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The Midland Development League is increasing its on track opportunities for young riders in 2013. On top of the League contested by seven teams there is a multi cup competition with three Finals for the riders and clubs to aim glory in. In addition a new competition for MDL riders is the Grand Prix contested over a series of five rounds culminating in a Grand Final at Stoke on Saturday August 31st. The overall GP winner will contest the prestigious MDLRC at Leicester on September 28th where each of the seven clubs will be represented by two riders apiece with the final spot taken by the Northern Junior League Champion. The rounds are at Coventry (Fri 26th April) , Stoke (Sun May 12th), VENUE TBC ( June), Kings Lynn (Weds 3rd July)and Belle Vue (Monday 19th August). Commented MDL Co-ordinator Kelvin Lapworth, “This competition will be run over 6 heats with 8 or 6 riders depending on entry. Points scored will be carried over and the rider with the most points over the rounds will be the champion.” “The competition is open to 2nd string riders only (i.e. those that normally ride at 2 & 4). Riders must apply to either myself or Laurence Rogers not later than 2 weeks before a scheduled round and will be on a first come first served basis.” * NB Venue and date for June round now TBC

thanks for that Dave ..as you know I was rushing round all the boys on the practice and was not sure what had actually happened to the motors but was told they had both blown ....thank god it was not as serious as that!

thankfully Brendan had a good practice at Diedenbergen and has been asked to ride for them in a 4TT in Belgium....and yes he was on his 2012 motors !!

Mixed time ..Brendan Johnson "blew" two brand new motors and never got out on track , drove home to Poole to swap engines then headed for the ferry to drive to Germany to practice with Kyle Newman ..dedication!! Rich Franklin was snapping chains and that prevented him from getting in as much practice as he wanted. Trevor Heath had carby and ignition gremlins but still manged some impressive laps. Sarj, Olly G and JJ put in some fast laps whilst Martin Knuckey got better each time he went out on what was a heavy wet track by the end. Roll on March 22nd and the visit of the Heathens! Body colours looked really good and the lads all looked so smart in their coats kindly sponsored by Gary Drinkwater of City Gearboxes (Coventry) Ltd --who is sponsoring the Mercia Vikings in the MDL and all the squad members plus has sponsored all seven Storm riders !!

As yet Coventry Storm do not have a full team sponsor on the body colours but have some superb backers in Gary Drinkwater at City Gearboxes (Coventry) Ltd, DLG Racing, Teng Tools, NSSC , BOSS, Lucas Oils and Sprays plus great support for the riders from the likes of RDS , Jim West, and groups of fans who are backing various riders.

It's Martin Knuckey not Knuckley ..excellent posting. I think we are in for a great 2013 NL season with some evenly matched teams operating.

still a few spaces left for Sunday .....

Mercia Vikings add Jordan Tyrer to squad. The Coventry Mercia Vikings , sponsored by City Gearboxes (COVENTRY) Ltd, have added a seventh rider to their 2013 Midland Development League squad. Having already named Martin Knuckey, Tyler Govier, Nick Mallett, Andrew Braithwaite, Cam Hoskins and Ellis Perks for the new season they have brought Sheffield loanee Jordan Tyrer in following the news that the Tiger Cubs would now not be taking part in the 2013 league. Management duo Kelvin Lapworth & Laurence Rogers see the "signing" of Jordan as a massive coup for the side and will boost their bid for the MDL championship. Following on the unfortunate withdrawal of Sheffield from the MDL, Viking bosses moved quick to secure the services of Tyrer who was due to be the Tiger Cubs No.1. The move will also see Laurence Rogers linking up again with the Tyrer family as he is good friends with Jordan's father -former Belle Vue rider Paul and also gave Jordan his first ever competitive ride as a 16 year old for Clwb Caerfyrddin at Buxton. The Vikings would like to thank the Sheffield promotion for their co-operation and look forward to helping develop a very talented rider. It is not the end of the signings for the squad with another young rider very much on their radar and talks are continuing with the youngster and his father to bring him to the Vikings. Co-manager Kelvin Lapworth sees the squad as essential, “ with two riders already holding down National League spots in Martin Knuckey and Tyler Govier plus work and college commitments along with Ellis Perks not arriving until the summer we need cover in all directions. Laurence and I believe we have a strong squad and one capable of mounting a challenge for honours this year.!

SITTINGBOURNE ARE DOING PRACTICES I THINK?

Leicester have a practice on Sunday March 3rd , sign on is at 10 with track action 11 till 4 at a cost of £40. You can book on the stadium number or by text to 07801429304 or e-mail : laurencerogers@blueyonder.co.uk

weather looking good and an amazing turn out for Sunday with many wanting to get some laps in before the season starts ---should be a good session!

still some spaces left for Sunday. Strong turn out so far.

any idea what the 40th anniversary meeting format is ? I hope it will also involve some of the riders who graced the Chesterton Potters colours back in 1973

was announced recently he was sitting out the season

the clubs had the first draft last week and any changes are being processed at the moment and hopefully the final draft will be approved asap

Following today's cancellation due to the rain David Hemsley has asked me to mention that the next training at Leicester is on Sunday Feb 17th. . The cost for Sunday’s event is £40.00 per person with a start time of 10.00 am going through to 4.00 pm. Hot food and drinks will be available all day with free entry to the stadium for anyone who wishes to watch. So just park in the bottom car park and come and take a look! To reserve your place please telephone the speedway office on 0116 235 0082 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0116 235 0082 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting If any rider wants me to book them in text me on 07801429304 or 07510768392 or e-mail : laurencerogers@blueyonder.co.uk

Track has solid base and any surface water has been pumped off. Unless the snow hits it is definitely ON. Have had late rush of bookings so only a few places left. There are pictures taken by Mark Hall at 3pm today on facebook

Dates will be released as soon as they are all agreed and bspa give the green light to release them

doubt it as he will need it for his moto-x

draft list out with clubs at the moment ....you know the dates at Cov anyway --Friday nights before the GP's

text off David yesterday that track looks excellent ---so lets hope the weather is with us.

I believe that Jamie has packed in as he has a full time job and a family now.

David Hemsley has asked me to mention that the next training at Leicester is on Sunday Feb 10th. . The cost for Sunday’s event is £40.00 per person with a start time of 10.00 am going through to 4.00 pm. Hot food and drinks will be available all day with free entry to the stadium for anyone who wishes to watch. So just park in the bottom car park and come and take a look! To reserve your place please telephone the speedway office on 0116 235 0082 If any rider wants me to book them in text me on 07801429304 or 07510768392 or e-mail : laurencerogers@blueyonder.co.uk

spoke with Adam on Sunday at the Leicester practice and looks like he has packed it in.

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