AFTER what has been a relatively fallow period as far as speedway action at the Oaktree Arena has been concerned, all attentions are now turned to this evening's SGB Championship Pairs meeting, writes Ian Belcher.

This event is on the night prior to the British Speedway Grand Prix at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Somerset promoter Debbie Hancock said: “The Pairs is always an enjoyable meeting, and I doubt that will be any different this year.

“It is always good to see the Oaktree Arena packed out with speedway fans drawn from the length and breadth of Britain.

“With the Pairs being the night before the Cardiff GP, it has become the traditional curtain-raiser for a great weekend of speedway.

“Of course, with no Somerset team taking part in the Pairs this year it will probably take a little bit of the stress out of the evening!

“Despite there being no direct Somerset involvement, there is still plenty of interest for Rebels fans to enjoy with several our own riders [Josh Grajczonek, Lewis Kerr, Richard Lawson, Michael Palm Toft and Charles Wright] taking part for their respective Championship teams.”

Fans are asked to note that, in a change to the normal 7.30pm start-time for Somerset home matches, the SGB Championship Pairs will commence at 7pm with the rider introductions and pre-meeting parade taking place at 6.45pm. 

Teams

Group A: Glasgow - Richard Lawson & Aaron Summers; Peterborough - Chris Harris & Jack Holder; Ipswich - Danny King & Rory Schlein; Workington - Thomas Jorgensen & Ty Proctor; Scunthorpe - Michael Palm Toft & Lewis Kerr.

Group B: Edinburgh - Sam Masters & Erik Riss; Newcastle - Robert Lambert & Steve Worrall; Sheffield - Josh Grajczonek & Kyle Howarth; Redcar - Charles Wright & Ben Barker; Berwick - Nick Morris & David Howe.