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

GUSTS GLAD TO BE LEARNING
OXFORD newcomer Francis Gusts says he’s loving life in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership – despite a tough opening week for the Spires.

The Latvian racer was a big bright spot in the Cowley club’s KO Cup defeat to King’s Lynn with several impressive rides in both legs of the tie.

Gusts said: “(Thursday) was my first home meeting, with one only training session beforehand and the track is pretty different than what I’ve been riding in Poland and Latvia.

“This is a proper English track. But that is what I want, to gain experience. I’m here to learn and today I’ve done that.

“What I like to do in speedway is winning, so it was good to win a couple of races.

“The management is very good here, while I would like to thank all the sponsors. It wasn’t the result we wanted – we always want to win at home – but everyone was working hard down the pits.”

Spires kick off their league campaign at home to in-form Ipswich next Thursday (April 3), although they will be without Peter Kildemand due to concussion protocols.


KING: THE YEAR OF THE BEARS?
REDCAR heat leader Danny King says he’s fully settled at the ECCO Arena – and is expecting a big season from the club this year.

The Bears have put together a power packed top three for their Cab Direct Championship challenge as Erik Riss returns to join King and skipper Charles Wright.

King said: “I know I have ridden for a lot of clubs but that’s because of how long I have been riding! I like to be settled, and I only move if there’s no other option.

“I’ve said it a few times, I like the way the team has been built, I think we have a good mix of youth and experience.

“The busier you are on the bike, the better, so we won’t have any excuses when we get underway in the Cab Direct Championship.

“We will be race fit and ready to hit the ground running, and we need to as this has to be our year.”