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 closed the gap at the top of the Championship table with a 48-41 victory against leaders Leicester on Friday night at Ashfield. Picture: DAVE PAYNE
PREMIERSHIP SOUNDBYTES"¦
BELLE VUE "We're very excited to welcome Nikolaj to the team. He is a young rider who is constantly improving with Premiership experience and has had the benefit of his time with his Championship team Berwick to further hone his skills." Aces boss Mark Lemon confirms a further change at reserve with Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen joining the club in place of the currently sidelined Tero Aarnio. NEXT HOME: Swindon, Mon Aug 12 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Ipswich, Thur Aug 1 (7.30)
IPSWICH "I don't think it will be too vital Wolves taking a point, as things stand I think they are fighting for fourth spot whilst we are fighting for first. In a sense, I am not worried about them taking a point, I am just happy we got three points especially after the start we had." Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins felt a win on the night was all his side needed from a close contest with Wolves which was cut short with two races remaining due to a torrential storm. NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Thur Aug 1 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: King's Lynn, Mon Aug 5 (7.30)
KING'S LYNN "He has to be sensible, he's a young man with a big, long future ahead of him and he has made the correct decision. I'm hoping it's something connected with the injury he had in 2015 but we will know more in the coming days." Stars co-promoter Dale Allitt backs Robert Lambert's decision to withdraw from the British Final and hopes the former champion's absence proves to be a brief one. NEXT HOME: Ipswich, Mon Aug 5 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Mon Aug 26 (12pm)
PETERBOROUGH "I felt quick all night and I knew if I could get to the dirt first in the final that I'd be away. That's how it turned out. I don't think I'm shocked. I've always had the belief that I've got the ability but it feels great to have done it." Celebrations for Panthers star Charles Wright who was crowned British Champion with a stunning display at Belle Vue on Monday. NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Thur Sept 5 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Poole, Thur Aug 1 (7.30)
POOLE The Pirates are back in Premiership action this Thursday against Peterborough as they look to turn the tables on the Panthers who have edged them out in three last-heat deciders earlier this season. NEXT HOME: Peterborough, Thur Aug 1 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Wolverhampton, Mon Aug 26 (8pm)
SWINDON "We have to keep doing what we're doing. We have a great top five, and young Ellis (Perks) is settling in fantastically, he never gives up and he's a tenacious character who's making some really good rides, and Claus (Vissing) also did well with paid-eight although he's struggling a little with engines." Robins boss Alun Rossiter encourages his side to keep the momentum building after an impressive 58-32 home win over Belle Vue boosted their play-off push. NEXT HOME: Wolverhampton, Thur Aug 8 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Mon Aug 12 (7.30)
WOLVERHAMPTON "As a club we are very proud of Jacob, this is a magnificent achievement and we congratulate him on this result. We are going to need Jacob on top form throughout August as we set about trying to make up ground in the league table." Promoter Chris Van Straaten congratulates Swedish star Jacob Thorssell on his national title success at Hallstavik last weekend. NEXT HOME: Belle Vue, Mon Aug 5 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Swindon, Thur Aug 8 (7.30)
CHAMPIONSHIP SOUNDBYTES"¦
BERWICK "We gave these Monarchs a good run for their money tonight at a track renowned as not our favourite, but to hold them close for as long was good going." Bandits boss Gary Flint wasn't too downhearted with a 38-52 defeat at Edinburgh last Friday, with a lack of race wins ultimately proving his side's undoing. NEXT HOME: Redcar, Sat Aug 3 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Glasgow, Fri Aug 9 (7.30)
BIRMINGHAM "I thought there was some cracking racing at times as well and all-in-all it wasn't a bad night. The only real disappointment was the final result but I thought it was a decent effort from the boys." Brummies boss Laurence Rogers took some positives from a narrow defeat at home to Somerset in which several promotions from the Perry Barr club resulted in a well-attended fixture. NEXT HOME: Eastbourne, Wed Aug 7 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Scunthorpe, Fri Aug 9 (7.30)
EASTBOURNE "Every rider was magnificent. Right from the moment when Jason Edwards and Alfie Bowtell got the 5-1 in heat two you could see that our heat leaders had a lift. If you could have offered us 43 points going into the meeting, we would have bitten your hands, your arms and your legs off." Eagles director Ian Jordan praised his side's tremendous effort at Glasgow in the first leg of the Championship Shield semi-final "“ which sets up a massive night at Arlington on Saturday. NEXT HOME: Glasgow (CS SF), Sat Aug 3 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Redcar, Sun Aug 4 (2pm)
EDINBURGH "It was a good all-round team performance and nice to get a good win. It was a bit of a shame for Sam and I to lose our maximums in heat 15 but dropping one point to the opposition isn't bad. I felt like the pressure was off me a bit tonight with Sam coming in, he's really good rider." Monarchs star Cameron Heeps is pleased with the revised line-up at Armadale, which secured a 52-38 win over Berwick in its first home outing. NEXT HOME: Scunthorpe Fri Aug 2 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Scunthorpe, Sun Aug 4 (5.30)
GLASGOW "Rasmus was magnificent tonight and we won without Craig Cook getting his usual 14 or 15 points. That's the really pleasing aspect as a team "“ it proves we're not just about one man. Everybody chipped in tonight and that's the difference." Cami Brown's Tigers are on a roll in the Championship with a 46-44 win at Scunthorpe taking them to within a point of leaders Leicester, and with matches in hand. NEXT HOME: Redcar, Fri Aug 2 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Somerset, Wed July 31 (7.30)
LEICESTER "We fully respect Glasgow's wishes in this situation but regrettably we won't be taking the matter further. We are not in a position to purchase the rider at this time and we have informed Victor. It's unfortunate for the boy but he understands." Stewart Dickson confirms the Lions won't be signing Victor Palovaara as previously planned, and will now turn their attentions elsewhere to replace the injured Josh Bates. NEXT HOME: Sheffield, Sun Aug 4 (4pm) NEXT AWAY: Birmingham, Wed Aug 21 (7.30)
NEWCASTLE The Diamonds will face a much-changed Somerset side in their next home fixture as they bid to build on an impressive win over Glasgow in their last meeting at Brough Park. NEXT HOME: Somerset, Sun Aug 4 (6.30) NEXT AWAY: Somerset, Wed Aug 7 (7.30)
REDCAR The Bears switch to Sunday racing for their home fixture this week as they welcome Eastbourne, with the start-time set at 2pm as local rivals Newcastle are also racing on the day. NEXT HOME: Eastbourne, Sun Aug 4 (2pm) NEXT AWAY: Glasgow, Fri Aug 2 (7.30)
SCUNTHORPE "We started well, but Glasgow came into it, as they got dialled into the track. We nearly snatched it after we took a 5-1 in Heat 14 with the tactical substitute, and then Cookie (Craig Cook) got excluded in the last race which made it for an exciting finish, but fair play, because Rasmus Jensen kept his head and won the re-run." Scorpions boss Dave Peet had no complaints after his side were edged out by Glasgow in a close contest at the Eddie Wright Raceway last Sunday. NEXT HOME: Edinburgh, Sun Aug 4 (5.30) NEXT AWAY: Edinburgh, Fri Aug 2 (7.30)
SOMERSET "I spoke to Anders about the plans I had, explaining that his improved average would move him out of the reserve berth under the new team structure, and he agreed that he would take the challenge on. It's without question that a big step for him and I am encouraged by his attitude." Rebels boss Garry May believes youngster Anders Rowe will adapt to the challenge of racing in the top five as part of the club's team changes which see Nick Morris joining as No.1. NEXT HOME: Glasgow, Wed July 31 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Newcastle, Sun Aug 4 (6.30)
SHEFFIELD "We know what we've got to do and there's still a good feeling in the camp that this can be a successful season for Sheffield." Tigers co-promoter Damien Bates feels his side are still capable of mounting a strong play-off push during a busy fixture schedule in the month of August. NEXT HOME: Edinburgh, Sun Aug 11 (5.30) NEXT AWAY: Leicester, Sun Aug 4 (4pm)
NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUNDBYTES"¦
BELLE VUE The Colts have matches in hand on their rivals and have the opportunity to move back into the top four of the National League when they host second-placed Kent on Thursday. NEXT HOME: Kent, Thur Aug 1 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Kent, Mon Aug 19 (6.30)
CRADLEY "We got the win in the end and that's the main thing. We'd have ideally liked to have sent Stoke home with nothing, but it wasn't to be and in all honesty they probably did deserve their point." Heathens boss Will Pottinger said the three points for his side were the most important thing to come out of a hard-fought win over Stoke on Monday. NEXT HOME: Plymouth, Mon Aug 19 (7.30) NEXT AWAY: Leicester, Sat Aug 17 (7.30)
ISLE OF WIGHT "The guys really did put up a great performance, showing maturity beyond their years in difficult conditions. They were determined not only to complete the meeting, but give it their all on track. The Warrior fans can be very proud of our boys tonight, as I am." Warriors boss Kevin Shepherd praised his side for their efforts in the Silver Ski Holidays Fours at Plymouth, giving them a chance of winning the series in the decider next week. NEXT HOME: Oxford Select, Thur Aug 1 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Silver Ski Holidays 4s, Kent, Mon Aug 5 (6.30)
KENT The injury-hit Kings went down to a 40-50 home defeat to Leicester on Monday and now face a tough trip to play-off rivals Belle Vue on Thursday. NEXT HOME: Silver Ski Holidays 4s, Mon Aug 5 (6.30) NEXT AWAY: Belle Vue, Thur Aug 1 (7.30)
LEICESTER "In the end it was still close until the last three or four heats, and then Ellis and Danyon did their fantastic job in Heats 13 and 15. It was looking like it could go either way, but two brilliant 5-1s from them clinched all four points for us "“ so it was a great win for us and a great performance from the team." Co-boss Dave Howard praised the Lion Cubs after a 50-40 win at Kent on Monday took them to the top of the National League table. NEXT HOME: Stoke (KOC), Sun Aug 4 (6pm) NEXT AWAY: Plymouth, Fri Aug 2 (7.15)
MILDENHALL "We have suddenly hit a good vein of form and now are looking like a very good unit, the top five in particular are performing excellently and they must maintain this consistency if we are to achieve our aim of making the play-offs." Fen Tigers boss Malcolm Vasey is pleased with current results and believes his side can carry on that form in what is shaping up to be a tight battle for top four places in the league table. NEXT HOME: Isle of Wight, Sun Aug 11 (3pm) NEXT AWAY: Isle of Wight, Thur Aug 8 (7pm)
PLYMOUTH "The night started with some riders picking fault with how the track was prepared but our team cracked on with it and so did the Isle of Wight. I did feel sorry for the travelling Kent fans who had to witness their team refuse to ride because it was grippier than what they are used to at their track, but unfortunately the track was prepared for racing and not dust." Gladiators boss Mattie Bates was unrepentant after a controversial round of the Silver Ski Holidays Fours at the Coliseum last Friday. NEXT HOME: Leicester, Fri Aug 2 (7.15) NEXT AWAY: Silver Ski Holidays 4s, Kent, Mon Aug 5 (6.30)
STOKE "It was similar to the Isle of Wight as were leading at one point and silly falls and silly mistakes when in points-scoring positions and things went wrong "“ well, not everything as we brought a point away from the meeting." Potters boss Adam Isherwood regarded the 42-48 defeat at Cradley on Monday as a missed opportunity as they look to gain ground on the play-offs. NEXT HOME: Leicester (KOC), Sat Aug 3 (7pm) NEXT AWAY: Leicester (KOC), Sun Aug 4 (6pm)
FIXTURE PICTURE"¦
TUESDAY JULY 30: NATIONAL LEAGUE: Leicester v Isle of Wight OFF
WEDNESDAY JULY 31: CHAMPIONSHIP: Somerset v Glasgow 7.30
THURSDAY AUGUST 1: PREMIERSHIP: Ipswich v Belle Vue 7.30, Poole v Peterborough 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Kent 7.30 CHALLENGE: Isle of Wight v Oxford Select 7pm
FRIDAY AUGUST 2: CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Scunthorpe 7.30, Glasgow v Redcar 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Plymouth v Leicester 7.15
SATURDAY AUGUST 3: CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Redcar 7pm CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD S/F 2nd leg: Eastbourne v Glasgow 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP S/F 1st leg: Stoke v Leicester 7pm
SUNDAY AUGUST 4: CHAMPIONSHIP: Leicester v Sheffield 4pm, Newcastle v Somerset 6.30, Redcar v Eastbourne 2pm, Scunthorpe v Edinburgh 5.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP S/F 2nd leg: Leicester v Stoke (follows Championship fixture)
MONDAY AUGUST 5: PREMIERSHIP: King's Lynn v Ipswich 7.30, Wolverhampton v Belle Vue 7.30 SILVER SKI HOLIDAYS 4s: Kent 6.30
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 7: CHAMPIONSHIP: Birmingham v Eastbourne 7.30, Somerset v Newcastle 7.30
THURSDAY AUGUST 8: PREMIERSHIP: Poole v Ipswich 7.30, Swindon v Wolverhampton 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Belle Vue v Leicester 7.30, Isle of Wight v Mildenhall 7pm
FRIDAY AUGUST 9: CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Sheffield 7.30, Glasgow v Berwick 7.30, Redcar v Newcastle 7.30, Scunthorpe v Birmingham 7.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Plymouth v Mildenhall 7.15
SATURDAY AUGUST 10: CHAMPIONSHIP: Berwick v Glasgow 7pm, Leicester v Scunthorpe 7.30
SUNDAY AUGUST 11: CHAMPIONSHIP: Newcastle v Redcar 6.30, Sheffield v Edinburgh 5.30 NATIONAL LEAGUE: Mildenhall v Isle of Wight 3pm
MONDAY AUGUST 12: PREMIERSHIP: Belle Vue v Swindon 7.30, Wolverhampton v Peterborough 7.30 CHALLENGE: Kent v Eastbourne Select 6.30
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 14: CHAMPIONSHIP: Birmingham v Scunthorpe 7.30, Somerset v Edinburgh 7.30
