BIG EVENT LATEST…

WOLVERHAMPTON reserve Lewis Blackbird is relishing the chance to compete in the British Final on his home circuit next month.Blackbird was one of seven qualifiers from the first semi-final at Sheffield, scoring 10 points in the Owlerton event as he recovered well from a last place in his second outing.He rode in the Final last season, scoring four points, and is confident that he can improve upon that in 2015 after a good recent run with Wolves and in the Premier League with Peterborough.Blackbird said: “It was a good night for me at Sheffield on a track where I’ve done well in the past, and I’m just really looking forward to the Final now.“It’s going to be tough of course, but the experience I had riding in it last year should help me and now I’m at Wolves I should have a bit of home track advantage as well.“I feel like I’ve turned a bit of a corner the last couple of weeks, I’ve been feeling much better on the bike again and had some really good meetings.“My confidence is coming back now, I’m feeling good about things so I hope I can keep this going until the British Final.“Anything can happen on the night, so I just hope I can make some good starts and put in a good performance. It will be great to ride in such a big meeting at my home track in front of the Wolves fans, so I can’t wait.”Blackbird will be joined in the Final by fellow qualifiers Chris Harris, Ben Barker, Andre Compton, Edward Kennett, Josh Auty (subject to fitness) and Richard Lawson, whilst the remaining seven automatic places were to be decided at King’s Lynn on Wednesday May 20. Two Wild Card entries then complete the line-up.*KYLE Bickley has retained his World 125cc title after scoring a 15-point maximum at Czech Republic venue Plezn.GB Youth boss Neil Vatcher said: “This is a great achievement for the 13-year-old from Cumbria, up against the best riders in Europe in this class, not only from the home nation but also Poland and Scandinavia, and also racing against boys older and more experienced than him.“The Young Lions Management would like to send their congratulations to Kyle and the Bickley family for all their hard work and commitment in retaining their World Title.“We look forward to welcoming Kyle back to the British Youth Championship at the third round at Leicester on Sunday June 7, where he is bound to receive a great reception.”

BRITISH SPEEDWAY MAJOR EVENTS 2015:ELITE LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: JASON DOYLEBRITISH UNDER-21 FINAL: KYLE HOWARTHBRITISH FINAL: Wolverhampton, Monday June 15PREMIER LEAGUE PAIRS: Somerset, Friday July 3PREMIER LEAGUE FOURS: Peterborough, Sunday August 2PREMIER LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Sheffield, Sunday September 6

BRITISH SEMI-FINAL: King’s Lynn, Wednesday May 20

NATIONAL LEAGUE FOURS: Coventry, Sunday June 14NATIONAL LEAGUE PAIRS: King’s Lynn, Saturday September 5NATIONAL LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Rye House, Saturday September 26

ELITE LEAGUE LATEST…

BELLE VUE reserve Stefan Nielsen has vowed to work even harder for his points after scoring three at home in the Aces’ last outing against Swindon.Nielsen said: “Honestly, I can’t give you any explanation for it. In the early season I was struggling with my set-ups but that’s no excuse right now and I know I’m going need to really get my act together.“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel like I’m riding better, though. I feel quick and strong, and it’s just frustrating that my points don’t reflect how much work I've been putting in to improve. It’s a work in progress though and having guys like Mark Lemon and Scott Nicholls, and even Chris Morton, helping me and giving me advice is, without a doubt, absolutely tremendous!”COVENTRY boss Gary Havelock is hoping his table-topping side can regain momentum quickly when they return to action next week having not raced since their win at Leicester on May 9.Havelock said: “It’s never great to have a two-week gap in the middle of racing, because you get into a rhythm of getting to the track, riding, then maybe a day or two off, then riding again.“But the good thing is that Hans (Andersen), Bomber (Chris Harris) and Joonas (Kylmakorpi) have been riding abroad, and the other boys are all in the Premier League. As long as they get the odd meeting in to keep them ticking along, we should be alright.”KING’S LYNN notched their second successive away win by taking a four-point haul from a 50-40 victory at Wolverhampton on Monday.The result took the Stars clear in second position in the Elite League table, five points behind leaders Coventry who they visit on Bank Holiday Monday, and five points clear of third-placed Poole.LAKESIDE promoter Jon Cook accepts that current form is a major concern for the Hammers, who have been beaten on their last three outings at Purfleet.Writing in the programme, Cook said: “In short, the play-offs are a world away at present. We must first win a speedway meeting here at the Raceway, then start our season again with fit Nos. 1 and 6 and hope to score away wins, and at the very least get off the bottom of the form guide league.“The boys are trying to get the results but if we are not good enough to be in the top four then we’ll have to look at that. This is not what we planned.”LEICESTER have handed Lewis Bridger a route back into British Speedway after confirming he has joined the club in place of Mikkel Michelsen.Lions boss Norrie Allan said: “On his day Lewis is one of the most talented British riders and we have worked out a deal to make it possible for him to race in the Elite League again. “As Lewis is starting the season two months after everyone else we offered him practice facilities at Leicester which he has taken up in order for him to get himself back into the swing of racing again.”POOLE promoter Matt Ford expects to see skipper Maciej Janowski back in the side for the Pirates’ busy Bank Holiday schedule, with the Pole having been troubled by a knee injury of late.Ford said: “Last season he was an almost ever present for us and this year he has been sidelined almost as much as he has ridden for us and he told me that in itself  hurts his pride a great deal.“Magic is hoping that a further week of physio and rest will bring the recovery on and he is determined to be fit to resume for our heavy schedule of three matches commencing Monday week when we visit Leicester on Bank Holiday Monday, return to racing at Wimborne Road on the Wednesday and then visit King's Lynn on the Thursday, all of which will be on bigger circuits and less of a strain on the knee which is his biggest concern at the moment.”SWINDON manager Alun Rossiter says he takes encouragement from the Robins’ strong run of results at home after being put under early pressure this season due to injuries.Rossiter said: “The positive is that despite that bad luck, we are still winning at home, and it’s vitally important that we continue to do that over the remainder of the season. “We did well at home against the likes of Belle Vue and King’s Lynn, who are strong sides, so I have to be happy with our home form and most of the boys are showing up well on a consistent basis.”WOLVERHAMPTON skipper Peter Karlsson admitted the change in track conditions after heavy rain at start-time was a contributory factor in the loss of their unbeaten home record to King’s Lynn on Monday.Karlsson said: “The track conditions caught us out really. We’ve had a really nice run at home, but the rain we had really levelled the playing field big time and probably benefitted the away team more than us unfortunately.“Fair play to King’s Lynn, they rode very well and deserved the win but I’m sure with normal conditions we would have done much better.”

PREMIER LEAGUE LATEST…BERWICK made it two home wins on the trot with a 55-37 victory over Newcastle on Saturday.Co-promoter Dennis McCleary said: “It’s amazing how a good win like that puts so many smiles back on so many faces.“The feel-good factor definitely came back and we only hope we can keep a hold of it for a good length of time.”EDINBURGH maintained their unbeaten start to their 2015 Premier League campaign with a 48-42 away win at Newcastle on Sunday.Monarchs promoter John Campbell told the Edinburgh News: “We have so many riders who can score points and that is a big advantage to have when the scores are close.“I think because of our top end strength we were always going to come through; I’m very pleased with the result.”GLASGOW were delighted with their televised 53-40 victory over Sheffield last Tuesday.Tigers captain Aaron Summers said: “It was great to see such a big crowd there; there was plenty of support and it always urges us boys to go even harder when people are behind us.“They’re (the club owners Michael and Gerry Facenna) putting a lot of work in and long days so it’s great to see such a good night like that for them.”IPSWICH face a big week of cup action with two meetings in two days in two different competitions.The Witches need to overturn a four point deficit at Foxhall against Berwick on Thursday in the Knockout Cup before travelling to Plymouth on Friday needing a minimum of three points to ensure qualification in the League cup.Team Manager Phil Hilton said: “After a week of two frustrating rain-offs, I’m looking forward to seeing the boys ride two important cup matches this week; I feel it is about time for the boys to start firing on all cylinders!”NEWCASTLE team manager George English felt a refereeing decision played a big part in their 48-42 home defeat against Edinburgh on Sunday.Said English: “(Ludvig) Lindgren was very unlucky to be excluded in heat eleven which was the defining moment of the meeting.“I’m disappointed to lose the match but we were struggling with a weakened team.”PETERBOROUGH continued their unbeaten start to the 2015 Premier League with an impressive 45-45 draw away at Sheffield on Thursday.Team boss Carl Johnson said: “We were unlucky not to come away with another victory in all truth, but we are three points clear at the top of the table with three meetings in hand on our closest challengers; it’s difficult to be disappointed in a position like that.“It was a very good meeting and we are very pleased to keep our unbeaten run going.” PLYMOUTH co-promoter Ashley Taylor says he is seeking revenge from last season when his side host Ipswich in the League Cup on Friday.He said: “The fate of Ipswich and Rye House is in our hands- we remember last season’s KO Cup outcome and this gives a chance to redress the balance by returning the compliment.“Ipswich may be bottom of the Premier League, but it is still early in the season and we know that Ipswich are a better side than their league position would indicate.”REDCAR promoter Brian Havelock issued a public apology following Thursday night’s abandonment against Workington.He said: “I feel for all the fans, especially for those who travelled over from Workington; I can assure them that it was a freak occurrence and no-one regrets that it happened more than me.“Believe me, I’m as angry as most of the fans that it was called off because it will cost us the thick end of £3,000 to call it off.”RYE HOUSE put in a dominant performance to beat Workington 60-30 on Saturday and 99-81 on aggregate to progress through to the quarter-finals of the Knockout Cup.Captain Edward Kennett said: “It was a great all-round performance by the boys; they all worked hard which also made my job a lot easier.“The most important thing is that we are through to the next round and we’re looking forward to that already.”SCUNTHORPE have signed Ben Wilson in time for their next home meeting on Bank Holiday Monday – a match where Ryan Douglas will also make his first appearance of the season for the Scorpions.Promoter Rob Godfrey said: “With the Lunnatic (Nike Lunna) and Ben Wilson at reserve we should have the best reserves in the league whilst Ryan Douglas is a rider who can challenge for the number one slot.“We will have a solid seven riders and we have to remind ourselves that that is how we won the league previously.”SHEFFIELD boss Damien Bates has spoken of his sadness for Ty Proctor after he was told the rider could no longer compete in the UK this season.Bates told The Star: “The sad part about it all is that he has done a good job for the team; he’s had his injury problems, but this season he has been in the points and doing a great job.“There is nothing we can do about it now and the lad is now back home in Australia with his career in tatters.”SOMERSET boss Garry May is warning his side against any complacency when they host Scunthorpe this Friday.Said May: “Scunthorpe might come to the Oaktree Arena languishing in the lower reaches of the Premier League table, but as was the case with Berwick last week, they have riders in their ranks who have shown a liking for riding here.“The Somerset boys are all riding well and I would hope that we will have too much in the locker for Scunthorpe to deal with.”WORKINGTON host Berwick at Derwent Park next Monday in a meeting which will see their newest team member go head-to-head with his former club.Team Manager Tony Jackson said: “Matthew Wethers got his visa issues resolved last week and was cleared to race once more and with Rusty Harrison on the injured list, it was an opportune moment to bring him into the side.“Matty spent the past two seasons with the Bandits so having been thrown in at the deep end with two matches in two days he now finds himself up against his previous club.”

CITY GEARBOXES NATIONAL LEAGUE LATEST…

BIRMINGHAM boss Graham Drury is anticipating a blockbuster Knockout Cup clash as they welcome high-flying Eastbourne to Perry Barr on Wednesday.Drury said: “Eastbourne have made a fantastic start and like ourselves, they’ve settled into life in the third tier really quickly.“We need every single one of our riders to have their gating boots on and be on top speed next Wednesday to give us the best possible chance of winning on aggregate.” BUXTON star Liam Carr has spoken of his delight at returning to the Hitmen following his lengthy injury lay-off.Carr, who suffered a serious knee injury guesting at Sheffield last year, has been handed a return to the Hi-Edge Raceway as part of a team reshuffle.He said: “I don’t have to say how much it means to me to be back with Buxton, you’ll all realise how much it means after my first heat!” COVENTRY Storm have swooped to bring 15 year old Jamie Halder into their side – and boss Laurence Rogers believes he is an excellent addition.Said Rogers: “I’ve watched Jamie with great interest coming through the 125cc class and up to 500cc, we’ve used him in the Midland Development League and I went to Scunthorpe for the British Youth Championship specifically to watch him.“He’s only been riding at 500cc level this year but I was very impressed with him. We had a long talk and the outcome is he is now a Storm rider. He’s definitely a talent, and I know there have been other clubs after him.” CRADLEY skipper Max Clegg was thrilled to see his side see off Stoke at Loomer Road on Saturday to get their Knockout Cup campaign off to a perfect start.Clegg commented: “It was a great effort by all the boys and we could have won by more but for a couple of silly falls. It was a good all-around team performance so we are really pleased.“Matt Williamson is really starting to relish his role as a heat-leader and he scored some big points for us in the absence of Nathan (Greaves).“It was good to see Ellis (Perks) back amongst the points, and hopefully we can finish the job when we entertain Stoke in the second leg next Wednesday.” EASTBOURNE have been dealt a blow with Richard Andrews suffering a suspected broken thumb in their narrow defeat at Mildenhall on Sunday.And Chairman Martin Dugard believes they may have snatched victory over the Fen Tigers had they not lost the in-form Andrews in the opening race.Said Dugard: “It was a great effort from the team. I think the result might well have been different had Richie not been injured.“That’s speedway and we will wait and see if the initial diagnosis is confirmed.” KENT youngster James Shanes enjoyed the experience of his first ever senior World Longtrack Championship meeting last weekend.Shanes, who has enjoyed a spectacular start to the campaign for the Kings, said: “I really enjoyed the challenge and am pleased with how I was able to adapt to the speed and the 1000 metres track size.“I enjoyed being out shoulder to shoulder with top riders like Martin Smolinski and Diener and I am chuffed I out-gated Smolinski twice!” KING’S LYNN experienced an up and down few days with one win and one defeat last week.Having stormed to a convincing 56-35 home win over Stoke on Friday night, they were well beaten by Rye House on a tough evening at Hoddesdon.The Young Stars will be back in action looking to build on plenty of encouraging signs as they travel to Kent next Monday. MILDENHALL promoter Kevin Jolly is delighted to have added Stefan Farnaby to their side as a replacement for Liam Rumsey at reserve.Jolly said: “It has been a long and difficult process to find a seventh rider, there simply isn’t that many three pointers available at present.“We have settled on Stefan and will look to work with him to get his career going forward. We don’t expect miracles from him, but feel with the support and guidance we can give him he is more than capable of picking up some valuable points for us at the bottom of the order.”RYE HOUSE chief Andrew Silver was delighted to see his side romp to a comprehensive 54-38 win over King’s Lynn at Hoddesdon on Saturday.He said: “It’s amazing how good a few league points makes you feel. This is how I imagined it when I was building this team over the winter.“There was a bit of everything from the team and, as the season picks up pace, it was a strong result to show the rest of the league what the Raiders are all about.” STOKE boss Malcolm Vasey was keen to be upbeat despite his side suffering a 43-35 home defeat in the first leg of their Knockout Cup tie with Cradley on Saturday.Said Vasey: “I’m not making any excuses, I thought they were a very good side although I thought we raced quite well against them.“I’m optimistic that once we get these two Cradley meetings out of the way and we start racing against teams of similar strength to ourselves we will be a lot better.”

FIXTURE PICTURE…

WEDNESDAY MAY 20:BRITISH SEMI-FINAL: King’s Lynn 7.30NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP Q/F 1st leg: Birmingham v Eastbourne 7.30

THURSDAY MAY 21:ELITE LEAGUE: Swindon v Leicester 7.30TRAVEL PLUS TOURS KO CUP 1st round 2nd leg: Ipswich v Berwick 7.30; 1st leg: Sheffield v Edinburgh 7.30

FRIDAY MAY 22:PREMIER LEAGUE: Somerset v Scunthorpe 7.30TRAVEL PLUS TOURS KO CUP 1st round 2nd leg: Edinburgh v Sheffield 7.30LEAGUE CUP: Plymouth v Ipswich 7.15

SATURDAY MAY 23:PREMIER LEAGUE: Berwick v Redcar 7pmCITY GEARBOXES NATIONAL LEAGUE: Rye House v Coventry 7pm

SUNDAY MAY 24:PREMIER LEAGUE: Glasgow v Newcastle 3pmCITY GEARBOXES NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Mildenhall 3pm, Eastbourne v Cradley 3.30

MONDAY MAY 25:ELITE LEAGUE: Coventry v King’s Lynn 7.30, Leicester v Poole 7.30, Wolverhampton v Lakeside 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE: Newcastle v Glasgow 6.30, Rye House v Redcar 2pm, Scunthorpe v Somerset 3pmTRAVEL PLUS TOURS KO CUP 1st round 1st leg: Peterborough v Plymouth 2pmLEAGUE CUP: Workington v Berwick 3pmCITY GEARBOXES NATIONAL LEAGUE: Kent v King’s Lynn 3pm

TUESDAY MAY 26:ELITE LEAGUE: Swindon v Coventry 7.30

WEDNESDAY MAY 27:ELITE LEAGUE: Poole v Leicester 7.30NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP Q/F 2nd leg: Cradley v Stoke 7.30

THURSDAY MAY 28:ELITE LEAGUE: King’s Lynn v Poole 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE: Redcar v Ipswich 7.30

FRIDAY MAY 29:ELITE LEAGUE: Lakeside v Belle Vue 8pmPREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Workington 7.30, Peterborough v Berwick 7.30, Somerset v Newcastle 7.30CITY GEARBOXES NATIONAL LEAGUE: Coventry v Mildenhall 7.30

SATURDAY MAY 30:ELITE LEAGUE: Leicester v Wolverhampton 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE: Ipswich v Redcar 7.30, Plymouth v Scunthorpe 7.15CITY GEARBOXES NATIONAL LEAGUE: Stoke v Rye House 7pm

SUNDAY MAY 31:PREMIER LEAGUE: Rye House v Berwick 5pmCITY GEARBOXES NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Cradley 3pmNATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP Q/F 2nd leg: Eastbourne v Birmingham 3.30

MONDAY JUNE 1:ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Lakeside 7.30, Coventry v Poole 7.30, Wolverhampton v Swindon 7.30CITY GEARBOXES NATIONAL LEAGUE: Kent v Birmingham 6.30

WEDNESDAY JUNE 3:ELITE LEAGUE: Poole v King’s Lynn 7.30CITY GEARBOXES NATIONAL LEAGUE: Birmingham v Buxton 7.30, King’s Lynn v Coventry 7.30