NeilWatson

COVENTRY are delighted to confirm an early extension of the Bees’ main team sponsorship deal with Buildbase. The club’s Elite League side have raced under the Buildbase Bees banner since 2004, and this will continue for a remarkable thirteenth successive season next year. During that time, Buildbase have been highly valued and proactive partners of the club, and it is a significant boost to have their support for 2016 confirmed. The early announcement of next year’s deal is partially due to the fact that Buildbase Regional Director John Clarke, a familiar face to all at Brandon, is to leave the company next month after nearly four decades of service. Naturally that news led to some concern amongst supporters that there could be an impact on the sponsorship - but the deal is already in place, and John will also continue to have a major part to play in the club. He said: “The sponsorship is reviewed on an annual basis and it’s normally advised in the early part of the New Year. “But with me leaving the company at the end of the year, it made good sense to re-assure people that the Buildbase commitment remains as strong as ever. “I certainly won’t be going anywhere else in terms of the speedway, and I’ll still be doing everything I can to assist the promotion of the club and helping out on race-nights.” Coventry Speedway would like to thank Buildbase for their continued support of the club, and we look forward to working together again in 2016.

COVENTRY can confirm Great Britain international Danny King will return to the club next season. King enjoyed a consistent first year with the Buildbase Bees in 2015 having spent much of his previous time in the Elite League with Ipswich, Peterborough and then Birmingham. He was involved in several important races for Coventry last season, teaming up with skipper Chris Harris for a memorable match-winning Heat 15 5-1 at Lakeside as well as securing a home win over top-four rivals Swindon with victories in each of the last two races. And in the first leg of the play-off semi-final against Poole, King salvaged a draw for the Bees with a remarkable Heat 15 effort to overtake both of the Pirates’ top two riders, Chris Holder and Maciej Janowski. Individually, he finished a best-ever third in the British Final at Wolverhampton, and continued to represent his country in the World Cup. King joins Harris as a starter in the Bees’ top five for next year, and promoter Mick Horton says he’s delighted to have both top Brits returning in 2016. Horton said: “We were very eager to bring Danny back, and he really wanted to come back - he’d wanted to ride for Coventry for a few years, and he loved being here. “What impressed me about Danny last season was the way he learnt the track in terms of the dirt on the outside - I knew he was a racer, but I didn’t think he’d be trying the ‘Bomber’ line! “Both Danny and Chris were key to our team building plans, and it’s great for us to have them both signed.” Bees now have four riders confirmed for 2016 with King and Harris joining reserve duo James Sarjeant and Josh Bates, and talks are ongoing to fill the remaining positions.

Bees fourth signing is Danny King.

I'd be the first to admit that the Storm fixtures weren't ideal in 2015, and we'll be aiming for more consistency in 2016. We didn't get off to a good start when the very first league fixture was rained off (in May) and we had staged a challenge and a shared event before the league fixtures started. The situation was exacerbated later in the season with more rain-offs, and having to clear Storm dates to complete the Elite League programme, re-arranging the rain-offs was awkward with Eastbourne's late-season glut of fixtures because of their success in the cup competitions.

David Rowe's words not mine, I'm not that eloquent. But he's right!

CHRIS Harris will be back to lead Coventry in the 2016 Elite League season. The Buildbase Bees skipper has put pen to paper on his new contract which will take him into his eleventh campaign with the club. Since joining the asset base at Brandon in 2004, Harris has ridden for the Bees in every season with the exception of loan spells at Belle Vue in 2011 and Birmingham in 2013. Having won three league titles in his first stint with the club, he has captained the Bees to play-off qualification in each of the last two seasons, and 2015 was arguably his most consistent yet. He has become one of the most popular riders ever to wear Coventry colours and, after being frustrated by the weather earlier this year, his long-awaited Testimonial meeting will now take place on Sunday March 20, 2016. Harris said: “It’s great to be back, I’ve been part of the furniture at Coventry for many years and I’m looking forward to being captain again. “I’ve been discussing my ideas for the team with Mick (Horton), we’ve had many texts going between us, and also Chris Anderson who helps sort my deals out so I don’t have to stress about things! “I’ve always said I wanted to be riding for Coventry when I’m holding my Testimonial. I feel it would be unfair to hold it there if I was at another club, and I’ve always had such great support from the fans there over the years. “It’s been a roller-coaster career for me, and it didn’t start off the best all those years ago, but things have got better and better and I felt this year was my best one in Coventry colours. “Now I want to come back next year and have an even better season, and I can assure everyone that with the hard work being put in behind the scenes if it doesn’t come off it won’t be for the want of trying!” Coventry promoter Mick Horton added: “Chris was obviously one of the major keys to our team building plans and I’m absolutely delighted to have him back. “He was our Rider of the Year and he was a fantastic captain, something he proved both on and off the track, and he still remains the big favourite at Brandon.” Harris joins reserve duo James Sarjeant and Josh Bates as confirmed starters for the new season, and further news is expected in the near future.

It was your mistake I was correcting.......

Apologies to all, in correcting another's error I made one myself! Two double-up riders in the 1-5

No more than TWO double-up riders in the 1-5 (corrected from 1-7)

Kyle has a 2015 Elite League average

Yes.....

Rob, I'm trying to PM you without success

Sunday October 25, 2015 COVENTRY can confirm today’s National League double-header against Eastbourne and Mildenhall is definitely ON (4pm start). Saturday’s rain cleared during the afternoon and the track is in good condition for today’s action, which is the final meeting in the UK this season. Eastbourne, who won the KO Cup last night, will track a full-strength side as impressive teenager Daniel Spiller, a late-season addition to their line-up, is now available to ride. The City Gearboxes Storm need to avoid defeat against either the Eagles or the Fen Tigers to secure a top four finish in the league table. Liam Carr steps in to guest for Dan Greenwood in the No.1 berth in both meetings, whilst Mildenhall have Danny Ayres guesting in their No.1 spot. The action gets underway at 4pm - admission £15 adults and all children free, for a 30-heat schedule. Sunday October 25, 2015 COVENTRY can confirm today’s National League double-header against Eastbourne and Mildenhall is definitely ON (4pm start). Saturday’s rain cleared during the afternoon and the track is in good condition for today’s action, which is the final meeting in the UK this season. Eastbourne, who won the KO Cup last night, will track a full-strength side as impressive teenager Daniel Spiller, a late-season addition to their line-up, is now available to ride. The City Gearboxes Storm need to avoid defeat against either the Eagles or the Fen Tigers to secure a top four finish in the league table. Liam Carr steps in to guest for Dan Greenwood in the No.1 berth in both meetings, whilst Mildenhall have Danny Ayres guesting in their No.1 spot. The action gets underway at 4pm - admission £15 adults and all children free, for a 30-heat schedule.

All systems go Rob, the track had been prepared with yesterday's rain in mind. You've clearly not been to Brandon this season.....

COVENTRY will stage the final scheduled meeting of the British Speedway season at Brandon on Sunday afternoon (4pm). The City Gearboxes Storm complete their National League campaign with a double-header against Eastbourne and Mildenhall in the last official fixtures of 2015. And the home side, who go into the matches on a run of six straight wins, need to avoid defeat in either of the clashes to confirm a top-four finish in the table - which would go down as a significant achievement with a much-changed team from last year. Their first opponents, Eastbourne, came close to taking the title in their first NL season and have already secured runners-up spot with an exciting young side headed by the hugely talented Bradley Wilson-Dean. And depending on the outcome of their KO Cup Final against Cradley on Saturday, they could arrive at Brandon with a third item of silverware in the bag, having already clinched the Gold Cup and National Trophy. Mildenhall, meanwhile will be looking for their first away win of the National League season in a re-arrangement from the abandoned fixture between the two clubs in late August. Fen Tigers promoter Kevin Jolly has been active in the media with his views on that match, which came to an early halt due to a serious crash involving Storm skipper Dan Greenwood which necessitated the call-out of a county ambulance. Jolly called for his side to be awarded a 16-14 win as they were in front at the time, with just five of fifteen heats completed, as well as erroneously questioning the level of medical cover at Brandon and disputing the arrangement that the Fen Tigers will be appearing second in Sundays double-header - having turned down the chance to come to Coventry in a stand-alone fixture earlier this month. It all adds spice to the final match of the season, and promoter Mick Horton is expecting an entertaining 30-race schedule and hoping for a good turn-out ahead of the long winter break. Horton said: It would be great to see plenty of support for the boys in the very last meeting of the season anywhere in the country this year. If we win both matches well finish in fourth place, which would be a great effort by the lads, and wed actually only be one point behind Cradley. I do hope the fans can prove to us that investing in the youth, as weve done over the last three years, is worthwhile. Its the last meeting so we really want to give the lads a good send-off. We want to invest in youngsters, but we need the support to do it. The Storm go into the matches with just one change from their regular line-up with Greenwood still on the sidelines, and Buxton heat-leader Liam Carr has been booked to guest at No.1. At the other end of the team, promising 16-year-olds Callum Walker and Jamie Halder will take one match each as the Storm utilise all available members of their squad, with the remainder of the side at full strength. Boss Laurence Rogers said: When I put our team together I knew each and every one could improve on their starting averages, and they have been a delight to work with. It has been a very pleasing season despite our disjointed fixture list, and now we want to finish on a high in two tough matches. Id like to thank Liam Carr for standing in, he goes well at Brandon and has a good attitude so Im sure hell score plenty of points for us, and I really hope the Coventry fans take advantage of the last chance to see some speedway this season and come and support the boys. The action gets underway at 4pm, with admission prices £15 for adults, and all children go free. CITY GEARBOXES STORM (from): Mark Baseby, Liam Carr, Conor Dwyer, Jamie Halder (v Mildenhall), Martin Knuckey, Darryl Ritchings, Rob Shuttleworth, Callum Walker (v Eastbourne). EASTBOURNE (from): Richard Andrews, Kelsey Dugard, Ben Hopwood, Marc Owen, Daniel Spiller R/R, Bradley Wilson-Dean, Georgie Wood. MILDENHALL (from): Danny Ayres, Tom Bacon, Ben Basford, Connor Coles, Jack Kingston, Connor Mountain, Luke Ruddick.

They can!

I'm sure that on a race-day Jayne has better things to do than be glued to this forum.......

COVENTRY Storm are to be awarded a win from their abandoned National League clash with Rye House. The September 11 fixture was brought to a halt due to rain after eight races with the City Gearboxes Storm in a clear 32-19 lead over the Raiders. This is two heats short of the official cut-off upon which a result would be declared whatever the scoreline, but the SCB have ruled that score after Heat 8 will stand. Their judgement is that the situation meets the criteria of SR15.12, incorporating the ability for the SCB to award a meeting that is not completed but is mathematically secure in exceptional circumstances. Even had the Raiders secured two 5-0s in the next two races, the Storm would still have been in front on the night after Heat 10. This means there are just two more National League fixtures to be staged at Brandon this season, and these will both take place on Sunday October 25. Eastbourne will be the first opposition for the City Gearboxes Storm, followed by Mildenhall, with the action getting underway at 4pm.

More information about the Rye House meeting should be available later today.

If I was Neil Waston I might have been offended by the comment :-)

Darcy Ward merchandise will be available!

A summary of the 'admin' information for tonight: COVENTRY are building up to their biggest match of the season at Brandon tonight (8pm) - as they face Poole in the Elite League play-off semi-final. The Buildbase Bees had a major injury scare last weekend when skipper Chris Harris crashed heavily in Poland, but after treatment during the week he has been declared fit to race. Bees also have Freddie Lindgren guesting for the injured Joonas Kylmakorpi, whilst the Pirates arrive with a full-strength line-up in the clash of the top two teams from the regular campaign - and a repeat of last year’s Final. Tonight’s first leg tie was initially set to take place on Monday before being put back due to the weather - and conditions are now set fair with a good forecast for Friday. Start-time is 8pm, with gates opening at 6pm. Admission prices: £20 adults, £15 concessions, £5 children (11-16), under-11s free. Programme (24 pages) £2.50. NB. Adult and concession admission prices will be discounted by £5 on production of a re-admission ticket from the Coventry v Lakeside fixture from Wednesday September 9. Season tickets are valid. Pre-meeting, there will be some members of the Coventry Storm team present with their bikes for photo opportunities with the kids (or adults!). In addition, Harris has launched a competition to design his 2016 liveries (http://coventrybees.co/news.php?extend.3353) and memorabilia gifts will be available for designs received outside the Track Shop with Bomber at 6.30pm tonight. Bookings for coach travel to the second leg at Poole on Monday can be made at the BOSS kiosk this evening.

COVENTRY captain Chris Harris will race in Friday’s crucial Elite League play-off semi-final against Poole at Brandon (8pm). The Buildbase Bees have been sweating on the fitness of their inspirational skipper since he was involved in an horrific crash in Poland last weekend. But after extensive treatment during the week, Harris is all set to take his place at No.1 in the line-up as Bees look to build a first leg advantage to take into the return fixture in Dorset on Monday. And whilst the Pirates topped the table by four points, a certain amount of history is on Coventry’s side as on both previous occasions the clubs have met in the play-offs prior to the Final, the Brandon outfit have emerged on top - in both 2002 and 2007. Just over a month ago, Poole boss Neil Middleditch stated he would not be picking Coventry in the semi-finals - but the Pirates then had a change of heart and elected to travel to Brandon in the first leg. And the Bees are now looking for a big atmosphere off-track as well as a big performance from their riders in order to make their opponents regret that choice. Promoter Mick Horton said: “It has all the makings of a fantastic tie - Poole obviously feel with their selection that they can roll us over, but we’ll see. “This season we’ve been to their place and won, and they’ve come here and won whilst one meeting here was a bit of a fiasco, and we have a score to settle. “We certainly want to take a lead down there, to give us something to defend, but I don’t think there’s going to be a lot in it - these have been the top two teams in the league this season, and we know they have a great side. “The boys will be up for it and an extra point for us is when we get the big crowd in. We want to make Poole feel uncomfortable, and the fans can play a big part in that for us.” Bees track the line-up which would have been on track on Monday before the first leg was put back by four days due to the weather - with Swedish star Freddie Lindgren guesting for the injured Joonas Kylmakorpi. Poole have maintained an unchanged one-to-seven throughout the year, barring an early-season injury for Davey Watt, and have won half of their away fixtures including twice at Brandon - but their only home defeat was at the hands of the Bees. Manager Gary Havelock said: “I won’t be setting any points targets - obviously we want to win the meeting but I don’t feel you should ever put a figure on it. “If you do that and you don’t get your figure you end up disappointed, and if you do hit your figure, you can go into the second leg a little complacent, and we certainly won’t be doing any of that. “Whatever happens, I truly believe that on our day we can win at Poole as well, and having Bomber ready to race is going to give everyone a massive boost going into the meeting.” Start-time for Friday’s meeting is 8pm in line with broadcast schedules, and supporters are reminded to bring their re-admission tickets from last Wednesday’s home match against Lakeside in order to qualify for a £5 discount. Season tickets are valid. BUILDBASE BEES (from): Hans Andersen, Jason Garrity, Chris Harris, Kyle Howarth, Danny King, Freddie Lindgren, James Sarjeant. POOLE (from): Kacper Gomolski, Chris Holder, Maciej Janowski, Kyle Newman, Dakota North, Paul Starke, Davey Watt.

Duplicate post removed

Monday September 14, 2015 COVENTRY have a major concern over inspirational skipper Chris Harris ahead of Friday’s crunch play-off clash with Poole. Harris was involved in a heavy crash in Poland on Sunday and has returned to the UK with ankle, wrist and elbow injuries. He plans to see a specialist early this week and it leaves the Buildbase Bees sweating just days before their biggest match of the season. Harris said: “It was a big crash on the first bend with me, Sebastian Ulamek and Michal Szczepaniak, and we all went straight into the fence together. “Me and Seb were actually under the fence for a time and they had the ambulance out but we did manage to walk away. “I carried on in the meeting, it was an important one for the club, but it was afterwards when the adrenaline had eased that I really felt the pain, and I’ve got a swollen wrist and ankle. “I’ve got to get plenty of treatment over the next few days, I really want to be fit for Friday but I’ll have to see what the specialist says.” Bees already have Joonas Kylmakorpi on the sidelines, with Freddie Lindgren booked to guest, and it is now a relief that the initially-scheduled first leg against the Pirates tonight was put back by four days. That call was taken on Saturday afternoon due to an adverse weather forecast, with the conditions of Monday already fully justifying that decision. Boss Gary Havelock said: “You’re always worried about receiving a call saying one of your riders has crashed in another meeting, and now we have to wait and see with Bomber. “He’s massive to our team, and being without him is not really something I want to think about. It’s a huge concern for us. “I will be looking at our options, of course, but we already know how limited they are and at the moment we just have to keep our fingers crossed.”