EXETER SPEEDWAY MEDIA RELEASE

 

The Exeter Falcons management intend to use a radical new approach in their battle to bring speedway back to the city. They are searching for a facility which will allow them to stage racing indoors.

The management of the Falcons is now back in the hands of ManorDelta Ltd, the company which ran speedway in Exeter for 20 years under the late promoter Colin Hill. Following the breakdown of talks between previous backer Allen Trump and the Jockey Club over the lease to build a track at Haldon Racecourse, hopes of finding a site on which to build a conventional stadium have faded.

Former press officer and team manager Tony Lethbridge, who is now a member of the Manordelta board, believes that taking the Falcons indoors could save the day not just for Exeter but for several other teams that have lost their stadia in recent years.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult to develop any kind of motorsport venue due to modern environment and planning issues.” explained Lethbridge. “ Finding a replacement for the old County Ground has been very hard work, and noise, even though speedway has very strict rules governing  it, has always been a major issue.”

“Therefore if we were to move indoors, either by converting an existing warehouse, farm building or even by building our own steel shell many of the problems could be overcome through good insulation. Indoor speedway meetings are an accepted part of the sport, with the British Grand Prix at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium the major event on the world calendar, while the long running annual ice meeting at Telford ice rink and the Christmas meeting at the Brighton Centre have always worked well. I don’t think we can set our sights as high as Cardiff but I believe by going indoors we would overcome the environmental problems we now face in finding an outdoor venue. From a speedway point of view rain offs would be a thing of the past while the track could be used all year round.”

“Obviously we could not recreate the 396 metre County Ground track, but Graham Reeve, the manager of the Speedway Control Board, supports the idea and would be happy with a track size of between 200-220 metres. Plymouth speedway currently measures 216 metres. I have also spoken to a recognised track expert with indoor know how, who would be prepared to build and maintain the track.  Cost of the building is likely to be our biggest problem, but I am confident that something can be achieved within the city of Exeter.”

 

EXETER SPEEDWAY MEDIA RELEASE

The Exeter Falcons will not be building their new track at Haldon Racecourse after all. Despite their long battle to gain planning permission to build a new stadium within the racecourse complex the Falcons management have been unable to agree a lease with the Jockey Club who own the course so have withdrawn from talks.

Allen Trump, the man who has led the project, explained that despite protracted negotiations a suitable agreement could not be reached.

" After finally gaining planning permission last September we were offered a lease by the Jockey Club,"� said Trump. " Unfortunately the lease included several clauses that were unacceptable to us. Negotiations have continued throughout the winter but there has been no movement from the position we were in last October. We must now reluctantly look elsewhere for a suitable site on which to build a track."

"I must stress that our relationship with the Jockey Club has remained amicable throughout and that continues to be the case. It is nobody's fault." They have their position and we have our, and as I have already said there has been no movement since last autumn."�
"Our aim now is to find a suitable piece of ground of around five acres on which we can develop a track. Ideally it would be within five or six miles of the city."

Tony Lethbridge, spokesman for ManorDelta Ltd, the company which belonged to the late Falcons promoter Colin Hill said "This news is hugely disappointing for everyone connected with Exeter Speedway. After years of struggle, in which fans and management have all played their part, we thought we had finally fulfilled Colin's dream. Sadly we are now back at square one. Nevertheless ManorDelta and Allen Trump will continue to strive for the return of speedway racing to Exeter. Despite this major setback we are currently looking at a very radical idea."

The trustees of Manordelta Ltd have now taken charge of the project back from Trump who will continue to be involved.

Lethbridge explained " We are very grateful to Allen for his considerable input during a very turbulent time. Without Allen's expertise and business skills we would never have achieved planning permission for Haldon, but he is a very busy man with involvement in many other projects. We have reimbursed him for his considerable outlay incurred at Haldon, but are delighted that he will be continuing to work with us on our quest to get the Falcons flying again."

UPDATE ON SUPPORTERS CLUB COACH

For those supporters traveling to Cardiff the Falcons anniversary polo shirt will be available for purchase on board the coach .

Please contact Gordon on the day or order in advance by phoning Gordon on

Gordons No's
Home: 01803 315307
Mobile: 07971 799824

 

Nick Simmons in at Scunthorpe

Former Falcons fans favourite and fans rider of the year, Nick Simmons. as well as riding for IOW in the National league, has now been signed up by Scunthorpe in the Premier league, following his release by Newport earlier in the season, as a replacement for South African Byron Bekker.

Courtesy of Scunthorpe Speedway website.

Harris Lifts The British Title

CHRIS Harris lifted the British title for the second time with victory in a hugely entertaining meeting at Poole.

Harris came through the semi-final and then defeated his Coventry team-mate Edward Kennett, Tai Woffinden and Lee Richardson in the Final.

Results Courtesy of Speedwayupdates

Line Up

1. David Howe (Scunthorpe Scorpions) - 3-EF-1-1-3 = 8
2. Lee Complin (Stoke Potters) - 2-1-0-1-0 = 4
3. William Lawson (Berwick Bandits) - 1-0-0-0-1 = 2
4. Ricky Ashworth (Sheffield Tigers) - 0-1-1-2-1 = 5
5. Edward Kennett (Coventry Bees) - 2-3-3-2-3 = 13
6. Jason King (Newcastle Diamonds) - 1-0-0-0-0 = 1
7. Lee Richardson (Lakeside Hammers) - 3-3-3-3-2 = 14
8. James Wright (Belle Vue Aces) - F-3-2-0-1 = 6
9. Scott Nicholls (Unattached) - 1-2-1-3-3 = 10
10. Tai Woffinden (Wolverhampton Wolves) - 2-2-2-3-2 = 11
11. Chris Harris (Coventry Bees) - 3-2-2-3-2 = 12
12. Simon Stead (Swindon Robins) - 0-2-2-2-3 = 9
13. Joe Screen (Poole Pirates) - EF-1-0-2-2 = 5
14. Lewis Bridger (Eastbourne Eagles) - 2-3-3-0-0 = 8
15. Jason Bunyan (Stoke Potters) - 1-1-1-1-0 = 4
16. Daniel King (Ipswich Witches) - 3-T-3-1-1 = 8

17. Danny Warwick - 0
18. Kyle Newman -

Referee - Craig Ackroyd

Heat Results

Heat 01 - Re-Run x 2: Howe, Complin, Lawson, Ashworth. 59.84
Line Up: Howe Complin Lawson Ashworth
Comments: Stopped. Ashworth and Lawson collided coming out of the tapes. Both down but up and ok. All 4 back. Ashworth jumped the start in the re-run and the ref pulls it back. Easy from the gate for Howe. Ashworth very tough on Lawson to pass him on bend 4 lap 1. Ashworth then fell on the last bend of the last lap whilst third.
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Heat 02: Richardson, Kennett, J King, Wright (Fell). 59.19
Line Up: Kennett Richardson J King Wright
Comments: Richardson went round Kennett bend 4 lap 1. Wright fell on bend 4 lap 3 whilst last.
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Heat 03: Harris, Woffinden, Nicholls, Stead. 59.94
Line Up: Woffinden Harris Nicholls Stead
Comments: Superb ride from Bomber. He gates and is then passed by Woffinden coming out of bend 2. He's then passed by Nicholls coming out of bend 4. Bomber then goes round the pair of them coming out of bend 2 lap 2 and leans it over Tai going into bend 3 lap 2 to take the lead. Stead almost passed Nicholls on last lap too.
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Heat 04: D King, Bridger, Bunyan, Screen (EF). 60.22
Line Up: Bunyan Bridger D King Screen
Comments: Bridger gated but was passed by King on the inside of bends 1&2 on lap 2. Screen thinking about his average as he poodles around at the back before retiring on Lap 3.
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Heat 05: Kennett, Nicholls, Screen, Howe (EF). 59.50
Line Up: Screen Howe Kennett Nicholls
Comments: Kennett from the gate. Nicholls passed Screen entering bend 1 lap 2. Howe packed up on lap 1 whilst at the back.
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Heat 06: Bridger, Woffinden, Complin, J King. 60.58
Line Up: Bridger Woffinden Complin J King
Comments: Wuffy tried the cut back on the opening bends but Bridger had the speed down the back straight. Wuffy almost lost it coming out of bend 4 lap 2. Complin and King having a decent battle at the back.
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Heat 07: Richardson, Harris, Bunyan, Lawson. 59.41
Line Up: Harris Bunyan Richardson Lawson
Comments: From the gate win for Richardson. Bomber going wider and wider to get the speed but getting nowhere.
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Heat 08 - Re-Run: Wright, Stead, Ashworth, Warwick. 60.09
Line Up: Ashworth Wright Stead D King
Comments: Stopped. King touched the tapes and is disqualified. Replaced by Warwick. From the gate win for Wright in the re-run.
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Heat 09: D King, Harris, Howe, J King. 60.22
Line Up: J King D King Howe Harris
Comments: Harris passed both J King and Howe down the back straight on lap 1.
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Heat 10: Kennett, Stead, Bunyan, Complin. 59.91
Line Up: Stead Kennett Bunyan Complin
Comments: From the gate.
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Heat 11: Bridger, Wright, Nicholls, Lawson. 60.02
Line Up: Wright Nicholls Lawson Bridger
Comments: Superb start from Bridger off gate 4. Good battle from Wright in second but Bridger rode good lines to keep Wright in second.
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Heat 12: Richardson, Woffinden, Ashworth, Screen. 60.22
Line Up: Screen Ashworth Woffinden Richardson
Comments: Richardson with a super burst of speed to go from third to first on the back straight of lap 1. Woffinden almost fences Screen passing him coming out of bend 4 lap 1. Screen then average dropping as he's passed by Ashworth on lap 3.
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Heat 13: Richardson, Stead, Howe, Bridger. 60.22
Line Up: Richardson Stead Bridger Howe
Comments: Stead gates, goes too wide, Richardson passes him and clears off. Bridger busts a gut at the back to pass Howe then goes after Stead. Bridger goes wider and wider but ends up going backwards and is repassed by Howe.
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Heat 14: Harris, Screen, Complin, Wright. 60.52
Line Up: Complin Screen Wright Harris
Comments: Super first turn from Harris to go through the middle of Wright and Complin. Harris then passes Screen on the inside coming out of bend 4 lap 2.
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Heat 15: Woffinden, Kennett, D King, Lawson. 60.72
Line-up: D King Lawson Woffinden Kennett
Comments: Brilliant race with Woffinden and King passing and repassing each other for the lead. Kennett then passed King coming out of bend 4 lap 3. Super Race.
Sponsored by www.msj.edu.pl www.msjspeedway.com

Heat 16: Nicholls, Ashworth, Bunyan, J King. 61.83
Line Up: Nicholls J King Ashworth Bunyan
Comments: Easy win for Nicholls once he saw off Ashworth's 1 lap challenge. Bunyan and King having a good scrap at the back passing and re-passing for the solitary point. Bunyan just about held on for third.

Heat 17: Howe, Woffinden, Wright, Bunyan. 60.95
Line Up: Howe Wright Bunyan Woffinden
Comments: Good ride from Howe to keep Woffinden behind him who had gone round Wright on bends 3&4 of lap 1.

Heat 18: Nicholls, Richardson, D King, Complin. 60.36
Line Up: Nicholls Complin Richardson D King
Comments: Nicholls gates, takes Richardson out wide and clears off. King passed Complin on lap 2 for third.

Heat 19: Stead, Screen, Lawson, J King. 61.58
Line Up: Lawson Stead Screen J King
Comments: Lawson led for a lap before locking up coming out of bend 2 lap 2 allowing Stead through. Screen then had to battle to pass Lawson on bend 3 lap 2.

Heat 20: Kennett, Harris, Ashworth, Bridger.
Line Up: Kennett Bridger Harris Ashworth
Comments: What a race!!! Harris from last to first going down the back straight. Bridger almost loses it coming out of bend 4 lap 1 and is left at the back. Kennett goes very, very wide to pass Harris going down the back straight on lap 2. Bridger then can't do anything to get past Ashworth. Apologies for there being no time. Sky neglected to show it and went straight to an interview with Simon Stead

Last Chance Semi Final: Harris, Woffinden, Stead, Nicholls. 60.39
Line Up: Harris Woffinden Nicholls Stead
Comments: Harris from the gate. Woffinden blocked the run of Nicholls going into bend 3 lap 1 which let Stead through to third. Stead was challenging Woffinden until bend 3 lap 2 when he did his usual locking up act. Nicholls tailed off at the end.

Grand Final: Harris, Kennett, Woffinden, Richardson
Line Up: Richardson Kennett Harris Woffinden
Comments: Harris gates and is gone. Woffinden passed by Kennett coming out of bend 4 lap 2. Woffinden then went to back before repassing Richardson on the back straight of lap 3. No time as Sky again neglected to show it.
*************************

County Ground works starts

WORKMEN have finally  moved on to the city’s former County Ground to start  work on a major  housing  project.
The the street names chosen to recognise the area’s  rich history.

After nearly four years of  controversy — with two  failed planning applications and a failed appeal —  building has finally begun  at the County Ground in St  Thomas.

Bellway Homes will build  100 homes at the site of the  former Chiefs’ ground, 33 of  which are due to be completed by November. Pegasus Homes will also build 53  retirement apartments on  one acre of the site.

A spokesman for Bellway  said: “We are pleased to be  on  the site and making a  start on the scheme.

“Initially we will be focusing on the ground works  and laying down the template for the roads and sewers, prior to development  work commencing later in  the year.”

Rob Hannaford, city and  county councillor for St  Thomas, said: “It’s excellent that the former County  Ground is finally being redeveloped.

“This has been going on  for far too long and local  residents really want this  large area tidied up so that  St Thomas can move forward with confidence.

“In terms of the new  street names, I spent some  time talking to local people  and local historians about  what names they would  like for the new development. We have now  come  up with names that honour  local people or have a  strong historical context.”

The names chosen for the  Bellway part of the site echo  the history of the site and St  Thomas’ past.

They are Sanford Place,  Chieftain Way, Birdall Terrace, and Coles Mews.

Chieftain Way recalls the  many years the Exeter  Chiefs were based at the  County Ground.

Two roads honour speedway riders — Sanford Place  has been named after local  speedway rider Tony Sanford who  tragically died after an accident at the County Ground in 1981.

Mr Sanford was catapulted into a safety fence after  the rear wheel of his bike  appeared to catch another  rider’s machine. He died of  head injuries.

During his career in Exeter, Michael Coles notched  up more points than any  other rider for the Falcons.

Birdall Terrace recalls  the Birdall Bell Foundry  which was in operation between 1560 and 1624, where  the Exe bridge shopping  centre is now.

The Pegasus development is to be named Browning Court, after Michael  Browning, a long-serving  local councillor who died in  2006.

 He was born around the  corner from the County  Ground in  Princes Street  West and was a lifelong rugby fan. Cllr Browning  represented Alphington and St  Thomas on the city and  county councils for  many  years.

Rob Harding, leader of  County Ground Concern, a  group of local residents  which campaigned about  the scale of the development is pleased with the  names chosen.

He said: “It is really good  that they have remembered  Exeter speedway riders.”

Source E&E

Peregrinner Caught Moonlighting with Sky

Peregrinner was caught moonlighting, script writing for the Sky team at the recent Sky presentation from Somerset.

 

 

 

5TH MAY-CANCELLED

 (rearranged for the 19th May)

For those that were going to attend the next supporters club meeting and unaware it has changed-Quiz skittles etc on the 5Th of May at The Cat and Fiddle- this is now CANCELLED due to Sky showing a premier league speedway meeting at Scunthorpe (first at their track), versus Birmingham, Motors TV showing USA Speedway from 2008 and some big footie match the same night.

Taking these factors into account it was felt that attendance would be low.

For this reason the rearranged date for the next supporters club event is now the 19th of May at the Cat and Fiddle.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused to those that were going to attend on the 5th of May

SUPPORTERS CLUB COACH FOR CARDIFF GP 2009 UPDATE

Update/ Reminder for those wanting to go to this years GP. Once again Gordon Ward will be running a Supporters Club Coach. Full details are:-

Saturday 27th June
 9.00am departure from Torquay
 9.15am Newton Abbot
 9.30am Exeter (park & ride near Granada Services)

Cost £15 club members £18 non members
Contact Telephone Gordon Ward 01803315307 / 07971799824

 

Supporters 80th Anniversary Dinner

See Report; Photos and Letter from Scott Autrey on the Supporters Page

Exeter Falcons Supporters Club AGM

Report by Nevs

David Short addressed the crowd last night and stated that negotiations were ongoing with the jockey club and if all the negotiations are successful then it is hoped work can begin on building the track later this summer and if all goes well, they are hopeful that Exeter will be back racing in time for Easter 2010 with Manor Delta supplying the funding for the stadium, from the money they have been entrusted with that Colin Hill left in his will, that can only be used for the purpose of Exeter Speedway.

Allen is still very much involved and continues to head the negotiations with the jockey club to try and ensure that the negotiations come to a fruitful end to enable us to fly again. I believe he was involved with such meetings yesterday in London which was the reason he was unable to attend last night.

Exeter Supporters club members were also really pleased that there were new 80th anniversary polo shirts available for members to buy and as the evening wore on more and more people were swapping the tops they came in and walking around as proud as punch and looking resplendent with their brand new dark Greeeeeenn Falcons polo shirts
-At least it means we don't have to do Cardiff this year in 9 year old polo shirts stating League champions from 2000. 

The supporters club will however produce Exeter League Champions 2010 polo shirts as and when the need arises.  

Ben Barker was a very welcome guest who made the time out from his hectic pre season build up and entertained the crowd of his former club with his opinions on the sport and his hopes for the future. It was much appreciated.

So all in all a very pleasant evening again for all of us down in Worzel land and fingers crossed that these negotiations will soon have been sorted and hopefully things will work out and we get to fly again next year.

Exeter Falcons Supporters Club AGM and Update.

Monday 2^nd March at The Cat & Fiddle  

Start of proceedings: 19:30 p.m.  

We have a new Administration Team and we will introduce them.  

The following times are approximate:-

·  Annual General Meeting: 19:45 p.m.

·  Update on the New Track from Allen Trump: 20:15 pm

·  Interview with Ben Barker (Winner of the New Year  Classic): 20:45 p.m.

Please bring some money with you so that you can join the club for 2009.

We hope to have some 80^th Anniversary Polo Shirts on sale.
We also hope to have some 80^th Anniversary Badges on sale.

There will be a small discount for Club Members.

SUPPORTERS CLUB

COACH FOR CARDIFF GP 2009

 

Once again Gordon Ward will be running a Supporters Club Coach to the 2009 British GP at the Millennium Stadium Cardiff.

Prices for 2009 will be :-

Club Members £15
Non Members £18

Pick up points from Torquay through Newton Abbot to Exeter.

Gordons contact No is 01803 315307 or 07971 799824

 

 

BEN BARKER WINS THE NEW YEAR CLASSIC 

Former Falcon Ben Barker has won the New Year Classic staged this year at Poole. Ben won the final from Adam Skornicki, Lukasz Jankowski and Edward Kennett in a time of 61.7, Barker keeps a hold on the Cornish dominance of this event as Chris Harris (Not competing this year) has won on previous occasions. 

“ It’s great to come to Poole and win “ said Barker “ I saw an opening and went for it, and just managed to pip Skornicki on the line.”

Skornicki led the field by a clear four length going into the final lap, but then had the misfortune to loose power with just over half a lap left to race. Barker seized the chance with both hands to pull level and then snatch the race victory by no more than half a wheel on the finishing line.

Skornicki had lived up to his pre meeting billing by racing unbeaten in his five qualifying races to earn a place in the Grand Final.  But the main qualification battle went right down to the wire with Barker, Edward Kennett and Lukas Jankowski snatching vital points in their final races to warrant their place in the final four.

The unluckiest rider was possibly Lewis Bridger, who needed just one point from his final race to make it through to the Grand Final. However he make a bad mistake at the start and was pegged back in third place before trying a desperate move to get by Stuart Robson. 

The move saw Robson hit the floor, followed by Bridger, with David Howe also ending up in an untidy heap on the track. All three riders were unhurt, but Bridger’s pride took a further dent when he found himself excluded by Match Referee David Steele and out of the final placings.

New Year Classic Final Result

1.Ben Barker ( England )
2.Adam Skornicki  ( Poland )
3.Lukasz Jankowski ( Poland )
4.Edward Kennett  ( England )
5.Mark Lemon  ( Australia )
6.Tomasz Piszcz  ( Poland )
7.Lewis Bridger  ( England )
8.Mads Korneliussen  ( Denmark )

 

Teams Line Ups for 2009

MRS CLASS RECEIVES HER CHEQUE

Photo courtesy and © of Mike Manning

Photo courtesy and © of Mike Manning

Falcons supporter Anne Batten seen here receiving her Fantasy League £1600 winners cheque from Jason Crump.

Anne was presented with the cheque at Mark Lemons recent Testimonial Evening at the Oak Tree Arena