NeilWatson

Race-day is dictated by Showground availability, and end-of-week days are always going to be awkward to ensure continuity. Tuesday racing would give continuity - the holy grail as far as we are concerned.

This won't happen in 2014, but is certainly something we would be keen to do in the future - let's get the PL sorted first :-)

An interesting conspiracy theory but 100% untrue!

CHRISTMAS CRACKER 1 Josh Auty 2 Ritchie Hawkins 3 Aaron Summers 4 Oliver Greenwood 5 Stuart Robson 6 Richard Lawson 7 Henning Bager 8 James Sarjeant 9 Lewis Rose 10 David Howe 11 Tom Perry 12 Nike Lunna Res: James Shanes Res: Danny Phillips MDL CHRISTMAS CUP – Coventry-Mercia v King’s Lynn COVENTRY-MERCIA Danny Phillips Reece Downes James Shanes John Markham TM Laurence Rogers/Kelvin Lapworth KING’S LYNN Max Clegg Adam Portwood Adam Kirby Michael Neale TM Dale Allitt/Wayne Dunworth

Everyone one will be doing their very best to ensure that it is!

Lincolnshire's nice in May I believe Terry!

9.52

PETERBOROUGH Speedway supporters have been handed the perfect Christmas present – with the news that their club will race on into the 2014 season. A deal has been finalised which sees a community-led consortium fronted by former Panthers chief Mick Horton and including local businessman and former rider Adrian Smith take over the Showground side on a leasehold basis from owners Rick Frost and Julie Mahoney. The club will compete in the Premier League, with a regular racenight to be confirmed, and the top three riders have already been signed with the Panthers to be led by Ryan Fisher, Lasse Bjerre and Ulrich Ostergaard. Locally-based Horton returns for a second spell in the Panthers’ backroom, and has spoken of his delight that speedway has not been lost to the city. Horton is keen to stress the deal in no way changes his position at Elite League club Coventry, where he has been at the helm for the last two years – and indeed, with the Brandon outfit also operating at National League level, there is clear potential for rider progression between the clubs at the respective levels. Fisher will be doubling-up with the Bees in the top-flight. Horton said: “The most important thing through all of this has been that nobody wanted Peterborough Speedway to close down. It is, in my opinion, the finest racetrack in the country. “I’m a local man, I’ve lived in Peterborough for many years and therefore the club has always been in my heart, and I know that’s also the case for colleagues such as Neil (Watson) and Blayne (Scroggins) who both started watching speedway there. “I have experience of promoting at Peterborough and I know the local businesses, and obviously I’m very happy that Julie and Rick feel this is the right consortium to take the club forward. “They were adamant they wanted the club to continue, there were several interested parties and by choosing this one they’ve ensured Peterborough Speedway is in local hands, and being run by local people. Rick and Julie have been brilliant to deal with, and our working relationship is second to none. “We have agreed a two-year lease with an option to purchase, and I’ve got to thank my fellow partners for helping to get this deal finalised. The way I see it is that if I can do my bit to help Peterborough then that’s good for everyone. “Trevor Swales and Julie Mahoney will remain as co-promoters, so we keep Trevor’s day-to-day involvement and expertise which is very important to us, and also Julie’s presence means we maintain our position within the BSPA. “I still remain firmly committed to Coventry, there are exciting times coming there and I know there has been a bond between the two clubs and the supporters for some time. “We’re now looking for the people of Peterborough, and the sponsors, to come out in force and support what is a great level of racing, on what will be a regular race-night, and with reduced admission prices to previous years – so now it’s time for everyone to come together and enjoy it.” Co-promoter Swales is pleased to have made a positive start to team building with spectacular American star Fisher returning after spending last season with the club in the Elite League. Bjerre and Ostergaard are both Panthers assets, Ostergaard having won the top-flight title in memorable circumstances in 2006, whilst Bjerre has also raced for the club at Elite level. Swales said: “I’m delighted to have those three riders signed up and we should have more news to announce on the team front in the next few days. “But I also want to pay tribute to Rick and Julie, because they have gone out of their way to make sure that Peterborough Speedway didn’t close down. “They always wanted the club to continue for the Peterborough supporters and we are all so grateful for what they’ve done, and likewise my thanks to the Showground for their patience - they want speedway to be here in 2014 and have been very helpful to us. We can now press on and look forward to an exciting season.” Julie Mahoney added: “The last thing we wanted to do was to close the club down, and Rick and myself are both pleased and relieved that this solution has been found. “It’s an ideal situation in many ways with the club being leased out to local people, we will give them all the support we can and obviously we urge all the fans to give their backing to this new era.” Season Ticket and Admission Prices for 2014 have been confirmed: Season Tickets Adult £250 Concessions £175 Children (12-16) £50 Raceday Admission: Adults £15 Concessions £10 Children (12-16) £5 Under-12s Free NEW THREAD STARTED IN PREMIER LEAGUE SECTION!

PETERBOROUGH Speedway supporters have been handed the perfect Christmas present – with the news that their club will race on into the 2014 season. A deal has been finalised which sees a community-led consortium fronted by former Panthers chief Mick Horton and including local businessman and former rider Adrian Smith take over the Showground side on a leasehold basis from owners Rick Frost and Julie Mahoney. The club will compete in the Premier League, with a regular racenight to be confirmed, and the top three riders have already been signed with the Panthers to be led by Ryan Fisher, Lasse Bjerre and Ulrich Ostergaard. Locally-based Horton returns for a second spell in the Panthers’ backroom, and has spoken of his delight that speedway has not been lost to the city. Horton is keen to stress the deal in no way changes his position at Elite League club Coventry, where he has been at the helm for the last two years – and indeed, with the Brandon outfit also operating at National League level, there is clear potential for rider progression between the clubs at the respective levels. Fisher will be doubling-up with the Bees in the top-flight. Horton said: “The most important thing through all of this has been that nobody wanted Peterborough Speedway to close down. It is, in my opinion, the finest racetrack in the country. “I’m a local man, I’ve lived in Peterborough for many years and therefore the club has always been in my heart, and I know that’s also the case for colleagues such as Neil (Watson) and Blayne (Scroggins) who both started watching speedway there. “I have experience of promoting at Peterborough and I know the local businesses, and obviously I’m very happy that Julie and Rick feel this is the right consortium to take the club forward. “They were adamant they wanted the club to continue, there were several interested parties and by choosing this one they’ve ensured Peterborough Speedway is in local hands, and being run by local people. Rick and Julie have been brilliant to deal with, and our working relationship is second to none. “We have agreed a two-year lease with an option to purchase, and I’ve got to thank my fellow partners for helping to get this deal finalised. The way I see it is that if I can do my bit to help Peterborough then that’s good for everyone. “Trevor Swales and Julie Mahoney will remain as co-promoters, so we keep Trevor’s day-to-day involvement and expertise which is very important to us, and also Julie’s presence means we maintain our position within the BSPA. “I still remain firmly committed to Coventry, there are exciting times coming there and I know there has been a bond between the two clubs and the supporters for some time. “We’re now looking for the people of Peterborough, and the sponsors, to come out in force and support what is a great level of racing, on what will be a regular race-night, and with reduced admission prices to previous years – so now it’s time for everyone to come together and enjoy it.” Co-promoter Swales is pleased to have made a positive start to team building with spectacular American star Fisher returning after spending last season with the club in the Elite League. Bjerre and Ostergaard are both Panthers assets, Ostergaard having won the top-flight title in memorable circumstances in 2006, whilst Bjerre has also raced for the club at Elite level. Swales said: “I’m delighted to have those three riders signed up and we should have more news to announce on the team front in the next few days. “But I also want to pay tribute to Rick and Julie, because they have gone out of their way to make sure that Peterborough Speedway didn’t close down. “They always wanted the club to continue for the Peterborough supporters and we are all so grateful for what they’ve done, and likewise my thanks to the Showground for their patience - they want speedway to be here in 2014 and have been very helpful to us. We can now press on and look forward to an exciting season.” Julie Mahoney added: “The last thing we wanted to do was to close the club down, and Rick and myself are both pleased and relieved that this solution has been found. “It’s an ideal situation in many ways with the club being leased out to local people, we will give them all the support we can and obviously we urge all the fans to give their backing to this new era.” Season Ticket and Admission Prices for 2014 have been confirmed: Season Tickets Adult £250 Concessions £175 Children (12-16) £50 Raceday Admission: Adults £15 Concessions £10 Children (12-16) £5 Under-12s Free

It's a 6-heat team match with two four-man teams, standard MDL format.

Yes, in the programme (sorry, couldn't resist!)

This meeting will not now take place on 29th December. It will be replaced by the MDL level 'Christmas Cup'

Spot on - Ryan Terry-Daley will ride for Coventry Storm in 2014!

Vikings now face Lightning instead of MDL final http://www.coventrybees.co/news.php?extend.2542

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITeJSQm30n4

Mike, gates will open at 10.30am

http://www.fim-live.com/fileadmin/alfresco/6550004_eng.pdf see pages 22 - 23

Lewis Kerr's PL average would rule him out

Still got a few copies left, ideal Christmas presents! I will send copies to forum members post-free so £17.00 payment by cheque, card or PayPal Details from neil@coventrybees.co

THIS Saturday is your last chance to buy tickets for our children's Christmas Party on December 14 - and the Track Shop is open from 10am. The Track Shop is open for the next two Saturdays (Dec 7 and 14) between 10am and 3pm but Christmas Party places must be booked and paid for by this Saturday. The party for Under-12s takes place between midday and 2pm to include buffet, disco, party games with prizes, a visit from Santa and tea and coffee for the adults. Cost is £5 per head, and if you require any further details please contact Trevor Randle attrevor@coventrybees.co .

So did you mean 'anywhere in the 1-7' or 'doubling-up' ?

Robert was unable to commit at this time to travelling back to the UK for a full season. He will be a prime candidate for the 'reserve' list should he travel in 2014.

SR 17.2.1 Riders new to EL / PL racing are categorised as follows: Cat 1: Riders with an “end of the previous season’s published average” in the Polish Ekstraliga or the Swedish Elitserien of above 6.00 points and a Rider subject to a Certificate of Sponsorship Cat 2: Riders with an “end of the previous season’s published average” in the Polish Ekstraliga or Swedish Elitserien of 6.00 and below plus ALL other Riders riding currently in any Professional Speedway League, Cat 3: Riders not riding in a Professional Speedway League (not Cat 4) Cat 4: Commonwealth and USA (to a maximum of 4 each season) Riders new to British Speedway Cat 5: Riders who have ridden in the National Development League as an Amateur 17.2.2 The Assessed MA's for new Riders to the EL /PL racing is: FIM Grand Prix Rider EL as SR 17.2.3 PL not permitted Cat 1 EL as SR 17.2.3 PL 8.00 Cat 2 EL as SR 17.2.3 PL 7.00 Cat 3 (not needing GBE Sponsorship) EL 3.00 PL 5.00 Cat 3 (needing GBE Sponsorship) EL 4.00 PL 8.00 Cat 4 EL 3.00 PL 5.00 Cat 5 EL 3.00 PL 3.00 Edited for formatting

7.26

http://www.speedway-forum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=74441&page=15 - Post #221