Speedway's Ashley Morris is ready for the big time

Penkridge-based Morris will fulfill a lifelong ambition as he lines up for the Parrys International Wolves in their mouth-watering Elite League opener against local rivals Birmingham at Monmore Green (7.30pm).

The 19-year-old grew up on the terraces watching the club before signing as an asset on his 16th birthday.

Having served his apprenticeship in the National League with the Dudley Heathens he now steps up to the highest level alongside fellow young Brit Joe Jacobs at reserve. And he can't wait to start his Elite League career as Wolves look to get their season off with a win.

"It's a great feeling to be riding for my local club in the Elite League – it's an exciting time for me and I just can't wait," he said.

"It's going to be a step up, obviously, but I'm going in without any fear – I'll just be looking to beat whoever is next to me when we line up at the tapes. I know Monmore pretty well after riding for Dudley. I just need to work on my gates.

"It was good experience to finally get up against some top riders in the Banks's Olympique Classic last week and see exactly what's going to be expected of me."

Wolves: Tai Woffinden, Jacob Thorssell, Ty Proctor, Ricky Wells, Piotr Pawlicki, Joe Jacobs, Ashley Morris.

Birmingham: Danny King, Adam Skornicki, Ben Barker, Daniel Nermark, Edward Kennett, Simon Lambert, Paul Starke.

Meanwhile, British speedway authorities have promised a full investigation after the Elite Riders Championship at Coventry was postponed.

Rain prompted the mid-match abandonment of Cradley's match there on Friday and not a wheel turned at last night's event because the track was unfit.

Coventry promoter Mick Horton said stadium owners had brought in a new track curator and the result was "a total shambles".