Speedway News

Premier League bosses have scrapped the Young Shield Play-off competition to cope with an increasing fixture schedule. The addition of the British League Cup and an increase of three clubs over the past two years has left clubs with a packed programme.

Somerset Rebels have agreed terms with Bristol-based Glenn Cunningham and Steve Bishop. Both riders held successful negotiations with promoter Andy Hewlett who is now looking to purchase their contracts from Swindon and Exeter respectively.

Lee Smethills has finally completed his move to Exeter after weeks of speculation. The Belle Vue youngster will race for the Falcons on loan after spending last season with Hull.

Lee Smethills is keen to complete a move to Exeter if his parent club Belle Vue give him permission. The former Hull and Workington rider is not ready for regular Elite League racing and is keen to sign for the Falcons.

Despite the break for Christmas and the New Year the Arena-Essex Promotion have been busy preparing for the 2003 season at their Purfleet raceway.

Kelvin Tatum, a member of the Arena-Essex Hammers Speedway team, has been awarded an MBE [Member of the Order of the British Empire] in the Queen's New Year's Honours List published today [Tuesday] - and is the only member of the motorsport community to be honoured this year.

Outgoing Kings Lynn boss Nigel Wagstaff believes he is hardly any closer to completing a move to Oxford but senior speedway racing may yet remain at the Norfolk Arena.

Oxford owner Steve Purchase is still unable to give the Oxford fans the Christmas present they are after, but he goes into the holiday period with increased confidence that there will be Speedway at Sandy Lane in 2003.

Young King's Lynn rider Joe Cook, who appeared in the Hammers colours towards the end of the 2002 season has decided not to accept the offer of a team place with the Hammers in 2003.

Adam Shields has ended speculation about his future by agreeing terms to represent both the Isle of Wight and Eastbourne next season.

Sweden's Mikael Karlsson has changed his surname as he prepares for a fresh start in life, but promises that it will make little difference to his riding as he chases an elusive grand prix crown.

Berwick have handed local youngster Carl Shield one of the reserve positions at Shielfield Park for next season. Shield cut his teeth in Motorcross before trying speedway last term and has done enough to impress Bandits boss Peter Waite.

Newcastle have continued their tradition of bringing talented young Danish riders to the Premier League by signing Rune Knudsen. And in a busy week for the club the Diamonds have also snapped up Workington duo Mick Powell and Craig Branney.

Former Elite League rider Shaun Tacey has been named as Hull's latest capture.

Conference League team Wimbledon Dons are poised to announce the appointment of a new general manager who will have responsibility for team affairs and the administration of speedway operations at Plough Lane.

Dave Pavitt has blasted speculation linking Danny Bird with a move away from the Isle of Wight. The talented youngster has yet to sign for the Islanders but co-promoter Pavitt insists he is part of the plans.

Belle Vue's 2003 team is almost at completion as the club announce five signings. World number two Jason Crump and the long-serving Jason Lyons heading the pack.

Rusty Harrison cruised through to win the South Australian state championship last night. He roared to an untroubled victory in the final from Kevin Doolan, Rory Schlein and Brett Woodifield.

Somerset promoter Andy Hewlett is set to meet landlord Bill Hancock and legal representatives next Monday in a bid to secure a new lease. Both parties were due to meet earlier this week but that was cancelled due to the unavailability of key people.

The revised 2003 FIM Speedway Grand Prix Calendar following the cancellation of the events due to be held in Wellington [New Zealand] on November 1st, and in Sydney [Australia] on November 8.

Claus Kristensen has agreed terms to stay with Berwick for a second successive year. The Dane returned to the club in 2002 after a spell on-loan to Swindon.

Hull Vikings are now just two riders short of completing their 2003 team after confirming the signing of Neil Collins and the return of Vikings legend Paul Thorp.

Hull Vikings will reveal the identity of two further signings at Craven Park tonight... New Vikings bosses Nigel Wordsworth and John Bailey will meet the fans at their second question and answer session in the Craven Park bar at 8pm.

Eastbourne promoter Jon Cook is showing some concern over the fitness of his top rider Mark Loram. The 2000 world champion is still suffering from the effects of a crash in the British Final two months ago.