Reading ready for new season.

The 2003 speedway season starts this weekend, as Reading opening fixtures sees them up against their M4 rivals Newport Wasps in the M4 Challenge Trophy.

Racers travel to Wales on Sunday 16th March, before opening up the season at Smallmead 24-hours later against the Wasps.

There will be some familiar faces in opposite corners of the pits when the tapes rise on Sunday afternoon. The Racers include former Wasps Scott Smith and Andrew Appleton and Newport-based Phil Morris. Newport will hand debuts to Dane Niels Kristian Iversen, Tony Atkin, Matt Cambridge and former Racer Chris Schramm.

The Smallmead club go into the 2003 campaign with many changes on and off track.

Off track, Racers have appointed a Commercial Manager and Press Officer, for the first time in the club's 35-year history. Off the back of those appointments the Smallmead men have secured a lucrative team sponsor for the first time since 1990. 'Euphony', a Reading based Telecommunications company, have agreed to back Racers for an initial 12-month period, for an undisclosed five-figure sum.

The 'Euphony Racers' see a few changes on the team front as well. The major signing of the winter was the acquisition of highly rated Swedish star Jonas Davidson. Many believe the 18-year-old is going to be a star for the future, including Racers legends Per Jonsson and Armando Castagna, who both recommended him to Reading.

Another key signing was Newport's Scott Smith on loan. Smith is sure to be a big hit in Berkshire, as he's regularly clocked up some impressive scores when riding at Smallmead for his parent club Newport, since arriving on these shores in 2001.

Another new face sees 37-year-old Stuart Williams finally making his life long dream of lining up for Reading. Williams said, "As a teenager, I very nearly managed to fulfil my dream - It is simply now an adult dream which has come true. I'm confident I can achieve a 4.50 average this year at Reading."

Joining Williams at reserve, sees the return of the popular 21-year-old Shane Colvin. Colvin returns to Reading having left Smallmead during 2001, and spending a few months of the 2002 season at Workington.

Last season's summer sensation Andrew Appleton returns for his first full season, and will take one of the heat-leader berths on a bargain 7.00 average. Ever-reliable Skipper Phil Morris line's up for his 12th season at Smallmead, and will be looking to break the 9-point mark this year.

Completing the team is Coventry asset Paul Clews. Clewsy had a tough time last year, as he struggled with mechanical problems for most of the campaign. But the Smallmead camp are confident that the Banbury based rider, can show the form that saw him return a 7-point average at the end of the 2001 season.

The Euphony Racers camp are confident of good things this season - they certainly look as if they mean business, both on and off track.

Teams:
Newport: Frank Smart, Neils Kristian Iversen, Craig Watson, Carl Wilkinson, Tony Atkins, Chris Schramm and Matt Cambridge.

Neil Street (Team Manager).

Reading: Phil Morris, Andrew Appleton, Scott Smith, Jonas Davidsson, Paul Clews, Shane Colvin and Stuart Williams.

Ivan Shears (Team Manager).

For more on the Racers go to: readingspeedway.com