HERE'S our latest soundbytes and fixtures from around the tracks up and down the country.
THE BITE-SIZED BULLETIN
PIC OF THE WEEK...
Berwick's Aaron Summers seen here leading in the Bandits 58-32 home demolition of Glasgow on Saturday night. Picture: COLIN POOLE
PREMIERSHIP SOUNDBYTES"¦
BELLE VUE "It's always nice to beat Wolves. There's a lot of rivalry between our two clubs but it's a healthy one and we always push each other hard, so to get the win is very satisfying. It's becoming absolutely crucial now, with the table so close, for us to be winning consistently at home and pulling in points on the road." Aces star Rohan Tungate says last week's convincing win over Wolverhampton was an important result in their chase for the play-offs. NEXT HOME: King's Lynn, Mon Aug 6 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: King's Lynn, Wed Aug 8 (7.30)
KING'S LYNN "The team spirit is the best it has ever been here. We've got new characters in the team and we've got a lot of potential." Skipper Robert Lambert raced to another 15-point maximum and has now won his last 12 races at the Adrian Flux Arena as the Stars kept their momentum going with a 49-41 win over Somerset. NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Wed Aug 8 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Poole, Wed Aug 1 (7.30)
LEICESTER "That was simply not good enough and our guys know that. We would like to apologise to our fans and our sponsors and we will be doing all we can to improve things. We are not going to offer any excuses, we are on a poor run of results and we know it's not good enough." Lions co-promoter Neil Machin issues an apology after a heavy 37-53 home defeat at the hands of Poole on Monday. NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Mon Aug 13 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton, Mon Aug 6 (7.30)
POOLE "I'm really pleased with the way the boys are performing. They are relishing the challenge that was set for them "“ getting into the play-offs from where we were. We've put ourselves in a great position and now the task is to stay there." Pirates promoter Matt Ford saw his side vault into third place in the Premiership by completing a quick-fire double over Leicester with a 53-37 win at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena on Monday. NEXT HOME: King's Lynn, Wed Aug 1 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Somerset, Mon Aug 20 (7.30)
SOMERSET "To start like we did and then to come away with nothing is very hard to swallow. That is not to say that King's Lynn didn't deserve the win as they hit back at us very strongly, but we had a couple of passengers tonight and you can't afford that in this league." Rebels boss Garry May was disappointed to end up point-less at King's Lynn on Monday especially after being given the perfect start of 5-1s in the opening two races. NEXT HOME: Swindon, Wed Aug 1 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Poole, Mon Aug 13 (7.30)
SWINDON "Everybody is working hard and pulling together as a unit, and I must make a special mention for Zach because he is doing great. There's also been a lot of hard work on the track since last week, it's not perfect yet but we will endeavour over next few weeks to make sure it will be back to top tune." Robins boss Alun Rossiter says the hard work continues both on and off-track with his side back on top of the table after Monday's win over Wolverhampton. NEXT HOME: Leicester, Wed Aug 8 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Somerset, Wed Aug 1 (7.30)
WOLVERHAMPTON "I thought Tom Bacon acquitted himself very well standing in for Nathan (Greaves), but having thought Cameron Heeps had turned a corner, a performance like that tonight is a real concern." Wolves boss Peter Adams reflects on mixed fortunes for his reserves as their wait for an away win continued with a 40-50 defeat at Swindon on Monday. NEXT HOME: Leicester, Mon Aug 6 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Somerset, Wed Aug 8 (7.30)
CHAMPIONSHIP SOUNDBYTES"¦
BERWICK "We've still got fourth place and will be doing our best to keep it, and with displays like tonight - and Friday - when some people were whining about us being about to get hammered home and away, which was thoroughly proved wrong, then it is still possible to maintain that." Bandits promoter Scott Courtney says their displays against Glasgow last week show the club's determination to fight tooth and nail for their play-off place. NEXT HOME: Edinburgh, Sat Aug 11 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Ipswich, Thur Aug 9 (7.30)
EDINBURGH "It's certainly easier riding with these guys than against them. It was nice to enjoy my speedway, it's been a little bit hard recently. It would have been nice to have a little bit tougher opposition to see what we can do but I think we have an excellent team and I can't wait for next week." New signing Richie Worrall enjoyed a straightforward debut with a paid maximum in the Monarchs' 69-21 romp against bottom club Redcar at Armadale. NEXT HOME: Scunthorpe, Fri Aug 3 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Berwick, Sat Aug 11 (7pm)
GLASGOW "To be fair, Claus (Vissing) did his best after a nasty crash - to get two wins was good - but the rest of the boys lacked that fight from the back. We have to regroup now and we have to win at Newcastle next week. We've got to win on the road, otherwise it's bye-bye to the play-offs." Tigers skipper Chris Harris says their season is reaching a critical phase after a disappointing defeat at Berwick last Saturday. NEXT HOME: Great Britain v Australia (Test Match), Sat Aug 4 (3pm) NEXT AWAY: Newcastle, Sun Aug 5 (6.30)
IPSWICH "We are a very different side to the team they faced earlier this season in the KO Cup, there is hardly anyone left from that meeting, two riders. We have a completely different team. They are doing well and have a good side this year but we need to make sure we get the three points. We need to win all our home matches really and we will need win away again this season." Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins says past results count for little as his re-built side prepares to face Lakeside home and away this week. NEXT HOME: Lakeside, Thur Aug 2 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Lakeside, Fri Aug 3 (8pm)
LAKESIDE "It reminded me very much of when we went to Redcar a couple of months ago. We made a terrible start to that one as well but the track conditions here were much worse than at Redcar so this is probably our best performance so far. I'm so proud of all the riders; they all put in a terrific shift and even when we were a fair bit behind early on they never panicked." Delighted Hammers boss Will Pottinger saw his side run riot in the second half of last Thursday's away match at Sheffield to record a resounding 52-38 win. NEXT HOME: Ipswich, Fri Aug 3 (8pm) NEXT AWAY: Ipswich, Thur Aug 2 (7.30)
NEWCASTLE The Diamonds return to Brough Park after a lengthy absence when they host Glasgow this Sunday (August 5). NEXT HOME: Glasgow, Sun Aug 5 (6.30) NEXT AWAY: Sheffield, Thur Aug 16 (7.30)
PETERBOROUGH "It's going to be an important match for both sides especially with Ipswich winning at Redcar. They have a chance of the play-offs but they need more away wins, and I'm sure they will bring a big following. For ourselves, it's vital that we keep winning. We've got a busy away programme in August but every meeting we win makes it harder for other clubs to catch us." Panthers co-promoter Ged Rathbone underlines the importance of this Sunday's local derby against Ipswich at the East of England Arena. NEXT HOME: Ipswich, Sun Aug 5 (5pm) NEXT AWAY: Lakeside, Fri Aug 10 (8pm)
REDCAR "Another frustrating evening, a classic example of inconsistency. Even the riders can't put their fingers on why it's happening. Some riders need to take a long hard look at themselves and find out the reasons for their lack of performance." Bears co-promoter Kevin Keay reacting to a home defeat by Ipswich"¦ 24 hours later they were hammered 21-69 at Edinburgh! NEXT HOME: Sheffield, Fri Aug 10 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Sheffield, Thur Aug 9 (7.30)
SCUNTHORPE "We're still alive and kicking in our task to reach the top four and get into the play-offs, but we know we must win our remaining three home league meetings." Scorpions promoter Rob Godfrey knows there is now no room for error if his side are to do enough over the next six weeks to make it into the Championship top four. NEXT HOME: Berwick, Fri Aug 17 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Sheffield, Thur Aug 2 (7.30)
SHEFFIELD "We need to put things right. The performance wasn't acceptable - it simply wasn't good enough. It's put more pressure on the results that we need and every meeting now becomes a must-win match." Tigers boss Simon Stead pulled no punches after the defending champions collapsed to a 38-52 home defeat against Lakeside at Owlerton last week. NEXT HOME: Scunthorpe, Thur Aug 2 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Redcar, Fri Aug 10 (7.30)
WORKINGTON "Despite rain in surrounding areas we were actually in a position where we would have needed to water the track prior to racing. However we were hit by what was supposed to be a short heavy shower around 4:30pm, which never stopped and so, having given the situation every chance to improve we eventually had to admit defeat and call it off. Obviously with our current situation regarding a backlog of home fixtures we had to give the meeting every chance of going ahead." Frustration for the Comets and boss Tony Jackson after last weekend's KO Cup clash with Newcastle fell victim to heavy rain. NEXT HOME: Scunthorpe, Sun Aug 5 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Newcastle, Sun Aug 12 (6.30)
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUNDBYTES"¦
BELLE VUE COLTS "We've always said our place at the top was slightly misleading due to the number of meetings we've had over everyone else but that's not to say we won't be challenging to earn that spot back." Colts co-boss Steve Williams says his side are still very much battling to retain their place in their upper echelons of the table and defend their title in the play-offs. NEXT HOME: Mildenhall, Wed Aug 1 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Kent, Mon Aug 13 (6.30)
BIRMINGHAM "Everyone's just working so hard to get a team out there to challenge again. Laurence (Rogers - team manager), David and Peter (Mason - co-owners) have been working non-stop behind the scenes to try and get things back on track But it's so hard and no-one should underestimate them for what they're trying to do for this club." Skipper Tom Bacon calls for calm as the injury-hit Brummies endure their toughest spell of the season, including a home defeat by Plymouth last week. NEXT HOME: Cradley (NT), Wed Aug 1 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Coventry, Sun Aug 12 (3pm)
BUXTON "Over the past few days we've really come together as a team and despite losing we have a great team spirit. There were a few occasions when I felt a couple of things went against the lads and hopefully those decisions will start to go in our favour, I guess it's swings and roundabouts you might say." Hitmen boss Joshua Moss says there were positives to come out of two defeats to the Isle of Wight and Plymouth on their Southern tour last week. NEXT HOME: Mildenhall, Sun Aug 5 (3pm) NEXT AWAY: Birmingham, Wed Aug 15 (7.30)
COVENTRY "The meeting went as expected to be honest. I thought we did pretty well at the start and the end, but they have very strong pairings with someone in every race who's well capable of winning. Overall it was a good performance. I was pleased they didn't get to the 60-point mark which several teams have fallen to against them!" The Bees were beaten 51-39 at new league leaders Mildenhall on Saturday, with boss Martyn Macdonald encouraged by their display at West Row. NEXT HOME: Birmingham, Sun Aug 12 (3pm) NEXT AWAY: Stoke, Sat Aug 11 (7pm)
EASTBOURNE "We weren't looking to make team changes this year unless somebody got injured. Unfortunately, Kelsey's situation changed a month or so ago when he found out he was going to be a father. He has recently relocated to the north of England with his girlfriend and also set up a business with his friend. As a result, speedway isn't that high on his priorities anymore." Eagles boss Connor Dugard explains the decision to move for Ethan Spiller with Kelsey Dugard set to make way for the Arlington outfit. NEXT HOME: Plymouth, Sat Aug 11 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Plymouth, Fri Aug 10 (7.15)
ISLE OF WIGHT "With our top two missing I looked long and hard at the options to cover their big points and Danny was always top of the guest list as he goes so well here. With Chris (Widman) also missing it gave me the chance to bring in Taylor who has been terrific here in recent weeks and I'm delighted the plan worked out." Warriors boss Jackie Vatcher loves it when a plan comes together"¦ with guests Danny Ayres and Taylor Hampshire both scoring heavily in last week's home win over Buxton. NEXT HOME: Stoke, Thur Aug 2 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Eastbourne, Sat Sept 1 (7.30)
KENT "Obviously it's not ideal to only have been able to score seven. I don't want second places, I want to win all my races and am aiming for a maximum against my old side Plymouth when they visit next week." Kings returnee Steve Boxall scored seven points from three rides in the curtailed National League win over rivals Eastbourne on Monday. NEXT HOME: Plymouth (KOC), Mon Aug 6 (6.30) NEXT AWAY: Birmimgham, Wed Aug 8 (7.30)
MILDENHALL "I am pleased we can welcome back Jordan after two strong workouts before and after Saturday evening's meeting and I would like to put on record my thanks to Danny Halsey and his father John for all their efforts in support of the club during the period Jordan was out." Fen Tigers promoter Kevin Jolly confirms skipper Jordan Jenkins will return to action this week after nearly three months on the sidelines with a back injury. NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Sat Aug 4 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Wed Aug 1 (7.30)
PLYMOUTH "During Heat 2 Macauley fell and seemed in some discomfort, but in his next outing in Heat 6 he had to take evasive action to avoid a fallen Buxton rider and was then hit from behind. He remained on the track and was taken off to hospital." Devils co-promoter Stuart Kellie confirms reserve Macauley Leek suffered a broken collarbone during last Friday's home win over Buxton. NEXT HOME: Stoke, Fri Aug 3 (7.15) NEXT AWAY: Kent (KOC), Mon Aug 6 (6.30)
STOKE "Work is already underway to rectify the problem but the work that is necessary will not be completed in time for Saturday's meeting." The Potters were unable to stage their scheduled home match against Birmingham last weekend due to damage to the stock car safety fence at Loomer Road. NEXT HOME: Coventry, Sat Aug 11 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Isle of Wight, Thur Aug 2 (7pm)
FIXTURE PICTURE"¦
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 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Mildenhall v Belle Vue 7.30
SUNDAY AUGUST 5: CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Glasgow 6.30, Peterborough v Ipswich 5pm, Workington v Scunthorpe 7.30 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Mildenhall 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
THURSDAY AUGUST 9: CHAMPIONSHIP: Ipswich v Berwick 7.30, Sheffield v Redcar 7.30
FRIDAY AUGUST 10: CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Berwick 7.30, Lakeside v Peterborough 8pm, Redcar v Sheffield 7.30 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Plymouth v Eastbourne 7.15
SATURDAY AUGUST 11: CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Edinburgh 7pm, Workington v Sheffield 7pm TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Eastbourne v Plymouth 7.30, Stoke v Coventry 7pm
SUNDAY AUGUST 12: CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Workington 6.30 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Coventry v Birmingham 3pm, Mildenhall v Stoke 3pm
MONDAY AUGUST 13: PREMIERSHIP: King's Lynn v Wolverhampton 7.30, Leicester v Belle Vue 7.30, Poole v Somerset 7.30 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Kent v Belle Vue 6.30 FAST GOLDEN HAMMER: Cradley 7.30
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 15: PREMIERSHIP: Somerset v Belle Vue 7.30 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Kent 7.30, Birmingham v Buxton 7.30