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SOMERSET have completed the signing of Rohan Tungate who makes the move to the Oaktree Arena after four years with Ipswich.The Australian is one of four new faces for the Rebels, as they have also named former Eastbourne No.1 Bradley Wilson-Dean and Australian newcomer Jake Allen - both for their first Premier League campaigns - as well as Birmingham’s Zach Wajtknecht as their compulsory British reserve.The three riders to return from the 2015 season are captain Josh Grajczonek and British duo Charles Wright and Paul Starke.Rebels boss Garry May said: “As Debbie Hancock said the other week, it is not as straightforward as some people might think in putting together a side - it is not just a case of signing seven riders who fit within the points limit, but it is also about getting the right balance within the team.“In saying that, I believe we have a septet which has the ability to be challenging for silverware, but also one which will prove to be entertaining to watch.”(SPEEDWAY 2)
SHEFFIELD have completed their 2016 team with the signings of Kyle Howarth and Dimitri Berge.Howarth joins from Workington and will add some extra strength at the top end of the Tigers side whilst 19-year-old Berge is a former World 250cc Long Track Champion and had spells with Glasgow and Redcar last year.Sheffield co-promoter Damien Bates said: “Kyle is a rider I have admired for some time now and it’s nice to get the opportunity to work with him at Sheffield. We wanted to bring someone in who can help us away from home and in Kyle we have someone who can push towards the top of the scorecharts, home and away.“Dimitri has good equipment and is very fast on his day, we are sure he can do a good job for the team.”
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WOLVERHAMPTON have confirmed main team sponsors Parrys International will remain with the club in 2016.Dave Parry, a former rider and Wolves manager in the early 80s, has once again pledged his backing through his successful business Parrys International coach tour operators of Cheslyn Hay - but he is also keen to see fortunes improve.He said: “It’s been a terrible couple of years, and we implemented a new scheme to say there was a bonus if they got into the play-offs. A significant part of our sponsorship is dependent on the club making the top four which hasn’t materialised the last few seasons. “We are more concerned next season that the club have to get it right, and we’ve had words with the management to try and see if the club can make it to the play-off stage.”
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DANISH rider Simon Nielsen is making the move to Redcar from the Bears’ local rivals Newcastle.25-year-old Nielsen is to take the No.6 spot at the Media Prime Arena, leaving promoter Brian Havelock with one spot to fill in his team, and 8.40 points remaining.Nielsen said: “I’m looking forward to racing alongside two other Danes. I know Lasse (Bjerre) well as we rode together at Leicester a few years ago and we even shared the same workshop and living facilities in King’s Lynn when I first came over to England in 2011. I know Jonas (B Andersen) more from racing against him than with him.“I nearly came to Redcar last year and have always had a good dialogue with Brian, so when the Newcastle job fell through I contacted him to ask whether we could work something out and luckily we have.”
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BELLE Vue have named local man Matt Williamson as No.1 for their re-entry into the National League in 2016.Williamson is to head up the Colts after spending the last two seasons with Cradley as the Manchester club rejoin the third tier having last raced at that level in 2011.Co-promoter George Carswell said: “We’re delighted to be back in the National League. It’s been five years since we ran alongside the more senior Aces and I feel the team we’re putting together has every chance of being successful.“It’s fantastic for us to be able to welcome Matt Williamson on board as our new No.1. He started his career with the Colts in the Midland Development League and is a very exciting rider to watch. He’s a local lad who’s enthusiastic and very happy to be riding with us, and in this regard we wish to thank Chris Van Straaten for his cooperation in enabling us to bring Matt to Belle Vue in 2016.”
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COVENTRY Storm have confirmed Dan Greenwood will be back to start next season at No.1.Greenwood will be going into his third season at Brandon and has an 8.29 average from a number of high-scoring displays this year including maximums at Buxton and Rye House, although he ended the campaign on the sidelines with injury.Promoter Mick Horton said: “Dan’s a big rider for the Storm, a lot of expectations are with him and he expects to do well himself.“He’s a quality rider at this level with real ambitions to progress his career further in the Premier League, and we’re very pleased to have him back. Dan will be heading up a top three which I feel is going to be as good as anyone else’s in the National League, and hopefully we’ll be able to secure some silverware.”
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BUXTON have announced the return of Steve Jones to Hi-Edge for the 2016 campaign. The Edinburgh based rider joins Ollie Greenwood and Ryan Blacklock as confirmed starters for the Hitmen as they look to improve on their eighth place finish in the 2015 National League.Jones commented: “I didn't want to be anywhere else other than Buxton. It's great to have another year working with Jason (Pipe - team manager) who's always got the best out of me, maybe it's with us both being from the North East of England! “I’ve seen the team Jason has put together for next season and it's one that excites me and I feel everyone in that team can put something on their starting averages.”Meanwhile, Buxton asset Tom Woolley won't be included in the starting septet as he is having shoulder surgery later this month.
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THE Isle of Wight have named George Piper as their No.8 as the 24-year-old makes a return to speedway.Piper previously rode speedway from an early age before switching to motocross, and has decided to revert to shale racing and will now enjoy plenty of track time with the Warriors and the opportunity to be part of the team.Commercial Director Barry Bishop said: “Martin (Widman) and I are delighted to have George in the team. The number 8 jacket is an important position at the Warriors as we look to develop our riders from No.1 to No.8 to reach their potential. “George has a great support network around him and he is very keen to make an impression. I am sure we will see George making swift progress around Smallbrook and he is a great addition to the squad.”
