LATEST British Speedway news from around the tracks up and down the country...

PREVIEW: OXFORD v KING’S LYNN (PREM KOC)
OXFORD face a 16-point deficit heading into the second leg of their Premiership KO Cup tie with King’s Lynn tonight (Thursday) – but the Spires insist the tie is far from over.

A slow start in Norfolk cost them dearly in Monday’s opener but boss Peter Schroeck is calling on his side to turn the tables at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium.

Both teams make positional switches as Erik Riss moves to No.2 for the hosts, changing places with Peter Kildemand, whilst the Stars track Richard Lawson at No.2 with Jan Kvech going to No.5.

Maximum man from Monday Chris Harris once again lines up at reserve for the visitors, with he and Rising Star Ashton Boughen racing on their home track of last year.

Schroeck said: “The tie is far from over and decided on aggregate as yet.

“I was impressed how well the boys worked together in the pits on Monday night, didn’t give in, and kept their heads up right to the end. We held King’s Lynn for the second half of the meeting and that could be crucial when it comes to the second leg.

“Two or three 5-1s to us early on and we will be right back in it. Most of our boys rode in the Ben Fund Bonanza on Sunday and already have a home meeting under their belts. Maciej (Janowski) and the rest of the boys are motivated and are up for the job.”

Lynn manager Rob Lyon said: “With a 16-point lead I do feel it’s ours to lose. You never say never, but the boys should be capable of going down there and keeping it as tight as possible.

“Maybe we could even sneak a win, and we’ve got to be going there with a positive attitude that we can get it done.”


PREVIEW: IPSWICH v BELLE VUE (PREM KOC)
IPSWICH look to complete their KO Cup job tonight (Thursday) when they host Belle Vue at Foxhall after a terrific season opening display in the first leg.

The Witches were 50-40 winners in Manchester to send out a statement of intent, with the Aces keen to hit back in the return fixture.

It’s a home debut for Tom Brennan in Ipswich colours full-time, although the GB racer did guest in their colours in the closing stages of last season.


PREVIEW: LEICESTER v BIRMINGHAM (PREM KOC)
LEICESTER head into the second leg of their KO Cup quarter-final against Birmingham tonight (Thursday) with a place in the last four to face holders Sheffield within their grasp.

The Lions were hugely impressive in winning 57-33 at Perry Barr on Monday leaving the Brummies in need of a massive upset to turn the tie around.

Home manager Stewart Dickson believes his opponents will put in an improved performance at the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park, but he’s looking forward to seeing his team race on their own track for the first time this season.

Dickson said: “I do believe Birmingham will be much better on Thursday night, I suspect they may well score more points, and there will be no complacency from us.

“They did have some issues on Monday but we were certainly the better side regardless, and now the second leg will be a good outing on our own track.

“It’s the first home match of the season and we’re all looking forward to seeing the supporters. We’re not exactly a new-look team but it’s been a long winter, the weather forecast is good and I’m sure people are going to want to see us on track at home.”

Brummies CEO Nigel Tolley said: “I just hope the supporters keep faith with us because things are going to change in the next few weeks and we will start to come up with the results, you can be sure of that.

“On Thursday, I just have a feeling that Leicester may be a little bit complacent and will be expecting to walk away with it.

“And whilst I’m not saying we’ll catch up the amount we lost by at home, I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be a lot closer than a lot of people will be expecting.”
Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins said: “We are really looking forward to getting back to Foxhall. We had a great couple of days last week practicing and catching up with everyone again. Now it is time for the real business to start.

“The track was awesome last week, and you can really see the effort, Bob (Ellis) and Chris (Louis) and all the track staff have put in over the winter to improve it. I’m sure it will provide a great racetrack, and we have got some great racers here on Thursday.

“Opening nights can be tricky and it is always nice to get an away meeting in first, which we have done.

“We navigated that in superb fashion and whilst we come into the meeting very confident of progressing to the next round, we also know that Belle Vue are the league champions and are a strong side. They will be coming determined to return the favour and we will need to be on top of our game to progress.”