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speedwaystar 8 COPPERGATE MEWS, BRIGHTON ROAD, SURBITON, SURREY, KT6 5NE TELEPHONE: (020) 8335 1113 EDITORIAL E-MAIL: star@pinegen.co.uk EDITOR: Andrew Skeels ASSISTANT EDITOR: Tony McDonald CHIEF NEWS WRITER: Paul Burbidge ART EDITOR: Mick Smith PRODUCTION: Mark Frankham FRONT COVER DESIGN: Jeff Davies CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS DAVE FAIRBROTHER Telephone: (020) 8335 1113 (9 am to 2.30 pm) e-mail: subs@pinegen.co.uk or visit www.speedwaystar.net and click on the subscriptions link SUBSCRIPTION RATES (PRINTED VERSION) UK (52 issues): ................................£124 UK (26 issues): ..................................£63 UK (13 issues): ..................................£32 EUROPE (52 issues): ........................£140 EUROPE (26 issues): ..........................£72 USA (52 issues): ..............................£160 USA (26 issues): ................................£82 REST OF WORLD (52 issues) ............£170 REST OF WORLD (26 issues): ............£87 LATEST SPEEDWAY NICO BLOW PLYMOUTH have been rocked by the news that recent signing Nico Covatti has been injured in Argentina. A huge blow for the Gladiators, the 35-yearold was set to make his first return to the UK since 2019, when he rode for Poole and Somerset. Manager Garry May spoke earlier this month of his delight in securing Covatti’s services after building a balanced team for the new campaign. However, the experienced racer came to grief in a frightening incident with Facundo Albin while competing in the International Speedway Championship series at Bahia Blanca in Argentina last Friday. Covatti suffered arm and leg fractures in the incident and he is set to have surgery today (Thursday). FOR DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS (i-pad, tablet, etc) www.exacteditions.com/speedwaystar ADVERTISING: Mick Hooker Office: 01279 771125 Mobile: 07957 814639 e-mail: coveadv@gmail.com ACCOUNTS: Marina Abbott Telephone: (020) 8335 1104 e-mail: accounts@pinegen.co.uk Speedway Star is published by the proprietors Pinegen Limited. PRINTED BY Warners Midlands PLC Printers DISTRIBUTED by Seymour Distribution Ltd., 86 Newman Street, London, W1P 3LD. Registered at the Post Office as a newspaper. © copyright 2023 Pinegen Limited VOLUME 72 NUMBER 51 It very much seems like a case of déjà vu for the Devon club, who had a number of setbacks last term, when the Italian international was also unable to commit to British speedway then because of injury. With only six weeks until their opening BSN Series fixture against defending champions Poole, Gladiators’ bosses are facing a race against time to source a replacement. Speaking to Argentine media, Covatti said: “We will have to think about when the return to Italy will be after the operation. We are evaluating having my wife come with the baby and thus be a little more contained here. “Right now, it’s about being as united as possible. In Italy I will start with rehabilitation and, from there, by the spring of Europe I will be able to start touring.” Covatti insists he bears no grudge against Albin, who triggered the incident when he lifted mid-bend resulting in both going into the fence beyond the final airbag, and is determined that his injuries won’t spell the end of his racing career. He said: “You have to understand that this Eagles back on track in April • Nico Covatti is not ready to give up racing despite serious injuries. Picture: MICHAL KRUPA is also part of the game. Nobody wants it but it happens. “Facu was feeling very bad. He apologised to me along with his family but I didn’t accept them, because I don’t think I have to ask for them. It’s career stuff. “It was the final, everyone wanted to win. I told him: ‘Don’t worry, it’s a career thing. We’re human and we all make mistakes’. Noone goes in with intention. He also took a hit and, luckily, nothing happened to him. “You have to look for the positive side and settle for the fact that it could have been much worse. Some people tell me, ‘well, it’s time’. No, the time will be when I decide. “This time it went wrong but on the bike I feel good, I have good results and I’m having fun. It will be the end when I feel it. I think I still have enough to give.” With Championship line-ups all but finalised elsewhere, except for the one remaining place at Workington, Gladiators will not have an exhaustive list of options as they consider how best to replace Covatti. ASTBOURNE Eagles will take to the track again this season, for the first time since the club collapsed midway though the 2021 campaign. EAn Eagles side will face old rivals Kent at Iwade in a six-a-side, 15-heat challenge match on Sunday, April 14 (2 pm). And an Eastbourne team will also be at Poole for the Kyle Newman testimonial, a four-team tournament likely to take place at Wimborne Road in June. The news of Eagles’ track comeback was revealed at Saturday's successful supporters evening organised by the Save Eastbourne Speedway Group. Former Eagles Jason Edwards, Drew Kemp, Kyle Newman and Ed Kennett all spoke in wide-ranging interviews conducted by Kevin Coombes. The one-time Arlington announcer also talked to former riders Keith Pritchard and Barney Kennett. Vinnie Foord, the Leicester National Development League starlet who lives at Hailsham, close to Eagles’ former Arlington home, is the first Eagles rider named for the Kent match. He was also at the supporters’ function, along with 14-year-old prospect Tia May Brant. Eagles’ hope of a full-scale return to Sussex remain on hold but spokesman David Graveling said: “Our campaign is gathering strength. To have around 150 people turn out on a cold, wet February evening was amazing, and highly encouraging. “Now we have the prospect of the Eagles back in action. A lot of people are getting behind us and public awareness is rising. People want their speedway back and we won’t be giving up the fight.” There was applause during the evening at Eastbourne's Langney Sports Club in memory of Eagles icon Gordon Kennett, who died last year, and Mick Norris, father of Arlington favourite David Norris, who passed away recently. Two riders of heat-leader standard who are without places in the second tier so far are Erik Riss and Claus Vissing. But it remains to be seen whether either would consider a move to the Coliseum, which would involve additional weekend fixtures. Another intriguing possibility could be Edward Kennett, who had the shortest of spells with Plymouth in 2022. The club had a season-long facility after he pulled out of their opening home meeting due to injury, provoking much derision from supporters of other clubs. Kennett wouldn’t address the situation specifically but, sitting next to Plymouth rider Kyle Newman during an interview at an Eastbourne supporters’ function last Saturday, he appeared to leave the door ajar for a return to Devon. He said: “Despite what everyone thinks, I’ve not retired. I am waiting for the phone to ring. When I retire I will announce it properly but that’s not happening yet.” 4 speedway star February 17, 2024
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COMPILED BY: Robin Allen, James Black, Ben Findon, Ryan Guest, Keith McGhie, Phil Lanning, Derek Barclay and David Rowe AY NEWS ASSISTANT team manager Chris Adams has revealed that Birmingham spoke to Swedish stars Freddie Lindgren and Jacob Thorssell during their team-building process – and neither have ruled themselves out of returning to the UK later in the season. The Curtis Sport Brummies were the final club to confirm their line-up for this year’s Sports Insure Premiership when they announced Piotr Pawlicki and Vaclav Milik as their top two last month. CEO Nigel Tolley has publicly said on more than one occasion that he won’t be afraid to make team changes should he feel the need to. And Adams says that decision is likely to be based around results, stressing that Perry Barr victories will be pivotal. “If you’re going to be successful, you’ve got to win at home,” said Adams. Brummies sounded out Swedes “You’ve got to get those points on the board and then, going away from home, just grab what you can. “We all know how it works. You don’t have to win every single meeting. The aim, as always, will be concentrating to make sure you get into those play-offs – that will be our focus from the off. “We have got a number of riders who have said they weren’t interested at the start of the year but who may be interested in coming later in the year. “Jacob was categorically one who was like, ‘I’m not coming yet’. “His girlfriend is pregnant and he’s already doing Sweden, Poland and Denmark, so with that and the new arrival of the baby at the start of the year, it would be a bit too much for him. “With Freddie, he’s not ready to come back to the UK just yet but they’ve both said in the middle of the year, ‘who knows what happens’. “We’ll keep everything in mind and just see how it goes.” Brummies start at Oxford on Thursday, March 14 (7.30 pm) before launching their home league programme on Monday, March 25 (7.30 pm) against reigning champions Sheffield. Riss keen to put on Ben Fund show A organisation of its kind in world speedway and I know that as a foreign rider in this country, still being able to get help when DEBUTANT to the Ben Fund Bonanza line-up, but no stranger to fans the length and breadth of the country, Erik Riss takes his place in the sure-to-be-hotly-contested meeting at Workington on March 16. Riss, a former Edinburgh, Redcar, King’s Lynn and Ipswich racer among others, is making what may be a rare appearance on these shores in 2024 as he currently is minus a team space. He is looking forward to giving something back after a year blighted by illness in 2023 that saw him receive support from the fund. “The help I got last year was massive and I know I wanted to pay that back in any way I could, so as soon as I saw the date and location and knew I was available, I contacted the Ben Fund to ask them to consider me for the meeting. “I am also doing Charles Wright’s testimonial that weekend at Redcar but even if I didn’t have that, I would have been over. I am not just treating this as a preseason practice, I will be giving it my all. “The Ben Fund must be the only things like what happened to me last year happen, was incredible. I hope by being in the meeting I can help them raise what they need so that other riders that need it can get support.” Looking around the line-up, Riss knows that a big day of action is in store and, with one eye on putting himself in the shop window, he is determined to put on a show. “I decided I did not want to do the Championship in the UK in 2024 as the travelling is too much between here and Poland every weekend, but I did want to do the Premiership still. “I guess, because of my illness last year, I under-performed so no one made an offer or wanted to take a chance but I am willing and able to come back if needed. So with the quality of the line-up for the Ben Fund meeting, I can hopefully remind a few promoters what a fully fit Erik Riss is capable of. “I still have a big 2024 year ahead with Poland and I will do all of the big individual meetings in Germany so I am really looking forward to this year and it will be a great way to start it with the Bonanza. I hope the stands are packed for a great meeting.” Riders announced so far: Dan Bewley, Freddie Lindgren, Tom Brennan, Danny King, Ben Barker and Erik Riss. There are no advance ticket sales for the Bonanza meeting. Admissions will be £23 for adults, £20 (concessions), £10 students (16-18), £6 kids (8-16) and under-8s free. The main event will be 20 qualifying heats and a Final with support heats for three women’s races and two 250cc youth races. Hungry Wood D AYLE Wood says he’s hoping to put everything he learned last year to good use as he looks to make a big impact with Edinburgh Monarchs Academy in 2024. The popular Australian endured a steep learning curve during his debut season and even found himself thrust into Championship action with Stellar Monarchs’ senior side midway through the campaign, something he admits was very tough for him. But Wood remains determined to repay the faith shown in him, having been confirmed as a starter for the Armadale men again in the NDL. “Last year was definitely a tough time for me, flying into somewhere I’d never been before, living with family I’d never met, and racing on tracks I’d never ridden was all pretty challenging, mentally and physically,” said Wood. “I definitely learned heaps and met a lot of great people, so that will make this year a little easier. “I’m happy to be back with the Monarchs Academy for the 2024 season and now knowing what it’s all about, I’ll be able to settle a lot quicker and give it a red-hot crack.” Wood has been racing regularly in Australia as he aims to be race-sharp upon his return to the UK ahead of the start of the season. He has his eyes set on picking up NDL silverware and the top spot in the team. He added: “I’ve been doing as many meetings and practices as I can over the Australian season, working on a few things to better myself for the 2024 UK season and hit the ground running right from my first meeting. “I will be heading over in mid-March to get my bikes and things organised ready to roll for the season. “The team is shaping up nicely, I know Scott (Wilson) would be working hard to put together a competitive side and if we can work together as a team, stay injury-free and push the younger boys along, there’s no reason we can’t be on the top step at the end of the season. • Erik Riss will be at Workington. Picture: COLIN POOLE “With a few changes in the league, I’m confident I’ll add a few points to my average and keep stepping my way up to get that No. 1 position and earn myself that Championship spot I’m hungry for.” February 17, 2024 speedway star 5

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speedwaystar

8 COPPERGATE MEWS, BRIGHTON ROAD,

SURBITON, SURREY, KT6 5NE

TELEPHONE: (020) 8335 1113 EDITORIAL E-MAIL: star@pinegen.co.uk EDITOR: Andrew Skeels ASSISTANT EDITOR: Tony McDonald CHIEF NEWS WRITER: Paul Burbidge ART EDITOR: Mick Smith PRODUCTION: Mark Frankham FRONT COVER DESIGN: Jeff Davies

CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS DAVE FAIRBROTHER Telephone: (020) 8335 1113 (9 am to 2.30 pm) e-mail: subs@pinegen.co.uk or visit www.speedwaystar.net and click on the subscriptions link SUBSCRIPTION RATES (PRINTED VERSION) UK (52 issues): ................................£124 UK (26 issues): ..................................£63 UK (13 issues): ..................................£32 EUROPE (52 issues): ........................£140 EUROPE (26 issues): ..........................£72 USA (52 issues): ..............................£160 USA (26 issues): ................................£82 REST OF WORLD (52 issues) ............£170 REST OF WORLD (26 issues): ............£87

LATEST SPEEDWAY

NICO BLOW

PLYMOUTH have been rocked by the news that recent signing Nico Covatti has been injured in Argentina. A huge blow for the Gladiators, the 35-yearold was set to make his first return to the UK since 2019, when he rode for Poole and Somerset.

Manager Garry May spoke earlier this month of his delight in securing Covatti’s services after building a balanced team for the new campaign.

However, the experienced racer came to grief in a frightening incident with Facundo Albin while competing in the International Speedway Championship series at Bahia Blanca in Argentina last Friday.

Covatti suffered arm and leg fractures in the incident and he is set to have surgery today (Thursday).

FOR DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

(i-pad, tablet, etc) www.exacteditions.com/speedwaystar ADVERTISING: Mick Hooker Office: 01279 771125 Mobile: 07957 814639 e-mail: coveadv@gmail.com ACCOUNTS: Marina Abbott Telephone: (020) 8335 1104 e-mail: accounts@pinegen.co.uk

Speedway Star is published by the proprietors Pinegen Limited.

PRINTED BY Warners Midlands PLC Printers

DISTRIBUTED by Seymour Distribution Ltd., 86 Newman Street, London, W1P 3LD.

Registered at the Post Office as a newspaper. © copyright 2023 Pinegen Limited

VOLUME 72 NUMBER 51

It very much seems like a case of déjà vu for the Devon club, who had a number of setbacks last term, when the Italian international was also unable to commit to British speedway then because of injury.

With only six weeks until their opening BSN Series fixture against defending champions Poole, Gladiators’ bosses are facing a race against time to source a replacement.

Speaking to Argentine media, Covatti said: “We will have to think about when the return to Italy will be after the operation. We are evaluating having my wife come with the baby and thus be a little more contained here.

“Right now, it’s about being as united as possible. In Italy I will start with rehabilitation and, from there, by the spring of Europe I will be able to start touring.”

Covatti insists he bears no grudge against Albin, who triggered the incident when he lifted mid-bend resulting in both going into the fence beyond the final airbag, and is determined that his injuries won’t spell the end of his racing career.

He said: “You have to understand that this

Eagles back on track in April

• Nico Covatti is not ready to give up racing despite serious injuries. Picture: MICHAL KRUPA

is also part of the game. Nobody wants it but it happens.

“Facu was feeling very bad. He apologised to me along with his family but I didn’t accept them, because I don’t think I have to ask for them. It’s career stuff.

“It was the final, everyone wanted to win. I told him: ‘Don’t worry, it’s a career thing. We’re human and we all make mistakes’. Noone goes in with intention. He also took a hit and, luckily, nothing happened to him.

“You have to look for the positive side and settle for the fact that it could have been much worse. Some people tell me, ‘well, it’s time’. No, the time will be when I decide.

“This time it went wrong but on the bike I feel good, I have good results and I’m having fun. It will be the end when I feel it. I think I still have enough to give.”

With Championship line-ups all but finalised elsewhere, except for the one remaining place at Workington, Gladiators will not have an exhaustive list of options as they consider how best to replace Covatti.

ASTBOURNE Eagles will take to the track again this season, for the first time since the club collapsed midway though the 2021 campaign.

EAn Eagles side will face old rivals Kent at Iwade in a six-a-side, 15-heat challenge match on Sunday, April 14 (2 pm).

And an Eastbourne team will also be at Poole for the Kyle Newman testimonial, a four-team tournament likely to take place at Wimborne Road in June.

The news of Eagles’ track comeback was revealed at Saturday's successful supporters evening organised by the Save Eastbourne Speedway Group.

Former Eagles Jason Edwards, Drew Kemp, Kyle Newman and Ed Kennett all spoke in wide-ranging interviews conducted by Kevin Coombes. The one-time Arlington announcer also talked to former riders Keith Pritchard and Barney Kennett.

Vinnie Foord, the Leicester National Development League starlet who lives at Hailsham, close to Eagles’ former Arlington home, is the first Eagles rider named for the Kent match. He was also at the supporters’ function, along with 14-year-old prospect Tia May Brant.

Eagles’ hope of a full-scale return to Sussex remain on hold but spokesman David Graveling said: “Our campaign is gathering strength. To have around 150 people turn out on a cold, wet February evening was amazing, and highly encouraging.

“Now we have the prospect of the Eagles back in action. A lot of people are getting behind us and public awareness is rising. People want their speedway back and we won’t be giving up the fight.”

There was applause during the evening at Eastbourne's Langney Sports Club in memory of Eagles icon Gordon Kennett, who died last year, and Mick Norris, father of Arlington favourite David Norris, who passed away recently.

Two riders of heat-leader standard who are without places in the second tier so far are Erik Riss and Claus Vissing. But it remains to be seen whether either would consider a move to the Coliseum, which would involve additional weekend fixtures.

Another intriguing possibility could be Edward Kennett, who had the shortest of spells with Plymouth in 2022. The club had a season-long facility after he pulled out of their opening home meeting due to injury, provoking much derision from supporters of other clubs.

Kennett wouldn’t address the situation specifically but, sitting next to Plymouth rider Kyle Newman during an interview at an Eastbourne supporters’ function last Saturday, he appeared to leave the door ajar for a return to Devon.

He said: “Despite what everyone thinks, I’ve not retired. I am waiting for the phone to ring. When I retire I will announce it properly but that’s not happening yet.”

4 speedway star February 17, 2024

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