris has been handed the spot with Craig Cook and Josh Auty named at reserve for the showpiece event at Cardiffs Millennium Stadium on Saturday, June 1.Its a change in procedure to recent seasons when the highest placed non-GP rider in the British Final automatically got the nod.Alex Harkess, chairman of the British Speedway Promoters Association, said: It needs to be pointed out that the BSPA had nothing to do with the decision to award the wildcard in this way. We are coming in for some stick from people who don't understand that.We made an application to the FIM and BSI for the winner of the British Final, or highest placed rider apart from GP regular Tai Woffinden, to go through to the British Grand Prix.But this was rejected. The decision to award the wildcard in this way was completely out of our hands, it was a decision made by the FIM in consultation with BSI.Having said that, naturally we send our very best wishes to Chris Harris for a successful meeting at Cardiff and congratulate Craig and Josh for their call-up at reserve.It now means the British Final at Wolverhampton on Monday, May 13, is all about winning that title. There are a lot of riders desperate to do that and it should be a great meeting.(SPEEDWAY 2)
THE first round of the 2013 British Youth Championships at Leicester on Saturday will feature the biggest-ever entry for an event at this level.An impressive total of 39 riders will be competing across the three different classes500cc, 250cc and 125ccin the meeting at the Jordan Road Surfacing Stadium on May 4, starting at 5.30pm. Adult admission is just 5 with under-16s at 2.50 and under-10s free.GB Youth co-boss Neil Vatcher said I would urge fans to come along and cheer on the future talent for GB, and Im sure many people will be surprised at that talent as we have riders as young as eight years of age coming through the ranks. There will be a total of 42 races, and we try to get the meeting finished in under three hours so the track action is always fast and furious. We would like to thank the following for their invaluable assistance in getting the British Youth Championships to the level we currently enjoy: our four series sponsors Friends of Speedway, Wessex Marina, NSSC and Duck Smart, and also the BSPA and SCB for funding of the events.
(SPEEDWAY 3)SCUNTHORPE and Workington fought out a thrilling televised draw in Tuesdays Premier League clash at the Eddie Wright Raceway.It was the Scorpions second successive 45-45 result on their home circuit, the Comets securing two league points when guest Craig Cook superbly overhauled both David Howe and Ashley Birks in Heat 15 after Micky Dyer had been disqualified following a tangle with Howe.Scunthorpe boss Dave Peet said: David is gradually getting back to his best, and both teams put on a good show for the TV cameras. I think we showed that the Premier League is a highly entertaining product, and gave a glimpse of the tremendous racing on display around this track.Comets manager Tony Jackson added: To come away with two points from the home of the reigning champions was a good result and a great effort from the whole team, including our two guests, who once again did us proud. But, having fought back to be level going into the final heat, we are disappointed not to have won the meeting after what happened in Heat 15.
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DUDLEY retained the National Shield by completing aggregate victory over Mildenhall at Monmore Green on Tuesday.The Heathens took a four-point lead into the meeting and won the second leg 51-39 with former Fen Tigers star Lewis Blackbird top-scoring on 13+1whilst for the visitors Jon Armstrong (13) made a successful return to his old home track.Dudley boss Will Pottinger said: It's the third successive season where we've won the National Shield, so it's a really pleasing result against a strong Mildenhall side.After a difficult start the lads rode really well in the end, and I'm really pleased with the team performance.
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WEDNESDAY MAY 1:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Kings Lynn v Swindon 7.30, Poole v Eastbourne 7.30
THURSDAY MAY 2:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Swindon v Kings Lynn 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE: Sheffield v Redcar 7.45STAR OF ANGLIA: Ipswich 7.30
FRIDAY MAY 3:PREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Scunthorpe 7.30, Redcar v Sheffield 7.30, Somerset v Leicester 7.30CHALLENGE: Kings Lynn v USA Dream Team 7.30
SATURDAY MAY 4:PREMIER LEAGUE: Berwick v Workington 7pmHANDICAP INDIVIDUAL: Rye House 7pmCHALLENGE: Stoke v Isle of Wight 7pmBRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP Round 1: Leicester 5.30
SUNDAY MAY 5:PREMIER LEAGUE: Glasgow v Newcastle 3pmCHALLENGE: Buxton v USA Dream Team 3pm
