(SPEEDWAY 1)
PETERBOROUGH are to race on into 2014 with a community-led consortium leasing the club and operating at Premier League level.The consortium is fronted by current Coventry owner Mick Horton and includes local businessman and former rider Adrian Smith, whilst Trevor Swales and Julie Mahoney remain as co-promoters.And the Panthers have already named their first three signings for next season with club assets Lasse Bjerre and Ulrich Ostergaard joined by Ryan Fisher, who rode for the Showground side in the Elite League this year.Swales said: “I’m delighted to have those three riders signed up and we should have more news to announce on the team front in the next few days.“But I also want to pay tribute to Rick (Frost) and Julie, because they have gone out of their way to make sure that Peterborough Speedway didn’t close down. They always wanted the club to continue for the Peterborough supporters and we are all so grateful for what they’ve done, and likewise my thanks to the Showground for their patience - they want speedway to be here in 2014 and have been very helpful to us.”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
WOLVERHAMPTON’S team is complete for 2014 following the signing of Polish youngster Piotr Pawlicki.Pawlicki, 19, has had brief spells with Coventry and Poole but is ready for a full-time spot in British racing and joins the Monmore club on a seven-point average which also means there is space for Ricky Wells to return.Wolves promoter Chris Van Straaten said: “Piotr is an exciting talent and I believe he will take a bit of time to settle in at Monmore – the team will be a slow burner, it will get better as the season progresses in my view.“Ricky has been texting me every day, he was desperate to be back and because of the way the team has been built now with Tai Woffinden and Piotr, the space was there to put Ricky in the final team place. It means the team is now complete and I believe we have one of the most exciting in the league.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
DANISH star Rasmus Jensen has agreed a deal to return to Plymouth as their third heat-leader for the 2014 season.The 20-year-old rode in eight matches for the Devils at the end of last season and is now looking forward to a full season at the St Boniface Arena, having become their fifth confirmed signing.Co-promoter Ashley Taylor said: “Rasmus will be a crucial part of the team. People can see from his performances with us last season that he has the ability to be a good solid points scorer.“Although he completed eight fixtures for us, only three of those were away from home, so he needs to ride in one more away meeting to qualify as a Plymouth asset.”(SPEEDWAY 4)
KENT have signed teenage star Brandon Freemantle to fill a reserve berth with the Kings next season.Freemantle, an Eastbourne asset, rode for the Isle of Wight in 2013 and is expected to make gains on his three-point average.His signing leaves the Sittingbourne-based club with one spot to fill in their team, and Freemantle’s Eastbourne promoter Trevor Geer is pleased to see the youngster fixed up.He said: “With minimal travel for home meetings on a track which I know will bring out the best in Brandon, I’m sure he will fulfil the promise that he has shown so far in his early career.”
(SPEEDWAY 5)
COVENTRY have entered into an official charity partnership with locally-based baby hospice Zoe’s Place.The facility was recently featured as part of Children In Need and plans include a charity ball, match sponsorship and a presence on official teamwear.Coventry’s Operations Manager Blayne Scroggins said: “Having visited a few weeks ago, the decision was easy because it is such a wonderful place. I came up with Mick (Horton) and it was just so emotional, and we’re really looking forward to working together.“I think this will be a really positive thing for ourselves and for Zoe’s Place, and the city of Coventry needs to support it. They work 100 per cent on voluntary donations, and the city needs to help them with that.”(FIXTURE)
SUNDAY DECEMBER 29:CHRISTMAS CRACKER: Coventry 12pm
