HERE'S our latest soundbytes and fixtures from around the tracks up and down the country.
THE BITE-SIZED BULLETIN
PIC OF THE WEEK...
The beginnings of a spectacular crash from British fans favourite Craig Cook during Saturday's British Grand Prix at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff. Thankfully Cook escaped being seriously hurt in the incident. Picture: IAN CHARLES
PREMIERSHIP SOUNDBYTES"¦
BELLE VUE "We're not taking anything away from Wolverhampton. They're no slouches. They're a hell of a team, especially at reserve and they are very powerful on their home track. Conditions at Monmore were fantastic. The track was great to ride and it gave us some great racing." Aces star Craig Cook was magnanimous in defeat as they went down 49-41 in the Premiership at Wolverhampton on Monday. NEXT HOME: Wolverhampton, Wed July 25 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: King's Lynn, Wed Aug 8 (7.30)
KING'S LYNN "The guys were great, we could have gone to pieces a few times because there were a few heats where we thought we would get advantages and we just didn't. We kept clawing away, and heat 13 was a big turning point." Stars boss Dale Allitt was delighted to see his side hold their nerve in Monday's dramatic 46-44 win over Poole at the Adrian Flux Arena. NEXT HOME: Swindon, Wed July 25 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Poole, Wed Aug 1 (7.30)
LEICESTER "I think some things went for them, certainly in Heat 1 we were away with a 5-1 before it got stopped and then it was a 3-3 in the re-run, and then they were able to replace Nick (Morris) who was having a nightmare with people who were scoring points, plus Dimitri (Berge) at reserve came up trumps. We're obviously disappointed that we came away with nothing, but it gives us something to build on." Lions boss Simon Stead looks on the bright side after a tough night with no reward at Swindon on Monday. NEXT HOME: Poole, Mon July 30 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Poole, Wed July 25 (7.30)
POOLE "What I was searching for when making the team changes that have was some consistency and I feel we have that now going into the business end of the season. The recent performances bode well for us and I still believe this is a team capable of reaching the play-offs, where anything can happen." Pirates promoter Matt Ford wasn't too downhearted after missing out on a win in a last-heat decider at King's Lynn on Monday. NEXT HOME: Leicester, Wed July 25 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Leicester, Mon July 30 (7.30)
SOMERSET "I think I speak on behalf of all speedway supporters when I say that the news we received today was amazing. To come through that sort of crash without serious injury was incredible." Rebels boss Garry May was a relieved man to see skipper Jason Doyle emerge relatively unscathed from a horror crash in Saturday's British Grand Prix, although he does face a brief time out of action. NEXT HOME: Swindon, Wed Aug 1 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: King's Lynn, Mon July 30 (7.30)
SWINDON "We have to keep battling away, keep doing our thing and hopefully we can carry on. We've had a blip, and as soon as you have a blip everyone hits the panic button, saying this rider and that rider should come in. But as you could see, even though really we didn't have Nick (Morris), we had four or five other riders who were going well." Robins boss Alun Rossiter leads the call for calm after the reigning champions got back to winning ways against Leicester on Monday. NEXT HOME: Wolverhampton, Mon July 30 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: King's Lynn, Wed July 25 (7.30)
WOLVERHAMPTON "I've had some tough times lately but it felt good to have a meeting like that and I really enjoyed myself for the first time in a while. But this was a very good win for the whole team which is important because Belle Vue are a hard team to beat." A welcome return to form for Wolves No.1 Jacob Thorssell with a double-figure haul in Monday's 49-41 win over Belle Vue. NEXT HOME: Leicester, Mon Aug 6 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Wed July 25 (7.30)
CHAMPIONSHIP SOUNDBYTES"¦
BERWICK "We are currently hanging on to fourth place in the Championship table and ideally we would like to qualify for the end-of-season play-offs. We have to win all the home meetings and try and pick up something away." Bandits promoter Scott Courtney sets the target for the run-in as they head towards the final eight matches of their league campaing. NEXT HOME: Glasgow, Sat July 28 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Glasgow, Fri July 27 (7.30)
EDINBURGH "I think we had a tough group and both rode really well. I thought we would have qualified but missed out by a point, unfortunate. We both rode hard and there's nothing else we could have done, left nothing on the table." Monarchs star Ricky Wells said he and Erik Riss had done their best in the Championship Pairs, just missing out in a place in the semi-finals at Somerset. NEXT HOME: Redcar, Fri July 27 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Berwick, Sat Aug 11 (7pm)
GLASGOW "Everyone in the team and management was absolutely gutted, and Chris (Harris) was inconsolable after the match. I think any Glasgow fan there, when you look at what happened, would have said we at least deserved a draw. I thought overall we actually deserved to pinch the meeting, to be honest." Frustration for the Tigers, including boss Cami Brown, after an agonising two-point defeat in a thriller at Scunthorpe on Sunday. NEXT HOME: Berwick, Fri July 27 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Berwick, Sat July 28 (7pm)
IPSWICH "If we can replace Danny with someone then we will, it is what it is. We have got three points and have a lot of meetings coming up where we need to take three points. That's one ticked off tonight and we move onto the next one now and try to win that." Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins says the club could replace injury victim Danny King if the right option becomes available, having seen his new-look side defeat Redcar last week. NEXT HOME: Lakeside, Thur Aug 2 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Redcar, Thur July 26 (7.30)
LAKESIDE "We are still in the title race for Play-Off places and the Championship Shield and KO Cup. The boys need to keep pushing. We just perhaps need a bit more luck along the way and we will pick up a trophy." Hammers boss Will Pottinger says there's plenty to go for as the Hammers head into a vital phase of the season having lost out at the semi-final stage in the Championship Pairs at Somerset last Friday. NEXT HOME: Ipswich, Fri Aug 3 (8pm) NEXT AWAY: Sheffield, Thur July 26 (7.30)
NEWCASTLE "With a full programme of Sunday home meetings in August, it means we will be racing at least one match in September as we've yet to sort out a date for Scunthorpe's visit." After a quiet spell during July, Diamonds co-promoter Martin Phillips is set for a busy spell of racing for his side next month. NEXT HOME: Glasgow, Sun Aug 5 (6.30) NEXT AWAY: Workington (KOC), Sat July 28 (7pm)
PETERBOROUGH "You can go through some seasons with no crashes at all and then have a year like this one. I've had three big ones now, and I have to admit they've all been my fault. I'm gutted to be out because I love riding for this club and we're having such a good year." Painful times for Panthers star Ulrich Ostergaard, who is currently on the sidelines with rib damage after a heavy crash against Scunthorpe recently. NEXT HOME: Ipswich, Lakeside (KOC), Sun Aug 5 (5pm) NEXT AWAY: Berwick, Sat Aug 18 (7pm)
REDCAR "We finally saw a 'team' performance tonight and with a little bit more luck we could have pulled off a surprise. A great effort from Jonas (B Andersen) and Thomas (Jorgensen) to clinch the league point and reward the travelling Bears fans." Welcome relief for Bears promoter Kevin Keay after his side notched a league point from their trip to Ipswich last week. NEXT HOME: Ipswich, Thur July 26 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Edinburgh, Fri July 27 (7.30)
SCUNTHORPE "It was my first meeting back, and I really enjoyed it and got (paid) ten points. The thumb is a bit sore, but I'm a fighter. I felt comfortable on the bike, so it's just a case of getting out there to score the points." Scorpions star Jason Garrity made a successful return from injury over Cardiff weekend, playing his part in the narrow win over Glasgow which moved them into the top six. NEXT HOME: Sheffield, Fri July 27 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Sheffield, Thur Aug 2 (7.30)
SHEFFIELD "We just chipped away with no last places and putting points on the board. When it came to the big heats we stepped our game up. Charles and I sussed out where we were riding all night and where we wanted to be. When it came to the semis and final we got the job done." Tigers skipper Kyle Howarth partnered Charles Wright to Championship Pairs success in last Friday's showpiece event at Somerset. NEXT HOME: Lakeside, Thur July 26 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Scunthorpe, Fri July 27 (7.30)
WORKINGTON "As long as we can do enough to get into the play-offs, and get into the Final, then it's all to play for. The way the team is, it's going to be different all year "“ it's going to be me at reserve, Rasser (Rasmus Jensen) at reserve, Rene (Bach) could even drop to reserve. We're always going to be strong throughout, which I think does help a lot." Comets star Mason Campton took over the captaincy during Ty Proctor's recent absence, and says the Derwent Park side are perfectly placed for their title challenge. NEXT HOME: Newcastle (KOC), Sat July 28 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Newcastle, Sun Aug 12 (6.30)
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUNDBYTES"¦
BELLE VUE COLTS "Our track is a fun track to ride so we just need to keep our heads down, improve our form and get a few away wins, and that should book our place in the play-offs "“ that's the main goal!" Colts skipper Jack Smith sets out the expectations for the closing part of the regular season as they look to make a strong defence of the NL title silverware. NEXT HOME: Mildenhall, Wed Aug 1 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Kent, Mon Aug 13 (6.30)
BIRMINGHAM "Dan is really hungry for this and it's a good move for both parties. He's been a victim of the famous speedway numbers game and he's too good a rider not to have a team place anywhere." Brummies boss Laurence Rogers has high hopes for mid-season signing Dan Greenwood, who has come in to replace shoulder injury victim Danyon Hume for the Perry Barr side. NEXT HOME: Plymouth, Wed July 25 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Stoke, Sat July 28 (7pm)
BUXTON The Hitmen will return to action this week after an 18-day period of inactivity, with three meetings in four days including a Southern tour to the Isle of Wight and then Plymouth. NEXT HOME: Plymouth, Sun July 29 (3pm) NEXT AWAY: Isle of Wight, Thur July 26 (7pm)
COVENTRY "We've got three riders who have ridden there extensively. It's not going to be easy by any means, but it would be nice to think we're going to go there and not get an absolute hammering like many other teams!" Bees boss Martyn Macdonald knows the trip to title favourites Mildenhall is going to be a tough one on Saturday, with the return at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena coming just under 24 hours later. NEXT HOME: Mildenhall, Sun July 29 (6pm) NEXT AWAY: Mildenhall, Sat July 28 (7.30)
EASTBOURNE "We have no regrets at all. We can't afford to lose money. We had a full team so there was no problem in that respect." Eagles boss Connor Dugard slams the conspiracy theories after the much-debated postponement of the Eagles' clash with Mildenhall due to the World Cup third-place play-off that afternoon. NEXT HOME: Plymouth, Sat Aug 11 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Kent, Mon July 30 (6.30)
ISLE OF WIGHT "Last year's meeting with Buxton was pivotal in sending the wooden spoon to our stadium and it really hurt. This year it cannot be the same, it's a must win and the boys need to show the type of form we have been seeing lately." Warriors promoter Barry Bishop underlines the importance of the club's upcoming clashes with the Hitmen. NEXT HOME: Buxton, Thur July 26 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Buxton, Sun Aug 5 (3pm)
KENT "There are no broken bones, but the initial diagnosis suggests there could be substantial ligament damage. Injuries of this nature to a knee can be as serious or even more serious in terms of length of recovery than fractures - so we are keeping our fingers crossed that once the considerable swelling of Luke's knee goes down and they can examine better that this isn't as bad as feared." Kings boss Chris Hunt explains the injury position for No.1 Luke Bowen, who came to grief in Heat 13 of Monday's Easter Cup match against Birmingham. NEXT HOME: Eastbourne, Mon July 30 (6.30) NEXT AWAY: Birmimgham, Wed Aug 8 (7.30)
MILDENHALL "Drew (Kemp) stepped up into the main body, and like everything took it in his stride, he is an exceptionally talented young man and his ride in Heat 15 defied his young years. All the lads scored good points and I was pleased to see Matt (Marson) take over the mantle of lead reserve tonight scoring valuable points in all of his rides." Fen Tigers promoter Kevin Jolly had praise for two of his young stars after an exciting 46-44 win at Birmingham last Wednesday. NEXT HOME: Coventry, Sat July 28 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Coventry, Sun July 29 (6pm)
PLYMOUTH "We were hoping Bradley might be back racing (last) week but he is still not fit enough to return to action. It is good that we have strength in depth this season rather than having two massive high scorers." Devils promoter Stuart Kellie confirms second-string Bradley Andrews remains on the sidelines for now, with Ben Hopwood's crash last Friday providing a further headache for the management. NEXT HOME: Buxton, Fri July 27 (7.15) NEXT AWAY: Birmingham, Wed July 25 (7.30)
STOKE "The club wish to place on record categorically that Tony's decision was entirely down to personal, and not financial, reasons. Promoter Dave Tattum is devastated by the news especially as Tony is a long-time personal friend." A Stoke Speedway statement confirms bad news at Loomer Road, with in-form Tony Atkin parting company with the club due to personal reasons. NEXT HOME: Birmingham, Sat July 28 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Isle of Wight, Thur Aug 2 (7pm)
FIXTURE PICTURE"¦
WEDNESDAY JULY 25: PREMIERSHIP: Belle Vue v Wolverhampton 7.30, King's Lynn v Swindon 7.30, Poole v Leicester 7.30 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Birmingham v Plymouth 7.30
THURSDAY JULY 26: CHAMPIONSHIP: Redcar v Ipswich 7.30, Sheffield v Lakeside 7.30 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Buxton 7pm
FRIDAY JULY 27: CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Redcar 7.30, Glasgow v Berwick 7.30, Scunthorpe v Sheffield 7.30 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Plymouth v Buxton 7.15
SATURDAY JULY 28: CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Glasgow 7pm CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP 2nd leg: Workington v Newcastle 7pm TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Mildenhall v Coventry 7.30, Stoke v Birmingham 7pm BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP: Belle Vue 6pm
SUNDAY JULY 29: TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Plymouth 3pm, Coventry v Mildenhall 6pm
MONDAY JULY 30: PREMIERSHIP: King's Lynn v Somerset 7.30, Leicester v Poole 7.30, Swindon v Wolverhampton 7.30 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Kent v Eastbourne 6.30
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 1: PREMIERSHIP: Poole v King's Lynn 7.30, Somerset v Swindon 7.30 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Mildenhall 7.30 NATIONAL TROPHY: Birmingham v Cradley 7.30
THURSDAY AUGUST 2: CHAMPIONSHIP: Ipswich v Lakeside 7.30, Sheffield v Scunthorpe 7.30 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Stoke 7pm
FRIDAY AUGUST 3: CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Scunthorpe 7.30, Lakeside v Ipswich 8pm TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Plymouth v Stoke 7.15
SATURDAY AUGUST 4: TEST MATCH: Great Britain v Australia, Glasgow 3pm
SUNDAY AUGUST 5: CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Glasgow 6.30, Peterborough v Ipswich 5pm, Workington v Scunthorpe 7.30 CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP Q/F 2nd leg: Peterborough v Lakeside (follows previous fixture) TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Isle of Wight 3pm
MONDAY AUGUST 6: PREMIERSHIP: Belle Vue v King's Lynn 7.30, Wolverhampton v Leicester 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP Q/F 2nd leg: Kent v Plymouth 6.30
TUESDAY AUGUST 7: VMA HANDICAP ROUND 2: Isle of Wight 7pm
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 8: PREMIERSHIP: King's Lynn v Belle Vue 7.30, Somerset v Wolverhampton 7.30, Swindon v Leicester 7.30 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Birmingham v Kent 7.30
