(SPEEDWAY 1)
SWINDON star Nick Morris has his eyes firmly set on a maiden Australian Championship success as he prepares for the final two rounds of the series. Morris reignited his title dreams as he stormed to an impressive win in round two of the competition in Undera on Wednesday, leaving him just three points behind leader Sam Masters at the halfway stage of the competition.He said: "Things went really well in Undera and to win the meeting was a massive shot in the arm for my title chances.“Winning the Championships would be so sweet but I want one of those Grand Prix qualifying spots and to really push on in 2016.“I had a few issues in the opening round but I'm now looking forward to the final two rounds the weekend full of hope and a feeling that I can do something."
(SPEEDWAY 2)
SHEFFIELD have been given a boost with an extension of their team sponsorship deal with their longest-running backers Sheffield Window Centre.Ian Hunter and his colleageus first added their name to the team branding in 2007, and club officials are currently working on a special commemorative design to celebrate the decade of support which will appear on the new race jackets.Co-promoter Damien Bates said: "Ian has been a great supporter of Sheffield Speedway and, apart from sponsoring the team, we also value his input.“To have a sponsor for ten years is a key part of all that we do, it gives us a big element of stability especially when we are trying to develop a title-winning team here.“Ian never courts publicity but he’s always around to help out the riders and he’s been such an important part of this club for a long time."
(SPEEDWAY 3)
BUXTON have continued their team building with the signing of speedway newcomer Ryan Burton.The 22-year-old has previous motorcycle experience in trials, motocross and Enduro, and has impressed in training schools having taken up speedway as recently as November 2015.Hitmen boss Jason Pipe said: "I'm really pleased that we are able to give a debut to riders like Ryan and from what I've seen from him so far, I'm excited at the prospect of what he may be able to achieve in the sport. "I'd like to thank Andy Meredith and Steve Wignall for what they have done for Ryan so far and will be doing in the future for him. #"I've spent some time with Ryan away from the track recently on two separate occasions, and he seems the type of lad who will fit in well with our good team spirit at Buxton next season and he really does have his head screwed on. His keenness to learn and listen to people has impressed me, and he will also have some good equipment."
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COVENTRY have named Martin Knuckey as captain of their National League team for the coming campaign.Knuckey is the longest-serving rider in the Storm line-up, having been with the club since they entered the third tier in 2013, and he ended last season as skipper after Luke Crang retired and Dan Greenwood was injured.Knuckey said: "I was so pleased when I was asked to carry on leading the side. It's a big responsibility and one I relished last season when I was given the job.“We have a young side again but one that is full of potential and I believe if we can get going early on in the season we can go places this season.“It promises to be another exciting season for all of us and I'm confident we can all get on and produce some big results.”
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KENT have had second thoughts over the signing of 17-year-old grasstrack rider Connor Locke.The Kings had named Locke as a squad member for 2016 but have now released him from any contractual commitment.Kent co-promoter Len Silver said: "It was impossible for the club to deliver the full team place which Connor and his family were seeking and rather than have disharmony, it was felt that it was better in the long term for there to be a parting of the ways. "Of course the club wish Connor all the very best for what could be a very bright future in the sport."
