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Spotlight on the Boston Barracuda-Braves

SPEEDWAY

Latest news from the Boston Barracuda-Braves

Team sponsor: N C Williams and Son Insurance

LATEST NEWS 2006	PRE-SEASON NEWS 2006	NEWS ARCHIVE 2005
REPORTS 2006 SEASON
Wednesday December 20^th, 2006
Tapes up on new era for Barracudas It’s all systems go for a new-look Boston Barracudas set-up to enter the 2007 Conference League speedway fray. The club’s promotional team of Malcolm Vasey, Mick Smith and Dale Allitt confirmed plans to operate again at the team’s home in exile at King’s Lynn’s Norfolk Arena next spring. There had been fears that, following the departure of previous chairman Stephen Lambert, the name of Boston might disappear from the speedway scene. But these worries were allayed at a public meeting at the Haven High Technology College in Boston when around 80 people braved foggy conditions to hear of plans for 2007. And a big boost to proposals for a new tilt at honours was the presence of established riders Simon Lambert and Darren Mallett who both put pen to paper on contracts to ride for the Barracudas — the former also being appointed team captain. In addition, the promoters announced that Cal McDade had also been signed to help lay the platform for what Vasey, Smith and Allitt hoped would be a youthful but hugely competitive squad. Allitt said: “A few weeks ago, everyone thought it was the end for this club. Together we have looked to see if it will be viable to race in 2007. It has been a roller-coaster time because the goalposts have been shifted on one or two aspects. But there has been some amazing help from local businesses and individuals and we have declared we are going to run.” The meeting heard that Friday nights (7.45pm starts) were the only genuine option to race at Lynn, but the promoters pledged to programme home meetings as regularly as possible and assemble a team whose ranks were not likely to be raided by Premier League sides — all designed to add extra levels of consistency in terms of race nights and the riders likely to be on parade each week. Vasey said: “We really have no other alternative that to have our main race nights on Fridays. But at least we can operate with a degree of continuity, starting perhaps from around the Easter weekend.” The help offset a rise in track rental, it was announced that adult admission prices would rise by £1 per meeting, but that other concession packages would be retained. In addition, more sponsors and programme advertisers were still being sought to further consolidate the Barracudas’ new ambitions. Allitt said: “Entry prices haven’t altered for the past couple of years or so. But we have to offset our increased costs in some way. What we also need is an extra 25-30 people coming to our meetings each week to make sure everything works out otherwise 2007 will be the club’s last. That’s not a threat, it’s just a statement of fact. But we want it to work and hopefully people will see that we mean business by the team we intend to put out.” Vasey stressed that talks had already taken place with three other potential riding recruits but said no agreement had been reached with any of the parties involved — although he felt “optimistic” that at least two of the targets would be landed, both of whom, he said, would add further to the proposed squad’s “young and dynamic” image. The promoters expressed thanks to all sponsors already on board, in particular to Michael Chinn of Staffsmart who has become the club’s principal backer — his company’s logo emblazoned across the new-look body jacket (see below) that was paraded for the first time during the meeting. In conclusion, Vasey said: “We urge all supporters of Boston Speedway to get their friends to come along and watch us and we will try to do our very best as a team to make everyone proud.”
Tuesday December 12^th, 2006
Vital meeting date looms on club’s future plans Wednesday December 20 could provide a landmark date for Boston speedway supporters when the group who have dedicated the last few weeks in trying to keeping the Barracudas alive are holding a public meeting at Haven High School, Marian Road, Boston, starting at 7.30pm. The group which includes present Boston promoters Mick Smith and Malcolm Vasey, together with local businessman Dale Allitt, have called the meeting to report on progress so far and to provide information on possible ways forward. They hope to make an announcement of their intentions for 2007 before the meeting closes. The newcomer to the group, Dale Allitt said: “It is important that anyone with an interest in Boston Speedway joins us so that we can let them know the situation and also listen to any ideas that they may have to take the club forward. We have been fortunate with sponsorship from local businesses and from a number of supporters who have helped us with pledges of money towards next season’s costs. This has encouraged us to call the meeting but we want to share ideas for next season with our fans and of course we still need further help if we are to provide the team that they deserve. Every little helps and we are particularly anxious to sell the remaining heat sponsorships for our programme at £100 for the season.” On the team front Malcolm Vasey confirmed that he had already had discussions with a number of riders but nothing was yet signed and sealed on that front. He said: “I believe that we have an outline team plan in place and if we run that would lead to a competitive team being assembled. But we want the public behind us to help us make a success and then who knows what the future might hold? It will all become clearer on December 20, so those who care for about what we are trying to do need to be there.”
Tuesday December 5^th, 2006
Signs looking hopeful for 2007 campaign After a week of hectic activity, the signs are beginning to look hopeful that a revamped Boston presence may be possible in the British Speedway Conference League for 2007. Club connections report that telephone lines have been hot as Malcolm Vasey, Mick Smith and their prospective new business partner, Dale Allitt, have sought to put together a workable business plan for next season — amplified by the provision of sufficient sponsorship to ensure that the project is viable. Vasey said: “Things have gone well so far and we are optimistic that we can reach the point where we can declare our intention to run. Local businesses and individual supporters are helping us with their generous support. We want to have a team to be proud of and are working hard on that in anticipation of the way that things are going. “We hope to hold a public meeting before Christmas and much depends on the support we can obtain for programme adverts and heat sponsorships between now and then. We want to manage this project well and operate in the way that Boston have since 2000.” “If anyone can help with tangible support whether that be individual heat sponsorships or from larger organisations I would ask them to contact me as soon as possible.” Vasey can be contacted on (01493) 780010 at most times. Vasey also complimented the work of Dale Allitt who has been in touch with numerous contacts on the club’s behalf and also former partner Stephen Lambert who continues to help the club towards its immediate goals. He said: “A lot of people are rallying round and I am amazed that the possible departure from the scene of such a small club could invoke such a lot of help and interest. It seems that everyone wants to help which is a very good sign.”
Tuesday November 28^th, 2006
Hopes rising on new future for Barracudas Prospects of Boston being a continuing presence in speedway’s Conference League are looking up. Fears that the club would fold in the wake of chairman Stephen Lambert announcing his decision to quit have been allayed by news that existing promoters Malcolm Vasey and Mick Smith are now working in conjunction with local businessman Dale Allitt to try to ensure the team continues. The only proposed difference is that if the side stays on track it will revert to the simple name of Boston Barracudas. Armed with news of the latest developments from the Kings’ Lynn-exiled club, Vasey attended last week’s Conference League promoters’ meeting at Speedway headquarters in Rugby where he advised his fellow chairmen that he hoped Boston would be in a position to confirm their membership for next season very shortly. He said: “We looked dead in the water last weekend but since then and largely because of the new ideas that Dale has brought to the club we have made substantial progress towards the financial targets that we need to reach to confirm our membership of next season’s Conference League. “We want to decide one way or another very quickly so that we can begin to put a team together that will be highly competitive. At present I have to advise riders that I can’t make promises for next season until we are financially secure. We are almost half-way there already but there is a still long way to go and we still need local sponsorship. If local firms or organisations are interested I would suggest that they contact me on 01493 780010 in the first instance. Vasey add: “Surely an institution like Boston’s speedway club which has survived so much in the past few years is worth saving from extinction.” Allitt has already carried out presentations on behalf of the club to a number of organisations and feels certain that the club can survive. He said: “I am pleased with the general response so far and as soon as we are certain of where we are going we plan a public meeting in Boston to let our supporters know the situation and to re-kindle their enthusiasm. King’s Lynn are prepared to give us a little time to sort things out but we can’t expect them to wait forever so we have to re-organise quickly. Stephen Lambert has agreed to help in this exercise and we are all grateful to him for that although he has stepped down from the club.” So with time ticking away and with the speedway world heartened by the news that last week when Weymouth received permanent planning consent following a unanimous vote in spite of the recommendation of the local planning officer, it could be that new moves to return the club to Boston may ultimately follow. “It seems that the many advantages of having a speedway club have been recognised in Dorset and this is something we shall turn our attention to once we have secured the future of the club,” said Mick Smith.
Tuesday November 21^st, 2006
Lambert quits role as Braves’ chairman Speedway under the banner of Boston Barracuda-Braves is under threat in the wake of news that club chairman Stephen Lambert is quitting. The man who has been in charge of the club — exiled to race in King’s Lynn after failed attempts to find track space in the Boston area — stood down from his role at the Braves’ end of season presentation evening at Hubbert’s Bridge Community Centre on Saturday November 18. He cited concern over falling crowd figures and extra demands on his time due to expanding business commitments as key reasons behind his decision. He told www.bostonbuzz.co.uk: “It is not a decision I have taken lightly. I have given it an awful lot of thought over the last few months. The Friday race evening has seen dwindling crowds this year and has not proved to be viable. It was the race night offered to us by King’s Lynn and we accepted it for the continuity of the club. “My own transport and warehousing business has expanded and takes up a lot of my time and being club chairman took up what ‘spare’ time I had. My whole family is involved in the day-to-day running of the club. My wife Anne and daughter Stephanie oversee the daily administration, programme, turnstiles, staff, track shop etc and the overall running of the club has become extremely time consuming. Basically I couldn’t have run the club for the last seven years without their help. “And the time issue involved is one of the main factors which helped me reach my decision. I am not saying that Boston speedway is finished. If anyone would like to take over as chairman, they have my blessing and I will give them all the help and advice that I can. “I have been club chairman for the past seven years and have had some wonderful times and made many friends in speedway. I have also had the pleasure of seeing my son Simon progress from being a club mascot at Skegness at the age of eight, and later for Boston, to being a full time member of the Boston Barracuda-Braves squad. “He has competed in five British finals and is still only 17. There is no doubt that he owes his success to Boston speedway. The club is proud to have helped many other local riders in their success. Riders like Darren Mallett, Richie Dennis, Carl Wilkinson are all local lads who have ridden for Boston and gained experience. “I have raised more than £100,000 in sponsorship and I am grateful to all the local supporters, companies, individuals who have sponsored the Boston Barracuda-Braves by having programme adverts or match/heat sponsorship to ensure the club survived.. I am very grateful to my partners, Malcolm Vasey and Mick Smith for all their hard work and support. “Malcolm has been team manager and has always put out a truly competitive young team. He works tirelessly for the club and there is no doubt that speedway is his passion in life. He eats, sleeps and breathes speedway. He knows the rulebook inside and out and in my opinion is the best team manager anyone could have. Mick always offers assistance where he can and is known as ‘the quiet partner’. He helped to bale the club out a few years ago when we were in financial difficulties and became part of the promotion team. We have travelled thousands of miles to speedway meetings and I hope we will remain as close friends. “I have to offer my sincere thanks to our team sponsors NC Williams and Son Insurance of Spalding. Carlton, Judi and Jamie Williams have been our sponsors since day one and have ploughed their sponsorship into the club year after year. I can call them anytime for advice, a chat, or their thoughts on riders, teams etc. and they always offer honest, constructive comments. Their support for Malcolm , Mick, myself and especially the Club has been invaluable. It is well known that there would certainly have been no Boston speedway for the last seven years if it hadn’t been for their wonderful, continued sponsorship. “I have been involved with speedway in some form or other for the past 35 years. As a teenager I used to go to New Hammond Back Road to watch the old Boston Barracudas team run by Cyril Crane and others. I have always sponsored and helped riders over the years whether it be in the Conference, Premier or Elite League. “It is not time to put my feet up yet. I am now going to devote time with my family in helping Simon pursue in his speedway career. Simon has had offers to ride from other clubs but will make a decision at a later date. This year’s season has only just finished. I am sure I will still have plenty of miles to travel the breadth of the country helping Simon with his racing. “It’s sad I have finished with Boston speedway, but it is still my dream to build a track one day and I am still looking into my crystal ball to find that magical piece of land that is required. Maybe one day my dream will come true! In the immediate aftermath of Mr Lambert’s departure, news has emerged that Messrs Vasey and Smith have been joined by Boston-area businessman Dale Allitt — all eager to keep the Braves on track for 2007. The trio are currently assessing financial targets needed to make the club a viable prospect and say the next fortnight will be critical. Vasey said: “The odds looked stacked against us but we intend to look at everything. We’ve got a support base of around 200 fans from Boston and it is them that I care about. But we don’t have a bottomless pit of money and we need to look at getting that side of the club right. We want to give it a go if possible, but equally, it might also be the end.”
Wednesday November 15^th, 2006
Critical time for decision on Braves’ future Changes in the promotional department within the Boston Barracuda-Braves speedway camp appear to represent the only way the club can continue in the sport for the 2007 season. Doubts about the Braves’ involvement in next season’s Conference League competition have surfaced in the wake of continual struggling times at their home-in-exile at King’s Lynn where attendance levels have remained a serious concern. Speaking on behalf of the present promotional team of Stephen Lambert, Mick Smith and himself, Malcolm Vasey said: “There will definitely have to be major changes next season at the very least. Unless fresh impetus and financial support can be recruited, one of the options is for us to call it a day. ”We are really no nearer to obtaining a track of our own than we ever were and at present all that I can say is that there are major problems to overcome. It will be a shame if the club can’t carry on after seven years, but that may well be a distinct possibility.” Full details of the whole situation will be outlined at the club’s annual presentation evening at the Hubberts Bridge Community Centre on Saturday November 18. Vasey added: “If there is interest in keeping the club going and I suggest that those who really care about our future come along on Saturday, hear what we have to say and then see if they can help.” Tickets for the presentation evening can be reserved by calling (01775) 750100 (office hours) and are £10 each and include a buffet and disco. Boston were revived in 2000 and, although there have been changes in the promotion since that time, Stephen Lambert and Malcolm Vasey have been constant members of the promotion team since the outset. They were joined by Mick Smith in 2003 and the trio have worked together ever since. They won the Conference Knockout Cup in 2000 and the Conference Trophy in 2003 and are generally known for their competitive teams and are well respected at Conference level.
Tuesday October 31^st, 2006
Braves’ future in the balance The immediate future of the Boston Barracuda-Braves appears uncertain. Officials report that in the just-completed 2006 season, the experiment with racing on Friday evenings at Kings Lynn has not been successful in terms of attendances. And it remains to seen if it is possible to revert to Sundays. Otherwise, management say, the future of the club is seriously threatened. It does seem that after seven seasons of trying to locate a suitable site in either of the Boston or Spalding areas that there are major difficulties in carrying on as at present with attendances as they have been in 2006. Braves’ chiefs say that while the search goes on for sites that might gain the necessary planning consent it could be that the club might have to pause its racing activities until such a site is found. Braves’ supporters who have, in the last few months, seen new tracks receive approval in Plymouth and Birmingham with considerable help from the respective local council members will see this as a very disappointing possible outcome. Indeed, the site used at Plymouth is part of the playing arena of St Boniface College and was approved by the local council reportedly against the recommendation of the professional planning officials. Braves connections say it seems sad that a sport currently in a major growth phase throughout Great Britain is unavailable in this area especially when neighbouring club Scunthorpe using land designated for disruptive sports are attracting huge crowds on Sunday afternoons. They say it also seems illogical that an activity that takes about three hours per week can possibly be regarded as disruptive when weighed against the pleasure provided by this family sport not to mention the boost to the local economy that having a team would bring about. One wonders why the local councils are not offering possible sites to the speedway club that is highly thought of in the sport despite the difficulties it has encountered during its existence.
Monday October 30^th, 2006
Junior glory for shale ace Cal Nineteen-year-old Boston Barracuda-Braves rider Cal McDade won the Scottish Junior Championship at Glasgow on Sunday and only narrowly failed to capture the Hethersfield Golden Helmet when he had problems with his cut-out in the final. It was a great afternoon for McDade who has travelled regularly for most of the summer to race for Boston and the meeting also provided an opportunity for Simon Lambert and Wayne Dunworth to sample the track at Ashfield close to the centre of Glasgow. Elsewhere, there are some tickets left for the Braves’ presentation evening at the Community Centre at Hubberts Bridge on Saturday November 18 from 7pm until late. All the Boston riders have been invited to attend and the cost is £10, which includes a full buffet and music from the excellent Calypso Disco. These events are renowned for the high quality of the buffet served and are always popular. It is expected that club chairman Stephen Lambert will make an important announcement about the future of the Barracuda-Braves at the presentation evening.
Tuesday October 17^th, 2006
Double importance to action against Scorpions The Barracuda-Braves will play host to the new Conference League “super-team” when they meet the probable clean sweep multi-champions of 2006 in the shape of the Scunthorpe Scorpions at King’s Lynn on Monday October 23 with a 7.30pm start. The match will see the 2006 Lincolnshire Cup up for grabs and will double as the concluding fixture in the Conference Trophy. Boston team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “I am a big Scunthorpe fan in the sense that they have produced a magnificent septet and are clearly the top Conference team of 2006. They have been lucky to have had two hugely talented reserves and have had few injuries. But over the season they wiped the floor with just about everybody. So good luck to them. “There have been some quite outstanding teams at this level over the years. Berwick were the first and then Linlithgow in 1996 closely followed the next year by a Peterborough side who featured no less than David Howe, Simon Stead and Oliver Allen. St Austell had a great team and Sheffield had top sides in 2000 and 2001. But after the Mildenhall dominance in 2004, the rules made it harder to produce a “super” squad. But somehow Scunthorpe have done it and we have an opportunity to try and beat them and we will have a go.” Scunthorpe expect to be at full strength in their bid to retain the Lincolnshire Cup but Boston will be without young Australian Sam Martin who has sent most of his equipment back to Australia. Martin is somewhat frustrated as he will not be leaving England now until towards the end of next week due to a late change of plans as he is an award winner at the Speedway Riders’ Association dinner at Coventry on Tuesday October 24.
Tuesday October 10^th, 2006
All eyes on Lincolnshire Trophy restaging The Boston NC Williams and Son Insurance-sponsored Barracuda-Braves have secured an interesting and exciting field for the re-staging of the historic Lincolnshire Trophy individual event which will take place on Saturday October 14 evening at the Norfolk Arena (7.30pm). All of the available Barracuda-Braves are in the field that also includes British under-15 champion Joe Haines and former Boston stars James Birkinshaw and Robert Hollingworth with a cluster of Mildenhall riders to add some local interest. These include Mark Thompson, who has looked almost unstoppable at King’s Lynn recently, Andrew Bargh and Matthew Wright. Boston chairman Stephen Lambert said: “Because the meeting was originally rained off two weeks ago we seem to have been working on this for ages. But I am pleased with the field that we have assembled and I think it will be a great meeting.” Boston will face Scunthorpe at King’s Lynn in the final Conference Trophy match of 2006 on Monday October 23 (7.30pm) in a match that will also decide the destination of the Lincolnshire Cup and also count as a concluding match in the already-decided Conference Shield competition.
Tuesday October 3^rd, 2006
New dates announced by Braves The Boston Barracuda-Braves’ disappointing speedway season continued when their attractive and traditional individual event, the Lincolnshire Trophy, was called off due to heavy rain on Sunday afternoon. With a limited number of dates remaining at the Norfolk Arena this has left Boston with problems regarding a re-arrangement. But with help from the King’s Lynn promotion, re-staging dates have been finalised thus: Saturday October 14, Lincolnshire Trophy start time 7.30pm; Monday October 23, versus Scunthorpe (counting as Conference Trophy and Lincolnshire Cup meeting, 7.30pm). Due to pressure on dates, Scunthorpe have agreed that the Lincolnshire Cup will be contested over the one leg this season and the match, which is an official Conference Trophy fixture, will also determine the winners of the Lincolnshire Cup which the Scorpions won last season. The Boston promotion are at pains to make it clear that the fixture is not a double header. Last weekend, though, started well for Boston rider Nathan Irwin who raced to success in the David Nix Memorial Trophy meeting at King’s Lynn on Friday, a charity event hosted and organised by David’s father. Braves’ chairman Stephen Lambert said: “Nathan has not had the best of seasons but he proved on Friday just what he can do when he is at his best. Pat Nix had put together a good field and whoever came out on top would have been pleased. And I am sure that Nathan was overjoyed at his success.” Meanwhile, Sam Martin and Simon Lambert rode in the British Under-18s Championship at Wolverhampton on Monday evening (October 2), scoring two and five points respectively. Lambert had been given the all-clear to race by his medical advisors last Thursday. But with his fitness levels still below normal, he found the grippy track soon sapped the strength in his arms. The rider said: “It was hard work and a tough meeting to come back in and I had to give up my final ride. But at least I have had a competitive meeting and I’ll see how I feel in the days after the meeting.” The teenager suffered a badly broken arm in a Conference League match at Stoke in May. Sam Martin also found the pace a little too hot and managed two third places in the event, won by Lewis Bridger of Eastbourne.
Sunday October 1^st, 2006
Prestige meeting victim of rain The annual staging of the prestigious and historic Lincolnshire Trophy meeting had to be called off when the Norfolk Arena in King’s Lynn fell victim to the elements when heavy rain left the track waterlogged. There is no indication yet of a possible revised date.
Tuesday September 26^th, 2006
Star names in Trophy line-up This weekend the Boston NC Williams and Son Insurance-sponsored Barracuda-Braves stage the historic Lincolnshire Trophy at King’s Lynn. Sunday October 1 is the date allocated for the contest (start time 7.30pm). A strong field will be taking part — one that includes former winners James Birkinshaw and all-time Boston legend Rob Hollingworth, both looking to regain the title. They will face strong opposition from many of the current Boston riders plus Tai Woffinden and Richie Dennis from Scunthorpe and Mildenhall’s Mark Thompson and Andrew Bargh. But Boston supporters will be pleased to hear that their teenage ace Simon Lambert may be fit to ride in the event after weeks on the sidelines with a broken arm. Lambert has had one or two practice sessions and although he has suffered discomfort his medical advisors will decide this week whether or not he is fit to return to track action. The Lincolnshire Trophy has its roots in the halcyon days at New Hammond Beck Road is always an exciting event as the riders compete for sponsors’ cash prizes and it is hard to forecast the eventual winner. Reflecting on last Saturday’s 61-32 loss away to Rye house in their concluding Conference League match of the season, it was obvious that the Boston management were very disappointed at their team’s lack lustre display. Team manager Malcolm Vasey said: “It was a poor display and while I accept that Rye have a good side, who recovered well after losing the first match of the evening against Scunthorpe, we were poor. There will be a major shake-up if I am around next season. I tried hard to inject some new blood for this match but could not get the people that I wanted. We didn’t just lose the play-offs spot on Saturday, though. We have had some disappointing results throughout the season and probably got as much as we deserved.”
Tuesday September 19^th, 2006
Last chance saloon for the Braves It’s as case of last chance saloon time for the Barracuda-Braves as they face a trip to Hoddesdon on Saturday evening when they will hope to achieve a remarkable result and defeat the Rye House Raiders by the nine points necessary to put the team into the Conference League play-offs (third place in the table) where they would face local rivals Scunthorpe in what would be a tremendous event for Lincolnshire Speedway. Club chairman Stephen Lambert said: “It looks a really tough task and we have tried every way to see how we could perhaps freshen the side up for this match. But with time running out fast any major alterations seem unlikely. However, while we may be the underdogs, you never know with speedway and we will give it our very best shot on Saturday. We are very disappointed with our season. For all sorts of reasons we have under-achieved, but there have still been some outstanding successes among the riders and they may just be able to inspire us to do something special on the night.” Saturday’s meeting forms part of a double header at Rye House with the Raiders racing against Scunthorpe in the Knockout Cup semi-final at 6pm with a night of high drama concluded with Rye House v Boston at around 7.30 pm. Boston will hold their annual presentation evening at the Hubberts Bridge Community Centre near Boston on Saturday November 18, starting at 8pm. Admission will be £10, the ticket prices including a full buffet prepared as usual under the supervision of Andy Scotney and the music will be provided by the excellent Calypso Disco with Paul Freiston at the head of affairs. It is always a great night out and several past Boston riders have already enquired about the event.
Tuesday September 12^th, 2006
Prestigious Trophy meeting countdown Boston Barracuda-Braves chairman Stephen Lambert has been hard at work obtaining sponsorship for the prestigious Lincolnshire Trophy event scheduled to take place at King’s Lynn on October 1. It will be a locally-flavoured field and Boston are staging the meeting on a Sunday in response to many requests from the public. Veteran Rob Hollingworth — the hero of two eras at Boston — is booked to take part. It will be interesting to see how he can fare against the present team members. On the Conference League front, Boston need to win by a nine-point margin against Rye House on Saturday September 23 to set up a lucrative play-off semi-final with Scunthorpe. But team manager Malcolm Vasey is wondering how his team can get the better of close finishes. He said: “We just don't seem to be able to raise enough steam during a meeting to clinch these tight finishes. Against Mildenhall, I know we were without John Oliver, Cal McDade and long term injury victim Simon Lambert, but we should still have won in my opinion. If there is anything that I can do with the team to try and get a result at Rye House, I will.” John Oliver scored eight points when representing Boston in the Conference League Riders Championship at Rye House on Saturday evening — a creditable performance after a frightening crash in his first ride when Karl Mason ran into him entering the back straight. It looked an horrific accident but both riders walked away with their machinery wrecked. On his second machine John lacked a little power but fought hard throughout a most entertaining meeting that was won by former Boston rider Adam Roynon with a flawless maximum. Wayne Broadhurst found the going tough and scored just one point.
Wednesday September 6^th, 2006
Johnson gets reserve berth call-up Worries over team composition at reserve berth have this week been occupying the thoughts of Boston Barracuda-Braves’ officials. With a Friday home Conference Trophy clash against Mildenhall looming large on the horizon, connections of the Norfolk Arena based side have looked at options open to them to plug the number six race jacket. That’s because Cal McDade sustained injuries and damage to his machinery in a heat two fall in Sunday’s slender league defeat against Plymouth. The situation has left Boston a headache, particularly with possible replacement Scott Campos still in plaster with a broken arm. As such, team boss Malcolm Vasey has named 16-year-old Ben Johnson in the squad. Johnson has been on Boston’s books since the start of the season but an injury sustained in June has limited his opportunities but he is determined to grasp his opportunity with both hands. The Braves could, in theory, still reach the play-offs but that would require a victory by at least eight points at Rye House when the club visit Hoddesdon for the second part of a double header involving Scunthorpe on September 23. Club chairman Stephen Lambert said: “That’s a tall order but we will give it a go and see what we can achieve. The situation has not really altered that much after losing to Plymouth although a mere win at Rye would have sufficed if we had beaten the Devils. But it isn’t over until it’s over.” Friday teams: Boston: Oliver, Martin, Irwin, Broadhurst, Mallett, Johnson, Hughes. Mildenhall: Bargh, Purchase, Wright, Baseby, Thompson, Henry, Goody.
Sunday September 3^rd, 2006
Play-off dreams are all but extinguished The Barracuda-Braves saw their hopes of clinching a Conference League play-off place all but extinguished by the Plymouth Devils in an exciting and close-fought meeting at the Norfolk Arena. Victory eventually went to the visitors by a slender 46-44 margin. But it was sufficient to deny the Braves a finishing place in the top three of the table — except for a miracle result when they travel to face Rye House.
Wednesday August 30^th, 2006
Victory vital for Braves’ play-off ambitions There’s a tough assignment lying ahead for the Boston Barracuda-Braves. But it’s one they have to conquer if they want to keep alive their ambitions of reaching the Conference League play-offs via a top three finishing place in the table. Sunday at the Norfolk Arena in King’s Lynn (start time 7.30pm) sees them come face-to-face with the Plymouth Devils, a side also right in contention for league honours. Victory for the Braves would keep alive their own ambitions while the Devils will be anxious to win and reach the play-offs from top position in the Conference League and go straight into the final. Anxiously looking on will be the Scunthorpe Scorpions who currently head the Conference League table but would be knocked off top spot if the Devils can beat Boston. It’s an intriguing situation rolling on from the abandonment of the original fixture when heavy rain intervened with Plymouth leading 22-20 after seven heats. Boston chairman Stephen Lambert said: “We will be going all out to win as you can expect. But it will be a real battle. Being on Sunday evening, it will give those supporters who are at work on our normal Friday race nights, the chance to see the Braves and it will give us a guide as to our future race night.” Teams for Sunday: Boston: Broadhurst, Martin, Irwin, Oliver, Mallett, McDade, Hughes. Plymouth (from): Stephens, Johnson, Brown, Smart, Waldron, Westacott, Barnett, Smith, Bates.
Monday August 28^th, 2006
Braves pair miss out in title pursuit Braves’ duo Wayne Broadhurst and John Oliver missed out in their attempt to claim the Conference League Pairs title. In the meeting, staged at Scunthorpe, riders were racing for points on a 4, 3, 2, 0 basis to decide the destiny of the crown. The Boston partnership contested Group B in the qualifying section and mustered scores of 3 and 14 respectively for a combined total of 17. But this wasn’t enough to see them through to the straight KO semi-finals and final. Overall success went to Messrs Cooper and Compton, representing the B pair from host club Scunthorpe Scorpions.
Tuesday August 22^nd, 2006
Broadhurst and Oliver chasing pairs crown Wayne Broadhurst and John Oliver will fly the flag for the Boston Barracuda-Braves on Monday at Scunthorpe. The partnership will be aiming for glory in the Conference League Pairs Championship, start time 3pm. And Boston team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “They are our in-form men especially at Normanby Road and I believe that we can really make our mark there on Monday. Looking at the meeting, it is hard to rule out any of the pairs. And at least by staging the event at Scunthorpe we have a really fair racing track that keeps home advantage to a minimum. Hopefully there will be a good crowd with plenty of Boston support. And I certainly hope we can have a meeting to remember. I know that Scunthorpe have gone out of their way to put on what should be a memorable show and this looks like being one of the Conference League’s best ever events.” Vasey will be urging his team to take every second half opportunity and any other racing engagements that are available to them between now and next weekend to keep race fit in readiness for their re-arranged league fixture against Plymouth at King’s Lynn on Sunday September 3. Boston suffered a further postponement last Friday when their Trophy match against Scunthorpe was called off due to the heavy rain. And this has left the team short of match practice ahead of this important fixture. Vasey said: “It is a defining fixture in terms of the Conference League with Plymouth needing to win it in order to go straight to the play-off final while we need victory to try to scrape into the play-offs in third place. Scunthorpe’s defeat at Rye House has thrown the door wide open for the Devils and they will be determined to beat us when they come. We have to match their determination and ensure that we give ourselves every chance by remaining race fit for the match.” The Braves have chosen a Sunday race date to assess the impact on crowd levels with so many supporters stating a preference for Sunday racing. Club chairman Stephen Lambert said: “We will take a fresh look at things for next season if we get an indication that our supporters want Sunday racing. We are starting the meeting at 7.30 pm to enable Plymouth supporters to also take in a visit to another meeting at Mildenhall the same afternoon.”
Saturday August 19^th, 2006
Trophy tie falls victim to the weather Heavy rain throughout the day forced the postponement of Boston Barracuda-Braves home Conference Trophy clash with Scunthorpe, scheduled for the Norfolk Arena, King’s Lynn last night (August 18). No new date has yet been arranged.
Monday August 14^th, 2006
Braves gear up for tough Trophy derby test Boston Barracuda-Braves are poised to throttle back into speedway action on Friday August 18 after a break of more than a week away from the track. And a derby clash lies in prospect for the meeting at King’s Lynn the Braves contest Conference Trophy points against local rivals Scunthorpe (start time 7.30pm). Boston chairman Stephen Lambert said: “It’s very much a matter of local pride. Scunthorpe are without doubt the strongest team in the Conference set-up and it is up to us to try and beat them on Friday. But our riders are ready to give it a go and if we strike top form we might just surprise a few people.” Meanwhile, Boston officials have re-arranged their outstanding fixtures with Mildenhall (Trophy) and Plymouth (Conference League). The Devils will visit the Norfolk Arena on the Braves off-race day on Sunday September 3 with Mildenhall providing the opposition five days later on September 8. Lambert said: “It has been really difficult to sort a new date out for Plymouth as they are a Friday track like ourselves and the Sunday match will give our supporters a chance to show us if they would prefer that day next season. Elsewhere, Boston’s prestigious and historic event the Lincolnshire Trophy will take place on Sunday October 1 at King’s Lynn. This may deny current holder James Cockle the opportunity to defend his title since his present club Glasgow usually race on a Sunday. Former holders James Birkinshaw and Rob Hollingworth have been booked to ride in what is always a tough and high-calibre event. In addition, Boston have named captain Wayne Broadhurst and the lively John Oliver as their pair for the Conference League Pairs Championship at Scunthorpe on Bank Holiday Monday (August 28).
Tuesday August 8^th, 2006
Braves looking at fixtures re-jig Officials connected with Boston Barracuda-Braves are looking to reconstitute the club’s end of season fixture list in the wake of the eleventh hour postponement on August 4 of the scheduled Conference Trophy match against Mildenhall due to a late conflict of match interests with parent club King’s Lynn whose Premier League Trophy semi-final clash against Workington eventually took precedence. Discussions are under way to try and agree a new date. But in the meantime, the Braves are left with a blank week — their next home encounter being the return Conference Trophy meeting against Scunthorpe on Friday August 18 when revenge will be on the Boston agenda after losing 57-37 to the Scorpions in north Lincolnshire on Monday. In respect of the late call-off of their Conference Trophy match against Mildenhall last Friday, Braves chairman Stephen Lambert said: “It was unfortunate but could not be helped and we hope to announce our revised programme for the rest of the season in the next day or so.”
Wednesday August 3^rd, 2006
Match is called off Boston Barracuda-Braves’ home Conference Trophy fixture against Mildenhall on Friday August 4 has been postponed in the wake of parent club at the Norfolk Arena, King’s Lynn having a rescheduled Premier League match against Rye House now on their programme. No new date for the Boston match has yet been fixed.
Tuesday August 1^st, 2006
Braves are eager to make amends Boston Barracuda-Braves will be keen to atone for one of their weakest displays of the season. And they get the chance on Friday August 4 at King’s Lynn’s Norfolk Arena (7.30pm) when they play host to Mildenhall in a quick bid to make up for a 55-38 reverse against the same opponents last Sunday. The Conference Trophy meeting comes at a time when the Boston management know they have to redress the balance and make amends to their fans. Chairman Stephen Lambert said: “I think we have something to prove. Sam Martin will make his first appearance in the main body of the team. And he really deserves the opportunity to step up from reserve and show everyone what he can do. The lad has been a breath of fresh air this summer. Kyle Hughes, who recognises that he has been a little inconsistent, moves the other way and that gives him a chance to really put some bad luck behind him and re-launch himself.” On Monday August 7 Boston travel take on the big guns of Scunthorpe at Normanby Road (7.30pm), again in the Conference Trophy. Elsewhere on the Braves’ front, the club have released three squad members to assist the teams taking part in the Conference Shield. Wayne Dunworth will ride for Weymouth mainly in their northern fixtures while James Theobald will revert to Sittingbourne where he rode last season. Danny Hodgson has moved to Buxton who had real difficulties at the weekend.
Tuesday July 25^th 2006
Braves focus on Trophy campaign Boston Barracuda-Braves switch their attentions to Conference Trophy duty this weekend when they travel to face Mildenhall Academy in the first part of a double header meeting (also featuring Scunthorpe) with a start time of 4.30pm (admission £12 adults, £10 concessions, £5 children). Leading the Braves in their quest for a good start to the competition will be skipper Wayne Broadhurst, a former rider at West Rown for the 2003 and 2004 campaigns. He said: “I made many friends at Mildenhall and I really liked the track and set up there at the time and I am looking forward to returning with Boston.” Boston go into the clash with Cal McDade likely to be available again after injury. Meanwhile, notification has been served from the British Speedway Promoters’ Association that Sam Martin must move up from reserve berth and into the main body of the side due to his regular free scoring totals over the first half of the season. This will probably mean Kyle Hughes moving down into number seven position. Team manager Malcolm Vasey said: “Sam has been incredible at times this season and he is very positive about this change which he sees as a progression of his speedway career. Kyle will drop to reserve when we have all our top riders available and his form too has been mostly excellent. But someone has to switch with Sam.” There are a number of similar changes throughout the League with the Scunthorpe duo of Tai Woffinden and Josh Auty also moving up as do Messrs Waldron of Plymouth and Taylor of Buxton. Boston connections have this week also confirmed they have spoken to Weymouth promoter Phil Bartlett and given him permission to negotiate with any of Boston’s non-regular first team riders who may wish to assist the south coast track in their Conference Trophy campaign. Elsewhere, the Braves’ management are trying to agree a date with Plymouth to restage their Conference League clash that was washed out at the Norfolk Arena after just seven races last Friday. This call-off has created difficulty with both clubs operating on Friday evenings. Boston are in discussions with their King’s Lynn landlords to try and find a suitable alternative to offer the Devils.
Tuesday July 18^th 2006
Crunch clash beckons Braves Prospects of Boston Barracuda-Braves landing a Conference League play-off spot will be significantly boosted on Friday (July 21) if they can conquer fellow high-flyers Plymouth at the Norfolk Arena, King’s Lynn (7.30pm). The Braves go into the clash knowing they have a good chance of claiming the third and final play-off slot if they can land the victory spoils, hopefully in the process overhauling a 16-point deficit from the first time the sides met in Devon last month. Officials at the N C Williams and Son Insurance-sponsored Braves hope that all their supporters will rally round the team to try and out-shout their opponents on the terraces. The visitors will be expertly led by Seemond Stephens, an experienced former Premier League rider and also feature Lee Smart and Tom Brown to enhance their reputation of being formidable opponents. They have also signed Jamie Pickard to plug a weakness at No.2 and it all points to an outstanding match in prospect. Boston hope injured pair Darren Mallett and Cal McDade will be fit to bolster their charge for crucial points. Boston team manager Malcolm Vasey stressed the importance of Friday’s match. He said: “This is huge in terms of play-offs qualification and we are desperate to win it.  Plymouth are a really good side. We cannot afford to underestimate them and the racing will be superb I am sure. The track was well prepared for us when we raced against Buxton two weeks ago and we will need something similar to help us on Friday.  We have a team of racers and that extra grip provided by a good top surface is vital. If you on