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Spotlight on the Boston Barracuda-Braves

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Latest news from the Boston Barracuda-Braves

Team sponsor: N C Williams and Son Insurance

THIS IS LATEST NEWS 2006				NEWS ARCHIVE 2005
Monday March 27^th, 2006
All systems go as Braves go on parade Boston Barracuda-Braves’ 2006 speedway squad will be on parade in front of the press and public at King’s Lynn on Friday March 31 as part of their pre-season practice day at their Norfolk Arena home. The day’s events will run from 10am to 1pm. The session will open with a series of young hopefuls battling for the one vacant reserve slot that the club have left open until they have the opportunity to run the rule over an interesting batch of contenders. These include two of last season’s reserves contingent in the guise of Scott Campos and Adam Lowe. But for either of them to come into serious team consideration, they will have to see off some sprightly opposition — notably in the form of Shane Waldron, Cal McDade and Lee Strudwick all of whom have indicated they intend to participate and all of whom appear to have the credentials to make that final space their own. Ben Johnson is a long distance visitor from Cumberland and there are several others who wish to stake a claim to be in team manager Malcolm Vasey’s plans for 2006. Boston have already agreed terms for the likes of established riders like James Birkinshaw, Nathan Irwin, John Oliver, Darren Mallett and Sam Martin will join new captain Simon Lambert in the quest for Conference League glory in 2006. This sextet in itself looks a formidable line-up. But everyone at the club is cautious about their prospects with the memory of the last two season’s woeful series of injuries still quite fresh in their minds. The motto of “have bike will travel” is clearly the maxim adopted by Boston’s two teenage riders from Down Under who have made the long trip half way around the world to take their place in the 2006 Barracuda-Braves line up. Eighteen-year-old John Oliver is re-joining the club he rode for in 2004 before a nasty crash at Coventry brought his season to an abrupt end and last year he did not make the trip as he had obtained a well-paid job in Brisbane. He will be joined in the Boston pits by 17-year-old Sam Martin who has made his third trip to these shores from his South Australian home in Adelaide having won a Conference League Championship medal last year in his second of two seasons at Oxford. The demise of last year’s champions prompted Boston’s interest in Martin who could blossom into one of the best reserves in the section. Sam’s dad Mark rode over here in the early 1980s for Canterbury and he has also returned to Britain to keep an eye on Mark’s career and help out in the pits. Martin has come to Britain to make real career progress and is staying with friends near Oxford as he has done previously and will make the trip to King’s Lynn for home matches from his base in the centre of England. He said: “I would like to achieve a seven point average if I can and perhaps attract the odd Premier League guest booking if that’s possible. “Travelling is no problem I’m just pleased to have got a ride and I will try and make the most of it.” Sam will ride the equipment he used so effectively for Oxford last season which remained in England during the winter months and he is looking forward to thepress and practice session at Lynn when he will meet his new team-mates for the first time and get ready for serious action the following weekend (see full fixture list, right). John Oliver will have the company of his father Ollie (a Merv Hughes lookalike) for the first couple of months of the season. Ollie will then return to the Gold Coast on the eastern side of Australia while John continues to further his speedway career in England. John was in second half action at Mildenhall on Sunday when winning one of his two races and is regularly in the second half at King’s Lynn each Wednesday. He has the usual degree of Aussie grit and says he is absolutely determined that this trip will see him make his mark as a potential Premier League rider of the not too distant future. Admission to the practice day is free.
Boston Barracuda-Braves fixtures for 2006
	Date	Opponents	Competition		Venue	Time
	APRIL
	Fri 07	Scunthorpe	Easter Cup		Home	7.30pm
	Sun 16	Mildenhall	Challenge		Away	3.30pm
	Mon 17	Scunthorpe	Easter Cup		Away	3.00pm
	Fri 28	Mildenhall	Challenge		Home	7.30pm
	Sun 30	Buxton	Conference Lge		Away	3.00pm
	MAY
	Wed 03	Stoke	Conference Lge		Away	7.30pm
	Fri 05	Newport	Conference Lge		Home	7.30pm
	Fri 12		Reserved		Home	7.30pm
	Fri 19	Rye House	Conference Lge		Home	7.30pm
	Fri 26	Scunthorpe	Conference Lge		Home	7.30pm
	Mon 29	Rye House	Conference Lge		Away	2.00pm
	JUNE
	Sun 04	Scunthorpe	Conference Lge		Away	3.00pm
	Fri 09	Stoke	Conference Lge		Home	7.30pm
	Sat 10	Mildenhall	Conference Lge		Away	7.00pm
	Fri 16	Plymouth	Conference Lge		Away	TBA
	Fri 23	Buxton	Conference Lge		Home	7.30pm
	Fri 30	Mildenhall	Conference Lge		Home	7.30pm
	JULY
	Fri 07		Reserved		Home	7.30pm
	Sun 16	Newport	Conference Lge		Away	2.30pm
	Fri 21	Plymouth	Conference Lge		Home	7.30pm
	AUGUST
	Fri 04		Reserved		Home	7.30pm
	Fri 18		Reserved		Home	7.30pm
	SEPTEMBER
	Fri 08		Reserved		Home	7.30pm
	Fri 22		Reserved		Home	7.30pm
	OCTOBER
	Fri 06		Reserved		Home	7.30pm
	TO BE ARRANGED
	TBA	Buxton	KO Cup		Home
	TBA	Buxton	KO Cup		Away
	SHARED EVENTS
	TBA	Pairs	Conf Lge Pairs		Scunthorpe
	TBA	4TT	Conf Lge Fours		Stoke
Monday March 13^th, 2006
Irwin upbeat on his 2006 prospects Nathan Irwin is glad to be back in the Boston speedway colours for the 2006 season. The 2005 season was a hugely frustrating time for the Sussex-based racer. He had really been looking the part in the opening half dozen matches before suffering a damaged hand at Buxton. And from that point little went right for him. He returned to the N C Williams and Son Insurance-sponsored Braves side briefly in June, scoring paid 20 points from two matches, but then suffered a serious shoulder injury in a second half accident at Reading which virtually ended his season. Medical treatment and advice kept him out of the saddle until September when he returned to the Boston fray. But he was unable to repeat his early season form, although at times there were glimpses of his true ability. One such moment came in the first leg of the Knockout Cup semi-final against Mildenhall when he won heat one with team-mate David McAllan and visiting number one Jon Armstrong behind him up to the point that the Mildenhall rider crashed. But generally Nathan found the going hard. He said: “I was anxious to get back and prove myself, but I don’t think that I was either physically or mentally quite where I was at the start of the season. I love riding for Boston, I like the supporters and I am delighted that they have asked me back again. This time I hope that I can steer clear of injuries and show them what might have been last season. I went well at Swindon's press and practice day last Sunday and all my bikes are flying. So I am back and ready to help Boston win things. We have another good side and I am certain that we can do well and I intend to play my part.” Irwin, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday three days before the Boston press and practice day on March 31, has been racing motor bikes on speedway and grass for several years and there is a family history in grass track in which his grandfather, father and uncle have all competed. Irwin feels that he has an excellent sponsor in Brian Woodcock and is quite determined to repay the faith shown in him by both his sponsor and Boston by making 2006 his best season yet. Commenting on Irwin’s return Boston, club chairman Stephen Lambert said: “We were delighted with him in the early days of last season. But as with so many of our team, injuries took their toll and he spent more than half the season on the sidelines. He has great determination and is a really nice lad to have around. We feel that this could be his year and he is something of a snip as a grade six rider.” Irwin spends at least two evenings per week at his local gym in addition to the physical work that he undertakes as a ground worker. He is a Swindon asset and his boss at Blunsdon, Alan Rossiter, rates him highly. This could be seen as a make or break year for the rider who says he is determined to galvanise all of his assets to making 2006 a really big year in his speedway career. He said: “Everything is right, it’s down to me now and I am sure I can achieve something worthwhile. I have good family support, a great sponsor and a good club - what more do I need?”
Monday March 6^th, 2006
All systems go for practice day Team boss Malcolm Vasey is looking forward to a special speedway event. Friday March 31 is the date set aside for an all-important press call and practice day for team members and emerging stars connected with the Boston Barracuda-Braves camp. The N C Williams and Son Insurance-sponsored club will be hosting the gathering at their home in exile at King’s Lynn — with one of the principal aims being to tap into talent good enough to fill the one remaining reserve berth in the side ready for the 2006 campaign. Vasey said: “There are so many grade two riders and we will start our press and practice day at 10am with a selection process designed to identify someone for the final position in our team. “That should take about an hour given the number of riders that have asked to participate. And then we will have a complete team ready for the press and photographers as well as our supporters who will then be able to show their paces on the track. “The response to this competitive process has been overwhelming and it just goes to show how many youngsters are anxious to break into the sport and the limited number of team places for them to take part in Conference League speedway. We are really pleased with our squad of riders so far with James Birkinshaw, Nathan Irwin, Simon Lambert, Jon Oliver, Darren Mallett, and Sam Martin who will start the season plus Kyle Hughes as back-up and more than capable of challenging for a place in his own right. Ideally, we would like to sign the best grade two rider at press day for the other reserve berth and perhaps two more for our squad. “In the Conference League we have found that opportunities do crop up and last season we just about ran out of options. We also follow a policy at Boston of releasing squad riders immediately should an opportunity occur elsewhere. With young riders it is wrong to hang onto them if they can get a team spot because of problems elsewhere. And anyone who signs for us should be aware of that. The advantage of being in our squad means that they will get first call if we have a problem, so there are benefits all round,” said Vasey. Admission to press and practice day for spectators will be free. The Braves’ management still believe that one or two more teams could still take part in the 2006 Conference League with hopes high for Plymouth taking part. They are also hopeful that by mid-summer others will take part in the competitions that have been left open. And as a consequence the overall league numbers should increase in 2007.
Monday February 27^th, 2006
Teenager Hughes signs up for the Braves The Boston Barracuda-Braves are setting their stall out big-style for the 2006 speedway season. Evidence of this comes with news that the N C Williams and Son Insurance-sponsored outfit have captured the signature of yet another talented youngster. They have added 16-year-old Kyle Hughes to their squad in readiness for new campaign. Braves chairman Stephen Lambert said: “The situation is quite simple. There will inevitably be fixture clashes involving riders who double up between leagues and Kyle is happy to join us on the basis that he will replace riders in such circumstances and also out of form riders as necessary. We feel that he has tremendous potential and as a grade four man we can use him anywhere in the side except at reserve. He is too good to sit on the sidelines and we are anxious to avoid excessive use of the rider replacement facility with so many unemployed riders. “With someone with as much developing talent as Kyle, we are learning a lesson from our problems of last season and acquiring him now rather than waiting until we are desperate and having to grab virtually anyone. We see this as a lucky break for us and for a variety of reasons this option suits Kyle’s needs at the moment. And, of course, it is always healthy to have competition for team places.” Hughes, who lives in Chippenham, was part of the Oxford Academy championship-winning side last season with an average of more than 6.5 points per meeting. And with time on his side, he is being seen as a tremendous bargain grade wise. Boston have clearly moved over to a youth policy which they feel will repay them handsomely as the season unfolds. With the majority of the side aged under 20 it should ensure a lively season. Boston still plan to fill their vacant reserve berth on press and practice day (March 31) for which there has been enormous interest from aspiring riders. The club has also announced admission prices for next season. These are: Adults, £8; children (12 to 15 years), £3; under-12s (accompanied by a paying adult), free; programmes (optional), £2. Lambert said: “We feel these prices are more than fair and hope that our supporters will respond by coming over to King’s Lynn in even greater numbers. Last year saw a small increase in our support and this season we hope to improve upon that.”
Tuesday February 21^st, 2006
Simon celebrates with role as Braves skipper It was a case of double celebrations for speedway teenager Simon Lambert. On February 21 the youngster celebrated his 17th birthday and then heard he had been selected to skipper the Boston Barracuda-Braves for the 2006 season. Team manager Malcolm Vasey had spent the past couple of weeks contemplating which rider to chose to lead the N C Williams and Son-sponsored Braves in the summer. He said: “I think Simon is the perfect selection as far as I am concerned. And at his tender age it can also be considered as part of his overall training in speedway in learning to shoulder the added responsibility of leading a side with some riders older and more experienced than he is. Simon is the perfect example of how a teenage speedway rider should be. His equipment is always immaculate and is always the first to be ready to go out for a race. “He will quite literally do anything for Boston Speedway. He cares so much about helping us to achieve success on track, he is always encouraging the rest of the team and I know he will make an excellent captain. It hardly seems credible that only two years ago I had to take him to one side and explain why he would not be in the team at the start of the 2004 season. His response to that was that if there were better riders ahead of him then he would have to wait — but that they had better watch out because he was determined to get a berth in the side.” That was something he achieved in due course and went on to consolidate his position last season despite being hit by several injuries later in the campaign. Vasey said: “I firmly believe that he will quickly make up for any lost time and provided he stays clear of injuries he will achieve everything that both King’s Lynn and we hope for him next season.” Lambert said: “It was a great honour and super birthday present. I am thrilled to bits to accept and I fully intend to do my best in this role. “I think the job is important because you have the opportunity to help any rider who might be struggling and hopefully make a difference to the team. I’m a bit surprised, there’s no denying that. But I will repay those who are showing this faith in me. Boston is something of a special club because life is never easy for us and I just hope that this will be our season. However, there are some good teams being put together and we will have to work hard to get the rewards that we seek. But we will develop our usual never-say-die spirit starting on press day (March 31) and I think it can be a terrific year for the club.”
Tuesday February 14^th, 2006
Plenty of interest in practice day session Boston Barracuda-Braves officials have revealed their practice day session at King’s Lynn on March 31 is close to being fully booked with young aspiring speedway riders anxious to secure the final place in their Conference League team for 2006. Club chairman Stephen Lambert said: “We have had a lot from interest from young riders some of whom rode elsewhere last season. And it seems the final decision will be a hard one for us to make. It should be an interesting session and I am sure that our team manager Malcolm Vasey will ensure a competitive process is used to determine the ultimate choice.” On the subject of more experienced riders, he said: “We would also consider taking on any rider other than grade twos at this stage without a team place willing to come into the squad to compete for a team spot. We are bound to need cover and anyone prepared to join us on that basis will be considered.” Meanwhile team boss Malcolm Vasey was pondering the decision he must make with regard to next season’s captaincy with Simon Walker now back at Somerset. He said: “I have made my choice and I will be making that selection known in a few days.” The NC Williams and Son Insurance-sponsored Boston outfit have agreed to stage a home and away Easter Cup match (Friday and Monday) with the powerful looking Scunthorpe Scorpions and will face a similar two-leg challenge against Mildenhall starting at West Row on Easter Sunday — making the Bank Holiday a great weekend for supporters with the second leg against Scunthorpe just 24 hours later. “That should brush off the cobwebs,” said Vasey. "Both sets of opponents have put together good sides with Mildenhall securing Mark Baseby as a bargain grade three who really is a flyer and of course my old mate Mark Thompson will want to repeat his cup exploits against us in the second leg at our place on April 29.”
Thursday February 9^th, 2006
Eight teams to contest title race A division comprising just eight teams looks like going to the tapes for the 2006 Conference League speedway season. And Boston Barracuda-Braves will be among the group of clubs vying for the championship with Buxton, Mildenhall, Newport, Rye House, Scunthorpe, Stoke and Weymouth as their opposition. But the team lifting the coveted silverware will have to negotiate an end-of-season play-off system designed to add intrigue to the campaign. The side occupying top spot when all Conference fixtures have been completed will go straight through to the final to meet the winners of a clash between the second and third places clubs. Conference League co-ordinator Peter Morrish said: “We’re bringing the league into line with the other divisions. It should provide great interest at the end of the season.” Boston connections have pencilled in an April 7 start date for their regular Friday evening home fixture list that will also include some challenge matches and cup-ties. The Braves’ promoters have already assembled the bulk of their team for the 2006 term with the likes of James Birkinshaw, Nathan Irwin, Darren Mallett, John Oliver, Simon Lambert and Sam Martin having signed up. Officials hope to complete their line-up by snapping up grade two level talent at their press and practice day on Friday March 31 at King’s Lynn from 10am to 1pm.
Wednesday February 8^th, 2006
Aussie ace signs up for key reserve berth role Extra riding strength has been recruited for the lower order of the Boston Barracuda-Braves 2006 team. Fresh from the tremendous news that James Birkinshaw had been signed to lead from the front, the club’s promoters have announced that 17-year-old Australian racer Sam Martin will be joining the side to fill one of the all-important reserve berths as an allotted grade two rider. Martin was on the books of Oxford last season for whom he achieved a 4.5 average, this after overcoming a serious injury problem sustained in 2004. Braves chairman Stephen Lambert said: “It’s great news for us. He is now a Reading asset, but we are delighted to have reached agreement to have him aboard. We feel he is ready to make further progress and is our last signing ahead of our practice day, although we would consider any rider other than grade twos who at this stage are without a club but who would be willing to come into the squad and compete for a team spot.”
Monday February 6^th, 2006
Braves swoop for star man Birkinshaw Rich points potential has been recruited to the top order of the Boston Barracuda-Braves team building plans in readiness for the 2006 campaign. James Birkinshaw has been re-signed to fill the number one berth in the squad now being assembled for a new tilt at Conference League honours. The 25-year-old Sheffield rider has agreed to return to ride for Boston. And officials at the Norfolk Arena-based side are overjoyed at the news. Team manager Malcolm Vasey said: “James is an out and out number one capable of big scores everywhere he rides. He will add power and flair to the team and together with the rest of the side will ensure that we are always a difficult side to beat.” Part of the rider’s deal is that he will be able to “double-up” by riding one section higher if a Premier League team come in for his services. Birkinshaw originally rode for Boston in 2002, culminating with his individual victory in the Conference League Riders Championship. Elsewhere, there is also news that Nathan Irwin (22) will be continuing his Boston links by signing up for another campaign. Irwin rode well for the Braves at times last season despite two nasty injuries and is seen as a great value signing as he remains rated as a grade six rider in the regulations that govern team strengths. Vasey said: “Nathan is a super lad and is capable of beating anybody as he proved when he came back from injury to win the first heat of the KO Cup semi final against Mildenhall last season. I am really pleased that we have retained his services.” In addition to Birkinshaw and Irwin, Boston already have Simon Lambert, John Oliver and Darren Mallett who together add up to a total of 36 grade points, allowing room for the two grade two riders needed at reserve. Vasey added: “We may sign a rider that I would describe as a top line reserve leaving one place to be decided on our press and practice day. Reserves much hold the key to winning at our level and we have to fill those positions with the right riders.” Meanwhile, it looks likely that one of last term’s emerging youngsters, Mark Richardson, won’t be carrying on for a second term, advising the club he won’t be available for Conference League racing. Vasey said: “That’s disappointing news because we feel that Mark has a lot of talent. He had two nasty crashes last season that clearly impaired his progress. But I hope perhaps we may still see Mark racing again at some stage.”
Monday January 30^th, 2006
Plans being laid for new campaign The Boston Barracuda-Braves speedway set-up is gearing up for a new season. One of the feature dates in the build-up to the 2006 campaign for the NC Williams and Son Insurance-sponsored club will be the annual press and practice day, scheduled for Friday March 31 from 10 am to 1pm. Club chairman Stephen Lambert said there were open invitations to any non-contracted riders who want to put their racing skills to the test at the session. Details are available during normal office hours on (01775) 750100. He said: “We are particularly interested in grade two riders who would like to join the squad and compete for a team place in one of the reserve positions. The Conference League is quite positively developing young riders and it looks like being an exciting season full of opportunities.” Then on April 6, the Braves will start their home match action agenda. There were positive club views in the wake of the Conference League’s annual meeting at Rugby, attended by co-promoters Malcolm Vasey and Mick Smith. Although detailed comment must wait until the release of official BSPA information, Vasey said: “I thought it was a brilliant meeting at which all the right decisions were taken and we have also taken further steps with the package to ensure that opportunities abound for young developing riders. The only down side was the slightly reduced number of teams. But there will be opportunities to enable additional clubs to take part in at least one competition.” This flexibility is designed to help new tracks take part in some official matches with planning applications pending at Plymouth and for other teams who may yet choose to enter. Vasey said: “What particularly pleased me was the effort made by the management committee members to produce solutions to almost insoluble problems, like how do you cater for a group of teams that require as few as 10 and as many as 30 home fixtures? With a little effort we have just about found answers so I hope that those quick to pounce after these meetings will give the various items a chance before predicting the end of the world as we know it but never coming up with a single idea of their own.” This was Mick Smith’s first such meeting at Rugby and he found the session invigorating. He said: “Of course I was on a steep learning curve and I was left with plenty to think about.” The first two or three days after the meeting will see the Boston management team get close to completing their squad of riders for the coming season leaving some scope for youngsters who may emerge at practice day. Lambert said: “We have a fair idea of how we want to go and there is going to be plenty to race for. This time next week there should be plenty of shape to our plans.”
Monday January 23^rd, 2006
Mallett eager for action return Darren Mallett is eager to get back in the saddle with the Boston Barracuda-Braves for the 2006 speedway season. The 19-year-old missed the last few matches of 2005 when he was struggling to remain competitive on his equipment. But now he is keen to make a fresh start — providing the can lure an extra backer or two to ensure his machinery is in top-top condition for the new shale campaign. He said: “I had one or two bad crashes last season and when I came back from injury it was soon obvious to me that my equipment, which was pieced together again after I broke my kneecap, was not quite up to the job. I also tried a match or two for King’s Lynn and that was really difficult because the bikes just weren’t as quick as I needed. And rather than let anybody down I thought it best to step aside for those last weeks. “It was disappointing having missed so much of the season with injury but you have to feel that you are giving your best. I really feel I can make a good speedway rider especially if I can steer clear of injury and get myself sorted with one or two new sponsors that will enable me to commit myself to Boston for 2006. Then if I can rebuild my form and confidence I would be able to give the Premier League another go and repay the great faith that King’s Lynn have always shown in me. I have been lucky and in the past few days I have managed to gain some new backing. I am desperately looking for just a bit more so that I can be considered by Boston in their team plans.” The forthcoming season will mark Darren’s sixth campaign in the sport having started just after his 15th birthday in 2001. There is no doubt in the mind of Boston team manager Malcolm Vasey that Mallett would be a Premier League regular by now if he had not been so unlucky with injuries. Vasey said: “Darren is one of the best lads I have been lucky enough to work with. His racing skills are superb and he is an out and out team man. Three times I have seen him suffer terrible injuries and on each occasion he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. But he bounces back smiling and ready for more but he could do with a little more financial support especially to get him fully up and running again.” Ready to assess grading limits On January 30, Braves promoters Mick Smith and Malcolm Vasey will attend the British Speedway Conference League annual meeting at the BSPA offices in Rugby. That meeting will determine the variable regulations concerning team strengths and riders’ grades for next season. It is likely that the Conference League will feature at least nine or 10 teams — more if planning permission for a new track in Plymouth is granted. Boston plan to revert to Friday evening racing at King’s Lynn next season with the first race at 7.45pm following a parade of riders. Club Chairman Stephen Lambert said: “There is more and more pressure on Sunday racing at the Norfolk Arena now and we have decided to go for regular Fridays with a slightly later start time. Fridays are better for children and we have special plans next season which we will be announcing shortly.” Duo agree to sign for Braves Definite arrangements have been made with two riders for next season. Simon Lambert, who is also in the King’s Lynn team, will double up for Boston and 18-year-old Australian John Oliver returns to the Barracuda-Braves after missing out on 2005. Lambert senior, said: “John suffered a badly broken elbow in 2004 but is fully fit again now and is desperately keen to come back to us. “He is an exciting young rider and we are delighted to have him. If we can just get that extra sponsorship for Darren we are on the way to an exciting young team again. After Monday’s league meeting we will sort out the rest of the squad based on the new details so it will be a busy time. We expect to start our season towards the end of March or even early April.”