(SPEEDWAY 1)
THE National League is celebrating an extension of its sponsorship deal with acclaimed tour company Travel Plus Tours.British Speedway’s third tier will again be known as the Travel Plus National League in 2017 after a successful tie-up last year.Owner James Easter said: “We were really pleased with the reaction we got from everyone last year, from the BSPA to the riders, the clubs and the supporters.“I always believe that any sponsorship money we have should be put into parts of the sport which benefit British Speedway and the youngsters in particular.“It worked really well last season and we’re only too pleased to be involved with the National League again.”NL co-ordinator Peter Morrish added: “We’re absolutely delighted that an established speedway company such as Travel Plus is again giving its backing to the competition this year.“We enjoy a great relationship with James Easter and all at Travel Plus, it was a thoroughly successful arrangement last season and we are all looking forward to that continuing in 2017.”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
SHAUN Tedham is the sixth member of Stoke’s 2017 National League team - leaving just one place remaining for the new campaign.Tedham first rode for the Potters in 2013 before taking the following season out, returning to take his place in the side in over the past two seasons.Manager Malcolm Vasey: “Shaun is the life and soul of the party off the track and we are looking for him to become the life and soul of the party on the track. “This season is an extremely big one for Shaun; it is his third consecutive season with the club, we know he can string some good scores together especially around Loomer Road and we are now looking for him to maintain this around Stoke and to also gain the important scores away from home.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
KENT have announced the signing of youngster Anders Rowe to fill a reserve berth at Central Park this season.The 14-year-old will have to wait for his Kings debut as he does not turn 15 until May 9 – but club chief Len Silver believes he is well-placed to continue his progression in the sport, having been mascot at no fewer than five tracks.Silver said: “Anders has been the most patient lad I have ever met, doing lap after lap in all conditions, starting down at his then home town track Weymouth as an eight year old on a 150cc machine built by his father Delwyn, who is a well known speedway mechanic. “I have watched him progress through the years onto bigger and bigger bikes and now, after such a long wait, he can finally achieve his dream of being a speedway rider. “I have no doubt that Anders will prove to be an ace signing for the Kings and can't wait for May 9 when he can finally get down to competitive action as part of our NL side.”
(SPEEDWAY 4)
THE achievements of the sport’s rising stars were hailed at a ‘Celebration of British Speedway’ night held by the Young Lions management on Saturday.Over 100 people attended the event at the Nuneaton Speedway Supporters Club’s regular Brandon Club venue, including six of the seven British Champions from 2016.British Youth boss Neil Vatcher said: “Saturday was yet another first for the Young Lions to organise such an amazing and enjoyable evening.“We would like to thank the members of the Nuneaton Supporters Club for hosting us, and also to Brando (Steve Brandon) for doing such a great job on the mic, and to all the riders and supporters who came along.“Thoughts are already in place on how we do it bigger and better next year… perhaps we might think about organising a Big Awards night involving all of British Speedway with the proceeds going back to supporting the British Youth!”
