Statman

Well in Glastonbury where I live (bout 20 miles from track) we had rain overnight & some drizzle this morning but getting bit brighter now.

Sorry all, complete brainstorm the other day when posting riding order for Pairs, correct riding order as follows Reading: 1. Ulrich Ostergaard 2. Mark Lemon Rye House: 3. Chris Neath 4. Tommy Allen Sheffield: 5. Andre Compton 6. Ricky Ashworth Birmingham: 7. James Birkinshaw 8. Craig Watson Edinburgh: 9. William Lawson 10. Matthew Wethers GROUP 2: Workington: 11. Daniel Nermark 12. Kauko Neiminen Newcastle: 13. Josef Franc 14. Christian Henry Somerset: 15. Jason Doyle 16. Emil Kramer Redcar: 17. Gary Havelock 18. Ty Proctor Island: 19. Glen Phillips 20. Jason Bunyan

Group 1 BIRMINGHAM BRUMMIES 1 James Birkinshaw 2 Craig Watson EDINBURGH MONARCHS 3 William Lawson 4 Matt Wethers READING RACERS 5 Ulrich Ostergaard 6 Mark Lemon RYE HOUSE ROCKETS 7 Chris Neath 8 Tommy Allen SHEFFIELD TIGERS 9 Andre Compton 10 Ricky Ashworth Group 2 ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS 11 Glen Phillips 12 Jason Bunyan NEWCASTLE DIAMONDS 13 Josef Franc 14 Christian Henry REDCAR BEARS 15 Gary Havelock 16 Ty Proctor SOMERSET REBELS 17 Jason Doyle 18 Emil Kramer WORKINGTON COMETS 19 Daniel Nermark 20 Kauko Nieminen

There are a couple of changes to line up for tomorrow night's Exmoor Chase at Somerset; John Oliver confirmed as replacement for Simon Lambert Manuel Hauzinger replaces Ben Barker

The first staging of the Exmoor Chase Individual Championship take places at Somerset's Oak Tree Arena this Friday, 20th June. It is being run over the traditional 16 rider, 20 heat format, run-off's being used to determine placings should riders tie on points for any of the podium places. Sponsors have specifically selected young up and coming riders to make up majority of the field, together with 5 of the current Somerset team Line up in rider order; 1) Tommy Allen (Rye House); 2) Jack Roberts (Buxton); 3) Ben Barker (Stoke); 4) Jordan Frampton (Somerset); 5) Jason Doyle (Somerset); 6) Kozza Smith (King's LYnn); 7) Jerran Hart (Newcastle); 8) Brent Werner (Somerset); 9) Joe Haines (Workington); 10) Simon Lambert (King's Lynn); 11) Tai Woffinden (Rye House); 12) Shaun Harmatiuk (USA); 13) Linus Eklof (Smederna/Sweden); 14) Emil Kramer (Somerset); 15 Luke Bowen (Rye House); 16) Simon Walker (Somerset)

Yes they are, 3 coaches booked so far and these almost full, see here for latest details; http://rebelmike.proboards22.com/index.cgi...amp;thread=2944

PAUL FRY TESTIMONIAL MEETING PRESS RELEASE THURSDAY 8TH MARCH THE LINE UP IS COMPLETE The line up for Paul Fry's Testimonial Meeting is now complete with the final four riders confirming their availability, making the list of competing riders probably the best ever seen at the Oak Tree Arena. The first of these riders is Somerset's own, and the undisputed number one rider in the Premier League of 2006, Magnus Zetterstrom, who will be leading the Rebels for a third successive season this year. The current Premier League Riders' Champion, 'Zorro' was an obvious choice for the line up, as Fry explains, "I could not have contemplated having the meeting without Magnus in the line up, I enjoyed two great years with him at Somerset and I am sure he is relishing competing against the Elite League riders in the line up to prove that he is still more than a match for them!" One of those Elite League riders Zetterstrom will be competing against will be the nine times Australian Champion and current Grand Prix star, Leigh Adams, who is about to embark on his ninth season of racing for Swindon, this being spread over three spells with the Wiltshire club. "Originally Leigh was not going to be able to make the meeting as the original date clashed with Swindon racing that same night, but with Rye House agreeing to switch the date of their Premier Trophy meeting with Somerset, Leigh is now able to take his place in the line up." said a delighted Fry. "With Leigh joining Mark [Loram] and Charlie [Gjedde] in the line up, it is anybody's guess as to who will take top spot on the rostrum and the winner's cheque of £1,000, there will be no easy races for anybody!" The final two places in the star-studded line are filled by Rye House's Tommy Allen and Swindon's Danish International and ex-Newport star, Mads Korneliussen. Fry was keen to include Allen in the field as was just starting out in the sport whilst Fry was with Swindon. "I remember Tommy's early days at Swindon, and I know he won't mind me saying so, but in those days it was an achievement for him to make it round the first bend without falling off!" joked Fryer, "so it is really great to see that his career has progressed so well. He has become a good solid performer for Rye House and I am sure Tommy will go on to bigger and better things in the future." With Mads Korneliussen completing the field, the final line up for the meeting at Somerset's Oak Tree Arena on Friday March 23rd is as follows (not in riding order); Leigh Adams (Swindon), Tommy Allen (Rye House), Neil Collins (unattached), Glenn Cunningham (unattached), Charlie Gjedde (Swindon), Ritchie Hawkins (Somerset), Mads Korneliussen (Swindon), Mark Loram (Ipswich), Chris Neath (Rye House), Paul Pickering (Stoke), Jamie Smith (Mildenhall), Garry Stead (Stoke), Simon Walker (Somerset), Craig Watson (unattached), Brent Werner (Birmingham), Magnus Zetterstrom (Somerset)

Paul Fry Testimonial Meeting Press Release Saturday 3rd March Three more named for Paul’s ‘Fry-Up.’ Three more riders have confirmed their availability to ride at Paul Fry’s Testimonial meeting on Friday 23rd March at Somerset’s Oak Tree Arena. All three of the riders are ex-team mates of Paul’s, the first of these being Swindon’s Danish International, Charlie Gjedde. After spending last season with Reading, Gjedde finds himself back with Swindon for the 2007 season, for whom he rode during 2002-2005, with Fryer being his team mate for two of those seasons. “I rode alongside Charlie at Swindon for the two season in the Premier League prior to the Robins moving up into the Elite League in 2004 when Charlie stayed on at Blunsdon whereas I moved on to Somerset.” Explained Fryer. “He was a great guy to have in the team, and I’m really pleased that he is able to be part of my meeting.” Gjedde is an ex Danish under 21 Champion and had an excellent record at the Oak Tree Arena on his visits there with Swindon, and will be a considered a top contender for at least a podium place come the end of the meeting. For the next rider it is a welcome return to the Oak Tree Arena for Somerset asset Jamie Smith, who will be plying his trade with Mildenhall this year. Now fully recovered from his much publicized accident at King’s Lynn in the early part of last season, Smith will be out to prove not doubt that Somerset’s loss will be the Fen-Tiger’s gain as far as the 2007 season will be concerned. Joining Gjedde and Smith in the line up will be Somerset favourite Simon Walker, for whom 2007 could be a defining season. After spending his Premier League career to date riding in one of the two reserve positions, Walker finds himself lining up for the Somerset ‘Sharp’ Rebels in 2007 in the main body of the team, possibly in the number two race jacket. “I really feel Simon has got what it takes to make the move from reserve into the top five, and he will not be fazed by it” said Fry, “I’ve a lot of time for Simon and he was one of the first riders I pencilled in when compiling the list of potential starters.” With the announcement of Gjedde, Smith and Walker to the line up, this brings the number of confirmed riders to date to twelve, the four remaining riders to be named next week to complete the line up. Following the meeting itself, Paul will be holding an auction of race jackets and other memorabilia, so fans are advised to bring some extra cash along with them to bid for some rare and unique items that could be going under the hammer.

Paul Fry Testimonial Meeting Press Release Saturday 24th February World Champion to ride at Paul’s ‘Fry-Up.’ Paul Fry is delighted to announce that 2000 World Speedway Champion, Mark Loram is now a confirmed starter at his Testimonial meeting on Friday 23rd March at Somerset’s Oak Tree Arena. “It is fantastic news that Mark is able to ride at my meeting” Said Fry at the announcement. “Mark and I rode together at Exeter in 1995 and 1996 and became good friends during those two seasons.” “I know Mark has an extremely busy racing schedule, so I am extremely grateful that he has found the time to fit this meeting into that schedule.” “This will be the first time Mark has ridden at the Oak Tree Arena, and I know he is really looking forward to the experience!” As well as lifting speedway’s ultimate prize, Loram is a three times British Champion, the last of these coming in 2001. After a couple of season blighted by injuries, Loram was back to his best in 2006 riding for Ipswich, for whom he will be riding for again in 2007. In addition to Loram’s involvement in the meeting, Fry has also confirmed that both Neil Collins and Brent Werner will be part of the starting line up, which brings the total confirmed starters to date to nine, with more names due over the next couple of weeks. “Mark’s inclusion is just the first of what I hope will be a number of Elite League riders that will confirm their availability for the meeting,” explained Fry, “Not only will they be stars of the Elite League, but there might well be a couple more Grand Prix stars amongst those names!” Anyone is interested in sponsoring riders or any of the heats for what promises to be a great night of racing, then please contact Paul (07980 275 965) for further details. Official Press Release by Ian Belcher Paul Fry Testimonial Meeting 07816 107 751.

PAUL FRY TESTIMONIAL MEETING PRESS RELEASE SUNDAY 18TH FEBRUARY THREE MORE NAMED FOR PAUL’S ‘FRY-UP!’ Paul Fry can now confirm three more riders for his testimonial meeting being held at Somerset’s Oak Tree Arena on Friday 23rd March. The first of these being a rider who is returning to the saddle of two years away from the sport due to a serious arm injury, namely Stoke’s Paul Pickering. “I spent a season alongside Paul when I rode for the Potters.” Explained ‘Fryer’ “It is so good to see ‘Pickers’ riding again this year following his injury, and I hope he has a trouble free season as far as injuries are concerned.” Another former team-mate of Fry’s is also a confirmed starter, and ironically it is another rider who has suffered more than his fair share of injuries over the past two seasons, Newport’s Craig Watson. “Watto and I were team-mates when I rode for Newport when the club re-formed in 1997.” “One of my claim to fames is that I actually won the first ever heat staged at the Hayley Stadium, something I do remind Watto of every now and then!” “Like Paul [Pickering], it will be good to see Craig back on track again this year.” The much-travelled Garry Stead, a rider that ‘Fryer’ has never actually ridden with during his career, completes the trio of confirmed riders. “Though I’ve never ridden in the same team as Garry, he and I have been good friends throughout our career’s and I’m really pleased that he is able to ride at my meeting.” With six riders now confirmed, Paul hopes to announce the remaining riders over the forthcoming couple of weeks, these including a number of Grand Prix and Elite League riders. As a precursor to the actual meeting, Paul has secured the services of Over The Top Motorcycle Stunt Team, headed by the famous Weston Beach Race Gorilla and including ex-Swindon speedway star, Barry Duke. “These guys are just awesome in the tricks they can perform, I should know, I’ve done most of them myself, the difference being these guys do them deliberately, whereas mine were completely unintentional!” “In order to ensure that the meeting gets completed ahead of the 10pm curfew at the Oak Tree Arena the stunt display team will commence at 6.45pm, so any fans who wish to watch them will need to get to the track in good time.” Further information on the stunt team can be found on their website www.ottstuntteam.co.uk. Official Press Release by Ian Belcher Paul Fry Testimonial Meeting 07816 107 751

PAUL FRY TESTIMONIAL MEETING PRESS RELEASE SATURDAY 10TH FEBRUARY PAUL GETS READY FOR HIS BIG ‘FRY-UP!’ With the new speedway season almost upon us, plans are now coming together for Paul Fry’s testimonial meeting which is being held on Friday 23rd March at Somerset’s Oak Tree Arena. The date of the meeting is a change from that originally publicised of the 30th of March as Paul explains. “When the Elite League fixtures were released earlier this week it turned out that 8 Elite League clubs were riding the same night as my meeting, and this took out a number of riders who had originally said that they could ride at my testimonial.” “Luckily I was able to move my meeting forward by a week, swapping it with Somerset’s Premier Trophy match with Rye House that will now take place on March 30th.” “I am indebted to Len Silver at Rye House for agreeing to the change of dates, without his co-operation my testimonial would have been devoid of any top stars from the Elite League.” “Though this is my 20 year testimonial, it is the first one I’ve actually had; somehow my 10 year testimonial meeting passed me by!” “I would like people to know, however, is that this is not a farewell meeting, I still believe I have a lot to offer the sport and if any team are looking for a rider during the season, then I’m available!” The format of the meeting will be a 16 ride, 20 heat, individual meeting, with the top two riders at the end of the 20 heats of racing going through to the final, the next four in the score chart being left to battle out the remaining two places by way of a semi-final race off. As far as the riders who will be contesting the meeting are concerned, the first three names can be announced, these being Rye House’s Chris Neath, who was a team mate of ‘Fryer’s’ at Swindon, Somerset’s Ritchie Hawkins and Oak Tree Arena favourite, Glenn Cunningham. Further names will be released over the forthcoming weeks leading up to the meeting as and when riders confirm their availability, but Paul is hoping to be able to confirm a number of Grand Prix stars, both past and present in the field. Sponsorship details are now available for anyone who will like to sponsor any of the participating riders or heats of racing by contact Paul on 07980 275 965. Official Press Release by Ian Belcher Paul Fry Testimonial Meeting 07816 107 751.

Forecast for tonight is fine.........

MATT READ FAREWELL SPEEDWAY MEETING PRESS RELEASE MONDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR MATT'S BIG NIGHT With just a few days to go now until Matt Read's Farewell Speedway Meeting at Somerset's Oak Tree Arena, it is all systems go for what promises to be a fantastic night's entertainment. "I cannot believe that the night is almost upon us now." Commented Matt. "After the months of planning and organising we are just a couple days away from the actual event, and I cannot wait for the action to start." "I hope the fans enjoy the racing and other events we've arranged for Friday, I know talking to the riders taking part that they well be giving it everything to be one of the top two from either team to make it into the heat 15 Grand Final." The format of the meeting is such that it is a traditional 2 team, 7 riders per team, 15 heat meeting, with that final race being contested by the top two riders from each team for the top spot on the podium. Interspersed being the speedway action will be three heats of sidecar speedway racing and two sessions highly exciting sessions of freestyle motocross. With such a full evening's entertainment arranged, Matt is conscious of the 10 pm curfew time at the Oak Tree Arena and reminds fans that the action will commence at 7.15pm on Friday (22nd), and not the traditional start time at Somerset of 7.30pm. Teams: Matt's Masters: 1) Sean Wilson (unattached); 2) Glenn Cunningham (Somerset); 3) Chris Harris (Coventry); 4) Danny Bird (Glasgow); 5) Craig Boyce (Poole); 6) Chris Neath (Rye House); 7) Chris Mills (King's Lynn); team reserve - Simon Walker (Somerset) Readie's Racers: 1) Mark Lemon (Stoke); 2) Stephan Katt (Somerset); 3) Simon Stead (Belle Vue); 4) Davey Watt (Oxford); 5) Magnus Zetterstrom (Somerset); 6) Steve Boxall (Rye House); 7) Paul Cooper (Sheffield); team reserve - Jason King (Mildenhall) Official Press Release by Ian Belcher Matt Read Farewell Speedway Meeting Press Officer

MATT READ FAREWELL SPEEDWAY MEETING PRESS RELEASE WEDNESDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER MATT'S LINE UP NOW COMPLETE With Matt's big day fast approaching, the final line up of riders is complete with the announcement that Craig Boyce and Chris Mills will riding in the meeting on September 22nd at Somerset's Oak Tree Arena track. 2006 saw Boyce return to one of his previous clubs, Poole, after spending 2 years in the Premier League with one of Matt’s old clubs, the Isle of Wight. It was while with the Isle of Wight that Craig was asked to take on the role of Australian team manager. 3rd in the 1994 World Championship, ‘Boycie’ has also been a three times winner of the Australian Championship, as well as a World Team Cup Winner with Australia in 2001. A well renowned Oak Tree Arena track expert should mean that Boyce starts amongst the favourites for the top prize on offer to the winner of the Grand Final. 23 year old Mills will be well known to Somerset fans, having spent the latter half of the 2005 season riding for the Rebels, and was non riding reserve when the Rebels won the 2005 Premier League Fours Championship. Prior to joining Somerset Chris had spent time with, amongst others, Arena Essex, Reading and the Isle of Wight. Currently experiencing a very successful season with King’s Lynn and recently earned a winners medal as the Stars lifted the 2006 Premier Trophy title. Unfortunately due to an injury sustained racing at the weekend, Belle Vue's Joe Screen will no longer be able to take his place in next week's line up, his place being taken by Sheffield's Paul Cooper. "It's a real shame that this should happen." said an obviously disappointed Matt. "Joe had only spoken to me the day before to confirm that he was able to ride as his Polish team commitments had been completed, and this happens to him." "Obviously my first thoughts are with Joe and I hope he is soon back riding, but I am very grateful to Paul [Cooper] for stepping in at this late stage of things." Somerset's Simon Walker and ex-Rebel Jason King, now with Mildenhall, have been confirmed as the meeting reserves.

MATT READ FAREWELL SPEEDWAY MEETING PRESS RELEASE SUNDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER BOMBER TO FLY AT MATT'S MEETING With less than 2 weeks now until Matt's big night of speedway a further two names have been announced as confirming their appearance at his meeting on 22nd September at Somerset's Oak Tree Arena. The first of these is Great Britain International Chris 'Bomber' Harris who, in keeping with a number of others lining up on the 22nd is an adversary of Matt's from their days riding junior grass track. Since then 'Bomber' has ridden for St Austell in the Conference League, then Exeter and Trelawny in the Premier League before moving into the Elite League with Coventry with whom he won the 2005 Elite League Championship. Harris was a member of the British World Team Cup squad that claimed a bronze medal earlier in the season. In addition to Harris, Matt has also secured the services of one of the hottest young prospect currently riding in British speedway, namely Rye House's Steve Boxall. Boxall's rise in speedway circles has been nothing short of meteoric since his debut in the Conference League in 2002 as a raw 15 year old. Winner of the 2005 Conference League Riders' Championship, Boxall started the 2006 season as one of the Premier League's graded reserves, but such has been his form and returns for Rye House he was moved into the main body of the team and can point to a current 7.62 average for the Rockets. Matt would like to point out to fans who are planning to come to the meeting that due to the curfew at Somerset, the pre meeting parade will commence at 7.15pm with the first race being started at 7.30pm. Fans are, therefore, advised to arrive in plenty of time to ensure that they do not miss any of the action as the start cannot be delayed to accommodate late comers. Official Press Release by Ian Belcher Matt Read Farewell Meeting Press Officer 07816 107 751

Sean Paterson riding in place of George Piper who will be riding for Weymouth. In addition there will be 3 Reserve Races featuring Tom Davies, Jack Butler, Christopher Bint & Amy Carpenter and 3 250cc Races featuring Jake Knight, Brendon Warvill, Dale Lamb & Adam Portwood. Hope this helps

I think Matt said that it is being recorded by the guys who record the Isle of Wight meetings.

MATT READ FAREWELL SPEEDWAY MEETING PRESS RELEASE TUESDAY 29th AUGUST THE 'SCREEN MACHINE' ADDED TO LINE UP England International and Belle Vue star, Joe Screen is the latest top line rider who has agreed to ride at Matt Read's Farewell Speedway Meeting at Somerset's Oak Tree Arena on Friday 22nd September. Screen, like Matt, was a product of the junior grass track circuit and made his speedway debut in 1989 with Belle Vue. A World Under 21 Champion in 1993, Screen also captured the British Under 21 title in 1990 and 1993, as well as the Elite League Riders' Championship in 1992. Twice a British speedway Champion, Screen won the second of his titles in 2004 in bizarre circumstances when he won the final after his three rivals had either fallen or retired from the race! 33 year old Screen was granted his own testimonial meeting in 2004 to celebrate a career which has taken in spells at Bradford and Eastbourne, as well as Belle Vue. In addition to the 'Screen Machine' ex-Rebel Mark Lemon has also confirmed his availability to ride in the meeting. Lemon rode alongside Matt for the Rebels in 2003, and was, therefore, an obvious choice for Matt to include in his meeting. "Lemo and myself quite often rode at numbers 1 and 2 during that year, and we formed quite a good partnership, even if Mark wasn't quite sure where I was going half the time, mind you, nor was I!" "Mark is a class rider and I'm really pleased that he is able turn out at my meeting." After the racing has concluded on the night, there will be an auction of race jackets and other memorabilia, but pride of place will be a specially commissioned crash helmet which has been signed by every rider who has captured the World Speedway and World Longtrack Championships in the last 10 years. "I cannot thank the guys enough who have signed the crash helmet." said Matt. "This is going to be such a unique item for somebody to own, I almost feel like bidding for it myself!" Screen and Lemon's confirmation means that a total of 10 riders have now been announced as taking part in what promises to be a great night of speedway action, the final four names to be released over the course of the next two weeks. Confirmed Riders: Simon Stead, Sean Wilson, Davey Watt, Joe Screen, Danny Bird, Chris Neath, Mark Lemon, Magnus Zetterstrom, Glenn Cunningham, Stephan Katt Official Press Release by Ian Belcher Matt Read Farewell Speedway Meeting Press Officer 07816 107 751

MATT READ FAREWELL SPEEDWAY MEETING PRESS RELEASE WEDNESDAY 23RD AUGUST WILSON RIDES AT MATT’S BIG NIGHT! Despite the loss of Dave Norris and Dean Barker from his meeting due to rearranged commitments with Eastbourne, Matt is delighted to announced that one of the sport’s all time top names, Sean Wilson, has agreed to ride at his Farewell Meeting on September 22nd. Wilson’s appearance at Somerset’s Oak Tree Arena will be one of the very few opportunities that speedway fans will be able to see him take to the track during the 2006 season due to him not securing a team place this year. The 36 year old Yorkshireman finished top of the Sheffield averages for the 7th time in a row last season, and rounded off the season by winning the Premier League Riders’ Championship, his 3rd success in this prestigious event. It was, therefore something of a surprise when Sheffield announced that they would not be retaining his services in 2006, and so it was that Wilson entered his testimonial season without a team berth. “I was really delighted when Sean stepped forward when I heard that the two Eastbourne boys were unable to ride.” Said Matt at the announcement. “Though Sean hasn’t been riding on a regular basis this year, he is still a class act and to have a rider of his calibre at my meeting is unbelievable!” In addition to Wilson’s appearance, Chris Neath has confirmed his availability for the meeting. An Oak Tree Arena specialist, Neath’s connection with Matt goes back a long way, as he explains. “Matt and myself used to have rare old battles in our junior grass track days, in fact with Simon Stead also being in the line up, it will be just like the old days having the 3 of us together again.” “Obviously what with riding against each other week in, week out in the junior grass track competitions our families became good friends, as did Matt and myself.” With 8 out of the 14 names now announced, speedway fans up and down the country can look forward to further riders being announced in the forthcoming weeks. Official Press Release by Ian Belcher Matt Read Farewell Speedway Meeting Press Officer

Official Press Release for Matt's Farewell Meeting The star names just keep on coming for Matt Read's Farewell Speedway Meeting being held at Somerset's Oak Tree Arena on Friday September 22nd, the latest additions to the list being top Premier League riders Danny Bird and Somerset's own Magnus Zetterstrom. 26 year old Bird currently rides for Premier League high fliers Glasgow, his home matches involving a weekly commute from his Guildford (Surrey) home. Twice a winner of the Premier League Pairs, firstly in 2002 for the Isle of Wight with Adam Shields, Bird then captured the title for a second time two years later when riding for Reading, this time being partnered by Phil Morris. Long associated with the Isle of Wight, where he rode for 6 seasons, Bird surprisingly moved to Reading in 2004 and many thought he would be an automatic choice for a team place when the Berkshire club moved up into the Elite League at the start of this season. However, due to a miscalculation over his average the ex moto-cross star was unable to claim his place, and it was Glasgow who stepped in and snapped up his services. It was, however, whilst riding for the Isle of Wight that Bird first struck up a friendship with Matt, as he explains. "I rode with Matt for the Islanders in 2002, and although we knew each other prior to that, it was during that season we became good mates." "I'm really pleased that I'm able to come and ride in Matt's meeting, I'm just glad to help him out, I hope he has a night he deserves and the fans turn out in force for him." The announcement of Magnus Zetterstrom being in the line up, brings the number of Somerset riders taking part in the meeting to three, following on from Glenn Cunningham and Stephan Katt. Matt was keen to ensure that the Rebels would be well represented in the meeting in recognition of the time he spent at the Oak Tree Arena. "I really wanted to include a few guys from Somerset in the line up, as I regard the Oak Tree Arena as 'home' as far as my speedway career was concerned, the fans there are the best in the sport and by including Glenn, Katty and now Zorro, this is my way of saying 'thank you' to the fans for the support they've given me, not only while I was riding for the Rebels, but also since my injury." Unfortunately, due to meeting rescheduling by Eastbourne, it does now mean that both Dave Norris and Dean Barker will be unable to ride at Matt's meeting, but Matt and his hard working Committee members are close to securing two new top line riders to replace the Eastbourne duo and names will be announced as soon as the riders concerned have confirmed their availability.

Further two riders announced for Matt's meeting: Davey Watt Stephan Katt

Updated confirmed line up for Matt's meeting: 1. Dave Norris 2. Dean Barker 3. Glenn Cunningham 4. Simon Stead

Sponsorship packages for Matt Read's Farewell Speedway meeting to be held at Somerset's Oak Tree Arena on Friday September 22nd are now available for anyone interested in supporting Matt in this special event. Matt, who suffered life threatening injuries in a crash during a Longtrack meeting at Morizes, France, in September 2004, is one the unsung heroes of speedway that the sport depends upon and deserves the support of the speedway community for his farewell meeting. Further details of the packages available can be obtained by contacting Ian Belcher with your contact details at ian_belcher34@hotmail.com and I will pass details on to Matt and Claire.