(SPEEDWAY 1)
WORLD Champion Tai Woffinden will be back in British Speedway next season having agreed a new deal with Wolverhampton.Woffinden, who became only the third Wolves man behind Ole Olsen and Sam Ermolenko to take the sport’s top honour in October, has concluded talks with club owner Chris Van Straaten and will return to Monmore Green in 2014.Van Straaten said: “I’m relieved and delighted to have Tai back with us for next season, it’s fabulous news for Wolverhampton and British Speedway in general to have the World Champion riding here.“It’s taken a little longer than I would have liked because, naturally, Tai has a lot on his plate and lots to consider. He is also looking at the best way to make maximum use of the fact that he is World Champion, and early in the New Year we will also be looking to bring in some sponsorship to help with his British racing.”(SPEEDWAY 2)
SWINDON have moved for Swedish racer Simon Gustafsson following the 23-year-old’s release from parent club Eastbourne.Gustafsson’s loan switch means he will be managed by Robins boss Alun Rossiter, who rode in the same King’s Lynn team as his father Henka back in 1992.Rossiter said: “I have always liked Simon as a rider, he’s had some good meetings at Swindon and I just feel his career has maybe stalled a bit of late, and I think Eastbourne would agree with that too.“I believe there’s bags of potential and improvement in Simon, and as a manager and promoter I’m always looking for riders who are going to improve.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
TOP-FLIGHT newcomers Leicester will bring Peter Ljung back to British Speedway next season in a loan deal from Lakeside.The Swede, a former Grand Prix rider, joins the Lions on a 5.60 average having last raced in the UK in 2011, and it leaves the East Midlands club just one rider short of completing their line-up.Promoter David Hemsley said: “Peter fits our profile perfectly and is highly regarded by people in the sport. I am excited at the prospect of watching him race for us next season. “He is a quality rider who I am certain will add another dimension to the side and I am pleased at how the team is shaping up so far.”
(SPEEDWAY 4)
SCUNTHORPE have confirmed the return to the Eddie Wright Raceway of popular Danish rider Thomas Jorgensen for the 2014 season.The 21-year-old will be back for a fourth year in Scorpions colours and promoter Rob Godfrey believes he can substantially improve on his starting average of 6.15.Godfrey said: “I’m delighted Thomas is back again. He's had his problems with shoulder injuries in the time he's been with us, but towards the end of last season he got himself going again and managed to complete half a season without getting injured.“As a club, we've been very unlucky with shoulder injuries, what with David Howe as well, but I'm positive both Thomas and David are going to be big hitters next year.”
(SPEEDWAY 5)
JAMES Sarjeant and Oliver Greenwood will remain with Coventry Storm next season for the Brandon club’s second year in the National League.Sarjeant will also be racing for the senior team having been selected in the ‘fast-track’ draft of British reserves, whilst Greenwood returns after a successful comeback from a badly broken wrist in the first half of this year.Co-boss Blayne Scroggins said: “We’re really pleased to have James and Oliver back with us, and the team is coming together nicely with the majority being our own assets.“James was a good captain last year and I’m looking forward to working with him again, and likewise Oliver had a good season after his injury and there’s more to come there.”
(FIXTURE)
SUNDAY DECEMBER 29:CHRISTMAS CRACKER: Coventry 12pm
