PREVIEW: It’s crunch time in the Supertrax Battle of Britain
The Cycle Speedway Supertrax Battle of Britain series reaches round 4 this weekend and it brings with it a crucial tie between elite men’s class pace-setters, South East and East and the Midlands in Kesgrave, Ipswich.
The series’ top two teams met in round one at Leicester back in April, where the South East and East held off a late Midlands fightback to take the points, and have remained unbeaten since.
The Midlands were largely understrength that day, so team managers, Wayne Aris and Mark Winwood, will leave no stone unturned for the return fixture. They are expected to field the very best in the Midlands for the crunch match.
Action from South East and East v North and Scotland. Photo by Phil Clarke
The South East and East have remained largely unchanged throughout the series, and they too will be fielding the strongest side that their region has to offer, which will be some spectacle on the tight Kesgrave circuit on Sunday.
If the South East and East emerge victorious it will all but be the end of the Midlands’ challenge, it is a must-win match for the visitors. Should they prevail, it could go down to the wire and even a play-off to decide the title.
In the elite junior class, the South East and East need to rectify their last heat loss in round one against the Midlands, who have remained unbeaten in the series, another win in Kesgrave could see the title heading to central England.
The South West and Wales host North and Scotland in Newport, hoping for revenge on their visitors after losing out in round one.
Midlands’ Chris Timms battles with South West and Wales’ Jack Harold. Photos by Fifty Seven Studio.
Welsh international Mark Carmichael is back from long term injury and could feature, in doing so he might tip the balance for the home side, as they search for their first win of the series.
The North and Scotland will aim to solidify their third position in the standings by taking another victory after losing out to the Midlands and South East and East in the following rounds.
It’s been equally tough for the South West and Wales elite junior class, but not for lack of trying. The young side have battled hard throughout the year and could get their rewards with a strong performance against a strong North and Scotland junior side.
You can catch the action at Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave (IP5 1JF) and the Olympic Sports Village, Newport (NP19 4PT), with the elite junior class beginning proceedings at 1pm.
Cover photo by Les Brewin.