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GREAT Britain boss Alun Rossiter has called up Richard Lawson for the Ben Fund Bonanza at Leicester on March 9.Lakeside and Redcar man Lawson takes the place of Lewis Bridger, whilst the Rest of the World line-up has now been confirmed as: Bjarne Pedersen, Josh Grajczonek, Adam Skornicki, Cameron Woodward, Ty Proctor, Patrick Hougaard, Nick Morris and Morten Risager.Rossiter said: “Lewis got in touch to advise me that he couldn’t guarantee having all of his equipment in place in time for the meeting, and he didn’t want to go into it in a half-hearted fashion.“I appreciate his honesty with that, and I’ve therefore called up Richard who is a rider who was always in my thoughts. I already know what several of the more experienced senior riders are capable of but it’s also important that I start looking at those who have been making good progress recently, and this will be a good test for Richard to see how he adapts at this level.”
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SCUNTHORPE Stags have named Steve Jones as captain and No.1 for their National League campaign.The 34-year-old Glasgow asset, who raced in the Premier League as a teenager, is set to head up a team based otherwise around inexperienced youngsters who are expected to develop as the season goes on.Stags chairman Richard Hollingsworth said: “Steve’s strengths are his enthusiasm and positivity, and we need a No.1 with those characteristics who can encourage, guide and motivate his young team-mates whilst also riding at No.1.“That is no mean feat and we are very lucky to have a friend of the club like Steve who is so capable of fulfilling that role. On a personal front Steve also believes this is a gilt-edged opportunity to be a part of a team from the start of the season for the first time since 2008 which, ironically, was his best season in the third tier of British speedway.”(SPEEDWAY 3)
MILDENHALL chairman Kevin Jolly has stressed there will be no change for the Fen Tigers following a Supreme Court judgement regarding the West Row stadium.A couple moved into a house 560 metres from the venue in 2006 and began legal proceedings two years later citing noise disruption, which were successful in the High Court only to be overturned by the Court of Appeal – with Wednesday’s verdict now restoring the initial outcome. The house was destroyed by fire in 2010.Jolly said: “This is obviously a big disappointment for the stadium owners who had hoped today would bring an end to this matter and remove a cloud that has been hanging over the stadium before we took over the running of the Fen Tigers. It now remains an ongoing case that will now go through the courts once again.“However, as far as we are concerned nothing changes with regard to Mildenhall Speedway and we will continue to run until it is no longer possible, should that day ever arrive. Everything is in place for the start of the season, we are looking forward to this year with great enthusiasm, we have a fine looking young side full of potential and I can’t wait for the season to start.”
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GARY Havelock’s Farewell meeting at Poole will feature Pirates favourites Darcy Ward and Chris Holder going head-to-head as opposing No.1s.It will be a rare opportunity for home supporters to see Holder at Wimborne Road this season as the former World Champion will not be competing in the Elite League.Havelock said: “We have 12 of the 14 riders all confirmed and ready to go. We plan some great things to coincide with the event as well, some of which we have been keeping secret.“I am just so grateful to all the riders, sponsors, supporters and friends who have rallied to make the event into something really special, I can’t wait for March 21.”
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NINE teams will contest the 2014 Midland Development League with Belle Vue back to defend their title.The Colts will be joined in the competition, which runs as second halves at official meetings, by Castleford (at Scunthorpe), Coventry, King’s Lynn, Long Eaton (at Leicester), Milton Keynes (at Mildenhall), Stoke, and newcomers Buxton and Rye House.The main league competition will be accompanied by the Knockout Cup, and the Midland Development League Riders’ Championship will be staged once again at Leicester on a date to be confirmed in September, whilst the MDL GP could also feature as an end-of-season competition.
