Speedway League season preview.

With the 2001 Speedway season beginning shortly, here's the Crash.Net team-by-team guide of who's hot and who's not in both the Elite and Premier League's.

ELITE LEAGUE.

Belle Vue Aces:

2001 should be a better season in Manchester, particularly with the addition of Henrik Gustaffsson, who's returning to British racing after a few years absence. If he can click early in the season the enigmatic, but undoubtedly talented, performer could have a storming season.

Jason Lyons should again be a solid points scorer, while third heat leader Jimmy Nilsen has something to prove after injury problems last year. Kaj Laukkanen looks likely to be as entertaining as ever, with Pole Jablonski an unknown quantity.

Questions also remain over the evergreen Neil Collins comeback with the club (for the fourth time). Will it be his last season before retirement?

The Aces are unlikely to be championship contenders - but are by no means wooden spoon material either.

Coventry Bees:

With the twin spearhead of ex world champions Greg Hancock and Billy Hamill backed up by young improving riders like Lee Richardson and Andreas Jonsson, the Bees should be right there all season long as very strong title contenders.

However, some concern remains regarding the unproven American debutant Billy Janniro - but with countrymen Hamill and Hancock around he's sure to get plenty of help.

Paul Lee has also been thrown in at the deep end, but even so Coventry look to have all the ingredients for success in place.

Eastbourne Eagles:

The defending champions look in good shape to have an excellent chance of achieving back-to-back titles this season.

Martin Dugard and Joe Screen have solid back-up from David Norris and Dean Barker. But the key man could be Brent Werner, who will be making the step up from the Premier League this season. Werner will start off as reserve, but with his excellent gating ability he must be fancying his chances of regular points finishes.

Joonas Klymakorpi arrives from Finland with a big reputation, but poor Marcus Andersson could be out of his depth.

Ipswich Witches:

A proud pedigree but many feel they could struggle this year, depending on whether the anticipated upturn in form materialises.

Apart from their genuine number one Chris Louis, Scott Nicholls returns after a couple of years at Poole and should continue his development. New signing Craig Boyce comes in as third heat leader after an excellent season with Kings Lynn in 2000. If he can get back to top form the Witches could do well.

Jarek Hampel will have many observers charting his performance after impressing towards the end of last season, but some feel that Jeremy Doncaster might not be quite up to the job - despite having a very successful comeback season last year.

Meanwhile, Jason Bunyan has to prove he is over injuries sustained at Wolverhampton and Savalas Clouting gets another chance.

Kings Lynn Knights:

Pushed Eastbourne all the way in 2000 before eventually finishing runners up, they remain in good shape and look certain to be in championship contenters again in 2001.

Jason Crump is undoubtedly one of top riders in the world and with heat leader support from fellow Grand Prix star Peter Karlsson and hot talent Nicki Pedersen it's a top there to challenge any other.

But what about Niklas Klingberg on a five point average. After much publicised legal wrangling (including arbitration!) the Swede is surely the key man. A 2001 Grand Prix
qualifier on such a low starting average looks outstanding value.

Another Swede (Freddie Eriksson) makes his British debut and the solid Tom Madsen could improve at reserve. Ross Brady makes a brave step up from the Premier League and realistically should find points hard to come by.

Oxford Cheetahs:

Many people's tip for the title. A very powerful looking side has been assembled and the crux could be the fact that, unlike all other Elite League tracks, the Cheetahs have not relied on the inclusion of unproven foreign riders.

All the starting seven have experience of British league speedway and that could be the deciding factor that makes them 2001 champions.

Out and out number one Leigh Adams is pure class. Todd Wiltshire had a superb 2000 and was a player in the Grand Prix series so proven at the highest level. Steve Johnston is always there or thereabouts but what about Brian Andersen? A very talented rider who has suffered more than most from injury over the past few seasons, but if he is fully fit again will add huge chunks to a starting average of just 7.17.

The Drymyl brothers should also improve as they move into their second year with the club, while Andrew Appleton steps up with a growing reputation as one that could go far in time.

Peterborough Panthers:

Despite current World Champion Mark Loram making the switch from Poole and a great number two in the form of Ryan Sullivan, things still look a little shaky - especially after the news that Sam Tesar is out for possibly up to three months with an Achilles tendon problem sustained in pre-season training.

Shane Parker could go well however and David Howe is expected to keep improving, but Nigel Sadler seems to be stuck in a bit of a rut and Grant MacDonald could well struggle.

Poole Pirates:

2001 could be a long season of struggle on the South coast. Having lost Loram, they could not have got a better replacement than triple world champion Tony Rickardsson - but many believe he could be a one-man band, with little support.

Ex world champion Gary Havelock will have to prove his worth and Lars Gunnestad is not a genuine heat leader on last season's form.

Craig Watson suffered a nightmare 2000 season with a long term injury and the team is completed by three foreign imports. One of whom - Gregorz Walasek impressed in a handful of meetings towards the end of the season but the other two - Hans Andersen and Krzystof Cegielski - are unproven.

Wolverhampton Wolves:

Another club who look to be in for a difficult season, with not enough end strength to threaten, having no real number one - although Jesper B Jensen gets better each season and could develop into that role.

Michael Karlsson makes a return along with legend Sam Redolence. It would be foolish to write Sam off, even at the age of 40, and many feel he can still cut it with riders half his age.

Paul Hurry is dependable without being spectacular, whileAdam Skornicki had an eye-catching 2000 season and could continue on an upward curve.

Daniel Nermark an unknown quantity and Wayne Broadhurst could sadly become cannon fodder at this level.

PREMIER LEAGUE.

The Premier League will be slightly different to the Elite in that teams competing will first meet in the regionalised Premier Trophy competition with the Premier League proper getting underway towards the end of May.

The preview that follows is based on the confirmed season starting line-ups, although there will doubtless be more than the odd change or two to team riding staff as the season progresses.

Arena Essex Hammers:

Tipped as dark horses but some although there appears to be little evidence to back this claim up. Sean Tacey has an impossible average to maintain after stepping down from the Elite League, while Leigh Lanham has not ridden for a year after smashing his thigh.

Colin White and Troy Pratt undoubtedly fly around their home track, but appear to trundle round most others. Comeback man Andy Glavin has not ridden for about seven years since serious injury. Luke Clifton and Barrie Evans could also find life tough at reserve.

Berwick Bandits:

Have taken the gamble of bringing in three Czechoslovakian riders (Josef Franc, Michael Makovsky and Adrian Rymel) on huge 9.00 assessed averages as their heat leaders, and a South African (Bevan Compton) on an assessed 3.00 at reserve. David Meldrum, David McAllan and Will Beveridge making up the rest of the team.

Hard to predict as this team could be anything, if the imports are as good as their reputations Berwick will be serious contenders. If they struggle, the Bandits' season will be over very quickly I feel.

Edinburgh Monarchs:

Look as good as any and should challenge. Peter Carr is one of the class acts at this level and basically unbeatable at Armadale. Robert Eriksson will not be far behind, a more potent partnership is hard to find in the league.

Aussie rookie Ben Shields remains a big gamble at third heat leader, but the real key man is Jan Andersen. He arrives from Elite League Ipswich on a ridiculously low converted average of 5.71 and should be three points better than that.

Blair Scott could make the breakthrough and Christian Henry is back after a promising first season. Finally, Derek Snedden has caught a few eyes and The Monarchs look very good this year.

Exeter Falcons:

The shock title winners last season do not appear to have too much chance of repeating the achievement this year, even with their undoubted considerable home track advantage.

Michael Coles is always good value but it's very hard to see where the support is coming from. Seemond Stephens, Mark Simmonds and Bobby Eldridge have averages inflated by home track performances, while Jason Prynne and David Osborn appear exposed at the bottom end.

However, potential improvement could come from Lawrence Hare who steps down after struggling at Ipswich last season, his 6.76 average looks certain to shoot up.

Glasgow Tigers:

They start the year with six out of the seven riders that finished last season, and don't look good enough to make a play for honours. Mid table respectability is forecast.

Les Collins is the 'other' side of 40 but still good for big points. After him there are a clutch of solid seven point men (James Grieves, new man Stuart Swales, Mark Courtney and Emiliano Sanchez) but they still lack a genuine heat leader.

Aiden (son of Les) Collins could blossom at reserve.

Hull Vikings:

Did very well last season with an unfancied side and could do the same this year, helped by crafty Yorkshireman, Eric Boocock, who undoubtedly knows how to get the best out of his riders.

Garry Stead and Paul Thorp head a side that is solid all the way through, with David Walsh returning 'home' and looking like good value.

Lee Dicken is a real racer who may come good as the season progresses. Mike Smith can build on a comeback year full of promise and Jamie Smith (no relation) is also expected to improve.

Key man looks like being Justin Elkins, around for a long time and with the motivation of Boocock, he could well make a few people sit up and take notice.

Expect the Vikings to be up there when it matters.

Isle of Wight Islanders:

Expect the Islanders to find it tough again this season.

Ray Morton is the genuine number one rider that all teams would like but without any real support - and he can't do it all alone.

Davey Watt comes over from Australia as second heat leader with only a 7.00 (assessed) average, while Adam Shields is back for a second season and looked good from time to time last year.

Danny Bird could be the one that makes significant progress but Scott Swain appears to be on the decline. Glenn Phillips might do a bit but Frenchman Cristof Cayre is a complete unknown. One has to conclude that it won't be a good year for the Islanders.

Newcastle Diamonds:

Potential challengers. Bjarne Pedersen surprised a few by opting to stay with the Diamonds instead of moving up to the Elite League and the Geordie folk will only benefit from that - a superb talent.

Jesper Olsen is as tough as they come, while Andre Compton must certainly improve when you remember his form at Sheffield in 1999. Kevin Little (in from Edinburgh) should find things easier at second string and young Rob Grant raised a few eyebrows when he broke in to the side last season.

Richard Juul is another that should find life less difficult returning to Newcastle for another spell, and if Paul Macklin can master the art of staying aboard for all four laps who knows.

Newport Wasps:

Completely unrecognisable from the 2000 team with a host of new faces, who look like being a good solid looking side, albeit without that little 'something'. Likely to be Mid table.

Glenn Cunningham is a fine addition at number one and the experience Steve Masters a good looking foil. Australian Scott Smith has a bit assessed average to live up to.

Krister Marsh does not look anything special and Tommy Palmer not the rider he once was but could be a trump card whilst at reserve. Wasps stung when Chris Neath suffered close season injuries riding in Australia and ex Wasp Emil Lindqvist returns to cover Neath's absence. He could make a big difference if back to the form of two seasons ago.

Reading Racers:

Potential dark horses. The signing of Charlie Gjeddes is interesting. A rider with a very promising reputation but missed out last year with injury but surely will get his career going again at Premier League level.

The vastly experience Italian Armando Castagna always good value and Phil Morris can mix it with the best. Paul Clews makes steady progress but the realspringer is Dave Mullett, who made his comeback from injuries sustained in 1999 towards the back end of last season and starts 2001 on a lowly 4.28 - massive improvement anticipated there.

Marc Norris fills one reserve spot with the remaining place unfilled at time of writing.

Sheffield Tigers:

Champions in 1999 and not far away in 2000, the Tigers should be serious challengers again in 2001. Sean Wilson is the main man and worth a few extra points for his motivational powers.

German Robbie Kessler slipped a little last season but is capable of adding a point to his average as is hot property Simon Stead. Add to that the return of Scott Smith and it's a tremendously powerful top four.

Adam Allott did very well last season and Andrew Moore looks one of the better 3.00 riders around. There remains concern that Lee Hodgson might be pitched in before he's ready, but even so that powerful top end will take some stopping.

Stoke Potters:

Generally struggle and this season should be no different. Jan Staechmann moves down from the top flight and brings with him an average of 11.08 - a quarter of the entire points limit and even he has not a hope of maintaining that.

Paul Pickering is a good, dependable racer and heat leader but outside these two it's hard to see where any improvement or support might materialise. Mark Burrows, Tony Atkin, Jon Armstrong and Dean Felton appear unlikely to get any better but Neil Painter might surprise a few.

Lower reaches of the table forecast for the Potters.

Swindon Robins:

A highly successful 2000 season has a good chance of being repeated in 2001 with a side made up of dependable heat leaders, Alan Moggridge and Paul Fry.

Improvement could come in the form of Claus Kristensen, Oliver Allen and Mark Steel. Steel is possibly the best reserve in the league and that might make life easier for raw youngster Ritchie Hwakins. With Martin Dixon in there too the Robins really do have the classic mix of youth and experience.

Should be up there with the best of the rest.

Trelawny Tigers:

British speedway's newest team makes it's league debut and must look on it as a learning experience being many people's favourites for the wooden spoon.

Brett Woodifield has Elite League experience and should make a good number one rider but nothing to look at after him. Pavel Ondrasik makes his debut saddled with a 9.00 average.

Chris Harris was a reserve at Exeter for much of last season and is now a heat leader on a track that is vastly different to the wide open spaces of Exeter. Same goes for Graeme Gordon.

Wayne Barrett and Gary Phelps should chip in with points but how about Lee Herne for a surprise packet? He turned out for a number of different teams last season and must have learned from the experience.

Sadly for the Tigers it really is hard to see them anywhere but bottom.

Workington Comets:

Championship contenders without a doubt and have assembled a very powerful side. Lead again by Grand Prix star Carl Stonehewer with returns for Mick Powell and Peter Karlsson to make a heat leader trio as good as any (including Sheffield's!).

Lee Smethills is marked out my many for great things. Barry Campbell can bounce back from an injury troubled 2000 season but the real trump card could be Rusty Harrison who will begin at reserve, but won't stay there for long. He's highly rated and will surely improve greatly on that starting average of 4.51.

James Mann completes the Comet's septet - one that's good enough to take the title.