Wednesday December 2, 2015
The National League AGM takes place today. A full statement on the third-tier arrangements for 2016 will be issued upon completion.
(SPEEDWAY 1)
SWINDON owner Terry Russell has revealed how the Robins are likely to race the first half of their home league fixtures on the current Abbey Stadium track – as construction work is being completed on their new venue next door.Delays to the start of stadium work have caused concern and rumour within speedway racing circles.Russell said: “We have always had an agreement in place with our landlords, Stadia UK that the current Abbey Stadium facility would remain operational until the new Stadium is ready.“The delays during the last three months have been caused by the need to install acoustic barriers, but I am pleased to report we are almost there with this and am reassured by Stadia UK that our fans will be able to see the new Stadium well on the way, when we host our first meeting at the Abbey next season.“We are planning to race the first half of our home league fixtures on the current Abbey track and to move across to the new Stadium mid-season.”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
BELLE Vue have completed their team for 2016 with the signings of Scott Nicholls, Max Fricke and Steve Boxall.Nicholls and Fricke were both part of the side which reached the Elite League Grand Final last season, whilst Boxall fills the Aces’ second reserve position having last ridden for the club in 2009.Co-promoter Chris Morton said: “Steve has some great experience. The No.7 position is tough but if he takes full advantage of this opportunity, which we’re sure he will, then it’s a great chance for him to prove himself.“It’s a pleasure to welcome Scott back to Belle Vue. He finished the 2015 campaign on brilliant form and I'm sure, like us, he’s very much looking forward to picking up where he left off.“Max has spent the last year discovering himself in the role of a top flight rider. He increased his average and on many occasions showed impressive shades of brilliance for a young rider.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
TEENAGE sensation Robert Lambert has been named as the first member of King’s Lynn’s top five for 2016. Stars owner Buster Chapman admits he's delighted to have Lambert, who starred for Great Britain in his debut World Cup campaign last year, back on board at the Adrian Flux Arena.Said Chapman: “He ended last season as our second highest averaged rider behind Niels (Iversen) and I am sure he will continue to progress even further next year.“There is no doubt that Robert has what it takes to be a top rider in the sport and we are delighted he is coming back to ride for us. He is an entertainer and that’s what the supporters love to see every week.”
(SPEEDWAY 4)
SIMON Lambert has clinched a new deal at Peterborough with a challenge from promoter Ged Rathbone ringing in his ears.Lambert pushed his starting average of 3.73 up to 5.19 last season with a series of high-scoring displays at reserve - and Rathbone now wants the 26-year-old to perform well enough to ensure he doesn’t drop back out of the Panthers’ top five.Rathbone said: “How could we possibly ignore Simon after he had the best season of his career in Peterborough colours? He was absolutely fantastic last year when only a serious injury prevented him being even more successful.“Rather than worrying about returning to reserve, I want him to continue to push on and challenge to become a heat leader. There is no doubt in my mind he can do that if he can make his scoring that little bit more consistent by cutting out the last places.”
(SPEEDWAY 5)
IPSWICH have named former Witches rider Ritchie Hawkins as their new team manager.Hawkins raced for the club as recently as last season, when he lost his place midway through the campaign, but he has now been recruited to take charge by Director of Speedway Chris Louis.Said Louis: “Having discussed the position with a couple of people close to the club I decided to ask Ritchie to consider the role and frankly wasn’t at all sure what his view would be. I was delighted when his reaction was favourable and after a couple of days to consider his position, he accepted. “In fact, not only did he accept but he couldn’t hide his excitement and enthusiasm for the job. I know only too well just how tough the transition can be from racer to manager but Ritchie has all the credentials to do a great job.”
(SPEEDWAY 6)
FORMER National League Riders’ Champion Danny Halsey will return for a sixth season with Mildenhall next year.Halsey, who had been linked with a move elsewhere, was a member of the Fen Tigers’ 2012 Grand Slam side and also has won the KO Cup in 2011 and the National Trophy in 2014 with the club, and is a master of the West Row circuit.Promoter Kevin Jolly said: “Whilst one or two people may be surprised to see Dan back, I have no doubt that he remains one of the National League’s top riders and he is a most capable number one. “Few ride our circuit better than Dan and he will I feel add to his average this season with the strong support that Jon (Armstrong) and the Connors (Mountain and Coles) will provide. They are a powerful unit and I will be looking for us to be unbeaten at home this coming season.”
