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BRITISH Speedway’s Major Events series will get off to an early start in 2014 – with a re-vamped Elite Riders’ Championship featuring a host of star names.The event, traditionally an end-of-season meeting, moves to Coventry and will take place on Sunday March 23, giving supporters an immediate chance to see the sport’s top men in action.Elsewhere, the remaining five events remain at their 2013 venues having provided thrilling action and bumper crowds as last year’s honours were decided.Wolverhampton continue to stage the British Final, with World Champion Tai Woffinden set to defend his national title on Monday June 16; and Monmore Green will also be the venue for the British Under-21 Final, which will be staged by National League outfit Cradley on Tuesday April 15.The ever-popular Premier League events also retain their venues, with Somerset hosting the Pairs on Friday July 11, one day before the British Grand Prix at Cardiff.Peterborough will continue to host the Premier League Fours having recently confirmed their welcome continued participation in the sport, and this event is provisionally scheduled for Sunday August 3 – whilst Sheffield, also under new ownership this year, again stage the Premier Riders’ Championship on Sunday September 21.Events co-ordinator David Hoggart said: “The Elite Riders’ Championship date change, from October to March, is in response to requests from riders and supporters alike.“The event has been brilliant at Swindon over recent years and it was just a shame it was spoilt by the weather last season.“However, one issue with running the meeting at that time of year was the uncertainty over which riders and clubs would be involved in play-offs at a similar time on the calendar.“The riders requested that we held it earlier in the season at a time when they would be able to give it more commitment, and having listened and responded to that we felt it appropriate to stage the meeting prior to the start of the European leagues.“Coventry have tendered for a shared event on several recent occasions and have been unlucky in the selection process. This year we planned to stage an event there, and it makes perfect sense for it to be this one.“As far as the meeting itself is concerned, plans are under discussion to give the event an exciting new format, and I would urge all supporters to put the date in their diaries.“The other events produced some terrific action last year so we are very happy to return to the respective venues again in 2014, and we’re all very much looking forward to the year ahead.”

SPEEDWAYGB MAJOR EVENTS 2014ELITE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Coventry, Sunday March 23BRITISH UNDER-21 FINAL: Cradley, Tuesday April 15BRITISH FINAL: Wolverhampton, Monday June 16PREMIER LEAGUE PAIRS: Somerset, Friday July 11PREMIER LEAGUE FOURS: Peterborough, Sunday August 3 (provisional date)PREMIER RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Sheffield, Sunday September 21(Dates subject to change in the event of circumstances beyond our control)

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DATES and venues have been confirmed for the six-round British Youth Championship – which has proved hugely successful in recent years.The competition will open at Scunthorpe and also take in rounds at Leicester, Northside (Workington), Eastbourne, Rye House and Redcar.There are already 40 riders signed up to the event and any others who wish to register are asked to contact GB Youth bosses Neil Vatcher and Phil Morris at younglionsspeedway@hotmail.co.uk .Vatcher said: “We are delighted to announce this schedule, and we would like to place on record our thanks to the staging venue promotions and the BSPA for their continued support for British Youth Speedway.”BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP 2014: Sunday March 23 – Scunthorpe; Saturday May 17 – Leicester; Sunday June 22 – Northside; Sunday July 27 – Eastbourne; Sunday August 31 – Rye House; Saturday September 6 – Redcar.

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STOKE have finalised their 2014 team-building with the signing of National League newcomer Rob Shuttleworth.The 20-year-old began riding speedway less than a year ago but impressed in the Northern Development League where he won the Rookie of the Year award last season.Potters promoter Dave Tattum said: “His National League experience so far is very limited but he has all the hallmarks that motocross riders bring into speedway in terms of determination and effort, and I am sure that he will succeed. “In recent years we have seen many examples of how well riders from motocross come into speedway and adapt so quickly, and we feel that Rob is very much in that mould. His approach and attitude, which are similar to that of his new team-mate Lee Payne, will endear him to our supporters in the same way that Lee has become a big favourite.”