Speedway News

Benfield Sports International has revealed that the Wales Tourist Board will be the 'official destination host sponsor' for the FIM British Speedway Grand Prix at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on 14 June this year.

At a pre-arranged press conference at Smallmead Stadium yesterday lunchtime, Reading Speedway unveiled a lucrative team sponsor for the 2003 season.

Carmarthen Dragons have entered all three competitions at Conference League level in the coming season. Club bosses have also announced plans for the West Wales Select Championship to take place the day after the British Grand Prix in Cardiff.

Scott Robson raced to win the special 75th Anniversary of British Speedway event at Rye House last night. Robson, a Rye House rider, emerged victorious a point ahead Carl Stonehewer with Andre Compton in third place.

Outspoken Belle Vue boss John Perrin will face his critics at next Sunday's Speedway Great Britain Exhibition in Stoneleigh. Perrin has been slammed for recent comments about Premier League racing, claiming it is an inferior product to that of the Sky Sports Elite League.

The Victor Chandler Coventry Bees have completed their 2003 Elite League line-up with the signing of 19-year-old American Ryan Fisher. Fisher, who made his British debut with the Bees last season, settled his deal for this year in a meeting with boss Colin Pratt on Monday.

Elite League speedway stars, World Champions and a host of speedway fans will be making their way to Rye House Stadium, Hoddesdon on Saturday (March 1st) for the 75th Anniversary of British Speedway meeting.

American hero, and current Coventry Bees skipper, Billy Hamill dropped a sensational pre-season bombshell on world championship speedway yesterday by pulling out of this year's grand prix series - but admits that it was a tough decision to take.

Reading Racers have shown their intention of being a major force in the Premier League, by arranging an intensive two-day training session in Italy. The team will be under the guidance of former Racer and Italian legend Armando Castagna.

The Newport Wasps made it seven out of seven after handing Matt Cambridge a team place. He'll fill the outstanding reserve position where he'll partner Chris Schramm.

Premier League Glasgow have signed 16 year old youngster Gary Beaton, following in the footsteps of uncles' Jim and Bobby, who both raced for the Tigers. Beaton will remain in the Conference League this season but hopes to find a place in the team next season.

Reading will have a new team manager leading them this season, following the news that Ivan Shears will be taking over the reins in both home and away meetings. Shears is the son of Racers Co-Promoter Chris Shears and will be taking over the position from Nick Dyer.

Graham Jones could be on his way back to Wolverhampton as the club's rider-coach. Jones makes a comeback after seven-years out of the saddle at this weekend's Telford ice meetings.

Ryan Sullivan has ended speculation about his British future by finally signing for Peterborough. The Australian Grand Prix rider has been in talks with Panthers owner Mick Horton since December and a deal has now been finalised.

King's Lynn have completed the signing of European Grass Track champion Sirg Schutzbach - but he is likely to start the season on the sidelines. Stars promoters Keith Chapman and Laurence Rogers were hoping he would be given a three-point starting average but were turned down.

Nick Fafard edged out Michel Lemay to take the honours in the Division one final of the first round of the Quebec Ice Speedway Championship at St. Come, Canada.

Peterborough's all-time leading points scorer Ryan Sullivan is close to finalising a new contract with the club. But a fixture clash with his Polish League duties means the deal cannot yet be finalised.

Jan Staechmann is on his way back to Oxford after agreeing terms with new promoter Nigel Wagstaff. The Dane will be full-time with Stoke in the Premier League but he will double-up with the Silver Machine on a regular basis.

Dave Rowland is the new team manager of Newcastle Diamonds after the decision of George English to stand aside. English will concentrate on commercial matters at the club after six successful years in charge of the team.

With Canada in the grip of a cold winter, the summer season is still four long months away. But those hardy souls who cannot wait till April to get their next adrenaline rush from powering a speedway bike around the track will be heading the Quebec Championship in February.

Speedway fans are invited to an open day at the Willowbed Hall in Chickerell this coming weekend.

Nick Simmons has signed for Stoke, thus completing the Potters' 2003 team plans. The 21-year-old [left in yellow on picture] joins the Loomer Road club on loan from the Isle of Wight.

Coventry Bees have landed one of the biggest names in global bookmaking as their new team sponsor for the 2003 season. Victor Chandler, known as the 'Gentleman Bookmaker', has agreed to sponsor the Bees for the next 12 months.

Swindon is set to confirm their final team member for the new season in the next few days. The Robins are likely to promote a rider from their Conference team with Thomas Allen and Simon Dyminski in contention.