Speedway News

With the announcing of Arena Essex's first three signings for 2003 last week - heat leaders Kelvin Tatum, Leigh Lanham and Finn Joonas Kylmakorpi - the club's management will be having talks over the next few weeks with various riders who could come into consideration for the remaining four team

Simon Stead has been snapped up by Workington from Peterborough to complete their 2003 side for a fee said to be a record amount for a Premier League rider.

Jan Staechmann has become Stoke's second signing for 2003 after agreeing terms to remain with the club for a third season despite interest from Hull.

Scott Smith is the new Queensland champion after taking the title from Mick Poole, John Jorgensen and Davey Watt.

Lee Dicken is returning to Hull for 2003, the club with which he first rode for in 1995 and stayed with until losing his place in 2001 then having moderately successful stints with Arena Essex and Newport.

Mark Loram has been forced to pull out of this weekend's Brighton Bonanza indoor event. Loram is still struggling with injuries sustained in the British Final two-months ago and he has been replaced by Martin Dugard who wil come out of retirement for the occasion.

Attendees at the latest meeting of the Save Long Eaton Stadium campaign heard that speedway is unlikely to return to the town until 2005.

Hull Vikings have announced the signing of Simon Cartwright for the 2003 season. Cartwright returns to the club where he started his senior career in 1998 and has since had spells with Sheffield - where he won the league - Glasgow, Stoke and Berwick.

Somerset promoter Andy Hewlett is still hoping for a meeting with Oak Tree Arena landlord Bill Hancock to resolve the club's future. The Rebels could be forced to close if no new lease is secured within the next fortnight.

The future of speedway racing at Wimbledon Stadium, one of the sports legendary venues, has been safeguarded for the next three years, following the agreement of a new lease between the Stadium landlords, the Greyhound Racing Association and the Directors of Wimbledon Speedway PLC.

The Ochiltree family are staying at Coventry despite the takeover of Midland Sports Stadiums Ltd. Martin Ochiltree and his mother Linda are directors and Colin Pratt will remain in charge of speedway matters at Brandon.

Travis McGowan retained his Victoria State championship title with an unbeaten performance on Saturday night. He came home ahead of Jason Stewart and Ashley Jones.

Following the recent signing of Frank Smart, Newport have moved to retain Craig Watson for 2003 when the popular Australian duo will again spearhead the Wasp's campaign.

Hull Vikings Speedway has signed Garry Stead as Captain for the 2003 season. Stead becomes the first rider to agree terms as the new promotion of Nigel Wordsworth and John Bailey assemble their team for the new look Hull Vikings.

David Norris has been named as Eastbourne's rider of the year after playing a major role in the Eagles' push for the Elite League title. Norris also played his part in the club's Knockout Cup glory with a series of impressive performances for the Arlington side.

British Speedway will retain a three-tier structure next season following a hugely successful annual general meeting in Swindon. The Sky Sports Elite League will feature eight clubs with 28-meetings per team and the Premier League could be set for 18 clubs.

After cruising to victory in the first three rounds of the Ivan Mauger Golden Helmet series, Lukas Dryml had his run ended by John Jorgensen in the fourth round at the Mackay Motordome, Queensland last night.

Three of Reading's 2002 team will all be riding together in the Swedish League in 2003. Anders Henriksson, Andrew Appleton and Phil Morris have all agreed terms to ride for Swedish club Gislaved next season.

Jim Lynch is convinced Peterborough will come to the tapes next season. Talks are ongoing with potential new owners of the club but Lynch and co-promoter Ian Jarvis will represent Panthers at the sport's AGM this weekend.

Elite League promoters will meet again this Thursday ahead of the sport's AGM next weekend. Some clubs are not ready to pledge their involvement with the top flight for next season as calls are made for certain changes to be made.

New Hull speedway owners Nigel Wordsworth and John Bailey are pressing ahead with their bid to revive Long Eaton - despite their successful takeover at Hull.

Phil Morris picked himself up out of his sick bed to lift the Supporters Club 'Rider of the Year' trophy at last night's Dinner & Dance at the Madejski Stadium, home of Reading Football club.

Australia will be the most represented country in next year's Speedway Grand Prix, with five riders vying for the 2003 world title. They are Jason Crump, Ryan Sullivan, Leigh Adams, Jason Lyons and Todd Wiltshire.

Birmingham businessman Nigel Wordsworth is the new owner of the Hull Vikings, ensuring that the Humberside club survives into the 2003 campaign.