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THIS season’s British Final at Wolverhampton on June 16 will carry the extra incentive of a Wild Card place in the British Grand Prix.The top finisher in the national championship with the exception of GP regulars Tai Woffinden and Chris Harris, will become the third British rider in the Millennium Stadium showpiece on July 12.Competitors at Monmore Green will look to emulate the likes of David Howe, Edward Kennett and Scott Nicholls who have secured Cardiff berths via the British Final in the past – whilst Woffinden will be aiming for back-to-back titles.BSI Speedway MD Paul Bellamy said: “There are already two Brits in the field at Cardiff and the chance to join Tai and Chris in the British SGP certainly raises the stakes in this year’s British Final.“We have a number of talented Brits coming through the system and they will be determined to win their chance at mixing it with the sport’s elite.”BSPA Chairman Alex Harkess added: “If becoming British Champion wasn’t a big enough prize, the opportunity to earn a place in the British SGP gives the British Final an extra edge.“It is always a fiercely-contested meeting and I’m sure there will be 16 riders battling hard for a place in Cardiff, and ultimately the chance to prove themselves and make an impact at the highest level.”
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PETERBOROUGH have named Ulrich Ostergaard as club captain as they prepare for their new era of Premier League racing.Danish star Ostergaard, who previously rode for the Panthers in the top flight, rejoins the Showground side this year after most recently racing for Redcar.Co-boss Trevor Swales said: “Ulrich brings plenty of experience to the team and he is also a good communicator so we’re pleased to have him as captain.“He knows all of the tracks at this level and it will be important that our more senior riders pass on plenty of advice to the reserves in particular.”
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RYAN MacDonald has become the second rider to be confirmed in the new Scunthorpe Stags National League team.The 19-year-old Scot impressed in the Northern Junior League last season and is expected to start the campaign wearing the No.2 race-jacket.Chairman Richard Hollingsworth said: “Ryan is more than ready for the National League and has an excellent attitude to his racing. He has invested in decent equipment and at one point we thought he would be making the trip down for Stags meetings with Tommy Fenwick, who rode for the Saints side in 2012.“Unfortunately Tommy didn’t accept our offer of a team place, but Ryan has bought a van and will travel down from Glasgow to race for the Stags and try and take his racing to the next level. This is what the Stags team is all about, taking riders with potential and trying to get them to the next level.”
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BIRMINGHAM have completed their line-up with the signing of Swedish international Daniel Nermark for a second spell with the club.Nermark last rode for the Brummies in 2011 and was introduced at a media launch on Thursday which also confirmed the continuation of the Perry Barr side’s team title sponsorship deal with Selco Builders Warehouse.Owner Alan Phillips said: “To say I am delighted that Selco are backing our great club for a third season is a massive understatement. Following a record-breaking 2013 season, finishing top of the Elite league, I feel that we have done ourselves, our fans and Selco proud and this is all that matters at the end of the day.”Nermark added: “I'm very happy to be back after a couple of years away from Birmingham and a year out of the Elite League.”
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EASTBOURNE’S Swedish star Kim Nilsson is fighting to be fit for the new season after a serious practice crash in America.Nilsson suffered a fractured vertebra in both neck and back in the accident earlier this month, although initial fears that he would not ride again have thankfully proved unfounded and he has now started rehabilitation ahead of a further examination next week.Eagles boss Trevor Geer said: “Naturally, we did not say anything but now the news is public I can confirm that the injuries do not appear to be as serious as first thought.“Once he has had that examination we expect to know more about when he will be fit to ride again. Past experience shows that he is a quick healer but we must wait for the verdict of Kim’s doctor.”
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RYAN Blacklock has agreed a return to Buxton for a fourth year in Hitmen colours.The 24-year-old suffered a stop-start 2013 season due to collarbone injuries and is targeting improved consistency in the forthcoming National League campaign.Buxton promoter Jayne Moss said: “Ryan is always a popular addition to the team as he never knows when to give up. You never know what to expect with Ryan he can deliver double points and beat some of the best riders in the league - or he can have a bad meeting and score two or three! “This year we are hoping that he can become more consistent and increase his average and become a solid points-scorer for us.”
