MAJOR EVENTS LATEST…

JOSH Bates has spoken of his joy at clinching a second British Under-21 title on his home Premier League track of Sheffield.Bates fought his way through the semi-final after a fall in his final programmed outing, and then got the better of the previously unbeaten Robert Lambert – who finished runner-up for the second season running – in the Final.Adam Ellis completed the rostrum positions, with 15-year-old sensation Jack Parkinson-Blackburn in a remarkable fourth place.Bates said: “I felt like crying when I won the Final because this means so much to me.“When I won it in 2014, nobody expected anything from me and that was the start of something special for me. This time around, I was on my home track and I always wanted to make the most of that fact.“I'd got a lot of people who'd come to watch me race and a lot of supporters were behind me too. It's another huge moment in my career and it's great to win it for a second time.“I wasn’t over-confident before the Final but I knew I had to hold it flat-out round the fence and see what happened. I did it, and I smoked it. I worked hard for it, and I’m very happy.”Bates, Lambert, Ellis and Max Clegg now progress to the World Under-21 semi-finals – with Lambert and Clegg racing at Belle Vue on May 21, where track reserve positions have been allocated to Nathan Greaves and Jack Smith.GB Youth boss Neil Vatcher said: “The success of many young riders progressing to a higher level surely can not be too far away, based on the evidence of the British Under-21 Final. “Looking down the list there are many success stories, and the excitement of seeing riders like Jack Smith and especially 15-year-old Jack Parkinson-Blackburn competing against the likes of Josh Bates, Robert Lambert and Adam Ellis really does get the adrenalin flowing.“With only four guaranteed places to make the World Under-21 Finals, none of these semis will be easy - in fact, every race will be massive. “But I really have every confidence that after having Stefan Nielsen representing Great Britain at the World Finals last year, we will again have a representative this year, and all being well maybe more than one.”Any companies or supporters who are interested in buying a tyre for the semi-finals or helping towards a cost of a GB race-suit for the forthcoming World Under-21 Team Cup semi in Denmark are asked to contact Neil Vatcher by email at younglionsspeedway@hotmail.co.uk .

BRITISH SPEEDWAY MAJOR EVENTS 2016BRITISH UNDER-21 FINAL: JOSH BATESBRITISH FINAL: Belle Vue, June 13PREMIER LEAGUE PAIRS: Somerset, July 8PREMIER LEAGUE FOURS WEEKEND: Peterborough, July 23/24PREMIER LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Sheffield, September 11ELITE LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Coventry, Date TBC

NATIONAL LEAGUE MAJOR EVENTS 2016NATIONAL LEAGUE FOURS: Coventry, August 14NATIONAL LEAGUE PAIRS: King’s Lynn, August 27NATIONAL LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Leicester, September 17

BRITISH SPEEDWAY FIM EVENTS 2016:WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER: King’s Lynn, May 7WORLD UNDER-21 QUALIFIER: Belle Vue, May 21WORLD UNDER-21 FINAL Round 1: King’s Lynn, June 18

ELITE LEAGUE LATEST…

BELLE VUE CEO David Gordon admits the current track repairs at the National Speedway Stadium simply have to be carried out correctly, whatever the timescale.Gordon told Speedway Star: “What we’re not going to do is rush this. We’ve taken some severe hits while all of this has been going on. We missed the Grand Opening, we missed Good Friday and also then Easter Monday, plus other key fixtures.“But in order to ensure we don’t miss any more meetings, we know this has to be right and all we need is a safe and complete race track.”COVENTRY will be without Polish youngster Kacper Woryna for this week’s matches against Poole due to the serious hand lacerations he suffered at King’s Lynn last Wednesday.Promoter Mick Horton said: “The current position is we’re waiting for the latest assessment on Kacper’s injury. So far he’s had three operations, but we don’t know exactly how long he’ll be out for.“We’re not going to be able to do anything until May 1, that’s just pointless anyway, and by then we’ll have a better idea on Kacper.”KING’S LYNN captain Rory Schlein faces further hospital checks this week to assess the severity of the shoulder injury he picked up in the Heat 14 crash during last Wednesday’s narrow win over Coventry.Boss Rob Lyon said: “Rory has to go back to hospital once the swelling has gone down, and we should get a clearer idea of the prognosis after that visit.“The whole night was marred by that crash, and the injury to two riders. We did manage to scrape a result, although it did get too close for comfort.”LAKESIDE coach Kelvin Tatum admitted he was disappointed to come away from Wolverhampton on Monday with no league points after conceding three 5-1s in the final three races.Tatum said: “We gave ourselves a lifeline by staying resilient mid-meeting and the 5-1 in heat 12 really gave us some optimism.“Unfortunately we threw it away thereafter and while I can't fault any of the team's efforts, I am a little bit disappointed with the end result. I think it was a little bit harsh on us in the end but full credit to Wolverhampton for carrying on their own super start to the season.”LEICESTER put an Elite League win on the board at the fifth attempt with last Wednesday’s televised victory over Swindon at Beaumont Park. Boss Norrie Allan said: “It was a relief to finally get a win under our belts. For once we were not in chase mode and made a dream start to lead by ten points after five heats. “That made all the difference and our confidence and belief grew as the meeting progressed. The secret is now to build from here and to replicate the determination and application we showed against Swindon.”POOLE will be without No.1 Chris Holder when they visit Coventry on Friday as he is required to race in Poland.Promoter Matt Ford said: “We will miss out on Chris's services on Friday because of a fixture clash with his Polish side Torun. “They have 'grandfather' rights over his availability on this occasion because of his unbroken service with them whereas he missed the very early part of our 2014 campaign. I made several attempts to have our fixture changed but it wasn't to be.”SWINDON boss Alun Rossiter says his side must make better starts to meetings after finding themselves playing catch-up in their recent matches.Rossiter said: “Our problem has been obvious so far this season – we’ve got to start doing it from the beginning and not leave ourselves with mountains to climb all the time. “We did it at home to Wolves and at Leicester as well, and the boys really have to get stuck in from the off, certainly on Thursday because Belle Vue have got class riders and I’d say this will be the hardest match at home this season.”WOLVERHAMPTON made it three wins out of three at the start of the Elite League season with a 54-38 victory over leaders Lakeside at Momore on Monday.Promoter Chris Van Straaten said: “Things got a little bit nervy mid-meeting as they clawed it back to four-points but a super strong start and finish saw us over the line."We showed once again we have plenty of strength in depth and our riders deserved that result in the end. It's really pleasing to have made the start that we have. Our early performances suggest we have built the team the right way and long may it continue.”

PREMIER LEAGUE LATEST…

BERWICK team manager Scott Courtney says he couldn’t fault his side’s efforts despite falling to back-to-back defeats at the Weekend.The Bandits lost 48-42 at home to Edinburgh before letting an eight-point lead slip at Glasgow as they went down 49-41.Said Courtney: “I’m 100 per cent proud of the boys and to say I’m heartbroken to take no points from either match is an understatement!“There have been mixed feelings and emotions from all the weekend’s action but we win as a team and we lose as a team too.”EDINBURGH kept their slim League Cup hopes alive with a 48-42 away win at Berwick on Saturday.The Monarchs struck revenge on their rivals after slipping to defeat at home to the Bandits just over a week earlier.Team manager Alex Harkess told the Edinburgh Evening News: “We are certainly not out of the cup despite winning just one of our three fixtures so far.“The riders scored in a manner which people expect from them and I’m sure they will now improve over the course of the season. GLASGOW racer Coty Garcia was pleased to contribute a paid double figure score as Glasgow fought back from eight points down to see off Berwick 49-41 on Sunday.The result leaves the Tigers top of their Border Group in the League Cup and are now favourites to progress through to the next round of the competition.Said Garcia: “I was definitely pleased with my score; it shows why I’m here and what I can do.“We came strong after Richie Worrall’s crash and we all wanted to change the situation – it was really good to work with the guys.”IPSWICH boss Ritchie Hawkins is hoping track knowledge of Sheffield will help keep his side in the League Cup this Thursday.The Witches travel to Owlerton knowing they need to deny their opponents victory to keep their own hopes of progressing alive.Said Hawkins: “Nico (Covatti) and Paco (Castagna) have both come from Sheffield and I know Danny (King) loves the place so our team could do well there.“We know what we need to do; a draw would be OK but if they win then they are through and we are out.”NEWCASTLE boss George English admitted he was frustrated to come away from Workington empty handed in the League Cup on Saturday.The Diamonds went down 50-42 at Derwent Park as they were left to rue a slow start against the Comets.Said English: “We were eight points down at the start which cost us in the end. “We had a bit of bad luck with mechanical problems during the night and I felt we certainly should have left with a point.”PETERBOROUGH reserve Emil Grondal was delighted with his own performance as the Panthers got their Premier League campaign off to a flying start with a 48-42 away win at Rye House.The former World Under-21 Finalist bagged 12+2 at Hoddesdon where he was also quick to praise the atmosphere that currently surrounds his team-mates.Said Grondal: “I wasn’t feeling myself in our previous meetings at Scunthorpe and Ipswich; we had a few little issues with the bikes and I also had some personal stuff to take care of.“The boys helped me move forward again and the spirit in our team is just brilliant.”PLYMOUTH co-promoter Ashley Taylor insists his side will need to be quick out of the tapes if they are to come away from Scunthorpe with a result on Sunday.The Devils launch their Premier League campaign against the Scorpions where Taylor is looking for improvement from his side following last Friday’s home defeat against Rye House.Said Taylor: “Last Friday showed that we need to sharpen up with our gating.“It will be a good test for us at Scunthorpe; some of our riders need to step up to the plate as far as the bigger tracks are concerned.”REDCAR get their Premier League programme underway this Thursday when they host Peterborough at the Media Prima Arena.The Bears will be looking to drastically improve after suffering three consecutive, heavy defeats on what has been a difficult start to the season.RYE HOUSE slipped to their first home defeat of the season as they were edged 48-42 by Peterborough on Saturday.Despite a battling performance throughout, the Rockets had no answer to their opponents as the Panthers struck back-to-back 5-1’s in the final two races.Team manager Peter Schroeck said: “This proves to you just how strong this league is and you can’t take it for granted.“We had a bit of a reality check but we will build back up again it’s as simple as that.“We just have to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and get on with it.” SCUNTHORPE promoter Rob Godfrey admits he is delighted to see Plymouth back on track as his side prepare to face the Devils this Sunday.Said Godfrey: “No-one ever wants to see a speedway track close, and there’s no doubting the passion of the supporters down in Devon.“But we can’t afford to be charitable on Sunday! The League Cup did end up being a bit of a disappointment for us but everyone starts afresh again in the Premier League.” SHEFFIELD captain Simon Stead has praised team-mate Josh Bates after he was crowned British Under-21 Champion for a second time last week.The 33-year-old was alongside the youngster in the pits and hopes Bates’ confidence will now be boosted ahead of their important League Cup clash with Ipswich on Thursday.Stead told the Sheffield Star: “Josh was awesome; he did really well to pick himself up off the deck and stayed focussed which was brilliant.“I’m also pleased for Nathan Greaves to get to the semi-final, hopefully that will help him and he can use that too boost his confidence too.”SOMERSET team manager Garry May is confident his side can come away with a result when they travel to Peterborough on Sunday.It will be the Rebels’ opening meeting of their Premier League campaign and May is positive ahead of the trip to the East of England Showground.“Peterborough have a strong looking side again this year so it won’t be easy, but they have already had their colours lowered on home shale this season,” May commented.“It is true to say we’ve had a good run of results there and it goes without saying that we’ll be looking to extend our winning run there in Sunday’s match.”WORKINGTON team manager Tony Jackson is expecting a tough weekend as his side compete in three matches in three days.The Comets have home and away fixtures against reigning champions Edinburgh before travelling to Newcastle in the League Cup on Sunday.Said Jackson: “Three matches in three days is never ideal but after the stop-start nature of our season so far, the lads are just wanting to get some meetings under their belts.“While our recent record at Edinburgh’s Armadale is not great, we will be giving it everything to try and pick something up from that match.”NATIONAL LEAGUE LATEST…

BELLE VUE boss Graham Goodwin is keen to keep a lid on expectations for youngster Dan Bewley, who top-scored on his debut against Cradley.Goodwin told Speedway Star: “He is still brand new to the sport from motocross and what we don’t want is for people to put any kind of pressure on him or talk him up too much.“We want him to get on with things in his own time and in his own way. The potential is there, there’s no question, but as with any new youngster we want him to develop at the right pace.”BIRMINGHAM boss Graham Drury was delighted to continue their perfect start to the season with a 52-37 National Trophy win at Buxton on Sunday.Drury said: “It was another good performance and after winning all our home meetings comfortably it was great to get a victory in our first away meeting as well. “A lot of hype was put out regarding the Birmingham team before the start of the season, and at this stage it seems although that was justified. “As I’m sure every manager would say, it’s a long old season and we haven’t started our league campaign yet so we can’t get too carried away. However, as far as the National Trophy goes it’s been an excellent start and long may it continue!” BUXTON manager Jason Pipe was proud of the effort shown by his side despite suffering a 52-37 home defeat against in-form Birmingham on Sunday.Pipe commented: “Every one of them came out with some credit even, Ryan Burton who had never seen this track until he set foot on it today. Ryan (Blacklock) was marvellous and very competitive especially when he changed bikes. “I’d like to thank Tom Woolley for stepping in for Steve Jones and scoring paid eight. Shelby (Rutherford) scored well and could have perhaps on another day added a few more points. We have something to build on and when Jade (Mudgway) is allowed to ride and we get used to our own track we will give teams a much harder meeting here.” COVENTRY Storm saw their Travel Plus National League clash with reigning Champions Birmingham postponed due to rain at Brandon on Friday.A re-staging date as quickly been arranged for the fixture and it will now take place on Sunday, June 26 (4pm).CRADLEY boss Will Pottinger was full of praise for his side after they earned a hard-fought 53-36 win over Rye House at Monmore Green last Tuesday.Pottinger said: “It’s a great credit to all the lads, this result. From the top three down to Brad Andrews, everyone played their part.“I’m really pleased with the effort, the team spirit is brilliant, everyone seems to be getting along great and we’re looking forward to getting Jack Kingston back.“Credit too to the track staff yet again, the track had to be pumped on the morning and yet we saw some breath-taking moves from the lads. There’s a long way to go this season, but we are pleased so far.”EASTBOURNE chairman Martin Dugard believes youngster Luke Harris can unlock his potential in Eagles colours.The former British Youth Champion was snapped up as part of their recent team reshuffle, and Dugard said: “We tried to sign Luke last year but unfortunately he had already gone to Cradley. We feel Luke has a lot of potential and Eastbourne is the club to help him kick on with his speedway career, like he has shown on the grasstrack.“Everything has finally clicked for us we feel and we can't wait for the season to really get going now after all the terrible news we have had recently.”ISLE OF WIGHT director Barry Bishop was delighted with the success of their season-opening Vince Mapley Memorial Trophy earlier this month.The meeting marked the return of the sport on the island after a three-year absence, and Bishop said: “Martin (Widman) and I would like to thank everyone for their efforts and all those who have worked so hard to help bring this about. “As you can imagine everyone was nervous and excited but we are thrilled with the way the meeting went and the number of fans who came. It was a huge success and a fine tribute to Vince's memory."KENT co-promoter Len Silver was relieved to see young Kings star James Shanes emerge unscathed from a spectacular crash in the British Under 21 Final at Sheffield last week.Silver said: “I was horrified at James’ big crash in heat 15 and I'm sure my heart stopped beating for about five minutes! “What a relief when, after laying on the track surrounded by medics for what seemed like an age, he stood up and walked back to the pits un-aided. His bike, though, was about 12 inches shorter and a probable write off, so his seven point total will not go far towards the repairs! KING’S LYNN got their Travel Plus National League campaign off to a dream start with a crushing 65-25 victory over Stoke at the Adrian Flux Arena.Dale Allitt’s side put in a hugely impressive display to comfortably dispose of the Potters, recording 14 race wins and running just one last place with a dominant performance.Ryan Kinsley struck a faultless six-ride paid maximum at reserve whilst Nathan Greaves, Josh Bailey and Tom Stokes suffered just one defeat apiece.The Young Stars will be back in action as they face a tough test to Monmore Green to face Cradley on Monday, April 25 (7.30) before hosting the Isle of Wight at the Adrian Flux Arena on Wednesday, April 27 (7.30). MILDENHALL promoter Kevin Jolly was thrilled to see them claim their first win of 2016 with a comprehensive 57-33 victory over Isle of Wight at West Row on Sunday.Jolly remarked: “I was extremely impressed by what I saw both on and off the track from the lads. To see our top six all scoring good points was refreshing after last season, they were hungry for the victory, you could see it from the start, and they rode with skill and good sense today.“If anything I was even more impressed by them off track as they worked as a unit all afternoon. The experienced guys leading from the front and offering guidance and support to the less experienced riders in the team.” RYE HOUSE manager Peter Schroeck was heartened by the effort shown by his side despite a 53-36 defeat at Cradley last Tuesday.Schroeck commented: “There was a good crowd, and it certainly boosted the boys. Ben (Morley) was excellent, and he had some real battles with Max Clegg, Luke Chessell and Ashley Morris. Luke (Priest) was “Mr Consistent”, and Ben Hopwood had a decent meeting too. “The track changed as the match progressed and the moisture came out as the temperature dropped, and that caught the younger lads out a bit.“As I’ve said before, we’ll be a lot more competitive when we can finally put out a full side. Rob Branford will arrive in the country before our next match (against Birmingham on Sunday, April 24th). He’s a fiery character and he’ll get stuck in right away, as well as help gee the rest of the boys up.” STOKE boss Malcolm Vasey could not hide his disappointment after they suffered a 65-25 thrashing in their Travel Plus National League opener at King’s Lynn last Wednesday.Vasey said: “This was a very disappointing performance and was not acceptable to me or the club and we will be taking stock of the situation as we cannot allow performances like that.“King’s Lynn are a very good team around their own track and I can see quite a few clubs running aground here and they will also push teams away from home especially while they have a rider as good as Ryan Kinsley at reserve, but I also have to say we were very poor as a team and the performance was unacceptable. We will now sit down and take stock of things and see where we go from here.”

FIXTURE PICTURE…

WEDNESDAY APRIL 20:ELITE LEAGUE: Poole v Coventry 7.30TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Birmingham v Cradley 7.30

THURSDAY APRIL 21:ELITE LEAGUE: King’s Lynn v Leicester 7.30, Swindon v Belle Vue 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE: Redcar v Peterborough 7.30LEAGUE CUP: Sheffield v Ipswich 7.30NATIONAL TROPHY: Isle of Wight v Kent 7pm

FRIDAY APRIL 22:ELITE LEAGUE: Coventry v Poole 7.30, Lakeside v Swindon 8pmPREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Workington 7.30

SATURDAY APRIL 23:ELITE LEAGUE: Leicester v King’s Lynn 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE: Workington v Edinburgh 7pmLEAGUE CUP: Berwick v Glasgow 7pm, Ipswich v Sheffield 7.30NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP 1st round 1st leg: Eastbourne v Mildenhall 7.30NATIONAL TROPHY: Stoke v Birmingham 7pm

SUNDAY APRIL 24:PREMIER LEAGUE: Glasgow v Redcar 3pm, Peterborough v Somerset 5pm, Scunthorpe v Plymouth 6.30LEAGUE CUP: Newcastle v Workington 6.30NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP 1st round 2nd leg: Mildenhall v Eastbourne 3.30, Rye House v Birmingham 6pmBRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP Round 2: Belle Vue

MONDAY APRIL 25:TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Cradley v King’s Lynn 7.30INVICTA PAIRS: Kent 6.30

WEDNESDAY APRIL 27:ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Poole 7.30TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: King’s Lynn v Isle of Wight 7.30

THURSDAY APRIL 28:PREMIER LEAGUE: Ipswich v Somerset 7.30, Sheffield v Rye House 7.30LEAGUE CUP: Redcar v Newcastle 7.30

FRIDAY APRIL 29:PREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Redcar 7.30, Plymouth v Sheffield 7.15, Somerset v Ipswich 7.30TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Coventry v Buxton 7.30NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP 1st round 2nd leg: Belle Vue v Stoke 7.30

SATURDAY APRIL 30:PREMIER LEAGUE: Berwick v Scunthorpe 7pm

SUNDAY MAY 1:PREMIER LEAGUE: Glasgow v Peterborough 3pmLEAGUE CUP: Newcastle v Redcar 6.30TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Eastbourne 3pm

MONDAY MAY 2:ELITE LEAGUE: Belle Vue v King’s Lynn 12pm, Coventry v Swindon 7.30, Wolverhampton v Poole 7.30PREMIER LEAGUE: Rye House v Workington 2pmPREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP 1st round 1st leg: Scunthorpe v Newcastle 3pmTRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Rye House v Stoke (follows PL fixture)NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP 1st round 1st leg: Kent v Isle of Wight 3pmBRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP Round 3 (500cc and 150cc): Scunthorpe 4.30

WEDNESDAY MAY 4:ELITE LEAGUE: Lakeside v Belle Vue 7.30, Poole v Wolverhampton 7.30TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Birmingham v Kent 7.30