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[mar-apr2000]

Anyone with news, views or gossip for this page, please email.
For reports and results earlier than March, please email sboz@vtown.com.au

         August 2000

27.....Results from the Jim Turner Classic held at Tamworth NSW on 27^th August 2000..................

Quads: Sponsored by Dutton’s Electrical
Dave Porter, Anthony Parsons, Geoff Gill, Augie McLoughlin, Barry Robbins.
1^st Anthony Parsons  2^nd Augie McLoughlin 3^rd Barry Robbins

Dirt Track Sidecar Lemans: Sponsored by Tamworth Small Engines
Craig Smith/ Wayne McDonald, Keith Murray/ Dave McManus, Greg Farrell/ Kevin Farrell, Paul Marko/ Aaron Murnane, Stephen Jaeger/ Tim Fulwood, Murray Fyfe/ Glenn Cox.
1^st Paul Marko/ Aaron Murnane  2^nd Murray Fyfe/ Glenn Cox  3^rd Stephen Jaeger/ Tim Fulwood

Upright Speedway Solos Sponsored by Tattersals Hotel

Richard Radmore, Mick Choice, Barry Morgan, Steve Chaffey
1. Richard Radmore  2. Barry Morgan   3. Steve Chaffey

Laydown Speedway Solos  Sponsored by Anthony Davies Motorcycles
Mark Murphy, Heath Robertson, Anthony Dall, Mick Farrell, Dean Wiseman, Peter Pono, Daniel Mason, Jaye Stevens
1^st Daniel Mason  2^nd Dean Wiseman  3^rd Peter Pono

125cc MX Open Sponsored by Bootleg Liquor
Jamie Emmerson, Adrian Gow, Brad Gow, Dustin Goldsmith, Mick Gordon, Darren Hellyer, Mark Andrews, Greg Scott.
1^st Mark Andrews  2^nd Greg Scott  3^rd Mick Gordon

A Grade MX Open  Sponsored by Harry Pyne
Graham Smith and Jody Perry
1^st Jody Perry  2^nd Graham Smith

B Grade MX Open  Sponsored by Bikes & Bits
Adrian Gow, Brad Gow, Dustin Goldsmith, Andrew Noble, Jason Perry, Mark Andrews, Darren Hellyer
1^st Dustin Goldsmith  2^nd Mark Andrews  3^rd Andrew Noble

C Grade MX Open  Sponsored by Bridge Street Autos
Tim Jones, Jeremy Emmerson, Garret Mepham, Anthony Dall, Mick Gordon, Greg Scott, Darren Hellyer, Darryll Hellyer, Kurt Close, Luke Green
1^st Jeremy Emmerson  2^nd Luke Green  3^rd Greg Scott

Classic Solo Open Sponsored by Kootingal Hotel
Dave McManus, Darryll Hellyer, Steaven Dein, Greg Tungate
1^st Dave McManus  2^nd Darryll Hellyer  3^rd Greg Tungate

Dirt Track Sidecars 600cc Sponsored by Tamworth Small Engines
Keith Murray/ Dave McManus, Joe Marko/ Reece Grosner, Craig Smith/ Wayne McDonald
1^st Joe Marko/ Reece Grosner   2^nd Keith Murray/ Dave McManus  3^rd Craig Smith/ Wayne McDonald

Flat Track  Sponsored by Coates Hire
Jeremy Emmerson, Garret Mepham, Adrian Gow, Brad Gow, Andrew Noble, Mick Gordon Greg Scott, Jamie Emmerson, Darren Hellyer, Steaven Dein, Kurt Close, Darryll Hellyer, Mark Andrews, Luke Green, Greg Tungate, Graham Smith, Dustin Goldsmith
1^st Luke Green  2^nd Andrew Noble  3^rd Dustin Goldsmith

Dirt Track Sidecars 1100cc Sponsored by Tamworth Small Engines
Keith Murray/ Dave McManus, Greg Farrell/ Kevin Farrell, Paul Marko/ Aaron Murnane, Steve Jaeger/ Tim Fulwood, Murray Fyfe/ Glenn Cox
1^st Paul Marko/ Aaron Murnane  2^nd Murray Fyfe/ Glenn Cox  3^rd Keith Murray/ Dave McManus

Speedway Sidecars Sponsored by Turner Family
Steve Bignall/ Greg Barwick, Jim-Bob Turner/ George Rickard, Steve Taylor/ Dave Oliver, Greame Sippel/ Steve Jones, Gary McIntosh/ Jack Hall, Terry Nixon/ Luke Sampson, Murray Fyfe/ Glenn Cox, Steve Houston/ Brian Young
1^st Jim-Bob Turner/ George Rickard  2^nd Steve Houston/ Brian Young  3^rd Murray Fyfe/ Glenn Cox

27.....The proposed calendar for the up-coming season at the Gosford Speedway has been released........

2000/2001 PROVISIONAL CALENDAR

West Gosford Smash Repairs Sidecar Grand National Classic

Radio 2GO FM Speedway Super Prix

Schweppes NSW Solo Championship

Central Coast Spares International Speedway Masters Rnd. 1

Series 500 Car Care Products International Speedway Masters - Rnd 2.

Solos, Sidecars, Pee Wees, Karts, Quarter Midgets, TBA

5.....Gavin Elmes reports from Labrador Speedway......................

Trent Leverington emerged the surprise leader in the Gold Coast Winter Series even though he missed out on qualifying for the Solo Final.  In taking the lead from injured Ricky Nicol in this penultimate round of the series, Leverington missed out on a Final berth after a three-way run-off with Todd Groves and Noel Skinner.

However, his points in the heats were enough to carry him to 41, with Groves, Nicol and Wayne Kennedy tied on 38.  Luckless Sam Taylor had an abysmal day without finishing a race and slid from second to fifth with 31 points.

N.S.W. youngster Jaye Stevens topped the heats pointscore, being beaten only by Groves, but it was the ever-popular Wayne Kennedy who shrugged off an early challenge from Stevens to race away with the Final.  Skinner fell after bumping Groves' back wheel, leaving Groves to come in third behind Stevens.

Sixteen year old Steve Stayte made an impressive Labrador debut coming second from behind in the first event but drifted wide in his second outing and clouted the fence.  Adam White rode with cautious consistency, while brother Jon found that he and his bike were incompatible and parted company on four occasions.  Trevor Baker, having his maiden Coast outing, completed the solo line-up.

Steve Taylor/ Dave Oliver put up a powerful performance to sweep all before them in the Sidecar section and narrowed the gap between them and Steve Houston/ Brian Young (N.S.W.) in the Winter Series to 5 points.

In a pulsating final which saw all four starters charge four abreast through the first turn, Andy Miller/ Chris Lewis set the early pace, as Taylor lined them up then shot to the front.  Houston frantically sought a passage through but to no avail, as Bob Hill/  David McVie baulked and half spun in fourth. For three laps it looked like anyone's race, but Taylor gradually pulled clear in the last lap to cross ahead of Miller, Houston and Hill.

    Dave Hagel/ Steve Ingham  rode well but a spin-off in their second outing cost them their chance of a ticket to the final, and Bill Sewell Jnr/ Loueen Sewell withdrew after two heats with mechanical problems after looking their usual threatening selves. 

    On 61 points, Houston leads Taylor 56 and Miller 30.

    Stuart Firth/ Mark Strachan gave an emphatic display of dominance in the Classic Sidecar section with five wins from five starts.

Results:

    Solo Final: 1. Wayne Kennedy  2. Jaye Stevens  3. Todd Groves   4. Noel Skinner (dnf)

    Sidecar Final: 1.  Steve Taylor/ Dave Oliver  2.  Andy Miller/ Chris Lewis  3.  Steve Houston/ Brian Young  4.  Bob Hill/ David     McVie.

    Classic Sidecar Final:  1. Stuart Firth/ Mark Strachan  2. Peter Waring-Jones/ Lincoln Mitchell  3.  Darren Ford/ Dave Collis    4.  Wayne Ware/ Kerri Prendergast

Gavin Elmes

         July 2000

31.....Ivan Mauger has announced an eight round 'Golden Helmet' series for 2000. As yet, series riders are not confirmed.

Round 1...October       21      Maryborough Qld.
Round 2...                      28       Rockhampton Qld.
Round 3...November 4      Gold Coast Qld.
Round 4...                       11    Grafton NSW
Round 5...                       18    TBA.
Round 6...                       25    Whyalla SA.
Round 7...December 2     Bendigo Vic.
Round 8...                       9      Archerfield Qld.

30.....Wild night for Wildcards in the British Grand Prix. From Matthew Payne

A crowd in excess of 16,000 packed Coventry’s International Motor Speedway for the final British Grand Prix to be hosted there before it moves to Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. They were there to see possibly the most important round so far in this year’s World Championship, and important it was in many ways!

British Wildcard, Martin Dugard delighted the home fans with a brilliant victory, at the expense of Australia’s Ryan Sullivan, New Championship leader in his own right, Mark Loram and Australian Grand Prix debutante Jason Lyons. Sullivan got away the best of the four and had a slender lead for two of the four laps. Dugard got past Sullivan going into the third lap, and Loram came close to the two of them. After this, it was all Dugard, he just pulled away leaving Sullivan in his wake. Loram mysteriously dropped back into the clutches of Lyons, who was suffering a knee injury from an earlier incident.

It was another unbelievable night for Australian Speedway. Four of our five competitors made it to the Semi Final stage, only Todd Wiltshire missing out. Of the four who did make it to the Semis, it was probably the two least expected to make the final that did. Leigh Adams was never in the hunt in his semi final, dropping to the rear of the field and staying there for the entire four laps. Adams did, however, come back and take the victory in the Consolation Final from Tony Rickardsson, Greg Hancock in another solid performance, and Crump.

In the second semi, the remaining three Aussies – Crump, Sullivan and Lyons squared off against defending World Champion Tony Rickardsson. Going into the first turn, Jason Crump got the bike totally out of shape and fell. The race was stopped, with Jason being excluded. In the re-run, Sullivan and Lyons made beautiful starts, leaving Rickardsson at the line. But Rickardsson, being the Champion he is, came back at Lyons on Lap 3 and got past him. Coming out of turn four on the final lap, Lyons got underneath Rickardsson and got to the line by half a wheel length, much to the delight of the British crowd. Lyons then fell off his bike, injuring his knee, possibly harming his chances in the A Final.

Of the four Grands Prix so far this year, this would be the one where tactics has had a part to play, especially in the early rounds of the Sweet Sixteen, which saw many riders shutting off before the finish line to gain a more favourable gate for their next ride. For most of the meeting, the inside gate was not working at all surprisingly it was the two outside gates performing the best.

Former World Champ, Billy Hamill was really looking to score some big points at Coventry to get him back into the hunt for the 2000 Championship. In his ride in the elimination heat 15, he fell, in a similar fashion to Crump in the Semi Final. It was a mistake that probably cost Billy his chance at the World Title. To his credit, he got up and got back on the bike, where many others would have stayed on the ground, waited for a red flag and a first corner bunching call.

Greg Hancock, along with Chris Louis have been the quiet achievers of the Championship. Hancock made it to the Semi Finals, and Louis fell hard in a sickening crash also involving Stefan Danno and Peter Karlsson. The both have had their fair share of bad luck along the way, and Hancock in particular should be far higher in the Championship standings.

Unfortunately for "Carl’s Army," the 2000 people that came down from Workington to cheer on Carl Stonehewer, his dream wasn’t to be realized. Carl, along with former World Under 21 Champion Lee Richardson, met the fired-up Karlsson brothers who eliminated the Brits.

So now it is off to Vojens in Denmark with Mark Loram holding a 4 point advantage over Tony Rickardsson, Billy Hamill still remains in third, 13 points off Rickardsson. Jason Crump is fourth, four points off Hamill, with a very slim mathematical chance of challenging for the Championship. Chris Louis lies in fifth, with the Aussie trio of Sullivan, Wiltshire and Adams hot on his heels.

By missing the British Grand Prix through injury, Tomasz Gollob now lies in ninth place, four points behind Adams, out of the automatic qualifying zone. He may have to qualify for 2001 via the Grand Prix Challenge later in the year.

In another meeting on Friday night, UK time, Young England defeated Young Australia 47-43 in the first of their test match series. Sydneysider, Craig Watson and South Australian, Travis McGowan were the standouts of the meeting, both only being beaten once all night, McGowan being beaten after falling in his final ride. Young England had a more consistent spread of scoring among their riders, their top scorer being Simon Stead with 11.

26.....Mathew Payne previews the Coventry Grand Prix...............

Gollob in Accident prior to Grand Prix.

The big news in the lead up to the Castrol Speedway Grand Prix of Great Britain in Coventry, is that Polish star, Tomasz Gollob has been injured in a car accident in Poland while traveling to Germany. Gollob broke his collarbone, he has been operated on and vows to be fit for Saturday. Tony Rickardsson and Mark Loram go into the Coventry event neck-and-neck on 55 Championship Points, with Australians Jason Crump, Todd Wiltshire, Leigh Adams and Ryan Sullivan in sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth positions respectively.

Jason Crump considers the British Grand Prix to be a home race – he lives only 30 minutes away from the track, and has been quite successful in this event before – winning it twice. Jason admitted earlier in the week that after the first Grand Prix in Prague, he was quite down about his situation, and was worried his Grand Prix spot may be in jeopardy for 2001, but his fiancée soon changed his mind for him…and he came out and won the Grand Prix of Sweden!

Leigh Adams will go into the Coventry event highly motivated after finishing fourth in the last Grand Prix in Poland. He is looking to move up the rankings, and safely secure a spot for next year.

Todd Wiltshire will be looking to recapture the form that saw him in two A Finals in the first two rounds of the Championship. Coming from the qualifying rounds should suit Todd, allowing him to get into some sort of rhythm throughout the meeting. He has been suffering a very nasty bout of influenza over the last couple of weeks, but it seems as though he is over the worst of it now and should be right come Saturday.

Ryan Sullivan will be looking to get into some sort of rhythm and gain some badly needed points to get him inside the top eight of the Championship.

Championship Leader Mark Loram has been very quiet in the lead up to the Grand Prix, and joint leader, Tony Rickardsson starred for Sweden in their World Team Cup Semi Final victory over the weekend and third placed man, Billy Hamill was in blistering form for the United States in their World Team Cup Semi Final victory last weekend. He is in with a big shot at the Championship, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him in the A Final on Saturday.

Joe Screen, the disappointing Englishman, was in rare form on the Coventry track last week in an Elite League match. Screen, riding for Eastbourne, won all of his six rides, and from all reports was very impressive. He has a lot of work to do to get into the Top Eight in preparation for next season.

2000 people from Workington, or "Carl’s Army" as they are known, will be making the journey south to cheer on their man, the sensation of the 2000 Speedway Grand Prix, Carl Stonehewer. He is the only rider competing from the British Premier League, and has the biggest following of any individual rider in the British Grand Prix. The British wildcards are veteran, Martin Dugard, and former World Under 21 Champion, Lee Richardson. Richardson should acquit himself well in such company, possibly finishing in the top 10, but it is doubtful that he will make it to the A Final in such illustrious company. While fellow Brit, Andy Smith, will be looking to go past his first two rides in this Grand Prix. This is doubtful also.

All looks good for a magnificent event come Saturday Evening, British time. The British Grand Prix really is the Blue Riband Grand Prix of the six. Britain is where all the world’s top riders ride from, and the British Elite League is the toughest weekly competition in the World.

On form, one would have to tip Billy Hamill to take the race, with Jason Crump second, Rickardsson third and possibly Joe Screen fourth as a long shot! Loram is placed just outside these four. The men to look out for will be Lee Richardson, Todd Wiltshire and possibly even Leigh Adams may pose a threat come money time. For an outsider’s bet, put your money on Carl Stonehewer – if he doesn’t become overawed by the expectation of his fans, he may well be in with a definite chance.

The Castrol Speedway Grand Prix of Poland can be seen ***LIVE*** on C7 Sport from 3am Sunday Morning on Optus and Austar.

16.....Gavin Elmes reports from Northgate Speedway on the outskirts of Brisbane...............

A nasty crash in the Final of the Classic Sidecar events resulted in riders Dean Brown and Tony Smith being taken to hospital, Brown with a badly broken right leg and Smith with shoulder injuries.  The accident occurred in the first lap when second-placed Brown's machine locked up in mid-bend and reversed uptrack.  Peter Waring-Jones/ Lincoln Mitchell were able to zip inside him, but Smith/ Victor Perry were unable to avoid T-boning the stricken Brown and swinger Steve Hughes.  All four were thrown heavily but both passengers escaped injury. The race was abandoned, with Wayne Ware/ Kerri Bruiser the likely winners.

            An inspired Dave Hagel/ Steve Ingham combination overcame a mishap in their heats to win the Sidecar Final in dazzling style. While trying for an inside run on Mike Kent/ Andrew Foot in his second outing, Hagel tipped his sleek, new outfit without doing damage. Bill Sewell Jnr/ Mick Chase, riding Bill Snr's spare outfit, headed the heats' scorechart before collecting second place in the Final, ahead of Andrew Moffitt/ Billy Deane.

           Sixteen year old first-timer, Steve Stayte, made a promising debut in the Solo ranks, qualifying for the B Final. Sam Taylor had an A Final spot in his sights until coil problems forced him out.  Scott Fisher made a welcome return, and Todd Groves and Jon White had their best Northgate meetings to date.

          Track specialist Steve Viner was untroubled in winning the Solo Final with a composed Trent Leverington making an early outside pass on Groves to take second, and White fourth.

          The North Brisbane club would like to express its sincere best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery to badly injured soloist, Ricky Nicol, who is making slow but encouraging progress following his serious road accident.   

Results:
    Sidecar Final: 1. Dave Hagel/ Steve Ingham  2. Bill Sewell Jnr/ Mick Chase 3. Andrew Moffitt/ Billy Deane. Bill Sewell Snr/ Scott Dawson (dnf)

    Solo B Final: 1. Scott Fisher 2. Danny Jordan  3. Adam White  4. Steve Stayte

     Solo A Final: 1. Steve Viner  2. Trent Leverington  3. Todd Groves  4. Jon White

Gavin Elmes

13.....SPEEDWAY GRAND PRIX TOPS C7 RATINGS

       The C7 Sport Network today announced that the recent Polish Speedway Grand Prix staged at the Olympic Stadium in Wroclaw a fortnight ago emerged a huge ratings success.

       C7, the Seven Network's pay television channel appearing nationally on Optus Television and Austar, is delighted with the success of the Speedway Grand Prix coverage which produced ratings figures the equal of a live AFL (aussie rules) or NRL (rugby league) telecast.The top rating telecast was screened nationally on Sunday night, June 30 between 7pm and 9.30pm.

       Ms Emma Watts, C7's Programme Director said "We're thrilled that the Speedway Grand Prix has emerged a huge ratings winner. To think the Polish Grand Prix rated as well as a live AFL or NRL telecast is quite incredible and we certainly plan to build on speedway's obvious popularity."

       "The Czech GP and Swedish GP also rated really well, but the Polish event was replayed in prime-time on Sunday night and it proved a huge hit with viewers watching on Austar and Optus TV."

         "David Tapp suggested several months ago that we should purchase the rights to the World Speedway Grand Prix and its turned out to be a real winner for us," Ms Watts concluded.

          C7's exclusive coverage of the World Speedway Grand Prix continues on Sunday morning July 30 with its exclusive "live" coverage of the British Grand Prix from Coventry in England at 3am EST. The 3 hour telecast will also be replayed in full at 10am and 7pm (Sunday, July 30).

          C7's Speedway Grand Prix coverage is sponsored by Castrol, Speedway Racing News Magazine, Clean Team Radiator Coolant and Motorcycling Australia.

         C7's World Speedway Grand Prix coverage is hosted by David Tapp and former international rider Rodney Colquhoun.

1.....Rory Schlein is the new Australian U/16 Solo Champion for 2000. The South Australian --- but born in Darwin --- was unbeaten in his five heats and won the Final. Rory will enter the Senior ranks in 2 months.

NSW 1 Joel Parsons ...DNF 2 2 - Exfell........... 4 
Vic 2 Reece Farr ...Exc Ex out 1 2 1 .........4
NSW 3 DaineStevens ...3 3 2 3 2 ...........13 (2)
WA 4 Trevor Harding ...2 2 3 - 1 ..........8
Vic 5 Brock Gates ...- 1 2 1 - ...........4
NSW 6 Michael Slade ...1 2 - 2 1 ...........6
NT 7 Ryan Pope ...3 1 2 3 DNF .............9
NT 8 Johnnie Pope ...2 - 1 3 2............ 8
SA 9 Rory Schlein ...3 3 3 3 3 ............15 (1)
WA 10 Daniel Harding ...Ex out 1 - - - ...............1
NSW 11 Jason Doyle... 2 2 1 1 3............. 9
Vic 12 Cameron Woodward ...1 3 3 1 3............... 11(3)
NT 13 Jarrod Mackenzie ...DNF - 1 - - ...............1
Vic 14 Mark Jones ...3 3 - 2 2 ..............10 (4)
WA 15 Stewart Russell ...DNF DNF DNF - - ..............0
SA 16 Mathew Wethers ...2 1 3 2 2 ..............10 (5)
NT 17 Trent Fien (reserve) ...3 ............3
NT 18 Luke Tabone  (reserve) ...1 .............1

Run off between Jones & Wethers won by Jones.
Final ...........Schlein 1st Stevens 2nd Jones 3rd  Woodward fell and was Exc

         Rory by far the best rider on the night was fastest all night also, track was not the best unfortunately.  As always some hard luck stories on the night, young Ryan Pope had a place in the final sewn up and had a mechanical failure in his last ride.  We were very impressed by the riders and were most satisfied with running this event.

With thanks to Alby Lorymer.

         June 2000

30.....The South Australian combination of Rory Schlein and Mat Wethers have won the Pairs U/16 Australian Solo Championship held at Northline Speedway in Darwin. Results from Alby Lorymer................

1 2 3 4 5 6 Total
NSW 1 Jason Doyle 3 2 3 3 2 Ex 13
NSW 2 Daine Stevens 2 Ex out 1 1 1 2 7 ...............20 3rd

WA 3 Daniel Harding - Ex out Ex out - 1 - 1
Wa 4 Trevor Harding 1 1 1 2 Ex out 2 7  .................8

NT 5 Johnnie Pope 2 2 Exout Ex out 3 1 8
NT 6 Ryan Pope - 3 2 2 1 2 10   ................18

SA 7 Rory Schlein 3 3 2 2 1 2 13
SA 8 Mathew Wethers 1 2 3 1 3 3 13 ................... 26 1st

NT 9 Jarrod Mackenzie Fell Fell 2 3 3 3 11
NT 10 Trent Fien 1 1 - 1 Ex out - 3  ................... 14

NSW 11 Michael Slade 2 - - 1 2 1 6
NSW 12 Joel Parsons 3 2 2 3 3 Exfell 13  ..................19 4th

VIC 13 Mark Jones 1 3 1 3 - 3      11
VIC 14 Cameron Woodward 3 1 3 Ex inf 2 1 10  ..................21 2nd

NT 15 Luke Tabone (Reserve) - - - - - -

29.....The rider line-up for the Australian U/16 Solo Championships to be held at 'Northline Speedway' in Darwin NT this weekend is............

'PAIRS' friday night............
SA ...Rory Schlein/Mathew Wethers
NSW...Jason Doyle/Daine Stevens
NSW...Michael Slade/Joel Parsons
WA ...Daniel Harding/Trevor Harding
NT...Jarrod McKenzie-Hinton/Trent Fein
VIC...Mark Jones/Cameron Woddward. 

'INDIVIDUAL' saturday night.............

1  NSW Joel Parsons
2  VIC Reece Farr
3  NSW Daine Stevens
4  WA Trevor Harding
5  VIC Brock Gates
6  NSW Michael Slade
7  NT Ryan Pope
8  NT Johnnie Pope
9  SA Rory Schlein
10  WA Daniel Harding
11  NSW      Jason Doyle
12  VIC Cameron Woodward
13  NT Jarrod Mackenzie
14  VIC Mark Jones
15  WA Stewart Russell
16  SA Mathew Wethers

27.....Gosford City Speedway held their annual presentation and awards dinner on Saturday 24th June. It was a fabulous night as well tinged with sadness as this being the last time under the Terry Poole promotion before passing over
to the new promotion on July 1.
          All awards and trophies were awarded on the point scores held at Gosford Speedway during the calendar year and only club members were recipients.

A Grade Scratch: 1st Place: Mick Poole
2nd Place: Ben Shields
3rd Place: Dean Wiseman

B Grade Scratch: 1st Place: Ben Shields
2nd Place: Dave Booth
3rd Place: Dean Wiseman

Sidecar Scratch: 1st Place: Chris Pym
EQUAL WITH: Grant Bond &
  Thomas Kruse

3rd Place: Steve Houston &
  Brian Young

4th Place: Jim-Bob Turner &
   George Rickard
     Encouragement Award: Alana Harrington
Aust. sidecar pairs champion: Justin Plaisted
     Meg Ney Award: Ben Shields

      Their were also special presentations made to other persons involved with the Speedway, Mick Farrell for his involvement in the sport.
      Terry and Lorraine Poole were presented with a crystal ornament mounted on a rosewood base for their contribution to Gosford Speedway and the sport.
       Another successful year for Gosford City Speedway and the fans, riders and supporters will no doubt be looking forward to a new era at Gosford and the opening of the gates for the first meeting on October 7th.

Anthony McGuire

18.....ROCKETS SNATCH NARROW VICTORY By Ken Brown

         In a real team effort the Redmond Transport Rockets came from behind to clinch the Projek Demolition - Ron Johnson Memorial Teams Cup over the Wilson Wolves at the Bibra Lake Speedway on June 18.

         The third and final round of the series saw the Rockets start with a three point deficit. However they were able to power to a 46-41 success on the day which gave them a narrow two point aggregate lead over the Wolves.

        As was the case in round 2, Wolves skipper Guy Wilson proved unbeatable, reeling off three straight victories in brilliant fashion. The opposing captain Lee Redmond notched three second placings - but more importantly had his teammate Keith McKinlay follow him home in third spot on every outing.

        The Wolves second heat leader Grant Stevens also won all of his three starts, but the Rockets pair Gavin Lewis and Adam Watkins filled all of the minor placings. Wilson proved too strong for Redmond in their first and third encounters - but their second clash was a ripper. The lead changed on every one of the 4-laps - sometimes more than once - as the experienced duo turned on a classic two-wheel encounter for the appreciative fans. It was great stuff - solo racing at its best around the testing 380 metre circuit.

         The rest of the boys also rode their hearts out in a hard-fought contest - but special mention must be made of youngster Adam Watkins. Riding in his very first senior meeting - and very nervous - the kid turned on a very creditable display. Watkins finished with three third placings - and on several occasions passed more experienced riders in the latter part of the event.

        The three-round teams series certainly helped to swell the Bibra Lake crowd - and has given the west coast solo scene real boost.   Already plans are in motion for a return encounter - with the possibility of a third team being involved. Hopefully the proposed bike track inside the clay Kwinana Motorplex oval will be the scene of some more teams action this coming summer.

PROJEC DEMOLITION - RON JOHNSON MEMORIAL TEAM CUP - Round 3 - Bibra Lake Speedway - Sunday June 18, 2000.
Heat 1 (4 laps): 1. Guy Wilson (Wolves), 2. Lee Redmond (Rockets), 3. Keith McKinlay (R), 4. Corey Blackman (R), 5. Lee Blackman (W), 6. Darren Dawes (W); 1:13.39 (Points - Rockets 9, Wolves 6).
Heat 2 (4 laps): 1. Grant Stevens (W), 2. Gavin Lewis (R), 3. Adam Watkins (R), 4. Brad Palmer (W), 5. Brad Kennington (W); 1:19.32 (Rockets 16, Wolves 13).
Heat 3 (4 laps): 1. Guy Wilson (W), 2. Lee Redmond (R), 3. Keith McKinlay (R), 4. Corey Blackman (R), 5. Darren Dawes (W), 6. Lee Blackman (W); 1:13.18 (Rockets 25, Wolves 19).
Heat 4 (4 laps): 1. Grant Stevens (W), 2. Gavin Lewis (R), 3. Adam Watkins (R), 4. Brad Palmer (W), 5. Brad Kennington (W); 1:19.32 (Rockets 16, Wolves 13).
Heat 5 (4 laps): 1. Guy Wilson (W), 2. Lee Redmond (R), 3. Keith McKinlay (R), 4. Lee Blackman (W), 5. Darren Dawes (W), 6. Corey Blackman (R); 1:12.11 (Rockets 39, Wolves 34).
Heat 6 (4 laps): 1. Grant Stevens (W), 2. Gavin Lewis (R), 3. Adam Watkins (R), 4. Brad Kennington (W), 5. Brad Palmer (W); 1:18.15 (Rockets 46, Wolves 41).

POINTSCORE
ROCKETS                                                   WOLVES
Lee Redmond 4 4 4 12                                  Guy Wilson 5 5 5 15
Gavin Lewis 4 4 4 12                                     Grant Stevens 5 5 5 15
Keith McKinlay 3 3 3 9                                  Brad Kennington - 2 2 4
Adam Watkins 3 3 3 9                                   Lee Blackman 1 - 2 3
Corey Blackman 2 2 - 4                                 Darren Dawes - 1 1 2
                                                                           Brad Palmer 2 - - 2
TOTAL 46                                                        TOTAL 41                                                  

17.....Gavin Elmes reports from Yandina, 1 hour north of Brisbane............

The tapes went up on motorcycle speedway at Yandina on Queensland's Sunshine Coast as Gatton promotor, Neil Graham, launched a one-off meeting for bikes at what is traditionally a car track.

The clay surface posed a huge problem as after copious rain through the week, the entire arena resembled a paddy field on the eve of race day. However, after scraping the surface mud onto the infield and laying river sand, the meeting got under way.

    The first few events gave rise to some anxious moments as riders fought to cope with the patchy, rough strip.

    N.S.W. youngster Jaye Stevens caused concern when he came down heavily, sliding on his back into the fence.  Jon White had fallen while leading and as Stevens moved wide he collided with Trent Leverington who also came down.  After ambulance treatment, Stevens carried on, winning two more races before withdrawing from the final through dizziness.  Leverington's damaged bike ruled him out for the night.

   Ben Shields, who travelled up from N.S.W. with Stevens, was in a class of his own and won every heat, one by half a lap, before lifting the final.  Showing great promise with second place in the final was Anthony Wright, having only his fourth meeting.  Todd Groves came in third, followed by Adam White.

    Wright formed part of the Rockhampton contingent with Luke Kluver, Joel Kluver and Ted Goodsall. It wasn't the happiest of nights for the Kluver brothers who each had two spills and  Jon White followed up his earlier fall with an awkward looking tumble into the fence.

    The ridge of mud inside the white line and the track conditions caused some of the sidecar riders to withdraw before the meeting.

     However the five who did compete put on some very fast racing.  The only casualty was Dave Hagel's passenger, Steve Ingham.  Giving his new Honda 900 its first outing, Hagel clipped the inside mud ridge, breaking off a section of fibre-glass against Ingham's right hand.  The resultant injury required ambulance treatment and an x-ray.

    North Queensland's Ricky Laycock, with sister Kim in the chair, won the sidecar final with strong challenging Bill Sewell Jnr / Mick Chase coming in second ahead of dad Bill Snr and swinger Scott Dawson.  Dave and Chris Buckley were fourth.      Classic sidecars completed the bike section of the program.

Results:

Solo Final:  1. Ben Shields.  2. Anthony Wright  3. Todd Groves  4. Adam White. (Jaye Stevens qualified but withdrew injured)

Sidecar Final:  1. Ricky Laycock / Kim Laycock  2. Bill Sewell Jnr / Mick Chase  3.  Bill Sewell Snr / Scott Dawson                        4. Dave Buckley / Chris Buckley.

Gavin Elmes

13.....Glenn Russell reports from Gosford............

                          Gosford Speedway on the N.S.W. Central Coast staged meeting number 9 of the 1999/2000 season on Sunday. This was the final meeting under the Terry Poole banner.

The format of the meeting was the usual scratch and handicap racing in both Solo and Sidecar Divisions.

Results as follows;-
Solos
B and C Handicap.... Jack Stevens (30), Dave Stevens (20), Jaye Stevens (10)
B Grade Scratch.... Dave Booth, Shane Haggarty, Leigh Fernance
A Grade Scratch.... Mick Poole, Stephen Davies, Dean Wiseman
Stars Scratch Heat 1.... Wiseman, Poole, Fernance (fell n/s in re run), Booth
(fell exc)
Heat 2 ....Davies, Haggarty, Rod McDonald, Ben Shields (fell n/s in rerun)
Consolation.... Ben Shields, Jay Stevens, Jack Stevens
Final ....Davies, Poole, Wiseman, Haggarty
B and C Handicap.... Jack Stevens(30), Jaye Stevens(10), Dave Stevens(20)
Stars Handicap.... Ben Shields (50), Poole (90), Davies (90)
Open Handicap Ht 1.... Shields (50), Poole (90), Paul Parlett (Gate)
  Ht2 ....Jaye Stevens (10), Davies (90), Dave Stevens (20)
Consolation ....Haggarty (60) No other finisher. Only 3 starters
Final.... Shields (50), Davies (90), Parlett (Gate), Poole (90) (fell and
remounted)
10 Lap Feature.... Poole (90), Shields (50), Jay Stevens (10)

Sidecars
Stars Scratch.... Grant Bond, Chris Pym, Steve Houston
Sidecar Shoot out Ht1.... Houston, Bond, Pym, Greg Allen
                 Ht2.... Bond, Pym, Houston
Final (2 Laps)....      Bond, Pym 32.55 (new 2 lap record)
Stars Handicap.... Houston (60), Pym (80), Bond (80)
Sidecar King of the ring. A series of elimination 2 lap races
1) Greg Allen beat Alana Harrington
2) Steve Houston Beat Allen
3) Chris Pym beat Houston
4) Chris Pym beat Grant Bond to win the King of the Ring
Super 6 Lapper Houston (60), Alana Harrington (Gate), Bond
(80)      1.25.31 (new record). This does not sound like a correct time,
and I suspect that they only did 5 laps.

And so this brings to a close the first chapter in the history of Gosford
Speedway. Terry Poole has done a sterling job getting the track opened
initially, and then keeping it running under often difficult circumstances
over the last 8 years. I personally would like to thank him for his efforts
and wish him well in whatever he does in the future.

 From various sources it would seem David Tapp is going to widen the track
so as to accommodate 6 riders at the gate in Solos and 5 at the gate in
Sidecars.  The first meeting under the new regime will be on Saturday
October 7th one week after the Olympics finish.

Glenn Russell

13.....Anthony McGuire interviews retiring Gosford Speedway Promoter Terry Poole.....................
Terry Poole, The Interview
(1).Terry when did you first start to get interested in Speedway?
Terry: I started to go to speedway when I was about 7 years old with my mum and dad. We went to the Sydney Sports ground on the Friday nights and the Sydney Showground on the Sat. nights. I started to get involved in with a couple of work mates who used to ride, helping them in the pits. They were Eric Davies & Bob Levy and I also got involved with other solo riders as
well.

(2).When did you start Speedway racing and what were your achievements as a rider?
Terry: I started racing Feb 1960 at Moorebank scramble track. My very first meeting was the NSW 125 cc scramble Championship. I was in 2nd place when the frame broke with half a lap to go. I went to dirt track racing after that and won 7 City of Sydney dirt track titles in a row,  3 NSW teams racing titles for the Parramatta City Club, won Aust. Dirt Track title in
1972, and was the first rider to win the Duke of Edinbrough Trophy. I retired from riding in 1985 and after a eight year break returned to ride in the classic events on a Hagon J.A.P., winning the Aust. 500cc classic event at my first meeting. I then kept riding for almost 2 years winning every event, I then broke a wrist and rode about 6 more meetings before retiring.

(3). Terry what year did you start actually getting involved with Gosford Speedway & what was your motivation for doing so?.
Terry: I had a friend living on the Central Coast who told me he read in the local newspaper that the Gosford Showground was available, so between myself and Jan Grainger we wrote letters and attended council meetings to construct a speedway in the middle of the dog track, the same as in the U.K and after two and half years we got the go ahead.
I got motivated because the bike riders had very few venues to ride at as most tracks were going to cars because of the hassles with the governing bodies.

(4)What was your greatest shows whilst promoting at Gosford?
Terry: Australia Select v the Rest of the World, the ISMS and two Australian titles.

(5)What was your worst memories as a promoter at Gosford?.
Terry: The worst memories would be a cloudy day. People would not attend if
there was a cloud in the sky.

(6). Name the best riders you have seen at Gosford over the years?
Terry: Tony Rickardsson, Jason Crump, Leigh Adams, Sam Ermelenko, Greg
Hancock and Mick Poole(solo).Darrin Treloar, Andrew Cleave, Grant Bond(sidecars).

(7)Does any of the current crop of Australia's G.P. riders have the potential to be world champion?
Terry: Jason Crump can but he has to settle down a bit and not be so hot headed.

(8). Which of the current crop of local emerging riders do you think will enjoy international success?.
Terry: Craig Watson excepting for injury. Craig should make it to the top. Ben Shields, he is coming along well, he is doing the job properly and one day he will make it as well.

(9). What lead you to quit promoting at Gosford?
Terry: What lead me to quit Gosford were 2 sidecar riders suing me for $750,000 each,(Peter Bennett & passenger Wayne Ferry). Because of this the insurance fees have skyrocketed, plus MA fees. To run an Australian title it costs you $3,000 plus enormous prize money $20,500. You can run the ISMS for a lot less than that and it is a much better meeting.

(10).How do you see the future of Gosford Speedway now that it is under the Tapp promotion and will you have any future role in it?.
Terry: I think David Tapp will do a good job there. He has the expertise to get sponsors involved. If David can handle the pressure he will do fine. I will still be involved preparing the track and doing the odd jobs around the place.

(11).M.A. has come under harsh criticism from promoters and persons involved in Speedway, How Could M.A. improve its image within the domestic Speedway scene?.
Terry: What I think is needed is the speedway to be run by a speedway control board. There are commissioners to run the sport, they make the decisions and then the executives change their decision. These people who are commissioners know what they are talking about. I can't say the same for the executives, we need that control board.

(12).Considering the problems Tapp has had with M.A., Do you think M.A. will work successfully together with Tapp for the better of venue and the sport?.
Terry: I don't think M.A. will work with David Tapp.He has tried before.

(13)Where do you see the future of Australian Speedway bike Scene heading?.
Terry: I think the future of Australian speedway lies in the hands of M.A.,Give the promoters a fair go, cut the fees and all their nonsense.

(14).Is their anyone you would would like to thank?
Terry: I would like to thank the following: Jan Grainger,Peter White, Brian Collins, David Clutter, Gary Poole (no relation), The Speedway Sport Committee of Motor Cycling NSW, all the riders and staff for their support.

Thankyou Terry for your interview and we all would like to thankyou for efforts and service to Australian Speedway over the years and we wish you and your family all the best for the future and look forward to seeing your
familiar face around Gosford next season and beyond. I am sure you and Jan will be able to sit back on the hill now and watch some speedway for the first time in years.
Good Luck and Well Done.

Anthony McGuire

12.....Six time World Speedway Champ Ivan Mauger has run a one kilometre leg of the Sydney Olympic Torch Relay on Queensland's Gold Coast. Ivan's run was part of a 100 day Torch Relay that started 4 days previously at Ayres Rock in the centre of Australia and will circumnavigate around the country to finish in Sydney to commence the 'Games' in mid September.
          The Runaway Bay resident looked resplendent in his Torch uniform and posed for photographs with many children just prior to his run. Big crowds lined the streets, probably oblivious to the past sporting deeds of the runner. Ivan was the 100th runner for the day. 10,000 people will participate in the Relay.  

12.....Nigel Boocock, ten times a British world finalist before tens of thousands of cheering supporters, is considering returning to his old stomping ground for one final occasion before Wembley - the Grand Old Lady of speedway stadia - is demolished to make way for a new soccer ground on the same piece of land.
          The banquet is being held on September 16th, just above the hallowed circuit and all of the World Champions of years past have been invited to attend. Ivan Mauger will certainly be there, as will other world champs Ove Fundin, Barry Briggs and a dozen other past stars.
           Boocock, the proud English Lion who has called Australia home for many years, is held in high esteem around the world for his fiery feats on the track. Before this has gone to press, Trevor Harding and Graeme Hartman have shown enthusiasm towards travelling to England again.
         At this stage we are looking for expressions of interest from ex-riders and supporters, who might wish to see Wembley one more time, whilst also taking in the 2000 World Team Cup at Coventry. The championship is being held the very next day and Australia (with Jason Crump, Todd Wiltshire, Ryan Sullivan, Leigh Adams and Jason Lyons) are the defending champions. Says Nigel: "I'm certain that the Aussies would appreciate some support from back home, not to mention the Pommy team of course who are all lousy gaters. And we'd also like to take in some other British league action as well."

        September is only three months away, so if any supporters or riders might have an interest in doing the tour, please phone tour organiser Steve Magro on (07)3262-4804 or stvmagro@tig.com.au

4.....A night of Controversy and Heroics in Sweden

By Matthew Payne.

An heroic ride by Gold Coaster Jason Crump to win the second round of the World Speedway Championship in Linkoeping, Sweden was overshadowed by some incompetent refereeing and a farcical situation where Race Director, Ole Olsen (Speedway’s version of Bernie Ecclestone) questioned a decision (albeit wrong) by the German referee, Wolfgang Blass.

It was a great night all around for Australia, with Newcastle rider, Todd Wiltshire finishing third to move to second in the championship, South Australian Ryan Sullivan finishing seventh and Milduran Leigh Adams eighth. All four qualify for the main event at the next Grand Prix in Wroclaw, Poland on July 1.

Crump was taken out in his semi final by Polish rider, Tomasz Gollob in a hard crash   careering into the wall with the throttle stuck wide-open. He sustained a lower back injury, but came back to beat Wiltshire and Sullivan in that race to advance to the final. Crump was fired up after Heat 1 where he was excluded for touching the tapes. From this point onward, he was never headed.

Winner of the Czech Grand Prix, Billy Hamill, was unlucky to miss out on the Semi Finals, after coming together with Swede, Jimmy Nilsen. The new star of World Speedway, 27 year old Carl Stonehewer from Workington in England, again impressed, narrowly missing out on a place in the Semis to Mark Loram, who got him right on the line in their second round clash.

Gollob, considered the man most likely to take the Championship this year, is really feeling the pressure. He is the highest paid sportsperson in Poland, and the whole country is expecting him to do the business. His clash with Crump illustrates why he is one of the most feared men on the circuit, and that he is desperate for a result. It will be interesting to see how he performs at the next round in front of his home fans after two disappointing Grands Prix, by his own standards.

In the final, Crump got a great start, streaking away from the hometown favourite and defending World Champion, Tony Rickardsson, Loram and Wiltshire. On the second lap in turn one, Loram came together with Rickardsson and Rickardsson fell, he was then excluded, when it was clear that Loram caused the accident. It was after this decision that Olsen stepped in, and was told to step out by Crump, and Rider’s representative Jimmy Nilsen. Crump even threatened to pull out of the race.

In the re-run, Crump again showed Loram a clean set of heels, with Wiltshire sitting at the back of the field. This was the way that the positions stayed for the four-lap journey. Crump was obviously elated with his win under such circumstances. After the meeting, Crump and Leigh Adams visited a local Hospital for inspection Crump on his back injury and Adams on a suspected broken hand after an earlier race fall.

With his second, Loram moves to the top of the Championship with 40 points and Wiltshire moves to second place on the table after his fourth in the first round, and third in Sweden.

Now it’s off to Wroclaw in Poland for Round Three on July 1. It will be interesting to see if Jason Crump can continue his march after today’s race. One may only wonder what might have been if he hadn’t had mechanical failure in Prague. Todd Wiltshire will be looking to continue his consistent form which sees him second in the Championship, six points behind Loram. Rickardsson, and Gollob (this time in front of the home fans) are again looking to hit back and get some consistent form together.

There will be much consternation after the William Hill Grand Prix of Sweden, and there should be some severe reprimands handed out by the F.I.M. to Olsen and to Blass, but hopefully it will not overshadow the heroic ride by Jason Crump and the performances of the other Australians, and in general, a brilliant Speedway meeting.

4..... AUSSIES TRIUMPHS IN SWEDISH G.P.2, JASON CRUMPS WINS, TODD WILTSHIRE 3RD.

                    In what must go down as Australian's speedway greatest triumph in the G.P series since its inception in 1995, Australia's riders led by an emphatic victory to Mildura's Jason Crump, followed home by Brit Mark Loram and Hunter Valleys own Todd Wiltshire finishing an impressive 3rd place. Ryan Sullivan finished a creditable 7th with Leigh Adams not far behind in 8th overall.  Crump after a disastrous start in his first heat came back and reeled off a string of impressive heat wins to book his place in the final along side Todd Wiltshire after a brilliant 1,2 victory in the semi-final over Polish rider Tomaz Gollob who was relegated to yet another Consolation Final.

                Nth Arm's Ryan Sullivan had one of his normal consistent nights without being too enterprising finishing 3rd in the
consolation final and Leigh Adams was having his usual slow start, but gained momentum as the night when on and to finish 4th in the consolation final.

                  In a night of mixed fortunes for alot of the riders, Swedish rider and current no.3, Jimmy Nilsen bounced back to form with a win in the consolation final and improved his chances in the G.P. listing.  Swedish World No.1, Tony  Rickardsson looked impressive going into the A-final only to crash with Brit Mark Loram and then have the misfortune of being disqualified after a brave decision by the match referee considering it was the home G.P.of the the triple world champion. Mr Excitement, Mark Loram of Great Britain failed to repeat his victory last year in Sweden but still finished 2nd ahead of Todd Wiltshire to still stake his claim for a world title, the last Brit being Poole's Gary Havelock back in 1992.

                     British surprise packet Carl Stonehewer still managed to finish 9th against his more fancied opponents and continues to outshine some of his more illustrious opponents. Chris Louis had a disappointing night finishing 11th and Joe Screen continues to struggle finishing 15th. As for G.P.1 winner Billy Hamill, his bullet was definitely astray tonight and
finished a dismal 13th place, but all is not lost and a strong showing will be needed in Poland to ensure his navigation for his 2nd world title stays on course. Greg Hancock has also seen better nights and continues to struggle after finishing 16th, one would hope that better things are to come for the 1997 world champion.

                      Norway's Rune Holta had a good night finishing 10th overall, this rider continues to be one of the most under-rated riders in Europe and he has the majority of Elite League clubs lining up for his signature. When he was riding in the last Tapp series, for my mind he was one of the  most exciting riders in the troupe.

                  As we look forward to G.P. 3 in Poland all eyes once again as will be on Polish hero Tomaz Gollob he must win here to ensure his claim for a world title and the Patriotic and volatile Polish crowd will let him forget it if he fails. Tony Rikardsson will need to win as well in order to get his world title defence going and march onto a 4th world title. Mark Loram perhaps
the most consistent rider to date in the G.P. should with a win in Poland set up a maiden world title, he is for my mind still the firm favourite for this year.

                Out of the Aussies,  Todd still looks the best chance out of the Aussies. He will need to though string together a few wins in the remaining G.P.'s to enure a world title or at least finish in the top 3. Jason Crump, he knows what he has got to do win and win again to have any sort of hope of resting the world title from Rikko. He can do it, there is no doubting his world class status, its just a matter of consistency for this hard charging Aussie. Leigh Adams will continue to improve as he
gains momentum as the series progresses and perhaps a G.P. win or 2 is all he needs to really fulfil his potential. Ryan Suvillan is another Aussie who needs the taste of a G.P. win to really kick on.

            Either way this years G.P. is the most wide open since its inception and one really can not pick a clear winner until the final heat is run at G.P. 6 at Bydgoszcz. Aussie speedway devotees will know doubt be waiting impatiently to see their
handlebar heroes go around yet again and perhaps for the first in time in decades an Aussie will stand on the top step at Bydgoszcz and be crowned World Champion.
 
Anthony McGUIRE

3.....Gavin Elmes reports from Labrador Speedway .................

           A real mixed grill of speedway action was on offer as the main course sections of solos and sidecars were garnished with classic sidecars, go-karts, quads and dwarf cars.

            Solo riders Sam Taylor and Ricky Nicol doubled up and had a spin in the karts as well, but enjoyed more success on two wheels.  But for a blown motor only metres from the finishing line whilst leading his last heat, Nicol would have scooped maximum heat points. Riding his second bike in the final, Nicol pressured Wayne Kennedy for the lead throughout the first lap before Kennedy gradually drew away.  Trent Leverington  claimed third place ahead of Todd Groves. Nicol, on 38 points, commands a 10 point lead over Leverington and Taylor, both on 28, in the Winter Series.

            Entertainment and excitement abounded in the sidecar events.

            Bob Hill, former passenger of Vic Martin, made a wonderous debut in the pilot's seat.  Returning to racing after sustaining horrific injuries in a road accident last year, Hill, with experienced Mick Chase in the chair, took two wins and two seconds in the heats before crossing for third in the final.

            Such was the ferocity of the final, that all four riders continued racing for an extra lap after the chequered flag fell.  As the finalists roared out of the tapes, N.S.W. visitor Steve Houston from gate 3 tipped, pushing Steve Taylor against Hill as he cut across them to the white line.  Then followed a stirring duel for the entire race and beyond, as Taylor tried feverishly but in vain to overhaul Houston, with Hill and Andy Miller, aboard the ex-Vic Martin machine, not too far behind. The Winter Series pointscore shows Houston (45) and Taylor (34) way ahead of the rest.

RESULTS:

Solo Final: 1. Wayne Kennedy 2. Ricky Nicol  3. Trent Leverington  4. Todd Groves

Sidecar Final: 1. Steve Houston / Brian Young  2. Steve Taylor / Dave Oliver  3. Bob Hill / Mick Chase 4.  Andy Miller / Chris Lewis

3.....Anthony McGuire previews the up-coming Overseas Final to be run at Poole...................

                        The riders list for the 2000 Overseas final has been released and their is 4 Australian riders with a real chance of progression through to the Intercontinental Final. The winner of that meeting progresses automatically to the G.P. for 2001, whilst the other qualified riders go through to the final stage of qualification the toughest of them all, The G.P. Challenge held in Abensberg, Germany later this year.

> 1. David Howe UK
> 2. Nathan Murray NZ
> 3. Paul Hurry UK
> 4. Mark Lemon AUS
> 5. Sean Wilson UK
> 6. Mike Faria USA
> 7. Scott Nicholls UK
> 8. Josh Larsen USA
> 9. Jason Lyons AUS
> 10. Sam Ermolenko USA
> 11. Lee Richardson UK
> 12. John Cook USA
> 13. Craig Watson AUS
> 14. Steve Johnston AUS
> 15. Shaun Tacey UK
> 16. Martin Dugard UK


                       At a look, one would have to say that the Aussie band should all qualify going on current form. But Craig Watson who is returning from serious injury could struggle. He has been practising at Newport in recent weeks in preparation and what he may lack in fitness he may get through on his natural skill alone.

                      Out of the Englishmen, Martin Dugard has been in sparkling form for his 'Yang Eastbourne Eagles' and he could do a "Stoney"  this year and go all the way. Scott Nicholls, Lee Richardson and perhaps Sean Wilson should be specials as well to progress. Out of the Americans, Sudden Sam Ermolenko and Josh Larson could force their way through. A sentimental favourite, Sam Ermolenko at 40 would be a popular fans choice to force his way back to G.P. qualification status.

                     This years meeting should prove to be another cracker event as usual as the European speedway calendar starts to really swing into action with the G.P.'s already underway and the world under 21 final, World Team Cup Finals, Golden Helmet and G.P. Qualifiers to come, a spectacular feast of topflight speedway for fans across Europe and the rest of the Speedway world is assured.
                     

                         Anthony McGuire 

2.....Matthew Payne previews the Swedish Grand Prix .....................

The Bullet looks to Fire in Sweden, while Wiltshire hopes to again cut through the opposition.

Billy Hamill goes into Round 2 of the World Speedway Grand Prix, at Linkoeping, Sweden, in front after winning the first Round of the Championship in Prague. He is looking to continue with the form that took him to that win and the 1996 World Title. Hot on his heels will be Mark Loram, who should be almost fully recovered from his shoulder injury, plus World Champion Tony Rickardsson in front of the home fans, and Tomasz Gollob, both with a point to prove in Sweden. It remains to be seen whether the sensation of the Prague meeting, 27 year old Workington Premier League rider, Carl Stonehewer can continue his good form, showing up the World’s best. Joe Screen will be looking to bounce back after his disappointing outing in Prague, as will Greg Hancock.

From an Australian perspective, Todd Wiltshire would hope to move onto the podium this time after his excellent showing in Prague, just missing out on a podium position. He really made the Speedway World sit up and take notice of him with his blinding starts slicing through the opposition.

Jason Crump, on the other hand will be hungry for success after mechanical failure robbed him of a good result in Prague. He will have to do it the tough way, but if he gets right through to the Super Eights, he will already have four rides under his belt to his competitors’ two. Don’t be surprised to see Jason there come A final time. Ryan Sullivan, who was the second best performing Aussie in Prague, finishing ninth, will hope to put in a better performance, and he should make the Sweet Sixteen. Leigh Adams was very disappointing in Prague, he never looked like being on the pace, and hopefully he can mechanically and mentally be right for the Linkoeping track.

It all augers well for a magnificent event early Sunday Morning Australian time, and if the racing is anywhere near that of Prague we are in for a cracker. Look out for Crump after the disappointment of last month, and also for Gollob. The pressure is off Gollob for this meeting and all on Tony Rickardsson, with the huge crowd wanting nothing else but a blue and gold victory. All the action on C7 Sport from 10am Sunday Aus time.

ERRATA: In my last report I stated that Carl Stonehewer was 23, in fact he is 27.

2.....A new 'era' in Speedway publicity is very close..................

           ‘The only true spectacle left in Motorsport’ is how Jackie Stewart, three times World Formula One Champion, and former owner of Stewart (cum-Jaguar) Grand Prix described Sprintcar Racing.

To the converted, Sprintcars, and Speedway is the ONLY sport! Unfortunately, Speedway is a sport that is largely ignored by the mainstream media even in the Year of the World Champions our 1999 Speedway World Team Cup Champions were not feted in the same way our Rugby and Netball heroes, for example, were. S.M.A.  the Speedway Media of Australia hopes to change that.

Yes, S.M.A. is another acronym on the Australian Speedway landscape, but S.M.A. aims to distance itself from much of the politics that governs the sport in this country. We feel if we concentrate on publicity rather than politics, through all levels and classes of Speedway, we will successfully make inroads into the Mainstream Media to recognise what true fans have known for so long. In the 1960’s in Sydney, THE thing to do on a Saturday night was go to the Royale for the Speedway– this is one of our aims to get Speedway back to that level, not just in Sydney, but Nationwide. In turn, we hope to attract major corporate sponsors to the Sport, both who would, and who would not normally sponsor Motorsport in general, and specifically Speedway. The current trend in the USA is to have partners that one would not expect to sponsor racing, for example, Pfizer’s partnership with Eel River Racing to produce the Viagra NASCAR.

Speedway at the moment is cresting a wave. C7 have recently announced that over the 2000/2001 season, there will be four Sprintcar meetings covered live around Australia by them. C7 are also showing the World Speedway Grand Prix live this year for the first time ever. S.M.A. would hope that through the success of C7’s Coverage, it will help S.M.A. to help the Sport become mainstream.

Over the next few months, S.M.A. plans to contact Governing Bodies, Promoters, Clubs and mainstream media outlets with a view to gaining their support. S.M.A. does not have allegiances to one particular group – we welcome anybody, and we are here for the media, the competitors, the sponsors, the administrators and the fans alike. We aim to leave the dirt on the track, where it belongs! We hope that we may be able to get the Australian Speedway family to push in one direction – toward the stars!

By the beginning of the new Australian Season, S.M.A. hopes to have measures in place so that a report on each World Series Round, plus any other significant event, will appear in the Major Dailies the day after each round, and a news piece on high profile Sports Radio and Television programs, plus any other media exposure that we may be able to get for the sport, whether it be just a club meet at a small country track in the local paper, or a $50,000 to win Sprintcar Event. We also aim to have any significant achievements by our racers overseas acknowledged by these Media outlets before the Australian Summer, for example our competitors in the World Speedway Grand Prix, and our Midget and Sprintcar drivers Stateside.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (4174.0), in 1999, Motorsport was the third highest attended sport across the country with 1.574 Million persons attending events over the year. Motorsport was the second most popular sport for Males, and in the Demographic 15-24 year olds, Motorsport attendance increased by 14.3% of total sports attendance for that age group from the 1995 survey. Speedway is an integral part of this figure, along with Drag Racing; it would make up almost the entire summer attendance figure, and a majority of the 508,000 fans who attended more than two events in the year would probably be speedway fans. When you work out that Australia has 140 Speedway facilities, it means there are approximately 11,500 Motor Racing fans for each track to target!

For more information on S.M.A., please send an email to media@speedway.net.au and we will endeavour to answer you as soon as possible.

To quote Jerry Toliver, owner of the WWF Funny Car Team – "Some dream dreams and say why; I dream dreams and say why not!"

Founders, Speedway Media of Australia.

         May 2000

28.....Gavin Elmes reports from Northgate Speedway..................

                            The day belonged to Peter Byrne who was bidding farewell to 21 years of solo racing, a decision obviously influenced by his recent nasty spill at Gatton.  Fortunately, Byrne will continue his role on the speedway committee of MAQ and maintain his involvement in fostering the interests and development of solo racing in Queensland.
        After his last ride, in which Wayne Kennedy pipped him in the final of the one lap shoot-out series, Byrne was ceremoniously dumped in a large infield puddle by his fellow riders.
       Kennedy also romped away with the solo final, as Steve Viner dominated a bustling duel with Sam Taylor for second place.  Engine failure on the last lap put Byrne out of contention for a minor placing.
       Handicap racing made a short-lived appearance as after two heats, the riders opted out of staging the final.  These events were by far the best two races of the meeting, with six riders in each and plenty of passing as the backmarkers came through to take the honours.  There were two mishaps which could not be put down to handicap racing.  Sam Taylor hit the eject button as his bike reared at the start of the second heat, and two laps later, Jon White's chain broke, locking his back wheel and throwing him heavily.  Neither was injured.
       The sidecar final began with an instant traffic jam as the four outfits hit the first bend locked together.  Mort Michelmore and swinger Noddy Thistleton found themselves pinned under their upturned machine after it nose-dived and flipped.  Michelmore was able to get to his feet after several minutes but Thistleton had to be stretchered off.
       Bruce Cooke/ Troy Squires got the jump on Mike Kent/ Andrew Foot to lead all the way in the restart, with John Williams/ Steve Topfer filling third spot.
       The program was supported by classic sidecars, in which Wayne Ware/ Kerri Bruiser took out the final, quads and junior solos.

           Gavin Elmes.

24.....Myrtleford Speedway have announced dates for their 'Winter Club Days'. The first meeting will be held on June 3rd and will feature a 'Junior Solos Series'. Senior Practice or Racing (if sufficient numbers available) will run also Pee-Wee's and Motorcross bikes welcome. All riders must be Myrtleford Motorsports Club members. Memberships can be obtained for $40 Family or $30 Single. Entry on the day is $10 Seniors and $5 Juniors.
          For more information contact Buck Jones on AH. 02-6021 1863, BH. 02-6021 5522 or Fax. 02-6021 7195  

23.....Due to increased costs of running a competitive Sidecar these days, a new 'Two Valve' class is being mooted by people in the Melbourne, Adelaide, Roxby Downs, Broken Hill and Mildura areas. The proposed rules are fairly simple, Engines must be 2 valve air cooled up to 1050cc - carbys max 36mm  fuel is optional & frames must comply with current competition rules .
         If any one is interested in starting this class they can contact Bernie Watson 08-82509702 Home Fax 08-=82508062 or mobile 0407-079223 or Ron Rhode 08-82445766 Work or they can contact Neil Burston on 0408-315703 or 08-86727036 home.

22.....WOLVES BOUNCE BACK By Ken Brown

              Aided by a brilliant maximum from skipper Guy Wilson, the Wolves regained the lead in the second round of the solo teams series at the Bibra Lake Speedway on May 21. Wilson was unbeaten in each of his three starts - his 15 points helping the Wolves engineer a six-point turn around from the opening enccounter with the Redmond Transport Rockets.
             The Wilson Wolves started the day three points behind the Rockets - they ended up three points in front (87-84).
             While Wilson was on fire, opposing captain Lee Redmond struggled on a borrowed machine and was forced to miss his third ride due to his injured knee suffered the previous fortnight. Redmond could only manage three points (from a fourth and a fifth placing), although Keith McKinlay turned in a fine performance for the Rockets, notching three seconds behind Wilson.
             Missing from the meet were the Blackman brothers Lee and Corey. They were replaced by Brad Kennington (Wolves) and Scott Wearn (Rockets).
             Kevin Webb was allowed to ride as number 6 for the Wolves - and actually won the second and fourth heats - although his points were not added to the scorechart.

             The third and final round of the solo teams series is scheduled to take place at Bibra Lake on Sunday June 18.

RESULTS - Projek Demolition - Ron Johnson Memorial Team Cup Series - Round 2 - Bibra Lake Speedway - Sunday May 21, 2000.

Heat 1: 1. Guy Wilson (Wolves), 2. Keith McKinlay (Rockets), 3. Grant Stevens (W), 4. Darren Dawes (W), 5. Lee Redmond (R), 6. Gavin Lewis (R); (Pointscore - Wolves 10, Rockets 5).

Heat 2: 1. Scott Wearn (R), 2. Brad Kennington (W), 3. Brad Palmer (W), 4. Jamie Ratcliffe (R); (Wolves 17, Rockets 12).

Heat 3: 1. Guy Wilson (W), 2. Keith McKinlay (R), 3. Grant Stevens (W), 4. Lee Redmond (R), 5. Scott Wearn (R); (Wolves 25, Rockets 19).

Heat 4: 1. Gavin Lewis (R), 2. Darren Dawes (W), 3. Brad Kennington (W), 4. Jamie Ratcliffe (R); (Wolves 32, Rockets 26).

Heat 5: 1. Guy Wilson (W), 2. Keith McKinlay (R), 3. Grant Stevens (W), 4. Gavin Lewis (R); (Wolves 40, Rockets 32).

Heat 6: 1. Scott Wearn (R), 2. Brad Kennington (W), 3. Jamie Ratcliffe (R), 4. Darren Dawes (W); (Wolves 46, Rockets 40).

POINTSCORE    
Wilson Wolves

Guy Wilson 5 5 5 15
Brad Kennington 4 3 4 11
Grant Stevens 3 3 3 9
Darren Dawes 2 4 2 8
Brad Palmer 3 - - 3

TOTAL 46

Redmond Transport Rockets

Keith McKinlay 4 4 4 12
Scott Wearn 5 1 5 11
Jamie Ratcliffe 2 2 3 7
Gavin Lewis 0 5 2 7
Lee Redmond 1 2 - 3

TOTAL 40

20.....Anthony McGuire reports from Gosford................

           Gosford City Speedway hosted what was to be a five star gala programme for their 2nd last meeting of the year as well as Terry Poole's final night time race meet before handing over the reins as of July 1 to new promoters David Tapp and Geoff Lowe who is best known throughout the speedway world as the Australian distributor of Koni Shock Absorbers.
       The new company aptly named Speedway Series Pty Ltd has boasted of big plans in stock for a major revamp and refurbishment of The Gosford Speedway Complex and it should be by all accounts when finished an improvement on the current venue.

But tonight's focus was on the racing set down for this chilly winter night drew a rather good crowd who braved the cold conditions in expectation of experiencing some white hot racing to warm the loyal Gosford's fans hearts and the crowds yet again were not to be disappointed by the thrills and spills that lay ahead:

Event 1  1st.Paul Partlett, 2nd.Luke Pinkerton, 3rd Alex Mahony Time:68.58
*debutant solo rider Alex Mahony son of sidecar rider Paul Mahony in his 1st race.

Event 2. Middle Markers Scratch Race.
1st.Ben Shields, 2nd Dean Wiseman, 3rd Dave Booth Time:58.78
*Young Gun Ben Shields very impressive in his first ride of the night, looks cracker jack and has premier league written all over this youngster.

Event 3. Sidecar Scratch Race.
1st.Alana Harrington/Chris Allen, 2nd.Greg Harkin/Scott King, No 3rd place awarded. Time:70.38

SUPPORT EVENT

Event 5. Solo Scratch Race.
1st.Luke Pinkerton, 2nd. Paul Parlett, Alex Mahony. Time:68.73
*Jaye Stevens first ride back unfortunately ended with an engine failure after getting the early gate into turn 1.

Event 6. Stars Solo Scratch Race.
1st Mick Poole, 2nd Ben Shields, 3rd Dean Wiseman, Time: 58.91
* Gosford Icon Sir Mick Poole still showing why he is still one of the best going around this country and his early race form was no exception. Craig Watson having his first ride back injury looked very very tentative from the outset and ended up with a DNF. Noted that Watto was attired in his Poole Pirates Colours.

Event 7. Sidecar Scratch Race.
1st. Steve Houston/Brian Young, Jim Bob Turner/George Rickard, Alana Harrington/Chris Allen. Time:64.90

Event 8. Solo Scratch Race
1st. Leigh Fernace, 2nd. Dave Stevens, 3rd. Luke Pinkerton. Time 64.27
*Leigh coasted to a comfortable and stylish win from Dave Stevens.

SUPPORT EVENT

Event 10 Stars Sidecar Scratch Race
1st Steve Houston/Brian Young, 2nd Chris Pym/Dean Edwards, 3rd Grant Bond/Tom Kruse Time:64.57

Event 11. Stars Solo Scratch Race Heat 1.
1st. Craig Watson, 2nd Dave Stevens, 3rd Leigh Fernance. Time:61.53
*Much more comfortable looking performance from Watto, but still understandably needs more time on the bike to build his fitness before the coveted Overseas Final that Watto has set his sights on for some time, but there is no doubting his style, world class.

Event 12. Stars Solo Scratch Race.
1st.Mick Poole, 2nd Ben Shields, 3rd Dave Booth. Time:59.38
*It was the man again, Sir Mick Of Gosford leaving everyone in his dust of shale, the rider to beat tonight.

Event 13. Stars Sidecar Scratch Race Heat 1.
1st. Chris Pym, 2nd. Steve Houston,3rd.Jim Bob Turner Time: 65.60
* Jim Bob Turners "Monkey" George Rickard was being dragged along the ground for half a lap after a spill and then bravely climbed back aboard unbeknownst to Jim Bob who kept powering along, they breed em tough in Tamworth!.

Event 14. Stars Sidecar Scratch Race. Heat 2.
1st. Grant Bond, 2nd Gavin Edwards, 3rd Alana Harrington. Time. 63.69

Event 16.Solo Scratch Race Consolation.
1st Dave Booth, 2nd Leigh Fernance, 3rd Paul Parlett. Time: 64.37

Event 17. Stars Solo Scratch Race.
1st Mick Poole, 2nd Ben Shields, 3rd Craig Watson. Time:59.31

Event 18. Sidecar Scratch Consolation.
1st,Jim Bob Turner, 2nd Alana Harrington, 3rd Not Recorded.

Event 19. Stars Sidecar Scratch Race Final
1st.Alan Houston, 2nd Grant Bond, 3rd.Chris Pym. Time: 65:38

SUPPORT EVENT

Event 21. Solo Handicap.
1st. Paul Parlett, 2nd Dave Stevens,  3rd Luke Pinkerton. Time:67.79
*Alex Mahony fell in Turns 1 and 2, Lap 3 and sustained what appeared to be a foot injury.

Event 22. Stars Solo Handicap. (note riders starting with handicap)
1st Dave Booth (starting from 50 meters from the tapes), 2nd Ben Shields (50 Meters), 3rd Mick Poole (90 Meters). Time NTG

Event 24. Stars Sidecar Handicap.
* What must go down as Gosford's most spectacular sidecar stack seen inages. a mêlée of sidecars ended in a tangled mass in the back straight after Tamworth's Jim Bob Turner clipped the fence throwing passenger George Rickard and also involving Other riders as well. All riders involved eventually walked away, but George Rickard was laying flat on the ground
with suspected lower epididymis damage and was thus ferried via Ambulance to Gosford hospital.

EVENTS 24 THRU TO 30 CANCELLED DUE TO ACCIDENT.

SUPPORT EVENT.

Event 32. Open Sidecar Handicap Final.
1st Steve Houston, 2nd Grant Bond, 3rd Alana Harrington. Time:68.44

Event 33. Open Solo Handicap Final
1st. Ben Shields, 2nd Mick Poole, 3rd Dave Stevens. Time NTG
* Gusty win by Ben Shields from a hard charging 90 meter handicapped Mick Poole and followed home in good style by Dave Stevens.

EVENTS 35-36 CANCELLED
A good nights entertainment once again on show at Gosford City Speedway with some stand out performances from yet again none other than Central Coasts Mr Shale Shifter himself, Mick Poole and for my mine young Ben Shields
continues to impress and one can only ponder how long it will be before this hard charger is riding along side other Gosford local sons in the U.K. Leagues.

The sidecars provided some very hard and thrilling racing as usual and the battles that raged between Gun drivers Houston,Bond and Pymm had the crowds in the edge of their seats. We all hope that the passenger of Jim Bob
Turner, Alan Rickard is okay after is spectacular crash and his injuries are not as bad as first thought at the track. Stay tuned to this website for further info on that account.

Next Meeting
11/06/00, start 13:00 Final Meeting of the Year and market day.

Anthony McGuire

15.....W.A. SOLO TEAMS SERIES By Ken Brown

               An enterprising bid by the west coast solo brigade to lift the image of the local two-wheel division by running a teams series is already paying dividends. The first encounter saw the Redmond Transport Rockets snatch a thrilling last heat victory over the Wilson Wolves - with more sponsors and riders showing interest in the concept and a third team likely to be formed.
             Two five man teams kicked off the three-round series at the Bibra Lake Speedway on May 7. In a unique format each heat comprises five riders - three from one team and two from the other. Both number 1 and 2 riders meet in all their rides, along with one of the number 3 competitors. Again both of the number 4 and 5 riders are kept together, with the other number 3 man.   Naturally the number 3 riders are alternated between the 1-2 and 4-5 groups to make it fair for all concerned.
            Points are allocated on a 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 basis.
            It might sound a little strange but it certainly worked well on the day.

           Rockets captain Lee Redmond downed his counterpart Guy Wilson in the opening 4-lap heat to give his team an 8-6 lead.  The Wolves pulled back a point in heat 2 then took a narrow 22-21 advantage at the half-way mark when Redmond hit the fence.  Both skippers had engaged in a nail-biting shoulder to shoulder dice in which the lead changed several times, before Redmond slid out wide and came down. He was able to contest his final ride, with his leg heavily strapped and was later found to have damaged ligiments in his knee.

           The Wolves opened up a six-point break after heat 4, with the margin ballooning out to nine (41-32) in the penultimate event. In an amazing turn around both of the Wolves failed to finish the final heat, giving the Rockets a 12-0 result - and the match by three points (44-41).

RESULTS - Projek Demolition - Ron Johnson Memorial Team Cup Series - Round 1 - Bibra Lake Speedway - Sunday May 7, 2000.

Heat 1: 1. Lee Redmond (Rockets), 2. Guy Wilson (Wolves), 3. Keith McKinlay (R), 4. Darren Dawes (W); 1:32.33 (5 laps); (Pointscore - Rockets 8, Wolves 6).
Heat 2: 1. Grant Stevens (W), 2. Corey Blackman (R), 3. Brad Palmer (W), 4. Gavin Lewis (R), 5. Jamie Ratcliffe (R); 1:22.06; (Rockets 15, Wolves 14).
Heat 3: 1. Guy Wilson (W), 2. Keith McKinlay (R), 3. Lee Blackman (W), 4. Gavin Lewis (R); 1:10.47; (Rockets 21, Wolves 22).
Heat 4: 1. Grant Stevens ((W), 2. Corey Blackman (R), 3. Brad Palmer (W), 4. Darren Dawes (W), 5. Jamie Ratcliffe (R); 1:17.61 (Rockets 26, Wolves 32).
Heat 5: 1. Guy Wilson (W), 2. Lee Redmond (R), 3. Darren Dawes (W), 4. Keith McKinlay (R), 5. Lee Blackman (W); No Time; (Rockets 32, Wolves 41).
Heat 6: 1. Jamie Ratcliffe (R), 2. Corey Blackman (R), 3. Gavin Lewis (R); 1:22.00; (Rockets 44, Wolves 41).

POINTSCORE
                    Redmond Transport Rockets ...
Corey Blackman 4 4 4 12
Lee Redmond 5 4 - 9
Keith McKinlay 3 4 2 9
Gavin Lewis 2 2 3 7
Jamie Ratcliffe 1 1 5 7
TOTAL 44

                   Wilson Wolves...
Guy Wilson 4 5 5 14
Grant Stevens 5 5 - 10
Darren Dawes 2 2 3 7
Brad Palmer 3 3 - 6
Lee Blackman - 3 1 4
TOTAL 41

2.....Aussies Primed for big World Championship Campaign By Matthew Payne

              The four Australian Riders that are competing in the World Speedway Grand Prix, due to begin on Saturday May 6 (Sunday, Australian Time) in Prague, are ready for what is arguably Australia’s best ever chance of having a World Champion through the Grand Prix Format. All four are World Team Champions, which Australia won in 1999, and Todd Wiltshire makes a return to World Championship racing, after a successful comeback from a broken pelvis. He is a former third placegetter in the World Individual Championship. We now take a look at the Aussies and their preparation for the World Grand Prix:

          Leigh Adams heads into the Grand Prix Series after one of his best off seasons ever. He smashed the field in the Skilled International Speedway Masters Series, and to prove that was no fluke, went out and won his Fifth Australian Speedway Championship at Gosford Showground in February. He finished seventh in the World Grand Prix in 1999. In the British Elite League, he rides for Kings Lynn, in Poland, he rides for Leszno and in Sweden he rides for Marsana. He has never really had the success in Senior International competition that he deserves. Hopefully in the Year 2000 he will be able to crest the top step of the podium for at least one Grand Prix.

           Jason Crump is seen by many in Europe to be a World Champion of the future. Hopefully for Jason in 2000 it will be of the now! In the 1999 Grand Prix he finished eighth overall, after gaining a third place in the first round. Jason remains Australia’s only ever Grand Prix winner, having won the British Grand Prix twice, both at Coventry, where the British Grand Prix is to be held yet again this year. His biggest problem in the World Grand Prix Championship has been consistently finishing at the top end of each Round and small niggling injuries along the way. Throughout the Australian Summer, Jason had a layoff to prepare for the upcoming European season. He only appeared in a select few Skilled International Speedway Masters Series Rounds, and made Guest appearances at Mike Hatcher Park on the Gold Coast. He led the averages for the Elite League in 1999 and was crowned the 1999 Elite League Riders Champion. He didn’t compete in the Australian Championship at Gosford due to a virus contracted on the day of the competition. He rides in the British Elite League for Kings Lynn, in the Swedish League for Vargarna, and the Polish League for Gorzow. If he keeps injury-free, Jason is a definite contender for the World Championship and should win at least one round of the Championship this year. 

                Ryan Sullivan is the quiet achiever of the Australian Quartet competing in the World Grand Prix this year. He did not ride at all during the Australian Summer to prepare for the 2000 season. He finished tenth in 1999, and gained a third place in Round Five of the 1999 Championship in Poland. While in England, Ryan is the team Captain for the Peterborough Panthers in the British Elite League. A virus that kept him out of Tuesday’s fixture for Peterborough has affected his preparation for the first round in Prague. He should at least crest the podium this year, and also finish in the top eight to gain a berth in the 2001 Grand Prix Season.

            Todd Wiltshire is back, better than ever. He was third in the 1990 World Speedway Championship and then had a five-year layoff due to breaking his pelvis. Todd then returned to the track in dramatic fashion. He was crowned the German Champion in 1998, before coming back to Australia to claim the 1999 Australian Speedway Championship. He qualified for the World Grand Prix by a fourth in the 1999 Overseas Final and then won the Inter-Continental final, allowing him to wear the Number 21 breastplate for the first round in Prague. This season in Australia he was crowned the NSW Champion, was third in the Australian Championship and stuck it to Leigh Adams all the way in the International Speedway Masters Series. He rides for Oxford in the British Elite League. If he can get through the tough qualifying system for the Main Event at the first Grand Prix, expect Todd to be there come Semi Finals time displaying his legendary gating ability. He is the real dark horse of the 2000 Championship, and don’t be surprised if you see those shining white leathers on the top step of the podium a couple of times this year. He should definitely qualify in the Top Eight for the 2001 Grand Prix, and has an excellent chance of repeating his 1990 Podium appearance.

             Although your heart says that you would love to see the first Australian Champion since Jack Young in 1952, one would have to think that this years World Championship will be fought out between Tony Rickardsson – the defending World Champion and best rider in the world, and Tomasz Gollob – the challenger to Rickardsson’s crown. The only thing that may hamper Rickardsson is his change from the Jawa engine that he used for his whole career to GM for this season. The other rider that may throw out a major challenge for the title is Billy “the Bullet” Hamill. One of the most flamboyant riders in Speedway today, the Californian is on fire and was the only rider who looked like beating Leigh Adams in his first sojourn down under this year. He has tasted success once before in the World Championship – he was World Champion in 1996, and would dearly love to take it out again in 2000.

         This year marks the first time ever that the World Speedway Championship will be shown Live on Australian Television. Thanks to David Tapp and C7 Sport, every round of the title will be broadcast nationally on C7 Sport through Optus television and Austar. The first Round will be broadcast from 3am Eastern Time on Sunday May 7. Make sure you are all gathered around the Television cheering on our riders to success in this years championship.