HERE'S our latest soundbytes and fixtures from around the tracks up and down the country.
THE BITE-SIZED BULLETIN
PIC OF THE WEEK...
Glasgow's Craig Cook seen here on his way to Grand Final victory ahead of Lakeside's Richard Lawson in Sunday's Championship Riders' Individual meeting at Sheffield. Picture: ANDY GARNER
PREMIERSHIP SOUNDBYTES"¦
BELLE VUE "Dan's been such a big part of this team and to lose him at the final hurdle is a setback. We know how much he wants to be here racing with us so hopefully we can pull off the win for him." Aces star Steve Worrall says the serious injuries suffered by Dan Bewley gives the rest of the team motivation to ensure a successful end to the season. NEXT HOME: Somerset, Wed Sept 5 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Swindon, Thur Sept 6 (7.30)
KING'S LYNN "It was a fantastic performance and to come back from ten-points down against a Wolves side who are a brilliant team at home makes it an even better result. To do it with only six riders, having to use a tactical and all the drama in the build-up to Heat 15 makes it a pretty special night in the end." Boss Dale Allitt hails another special effort from the Stars to win at Wolverhampton against the odds as their spectacular run of results continues. NEXT HOME: Leicester + Leicester, Wed Sept 5 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Somerset, Tues Sept 4 (7.30)
LEICESTER "We wanted to go out on the back of a good, positive result, and I think not only have we had that tonight, it's also been a very enjoyable meeting for everyone. The racing was good, the crowd was good, and the result was right." Lions manager Simon Stead was pleased to end a tough season on a high at home with a 46-44 win over Somerset on Monday. NEXT HOME: NLRC, Sun Sept 30 (2.30pm) NEXT AWAY: King's Lynn + King's Lynn, Wed Sept 5 (7pm)
POOLE "We have finished in first place and missed out in the past. Equally, we have won the title from finishing in fourth so it is all to play for. It is certainly the tightest league I can remember being involved with and thankfully the points we earned against Somerset and Swindon on Bank Holiday Monday put us in a strong position." Pirates boss Neil Middleditch says the top-four finish his side have achieved is all-important as the vital business of the season gets underway later this month in the play-offs. NEXT HOME: Wolverhampton, Wed Sept 5 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: TBC
SOMERSET "It is a great feeling to know that we will be there in those play-offs. Of course we know from experience what making the cut has felt like, from our time in the second tier, but to be part of the big boys' competition makes it a really special achievement." Rebels boss Garry May is looking forward to contesting the top-flight play-offs for the first time having secured qualification with last week's big home win over Wolverhampton. NEXT HOME: King's Lynn, Tues Sept 4 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Wed Sept 5 (7.30)
SWINDON "It's out of our hands. It's not over yet, but what's done is done, we've got what we've got so obviously we're focused on that, and if it happens to fall into place and we get through then that's great, isn't it?" Robins No.1 Troy Batchelor is aware other results need to go in their favour if they are to squeeze into the play-off places after some costly away defeats in recent weeks. NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Thur Sept 6 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: King's Lynn (KOC), TBC
WOLVERHAMPTON "We were making very good starts in the first part of the meeting, but then we lost that impetus. They got their gating gloves on, and the meeting quickly turned around. It's hugely disappointing for us, but well done to King's Lynn and hopefully they can go on and do something special in the play-offs now." Wolves boss Peter Adams reflects on a disappointing home defeat to King's Lynn which all but mathematically puts an end to their play-off hopes. NEXT HOME: NGK Spark Plugs Olympique, Mon Oct 15 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Poole, Wed Sept 5 (7.30)
CHAMPIONSHIP SOUNDBYTES"¦
BERWICK "We plan to have a Bordernapolis, but we can't fix a date yet because we don't know when riders might be available. For some clubs this is a busy part of the season as they try to fit all their dates in before the cut-off for the play-offs." Bandits promoter Scott Courtney stresses the Shielfield Park season still has more to run, although at this stage they are unaware of their final destiny in league competition. NEXT HOME: TBC NEXT AWAY: Ipswich, Thur Sept 6 (7.30)
EDINBURGH "We could have done better but a point is useful. We had one or two who weren't at their best but there was plenty of good racing. Everyone tried hard." The Monarchs picked up a point from their trip to Workington on Saturday, which satisfied manager Alex Harkess after another thumping home win in the reverse fixture at Armadale 24 hours earlier. NEXT HOME: Lakeside, Fri Sept 7 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Glasgow, Tues Sept 11 (7.30)
GLASGOW "We've got an outstanding No 1 in Craig Cook - he can win races against anyone, anywhere - and there's nobody he's worried racing against, he just goes about his business, which is tremendous. We've got four fixtures where, if the weather is kind, he'll be there for us. That doesn't mean we'll just win them all, but he does bring a bit of steel to the team and you see the difference he makes." Tigers boss Cami Brown hopes the presence of Championship Riders' Individual winner Craig Cook can help inspire his side to the results they need to reach the play-offs. NEXT HOME: Ipswich, Tues Sept 4 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Ipswich, Thur Sept 13 (7.30)
IPSWICH "I think we are as strong as we can be in the circumstances. We try to be as strong as we can every time, we have to look at our guest situation objectively and sometimes we have had to run r/r at home. Sometimes you get down the list and there comes a point where you have to take the risk as we are stronger with r/r at home than with the available guests." Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins says the club always put together the strongest-possible line-up as they bid to keep their top-four hopes alive despite major injury problems. NEXT HOME: Berwick, Thur Sept 6 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Glasgow, Tues Sept 4 (7.30)
LAKESIDE "It's going to be a fantastic weekend not only for the Hammers' fans that can take in both meetings, but also for the Rye House fans after the early end of their season. We have an opportunity to be racing to the end of October and the boys know they are in a team that's capable of winning trophies." Hammers boss Jon Cook says the club must look forward with enthusiasm for their impending switch to staging home matches at Hoddesdon, which will take place over the weekend of September 14/15. NEXT HOME: Glasgow, Fri Sept 14 (8pm) NEXT AWAY: Edinburgh, Fri Sept 7 (7.30)
NEWCASTLE "We couldn't have been more proud of Tero's racing today after such a very late call-up and after his arm injury on Thursday, and as a mark of his loyalty and love of racing for the Diamonds, I can tell you he is inconsolably upset at missing out." Boss George English praised the display of Tero Aarnio, who scored a creditable nine points in Sunday's Championship Riders' Individual at Sheffield. NEXT HOME: Scunthorpe, Sun Sept 9 (6.30) NEXT AWAY: Workington, Sat Sept 8 (6.30)
PETERBOROUGH "I keep saying it, and I'm being genuine: the team hasn't hit form yet. When you look at our results, we haven't all hit form. We've almost always been carrying one or two riders, and that has to change at some point "“ we're already winning meetings home and away, so when that happens we will be a force." The Panthers are closing in on the play-offs and could clinch their place this weekend "“ but promoter Ged Rathbone says there is still more to come over the closing weeks of the season. NEXT HOME: Berwick, Sun Sept 9 (5pm) NEXT AWAY: Workington, Fri Sept 14 (7.30)
REDCAR "Newcastle gave us a good fight but our Bears wanted it more. I can't single out one rider for a stand-out performance, they all put their bit in. And there is nothing better than getting one over Newcastle." Bears boss Jade Mudgway reflected on a fine win for his side over Newcastle in a meeting marred by crashes for home rider Mikkel B Andersen and the Diamonds' Tero Aarnio. NEXT HOME: Sheffield, Fri Sept 7 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Workington, Sat Sept 8 (8pm)
SCUNTHORPE "He just wasn't the scoring the points. It wasn't doing him any good, and it wasn't doing us any good either. The crowd were starting to lose patience, and it's not fair on anyone to continue with that situation." Scorpions promoter Rob Godfrey explains his decision to release reserve Danny Phillips, whose place is to be taken by "˜unattached' riders from the National League. NEXT HOME: Workington (CS SF), Fri Sept 7 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Newcastle, Sun Sept 9 (6.30)
SHEFFIELD "The boys rode with so much heart tonight and it really has been so much of a happier camp in recent weeks. We really are gutted we couldn't just get over the line with a victory for the many supporters who came to cheer us on." Tigers boss Simon Stead saw his side go agonisingly close to an away win at Scunthorpe last Friday, only for the Scorpions to collect two 5-1s and a 4-2 in the last three heats to snatch a 46-44 verdict. NEXT AWAY: Redcar, Fri Sept 7 (7.30)
WORKINGTON "We had a few mechanical issues which cost us points and allowed Edinburgh to get a match point, but the main thing was to win the match and get the three points; but we still have work to do if we are to grab a play-off place." The Comets triumphed 48-42 in a thriller against Edinburgh on Saturday, but boss Tony Jackson warns the job isn't done yet in their bid for a top-four finish. NEXT HOME: Newcastle + Redcar, Sat Sept 8 (6.30) NEXT AWAY: Scunthorpe (CS SF), Fri Sept 7 (7.30)
TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUNDBYTES"¦
BELLE VUE COLTS "To be fair to Kent, they are a great team and a strong team. They're not second in the table for no reason. They've worked hard for that and to be honest we didn't expect to win by that margin." Colts reserve Paul Bowen admits a 57-33 win over Kent last Friday was a bigger result than expected, as they remain amongst the play-off contenders going into the closing weeks. NEXT HOME: Isle of Wight, Fri Sept 7 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Kent, Mon Sept 10 (6.30)
BIRMINGHAM "It's no secret that this was a meeting we targeted to win, but we have to stay positive. A point is better than nothing, but now we have even more work to do on what is now a very busy few days next weekend." Brummies boss Laurence Rogers saw his patched-up side beaten at Stoke on Saturday with away wins still urgently required ahead of a trio of fixtures at Plymouth, Mildenhall and Coventry this weekend. NEXT HOME: Peterborough Select, Wed Sept 12 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Plymouth, Fri Sept 7(7.15)
BUXTON "We've had no luck all year and today Sam Woolley has had a couple of bike issues and had to go out on his brother Tom's - but the bikes are not set-up the same, we threw away points in heat two and twelve, and you just have to take it on the chin and deal with it. Another day hopefully soon we will get some points we don't deserve and may possibly scrape a win." Hitmen boss Joshua Moss bemoaned their misfortune after Sunday's home defeat to the Isle of Wight as their quest for a victory this season continues. NEXT HOME: Eastbourne, Sun Sept 9 (3pm) NEXT AWAY: TBC
COVENTRY "I have been honest with them from day one and we just don't know what will happen. It is no secret that we have really struggled with the crowd levels and sponsorship. On present financials, we would need investment or sponsorship of £40,000 to commit to racing next season. I have always said if anyone wants to help me or take over from me, I would welcome it. I just want to keep the Bees racing." Promoter Mick Horton accepts the Bees still face an uncertain future despite good on-track results in their season spent at their temporary Leicester home. NEXT HOME: Birmingham + Stoke, Sun Sept 9 (1pm) NEXT AWAY: TBC
EASTBOURNE "This was as tough as we expected it to be. There's no mistaking it was a hard afternoon for the boys. We just could not get everyone going consistently and they were usually faster than us out of the traps." Eagles boss Connor Dugard saw his side's good run ended by Mildenhall on Sunday, showing the size of the task they face if they are to secure silverware later in the season. NEXT HOME: Stoke + Isle of Wight, Sat Sept 15 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Stoke, Sat Sept 8 (7pm)
ISLE OF WIGHT "After Buxton won at our place last year and effectively handed us the wooden spoon, it's only fair that we return the compliment this season and we will move on now to our September Spectacular on Thursday night when we will be closing our season and presenting a meeting packed full of top quality racing, fun, games and seasonal goodbyes." Warriors promoter Barry Bishop was delighted to see his side end a near two-year winless run away from home with Sunday's success at Buxton. NEXT HOME: Wightlink Summer Showdown, Thur Sept 6 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Fri Sept 7 (7.30)
KENT The Kings endured a tough weekend with defeats against Belle Vue, Eastbourne and Mildenhall, and will now look to secure their play-off place when the Colts visit Central Park next Monday. NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Mon Sept 10 (6.30) NEXT AWAY: Eastbourne (KOC) Sat Sept 29 (7.30)
MILDENHALL "After losing Josh so early our unbeaten record could have been on the line, but this team will not be put off their stride and upped their game to cover for Josh's absence. Everyone contributed valuable points and the top boys really did the business when required." The Fen Tigers' league winning run now extends to 15 matches out of 15 this season following Monday's 50-40 victory at Kent despite Josh Bailey crashing out in his first ride, with boss Phil Kirk again delighted with the team display. NEXT HOME: Birmingham, Sat Sept 8 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Cradley (NT), Tues Sept 11 (7.30)
PLYMOUTH "This is make or break for us. We need all the points against Birmingham to keep us in the play-off hunt so it's looking like it's going to be a real battle. All the guys will need to be firing on all cylinders from the start to bring home the win for us. I have nothing but confidence in our ability." Devils boss Matt Bates knows there is no room for error ahead of Friday's re-arranged league clash with Birmingham. NEXT HOME: Birmingham, Fri Sept 7 (7.15) NEXT AWAY: Stoke, Sat Sept 22 (7pm)
STOKE "I have huge respect for Dave because without him and his volunteers then there would be no Stoke Speedway. It's a brilliant club to ride for and I've seen the amount of effort that's been put in over the years. I've known Dave for years as I used to ride there a lot when I was kid and I was just starting out." Potters star Max Clegg gives his backing to promoter Dave Tattum approaching the end of his first season with the club. NEXT HOME: Eastbourne, Sat Sept 8 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Coventry, Sun Sept 9 (3pm)
FIXTURE PICTURE"¦
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 4: PREMIERSHIP: Somerset v King's Lynn 7.30 CHAMPIONSHIP: Glasgow v Ipswich 7.30
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 5: PREMIERSHIP: Belle Vue v Somerset 7.30, King's Lynn v Leicester 7pm, King's Lynn v Leicester (follows previous fixture), Poole v Wolverhampton 7.30
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 6: PREMIERSHIP: Swindon v Belle Vue 7.30 CHAMPIONSHIP: Ipswich v Berwick 7.30 WIGHTLINK SUMMER SHOWDOWN: Isle of Wight 7pm
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 7: CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Lakeside 7.30, Redcar v Sheffield 7.30 CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD S/F 1st leg: Scunthorpe v Workington 7.30 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Isle of Wight 7.30, Plymouth v Birmingham 7.15
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 8: CHAMPIONSHIP: Workington v Newcastle 6.30, Workington v Redcar (follows previous fixture) TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Mildenhall v Birmingham 7.30, Stoke v Eastbourne 7pm
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 9: CHAMPIONSHIP: Peterborough v Berwick 5pm, Newcastle v Scunthorpe 6.30 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Eastbourne 3pm, Coventry v Birmingham 1pm, Coventry v Stoke (follows previous fixture)
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 10: PREMIERSHIP KO CUP S/F 1st leg: Swindon v King's Lynn 7.30 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Kent v Belle Vue 6.30
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 11: CHAMPIONSHIP: Glasgow v Edinburgh 7.30 NATIONAL TROPHY FINAL 1st leg: Cradley v Mildenhall 7.30
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 12: PREMIERSHIP KO CUP S/F 1st leg: Somerset v Belle Vue 7.30 INTER-LEAGUE CHALLENGE: Birmingham v Peterborough Select 7.30
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 13: CHAMPIONSHIP: Ipswich v Glasgow 7.30
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 14: CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Berwick 7.30, Lakeside v Glasgow 8pm, Workington v Peterborough 7.30 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Plymouth v Stoke 7.15 NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP S/F 2nd leg: Belle Vue v Mildenhall 7.30
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15: CHAMPIONSHIP: Lakeside v Newcastle (at Rye House) 7pm TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Eastbourne v Stoke 7pm, Eastbourne v Isle of Wight (follows previous fixture)
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16: CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Workington 6.30 TRAVEL PLUS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton v Birmingham 3pm NATIONAL TROPHY FINAL 2nd leg: Mildenhall v Cradley 3pm
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 17: CHALLENGE: Kent v Lakeside Select 6.30
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 19: PREMIERSHIP KO CUP S/F 2nd leg: Belle Vue v Somerset 7.30