Speedway Season Preview at Block17 - for love, not money.

Boz gives us a round up of the teams competing for this years title

It is shaping up to be another exciting season in 2008, and no clear favourite to win the league with several very strong contenders. With some teams starting their seasons this week, I take a look at all the sides and assess their chances this season.

Berwick Bandits

1) Adrian Rymel - 7.86 average
2) Guglielmo Franchetti - 7.00
3) Tero Aarnio - 7.00
4) Michael Makovsky - 6.99
5) Norbert Magosi - 5.00
6)
7) Adam McKinna - 3.00

2008 looks like it might be a bit of a struggle for the Bandits. Promoter Peter Waite has struggled to put a competitive side together and at the time of writing had not signed his seventh and final rider, publicly claiming he may have to start the season without a full side. Of the riders he has signed, ex-Bandit Adrian Rymel returns to spearhead the team, and the pressure will largely be on his shoulders to score the points. Michael Makovsky returns from the 2007 side and will score solid points home and away. Ex Newcastle Diamond and Cleveland Bay Adam McKinna slots into one of the reserve positions and he will be hoping for an injury free year to show the potential he undoubtedly has. The other 3 confirmed starters - Franchetti, Aarnio and Magosi - are newcomers to British Speedway so it is difficult to judge how they will go. On paper it looks as if they are a side that will struggle, although if the three newcomers can hit their average then they could push up to midtable.

Birmingham Brummies

1) Jason Lyons - 9.38
2) James Birkinshaw - 4.80
3) Kyle Legault - 8.20
4) Phil Morris - 5.88
5) Adam Roynon - 6.21
6) Lee Smart - 4.00
7) Jack Hargreaves - 3.00

Birmingham had an excellent first season back in the Sport at the Perry Bar stadium, coming runners up in the league table and losing to the Bears in Young Shield final. The Brummies have again assembled a very strong looking line up which will certainly be up there challenging again. Aussie veteran Jason Lyons will again line up at number 1, and had a fantastic season last year, virtually unbeatable anywhere. Birmingham also pulled off the highly sought after signings of Canadian Kyle Legault and young Brit Adam Roynon. Legault had a great season with Mildenhall last year and it was thought he may head to the Elite League, but the Brummies have persuaded him to stay at Premier Level. Adam Roynon had a good season last season with Rye House, and big things are expected from him this term. He certainly has the potential to improve his average considerably. Brummies also have two reliable reserves in Lee Smart and ex Bear Jack Hargreaves. Expect them to be there or thereabouts towards the end of the season.

Edinburgh Monarchs

1) Ryan Fisher - 8.00
2) Derek Sneddon - 5.66
3) Tomas H Jonasson - 7.00
4) Matthew Wethers - 6.90
5) William Lawson - 6.69
6) Andrew Tully - 4.29
7) Aaron Summers - 3.00

Another side expected to be up there challenging this season are the Edinburgh Monarchs. American Ryan Fisher comes in as a heatleader, after a few years of trying to establish himself in the Elite League. He will be hoping for a good season to get himself back in the EL next season, and is certainly capable of at least an 8 point average. Edinburgh also pulled off what may be the signing of the winter in landing the Swede Tomas H Jonasson. He has been riding very well on the Continent and it was widely thought he would make the move straight into the Elite League when he came to the England. If he settles in well, expect him to hit 9+ average. Another riding dropping down from the Elite League is ex rider William Lawson. Had a decent year in the EL last season and slightly surprising he has dropped back down but should give further top end strength to the Monarchs. They look strong throughout the side and have a strong reserve in Andrew Tully. Almost unbeatable in the Conference League last season, he should score big points from reserve. Expect them to be top 4.

Glasgow Tigers

1) Shane Parker - 9.73
2) Mitchell Davey - 5.00
3) Trent Leverington - 6.44
4) Ross Brady - 5.40
5) Robert Ksiezak - 5.39
6) Lee Dicken - 4.35
7) Josh Grajczonek - 5.00

2008 looks like it might well be a consolidation year for the Tigers. The Messiah as he is known in Glasgow returns to lead the side at number 1, and the Tigers will rely on him heavily this season. The Tigers team is by no means the weakest side in the league, but lacks the firepower to really challenge this season. Riders like Leverington, Brady and Ksiezak will be pick up steady points most places, but none or likely to rack up the big points in support of Parker. Much will depend on how the two new Australians, Davey and Grajczonek, settle in and get to grips with the British tracks. If they are on it straight away and scoring points then the Tigers may surprise some people. If not they may struggle in lower midtable this season.

Isle of Wight Islanders

1) Jason Bunyan - 7.92
2) Cory Gathercole - 6.04
3) Krzysztof Stojanowski - 6.81
4) Paul Fry - 5.34
5) Glenn Phillips - 6.30
6) Andrew Bargh - 3.53
7) James Holder - 5.00

Isel of Wight are in a very similar position to Glasgow this season, with a team full of riders who will score steady points but no-one to really support their number one rider, Jason Bunyan. Last years number one, Chris Holder, has departed IOW to move into the Elite League and it will be a big loss for the Islanders. He was without doubt the top rider in the league last season and pretty much irreplaceable. A decent side has still been put together though, including Chris’ brother James. If Isle of Wight are to challenge for anything then they need a really big year from the likes of Bunyan, Gathercole and Stojanowski, but realistically it will be mid-table for them this season.

Kings Lynn Stars

1) Tomas Topinka - 9.54
2) Shaun Tacey - 5.45
3) Kevin Doolan - 8.40
4) Kozza Smith - 5.00
5) Rusty Harrison - 5.93
6) John Oliver - 4.33
7) Simon Lambert - 3.00
The previous couple of seasons has seen Kings Lynn build very strong teams indeed, and whilst this years is perhaps not quite as strong as those it is still going to be at the top end of the league come October. Daniel Nermark was a surprise departure from the Norfolk Arena during the winter, but has been replaced by ex Star Kevin Doolan. He spent last season in the Elite League riding for Belle Vue and did very well indeed, so much so that most Belle Vue fans would have welcomed him back with open arms this year. He should score big points this year to complement number Tomas Topinka in what looks to be a fearsome top two. The middle order comprises of the experienced Tacey and Harrison who will both provide some steady support and young Aussie Kozza Smith. There are possibly question marks at reserve however, with John Oliver returning after spending most of season out injured. If he can recapture his form he could be a trump card. Expect them to finish in the top 4 or thereabouts again.

Mildenhall Fen Tigers

1) Kaj Laukkenen - 8.33
2) Grant Tregoning - 5.00
3) Casper Wortmann - 7.00
4) Robbie Kessler - 5.79
5) Jan Graveson - 7.00
6) Mark Baseby - 3.00
7) James Cockle - 3.65

Mildenhall are another of the sides who are banking on British Speedway newcomers to come good quickly. Grant Tregoning has been brought in from New Zealand and comes with a good pedigree over there. Whether he can transfer that to the British tracks remain to be seen. Casper Wortmann is another newcomer, although the Dane rode in invitation meetings and second halves around the country at the end of last season. He also rode in the South Tees Silver Helmet meeting and acquitted himself well, which leads me to think he could do a decent job for Mildenhall. Another newcomer in Jan Graveson also rode over here towards the end of the season, and if both the Danes can hit it off early then this could push Mildenhall to the upper reaches of mid table. Experienced Kaj Laukkenen leads the side, and will be ably supported by ex Bear Robbie Kessler. The Tigers do look weak at reserve, although Mark Baseby has the potential to improve. Mid table at best for the Tigers.

Newcastle Diamonds

1) Christian Henry - 8.21
2) Ben Powell - 4.58
3) Josef Franc - 7.83
4) Jason King - 5.58
5) George Stancl - 7.55
6) Jamie Robertson - 3.08
7) Sean Stoddart - 4.31

Last season was a rather disappointing one for the Diamonds, but this year they have put together a very strong side. The top three of Christian Henry, Josef Franc and George Stancl form a very a powerful spearhead and will score points wherever they go. Jason King has made the move up from Mildenhall and is certainly a rider who could improve his average whilst Ben Powell could prove to be a very tidy signing from Birmingham. At reserve, Sean Stoddart was arguably Diamonds most improved rider last season and I would expect him to score big points from reserve this season. There is still a question mark over Jamie Robertson, but if he can re-discover the form and attitude of a few years ago then he could also do well. Will definitely improve on last seasons offering, and could be dark horses for the play-offs at the very least.

Newport Wasps

1) Craig Watson - 8.21
2) Paul Clews - 5.63
3) Sebastien Truminski - 7.00
4) Tony Atkin - 5.63
5) Marek Mroz - 7.00
6) Nick Simmons - 4.10
7) Jay Herne - 3.00

Last season was a poor season for Newport, and all the signs are pointing at another Season of struggle for the Welsh side. They have managed to sign Craig Watson to lead the side at number 1, who on his day can match the top riders in the league. Even if he does consistently score the big points however, it is difficult to see where the rest of the points will come from. Truminski rode briefly for the Wasps last season, and was a very entertaining rider. He will do well though to maintain his average. Tony Atkin will score steady points at home, but its doubtful he will contribute too much away from home. Marek Mroz is in ageing Pole making his first appearance in British Speedway this season, and rode in a couple of meetings towards the back end of last season. It’s fair to say he did not impress many then, although according to reports he has looked quicker in practice throughout the winter. Paul Clews completes the main body of the team, after riding for Newcastle towards the end of last season. At reserve Simmons should do fairly well, and Jay Herne is making his PL debut after doing very well at Conference League level last season and is possibly one to watch out for. Possible wooden spoon candidates.

Reading Racers

1) Ulrich Ostergaard - 8.30
2) Chris Mills - 5.82
3) Mark Lemon - 8.77
4) Tomas Suchanek - 5.14
5) Tom P Madsen - 6.17
6) Jamie Smith - 3.19
7) Danny Warwick - 3.95

It’s a return for Reading to the Premier League after two years of racing in the Sky Sports Elite League. The Racers have a very strong duo leading the way in Mark Lemon and Ulrich Ostergaard. Both have had long spells in the both the Elite League and Premier league, and should be amongst the top scorers in the league this season. Mark Lemon is an ex Middlesbrough Bear, having ridden in the mid 90’s at Cleveland Park. The rest of the side looks fairly capable as well, with riders like Mills, Madsen and Suchanek likely to score decent points. At reserve too they look fairly strong, with Warwick especially having the potential to increase his average. Whilst I can’t see them challenging to win the league, they wont be too far off the pace this season.

Redcar Bears

1) Gary Havelock - 9.18
2) Ty Proctor - 5.00
3) James Grieves - 8.47
4) Josh Auty - 6.19
5) Chris Kerr - 5.56
6) Dan Giffard - 3.47
7) Arlo Bugeja - 3.00

Last year was a very successful one for the Bears, and if they had not suffered the amount of injuries they did who knows what could have been achieved. Its another strong side that has been put together by new signing Glyn Taylor, and one which should be up there and challenging again barring any major injuries. They are led again by ex World Champion Gary Havelock and fans rider of the year James Grieves, who proved a formidable partnership last season. More of the same is expected this season. Josh Auty also comes back, this time on loan from Elite League Coventry. Many thought Josh may have made the step-up to the EL this season but he has perhaps wisely decided to spend another term in the second tier. He should be capable of adding 1.5/2 points to his average this year. Chris Kerr also returns, and is another who if he finds some consistency should improve considerably. It is a big year for Chris, as it is the final year of his work permit and he needs a 8.00 average to receive another. Ty Proctor comes in at number 2 from Australia ,and is a bit of an unknown quantity. Recently finished second in the Australian U21’s however, beating some stiff competition and has a reputation for being an exciting rider so he should hopefully do well. Dan Giffard will again start the season at reserve, alongside Arlo Bugeja. Arlo struggled to make much of an impact last season, but has new machinery this time around and will be hoping to score a lot more points this time around. Should be there or thereabouts again for the Bears this season.

Rye House Rockets

1) Chris Neath - 7.80
2) Luke Bowen - 3.93
3) Tai Woffinden - 8.20
4) Tommy Allen - 6.53
5) Stefan Ekberg - 7.30
6) Robert Mear - 3.00
7) Danny Betson - 3.00

Rye House were crowned Champions of the Premier League last season, and have put together another potentially title challenging side in 2008. Tai Woffinden was, alongside Chris Holder, the outstanding rider in the league last year putting an incredible 5.20 points onto his average. He should do well again this year as it will be his second visit to all the tracks and he will have more experience. He will be ably supported by Chris Neath, also capable of big points especially at home. Stefan Ekberg completes the powerful heat leading trio and its hard to see many teams taking anything away from Rye House. Tommy Allen is a solid rider, but questions could possibly be asked over the remaining 3. Luke Bowen rode last year at reserve so it remains to be seen how he will cope in the main body of the side, and both the reserves have little experience of the PL. Hopes are high that Mear in particular will do well though, as he is highly rated in Rye House. Title challengers again this year.

Scunthorpe Scorpions

1) Magnus Karlsson - 7.24
2) Carl Wilkinson - 6.20
3) Andrew Moore - 7.80
4) Viktor Bergstrom - 7.00
5) Richard Hall - 7.12
6) Benji Compton - 3.00
7) Byron Bekker - 3.00

Over the last couple of years, Scunthorpe have totally dominated the Conference League and this season make the step up to the Premier League. And it is a very, very strong side they have put together with no less than 3 riders who last year plied their trade in the Elite League. Magnus Karlsson makes the step down from Wolves, last time he rode in the Premier he was part of the title winning Hull side. Andrew Moore makes the step down from Swindon, who still hold him in high regard and wanted to fit him in there. Richard Hall makes the step down from Peterborough after a disappointing year last season which was ended with injury. He was very heavily linked with a move to Redcar, but has gone to Scunthorpe. It certainly looks a very powerful top three on paper and should be a match for any team. They are joined by Carl Wilkinson, who had a slightly disappointing season with Newcastle last season but is a track specialist at Scunthorpe, and newcomer Viktor Bergstrom. They do look slightly weaker at reserve, with Benji Compton having struggled somewhat in the last few years although he does like the Scunthorpe track and the move could kickstart his career. Byron Bekker is the sole survivor from the Conference league side and whilst he will do ok at home, he may find it tough away. Definite challengers for the title.

Sheffield Tigers

1) Ricky Ashworth - 7.64
2) Paul Cooper - 5.05
3) Andre Compton - 9.79
4) Joel Parsons - 5.96
5) Ben Wilson - 6.71
6) Lee Smethills - 3.30
7) Sam Martin - 3.00

Runners up in the league last season after losing to Rye House in the play off final, Sheffield have stuck with the bulk of their side for the 2008 campaign. The excellent Andre Compton stays with the Tigers, and will score well home and away. It will be a big season for Ricky Ashworth, as he will have to provide support for Compton, especially away from home. Parsons, Wilson and Cooper will all provide good scoring support especially at home again. Lee Smethills at reserve could well be a trump card this season as when he is on form he is a good rider. He is joined at reserve by Sam Martin, who moves from Berwick. He has rode a few seasons in the Conference League now, and is another highly rated youngster who could do well. I don’t think they will win the title this year, but they will be at the right end of the table come October.

Somerset Rebels

1) Jason Doyle - 7.24
2) Simon Walker - 5.07
3) Emil Kramer - 8.19
4)
5) Brent Werner - 5.84
6) Stephen Katt - 4.08
7) Jordan Frampton - 4.89

It has been a very tough winter for the Somerset Rebels, with blow after blow tenting their hopes for 2008. Firstly, they could not fit their talisman Magnus Zetterstrom into their team as his average was too high. Magnus has been at Somerset for a number of years and is excellent at every track. Then during the winter, Ritchie Hawkins had his season ended before it began after having a serious crash at an indoor meeting in Germany. Just days before the start of the season they were rocked by the news that Aussie Tom Hedley would not be coming over to ride this season, leaving a hole in Somersets side. Hedley suffered a nasty crash at the back end of last season which he has not fully recovered from yet, either physically or mentally. They still have a decent side though, with Jason Doyle another to step down from the Elite League. He will give support to Emil Kramer, whilst Brent Werner is capable of adding to his average quite easily. Somerset do have the strongest looking reserve partnership in the league though, and they should score well wherever they go. At the time of writing, the gap left by Hedley has yet to be filled. If they can get a decent replacement for him then Somerset should have a very solid mid table season at worst.

Stoke Potters

1) Klaus Jakobsen - 7.00
2) Ben Barker - 5.84
3) Jesper Kristiansen - 7.00
4) Emiliano Sanchez - 6.34
5) Lee Complin - 6.53
6) Barrie Evans - 4.12
7) Mark Burrows - 3.92

If there was an award for most entertaining team, then surely this Stoke team would win it this year. Ben Barker, Sanchez, Complin and Burrows all provide excitement whenever they race. Lee Complin could well be the key for the Potters this season. He only returned to the sport last year after a 5 years absence and it was like he had never been away. He was good value everywhere he went, and won the Garry Stead Benefit meeting in fine style, beating Grand Prix rider Freddie Lindgren in the final with a stunning pass. If he can maintain that form he will average 8 points this season.
Stoke are spearheaded this year by two Danes, Jakobsen and Kristiansen. Not much is known about these two, but they come highly recommended. If they can get close to their averages stoke could have a cracking season. Also the first visitors to the South Tees Motorsports Park this season on the 20th March in the Premier Trophy. Top half of table this season.

Workington Comets

1) Daniel Nermark - 9.89
2) Charles Wright - 3.48
3) Carl Stonehewer - 8.49
4) Scott Smith - 5.16
5) Kauko Niemenen - 8.42
6) John Branney - 3.00
7) Joe Haines - 3.00

The Comets are most peoples favourites for the title this season, and they have a very formidable top three - probably the strongest in the league. Daniel Nermark has made the move from Kings Lynn, and is a excellent and very consistent rider. Carl Stonehewer has been at Workington for years now, and despite some serious injuries over the past couple of years is still a big points scorer. Kauko Niemenen had a great year for Workington last season, and will be looking to carry that on this term. Scott Smith is a late addition to the side, after the unfortunate Craig Branney broke his leg in three places after a crash in an ice speedway meeting (ironically on the same day as Eduardo!). At reserve, Workington have one of the brightest prospects in British Speedway in Joe Haines, and hopes are high he can have a very good season and add a few points onto his average.
Will be nigh on impossible to beat at Workington, and will more than likely pick up away wins this year too, they are my tip for the title this season.

New rules also come into place this season with the team who finishes top of the league being crowned the champions, replacing the old play off system. The top four will then go into a playoff. Also, the bottom two teams in the Elite League will ride in a two legged match, with the loser racing the winner the of the Premier League playoffs. The winner of this will then go into the Elite League next season, with the loser into the Premier League.

It is hard to predict the champions this season, with so many good teams. The favourites will be Workington, Edinburgh, Rye House and Scunthorpe with the Bears breathing down their necks.