WEEKEND PREVIEW: U19s take centre stage

This weekend sees the best of British Under 19 riders do battle to be the best young rider in the country.

Hethersett in Norfolk is the venue. The Hawks have been working hard behind the scenes for their big day, pulling in a sponsor for the event, Haart Estate Agents, who have bolstered the advertising efforts with some unique “for sale sign” style adverts for the event.

Reigning champion Ricki Johnson (pictured above at the top of the rostrum in 2013) is in the line up and he will be expecting a strong challenge to his title from the many top riders in the field, especially the numerous Ipswich lads who have been going strong in the Elite League. The Lush boys have also been in fine form for Stockport, along with team mate and former U16 champion Jake Read, who is also in the line up. 2013 British Finalist and Poole rider Aaron Morgan is never one to be overlooked, he will be looking to add to his Under 16 title back in 2011. Hethersett have two riders in the draw. Ollie Riley is going well this year and could do well tomorrow, Olly Buxton is the new king of Norfolk after winning the Norfolk invitation on Wednesday evening, could he make it a double win? Find out who wins via the Hethersett Hawks Twitter page.

On Sunday, Poole are hosting the 10th Ade Gale Laurels event at the Harbourside. There is a top quality line up featuring last year’s winner Greg Gluchowski, multiple British Champions Andy Angell and Lee Aris, former double British Champion and local favourite Gavin Wheeler and South Australian Bobby McMillan amongst many others. It’s sure to be a great meeting.

In Regional racing only the Northern League have fixtures. Stockport take their unbeaten team to Northumbria to take on the Vikings and Hull travel across to Astley & Tyldesley. Heckmondwike will be hoping to kickstart their season at home to Bury and Glasgow are back in league action again, where they welcome Sheffield’s division 2 and 3 teams.

The final match of the weekend is the second leg of the Coventry v Swindon challenge at Hearsall Common, the 1st leg saw Swindon take the win against the Midlanders at the start of the season.