Nigel Pearson's Track Talk - June 16

The Australian ace has been a breath of fresh air in the Monmore revolution and the team are looking good for a serious play-off push.

But he's also got international honours on his mind ahead of two meetings with Belle Vue in four days.

Masters wants to win a place in the Australian World Cup team – and the team manager is Mark Lemon, ironically also the Belle Vue boss!

He said: "Things are going well for me so far this season, so I can't complain.

"I've got good people around me, I'm living with people I like which makes life easy and my girlfriend has been a big help too.

"The World Cup is coming up, so hopefully I can get into the Australia team because that's a big goal for me.

"It's going to be tough, a few guys are riding well, but my form has been good so I'd like to think I'm in with a shout.

"It'd be incredible to represent my country in the World Cup, so I just hope I can keep riding well and get the chance to show what I can do.

"I guess I just have to keep doing what I've been doing and take each meeting as it comes, and hopefully next month I'll be riding even better."

Wolves travel to Manchester tomorrow (Friday) with the return at Monmore Green on Monday.

Simon Cross was often overlooked when it came to taking the glory for Cradley Heathens' glittering success of the 80s and early 90s.

The Danes and Americans always seemed to be the headline act at Dudley Wood but Cross, who now lives in France, was a key part of it all.

He makes a rare visit back to the town on Monday night for a special evening with supporters at Cradley Heath Liberal Club – and he can't wait.

He said: "Cradley was my home during my speedway career, they were always my club.

"I'm no different to anyone else with the club at heart, I'd love to see a track back in the area for the team to race.

"I'm looking forward to coming back to Cradley on Monday night, it's been a while and I still have so many friends there."

Doors open at 7pm and admission is £6 – or £5 for season ticket holders and Trust members.

Meanwhile, the Heathens travel to Mildenhall on Sunday with Bradley Andrews called back into the side as a replacement for the injured James Purchase.