AFTER their South coast excursion the Robins make a welcome return to Blunsdon in what promises to be a fantastic meeting against reigning Elite League Champions Coventry.
THURSDAY 8TH MAY - PARADE 7.20PM - TAPES UP 7.30PM
Despite suffering two away defeats over the Bank holiday period the Robins still sit top of the Sky Sports Elite League and will be aiming to add to their points tally against Coventry.
After a slow start to the 2008 campaign the Bees have made real progress in recent meetings and arrive at Blunsdon after registering an Elite League win at Wolverhampton on Monday.
The success of the all-conquering 2007 Coventry team meant it was inevitable that the Warwickshire side would be forced to weaken in order to field a squad under the new points-limit. They have, however, managed to successfully retain a familiar look, despite being hit hard by the new regulations.
Their three casualties were Scott Nicholls, Steve Johnston and Martin Smolinski, as Coventry pursued a policy of youth over experience. The services of Chris Harris, Rory Schlein, Olly Allen and Billy Janniro were retained and joined by new recruits Simon Stead, Andreas Messing and Stanislaw Burza.
The most talked about addition to the side was that of Stead, who slots into to the third heat-leader role, whilst Messing and Burza fill the reserve berths. Chris Harris assumes the role of captain and will be leading Coventry’s quest to defend the three titles they acquired last term.
Meanwhile, Ben Barker completes the Bees’ squad in the No. 8 position, to be called upon as and when required. In fact, Barker will be utilized on Thursday as a replacement for Andreas Messing who is currently sidelined by injury. Oliver Allen will also be absent for the visitors after breaking a bone in his hand, Coventry will deploy rider replacement in his absence.
VISITORS FACTFILE: COVENTRY BUILDBASE BEES
Olly ALLEN
DOB: 27 May 1982, Norwich, Norfolk.
A former Swindon rider, who was plagued by injury last year and was subsequently unable to muster the impressive levels of consistency he enjoyed with the Bees in 2006. During his injury-free spells, Allen was called into the Great Britain squad for the World Cup and also collected a top six finish in the British Final. The twenty-five-year-old became a Coventry asset during the winter in a swap deal that saw Morten Risager join Swindon on a full contract. Allen will miss Thursday’s trip to Blunsdon due to a broken bone in his hand that looks set to keep him out of action for at least two weeks.
Stanislaw BURZA
DOB: 26 September 1977, Tarnow, Poland.
THE Polish rider becomes a fully-fledged Elite League rider in 2008, after previously occupying the No. 8 berth, at various times, for Oxford and Coventry. Burza’s 2007 campaign was curtailed prematurely by a nasty foot injury suffered whilst riding for Berwick in the Premier League. A real stalwart of Polish speedway, who has enjoyed a successful career back in his homeland and, on paper, should improve upon his starting average this term.
Chris HARRIS
DOB: 28 November 1982, Truro, Cornwall.
MEGA-popular Cornishman, who enjoyed a memorable 2007 campaign that saw him excel on both the domestic and international stage. His rise through the Bees’ ranks has been text-book and Harris now finds himself wearing the captain’s armband following Scott Nicholls’ departure to Eastbourne. So far in 2008 Harris has been plagued by bouts of inconsistency and as yet hasn’t re-discovered the rhythm that underpinned his successful 2007 season.
Billy JANNIRO
DOB: 30 July 1980, Vallejo, California, USA.
COLOURFUL Californian, who returns to Coventry for an eighth successive season and continues to make steady progression in Elite League racing. Janniro is best known for his displays of tenacity, breathtaking bravery and the ability to conjure a lightning getaway from the tapes. Started the new season in scintillating style, then endured a spell of machinery gremlins but is now very much on the pace again and notching up impressive scores.
Andreas MESSING
DOB: 28 January 1987, Hallstavik, Sweden.
HIGHLY-rated Swedish youngster, who has limited British experience, but displayed enough potential during his short spell with Lakeside in 2007 to encourage Coventry to recruit his services. The twenty-one-year-old forms an interesting looking reserve partnership with Stanislaw Burza and will be keen to do well for the Bees. Has generally struggled to replicate his Swedish from on these shore but on occasions has shown signs he possess the potential to progress.
Rory SCHLEIN
DOB: 1 September 1984, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
THE Australian will be keen to make 2008 the year he begins to stamp his authority on world speedway’s international competition. Schlein has made notable progress with Coventry, but can still be a tad inconsistent at times. Super-fast from the tapes and a unique racing style make the ‘Roo Boy’ instantly recognizable on the track. Like many of his team mates, Schlein has endured a difficult start to the 2008 campaign that included a hand injury that ruled him out of action for a ten day period earlier this month.
Simon STEAD
DOB: 25 April 1982, Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
STEAD’S transfer from Belle Vue to Coventry was one of the winter’s most discussed moves. The British youngster endured a frustrating 2007 campaign, which was blighted by injury and misfortune. His natural talent is vast, but a series of factors have halted his predicted progression. However, the British international will want to rediscover a sense of momentum with the Bees. Extremely quick around the Abbey Stadium raceway, as proved when he collected victory alongside Jason Crump for Belle Vue in the 2006 Elite League Pairs Championship at Blunsdon.
SWINDON MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD
Thursday’s Swindon man of the match is kindly sponsored by Ivor Webb and Son Ltd and their proprietor Mike Webb. Mike, who took over the business from his father, was brought up surrounded by motorcycles.
In fact his father, Ivor Webb, was an accomplished motorcyclist in several competitive disciplines. Mike is a passionate supporter and long time sponsor of Swindon Speedway who continues to sponsor a number of riders who have been previously linked with the Robins.
Ivor Webb and Son Ltd itself is a successful Motor Engineers specialising in general motor car repairs and MOT’s. Based at Cherry Tree Lane Garage in Cirencester they have a special interest in classic cars. Mike would be delighted to hear from any Swindon Robins supporters who require his services and he can be contacted on 01285 653459.
VIP PACKAGES
Swindon Speedway pride themselves in offering one of the best VIP packages in sport, where both the ardent fan and the complete newcomer can enjoy a superb evening of fast and furious entertainment, alongside exclusive pre-meeting pit-walks, and a table in the newly refurbished Legends’ Lounge.
Bookings for these packages have increased year-on-year and already a large number of companies have booked team nights out and meeting sponsorships for the 2008 season. Tickets are available by calling Commercial Manager Paul Oughton on 01305 755607 or via e-mail at: paul.oughton@swindon-speedway.co.uk
TEAMS FOR THURSDAY 8TH MAY, Parade 7.20 p.m.; Tapes-up 7.30 p.m.
SWINDON ROBINS (Green sheet averages shown in brackets)
1. Leigh Adams (Captain, 10.67); 2. James Wright (5.08); 3.Mads Korneliussen (8.43); 4. Travis McGowan (4.62); 5. Troy Batchelor (7.11) 6. Theo Pijper (3.70); 7. Seb Alden (3.84). Team manager: Alun Rossiter.
COVENTRY BUILDBASE BEES (Green sheet averages shown in brackets)
1. Chris Harris (Captain 7.78): 2. Oliver Allen r/r (5.30); 3. Rory Schlein (7.74); 4. Billy Janniro (5.17); 5. Simon Stead (6.73); 6. Stanislaw Burza (3.12); 7. Ben Barker (3.00);
Team managers: Colin Pratt & Peter Oakes.
Referee: D. Robinson
SWINDON ROBINS IN ASSOCIATION WITH TEAM PARTNERS PEBLEY BEACH HYUNDAI, REDCARE LOGISTICS AND A.C. NURDEN LTD.
SIXTY SUCCESSIVE SEASONS AND STILL GOING STRONG!
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