(SPEEDWAY 1 – WEDNESDAY REVIEW)
CRADLEY lead the National League Knockout Cup Final by four points after a thrilling clash with King’s Lynn at the Norfolk Arena on Wednesday.The Young Stars held the advantage throughout the majority of the meeting but the Heathens turned the first-leg tie around with 5-1s in the last two races for a 47-43 outcome.Max Clegg scored a paid maximum from five rides, whilst James Cockle led the way for the hosts on 14, and the Final will be resolved at Monmore Green next Tuesday.Cradley boss Will Pottinger said: “It was quite remarkable because we were never ahead until after the final race, which I suppose is the best way to do it.“It was a really good effort. A few of the lads had tough nights but Max was absolutely superb and Nathan Greaves really came to the party after a last place in his first ride.”
(SPEEDWAY 2 – THURSDAY PREVIEW)
IPSWICH wrap up the Foxhall season on Thursday with the traditional 16-Lap Classic – an event which has been running since 1979.The Witches regulars are joined by Danny King, Ricky Wells, Jason Garrity, Richard Lawson and Rory Schlein, and the top eight riders on the night compete in the marathon final race.Ipswich co-promoter Chris Louis said: “I know from my own experiences that I faced the 16-lap final with dread and excitement in equal measure - a real mental and physical battle that can really only be attacked with one tactic. Qualify well, race from the back grid and attack from the off! “Speedway is raced over four laps and that’s how you get conditioned, it’s really quite amazing how tough it becomes when you change that and each rider taking part on Thursday will be feeling the effects after just 6 – 8 laps, it becomes a mental battle and mind over matter from that point on. “The event has a reputation for being hard on the machines although it’s normally just a fuel issue with the extra fuel system not operating properly, leaking out or of course just not carrying enough. This year after much persuasion I have made enough large tanks for everyone so fingers crossed that they all hold enough!”Meanwhile Swindon stage the Bob Kilby Memorial at Blunsdon with a team event followed by an individual second-half in memory of two more Robins favourites, Malcolm Holloway and Lee Richardson.Promoter Alun Rossiter said: “This will be a great night and a lovely way to remember Bob, who was hero of mine in my younger days.“We’re also pleased to remember Malc and Lee with the rider of the night action after the team event and I hope we see a big crowd to bring the curtain down on the season.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
PREMIER League Grand Finalists Somerset and Edinburgh have both been hit by an injury blow ahead of this weekend’s title-deciding fixtures.The Rebels will be without captain Olly Allen for both matches after he suffered a shoulder injury whilst riding in Poland last week, whilst Steve Worrall is ruled out for the Monarchs with a broken wrist after a crash at Monmore Green on Tuesday.Somerset have booked Edward Kennett to guest for Allen in the home leg of the Final on Friday, and will bring in Aaron Summers at Armadale 24 hours later, whilst Edinburgh will operate the rider-replacement facility for Worrall.Rebels boss Garry May said: “This is an obvious blow. Olly was desperate to ride but once he knew that he would not be 100% for these matches, he had no option but to withdraw from the team.”
(SPEEDWAY 4)
CRADLEY’S future is in doubt as they will be unable to continue their track-sharing agreement with Wolverhampton at Monmore Green.The Heathens have been advised that the venue will only be available for one night of weekly racing next year, which will be for Wolves who will continue on Mondays in the top-flight of British Speedway.A club statement said: “Cradley Heath Speedway acknowledge this is a worrying time for supporters and riders alike and the management will make every effort to make alternative plans for the Heathens to be able to continue racing in 2015.“We would like to assure loyal supporters that this will in no way distract the club from our ongoing work in establishing a permanent home for the club.“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Ladbrokes for hosting the Heathens on a year-to-year basis for the last five seasons along with the Wolverhampton track staff.”
(FIXTURES)
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23:BOB KILBY MEMORIAL: Swindon 7.3016-LAP CLASSIC: Ipswich 7.30
FRIDAY OCTOBER 24:PREMIER LEAGUE GRAND FINAL 1st leg: Somerset v Edinburgh 7.30
SATURDAY OCTOBER 25:PREMIER LEAGUE GRAND FINAL 2nd leg: Edinburgh v Somerset 7pmPREMIER LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS: Workington v Berwick 7pnNATIONAL LEAGUE: Devon v Buxton 7.15
SUNDAY OCTOBER 26:PREMIER LEAGUE: Glasgow v Workington 1pmLEAGUE CUP: Glasgow v Berwick (follows previous fixture)NATIONAL LEAGUE FOURS: Coventry 2.30
