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BELLE Vue captain Scott Nicholls has declared himself available for selection for the Great Britain squad this season.The seven-times British Champion has been absent from the national side for the last three years, but after positive talks with manager Alun Rossiter and members of the sport’s top brass he is now back in contention.Great Britain have been seeded direct to the 2016 World Cup Final, which takes place on July 30 at Nicholls’ home track of the new National Speedway Stadium in Manchester.Nicholls said: “It’s no secret that in the past I was a little disillusioned with the way things were going, and my own personal issues were well documented at the time.“It’s not that I didn’t want to ride for Great Britain, and I guess it was a slightly political stance, but I didn’t agree with the way things were being done.“I feel that having Buster (Chapman) in charge as BSPA chairman is a very constructive move. He’s a very strong character and also a stubborn person – but he will listen, and I truly believe he’s got the interests of the sport at heart.“I’m also pleased to see Colin Pratt back more involved again on the Management Committee. I’ve always got on very well with Colin and have a lot of respect for him, and it’s those things which have made the decision easier.“For me it’s not just about trying to achieve a gold medal right now, although that would be lovely to do, and this season is our best chance for a number of years – we know how good we are on home soil, even though it’s a brand-new track which might take away some of the advantage.“But it’s also about the future. I’m pleased with what they’re trying to do and the people who they have on board, and I feel the future looks much more positive.“I’ve always said I’d like to offer my services with any help if they felt it would be of any benefit, I would like to help the younger lads come through and really put British Speedway back on the map where it should be.“It’s fantastic that we have a British World Champion, but other than that we haven’t really delivered what we did back in the 1980s, so it would be nice to try to get that interest and success back.“I’ve had a good chat with Rosco and I’m not taking it as a given that I’m just going to be picked for the World Cup Final, because that will be a case of who’s performing at the time.“I’m confident that I will be doing a good enough job to be in there, but if I’m not then I’ll be wishing all the boys success and be cheering them on to win.”Rossiter added: “What’s happened in the past really doesn’t interest me too much – my priority is to have the strongest-possible squad to choose from for the World Cup Final, which is a massive event for us.“Clearly having Scott in the frame gives us another quality option, and there won’t be anyone else with more experience of the new circuit by the time the meeting comes around.“Scott knows this isn’t a guarantee of selection for the team – we’re a long way away from the event, and I’ll be monitoring everyone’s form closely before making that decision.“But it’s definitely a boost for us and it will also keep all of the other boys on their toes with some good competition for places.”
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THE National League Riders’ Championship will continue to enjoy headline sponsorship from Peter Sampson, CEO of Paradise Wildlife Park.The meeting is moving to a new venue of Leicester on September 17, but Sampson will still back the event in an arrangement dating back to its recent stagings at Rye House.He said: “I am delighted to be involved with this championship which supports the very worthwhile National League. The British riders produced are so important to the whole sport at every level, so I feel that Paradise Wildlife Park have an input that helps everyone when sponsoring the NLRC.”NL co-ordinator Peter Morrish added: “Paradise Wildlife Park have been with us now for several years and their input is so important to our success. My thanks go to Peter Sampson, not only for his actual sponsorship, but for his enthusiasm for the National League as a whole.”
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LEWIS Bridger can’t wait to get racing again after joining Lakeside.Bridger, the former Great Britain World Cup rider, has ended his exile from the sport to link up with the Hammers.He said: “After having some time out it’s great to be coming back at a track I already know my way round and where I feel confident.“I know how to win races around Lakeside, I’ve had some great times there and with the backing of Revolution Speedway and everyone at the club I don’t see any reason why I can’t have lots more great times ahead.“I’m feeling really good about my decision and about the season ahead. I’m just looking forward to getting started and getting back into the swing of things.”
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EDINBURGH have announced the appointment of Norma and Eddie McKenna of team sponsors Border Roofing to the Monarchs’ Board of Directors.They are long-time speedway fans and have taken a more active role in the club in the last year, with Norma now set to be involved in marketing activities.Club chairman Alex Harkess said: “It’s barely a year since Eddie and Norma first approached us about becoming club sponsors and we were very grateful for their financial support at the time. As time has gone on they have become much more than sponsors, enthusiastically offering support in other ways to the club.“It became obvious to us that we had to find a way to channel their enthusiasm in the right directions and there’s no better way of doing that than making them directors. “We all feel they have much to offer the club. We have also been saying for some time now that we want to reduce the average age of the Board and this is a step in the right direction.”
