FOLLOWING their away match at Ipswich on Monday, the Robins will be aiming for another 2 league points on Thursday 17 April, when they tackle the Witches in the return match at the Abbey Stadium.
And Swindon will also be looking to extend an impressive winning streak in the Elite League at Blunsdon, which now stretches back to 29 June 2006, when they defeated Eastbourne by 51 points to 39.
In fact, last Thursday’s 13-point success over Lakeside took the Robins to 30 straight league wins at home and it is, indeed, a record to be proud of.
Swindon boss Alun Rossiter said: “We have a 100 per cent record at home in all competitions this season and we want to keep the winning sequence going against Ipswich on Thursday.
“I was very pleased with the win over Lakeside; we again had points right down the line and, in Leigh Adams, Troy Batchelor and Mads Korneliussen, we had three riders in double figures.
“All of the lads can get around the Abbey raceway and things can only keep improving as the newcomers to the side become more familiar with the track as the season goes on.
“I think we have surprised a fair few people so far this term and I see no reason why we can’t keep on winning at home.
“Ipswich have a good side this year and it could well be another close contest, but I feel that we have the necessary fire-power to prevail.”
Ipswich were able to sensationally tempt Jarek Hampel back to Elite League speedway in 2008 and the experienced Polish international has slotted into what is a competitive looking team.
Robert Miskowiak has assumed the No. 1 race-jacket, but it is in the second-string department where the Witches are strongest.
Chris Louis and Steve Johnston provide Ipswich with plenty of wisdom, whilst the acquisition of Piotr Swiderski has certainly been a shrewd one.
Tobias Kroner is a rider who is tipped to take world speedway by storm, whilst his partner in the reserve department, Chris Schramm, is a British youngster with plenty of potential.
Robbie Kessler is the club’s No. 8 rider this term, although the German is currently sidelined after suffering concussion whilst representing his Premier League side, Mildenhall, in a challenge match at Peterborough on 13 March.
VISITORS FACTFILE: IPSWICH EVENING STAR WITCHES
Jaroslaw HAMPEL
DOB: 17 April 1982, Lodz, Poland.
THE former World Under-21 Champion and ex-Grand Prix rider had made a welcome return to British speedway after a lengthy period away from these shores.
Hampel is a talented speedster, who exudes plenty of class and professionalism, although his career has been hampered by an array of injuries.
His inclusion in the Witches’ squad brings some real top-end ferocity to the Suffolk side and the Polish rider will undoubtedly post a hefty average in 2008.
Steve JOHNSTON
DOB: 12 October 1971, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.
MEGA-popular Australian, who was part of the all-conquering 2007 Coventry line-up, but wasn’t recalled back to the Warwickshire side this term.
Ipswich moved quickly to capture Johnston’s services, some eleven years after the Australian last rode for the club.
Of course, Johnston was part of the 2004 Swindon squad that enjoyed a successful step-up to the Elite League and, indeed, the effervescent Aussie is still highly thought of amongst the fans on the Blunsdon terraces.
Tobias KRONER
DOB: 16 October 1985, Dohren, Nr. Bremen, Germany.
KRONER is a talented young German rider, who has made great strides during his time with the Witches.
He first tasted Elite League action with Oxford in 2005, before joining Ipswich mid-way through their 2006 season and immediately endearing himself to the Foxhall Heath supporters.
He fills one of the Ipswich reserve berths in 2008 and his previous experience should stand him in good stead as the year progresses.
Chris LOUIS
DOB: 9 July 1969, Ipswich, Suffolk.
VASTLY experienced British stalwart, who, remarkably, first rode officially some twenty-one seasons ago, this being a phenomenal achievement in itself.
Louis continues to perform well at heat-leader level and is especially difficult to beat around Foxhall Heath, where his track knowledge is second to none.
A rider who, when he finally does decide to hang up his kevlars, will still have an awful lot to offer the sport of speedway.
Robert MISKOWIAK
DOB: 21 November 1983, Rawicz, Poland.
ANOTHER former World Under-21 Champion, who lines-up in Ipswich colours for a fourth successive campaign.
The Pole has improved steadily since first joining the club back in 2005 and was the first name on the team-sheet in 2008.
Miskowiak has been handed the No. 1 breastplate in 2008 and will once again be targeting an increase on his starting average.
Often enigmatic, but a rider who has the ability to conjure a match-winning tally.
Chris SCHRAMM
DOB: 30 May 1984, Maldon, Essex.
TWENTY-three-year-old British rider, who has made the full-time transition to Elite League racing after previously assuming the No. 8 slot for the Witches.
The Ipswich management were pleased with his 2007 performances and the youngster was rewarded with a regular team slot for the 2008 campaign.
Unfortunately, Schramm sustained a fractured bone in his right foot whilst representing the Suffolk side in a Knock-Out Cup tie versus Wolverhampton at Foxhall Heath on 3 April, although his comeback is imminent as was due to take a fitness test in readiness for the Witches’ home match against the Robins on Monday.
Piotr SWIDERSKI
DOB: 11 May 1983, Gostyn, Poland.
AFTER spending two successful seasons with Peterborough, Swiderski has joined Ipswich in a loan deal.
And the Pole has started season in superb style, courtesy of an array of eye-catching scores from his second-string position.
He forms a strong partnership with compatriot Robert Miskowiak and the two Polish riders enjoy a good on-track understanding.
SWINDON MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD
Thursday’s Swindon Man of the Match Award is sponsored by Don Rogers Sports. As many folk will know, Don is a huge sporting legend within the town, having scored two goals for Swindon Town F.C. at Wembley Stadium on 15 March 1969, when they toppled the mighty Arsenal in the League Cup final.
Don Rogers Sports has been in operation for 40 years and supplies trophies for many different sports, including speedway. Don is the active President of the North Wilts Football League and is instrumental in the local area by encouraging youngsters to take up sport, especially football.
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 17 APRIL, Parade 7.20 p.m.; Tapes-up 7.30 p.m.
IPSWICH EVENING STAR WITCHES (Green sheet averages shown in brackets)
1. Robert Miskowiak (6.69); 2. Piotr Swiderski (5.19); 3. Chris Louis (Captain, 7.10); 4. Steve Johnston (5.41); 5. Jaroslaw Hampel (6.27); 6. Tobias Kroner (4.89); 7. Chris Schramm or A.N. Other (3.00). Team manager: Pete Simmons.
Referee: P.J. Griffin.
Admission prices: Adults £15, Concessions £12, Children (12-16 years) £5, Kids (11 years and under) Free.
SWINDON ROBINS IN ASSOCIATION WITH TEAM PARTNERS PEBLEY BEACH HYUNDAI, REDCARE LOGISTICS AND A.C. NURDEN LTD.
SIXTY SUCCESSIVE SEASONS AND STILL GOING STRONG!
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE BY ROBERT BAMFORD
SWINDON SPEEDWAY PRESS OFFICER
EMAIL: Rbamfordspeedway@aol.com
TEL: 01666 823469
OFFICIAL CLUB WEBSITE: www.swindon-speedway.co.uk
OFFICIAL CLUB HOTLINE: 09068 664682 (Premium rate applies)
