HERE'S our latest soundbytes and fixtures from around the tracks up and down the country.
THE BITE-SIZED BULLETIN
PIC OF THE WEEK...
Max Fricke on his way to a paid-maximum for Premiership league leaders Belle Vue during their 62-28 demolition of Peterborough on Thursday night at the National Speedway Stadium. Picture: EDDIE GARVEY
PREMIERSHIP SOUNDBYTES"¦
BELLE VUE "We've got two key fixtures next week where we need to ensure we perform to our absolute best. We need to kick-start our season away from home and now is the time for us to do that." Aces boss Mark Lemon calls on his side to respond strongly to their heavy 55-35 defeat at Swindon when they hit the road again next week. NEXT HOME: Poole, Mon July 1 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: King's Lynn, Mon June 24 (7.30)
IPSWICH "The teams are so even and strong in this league but to get another two points is terrific. We were not at our best, but the team showed great fight and determination. It was a lot of fun in the pits, I think the boys enjoyed it and to come back from eight down and having the tactical against us shows the mental character, we keep fighting and we want to do well. It was a really pleasing night." Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins was buzzing after the local derby thriller at King's Lynn on Monday with a Chris Harris paid maximum helping them to secure a draw. NEXT HOME: King's Lynn, Thur June 20 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Peterborough, Mon July 1 (7.30)
KING'S LYNN "I feel a bit deflated because that was a real up and down meeting. After going eight up early on I thought we could go on and win it but we had a few things go wrong and at least we were able to pull things level in the last." The Stars avoided a home defeat in a remarkable encounter with Ipswich, but boss Peter Schroeck was still somewhat down after being held to a draw. NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Mon June 24 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Ipswich, Thur June 20 (7.30)
PETERBOROUGH "I think the boys had got into their heads on the way here it was going to be a rough night, track will be terrible. I told them they can't think like that because the track didn't ride that bad. The Belle Vue boys made starts, we just weren't at the races." Panthers boss Carl Johnson gave an honest summation of a heavy 28-62 defeat at Belle Vue last Thursday after rain in the build-up to the meeting. NEXT HOME: Swindon, Thur June 20 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton, Mon July 22 (7.30)
POOLE The Pirates overcame a Heat 1 crash for No.1 Jack Holder which saw him withdraw from the meeting, to still overcome Wolverhampton 51-39 at Wimborne Road. The return fixture takes place at Monmore on Monday. NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Thur June 27 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton, Mon June 24 (7.30)
SWINDON "It might have been 55-35 but it wasn't as easy as that, and Max Fricke rode his socks off for them. When he gets clear air there aren't many people who pass him, but Troy did him from the back "“ I haven't seen a corner like that for a while when he shot past Doyley and then past Max! We've been working hard on things, and long may it continue." Robins boss Alun Rossiter highlighted the continued improvement in the Abbey Stadium track after an entertaining win over Belle Vue on Monday. NEXT HOME: King's Lynn (PSC), Thur June 27 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Peterborough, Thur June 20 (7.30)
WOLVERHAMPTON "We are going to have to start picking points up on the road pretty soon. We only have 12 opportunities in a season to do that and we have already lost at home." Wolves boss Peter Adams admits there were matters of concern in a 51-39 defeat at Poole on Monday as his side look to find their form away from Monmore. NEXT HOME: Poole, Mon June 24 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Peterborough, Thur July 11 (7.30)
CHAMPIONSHIP SOUNDBYTES"¦
BERWICK "Back on Berwick shale next week, these guys of ours will be fired up for a battle of mammoth proportions and as they wont be accepting anything less than a Shield Final, Lions beware, we're on a full scale hunt." Fighting talk from Bandits boss Gary Flint, whose team face an 18-point deficit at home to Leicester on Saturday in the race for a Championship Shield Final place. NEXT HOME: Leicester (CS SF), Sat June 22 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Newcastle, Sun June 30 (6.30)
BIRMINGHAM "We're not going to give in to rider demands just to fill a team place; we'll continue to speak to riders and when we find a rider who will blend into the team we've already got at Birmingham we'll make a signing." Brummies owner David Mason says the hunt goes on to replace Zach Wajtknecht, who stood down from his position in the side earlier this month. NEXT HOME: Newcastle, Wed June 19 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Somerset, Wed July 10 (7.30)
EASTBOURNE "Some of the guys at the lower end are just slightly off, they are really confident at home so what we need to do now is help to bring them on and build confidence for the away matches." Eagles star Richard Lawson knows form on the road is going to be crucial to their play-off hopes having suffered two early-season home defeats in the Championship. NEXT HOME: Scunthorpe, Sat June 22 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Scunthorpe, Fri June 28 (7.30)
EDINBURGH "When I was driving here today I was thinking I want to put my name on that trophy. There's some real big names on there. And I want to keep on putting my name on the trophy as long as this meeting is on." Former Monarchs star Richie Worrall made a successful return to Armadale on Friday with a narrow victory over Rory Schlein to clinch the Scottish Open Championship. NEXT HOME: Redcar, Fri June 21 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Redcar, Sat June 22 (7.30)
GLASGOW "We were on a really good run and in some ways the break is a bit disappointing. But we've just got to come back in the same form on June 21." The Tigers are back in action this week and are set for a run of four meetings in nine days as they look to maintain the strong form they were in before a gap in fixtures. NEXT HOME: Somerset, Fri June 21 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Edinburgh, Fri June 28 (7.30)
LEICESTER "We gradually got things together and I don't think 18 points flatters us in any way. We rode very well, despite not having our gating boots on in the early stages. It was a semi-final, both teams were up for it, and the message was sometimes to not go chasing and lose what we had." Lions boss Stewart Dickson was satisfied to end the first leg of their Championship Shield semi-final against Berwick with a handy 18-point advantage. NEXT HOME: Redcar, Sat June 29 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Somerset, Wed June 19 (7.30)
NEWCASTLE "I'm just not gating like I know I can. That's what people know me for but it's not happening for me right now. I've gone completely back to basics and the set-ups I was using last year to try and get it back." Diamonds star Thomas Jorgensen gives an honest assessment of his battle for consistency this season, with a home opportunity last weekend called off due to heavy rain. NEXT HOME: Berwick, Sun June 30 (6.30) NEXT AWAY: Birmingham, Wed June 19 (7.30)
REDCAR "I'm looking forward to getting into a good, settled team on a track that I love to ride, so however disappointing it is when clubs release you, it's turned into a win-win situation for me and the move has made me a lot hungrier again for the sport." New Bears signing Ulrich Ostergaard is looking forward to a fresh start at the Media Prima Arena following his early-season release from Championship rivals Birmingham. NEXT HOME: Edinburgh, Sat June 22 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Edinburgh, Fri June 21 (7.30)
SCUNTHORPE "All the speedway income goes into the same pot, and we re-invest everything back into the stadium. I'm very proud of the stadium that we've built up from nothing, and I hope our fans are too. I think it's something that town of Scunthorpe can take genuine pride in. We've built up that stadium and we also plan to maintain it and keep it looking smart." Scorpions promoter Rob Godfrey sent his thanks to all who support the club following further improvements at the Eddie Wright Raceway, which has been re-tarmaced during the recent lull in fixtures. NEXT HOME: Sheffield, Fri June 21 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Eastbourne, Sat June 22 (7.30)
SOMERSET "Before his recent accident I had the feeling that Henry needed more regular racing and I encouraged him to try and find a National League club. I just think that the more bike time he gets the sharper he will be and that can only be good news for us." Rebels boss Garry May is pleased to see youngster Henry Atkins fixed up in the National League with Mildenhall and expects both clubs to benefit from the arrangement. NEXT HOME: Leicester, Wed June 19 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Glasgow, Fri June 21 (7.30)
SHEFFIELD "Ty is a damn good rider and he just needs support and encouragement more than anything. Not one rider goes out there to finish last "“ especially not Ty who is so committed to his racing." Tigers chief Damien Bates with a ringing endorsement for Ty Proctor, who made a crucial contribution with three wins in the recent home victory over Leicester. NEXT HOME: Somerset, Sun June 30 (5.30) NEXT AWAY: Scunthorpe, Fri June 21 (7.30)
NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUNDBYTES"¦
BELLE VUE "It was a shock to go to No.1. I wanted to move up to the main body of the team but I definitely wasn't expecting to be No.1 this year. I just need to keep doing the same thing "“ keep improving and getting more experience all the time against harder riders." 15-year-old Jordan Palin will rise from reserve to No.1 for the Colts' KO Cup clash with Kent on Thursday after a stunning start to his National League career. NEXT HOME: Kent (KOC), Thur June 20 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Kent (KOC), Mon June 24 (6.30)
CRADLEY "Max obviously can't do anymore - sadly we just haven't got the back-up for him at the moment and we're struggling which is a real shame. We're just lacking confidence away from the starts - that's what's letting us down a lot." Heathens boss Will Pottinger had sympathy for 18-point maximum man Max Clegg who was seriously lacking support in Monday's 39-51 defeat at the hands of Leicester. NEXT HOME: Isle of Wight, Mon July 1 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Stoke, Sat June 29 (7pm)
ISLE OF WIGHT "I'm really disappointed. I thought it would be a close meeting and I thought we would have enough fire power to see us home, however Ben Wilson produced a stunning maximum for them and his rides in Heats 13 and 15 when the chips were down blew our hopes away." Warriors chief Barry Bishop couldn't hide his disappointment after Plymouth followed up a National Trophy win at Smallbrook by also taking the honours in the recent league encounter. NEXT HOME: Kent, Thur June 27 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Plymouth, Fri June 21 (7.15)
KENT "It was great to get the win, and from here we move forward with the league campaign." Skipper Rob Ledwith contributed eight points from four rides as the Kings opened their home league programme with a 50-37 win over Plymouth on Monday. NEXT HOME: Belle Vue (KOC), Mon June 24 (6.30) NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue (KOC), Thur June 20 (7.30)
LEICESTER "After what has happened over the last few days, it was an absolutely outstanding performance from everybody - a real team performance. Everybody played their part across the board." Lion Cubs co-boss Dave Howard had thoughts for injured youngster Sam Norris whilst seeing his side go top of the league with an impressive display at Cradley. NEXT HOME: Plymouth, Sat July 6 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Mildenhall, Sun July 21 (3pm)
MILDENHALL "Henry is a rider we have always thought could be a Mildenhall rider one day and we are confident that he can produce the big performances as our second heat-leader that will get us the points we have been lacking away from home especially." Fen Tigers general manager Phil Kirk hopes the capture of Henry Atkins can give his side a kickstart going into the vital summer months of the season. NEXT HOME: Thurrock Hammers, Sun June 30 (3pm) NEXT AWAY: Stoke, Sat June 22 (7pm)
PLYMOUTH The Gladiators recorded an excellent away win at the Isle of Wight last Tuesday but then suffered the frustration of another home postponement due to track conditions at the Coliseum. They return to action on their own circuit with the return clash against the Warriors on Friday. NEXT HOME: Isle of Wight, Fri June 21 (7.15) NEXT AWAY: Stoke (KOC), Sat July 13 (7pm)
STOKE "I've enjoyed racing in that league again. I just hope there's a spot out there for me some time in the future." Potters star Connor Coles is hoping for more Championship call-ups in a quiet period of fixtures for the Loomer Road club. NEXT HOME: Mildenhall, Sat June 22 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Plymouth (KOC), Fri July 12 (7.15)
FIXTURE PICTURE"¦
TUESDAY JUNE 18: BEST PAIRS: Isle of Wight OFF (Now July 18)
WEDNESDAY JUNE 19: CHAMPIONSHIP: Birmingham v Newcastle 7.30, Somerset v Leicester 7.30
THURSDAY JUNE 20: PREMIERSHIP: Ipswich v King's Lynn 7.30, Peterborough v Swindon 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP Q/F 1st leg: Belle Vue v Kent 7.30
FRIDAY JUNE 21: CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Redcar 7.30, Glasgow v Somerset 7.30, Scunthorpe v Sheffield 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Plymouth v Isle of Wight 7.15
SATURDAY JUNE 22: CHAMPIONSHIP: Eastbourne v Scunthorpe 7.30, Redcar v Edinburgh 7.30 CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD S/F 2nd leg: Berwick v Leicester 7pm NATIONAL LEAGUE: Stoke v Mildenhall 7pm BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP: Belle Vue 6pm
SUNDAY JUNE 23: CHAMPIONSHIP FOURS: Peterborough 2pm INTER-COUNTY CHALLENGE 1st leg: Swindon Sprockets v Kent 4pm BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP: Swindon (follows Challenge)
MONDAY JUNE 24: PREMIERSHIP: King's Lynn v Belle Vue 7.30, Wolverhampton v Poole 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP Q/F 2nd leg: Kent v Belle Vue 6.30
WEDNESDAY JUNE 26: CHAMPIONSHIP: Somerset v Redcar 7.30
THURSDAY JUNE 27: PREMIERSHIP: Poole v Belle Vue 7.30 PREMIERSHIP SUPPORTERS' CUP: Swindon v King's Lynn 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Kent 7pm
FRIDAY JUNE 28: CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Glasgow 7.30, Redcar v Leicester 7.30, Scunthorpe v Eastbourne 7.30 CHALLENGE: Plymouth v Somerset 7.15
SATURDAY JUNE 29: CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Scunthorpe 7pm, Leicester v Redcar 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Stoke v Cradley 7pm
SUNDAY JUNE 30: CHAMPIONSHIP: Glasgow v Edinburgh 3pm, Newcastle v Berwick 6.30, Sheffield v Somerset 5.30 CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP Q/F 1st leg: Eastbourne v Leicester 3.30 CHALLENGE: Mildenhall v Thurrock Hammers 3pm
MONDAY JULY 1: PREMIERSHIP: Belle Vue v Poole 7.30, King's Lynn v Swindon 7.30, Peterborough v Ipswich 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Cradley v Isle of Wight 7.30 INTER-COUNTY CHALLENGE 2nd leg: Kent v Swindon Sprockets 6.30
TUESDAY JULY 2: CHAMPIONSHIP KO CUP Q/F 1st leg: Redcar v Glasgow 7.30
