Track Talk: Youngsters are shining at Heathens
One of the pleasures of remaining involved with Cradley this season is the opportunity to see some of British speedway’s brightest young talents.
We’re back at Monmore on Monday night for more National Trophy action – and we will be back to full strength after missing riders recently.
It’s wonderful to see Adam Roynon back in Heathens colours this year and he’s the perfect man for the job of skipper.
But the two youngsters at reserve are the future of the sport in this country.
Drew Kemp and Jason Edwards are only 15 but they already show great maturity on the bike and are piling up the points on a regular basis.
Their riding styles are neat and tidy and the way they ride the track belies their inexperience. I’m looking forward to seeing them on Monday.
Both are already big favourites with the Heathens supporters and they will be on hand at the entrance to the stadium to sign autographs and have pictures with fans.
These two aren’t the only bright prospects this country has to offer.
Kyle Bickley, also in the Heathens team, has impressed with Belle Vue Colts and has already done enough to win a Championship spot with Workington. He’s 16.
There are several other youngsters who are gaining experience under the Martin Hagon Academy umbrella at 125cc and 250cc level and Neil Vatcher is doing sterling work as the official Young Lions boss.
New training tracks have opened at Berwick, Workington and Scunthorpe and tracks like Leicester and Eastbourne have access to their tracks seven days a week.
Whilst all the talk is about the Poles and how the best youngsters are coming from there, I reckon the Brits are doing very well.
All this on a very limited budget. The sponsorship isn’t there in the UK like it is in Poland – although the British Speedway Promoters’ Association do allocate a budget, something they don’t get any credit for.
So, Monday it is – get along to Monmore to see the Class of 18!
My travels have taken me to Germany today for the opening round of the Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations.
It’s a return to Pairs racing at world level with seven nations doing battle in Teterow.
We move to Manchester on Tuesday when Great Britain look to qualify for the final with Tai Woffinden and Craig Cook supported by under-21 rider Robert Lambert.
The final then takes place over two nights, next Friday and Saturday, in Wroclaw, Poland.
It’s always entertaining to see Pairs racing and I can’t wait.
All the action is live on BT Sport, starting tonight at 6pm. I hope you can join us.
