www.bostonbuzz.co.uk

The prime platform for Boston and District sports news

Spotlight on the Boston Barracudas

SPEEDWAY

Latest news from the Boston Barracudas

Team sponsor: Staffsmart UK

Follow the Boston Barracudas
Reports 2007		Results 2007
Reports 2006	News 2006 & Pre-season 06	Results 2006
Reports 2005	News 2005	Results 2005
Tables 2000-2006	Speedway Home Page
Return to Boston Buzz HOME PAGE
News round-up for 2007
See Reports 2007 section (above) for latest match action details
Tuesday November 27^th, 2007
Two signings and prospect of new track Boston Barracudas staged a very well attended presentation evening on November 23 at the Pinchbeck Social Club near Spalding where a healthy sized audience waited anxiously for news of next season and of the club’s future. Almost all of last season’s team were present and that added considerably to the fun and enjoyment with Paul Cooper doing an impression of King Kong complete with full fancy dress suit while Kieran Morris bravely cavorted for the whole evening in an outfit that would have had Defra announcing a new breed had he ventured out of the building. The rider of the year award was shared with Simon Lambert and Matthew Wright both achieving an identical score in a vote conducted among supporters and both riders were delighted to be regarded so highly. The mechanic of the year award was won by Paul Wright (Matthew Wright’s father) who was equally delighted with his recognition. Local “celebrity” and former grass track rider Jack Bell made his annual award to Simon Lambert and briefly spoke in his inimitable way about the future as he saw it. At this point Boston co-club chairman Dale Allitt thanked everyone for their support during 2007, although noting that he had been disappointed at times with the attendance figures. He pointed out the very satisfactory performances on track that had led to success in the Conference Pairs event and a place in the play-offs and KO Cup semi final. He thanked Michael Chinn, the owner of Staffsmart, the club’s main sponsor, for his very generous support of the club in 2007 and for agreeing to continue that into 2008. He also advised the audience that Mr Chinn would build the club a track in the Boston area if a suitable site was available. Such a move could not happen before 2009 but Allitt pledged to give this matter the fullest possible attention during the coming months. Dale Allitt thanked everyone for their contribution to the club and paid tribute to his two partners Malcolm Vasey and Mick Smith for their work on behalf of the Barracudas. He said: “There is so much to be done to stage a speedway match and I can’t thank the staff enough who help us to put the sport on at Kings Lynn. On race nights it has to work well and our staff ensure that happens.” He then announced that he would be receiving help to raise funds for next season from former co-chairman Stephen Lambert who would return to the club in the capacity of commercial manager with particular responsibility in the west of the club’s catchment area. He thanked everyone for attending and then announced the names of the first two riders to agree to represent the Barracudas in 2008. Tumultuous applause greeted the news that Simon Lambert and Joe Haines had agreed to ride for the club and although there were plenty of other ideas for the rest of the team this could not be finalised until the Conference annual meeting which, he hoped, would follow shortly after the main BSPA AGM. He said: “This is a tremendous start to our team building and those two would be the envy of any Club.” Clearance to announce the pair had been given by King’s Lynn, Workington and Wolverhampton and the Barracudas were grateful for the level of co-operation received from those clubs. Without doubt Boston have reached agreement with two of the best young men in the land. At the end of 2007 Lambert was looking very ready to fulfil the potential he has always had while, at 16, Haines will probably be the best teenager in the sport with a neat but attacking style and a racing ability far beyond his tender years. Malcolm Vasey, who was suffering from a sore throat, took the microphone and warmly thanked Dale Allitt for his personal contribution in 2007 which had helped keep the club alive and also that of his wife Jenni and family during a period of considerable difficulty following a road accident affecting their son, Matthew. Following the presentations the entertainment was provided by the Calypso Disco courtesy of Paul Frieston and Glynis with dancing going on until the midnight hour.
Tuesday November 13^th, 2007
Counting down to presentation evening Preparations are well in hand for the Boston “Staffsamrt” Barracudas annual presentation evening which will take place at Pinchbeck Village Hall near Boston on Friday November 23 from 7.30 pm until late. A few tickets remain available and these can be reserved by calling 07768 073284, the cost being £10 each which includes a full buffet meal and also music and dancing provided by Paul Frieston’s Calypso Disco. All of last season’s team have been invited and the event will provide an opportunity for the club’s promotion to make some important announcements about the arrangements for 2007 and the longer term plans for the club. Co-promoter Dale Allitt said: “These are quite important matters and I want the opportunity for our real supporters to hear the news first and this would seem the best way to achieve that. There is good news to come but if we are to be successful we have to ensure that our sponsorship levels are maintained due to the ever rising operational costs that we face. “We are very upbeat about the future of the club at present and it is fair to say that we could be on the cusp of our best opportunity of moving forward but that cannot happen unless the ways in which people support us which are mainly sponsorship and direct support through the turnstiles are maintained. “I don’t want to say any more now, we will deliver our important statements about a number of issues at the presentation evening but folks must know what a battle we have year on year while we remain in exile and that is the point I am making.” There will undoubtedly be the usual level of fun and games at the Presentation Evening with former Boston grass track rider Jack Bell presenting his own prize for the season and no doubt delivering a tale or two in his inimitable style. The club has launched a new website which will be updated very regularly as soon as there is any news to report especially with regard top the new season. The URL for the website is the www.bostonspeedway.net address.
Tuesday October 30^th, 2007
Positive outlook for the 2008 campaign Although the ink is hardly dry on the pages of the 2007 final programme Boston co-club chairman Dale Allitt is already putting together an action plan in readiness for the 2008 season. This is a vastly different situation to that which surrounded the future of the smallest club in speedway, as they like to be known, at the end of 2006 when the Barracudas seemed destined to return to the history books. Just 12 months after an initial announcement that the club would close, the new promotion are confident that not only will they run in 2008 but they intend to leave nothing to chance in their detailed planning for the new season. Allitt said: “With a year behind us and also a very sharp learning curve, it is time already to put what we’ve learned into practice so that next season we can continue along our planned route towards a permanent home of our own. I would stress that although this is being pursued with renewed vigour, we are at still short of the green shoots stage at the moment. But there is a plan in an embryonic state and one of the aims of the club is to return to the Boston area sooner rather later. Next season we will operate at King’s Lynn again and I have had some preliminary discussions already with Jonathan Chapman and will continue these soon. There are many things that we have in mind and I intend to devote my attention to sponsorship and examine ways and means of improving what we can offer our sponsors. It is very easy to merely take peoples’ money but we want to give them something of real advantage in return such as better advertising through the success of the club and we want to try and do more for them on match days and make them feel the very important part of the club that they are. Last season we always seemed to be rushing around but we have to make time for the people that are supporting us in every way but especially our sponsors. They are the lifeblood of our club if not the whole sport and at the present time we could not exist without their financial backing and in return for that we shall try hard to improve what we can offer them.” Boston are also anxious that the Conference League continues to develop and that it remains an attractive option for existing teams and also for any potential newcomers. Allitt said: “I am looking forward to the next meeting of Conference chairmen and there are some very serious issues to be considered. The most important issue is the situation governing team strengths and the equalisation of the teams at the start of the season. It is very important that the supporters of all teams feel that their club has a chance of doing well and that the entertainment provided at our matches is worth what we charge to our customers to see it. The two go together and if we can get the first part right the second will lead to better attendances. It is time to take a fresh look at the situation of grading systems or other methods of equalising team strengths and I hope that the Conference League will grasp these problems and consider how best to take this issue forward.” Various Boston riders have been in action since the Barracudas completed their own fixtures. Simon Lambert has successfully taken part in two cup finals first with parent club King’s Lynn and then guested for Redcar at Birmingham on Sunday, his return for the Bears including a vital race win at Perry Barr. A number of the Boston “Scottish clan” plus Wayne “MacDunworth” took part in the Hethersfield Gold Helmet competition at Ashfield and although the meeting was truncated because of the rain, Adam McKinna was runner-up in the event.
Tuesday October 23^rd, 2007
Select team makes good impression The “Staffsmart” Boston Barracudas rounded off their season when a “Boston Select” quartet finished third in the Big Bang 2 event at Mildenhall on Sunday. It was a most enjoyable afternoon with warm sunshine enhancing the meeting and it was a real privilege for Boston to feature such great names in their side as Lewis Bridger, Kevin Doolan, Carl Wilkinson and James Brundle who, together with Matthew Wright acting as reserve, certainly made their presence felt at West Row. Indeed, Carl Wilkinson’s epic battle with Chris Schramm provided the race of the day while Lewis Bridger’s overtake down the back straight that took him from last to first was also the move of the match in many people’s eyes. It must be stated, however, that from the outset the Elite League class of Peterborough stole the show and with three new track records along the way the Panthers dominated proceedings. For the rest it was a battle to see who would be runners-up. And although Boston looked likely to fill that position, they fell away towards the end and eventually took third place. Result: Peterborough 38, East Anglian Select 27, Boston Select 22, Mildenhall 21. Boston scorers: Lewis Bridger 11, Carl Wilkinson 5, James Brundle 3, Kevin Doolan 3. Positive reflections and thoughts for future With the season now at an end for the Barracudas the club’s promotional team and their supporters can reflect upon a good season of results certainly the best the set-up has enjoyed for a number of years. And plans are being laid in readiness for next season and beyond. Discussions are beginning to open up on a number of fronts that may ultimately provide a more secure long term future for the club and news about these matters will be regularly reported as the winter months go by. The club has noted with interest the comments of some other Conference League clubs recently concerning the approach to gradings and other matters. Boston team manager Malcolm Vasey said: “Last week Mike Bowden of Plymouth suggested a need for averages to be introduced to control team strengths. And I think that would also be our view. The present grading situation is one of the most urgent problems facing the Conference League and since we have to be able to market this level of speedway to the public, it must be seen to operate on a level playing field. This has proved difficult in my view with the grading system which creates anomalies with some really good riders graded much lower than their actual ability because of the age limitations within the grades. That in itself creates a serious flaw in the distribution of strength around the teams and is something that must be addressed in my opinion. “The use of averages would create a much more accurate measure of ability but there would still be flaws because of the very rapid development that certain younger riders can achieve at this level these days. But with averages there would be far fewer anomalies and the imbalance created by the existing grading system would definitely be reduced. In addition, opportunities for younger riders could be protected by limiting teams to the use of only one rider over 25 or some other appropriate measure that needs to be agreed.” Vasey added: “Efforts also need to be made to more accurately assess riders with experience in other countries because that can cause problems too. It is vital for the sport that third tier racing is able to continue and it was gratifying to see so many ex-Conference League riders in the Premier League play-off matches between Rye House and Sheffield. Only Stefan Ekberg was not an ex-Conference League rider and several of them have appeared at that level during this season. Added to that is the fact that many of the present Premier League teams came from the Conference League which helped them to either re-establish themselves at Premier level or they were new teams able to enter the sport at its lowest level and move up. Can speedway do without that input?” All-in-all, it would seem that there will be plenty of significant importance to discuss when the Conference League chairmen meet this winter.
Tuesday October 16^th, 2007
Team boss salutes strength of conquering rivals Boston Barracudas team manager Malcolm Vasey reflected on the club’s losing finale to the 2007 speedway campaign, notably in the disappointment of losing out to a powerful Scunthorpe side in the semi-finals of the conference League play-offs. He said: “Defeat at home to Scunthorpe is never something that we or our supporters take to easily. But we recognise the special talents of the 2007 Scorpions and I rate it as possibly the best third tier team of all time although there is a case to argue for the Peterborough team of 1997 and the Mildenhall team of 2004. Peterborough were similar in many ways with David Howe, Oliver Allen and Simon Stead burgeoning youngsters. But at that time, doubling up in the way that it happens nowadays, was not an option and therefore it is hard to say whether at that stage of their careers that particular trio would have matched Tai Woffinden and Josh Auty at a higher level. Also, Scunthorpe are so strong in depth and there lies the difference in my view.” After the concluding match at Rye House, which also ended in defeat, co-club chairman Dale Allitt called the Boston riders together and thanked them for their efforts throughout the season highlighting the winning of the Conference Pairs and the two semi-final places in the league play-offs and the KO Cup as worthy achievements for a side that suffered plenty of injuries during the course of the season. Elsewhere, Matthew Wright won the Shareholders Junior Championship at Mildenhall on Sunday with fellow Barracuda Darren Mallett in third place to cap a successful afternoon in the Fens and not without some support from the Boston area in the crowd. Also taking part were Boston reserves Adam Lowe and Kieran Morris who filled the reserve berths for the event and rode well enough when called upon to take the place of injured riders. A Boston select will take part in the “Big Bang 2” meeting at Mildenhall on Sunday (October 21 at 4.30 pm) when an appropriately structured select side will face Mildenhall, Peterborough and an East Anglian Select hoping to lift the prize. Boston have their regular No. 1 James Brundle who will be joined by former No.1 Carl Wilkinson while Kevin Doolan and Lewis Bridger will add power ready to take on the strength of the opposition sides. Allitt said: “The afternoon promises to provide great entertainment with the Big Bang in shape of the fireworks at the end and although we are a composite team they all have at least slight Boston connections and I hope our supporters will come along and help us to win it and enjoy a good afternoon at West Row.” The club are now awaiting dates of meetings with other Conference League clubs in order to address the issues raised during the 2007 season and to start planning effectively for 2008. Clearly the re-engineering that could take place at a higher levels within the sport will impact upon the Conference League but Cudas officials reckon it is essential that some aspects of the league are reviewed and where possible improvements considered.
Tuesday October 9^th, 2007
Wide dismay at semi-final encounter outcomes The whole of the Boston Barracudas set-up were bitterly disappointed with the two results against Scunthorpe at Normanby Road — each resulting in a heavy mauling in the KO Cup and then the first leg of the Conference League play-offs, both at the semi-final stage. Many of the team felt that they did not do themselves justice and while it is true that one or two riders looked out of touch, it must be said that Scunthorpe are clearly one of the best sides at Conference level certainly since the introduction of the grading system and arguably since the introduction of speedway’s third tier in 1994. Cudas’ co-club chairman Dale Allitt said: “We still have an opportunity to try to beat them again at King’s Lynn on Friday and we intend to do our very best to do so.” He was referring to another crunching encounter with the Scorpions immediately after the King’s Lynn fixture against the Isle of Wight at the Norfolk Arena. “I am totally convinced that we will give them a real run for their money on Friday and you just never know. Some of our riders were quite distraught after Sunday and are determined to improve matters at home.” The Barracudas complete their fixtures with a League match at Hoddesdon on Saturday when they face the Rye House Raiders. The club would like to end their season on a high note and feel that their achievements in 2007 should not be lost in the midst of a series of defeats to such a good team as Scunthorpe. Allitt said: “We won the Conference Pairs and we reached the semi finals of the KO Cup and the play-offs and these are the best collection of results that Boston have achieved for some time. Not only that, but we had more than our fair share of bad luck with injuries but always managed to come out of each situation with an appropriate solution so all in all I have to be pleased with that. The riders deserve a lot of credit and it upsets us when people, especially on the internet, fail to make allowance for the strength and quality of the opposition.” Boston were bemused to learn on Monday that despite having to shoehorn in their two semi-final fixtures with Scunthorpe following the rain off two weeks ago, that Plymouth have been allowed to decline to race their KO Cup final at Scunthorpe this weekend despite the possibility that the clubs will meet in the play-off final as well. Boston team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “I understand that we had to comply with the tight fixture schedule partly because of pressure from Plymouth who now seem in no hurry to get on with their programme. It will be a major disappointment for the league if the weather should close in and cause further difficulties.” Friday’s Boston match at the Norfolk Arena follows the Kings Lynn v Isle of Wight Premier League fixture which will start at 7.30pm and admission will be £15 for the two matches with concessions admitted for £11, juniors £5 and under-11s free of charge. The match will provide a final opportunity to see at first hand riders of the ability of Tai Woffinden and Josh Auty who will grace the higher leagues within speedway full time next season and also Chris Holder of the Isle of Wight tipped by many to be the next Australian world champion. It should be a night to remember. Boston complete their league fixtures at Rye House (Hoddesdon) on Saturday evening (7pm start). It is understood that admission to this match is free as a generous thank you to Rye House supporters and obviously this will apply to any Boston followers present. The Barracudas have been forced to change the date and venue of their presentation evening. This will now be held on Friday November 23 at the Pinchbeck Village Hall near Spalding.
Tuesday October 2^nd, 2007
Fixture log-jam forces Boston in cup-tie shuffle Once again the cruel hand of fate has interrupted Boston’s plans and damaged their chances of a major success with the inglorious weather taking centre stage last Friday leaving Boston’s hopes of a cup upset against the might of Scunthorpe somewhat in tatters as numerous great minds combined to try and find a way out of the fixture chaos that the Barracudas are facing. Every possible fixture permutation was examined and for one reason or another rejected — some not financially viable and some logistically impossible when allowing for travelling and work commitments. There is a need to complete the Cudas’ KO Cup semi-final tie in time to allow the winners the opportunity to race against Plymouth, conquerors of Weymouth and the emerging team from the other half of the draw. There is also the need for Boston and Scunthorpe to meet in the two legged play-off semi-finals with the attendant risk perhaps of another postponement somewhere. Ultimately, after considerable reflection, the Boston promotion decided to accept the offer to hire Scunthorpe’s track at Normanby Road this Friday evening (October 5 at 7.30 pm) to stage their home leg. This and the proposals made for the remaining Boston fixtures this season have been accepted by the BSPA with the Scorpions visiting King’s Lynn on Friday October 12 for the second leg of the play-off semi-final. The first leg of the play-offs is at Normanby Road on Sunday afternoon and that should provide yet more excitement as this series between Lincolnshire’s two speedway clubs develops. Boston co-promoter Dale Allitt said: “It was the only equitable situation that did not impact on the staging of the final and hopefully the weather will be kind to us this time. I understand that some of our supporters will find the 65-mile journey to Scunthorpe a problem but I do hope that they will bear with us and try and make it. We are going there to try and win and there have been bigger upsets in speedway. We are very grateful to the Scunthorpe promoters for allowing us to use their track in this way it was such a serious fixture log-jam and at least we have a solution that we can manage. Trying to get a team together for a short notice midweek fixture is virtually impossible given the travelling involved,” suggested Allitt. No such problems would exist if the club had its own track in Boston and club officials say they feel it is a social disgrace that they and their followers remain exiled at King’s Lynn after eight years where they have to play second fiddle to the Premier League Kings Lynn Stars. They believe the time is overdue for at least some member of the Boston Borough Council to champion their cause for a track of their own and direct some corporate municipal effort into the exercise. Officials say it is a sad fact that on the edge of the town a lightly-used facility is based that was built with the aid of council taxpayers’ money and is surely a drain on the public coffers. The feasibility of offering the Barracudas a permanent home there or elsewhere is surely now becoming a must for the authorities. The galling feature of Boston racing at Normanby Road in Scunthorpe instead of in their own borough is that the facility used by Scunthorpe is on land designated by that club’s council for such use something that does not appear to exist in Boston. Cudas’ chiefs say this situation continues to rob the borough residents of an entertainment feature and the local economy is denied the revenue that such activity as regular speedway racing would bring. Boston’s main sponsor “Staffsmart” are keen to direct financial help to such a project and will work with the club and the council to ensure the achievement of a dream. Last Sunday Boston fought back in terrific fashion at Scunthorpe to go into the second leg just six points adrift of their powerful neighbours. It had looked a gloomy picture in the early stages but Boston fought back with tactical ride successes for Simon Lambert and Boston man of the match Paul Cooper who was devastating after a disaster in the first race. Boston team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “Paul Cooper helped lead the fight back and then Simon Lambert’s heroics in heat 14 were simply unbelievable. I know Scunthorpe had some problems but so did we with Matt Wright losing the use of his No 1 bike just before the parade and Simon also lost power in his final ride. Paul was amazing dishing out advice to the other riders about where to ride the track he really is a top guy.” Looking ahead to the weekend Boston feel that they can eliminate Scunthorpe from at least one of the competitions. Lambert said: “By Sunday we will think it is our home track and that could set us up to complete the task next week. Similarly six points adrift on Friday and this lot fear no-one. It just could happen. If the season was just starting we would be the ones to watch and we are out to show that.”
Tuesday September 25^th, 2007
Mouth-watering clashes are in prospect What a treat in store for speedway fans in Lincolnshire and North Norfolk during the next two weekends with Boston and Scunthorpe going head to head in first the Knockout Cup semi-final, these mouth watering matches taking place on Friday (September 28) at King’s Lynn (7.30 pm) with the conclusion 48 hours later at Scunthorpe on Sunday afternoon (3.00pm). That’s one bill of excitement. But things don’t end there because the two clubs will meet again in the Conference play-offs semi final seven days later at each venue in a complete repeat performance. It all adds up to four matches that would grace any Conference League scenario at any period in the history of this level of the sport and the equal of some of the great Boston and Mildenhall matches of the not-too-distant-past. Barring any last minute hitches the “Staffsmart” Barracudas will be at full strength for both fixtures this weekend alternating their No.1 with James Brundle racing at King’s Lynn and then making use of Paul Cooper’s superb track knowledge for the return leg at Scunthorpe. Boston team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “Both of these lads have been outstanding for us since they shared the No.1 role after Jon Armstrong’s departure and it is quite appropriate that we use the two in this way. We have looked very closely at the two sides and have highlighted one or two points that will form the basis for our attack on the Scorpions and we hope that this will perhaps give us an edge. But you know there are 14 great Conference League riders taking part in these matches and as we saw in our double header two weeks ago, inspiration can come from just about anywhere.” An added bonus will be that James Brundle can expect some support from King’s Lynn fans on Friday while Sunday may see some travelling support from Sheffield for Paul at Scunthorpe. Indeed James is looking forward to racing in front of as many Stars fans as possible given his recent departure from the King’s Lynn side. It is clear that these fixtures are not just about the riders in the No.1 race jackets but also an opportunity for other Boston riders to continue the high level of performance that they have displayed recently to reach their present position. To do that the club has seen outstanding performances from their captain Simon Lambert and his partnership with Matthew Wright has been devastating for opposing teams in recent weeks. Wright has hit his best form of the season and possibly his career and is attracting guest bookings from the Premier League. He was the man of the match at Sittingbourne when the team took a few heats to get into their stride and that follows other top performances since his return from injury. Lambert underlined his liking for the Normanby Road track at Scunthorpe before a problem with his coil followed some kind of carburration problem prevented him reaching the final in the David Nix Memorial Trophy last weekend. Simon’s sudden loss of power on his second bike impacted upon Darren Mallett who was close behind, his evasive action leaving him at the back of the field. In fact Mallett rode as well as ever at Normanby Road last weekend something of an encouragement to all at Boston. Club co-chairman Dale Allitt said: “All of our riders are reaching personal heights. I would cite Adam Lowe’s racing against Buxton as a personal best and the Scottish lads have also been strong even though Adam McKinna has struggled a bit with his knee. Cal McDade has all of his old enthusiasm back and at the start of the season we said that the team would improve. Well, that has happened and anyone getting in the way of us now will know that they have been in a match. We surprised Scunthorpe when they came here five weeks ago but we have cranked it up a notch since then.” Some great battles will be fought out starting at King’s Lynn on Friday. They pose key questions upon which that KO Cup final spot may ultimately depend. Can James Brundle get the better of Messrs Woffinden and Auty, the latter will want to seriously improve on his showing the last time the clubs met? Will the dynamic partnership of Lambert and Wright cope as well with what Scunthorpe can throw at them as they did with Jon Armstrong, himself a mighty warrior at the Norfolk Arena. Will Adam Lowe sweep around the opposition by using the dirt line to great effect like he did last time out for Boston. These are just some of the battle ground areas that will decide the outcome of the first leg and it may be that the tactical battle will form the centre spread at Scunthorpe. It is a totally intriguing situation with the current champions and KO Cup holders possibly looking over their shoulders a little more than is often the case as Boston seek to announce themselves in the best way that they know how and every one present is in for an absolute thrill packed weekend. It is another one of those ties that provides spectators with an opportunity of seeing at first hand a real battle of all talents at Conference level. Boston come into the series on the back of three victories while Scunthorpe have lost three times all season in all competitions. There is the opportunity to see the prodigious talent of 16-year-old Tai Woffinden, the Conference League Riders champion and British Under-18 champion crowned with both of those titles after outstanding performances in the last 10 days. He is arguably the best 16-year-old the sport has seen and in fact races for the Premier League Riders Championship when the clubs meet on Sunday. Josh Auty has been signed by Elite League Coventry in readiness for his career at the highest level and Boston will challenge these two with scant regard for the reputations that they have built for themselves. This really is an opportunity to see, smell and feel the action in a sport that is regaining its popularity on a national scale with the Boston management still hopeful of a return to the Borough in the future. They have been looking at a possible option for the last few months but want to go into any project with the noise of their supporters ringing in their ears. What better chance to do that than against the might of Scunthorpe? Probable team line-ups: Boston (at Boston): Brundle, McKinna, Lambert, Wright, Mallett, Lowe, McDade Boston (at Scunthorpe): Cooper, McKinna, Lambert, Wright, Mallett, Lowe, McDade Scunthorpe: Woffinden, Haines, Auty, Cockell, TBA, Richardson, Bekker. (team to be revised for Sunday’s fixture) Tickets for the Barracudas’ annual presentation evening will be on sale at the match this taking place on Saturday November 24 at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Boston. The price of tickets is £10 each and numbers are limited. In the past, demand for this event has always exceeded availability and those wishing to attend are advised to get their tickets as soon as possible.
Tuesday September 18^th, 2007
Riders still busy despite team inactivity It’s very much the lull before the storm for the Boston Barracudas as they have a second blank weekend ahead of their blockbuster Knockout Cup semi-final against Scunthorpe — with both legs taking place over the last weekend of September. This does not mean the Cudas’ riders are idle, however, with various riders taking opportunities to ride in the Premier League where a bad season for injuries has bitten into the resources of many clubs. Matthew Wright has had a couple of outings for Mildenhall and shown up very well and also did extremely well to finish second in the Alan Pearce Memorial Trophy at Birmingham on his first visit to the new track at Perry Barr. It was a disappointing night for Boston captain Simon Lambert who was all at sea in the Conference League Riders’ Championship Final at Rye House. It was particularly surprising in the light of his double figure return for Birmingham at King’s Lynn just 24 hours earlier. Shane Waldron has suffered a further setback in his effort to return to action before the end of the season. The unlucky teenager had targeted the British Under-18s Final at Wolverhampton earlier this week as the date for his comeback but a minor car accident has left him with ankle damage and has delayed his hopes of a return to speedway. The annual Barracudas’ presentation evening will take place at St Thomas Church Hall in Boston on Saturday November 24 and tickets are now available at £10 each. Entry includes a full buffet supper. The ever-popular Calypso Disco, courtesy of Paul Frieston, will provide music. Tickets will be on sale at Boston’s remaining home meetings.
Tuesday September 11^th, 2007
Play-off spot is all but secured A tremendous weekend for the Barracudas ended on a high note when the three Conference League points gathered at Sittingbourne just about put Boston into the play-offs with one match to go against Rye House. Events began with a superb evening on Friday when the five points on offer were snapped up in the double-header fixture with Rye House and Buxton. This double triumph was followed up with victory at Sittingbourne and three more precious points in the bag. Most pleasing of all for Boston was the high level of individual performance from the whole team and the way that they pulled together at the Old Gun Site after a disastrous start, on a track that had deteriorated during a long day, was quite exceptional. On Friday evening the reserves had to dig deep when Adam McKinna was injured in the first heat of the second match of the double header and although Cal McDade was feeling very weary he produced points at vital times with some electric gating. Adam Lowe stepped up to the plate towards the end of the same match when after a fairly heavy fall in heat 11 he took the route that can best be described as the “outer limits” brushing his way around the safety fence to notch six paid points in his last two rides with some of the bravest riding seen from Boston this season. Team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “You cannot single out anyone because the whole team weighed in all weekend with massive contributions. I believe that was Adam Lowe’s best match for Boston but Matthew Wright was also exceptional in almost every race he was in and for Darren Mallett to come back from a broken collar bone and take nine races on Friday evening was amazing, especially when we considered leaving him out of one match. Not only that, but he was paid for 23 points during the evening. Let’s also not forget that Simon Lambert is getting over a horrendous crash and that James Brundle was sidelined with tonsillitis a few days earlier. Adam McKinna has had his share of injuries and with James he led the revival in heat five at Sittingbourne before catching his foot in a rut and being ruled out of the meeting with a very swollen knee. And finally, who was out on the track with his bike when Mallett had a problem at the Old Gun Site? Yes, Simon Lambert playing his captain’s role to the full, so generously ensuring that our overworked reserves did not have to take any more extra rides and Darren obliged with two wins on Rambo’s bike. This was a real team effort every single one of them gave his all and our supporters can be very proud of them.” Boston are without a fixture this weekend and the only definite fixture ahead is the KO Cup semi-final with Scunthorpe which is spread over the final weekend of the month at King’s Lynn on September 28 and then at Normanby Road two days later. These will be mouth-watering fixtures for the supporters of both clubs with the Scorpions anxious to avenge the blemish on their League record that Boston made when the two met at King’s Lynn in August. Co promoter Dale Allitt said: “We are already planning for these matches and have one or two ideas up our sleeves. We had a bit of a plan last time and I still don’t think anyone quite worked it out, at least nothing I have read would suggest that they have.” This week is a big week for the Conference League with Simon Lambert representing the Club in the Conference Riders’ Championship at Rye House on Saturday evening (7pm). Matthew Wright has been named as a reserve and the two lads could do with support at the event. The field is very strong and well worthy of support on the terraces.
Tuesday September 4^th, 2007
Everything’s on the line for Barracudas Just about everything is on the line for the Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas this weekend as they fight to consolidate a position among the top four of the British Speedway Conference League which would give the club the massive boost of a place in the play-offs for the championship. They also have a KO Cup semi-final coming up shortly, but at the moment their attention is highly focussed on play-off qualification. On Friday evening (September 7) at King’s Lynn (7.30 pm) the closing scenes of a dramatic Conference League season will be played out with double header fixtures against Rye House and Buxton from which the “Barracudas” hope to take the five points available to them. They then travel to Sittingbourne on Sunday (12 noon following Sittingbourne v Plymouth) to face a rejuvenated Crusaders side hoping to collect three more points from a win including the aggregate bonus point. A successful weekend as outlined above would virtually assure the Barracudas of a play-off place with the return fixture at Rye House to be arranged. The club are hoping that their many fans in Boston and South Lincolnshire will turn out in force on Friday to help inspire them to the victories that their efforts this season undoubtedly deserve. It has been a wretched season for the club with an inordinate number of injuries to contend with as well as many problems with fixture postponements because of the weather. In spite of these difficulties, they have acquired riders like white rabbits out of a magician’s hat to maintain their challenge always trying to maintain a level of team strength appropriate for a play-off challenge. The matter is just about in their own hands with the recent demise of Plymouth who face a very tough season’s end and Boston believe they have the team to take them further. Team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “We really deserve to do well enough to qualify and the lads are well up for it. We are the only club to register a league win over Scunthorpe this season and we believe that we can improve upon that during these last few weeks if we make the finals. Friday is going to be like the Alamo and Custer’s Last Stand all rolled into one with a massive prize for us if we can achieve our goal.” With riders beginning to return to fitness there is a growing confidence in the camp that they can make the play-0ff series. Darren Mallett will test his broken collarbone at King’s Lynn on Wednesday and is optimistic of riding in Friday’s massive double-header fixture at home to Rye House and Buxton. Co-club chairman Dale Allitt said: “Darren’s return will make a big difference to us if he can hit form quickly and knowing Darren’s determination I am sure that will be the case. We are quite literally asking everyone with an interest in the Barracudas to come and support us on Friday and see thirty heats of thrilling white knuckle speedway because that is how it has to be for us this week. “We are determined right through the side to win all three matches this weekend, we are at Sittingbourne on Sunday and judging by their recent results that’s no easy matter either. But we do need a noisy home crowd on Friday and I can promise you that we will do all in our power to deliver the goods. We also face the return of Jon Armstrong to the Norfolk Arena who started the season with us and is now at Buxton and we look forward to some exciting races with Jon who goes so well at King’s Lynn. “If we can make the play-offs anything could happen and we will have a good crack at anybody. Those who came and saw us beat Scunthorpe can expect more of the same that’s how it’s going to be. This is the big night of the season and our determination throughout the team is running very high I can tell you.” Boston are currently fifth in the league table but feel that they can outscore at least one of their other main rivals for a top four spot. Skipper Simon Lambert said: “Some of the remaining fixtures look difficult for the other teams battling it out with us and I feel sure that nine more points will get us into the play-offs. We can get eight of those this weekend and that is our target. I am also asking for a whole lot of noise around the first bend area on Friday.” “Come out and help us win the battles” was Lambert’s plea. Rye House have delayed selection due to injuries affecting Cottham and Laurence but the pair are making progress and expected to be fit. Teams: Boston (all three matches) Brundle, McKinna, Lambert, Wright, Mallett (prov), Lowe, McDade. Rye House: Karlis, Mear, Cottham (prov), Halsey, Laurence (prov) Norton. Buxton: Armstrong, Hodgson, James, Taylor, Dallaway, Starke.
Tuesday August 28^th, 2007
Injury problems continue to mount for Cudas Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas have a serious collection of injury problems ahead of Friday night’s fixture against Oxford and have been forced to make an emergency re-declaration in order to field an appropriate team for the visit to Cowley (7.30pm). At the present time Darren Mallett, Shane Waldron and Simon Lambert are all ruled out through injury, Lambert being the latest to suffer injury problems when he crashed out of the match between King’s Lynn and the Isle of Wight at the Norfolk Arena last Friday. Boston co-promoter and team manager Malcolm Vasey said: “There is a great deal that I could say about that particular situation and we are very unhappy that Simon was used as a guest without the Island team complying with our request about this matter before going ahead. This is becoming a problem for Conference League clubs and while we did discuss this with the Islanders, final clearance was never given and they were advised to clear the matter with King’s Lynn, which they never did. “Last week Lambert was named by Workington for their visit to King’s Lynn and although the match was rained off, we had not even had the courtesy of a request from them. It is not right and some discipline and courtesy needs to be brought into these matters. Under normal circumstances we are as helpful as anyone but we are entitled to common courtesy surely. If people call us and then ignore what we tell them, what was the point of the call? Worse still how do they get away with not even calling us at all? It is an intolerable situation. I would suggest that riders be limited as to how many times they can guest at one venue. I would certainly not like to see the same rider lining up against my team every other week. Lambert is a King’s Lynn tack specialist and, as such, is in demand at the Norfolk Arena when visiting teams have reserves out injured. But the situation has got out of hand and something needs to be done about it.” Looking ahead to the Oxford match the club have secured the services of Jamie Pickard who has finished a loan spell at Stoke and clearance has been given by Plymouth co-promoter Mike Bowden for Boston to take the Midlander on loan. Vasey said: “We are very grateful to Mike and I can confirm that Jamie will take up a reserve berth against Oxford with various other adjustments taking place in an attempt to minimise our injury problems. We are also very anxious not to suffer any further injuries otherwise we will be in meltdown. Jamie is pleased to be joining us on loan and having seen him recently at Stoke I feel that we are very fortunate to have acquired him albeit temporarily. Boston have other possibilities in mind and are likely to announce another signing shortly but are waiting to see how their injured riders recover in the next few days. They have a double-header fixture at the Norfolk Arena on September 7 when they face both Rye House and Buxton and will want the fullest possible squad available for those matches. The news about Simon Lambert is that he has no broken bones and is racing against time to try for next week. He has severe burns on various parts of his body, lots of bruises and is generally very stiff and sore but a week and half should perhaps see him fit to race again. Kieran Morris went to hospital for surgery on his shoulder last week but the hospital doctors are pleased with his progress and surgery may not now be necessary for the young Scot. Shane Waldron and Darren Mallett are both keen to get back to racing as soon as possible and will be ready sometime during September and as far as the Barracudas are concerned the sooner the better. Ben Johnson is now about a month away from riding again after his car crash in April. It has been a very difficult season for the Barracudas and yet they are still on the verge of the Conference League play-offs and have a Knockout Cup semi-final against Scunthorpe to look forward to. They are the only team with a League victory over Scunthorpe this season. Team to ride at Oxford: James Brundle, Cal McDade, Wayne Dunworth, Matthew Wright, Adam McKinna, Adam Lowe, Jamie Pickard.
Tuesday August 21^st, 2007
Remarkable victory serves to spur Cudas It turned out to be another yet another remarkable weekend for the Boston Barracudas, starting with a spectacular 46-43 victory over arch rivals Scunthorpe on Friday followed up by consecutive days rain-offs at Rye House and Sittingbourne. The victory over the Scorpions was Boston’s first defeat of the old enemy for almost two years and was achieved with a massively improved team performance. And while much has been made about problems in the Scunthorpe side due to missing riders, Boston went into this match without the services of Shane Waldron and Darren Mallett. Boston feel that their victory over Scunthorpe will spur them on for the rest of the season and they feel that a play-off place has been brought within their grasp after their disappointment against Oxford seven days earlier. Hero of the hour was James Brundle who won an demanding heat 15 in style to clinch the match but was quick to point out that the result was very much due to the efforts of the whole team. The rider said: “It was a team victory. Everyone had a part to play and contributed to the result. I always felt that I could win heat 15 but all of the lads rose to the occasion throughout the match and we got what we deserved.” The two teams meet in a Knockout Cup semi-final and Boston’s victory has perhaps forewarned the Scorpions that their recent invincibility can be threatened. One of the main reasons behind the Barracudas’ improvement was the quality of the track that the staff at King’s Lynn were able to provide after a slightly drier previous day and no rain on the actual day allowing the track to be somewhat more grippy than that for the Oxford match. Keith Chapman carried out the preparations prior to the match and produced an excellent racing surface that allowed riders of both teams to provide some excellent overtakes right throughout an exciting meeting. The remainder of the weekend was frustrating with the Barracudas on a high and ready for just about anything. The Rye House match was called off early on Saturday while the situation at Sittingbourne initially provided hope for a possible late start but eventually referee Chris Gay, in consultation with both teams, had to call it a day as the rain seemed to be set in for the afternoon over the Old Gun Site. Boston have a free weekend over the bank holiday period to prepare for what should be a cracking match at Oxford at the end of next week.
Tuesday August 14^th, 2007
Crunch time for Cudas’ play-off aspirations Two four-point defeats in 48 hours have left injury hit Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas’ play-off qualification hopes in serious disarray to say the very least. And the club are taking a complete back-to-the-drawing board approach to the present situation. While there was at least one obvious contributory factor to the defeat at home to Oxford last Friday when an ultra slick surface seemed to suit their opponents more than themselves, but that would seem to be only part of the problem and the defeat at Buxton has left the feeling among the all three Boston promoters that some straight talking is the order of the day in certain quarters as the club search for ways and means of improving on these narrow defeats ahead of three matches in three days this weekend. The fact that the first is at home to Scunthorpe on Friday (August 17, start time 7.30pm at the Norfolk Arena) should provide all of the impetus necessary to help to try and mount a general recovery at the expense of the best team in the division. Cudas skipper Simon Lambert said: “We have to go into that match against the Scorpions believing that we can beat them. And on the right track and with the right effort I am sure that the task is not impossible. This is the last stand in many ways and the situation is that the Barracudas must really beat Scunthorpe in what heralds the start of another hectic weekend with a Saturday (7.30pm) match at Rye House followed by a Sunday trip (12 noon start as the first part of a double header) at Sittingbourne. Lambert certainly led from the front in all three of the most recent matches in the past week (a 46-46 draw at Stoke followed by 47-43 defeats at home to Oxford and away at Buxton). His effort off 15 metres in the dry gulch-like conditions in heat 14 against Oxford may have been only partially successful but it proved, as Oxford’s Danny Betson also proved, that passing was possible despite the slick nature of the surface. At Buxton the match was won and lost in the first three heats when the Hitmen established a six-point lead that they defended successfully despite Boston’s best efforts to catch them and eventually forcing a last heat decider that turned out to be in vain. “ Boston team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “It was very similar to what happened the last time that we were there and we have to find a way of not giving them a start. We have reached the point of no return now as far as the play-offs are concerned and we need a mighty effort to try and snatch something from Scunthorpe on Friday. We proved in the second half of our fixture at Normanby Road what can be done and we have to start with heat one this time. “We are looking at one or two options and it is not impossible that there will be a change ahead of Friday but whatever we have to be right at the top of our game otherwise it will be the usual story. Success on Friday requires good management, some great performances and a great deal of support from the terraces to rally our lads in the face of what will be the usual invasion from North Lincolnshire. I would urge our supporters to turn out in force the lads need you and this is the moment. If you only come from Boston once a season this is the time we really need you.” Looking at Boston’s injury list it seems that only Kieran Morris has any chance of racing again this month and that is by no means certain. He also has to have surgery on his shoulder at some point but provided that his damaged knee is better by the weekend he may be considered. Darren Mallett is beginning to feel improvement in his broken collarbone but cannot be considered for racing before September. Shane Waldron is in good spirits although frustrated by his lack of track action since breaking the splint bone in his leg at Cleveland. Shane hopes to race in the British Under-18 Championship final that is late in the season and could be in action for Boston before the end of next month if his present improvement is maintained. He is having oxygen tank treatment under the aegis of Brian Simpson in Ipswich and is working hard to keep his upper body as fit as possible. It is quite possible that he will be fit in time for the KO Cup semi final in late September. Ben Johnson is about a month away from being able to ride again and he is not likely race in the Conference League this season. It has been a tale of woe for Boston once again on the injury front and like other clubs they look at the number of older riders who would like to race in the Conference League but who cannot be fitted in because of their grades. This is a matter that may need some attention during the winter.
Tuesday August 7^th, 2007
Play-off hopes hinge on vital 10 days The Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas’ season could be determined during the next 10 days when, with six possible matches, it is vital that their points return is sufficient to boost their claims for a place in the Conference League play-offs. They are at Stoke this Wednesday (August 8, 7.30 pm start) before taking on Oxford at King’s Lynn on Friday (August 10, 7.30 pm) in what is seen as a must-win match. The Cudas then travel to Buxton on Sunday (3.00 pm) before another similar round of fixtures next weekend. Team manager Malcolm Vasey said: “At the very least we must win two of our matches this week and I feel we can take them all. Friday is a massive match with both Oxford and us desperate to progress in the competition. But we both have injury problems in what may well be a defining point of the season. If we start as we finished at Scunthorpe last Sunday I am sure that we can do it. The atmosphere at home to Stoke last week was much better with a bigger crowd and we need that again to lift us over this hurdle. It will be electric and we have a lot to prove against Oxford who we have never beaten at this level in seven attempts. No other club has the Indian sign over us like Oxford and we must produce some great racing on Friday to beat them.” Once again fate lent a hand in Boston’s troubled season injury-wise and yet another rider has ended up on the injury list as Darren Mallett broke his collar bone in a heat 15 crash against Stoke. Vasey said: “The strange thing was that Darren got a puncture as he went to the line and Matt Wright loaned him his bike. Darren crashed out on the final lap and broke his left collar bone and we are likely to be without him for about five weeks. We have to hope that we get no more injuries because we are so depleted and we will be in meltdown if we lost another rider at this point. “Last Friday neither Paul Cooper nor James Brundle were fit to ride and Cal McDade came back to take Kieran Morris’ place following his problems at Cleveland. It is very difficult to field a side that is competitive and yet within the grade limit. But we have managed to do so with Adam McKinna doing well in place of Shane Waldron.”
Tuesday July 31^st, 2007
Never a dull moment on the Cudas front There is never a dull moment for Boston, it seems, with the latest spate of extra-curricular activities being the unwanted kind as the club’s promotion struggle to find a way to track an appropriate septet for the visit of Stoke on Friday (August 3, 7.30 pm) for a Conference League match followed by their visit to Scunthorpe for Sunday’s local derby action (3.00 pm) with the Barracudas determined to try and build on their Conference Pairs Championship win at Normanby Road just 10 days ago. The problems are the result of injuries sustained at Cleveland as the Barracudas advanced to the semi-final stage of the KO Cup at a cost of injuries to Shane Waldron, Adam Lowe and Keiran Morris. The match at Cleveland turned into a keenly fought draw following on from the previous evening’s Conference League victory at home to Sittingbourne. The match on Teesside was halted to avoid curfew problems, although Boston feel that they held the upper hand in the tie with their original nine-point lead still intact with just three heats left unraced. There have been many phone calls, a regular and almost routine factor in Boston’s every day existence and Sean Stoddart is leaving the club for Cleveland who can better use his grade 7 status and in a kind of exchange have allowed Adam McKinna to move in the opposite direction. McKinna, who has recovered from a second set of injuries this season, will make his debut for Boston on Friday while Cal McDade also returns to the side to replace Kieran Morris who has a badly swollen knee as a result of the incident at Cleveland when he ran into the back of Adam Lowe who, in turn, has shown very marked improvement in his racing of late. And despite concerns about possible neck and back injuries, he was discharged from hospital late on Saturday evening with no breaks diagnosed and he feels confident that he can return to action against Stoke. Sadly the Barracudas will have to manage for a few weeks without Shane Waldron who was also hospitalised after an opening heat fall at Cleveland resulting in a broken splint bone in his right leg sustained when he picked up drive and shot into the safety fence near the exit to turn four. Waldron was also discharged from hospital on Saturday evening and will be greatly missed by the Barracudas after some remarkable scores during his short time with the c Co-promoter Dale Alitt said: “We are very disappointed for Shane because he has been absolutely outstanding for us since his arrival from Plymouth and we will miss his input in all sorts of ways. He has been like a breath of fresh air and we hope that his absence will not be as long as the eight weeks predicted by the doctors at the hospital on Saturday evening.” Boston were full of praise for everybody at Cleveland who agreed what has become a swap arrangement involving McKinna and Stoddart allowing each club to maximise the use of these riders in the Conference League. Team manager Malcolm Vasey spoke to Darryl Illingworth at Newcastle and he too expressed the view that McKinna, a Newcastle asset on loan to Cleveland, needed the Conference League rides to expedite his own recovery from injury. Vasey said: “We are equally grateful to Cleveland and to Newcastle and look forward to Adam joining us and that means yet another Scot on our books with Cal also returning. We will soon be the McBarracudas as the clan grows.” The Boston co-promoter was extremely red-faced having forgotten to take the Bronze Helmet to Teesside at the weekend although in the event the race could not be held because of the time restrictions. “I was very annoyed with myself that I should make such an error having put the helmet in a safe place at home I remembered it as I reached the A19 on Saturday with the helmet 250 miles behind me,” said Vasey. “I got off the hook due to the time I suppose but it wasn’t very clever.” he added. This will now be competed for at Scunthorpe. Boston are entering a busy phase with the return trip to the Potteries to face Stoke in the League next Wednesday (7.30 pm) and hope that the next few days will see the Club improve its chances of a place in the Conference League play-offs. Currently Boston are fourth in the table with matches in hand over two of the teams above them. At the same time there is some anxiety about crowd levels for home matches which is very disappointing given the efforts made to track a competitive and exciting team this season. Allitt said: “We really have the chance to accomplish even more this season and we now need to see a few more people come and see us and I know that they will enjoy our exciting matches. We seem to bounce back from one blow after another with unfailing regularity and I think we deserve to play to slightly bigger crowds. The racing we have put on this season has been outstanding and I am sure we can spring more surprises yet.” Boston (from) Cooper, Brundle, McKinna, Mallett, Lambert, Wright, Lowe, McDade. Stoke (from) Evans, Flint, Haigh, Isherwood, Dore, Pickard, Kendrew, Branney. Scunthorpe (in riding order) Woffinden, Compton, R/R for Josh Auty, Bekker, Dennis, Richardson, Haines.
Wednesday July 25^th, 2007
Late home fixture switch for Barracudas A postponement at the Norfolk Arena, Kings Lynn has left the stadium free this Friday (July 27) and the Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas have taken the opportunity to re-arrange their previously postponed Conference League match against Sittingbourne on that date. The meeting will get under way at 7.30 pm and the Boston promotion were full of praise for their opponents who agreed to race at short notice to help out there being a number of matches delayed because of the very wet weather. Boston team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “We are very grateful to Sittingbourne and they are able to send their best side so it should be an exciting match.” The teams are: Boston: Paul Cooper, Shane Waldron, Darren Mallett, Simon Lambert, Matthew Wright, Adam Lowe and Keiran Morris. Sittingbourne: Danny Warwick, Aarron Baseby, Dean Felton, James Theobald, Mark Baseby, Joe Reynolds and Jeran Hart. Boston visit Cleveland the following day for their KO Cup match against the Bays and hope to announce an unchanged team.
Tuesday July 24^th, 2007
It’s pairs delight for Cooper and Lambert The result of a superb afternoon of speedway racing at Scunthorpe on Sunday was an excellent win by Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas pair Paul Cooper and Simon Lambert who won the Conference League Pairs Championship with a fine exhibition of racing that owed much to the massive understanding developed quickly between the two which enabled them to win this prestigious trophy against the odds at the home of the Conference League champions. They reached the final of the event by winning their group and then took a maximum victory against Oxford to provide Boston with their first silverware for a couple of years and prove that the club is moving in the right direction after almost closing during the winter. The duo won heat one after a restart following a horrendous crash involving the two Cleveland riders when Blair lifted in the first turn and Burrows was collected by his machine the two crashing heavily into the safety fence. The Boston pair were already ahead and luckily missed the flying machinery and subsequent carnage and scored a 7-0 in the re-run with Burrows unable to line up after Blair’s exclusion. The latter, a former winner of this event, continued on a borrowed machine and managed to score nine points for his team. The Boston pair completely outpaced Ezergailis and Mear of Rye House to go into their vital heat 13 clash with Scunthorpe ahead of the field with maximum points. Heat 13 was the defining moment and Lambert made the gate and led for a lap before the awesome pace of Tai Woffinden took him past the Boston rider on the home straight but with Cooper fending off Andrew Tully Boston scored five points to Scunthorpe’s four to retain the overall lead in the group. In Heat 19 it was a similar story as the Boston pair edged their way into the final with a heat win over Weymouth that relegated the latter to third place in the group. Scunthorpe won the race for third place by beating Group B runners-up Buxton and that set the scene for the final between Boston and Oxford who had dominated their group. Again the Boston pair made the gate and with Cooper leading Lambert fought grimly to hold onto second place before Frampton passed him. That looked to be the finishing order which was enough to give Boston the victory that they deserved but Frampton lifted badly and Lambert nipped past again to give the Boston fans a 7-2 maximum win in the final. It was an historic afternoon for Boston. Not many teams win at Scunthorpe and with the Scorpions and the rest of the Conference League there Boston deservedly took their first silverware of the season. Results: Group One: Boston 19, Scunthorpe 16, Weymouth 16, Rye House 10, Cleveland 7. Group Two: Oxford 21,Stoke 14 Sittingbourne 13, Buxton 12, Plymouth 12. Race-off for third place: Scunthorpe 7 Buxton 2. Final: Boston 7, Oxford 2. So as the Barracudas get ready to defend a nine-point advantage at Cleveland on Saturday afternoon (July 29, 3pm following Cleveland v Weymouth) in the Knockout Cup they can reflect on one of the most eventful weekends in Boston speedway history. It all began on Friday when they were forced to battle through hours of driving rain to reach Plymouth for their Conference League fixture in contrasting bright Devonshire evening sunshine (scorers below) and then ended up in top spot on the Conference Pairs Championship podium at Scunthorpe on Sunday, when Paul Cooper and Simon Lambert demonstrated the ultimate in teamwork to become the fourth Conference Pairs Champions and for Cooper, as holder from 2006 he joined Mark Burrows as one of only two riders to have held this title twice. The Pairs Championship victory will long be remembered and the pairing did very well to win the stronger looking of the two groups with Scunthorpe and Weymouth always on their tail. Lambert said: “We planned each race with specific tactics to try and achieve the most that we thought we could get from it and that planning paid off for us in the group stages. I usually managed to make the gate but Paul was always so fast and always looked for me throughout the races.” Cooper said: “I was doubly pleased to retain a title that I had won last year with Scunthorpe and it was a great afternoon and very exciting. We talked a lot and it all seemed to work out for us. There were some good riders out there and I am so glad that we won it.” Boston co-promoter Dale Allitt commented afterwards: “This season we set out to revive and stabilise the club and to try to win some silverware. We have already met those objectives and we haven’t finished by any means yet.” Allitt was due to take the Pairs Trophy to his son’s hospital bedside where he is receiving treatment for a badly broken leg and Simon Lambert also loaned his own trophy for Dale to take so that Matty Allitt could join in the club’s success, albeit remotely. It was all in stark contrast to the difficulties of Friday where Darren Mallett spent 14 hours on the road without ever reaching Plymouth or indeed ever getting very near to it. A three-hour delay near the junction of the A46 and the M5 in Gloucestershire as Mother Nature did its worst and with the Boston body colours aboard it was indeed a somewhat motley crew that took to the track on Friday evening with an old set kindly loaned to the Barracudas by Plymouth promoter Mike Bowden, together with a couple of body colours that were separate from the main set. “It was really awful but thanks to Mike and a very helpful referee we got by. We may have looked like the Pirates of nearby Penzance but by hastily summoning Sean Stoddart to take Darren’s place, numerically Darren’s absence didn’t hamper us,” said Boston team manager Malcolm Vasey referring to the Scot’s availability following Newcastle’s abortive trip to Somerset. “Sean shot down the M5 and I was very grateful to him,” added Vasey. Then came the drama of returning home which for Adam Lowe’s family took a further twist as they were caught up in the major M5 delays resulting in a 14-hour trip from Plymouth to Leicester including several hours delay on the M5 ironically quite close to the scene of Darren Mallett’s delay earlier in the day. The party with Simon Lambert had many changes of direction before arriving in the Boston area at 4.30am following a seventy mile detour. This week the Barracudas visit Cleveland hoping that Matt Wright will be fit to return to the side. He will test his foot in a challenge at Weymouth on Friday and hopes to make a quick return to the form that he was showing immediately prior to his injury. Shane Waldron, who has been a revelation since his arrival from Plymouth, also had a knock at Stoke whilst guesting for Redcar but is fully recovered and will hopefully continue his bright start in Boston’s colours. Scores at Plymouth Plymouth 51 Boston 40 Plymouth: Stephens 13, Legg 3, Brown 10, Westacott 7, Glanz 10, Smith 0, Hopwood 8. Boston: Cooper 14, Waldron 11, Stoddart 10, Lambert 3, Lowe 2, Morris 1. Upcoming Fixtures Cleveland (Away) Saturday 28^th August 2007 KO Cup (3.00 pm- double header fixture) Stoke (Home) Friday 3^rd August 2007 League (7.30 pm)
Tuesday July 17^th, 2007
Cudas head south for tough assignment Boston Barracudas, complete with in-form new signing Shane Waldron head south to face Plymouth on Friday (7.15pm) to contest more important Conference League points. But it will be a tough assignment for the Boston outfit, notably with Matthew Wright sidelined due to a foot injury. Boston team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “It seems that Matt could be missing for at least two more weeks and possibly longer and I am going to have to make new plans for the match at Cleveland next weekend.” With Wright being absent, Paul Cooper will also make his long-awaited debut for Boston at Plymouth — every attempt to use him so far having been thwarted by the weather. Vasey said: “I joked with Paul about that when he was at King’s Lynn recently and I think we should call him the Rainman. I think he has been named for five matches so far each one being called off or moved to another date.” Cooper and Simon Lambert will represent Boston in the Conference Pairs Championship at Scunthorpe on Sunday (3.00 pm) the former being one of the current Pairs Champions and an ex-Scorpion while the latter has a very good record at Normanby Road. Lambert said: “Scunthorpe are firm favourites on their own track, but I believe we could be dark horses.” Teams for Friday: Plymouth: Stephens, Legg, Brown, Westacott, Glanz, Hopwood, Smith. Boston: Cooper, Waldron, Stoddart (R/R), Lambert, Mallett, Lowe, Morris.
Tuesday July 10^th, 2007
Weather relents as Cudas chalk up double victory Finally the weather relented on the Boston v Cleveland Knockout Cup quarter-final match and the Conference League encounter that formed last Friday’s double header at the Norfolk Arena. The KO Cup match had already been postponed at King’s Lynn and Redcar and is now scheduled for completion at the South Tees Motorpark on July 28 when it forms the second part of a double header at Redcar. The Barracudas were well in command in the league match and their victory takes them to joint second in the table with matches in hand. The Knockout Cup match was a totally different affair, though, with the Bays fighting tooth and nail to stay in touch and the match is beautifully poised with the Barracudas seeking to defend a nine point lead. Boston team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “It’s going to be very tight at the finish and I’m not sure how it will pan out in the end. We have an injury problem at present with Matthew Wright having chipped a bone in his foot. But we have cover in Sean Stoddart and that is the result of careful strategies within our squad. I was surprised that the Bays didn’t use Mark Burrows to try to chase down one of our reserves for double points. They had plenty of opportunities.” he added. Boston face Stoke away in their outstanding Conference Trophy group match on Saturday (July 14, 7.30 pm) so their team may be somewhat experimental. Co-chairman Dale Allitt accepted the fixture to help Stoke out who have had incredible problems with the weather and everything else but we will go there and do the best that we can. He said: “We may have to mix and match a little for this one.” he stressed. Agreement has been reached between Boston, Plymouth and Kings Lynn for the Barracudas to sign Shane Waldron who has ridden for the Devon club since they returned to speedway at the start of last season. Shane, a King’s Lynn asset, feels that such a move will benefit his career especially as it will showcase his talents at King’s Lynn, the Norfolk club being Shane’s parent club. At the same time Rob Smith will move in the opposite direction returning to the St Boniface Arena where he rode last season. Commenting on these arrangements, Allitt said: “It really seems a good move for all concerned and although we are sorry to lose Rob who has ridden very well at times for us this season. It is good for Shane’s development to be with a team that uses the same track as his parent club. Shane has had a hard time with injuries and feels that a new start will be helpful to him. We wish Rob the very best of luck now that he is returning to the Devils.” Meanwhile Waldron admitted that he too was pleased with the move. He said: “I think I can do well at King’s Lynn for Boston and I am very happy to be going home in a sense. I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates at Stoke on Saturday night. Boston’s team selection problems have been eased by the good news that Kieran Morris has announced that after a recent try out at Berwick he suffered no ill effects from his shoulder injuries and that he is again fit to ride. He was injured against Buxton in April has not ridden competitively since. The young Scot is delighted to be back and Boston are very happy that he has recovered.
Tuesday July 3^rd, 2007
‘Break’ decision by McDade is blow to Cudas Once again the Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas’ topsy-turvy roller-coaster season has taken a surprising turn when their Scottish reserve rider Cal McDade advised the club late on Monday evening that he felt he must take a break from the sport. McDade feels that his form has dipped to an unacceptable level and after guesting for King’s Lynn at Glasgow on Monday he feels the time has come to take a complete break from speedway. Boston team manager Malcolm Vasey said: “Although this came out of blue the and is a massive blow to us, it just shows what an honest guy Cal is. And I hope he feels ready to return sooner rather than later.” McDade has struggled to find his early season form following an injury in the home match against Buxton in April. He has battled on manfully but there is no doubt that the long distances he has to travel coupled with the high costs have all contributed to his decision. The situation is a difficult one for Boston with the exciting double header League and KO Cup fixtures against Cleveland scheduled for Friday evening at the Norfolk Arena at King’s Lynn with a 7.30pm start. Boston have called up 15-year-old teenage hot-shot Jeran Hart to replace McDade and that lands a huge responsibility on very young shoulders. Co-promoter Dale Allitt said: “Jeran is the very best of the new crop of riders this season and as a grade one rider, we have obtained clearance to use him in this fixture. He is without doubt the best replacement we could possibly find at such short notice and we are confident that the young man can do a job for us.” For the two matches against Cleveland, Boston enter the fray holding a single point advantage towards the aggregate bonus point from their narrow win on Teesside in May. The league match will open the programme for the evening and Boston will face the spectacular Mark “Buzz” Burrows renowned for his spectacular approach to speedway. Burrows rode at No 1 for Wimbledon until the end of 2005 and was always ready to dice it on track and his efforts often brought about breathtaking overtakes as his determination to win shone through. Vasey said: “Buzz is natural leader and we will have to overcome his efforts if we are to make progress in the cup and win the league match which would lift us very close to the top of the table. The lads have had two matches after their enforced break due to the bad weather and I feel that we are in the mood to despatch the Cleveland Bays despite the presence of Burrows who we will never underestimate.” said Malcolm Vasey. Cleveland also have the exciting recent discoveries Martin Emmerson and Greg Blair in the side and the entertainment should flow throughout both matches as the sides lock horns on Friday. Teams: Boston: Brundle, Smith, Mallett, Lambert, Wright, Lowe, Hart. Cleveland: Burrows, Emmerson, Beaton, Johnson, Jones, Wallinger (league match), Hodgson (cup match), Blair.
Tuesday June 26^th, 2007
Cudas looking for rewards from action double bill The Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas take the fairly long trip to the south coast on Friday (June 28, 7.15 pm start) where they will face the first of almost back-to-back matches against the Weymouth Wildcats, the clubs being due to meet again at King’s Lynn on Sunday evening (6pm). These are significant Conference League matches for both clubs and Boston connections are hoping that James Brundle will be fit to race after sustaining arm and shoulder injuries at Stoke on Saturday evening while racing for his parent Premier League club King’s Lynn. The Barracudas have suffered a number of postponements due to the dreadful weather but this is now affecting the whole of the sport with most teams enduring call-offs. “Surely the weather must break soon,” said Boston captain Simon Lambert after his personal disappointment that the individual meeting he was due to ride in at Oxford was washed out on Sunday shortly after he arrived at the stadium. Because of the weather and fixture adjustments Boston did have not, so far, raced a single match in June and they now face a tremendously busy July with eight matches currently scheduled. Labert quipped: “At least the riders will be able to get to know each other again! We seem to be dogged by the bad weather but it is affecting a lot of teams not just ourselves.” he added. The ex-Wimbledon contingent of Matthew Wright and Rob Smith had been booked to ride at Buxton on Sunday, the meeting being another victim of the unseasonal weather. On other issues there is a positive outlook at Boston and there is a hope of “important news” (currently developing in the pipeline) possibly breaking soon. Co-promoter Dale Allitt said: “We are looking to the future very positively at the moment and although we have the current short-term problems posed by the weather and for one or two other reasons, I am sure we can look forward to the future with confidence.” It will be interesting to see the impact on the attendance for the Sunday meeting this week (July 1) with many supporters clamouring for Sunday evening racing. This is not likely to become a regular feature although with the weather as it has been anything could happen in that direction in the next few weeks. Looking at the two fixtures against the Wildcats there is more than a distinct promise of some exciting speedway with both teams certainly likely contenders for the league play-offs. David Mason rides at No 1 for Weymouth, a former Conference League Riders Champion and he will certainly provide stiff opposition for James Brundle as will Lee Smart who is doubling up with Birmingham in the Premier League. Nathan Irwin has moved to Weymouth after two seasons at Boston and he will be keen to impress his former team-mates and reserve Jay Herne has caused quite a stir since his arrival on loan from Poole. Boston team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “We can’t possibly take them lightly with that line-up, especially at Weymouth where the Wildcats’ tiny track is not the easiest for visiting sides to master. But our lads are hungry for some action and I am sure that we will do well. If they fully utilise their skills I am sure that we can achieve two good results.” he added. Teams for both matches: Boston: Brundle, Smith, Mallett, Lambert, Wright, Lowe, McDade. Weymouth: D Mason, Hurst, Smart, Irwin, K Mason, Herne, Day.
Tuesday June 19^th, 2007
Further changes in Cudas fixture schedule Last week this report detailed the concerns of the Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas’ promoters about the accumulation of fixtures due to the intervention of inclement weather. This situation has deteriorated even further with rain-offs in the last week against Stoke and then at the weekend when an early call-off by Cleveland at least prevented any further wasted travelling. Added to the call-off of the double header fixture at King’s Lynn on the June 8, and the Oxford call-offs the club are now not really in a position to make any more unforced changes to their fixture schedule. The home fixture with Weymouth due to take place this Friday has been put back to Sunday July 1 (6pm) to allow King’s Lynn to use the track that evening. They, too, have enormous fixture problems with a series of wet Wednesdays ruling out speedway for three weeks out of the last four. Boston’s situation has been helped by the invitation of Rye House to visit the Raiders on Saturday July 7 bringing the date forward from what may well become a very busy September. Boston now have eight fixtures in July including the re-scheduled visit to Cleveland on July 28 and are really hoping that the month will be dry. Team manager Malcolm Vasey said: “Anything less and we will have real problems. The riders are doing their very best to get bookings during this time wherever they can, second halves in some cases, Southern Track Riders meetings where appropriate and even the odd Academy League fixture is helpful.” The Boston promotion, though, were at pains to point out that things were not all doom and gloom in the camp and Dale Allitt who just has returned from holiday was talent spotting at a Southern Track Riders meeting on Sunday. He said: “I took one or two phone numbers from useful youngsters who might help us next season if they continue to improve. I want supporters to know that we are looking ahead and during the next two or three weeks I hope to be in a position to make some very positive statements about our future. The club looked to be dead last November and that is anything but the case now. “We have stabilised the situation and have made a brilliant start to the league programme. I have no doubt that but for the weather we would be top of the Conference League now and there is a great deal going on behind the scenes. Our main sponsors are very pleased with our performances and there is much more interest generally in what we are doing. I believe that the sky’s the limit if we can keep our current level of support and I hope that other good news will emerge shortly.” Boston’s two injured riders are both showing good improvement. Road accident victim Ben Johnson is hoping to practice towards the end of the season and is starting to get around quite well now. His determination to succeed in the sport has vastly increased as a result of the road accident and he feels that the experience has fitted him well for a career in speedway, which has his almost undivided focus. Meanwhile Kieran Morris is also improving and he feels that the day of a return to the track is not too far away although when he is ready it will be on his own after a meeting rather than going straight into racing. The rider said: “I think that’s the best way to re-start and just test myself out gradually before undertaking a racing situation. I have to be sure that I have the strength in my arm and without that I would be a danger to everyone. I won’t really know until I get out there again. The Boston management are impressed with these lads and especially their attitude and determination when others might have turned to something a little less demanding than a speedway career.
Saturday June 16^th, 2007
Another double call-off for Cudas The inclement summer weather continues to play havoc with Boston Barracudas’ action schedule. Wednesday’s (June 13) Conference Trophy concluding match away to Stoke was rained off. And heavy downpours in the north east of England brought an early track inspection and immediate postponement of today’s (Saturday) KO Cup encounter away to Cleveland Bays. The double call-off adds still further to an already sizeable fixtures backlog currently facing the Boston club.
Tuesday June 12^th, 2007
Hopes pinned on avoiding fixtures congestion The weather in certain parts of East Anglia got the better of the mouth watering double header Conference League and Knockout Cup fixtures between Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas and Cleveland last Friday. The two matches seemed to have aroused the interest of many followers and a plan for a slightly earlier than usual start was cancelled after numerous phone calls from supporters. It seemed that while most of England was basking in warm sunny conditions, a weather system was slowly making its way across Norfolk with a mixture of thunderstorms and persistent rain that reached King’s Lynn during the late morning. After obtaining various weather reports, early hopes that the meeting could be saved were dashed by the local RAF station forecast that supported the BBC weather graphics. And shortly after lunch-time it was decided that racing would have to be postponed. This certainly saved most of the team members of both sides the inconvenience of a wasted journey. The matches will now be re-staged on Friday July 6. The most annoying aspect of the bad conditions was that many places such as Boston, Spalding, Nottingham and Lincoln had little or no rain. As a result, Boston are in danger of accumulating a serious fixture backlog due to the postponement of their matches against Cleveland which follow recent call-offs of their trips to Stoke, Sittingbourne and Oxford. In fact the Cleveland fixtures were brought forward to replace the Oxford Conference League match pending the outcome of the problems now successfully resolved at Cowley. Worried Boston officials were hoping that no problems would intervene to prevent the re-scheduled fixture at Stoke taking place on Wednesday (June 13) to complete their Conference Trophy group matches. Team manager Malcolm Vasey said: “We don’t need any more postponements because of the pressure on dates at the Norfolk Arena and if our away fixtures are grouped too closely together riders have difficulties in getting sufficient time off work. There used to be a time when most Conference League fixtures took place at weekends but that has altered a little now and that creates its own problems.” On Saturday afternoon (June 16, start time 3pm) the Barracudas are back at Redcar to face the Cleveland Bays in what has again become the first leg of the Knockout Cup fixture between the clubs and after the very exciting match between these sides at the start of May the match this weekend should have appeal for supporters of both clubs. Boston captain Simon Lambert said: “Anybody who was at the last match will want to be there this time because it was such a grandstand finish. We developed a big lead, then they came back at us with some inspirational riding by Greg Blair and we took a 4-2 in the last race to clinch it. It was great for the spectators and I expect it will be another battle this time.” The rain-off last Friday has delayed the debut of Paul Cooper for the Barracudas and he is due to make his first start for Boston at Stoke this Wednesday (June 13). On Saturday it will be James Brundle wearing the No 1 race jacket as the two exchange places as will be the case now for the rest of the season dependant on availability. Boston (at Cleveland): Brundle, Smith, Mallett, Lambert, Wright, Lowe, McDade. Cleveland (from) Burrows, Emerson, Beaton, Johnson, McKinna, Duffill, Blair, Hodgson, Norton, Jones.
Friday June 8^th, 2007
Double header is called off Boston Barracudas and rivals Cleveland Bays were left inactive tonight when their scheduled Conference League and KO Cup double header bill at the Norfolk Arena, King’s Lynn was called off due to inclement weather conditions affecting the locality. Boston had been hoping to see new signing Paul Cooper take his place in the side. But the elements dictated otherwise. No new dates have yet been fixed for the two fixtures.
Tuesday June 5^th, 2007
Fixture switch brings home action double bill The non-availability of Oxford at present has meant a swift switch in fixtures for the Boston Staffsmart Barracudas with a double header fixture against Cleveland brought forward to this Friday (June 8) at the Norfolk Arena, King’s Lynn. This means a great feast of speedway for all to enjoy with a Conference League match followed by a Knockout Cup first leg quarter-final tie against the Cleveland Bays. Boston team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “We are really grateful to the Bays promotion and management for their willingness to provide us with this fixture at short notice after learning that we were attempting to put a fixture in place in the absence of Oxford. They made the initial contact and I am well impressed with the help that they have given us.” The match is at the normal start time of 7.30pm after phone calls from supporters concerned that an earlier start would prevent their attendance. There is considerable significance in these fixtures and Boston are hoping that their efforts to overcome many difficulties already this season will be rewarded by a good crowd. Victory in the league match will send the Barracudas back to the top of the Conference League table and the match marks the debut of Paul Cooper the club’s recent star signing on loan from Sheffield. Cooper replaces James Brundle who is racing for Premier League parent club King’s Lynn in the north of the country. Boston have put this arrangement in place to maintain their undoubted strength in Brundle’s absence. Cooper said: “I’m really looking forward to it and it is a good opportunity for me to meet the rest of the team and the supporters.” The rider had been the subject of a technical wrangle between the Barracudas and the BSPA when his signing was originally blocked. Vasey said: “We proved that we could sign him within the rules and he is a very competent rider and international grasstrack star.” Opponents Cleveland will be keen to reverse the single point victory that the Barracudas managed against the Bays at the South Tees Motorpark three weeks ago and with Buzz Burrows in the side, there should be plenty to interest the supporters. Cleveland also have Adam McKinna back in action and he is a good friend of Boston’s Cal McDade which will make for interesting racing when the two are in direct opposition. McKinna was a Boston target at one stage of the season but he has elected to try his luck with the Bays after a nasty injury in the opening match of the season at Newcastle. Boston had a scare concerning the fitness of Simon Lambert following a crash at Scunthorpe on Sunday. Although he completed the meeting his hand had swollen considerably by late evening necessitating a visit to the Pilgrim Hospital to check for broken bones. This revealed nothing broken and Lambert has assured the club that he will be fit to race by Friday. Boston will visit Stoke next Wednesday (June 13, 7.30 pm) to complete their Conference Trophy fixtures the original meeting being called off in early May. Skipper Lambert said: “That should sharpen the team up for the second leg at of the KO Cup match at Cleveland three days later. We need as much racing as we can get now and having made such a useful start to the league programme we must maintain our drive towards the play-offs. Plenty of support would be nice on Friday especially after the management have moved heaven and earth to sign Paul Cooper who is a top rider at this level.” Teams for Friday’s double header: Boston: Cooper, Smith, Mallett, Lambert, Wright, Lowe, McDade. Cleveland: Burrows, Beaton, Duffill, Johnson, McKinna, Emerson, Blair. Admission prices for thirty heats of speedway are: Adults £13, concessions £10; children (11-15) £4; accompanied children (under-11s) are admitted free.
Tuesday May 29^th, 2007
Cooper signs up to share top slot load After a period of considerable concern due to injuries, transfers and other issues, it all came together for the Barracudas towards the end of last week with the news that they could include Yorkshire man Paul Cooper in their squad. And that news seemed to boost the entire team’s performance with an exciting win over Plymouth. This was the Devils’ first defeat of the season and the Barracudas’ victory installed them at the top of the Conference League with two wins out of two. Cooper rides at reserve for Sheffield in the Premier League and is allowed to double up in order to gain further experience due to his age and record. Dale Allitt completed the signing of Cooper on Thursday evening after discussing with the rider how Boston planned to use him whenever possible in James Brundle’s absence. Allitt said: “There will be times when neither of the pair are available due to other racing commitments but we have managed to sign a top class rider who will ensure that our team is capable indeed when he rides for us. We showed on Friday just what James can do for us and but for the loss of a primary chain in the final race he would have scored even more. “Malcolm and I have put so much effort into locating a new No.1 to share the role with James and we had originally thought that Paul was ineligible. But after much thought and also following consideration by the BSPA the loan arrangement has been approved. We are very grateful to Paul for helping us out in this way and also to Neil Machin at Sheffield for being so supportive in this matter. Boston have used several riders from Sheffield since 2000 and we hope that Paul will feel that it’s a bit like home from home. Our supporters were well pleased with the news and Paul will make his debut for us at home to Oxford next week.” Meanwhile Boston visit Oxford this Sunday evening (June 2, tapes up 8 pm) and are delighted with the form of Adam Lowe who had probably his best meeting for the Barracudas against Plymouth. Team manager Malcolm Vasey said: “Adam is in his second spell with us and I don’t remember anything better than that from him. His race with Matt Wright in heat seven was amazing and the skill he showed coming off the last turn to re-pass Tom Brown was amazing. Mick Lowe (Adam’s father) and I have joked in the past about Adam making a sudden surge forward with his racing and I believe that we are on the cusp of that now. “But the whole side are hitting form now and that race was also Matt’s best ride for us he put so much thought into the race and seemed to have eyes in the back of his head. Rob Smith is consistently winning heat eight, which is what you want from your No. 2 and he looks twice the rider he was last season. Darren Mallett is also going great guns again now, after his indifferent start and Simon Lambert is attacking each race with determination. Cal McDade started badly on Friday but then produced some great races later on so they are all starting to click and teams better watch out now,” said Vasey. McDade is beginning to get Premier League guest bookings and rode for Sheffield at Glasgow last Sunday scoring paid three points.
Tuesday May 22^nd, 2007
Cudas look ahead to encounter with the Devils Boston Staffsmart Barracudas are preparing to launch themselves into a new era with a mouth-watering fixture against one of the Conference League title favourites on Friday May 25 when the highly-rated and hugely impressive Plymouth Devils visit the Norfolk Arena (7.30pm start). And Boston team manager Malcolm Vasey said he wants to see the Barracudas deliver a better performance than the one they turned last week in the Conference Fours, a competition held in Devon. At the meeting, Boston mustered just seven points to finish bottom of the pack in the second semi-final. Rob Smith top scored on four points. The overall event was won by Scunthorpe. Vasey said: “I have to say that we didn’t really do ourselves justice in the Fours. The riders we took to Plymouth should really have accomplished more than they did. Rob Smith was brilliant and Darren Mallett did well in his last ride but our other riders had not been there before and against some very classy opponents they found scoring points difficult. “But that has stiffened our resolve to do well against the Devils in the league this Friday. James Brundle is making his debut for us and he has been flying around the Norfolk Arena and I feel certain that we have the capability of beating the Devils. They have Billy Legg back after injury and with Seemond Stephens and current Conference League champion Adam Roynon, they are quite formidable and unbeaten so far this season. But we are ready to step up to the plate for this one.” Despite the loss of Jon Armstrong and the disappointing result in the Fours the Boston management remain upbeat about their chances of qualifying for the Conference League play-offs. Co-promoter Dale Allitt said: “Any time soon our team are all going to click at once and then someone is really going to cop it. James Brundle is a top rider at this level especially around the Norfolk Arena and his clashes with Stephens and Roynon will be well worth seeing. I stand by our original opinion that we can do well and the full team has only lost this season to Scunthorpe and Buxton, the latter defeat occurring when we had to blood two new reserves due to injuries. Plymouth is a real challenge and our lads are desperate to win it.” One or two Boston riders received a call to ride for higher league teams at the weekend. Cal McDade rode for the Isle of Wight on Friday at Armadale but expressed his disappointment with his showing. He said: “I was gutted by my performance. I wanted to do well and did just the opposite. It was very wet but I’m not making excuses and I know I can improve on that.” Rob Smith, who was Boston’s most effective rider by far at Plymouth, took the number eight berth for Eastbourne on Saturday but did not get the opportunity to ride. Teams for Friday: Boston: Boston: Brundle, Smith, Mallett, Lambert, Wright, Lowe, McDade. Plymouth: Stephens, Waldron, Brown, Legg, Roynon, Webster, Pickard.
Tuesday May 15^th, 2007
Blow as Armstrong leaves, but Brundle steps in Just as the Barracudas got an important away win under their belts and things seemed settled, No.1 rider Jon Armstrong has left the club to join Premier League outyfit Birmingham, taking the place of the retired Brent Werner in the Brummies line-up. Fortuitously, and in anticipation of such a possibility, Boston have James Brundle in their squad and the young Norfolk-man, who has been in superb form of late, will double up between the Barracudas and King’s Lynn, something which Armstrong is prevented from doing because of his age and experience. Cudas’ co-promoter Dale Allitt said: “This has obviously come as something of a shock, although it clearly demonstrates what a class act we had managed to sign in the first place. Such riders will always be the subject of interest from Premier League clubs seeking to change their line-up and once again Boston have lost the services of a very good rider. However, in James Brundle we have a marvellous replacement in the shape of a young rider with an excellent Premier League record this season who is very anxious to help the Barracudas achieve all of their aspirations for 2007 with a really good Premier League record this season. “James will make his Boston debut at home to Plymouth next Friday (May 25) and we are looking forward to his celebration wheelies as he scoops the points in for us. At King’s Lynn especially, James is as good as anyone in the Conference League. We are very grateful to Keith Chapman (Lynn promoter) and this shows the level of mutual support between ourselves and King’s Lynn.” Brundle has been in excellent form of late for King’s Lynn, making a winning contribution to the team total at Redcar last week as well as posting some big scores in his other recent matches. Brundle himself is relishing the opportunity of helping Boston and said: “I am really up for this challenge and will do my absolute utmost to help Boston achieve the success they deserve this season.” Boston team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “We are very fortunate to have a rider of James’ class waiting in the wings and I know that he is determined to make 2007 a really important year in his career. I hope that his presence, together with Simon Lambert and Darren Mallett in the same team will bring plenty of King’s Lynn supporters to see us and sample just how competitive a side we are. I have said all along that we will improve as the season goes by and with Darren Mallett coming back to form now and Matthew Wright also scoring well we have a great line up. We are disappointed that Jon has had to move on but we have wished him every success at Perry Bar. He is a very good rider and we have enjoyed having him this season.” Boston take the long trip to Plymouth tomorrow (Wednesday) for the Four Team Championship (7.15 pm start) and really hope to book a place in the Final. Their line-up includes former Plymouth rider Rob Smith, Simon Lambert, Darren Mallett and Matthew Wright and looks more than capable of upsetting pre-meeting favourites of Plymouth and Scunthorpe. “We are all capable of winning races at Plymouth and we will give it our best shot,” said Boston captain Simon Lambert. Boston’s away match at Sittingbourne scheduled for this Sunday has been postponed and will be staged at a later date. This means that the Barracudas’ next Conference League match will be at home to Plymouth on May 25 which will mark Brundle’s debut for the club.
Tuesday May 8^th, 2007
Away league conquest eclipses home trophy reverse Boston Barracudas enjoyed mixed fortunes over the Spring bank holiday. First they entertained all-conquering Scunthorpe in a Conference Trophy qualifying group fixture and went down 52-40 at their Norfolk Arena home-in-exile on Friday evening. But there was a much brighter result less than 24 hours later when the Cudas travelled to face competition newcomers Cleveland for their first Conference League clash of 2007. And with 13-point hauls from heat leaders Jon Armstrong and Simon Lambert, Boston managed to secure a slender but hugely important 47-46 triumph. There’s no match for the Barracudas this weekend and with their scheduled midweek match at Stoke postponed, their next fixture will be the Conference League Fours Championship at Plymouth on Friday May 18 (7.15). The full draw for this event is as follows: Group 1: Sittingbourne, Buxton, Rye House, Scunthorpe. Group 2: Stoke, Plymouth, Boston, Weymouth. The winners and runners-up in each Group advance to the eight-heat final
Tuesday May 1^st, 2007
Vasey takes positive points from away defeat Despite their 23-point drubbing at Scunthorpe, the entire Boston Barracudas camp were trying to take as many positives as possible from the fixture. Team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “It is very clear to me that the grading points system of which I am a big supporter is going to make it really difficult for any team to cope with the Scorpions this season. Originally the system was designed to prevent really strong teams dominating the Conference League. But by having lower grades for fast-developing riders because they are age related it has made teams with such riders much stronger than those who haven’t got so many of them. “I am not about to rubbish my own team because I think in the overall scheme of things within the Conference League we can do very well. But on Sunday we were well beaten by a much stronger Scunthorpe side with a grade total that does not reflect their true ability, which is significantly higher. But my team are improving and although one or two riders have been out of form they will soon revert to normal and we will give Scunthorpe more to think about and I am hoping that will happen at King’s Lynn on Friday. “For the total picture of British Speedway and it’s future I rejoice that we have Josh Auty, Richie Dennis, Joe Haines and Tai Woffinden moving through the ranks with others in their team not too far behind them. I don’t enjoy my team losing to riders like these as they are our local rivals but we must get up and have another go on Friday — and we will. “Jon Armstrong sets a fine example at the top of our team and he was magnificent on Sunday. I suggest that there are very few riders in the league that can win five races out of six when visiting Normanby Road. I look forward to his battles with Tai Woffinden on Friday, they will be classics and worth the admission price alone. All of my riders will do better on Friday, I see the glint of determination in all of them and we will give it our very best shot. I want future generations to say were you there that night we beat Scunthorpe… that was a great match.” Cal McDade returned to the side after missing the defeat at Buxton following his heavy fall two days earlier at King’s Lynn. The highly motivated Scotsman raced well at Scunthorpe although not yet 100 per cent fit. For Boston’s other reserve Adam Lowe it was a blank afternoon but he has the opportunity to make the reserve spot his own if he can score points in the coming weeks. It is unlikely that Keiran Morris will be fit for at least two months which is a real shame for the Ayrshire based rider. He has muscle and tissue damage which can take time to heal. In additon, Ben Johnson is out for several months after his car crash. Darren Mallett has upgraded his clutch in a bid to start faster, pinpointing his gating as his main problem. He hopes to test his new set-up ahead of Friday and knows that he can do better than most of his scores this season suggest. Matthew Wright rode very hard at Scunthorpe and reaped some reward but said tersely after the meeting: “That just wasn’t good enough.” And he will be well up for the next confrontation with the Scorpions. Simon Lambert has plenty of determination and he will quickly get back to his very best. His equipment is well turned out and for Simon it is just a matter of time before the big points start to roll in. The excellent team riding between Rob Smith and Cal McDade in Heat 8 that kept Joe Haines at the back suggests that against lesser teams than the Scorpions the pair can dominate this heat. Rob had a problem with his clutch springs in the opening race but battled away for the rest of the afternoon. A hectic weekend looms for the Barracudas with Scunthorpe at King’s Lynn on Friday (7.30 pm) in the Conference Trophy and then the opening Conference League match at Redcar on Saturday afternoon against the Cleveland Bays with the start time 3pm. This will be the Barracudas’ first ever Conference match on Teesside, the Bays having returned to the league this season and they are looking forward to the visit. “One or two of us have been there before but it will be a great experience and we hope to give a very good account of ourselves,” said Jon Armstrong. Boston are unchanged for the two matches while Scunthorpe will have Woffinden back in their side and his races against Armstrong promise to be real thrillers. Cleveland have an interesting look about them and the Barracudas will be very keen to start their league campaign with a victory. Team line-ups: Boston (both matches): Armstrong, Smith, Mallett, Lambert, Wright, Lowe, McDade. Scunthorpe: Dennis, Bekker, Auty, Compton, Woffinden, Richardson, Haines. Cleveland: Burrows, Emerson, Jones, Norton, Beaton, Hodgson, Blair
Tuesday April 24^th, 2007
Injuries bite deep into Cudas’ reserve talent Boston Barracudas connections were disappointed that injuries to their reserves — Kieran Morris and Cal McDade — possibly cost them the points in a tight Conference Trophy match at Buxton on Sunday. And with Ben Johnson still recovering from the car crash that will keep him out of action for some months, the team was substantially weakened at Buxton. Co-promoter Dale Allitt said: “Ben continues to improve and is very cheerful considering what has happened to him. We are gutted for Kieran as that is two weeks running he has ended up injured but he is a determined lad and we are sure that he will bounce back in the fullness of time after his injuries have healed.” Team manager Malcolm Vasey was on the phone on Saturday morning after getting back from King’s Lynn Hospital at 2.30am and managed to obtain the services of Phil Naylor and with assistance from Conference co-ordinator Peter Morrish and Stoke promoter Dave Tattum, former Boston rider Adam Lowe was also drafted into the depleted ranks for Sunday’s fixture at Buxton. Vasey said: “We are very grateful for the help we received from Stoke and are hoping that perhaps we can keep Adam for the moment, but I know they have injury worries too so we must wait and see what happens. There is a chance that Cal may be fit by next weekend but we won’t know about that for another day or two. However, Kieran is likely to be out for some time although we are waiting for the full medical report. He has muscle damage and his injuries are being assessed by a specialist in Glasgow this week. With another trip to Scunthorpe looming on Sunday (April 29) we have to sort out something in time to re-declare our line-up but we do have some options. What a fightback by our riders at Buxton, everyone in our team gave their all and from 17 points down after heat 11 to force a last heat decider was quite amazing. Our spirit is really good this season it is such a pity that we are struggling with so many injuries to our reserves.” Jon Armstrong scored his first paid maximum for the Barracudas in the home match and was only beaten only once at Buxton. He looked absolutely outstanding at King’s Lynn and his name is being quickly written into Boston folklore in anticipation of his contribution and his never-say-die approach which saw him dive past Jack Roberts at Buxton on Sunday, although he could not quite catch Ben Taylor in his only defeat at Hi Edge. Matthew Wright scored his first Boston paid maximum the same evening and followed that up with some great racing at Buxton on Sunday. There are very positive signs from Rob Smith and Darren Mallett whilst Simon Lambert, apart from his fall on Friday, is fast returning to his best form despite his recent machinery problems. Boston have no home match this week but visit Scunthorpe on Sunday (start time 3pm) and if McDade is fit they feel that they can give the 2007 multi-champions something to think about. Vasey added: “We will not go there to make up the numbers, our riders are in good form and if Cal is fit and we can keep Adam’s services we may have a surprise for the Scorpions. They have to lose sometime and we think we may just be the team to do it.” said Malcolm Vasey. It was certainly clear on Sunday that Boston have assembled a team of fighters who back each other up at all times and have moulded into a formidable unit. Scunthorpe maybe the Conference champions, but at full strength Boston are closing in on them with an improving side. And Sunday is expected to be interesting to say the very least.
Tuesday April 17^th, 2007
Trophy success cheer for the Cudas Boston Barracudas connections were delighted to mark up their first victory of the season. And having beaten Stoke Spitfires in their opening Conference Trophy match they are now focusing their attention on the Buxton Hitmen who are their opponents twice in 48 hours. The two teams meet at King’s Lynn this Friday (April 20, start time 7.30 pm) and then again in Derbyshire on Sunday afternoon. Boston’s riders have problems with fitness due to knocks received over the weekend, Kieran Morris experienced a tough official debut when twice looping at the gate in three starts, the second time resulting in a painful back and further discomfort from his neck and head which made a heavy contact with the track. He was able to travel home and is having a further medical examination by which time he feels he will be OK and expects to be fit for the weekend. Boston captain Simon Lambert was also in the wars and is ruefully trying to piece together his normally immaculate equipment after a severe engine blow out on Friday and he then suffered further damage on Sunday when he laid his bike down to avoid the fallen James Cockle and Tai Woffinden in heat 20 at of the British Under-21qualifier at Scunthorpe. He said: “That’s at least £1,500 worth of damage in replacement costs and I am really concerned at the moment. I seem to be right out of luck and my leg is very painful at the moment although I expect that to be okay. It seems that every which way I turn something happens and I just need a clear spell to help me back on my feet quite literally.” Lambert’s relatively short career has unquestionably been dogged by bad luck of various sorts but he remains optimistic and was soon talking about trying to ensure success for the club against Buxton. A very pleasing feature of the weekend was the form of reserve Cal McDade who was forced to take extra rides to cover for the injured Morris and responded with his best score and but for a fall could have topped the scorer’s list. He finished his weekend on Saturday night at Berwick and was on his way north to Glasgow when the opportunity to ride in the under-21 qualifier on Sunday afternoon was phoned through to him while he was on the northern stretch of the A1 near Edinburgh. He said: “I was gutted about that, I wanted to do it but the logistics were all wrong and I had to decline with my bikes and kit dirty and being so far from anywhere.” For Jon Armstrong the weekend ahead marks a return to a club that helped re-launch his career in the mid-1990s and he won the Conference League Riders’ Championship in 1997 while riding for the Hitmen. He said: “It’s a home match for me, being less than an hour from where I live and I have a lot of friends there still.” Rob Smith also had his best meeting for Boston, achieving a paid 10 score. He appears to be getting to grips with the set-ups necessary to do well at King’s Lynn. Lewis Bridger was helping his close friend from the south coast and Rob clearly benefited from having him around. Darren Mallett was back into double figures when mounted on his new engine. But he looked out of sorts at Scunthorpe in the Under-21s event. Matthew Wright is starting to produce some good results starting with two wins against Stoke but tailing off later in the meeting when the dirt had gone really wide. “I am pleased with everything I liked the track on Friday and I just need to remain consistent throughout the meeting.” he said. One disappointment last Friday was the size of the crowd, although the sea mist around the east coast and the Wash made it seem like a November evening. Co-chairman Dale Allitt said: “I can’t stress enough that we need at least another 20 or 30 people every week and I hope that our crowd this week is at least in line with that. We are enjoying some great racing and we have done everything that we can to make Boston Speedway totally credible on and off the track. We need a response to that through the turnstiles to match the efforts made during the winter to keep the club alive.” Boston expect to be unchanged for the matches against Buxton although team manager Malcolm Vasey put Sean Stoddart on standby in case Simon Lambert’s leg injury prevented him riding. But the Boston captain declared himself fit on Monday afternoon and is anxious to help the club maintain their start. Kieran Morris remains a doubt, but the young Scot expects to be fit and that is probably more than half the battle. The Hitmen have a decent blend of youth and experience with the youth and fire of Ben Taylor and Jack Roberts aligned to the forceful style of Jon Bethell and the more cultured approach of Scott James seeming to give them a very solid look. Belfield has been unlucky with injuries but has plenty of ability while Dallaway and Braithwaite are reserves capable of making an impact. Dallaway is in fact in his third season as a regular reserve and is perhaps fortunate to have retained his reserve status. It all makes for an intriguing pair of matches and Boston will have to fight all the way to gain the two victories that they have targeted. Teams for the weekend: Boston (probable): Armstrong, Smith, Mallett, Lambert, Wright, Morris, McDade. Buxton: James, Roberts, Taylor, Belfield, Bethell, Braithwaite, Dallaway. Boston’s young reserve rider Ben Johnson has been discharged from hospital following a car crash last week in which he sustained a broken arm and leg as well as facial injuries. He is reported to be cheerful in spite of the injuries and faces several months in recovery before he can race again. A total of £125 was collected for him at the Stoke match and he sends his thanks to all those who contributed. He said: “I hope to see the Barracudas race soon, probably at Cleveland next month when I should be more able to travel.” Former Boston rider John Oliver who broke his left leg at King’s Lynn last week was due to be discharged from hospital on Monday. He also faces a long lay-off and many Boston supporters expressed their sympathy for John at the meeting against Stoke.
Tuesday April 10^th, 2007
Cudas draw positives from cup reverse The Boston Barracudas management looked back on the team’s Lincolnshire Cup 54-41 defeat against Scunthorpe with mixed emotions. And while it would be easy to feel disappointed that their arch-rivals had beaten them again, they saw so many positives in their own side to take heart and encouragement that they have a solid base upon which to build for what could well be a successful season for speedway’s still-homeless club. The overriding view is that Jon Armstrong is a rock. And with Simon Lambert already casting aside the injury problems he experienced in 2006, the two will take the side forward with a huge foundation in every match. Matthew Wright can also fill the third heat leader role as he settles and gains further experience of his new home track and developing his racing to fit the opportunities that it offers. Cal McDade showed superb commitment against Scunthorpe, battling for every point and winning great terrace support for his efforts that will reap greater rewards as time goes by. Darren Mallett blew a hole the size of a golf ball in his best engine, but a new engine supplied for his use by the club’s main sponsors should see Darren return swiftly to his best form with renewed confidence when all had looked lost as Good Friday turned first into “Bad Friday” and then a much better Friday for him, thanks to “Staffsmart”. Ben Johnson remains an enigma, so good in practice but struggling once more in the team. It seems he needs opportunities against opposition just a tad less special than that offered by Scunthorpe to gain in confidence at league level and to transfer the rich promise of the training environment to the reality of Conference League racing. Cudas team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “We feel sure that he can do it and we promised him time to show us and we are honouring our commitment to him feeling sure that this will offer rewards. Two meetings against Scunthorpe is hardly giving the kid a chance to demonstrate what he can do, he tried so hard in both matches and we feel sure that there is much more to come than we have seen so far.” Rob Smith missed the Scunthorpe home match due to his involvement in the British under-21s qualifier at Plymouth where he showed up well at his former track and he will return to the Barracudas team for the home match against Stoke Spitfires at King’s Lynn on Friday (April 13), 7.30 pm. Boston have added the name of 18-year-old Scot Kieran Morris to their squad after the youngster made a promising debut against Scunthorpe. Co-club chairman Dale Allitt said: “I had a long talk with Kieran and explained that we will release him to another club if he is needed and not in our team. And he is determined to maker the most of this opportunity and force his way into the side on a permanent basis. That provides healthy competition in the lower half of the team and excellent cover. “He is a close friend of Cal McDade and is desperately keen to further his career, but obviously can’t sit on the sidelines too long if other opportunities arise. He will ride in the second half of our next meeting and we will take it from there.” So on Friday evening Boston begin their Conference Trophy campaign with a visit from Stoke who will include King’s Lynn based Barrie Evans in their side. The talented Norfolkman is almost certain to race at No.1 for the Spitfires. The Barracudas see this match as an opportunity to accurately gauge their strength hoping that they can start their official fixtures with a victory over the Spitfires. Team boss Vasey said: “We should be at full strength and want to make a real challenge in our group ready to make another onslaught on Scunthorpe in the later group stages. We are hoping for another good crowd everyone being very appreciative of our new style parade and the entertainment level of last week. Most Conference matches are like that with a degree of unpredictability that provides enormous excitement when coupled with the excellent racing.” Team line-ups for Friday: Boston: Armstrong, Smith, Mallett, Lambert, Wright, Johnson, McDade. Stoke (from): Evans, Grant, Irving, Branney, Haigh, Dore, Isherwood, Kendrew, Lowe.
Tuesday April 3^rd, 2007
All systems go for season’s home curtain-raiser The new look Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas take on the might of the multi-champions of 2006, the Scunthorpe Scorpions in a mouth watering second leg Lincolnshire Cup match at the Norfolk Arena on Friday (April 6) with a 5.00pm start. This local derby carries the hallmark of a thriller in prospect as the sides lock horns for the second time in 12 days. The Barracudas will try and make up the 14-point deficit incurred in the first leg at Normanby Road on Sunday March 25 and if they can start on Friday in the way that they finished in the first encounter, the Lincolnshire Cup for 2007 may just turn out to be a really close-run affair. But to put the situation in perspective it must be remembered that Scunthorpe lost only three times last season completing the year with a 21-match unbeaten run and they are tracking very largely the same side again this season. Boston made a disastrous start at Normanby Road trailing by 18-6 after just four heats but at the end of the 15 heats they showed that they have the spirit to match the Scorpions by falling only two more points adrift. Many present said the over-watered track was responsible for Boston’s poor start to that match and they really aim to show just what they can do on Friday. It certainly promises to be a cracking early evening of Bank Holiday speedway entertainment. And with both teams strongly fancied throughout the speedway world to do well in 2007, the fixture will lay down an early season marker of things to come. Boston are a developing side, rich in young burgeoning talent, and as the weeks and months of the season go by they look to have a team of continual improvers. Who is to say that in six months time it may be that Cal McDade or Ben Johnson are hogging the limelight that currently surrounds Tai Woffinden of Scunthorpe following his awe inspiring start to the Premier League season in which he doubles up at reserve for the Rye House Rockets. Woffinden is indeed a brilliant prospect but so too is Boston’s young captain Simon Lambert who thrilled the crowd with his brilliant passes on both Scunthorpe riders in heat 11 last week and then followed that up with second place in the Wayne Carter farewell meeting on Sunday. Team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “Only a series of serious injuries has held him back and he still has the ability to reach the pinnacle of this very hard sport.” As a local lad with so much potential at 18 he needs to have a clear spell without injury and the door to the Premier League and beyond will open widely for him. Jon Armstrong has joined the club and leads the effort at No.1, so often in the past the scourge of Boston when at Mildenhall and already demonstrating what is to come with a big score at Scunthorpe and as fired up as anyone in the Club for the Barracudas’ success this season. With Rob Smith racing in the British Under-18 qualifier at Plymouth, the Barracudas have given his place to 17-year-old Scot Kieran Morris who looked very useful on press day and who may yet demonstrate the ability to win a more permanent place in the side. He will be worth watching and whatever happens on Friday the Boston management would like him to stay and stake a claim for a team place. Darren Mallett at No 3 has so much potential but is another rider who has suffered more than his fair share of injuries. This could be the year that he finally becomes an out and out top Conference League man fulfilling the early promise he demonstrated in 2003 when he won the Ronnie Moore Trophy at Wimbledon with a 15-point maximum return. The fast gating Matthew Wright is another rider who could well move his career forward in 2007. He has all the skill and ability to win any race, any time anywhere, but has to discover the self belief to harness together his all of his racing talents. Boston’s two reserves are Cal McDade, who is totally focussed on his speedway career and Ben Johnson something of an enigma so fast in practice but needing the time to settle down and score the points of which he looks more than capable. A real team of triers and improvers who must remember that Rome was not built in a day but any of whom could be headline material any day now. This Good Friday fixture is not for the faint-hearted. Scunthorpe are a good side with that long run of unbeaten matches evidence of their power and in Tai Woffinden, Josh Auty and Joe Haines a trio of young talent that is both exciting for the Scorpions and the sport as a whole. Richie Dennis, surprisingly not riding in the Premier League this season, leads the side and also knows the fastest way around the Norfolk Arena. Scunthorpe’s feats in 2006 rank amongst the greatest in 12 years of Conference level speedway. On Friday the Barracudas hope to show that they may be the side about to start and dislodge the team that definitely took pole position in 2006. Team line-ups: Boston: Armstrong, Morris, Mallett, Lambert, Wright, McDade, Johnson. Scunthorpe: Dennis, Bekker, Auty, Compton, Woffinden, Richardson, Haines.
Tuesday March 27^th, 2007
Vasey optimistic for cup clash return leg “We’re not out of it yet. With 15 heats to go, we still have a chance of winning.” That was the view of Boston Barracudas team, manager Malcolm Vasey after his side’s battling performance in their opening fixture against Scunthorpe, the multi-champions of 2006, in the Lincolnshire Cup first leg when the Cudas lost 55-41. He added: “I have to give a lot of credit to our lads for the way that they fought back after a dreadful start and having trailed 18-6 after four heats to only lose by an additional two points is some performance against Scunthorpe.” Boston’s new co-promoter Dale Allitt expressed surprise and dismay at the over-watered state of the track before the meeting. He said: “I could not believe the amount of water that was put down. It disappointed me and our team and it looked like the watering system is an all-or-nothing arrangement and enough moisture has to go down at the start to last the meeting through. That doesn’t help the early stages of a meeting.” The match always looked a tough opener for the Barracudas and although Scunthorpe were without Messrs Tully and Woffinden the use of rider replacement for the latter and the inclusion of in-form Benji Compton for Tully meant that the Scorpions were very close to full strength. The wet state of the track clearly favoured the home riders in the first four heats and most of the Barracudas will need to concentrate on their gating being generally second best in that department on Sunday. Especially pleasing for the Barracudas was the amazing display by Simon Lambert especially in Heat 11 when he swept to the front inside three quarters of a lap after taking a tactical substitute outing off a 15m handicap. Simon seemed to tire from that point onwards which was understandable given his lack of racing in 2006 following his nasty arm injury at Stoke, but he looked a class act in the middle of the meeting and will soon hit the form that stamped him out as the top reserve in 2005 when he was moved into the team by the League Coordinator ahead of some very good riders at the time. Jon Armstrong was also inspirational with a heat five winning tactical ride that seemed to strike a chord throughout the team lifting the side after that disastrous start. “I think I’m getting to old for this,” quipped the Mancunian at one stage of a hectic afternoon. Cal McDade, resplendent in a sharp red racing suit, also put in some great rides as did Darren Mallett as the meeting wore on. Matthew Wright started brightly with an exciting opening ride even though he was eventually beaten but overcooked it on the greasy exit to turn four in his second ride a point of the track that also had Scott Richardson and Benji Compton on the floor in the early stages of the event. Rob Smith looked a little under powered and Ben Johnson was perhaps a little overawed by the occasion and needs to try to take a more relaxed approach to his races. They must both bear in mind that Scunthorpe will not be the opposition every week and they will both score plenty of points against most sides. All in all there were more positive points than negative for the Barracudas who are looking forward to the second leg at King’s Lynn on Good Friday when they feel that they may just have a surprise in store for Scunthorpe. Boston will have to make one change in their line-up for the second leg next weekend due to Rob Smith’s participation in the British Under-21 semi-final at Plymouth that day. Team boss Vasey said: “I have decided how we can best fill that position and we will make an announcement shortly.”
Monday March 19^th, 2007
Chance to see new-look Barracudas The new Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas management and riders are well prepared for the club’s press and practice day that takes place at the Norfolk Arena, King’s Lynn, from 1pm to 5pm on Friday March 23. The first hour will be set aside for photo opportunities and interviews while the riders will take to the track from about 2pm. There are one or two additional fringe riders likely to be present and the occasion gives the riders their first opportunity to meet as a team just 48 hours ahead of their Lincolnshire Cup first leg match at Scunthorpe on Sunday afternoon. Promoter Dale Allitt said: “Press and practice day is a great opportunity for a general club get-together and I am sure that we are all looking forward to it. We are more than pleased with the team that we have got and we have lots of sponsors old and new to thank for helping us to stay alive. “I know that quite a few of them are coming over to King’s Lynn on Friday and it will be nice to have an opportunity to chat face to face. This club has been so well run in the past we have a lot to live up to and we will be doing our best. It seems that we will have plenty of support at Scunthorpe on Sunday. Everywhere I go in Boston, people are saying that they are looking forward to the Scunthorpe matches.” There was a sharp exchange of words when Boston team manager Malcolm Vasey and Scunthorpe’s Rob Godfrey discussed the teams named for Sunday’s Lincolnshire Cup first leg match between the two sides. Boston boss Vasey said: “I am amazed that they are using rider replacement given the strength in depth in their squad. And that has left me with a very clear idea about how they view the 2007 Barracudas. I do enjoy my repartee with Rob and I have considerable admiration for what has been achieved at Scunthorpe and I always enjoy us racing there. I have thought really carefully about our approach to Sunday’s match and I want the riders to go out and enjoy being back on track. “Anyone can see what a great squad we have and at Mildenhall on Sunday comments on this must have been said to me at least two dozen times by different people. The Scorpions also have some very fine riders and these two matches will set us both up for a good season I hope. It would be really good for speedway in the area if Boston could even start to get near to what Scunthorpe achieved in 2006.” Boston’s Rob Smith is to meet the rest of his new team after joining the Barracudas from Plymouth during the winter. At 19, he has spent the winter working hard to be fully prepared. And the physical effort of being a ground worker by profession obviously is a considerable aid to his fitness. He has had some practices at Eastbourne after an invitation from promoter Bob Brimson and is a close friend of Lewis Bridger. Rob will meet up with former Wimbledon team-mate Matthew Wright who is also racing for the Barracudas in 2007 and curiously the two also rode for Mildenhall but not at the same time. Smith rode at West Row briefly in 2004 and has made very good progress given his limited experience. The two teams for Sunday’s fixture at Normanby Road (start time 3pm) are as follows: Boston: Jon Armstrong, Rob Smith, Darren Mallett, Simon Lambert, Matthew Wright, Ben Johnson, Cal McDade. Scunthorpe: Richie Dennis, Byron Bekker, Josh Auty, Benji Compton, rider replacement for Tai Woffinden, Scott Richardson, Joe Haines. Boston have four changes form the side that ended 2006 with Armstrong, Smith and Wright making debuts while Johnson rode one match during 2006 but has shown enormous improvement during the winter. Scunthorpe have only one newcomer in the shape of British under-15s champion Joe Haines co-incidentally an off-track close friend of Ben Johnson. Last season the Scorpions won all of the major honours at this level of speedway but face significant problems with so many of their riders now doubling up in the Premier League. However, they have a very strong line-up with which to tackle the Barracudas and the contest for the season’s first silverware promises to be close over the two legs.
Tuesday March 13^th, 2007
Riders gearing up for new campaign Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas’ long distance traveller Cal McDade spent a lot of last weekend at the Scottish Motorcycle Show held just off the M8 between Glasgow and Edinburgh where he exhibited his speedway bike and continued his search for new sponsors. He said: “It was very handy and I met a lot of interesting people and gave out a lot of stuff. And who knows?” The stand included an electronic gator attached to Cal’s bike so that visitors could test their reaction times for dropping the clutch on a speedway bike. Every so often, Cal demonstrated his own prowess and beat the fastest time — a feature that went down very well with whoever from the gathering crowds had just recorded a quick time! Fastest time of the weekend by a member of the public was 0.15 seconds while Cal did 0.1407 and then topped that with a 0.08secs time, something that he hopes to emulate during the coming season. All in all it was a worthwhile event that helped promote the sport in McDade’s native Scotland. Boston captain for 2007, Simon Lambert, is striving to reach maximum fitness in both mental and physical terms in readiness for the new campaign, which he is really relishing. He said: “I’m taking as many meetings as I can in the early days of the season and that is in addition to the King’s Lynn practices that I have already done. I have also been to Scunthorpe and I am very proud to be in the Ashley Jones side at King’s Lynn on Friday, which will help to sharpen me up. My bikes are going well and I am also pleased with my shoulder which is a little sore after riding but the next morning the soreness has gone when I wake up.” he said. Meanwhile Jon Armstrong is recovering from a bout of illness but felt that it would not harm his preparations for 2007. He said: “I’m starting to feel better and I’ll be okay in plenty of time. I am anxious to get the season started now it seems forever since I last rode.” Ben Johnson went to Buxton on Sunday and found the track every bit as tough as he had expected. He said: “I had one or two close looks at the fence but I went well in my last couple of rides when the frost and everything was out of the track. I have learned a lot about it and I will know how to approach racing there.” Darren Mallett went to Scunthorpe last Saturday and he felt comfortable with his efforts. He said: “I don’t want to be caught out when we go there next weekend and it was a very useful experience to be back on the bike again.” Mallett looked fit and impressed one or two observers at Normanby Road. So, with back-to-back matches against multi-champions Scunthorpe with the pride of the county at stake in the Lincolnshire Cup scheduled for the next two weeks, the season looks set start with a real bang. There is great interest in both teams this season largely because of the Scorpions’ success in 2007 and the fact that Boston have survived the trauma of possible closure in the winter to assemble a team that has made the rest of the Conference League sit up and take notice. Boston stage their press and practice day at King’s Lynn on Friday March 23 (1pm to 5pm) with the first hour reserved for photo opportunities, leaving ample track time for the new team. Boston and Scunthorpe meet at Normanby Road on Sunday March 25 in the first leg of the Lincolnshire Cup with second leg at King’s Lynn on Good Friday (April 6, starting at 5pm).
Tuesday March 6^th, 2007
Wright relishing role with Cudas Having reached the age of 21 just three weeks after the end of last season, the Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas’ new signing Matthew Wright is really relishing the new challenge facing him at the Norfolk Arena in 2007. He said: “I feel really excited about the new season. It is exactly the right move for me as I am anxious to get as much experience as possible on one of the bigger tracks. I have previously ridden at Wimbledon sandwiched between my two periods at Mildenhall and this is an opportunity for me to develop by adding a further dimension to my career and experience so far.” Wright is currently preparing his two GM bikes in readiness for press and practice day at his parent club Ipswich next Tuesday (March 13). He said: “I hate to have to say it, but I have spent loads of money this winter to get these bikes exactly right for my new situation and I really have to be looking to move my career on to the Premier League in the next year or so. To achieve that I have to do really well for Boston at Conference level and that is exactly how I plan this coming season. I feel so up for the season possibly because I have known that I would be at Boston since early January which has given me more time to get everything just right.” he said. Wright actually rode his first ever fixture for Boston in a match at Mildenhall in 2002 when Boston reserve Mark Woods was involved in a car crash en route for West Row giving Matthew his first opportunity of an official race. Barracudas team manager Malcolm Vasey said: “I remember it quite well. Matthew was a promising lad and Graham Drury was not over-keen for him to ride for us but he agreed and Matt scored two points, I think, but not enough for us to beat Mildenhall that day. He’s come a long way since then and I think he is tremendous value as a Grade 7.” Wright actually rode one or two matches for the Isle of Wight last season and hopes that his ability to win from the back will improve with the additional passing opportunities that he will have at the Norfolk Arena compared with his other Conference League tracks. The rider said: “It’s an aspect of my racing that I must work on. I feel that my gating is one of my strong points and I want to be an effective all-rounder and feel confident that I can win from the back whenever necessary.” said Wright. He is pleased that he will line up at No.5 for Boston next season. He said: “I have no problems with that and can fit in almost anywhere as required. I know most of the Boston team very well and have ridden with some of them for other teams. It will be good to meet up with Jon Armstrong and Rob Smith again and I feel sure that we will have a great team spirit.” Matthew is hoping that he will perhaps find some new sponsors once the matches start so that he can keep his machinery at the level in which he is going into the season. He said: “I have got my bikes in top notch racing order and that’s what you need. The Conference League is so competitive now anything less and it becomes very hard. I am determined to do really well for the Barracudas and any help towards that will be greatly appreciated.” There is little doubt that Matthew Wright is approaching an important watershed in a career that has seen consistent improvement since he made that one-off appearance for Boston almost five years ago. His development has been steady rather than spectacular but he is almost always an ever-present rider for his teams showing a loyalty and commitment that are deserving of success. This season he feels more determination and spirit than ever and Boston could well reap some rich rewards as a result. The Barracudas have re-launched the club hotline which will be updated twice weekly until the start of the season and then more frequently with an away match service with scores during the meetings. Further details of this will be advised nearer the time and the Club Call hotline number remains 09066 555969. (Calls cost 60p per minute at all times). The 2007 Conference League fixtures have been published and following the mouth-watering Lincolnshire Cup clashes with Scunthorpe, the Barracudas are straight into Conference Trophy action with a visit from the Stoke Spitfires. Highlights of an excellent season include the Conference Fours at Plymouth on May 18 and the Conference Pairs at Scunthorpe on July 22. The club have a bye in the first round of the Knockout Cup. q Full tabulated fixture list will be included on this site shortly.
Tuesday February 27^th, 2007
Barracudas add Brundle for top level cover The Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas have completed a further stage in their team building for 2007 with the announcement that cover for their No. 1 race jacket will be provided by James Brundle who has agreed to join the club in that capacity. Team manager Malcolm Vasey said: “It is an open-ended agreement because the situation is that we cannot give James regular rides. In fact his inclusion in the squad is purely precautionary. James can only ride instead of Jon Armstrong and will only ride in any circumstances that Jon cannot take his normal place. For our part, of course, we would release James should he be required by any other Conference team and he wishes to take up their offer. “With Sean Stoddart able to cover everyone except the reserves and Rob Smith, we feel that we have taken every conceivable precaution with our resources for the coming season. We only need to finalise an agreement with a reserve rider and we will be set up very professionally which has been our approach to team building this season.” he added. “We are very grateful to James and of course to King’s Lynn. And having James in the squad gives us a really comfortable feeling. James, of course, is riding for King’s Lynn in the Premier League this season.” stressed Vasey. “I hope our supporters realise that we really mean business and have taken this step to protect ourselves from the bad luck that we have experienced in the recent past,” he said. Brundle was also upbeat about the arrangement. He said: “I’ll be pleased to help Boston if they should need me and I am going to press day to meet the rest of the team and the supporters. Whatever happens, I shall ride in the Lincolnshire Trophy and it is the sort of arrangement that suits me at present. It’s always good to feel wanted and it is very close to home. But it could be that I won’t ride at all for the Barracudas,” he said. Boston’s complete squad of riders now makes impressive reading with Jon Armstrong, Rob Smith, Darren Mallett, Simon Lambert, Matthew Wright, Cal McDade, Ben Johnson, Sean Stoddart and James Brundle making nine of the 10 riders officially allowed. Additionally, Wayne Dunworth will be available once he has fully recovered from his illness and Scott Campos will also be a fringe rider. But the Barracudas are still looking for another reserve and will be looking at their second half racing to try and identify further new blood for the team. They also have their sights set on a young rider who has been really flying. Meanwhile Boston’s regular No.1 Jon Armstrong was hard at work in the workshop over the weekend to ensure that his equipment will deliver everything that he needs from it. New kevlars from Tyneside are on order from former rider and well known racing suit manufacturer Malcolm Hogg, and Armstrong feels that they may well add a touch of colour to his appearance as a Barracuda. He said: “I’ve told Selwyn (Hogg) to design me a new suit and his designs are well known. I can’t wait to get started in my new role and it’s only a month away now.” Boston captain Simon Lambert was “recovering” from his 18^th birthday party on Sunday having had a most enjoyable evening at Pinchbeck in Lincolnshire the night before. He said: “I feel tired but it was just a lot of fun.” “I am suspicious about what went on, because he’ll hardly say a word about it,” said team boss Vasey “But it sounds as if a good time was had by all.” The coming season is an important one for Lambert who has watched some of his contemporaries making progress while he has been dogged by a succession of unfortunate injuries. “If Simon can stay injury free he can be a real top man in the Conference and he deserves some luck. Simon is Boston to the core and is bound to attract attention from the Premier League once his form shows that he has recovered from his arm injury.” said Vasey.
Tuesday February 20^th, 2007
Dale is officially on board with Cudas Dale Allitt has been approved as a new co-promoter of the Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas after meeting the BSPA management committee at Rugby with fellow co-promoter Malcolm Vasey last week. Together with Mick Smith they have been formalised as the new promotional team and hope to take the club forward in 2007. Speaking about events at the weekend, Allitt said: “It is always nice to get the formalities out of the way, although much of the work towards operating next season has already been done. We have put together a highly talented and competitive team and I am certain that we will do well on track. There is still some organisational work to consider and we shall be putting our plans in place during the next few weeks ready for our first home match on Good Friday. “But above all we must try and mobilise greater support and we have a number of ideas to help in this direction. We are liaising more closely with the local radio stations and the press and we have other ideas for promoting the club in Boston. There are a lot of Polish workers in the Boston area these days and that is a potential enclave of support that we could try and tap into. I am also trying to use my position at Boston United to interest people in the speedway team and many fans have told me that they are interested in coming over for meetings. All of this is very positive and good news for the Barracudas. We really hope that this will be a good season for us in every way and are striving to achieve success on all fronts. We told the BSPA about our plans and these were received with considerable enthusiasm. They seemed especially pleased that we had managed to keep the Club alive,” he said. The club are waiting to receive the new Conference League fixtures which are due to be released in draft form any day now. Team manager Malcolm Vasey said: “The Conference League is much further ahead with its preparations than in the past which will be very helpful to everybody. I believe that given the very even make up of the squads announced so far that there is a situation in the Conference League now where almost any team is capable of winning against everybody else. There are still one or two squads to be named, but it is remarkable how the strength seems to be spread right across the board. That will mean very exciting speedway and it would be nice if that could be reflected in attendances for this most exciting level of racing. “
Tuesday February 13^th, 2007
Cudas look to unearth more riding talent The Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas have decided to step up the activity levels in the second half programmes during the coming season in a bid to unearth fresh talent. Team manager Malcolm Vasey said: “We have perhaps at times neglected our second halves but we plan an all out assault on every front next season and are developing a list of riders who wish to take part. As it is not possible for us to hold training schools to unearth new talent, we see this as our only opportunity to do so. “I keep reading on the internet that young riders want the opportunity to race competitively and I have already had a considerable response to my invitation for prospective second half riders to contact me. We will limit the number of riders to six per meeting so that in normal circumstances they will all get at least three races. The second halves will take the form of individual races or we may consider team events over six heats possibly starting on Good Friday when Scunthorpe are the visitors. That would be a perfect opportunity to race a second half match against them,” he said. Any other riders interested in second half racing are invited to contact Malcolm Vasey on 07768 073284. Boston’s promising reserve Cal McDade who could well be described as the “Flying Scotsman” not only for his track exploits but also for his long distance travelling has set himself various targets for 2007 and is determined that the coming season is a make a or break year for his speedway career. The race ace said: “Boston have agreed to me doubling up at Glasgow in the Academy second half matches which Colin Mackie is arranging. I see this as the way to keep match fit when Boston don’t have a fixture. I have set myself targets for 2007 and I am determined to achieve them. I would like to be able to catch the league co-ordinator’s eye and push myself into the team at some point then I will know I am getting somewhere. I just wish that I could get one or two extra sponsors to help out with the high costs and I hope that my performances will lead me to that,” he said.
Tuesday February 6^th, 2007
Stoddart agrees to back-up role with Cudas The Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas have secured the services of Sean Stoddart in a back-up capacity for 2007 with the clear understanding that should he require additional Conference League action for whatever reason that they cannot provide, then Boston will release the Edinburgh based youngster. Cudas team manager Malcolm Vasey said: “Sean has got a reserve berth at Newcastle and up until quite recently was not sure just how much racing he wanted to do in the Conference League. Obviously, if he had not won a reserve berth anywhere he would have had to revert to full-time Conference League racing and had one or two offers for that on the table. “But now he is fixed up at Brough Park and mainly because our home race day is reasonably suitable for him by not being a Sunday, he is coming back to us should we need him. Sean is a very good prospect and I am sure he will do well at Newcastle. It will be good to know he is available sometimes if the need arises. I have spoken to George English who was also very helpful and he has given this his blessing and we are grateful for Newcastle’s support in this matter. “That is not the end of our squad building process and we expect to have another Premier League rider doubling down should we need him. We think we have a quality reserve grade rider on board too and we will then be just about as well prepared as is possible.” he said. “It has been quite difficult this close season to put all of these building blocks in place and I feel certain that we have achieved just about the best set of arrangements open to us given our overall situation. Dale Allitt has also worked very hard to help get the team together in fact without his input I might still have three or four riders to enlist.” said Vasey. “Likewise many people have pledged financial support to us and our main sponsors have been so helpful.” he added. Sean Stoddart rode for Edinburgh in the Premier League last season and joined Boston when his position looked in doubt for a time. Then things seemed to click and he remained at Armadale but helped Boston whenever a need arose. The rider said: “I enjoyed it last season and I am very happy to sign again now that I’m fixed up with Newcastle. I wasn’t sure which way to go until Newcastle signed me.” Boston fringe rider Wayne Dunworth had a nasty shock last week when he collapsed due to blood clotting on his lungs and was forced to spend four days in hospital while the medical staff diagnosed his problem and then started the process of recuperation. Wayne has been discharged now but has to take a couple of weeks off work to ensure that his improvement is maintained. The newest member of the Boston promotional team Dale Allitt travelled up to Scunthorpe at the weekend with son Matthew so that the youngster could have a few spins around the Normanby Road circuit. It also provided an opportunity for him to meet up with Boston’s ultra keen reserve duo of Ben Johnson and Cal McDade who are often at the North Lincolnshire track. “They were both going exceptionally well and it was good to see their enthusiasm coming to fruition,” said Allitt who has an interview at Rugby next week with the BSPA management committee that will hopefully give the official seal of approval to the new co-club chairman.
Tuesday January 30^th, 2007
Rob’s arrival completes Cudas line-up Rob Smith The Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas have finalised their starting 1-7 for the new speedway season that gets under way with press and practice day at King’s Lynn on Friday March 23 (1.00 pm). The final rider in the club’s 1-7 line-up represents yet another coup for the new management team with the capture of promising teenager Rob Smith who rode last season for the high flying Plymouth Devils. Cudas team manager Malcolm Vasey said: “We are delighted to have obtained Rob’s services. He is another young rider who will add power to our top five and who is coming to us in order further his speedway career by developing his big track skills and to have gained his agreement to ride for us is yet another major boost for the club.” Smith is from the south coast and rode at Plymouth last season after racing for Wimbledon in 2005. Before that he had one or two outings at Mildenhall and he is full of enthusiasm at being offered a place in the Boston line up. The rider said: “I’ve had offers from two or three other clubs, but I had no doubts about joining Boston. I really enjoy racing at King’s Lynn and the regular racing on a larger track will be beneficial to my career. I know most of the other lads having ridden with Jon Armstrong and Matthew Wright previously and I’m very pleased to be moving to a club that could win a lot of silverware this season.” The squad-building news doesn’t end with Smith’s arrival, though. The Boston management have also gone to considerable pains to ensure that there will be back-up available should injuries strike the club this season. Co-promoter Dale Allitt said: “We have been talking to riders whose own circumstances would allow them to race for us in emergency situations should they arise next season. This is something that Malcolm and I feel is very important given the run of bad luck that Boston has had in recent years. We will reveal the full details at a later date but we have taken a highly professional approach to obtaining back up cover at all levels of the team which you need to have to keep to the 40 grading points limit. If our plans come to fruition we are as well prepared as possible.” The full Boston side will almost certainly line up at Scunthorpe on March 25 in the first leg of the Lincolnshire Cup as follows: 1 Jon Armstrong, 2 Rob Smith, 3 Darren Mallett, 4 Simon Lambert, 5 Matthew Wright, 6 Ben Johnson, 7 Cal McDade. The only doubt is the reserve pairing which may be reversed, but that is something that will be decided at a later date. Nine weeks ago it seemed that Boston Speedway would be no more at least for the present. But the hard work of the new promotion coupled with the generosity of the new main sponsors and many other sponsors and our supporters has enabled the club to continue. Mick Smith, the third member of the promoting team, said: “We have a lot to thank everyone for and we are determined to reward our followers with some good results. We have had magnificent support from everywhere including former chairman Stephen Lambert and we just can’t wait for the action to start.”
Tuesday January 23^rd, 2007
Johnson added to Barracudas squad The Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas have made another important capture having agreed to re-sign Manchester-born Ben Johnson who made fleeting appearances for the club in 2006. Johnson, who was 17 just before Christmas had limited opportunities in 2006 due mainly to injuries but his recent close season form and general efforts in the Southern Track Riders’ meetings have reminded the Boston management of his considerable potential and Ben will definitely be part of the club’s starting line up. Cudas’ team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “Ben is a real prospect in my view, he is quite fearless with remarkable gating ability and I am quite certain that he can make an impact this season.” said Boston team manager Malcolm Vasey. “His Dad is in the engine tuning business and Ben is always mounted on first class equipment and we really feel that he can make an important contribution for us in 2007.” The Cumbrian-based youngster is leaving no stone unturned to follow in the footsteps of two of his very close friends Jack Roberts and Joe Haynes with a comprehensive approach to his general development. He is ensuring that he follows an appropriate diet to build up his muscle strength and is also spending time in the gym. At 17 he feels that he will have a more mature approach to racing than in the past and is attending training schools and taking every opportunity to hone his skills in time for the new season. Johnson said: “I am very pleased to have got this opportunity and I am prepared to make 100 percent effort to make sure that everything is right to take my speedway career forward. I want to be a real asset to Boston and I can’t wait for the new season to start now.” Meanwhile, the Boston management may further complement their resources with another youngster to fill the final team place for 2007. Co-promoter Dale Allitt said: “Malcolm and I have discussed our strategy endlessly and have concluded that we may well be best served with another youngster to complete the opening septet. Nothing is finalised but that may well be our plan. That would leave us with a grade total of 38 points but we feel that we can gain far more with a rapidly developing youngster than someone with several seasons racing behind them who has stopped improving. “We have recruited a fine group of riders already and given what else we have in mind we really fear no-one. That’s not just bold talk but based on the outstanding team members we already have in place.” he stressed. Wayne Dunworth, one of the club’s long standing fringe riders who could feature in any emergency, celebrated his 40^th birthday with some style at Hubbert’s Bridge near Boston on Saturday evening. Even Wayne had one or two surprises as the evening unfolded and it was an occasion he is not likely to forget in a hurry. Time change: Boston’s opening home fixture against Scunthorpe on Good Friday will now start at 5.00pm not earlier as previously announced. This highly popular Lincolnshire Cup second leg match is eagerly anticipated both in the north and south of the county
Tuesday January 16^th, 2007
New signing Jon Armstrong Cudas add strength with star signing There was no hiding the delight throughout the Boston Barracudas management team at the conclusion of arrangements for the fifth member of a potentially exciting squad to join the fold for the 2007 campaign. The Barracudas have announced that former Conference League Riders Champion Jon Armstrong will take the number one race jacket in what appears to be one of the most competent and exciting line-ups the club has managed to put together. Armstrong (32) has been the victim of his own success, his exceptional form in 2006 landing him with a Premier League average that could not be accommodated at Mildenhall and the Mancunian has expressed his delight at joining Boston. He said: “I am so pleased to be joining the Barracudas and I like the Conference League which gives me an opportunity to help the younger riders. But it’s a hard league these days with some good teams and I am pleased to be riding at No1. “I like the King’s Lynn track and I want both myself and the club to be a big force this season. I just can’t wait for our first meeting at Scunthorpe,” he added. Boston co-promoter Dale Allitt paid tribute to Mildenhall boss Mick Horton for allowing the Barracudas to talk to Armstrong and also the club’s new sponsors, Staffsmart, who have bent over backwards to help the club re-establish themselves after the uncertainties of the winter. Dale said: “We are really grateful to Staffsmart chief Michael Chinn who is very interested in what we are doing and has been so helpful in ensuring that we can do well.” Boston have agreed to open the season at Scunthorpe in the first leg of the Lincolnshire Trophy on March 25 with the second leg at the Norfolk Arena on Good Friday afternoon with a 1pm start time to enable the King’s Lynn ground staff to prepare the stadium for the remainder of the weekend. In advance of these mouth-watering opening fixtures, Boston will stage a press and practice day on Friday March 23 from 1pm to 5pm. Team boss Malcolm Vasey said: “These are great fixtures to start the season with and I feel sure that our matches with the Scorpions will be classics. They had the upper hand last season and have named a super squad for 2007. But we have the riders to give them something to think about and we haven’t finished yet. “We are talking to a possible candidate for the vacant reserve berth and he will surprise many if we can get him. That will then leave us with four grade points to play with. The phone has been busy with one or two riders interested in coming to us, but we have to fit in with the 40 point limit of course.”
Tuesday January 9^th, 2007
Barracudas make Wright swoop in team building The Boston “Staffsmart” Barracudas have announced the fourth addition to their squad for the 2007 season having agreed terms with former Wimbledon and Mildenhall rider Matthew Wright. Wright, who lives close to Stansted Airport in Essex, is relishing the move to Boston and has turned down other options to join the new look Barracudas. He said: “It’s a good move for me and I can hardly wait for the new season having got fixed up so early. Last season I had to wait until the last minute to get fixed up. This time I can be so much better prepared.” Boston Team Manager Malcolm Vasey said: “We are really excited by this signing which means that our top five will include Darren Mallett, Simon Lambert and now Matthew. He is only 21 and improves every year. So 2007 could be a really big year for him. “I think he has a soft spot for us as he rode his first ever official match in Boston’s colours when one of our team had an accident travelling to West Row a few years ago. And as we often say at Boston, ‘they always come back’!” Wright is an Ipswich asset and Vasey thanked Witches promoter John Louis for giving him permission to talk to the rider. The Boston boss said: “John was very helpful when I spoke to him and I think he is pleased that Matt has the chance to progress further.” In addition to the three riders named above Boston will also have the services of the promising Scotsman Cal McDade at reserve in a team that is beginning to look extremely capable. Meanwhile, discussions are on-going with a number of other riders who have the ability to turn the team into a potential threat to anyone as the new Boston promotion seek to establish a side that could make a serious assault on the Conference League Championship. Co-promoter Dale Allitt said: “We are just waiting for the word and we could have plenty of surprises up our sleeves yet. I am amazed at the amount of effort that it takes to get the right blend and meet the grades limit requirements, but we are getting close to having a great side now.”