(SPEEDWAY 1)
LAKESIDE have announced the signing of top British youngster Zach Wajtknecht as a club asset.Wajtknecht starred with Birmingham in their National League success last season and will be back for the Brummies this year whilst also making his Premier League debut with Somerset - but he has opted to commit his long-term future to the Hammers after advice from former Lakeside man Paul Hurry.Wajtknecht said: “One of the main reasons I've signed for Lakeside is because I see it as a really good challenge for myself.“I know I need to improve on the smaller tracks more than anything and with Lakeside being so tight and technical, it will mean I'm always pushing myself to be the best that I can be on all levels. “Being a club asset for an Elite League side means I can try and put myself in the shop window and show them I want to ride for them in the future.”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
BERWICK star Thomas Jorgensen is building up to his return to racing after surgery over the winter.Jorgensen underwent a shoulder reconstruction in Denmark early in the close season and he has been spending further rehabilitation time in his home country.He said: “It has been really tough to get it back to strength in such a short period of time.“I had my operation on November 4 so it has really only been four months. I am working hard every day to build it up but I can't over-do it as it can put me back, so I have to follow my physio’s plan.“I am hoping to get on the bike this coming weekend and of course I have been on two wheels - on my mountain bike, which has felt great.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
SOMERSET promoter Debbie Hancock is confident of another successful season at the Oaktree Arena in 2016.The Rebels have won at least one major trophy in each of the last four campaigns, and three members of last year’s side – Josh Grajczonek, Charles Wright and Paul Starke – will be back with the club this season.Somerset have also signed three Premier League newcomers with Bradley Wilson-Dean and Zach Wajtknecht both having starred at National League level last year, whilst Australian rider Jake Allen makes his UK racing debut.Hancock said: “We are all looking forward to the new season. I think we have assembled a team which has the potential to be up there challenging for honours, in keeping with the Somerset sides of recent years.”
(FIXTURES)
WEDNESDAY MARCH 16: ELITE SHIELD 1st leg: Poole v Coventry 7.30
THURSDAY MARCH 17:LEAGUE CUP: Ipswich v Scunthorpe 7.30
FRIDAY MARCH 18:ELITE SHIELD 2nd leg: Coventry v Poole 7.30CHALLENGE: King’s Lynn Select v Wroclaw 7.30, Somerset Select v Swindon Select 7.30SPRING TROPHY INDIVIDUAL: Lakeside 8pmSPRING CLASSIC: Plymouth 7.15
