SPEEDWAY News

(SPEEDWAY 1)

EXCITING Danish youngster Mikkel Michelsen will line up for Eastbourne once again in 2014.Michelsen made a big impact when he joined the Arlington club in the latter stages of last season, and his return was sealed during a flying visit to Sussex on Friday when he met promoters Bob Dugard and Trevor Geer.Said Geer: “Mikkel was a huge success in a short of space of time last season. We all knew he would do well but I don’t think many people predicted how successful he would be at Elite League level.“For 2014 he will have time to become properly set up and established. Everyone at Eastbourne Speedway is excited and I know our supporters are too.”

(SPEEDWAY 2)

EDINBURGH have completed their 2014 team with the signings of skipper Derek Sneddon, Australian youngster Max Fricke and American newcomer Aaron Fox.Fricke and Sneddon were both part of the Monarchs’ side which reached this year’s play-off Final, whilst Fox joins on recommendation of Team USA Director Steve Evans and with former World Champions Greg Hancock and Billy Hamill as mentors.Fox said: “It has been a goal and dream of mine to race in the British League since I first threw a leg over a bike in May of 2010. I’ve finally been given the opportunity to fulfil that goal with the Monarchs. “I could not have asked for a better promoter than Mr. Campbell to see the potential in me and have me a part of their club. Mr. Campbell was keen to work with me and seemed eager to get me on board. I can’t thank him enough as this is the exact scenario I’ve looked for since seeking a Premier League spot.”(SPEEDWAY 3)

BERWICK have finalised a deal for Danish rider Claus Vissing who becomes their fourth signing for next season.Vissing spent last season with Edinburgh but is an asset of Peterborough whose future remains unconfirmed, and the Bandits have thanked outgoing Panthers owners Rick Frost and Julie Mahoney for their assistance.Vissing impressed in last year’s Ben Fund Bonanza meeting at Shielfield Park where he finished second, a result which helped him to secure his Edinburgh contract, and he now joins the Bandits on a 6.89 average.(SPEEDWAY 4)

STOKE promoter Dave Tattum insists the club are ambitious and positive looking forward to the 2014 season.The Potters chief has pledged to make several changes to the team at Loomer Road after a tough year, but has initially completed the formalities of signing this season’s success story Lee Payne.Tattum said: “(Manager) Malcolm Vasey and I have had considerable interest from riders anxious to race for Stoke, especially since the National League AGM, and we are working on various permutations to try and lift the club from last season’s position. “We want to approach the new season in a positive manner and I can assure everyone that there is not a more positive rider in the League than Lee Payne. His outlook and attitude are outstanding and to think he has only had just over half a season makes his achievements that much more remarkable.”

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COVENTRY Storm have confirmed returns to Brandon next season for Luke Crang and Martin Knuckey as they continue their National League team-building.Crang joined the Storm in May after impressing in practice sessions, whilst Knuckey will be going into his second full season although he was forced to take a month out midway through 2013 for off-track reasons.Storm co-boss Blayne Scroggins said: “It’s going to be a big year for Luke with him doubling-up with Redcar as well, and I’m sure he’ll be able to use his experience from last season to increase his average for us.“Martin was so keen to come back to Coventry, so much so that he had the opportunity to go to a track 20 minutes from home, but he wanted to be here and once again it’s good to have a rider who is very much part of the Coventry set-up.”


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