'
riders on an individual front, as Lewis Bridger and Darcy Ward both won their national U21 titles,
with Darcy going on to claim the World U21 crown. 2010 has already seen Darcy retain his national U21
title, and he is still in with a chance of retaining his World title too. However, it is on the team front
that 'Team ' riders have achieved noticable
acclaim this season with all of our riders representing their nation in World Cup action. Our three Australians,
in which I include Davey Watt, whose site I run on behalf of Karen and Kevin Turner, in addition to Troy and Darcy,
all rode in the World Cup at senior level for Australia, whilst Lewis Bridger and Kyle Hughes have both been
selected in the Team GB side to contest the World U21 Team Cup Final at Rye House next month.
The achievements of all the riders I have been associated with during this season have been well deserved and it has been a honour to have played a small part in the reporting of their successes on their websites.
Although, as previously announced, Darcy Ward and Lewis Bridger will no longer form part of 'Team
', I am happy to report that both Troy Batchelor
and Kyle Hughes will be continuing their partnerships with us into 2011. Whether Karen, Kevin, and Davey Watt himself,
of course, will require my services is still to be decided, but one new face that will be joining us for the 2011
season can now be announced;
Always looking to support the future of British speedway, 'Team
'
are very pleased to welcome BRANDON FREEMANTLE into the fold.
Following an enquiry by our very good friend and supporter, photographer Pete Lulham, 'Lugski' and I will be working together on a new project aimed at promoting the career of this young English star of the future.
Already having claimed the Under 15 British title at 250cc level in 2009, Brandon is currently leading the way in the 500cc event at that level this season, and we hope that becoming a part of 'Team
' will enhance his prospects of attaining some
much needed sponsorship, as well as helping keep his supporters informed of his activities and results via his website,
which will be constructed over the next few months.
The recent economic crisis has affected almost everyone to some degree or other, and unfortunately I now have to devote more of my time and efforts to things which help pay the bills.
Despite my frustrations and disappointments at my lack of success in achieving the main aims of the sites; attracting sponsorship and promoting the businesses of the sponsors, I have, by and large, been relatively happy that the sites have at least achieved some function for the riders in keeping their fans in touch with their activities. These days, however, it seems that 'Face Book' and 'My Space' have superceeded my sort of website and this, along with my old, slow pc needing replacing sometime very soon, have also been factors which have affected my reasoning.
Anyone who regularly browses through the sites I currently maintain will have noticed that my standards have already started slipping; I have recently been unable to get around to editing and updating of photos for galleries and, especially since the fixture chaos following the unfortunate death of the Polish President and the other victims of the Russian air disaster, have been totally unable to find the time to catch up with any international news.
I have always been fully aware that the demands of time on riders preclude them from getting personally with involved with any un-necessary issues, such as the updating of websites, and am very grateful to those who have, however infrequently, took the time to keep in touch at all. However, I am now finding it almost impossible to keep the majority of the sites 'alive' by myself and, therefore, it is not right to continue projects that could not hope to project the professionalism of the riders concerned. Given these circumstances the only proper course of action is for me to continue only the projects which I feel confident enough of keeping up to a high enough standard to keep them viable, at least for a reasonable period of time.
Thanks to the support of Helen Charlesworth I have few problems regarding the running of Kyle Hughes website (TeamKHR.co.uk), and this project should not be affected by proposed changes. His case is also helped by his current lack of continental activities.
I do have a couple of small business websites that I look after, any revenue from which I have used to either invest in computer equipment, software and other necessary for my speedway projects, or to help riders in other ways. These sites, too, will not be affected by any changes, although it is unlikely that I shall be able to re-direct any income from these back into speedway.
My attempts to design and supply various promotional items proved to be a failure. Ultimately the investment in equipment and materials was not rewarded by a return from such a minor, niche market.
The time involved in the daily updating of rider websites also dictated that I had too little time left available to involve myself in making these projects practical, although by curtailing my involvement in speedway some services, such as vinyl signage and sublimation printing may be resurrected.
I am very fortunate to have found Darren Andrews (Elite Designs) and Karen and Kevin Turner (Designs by 2KT), who have enabled me to continue to offer pit-wear and clothing merchandise support services to riders as an extension of my web design activities.
Designs by 2KT are official merchandise sponsors of Australian International speedway rider, Davey Watt, and I was asked by Karen and Kevin to assist in the setting up and running of his official website, DaveyWattRacing.com. With their continued help I do not see this project being affected either.
Unfortunately, despite occassional input from Troy Batchelor, and Lewis Bridger's dad, Steve, the other three sites I currently maintain rely almost solely on information I have to seek out myself.
It is these sites, LewisBridgerRacing.co.uk, TroyBatchelor.com, and DarcyWard.com, that I propose to discontinue at the end of the current season as, in each case, without the support of someone willing and able to provide a constant stream of reliable news and reports, I cannot hope to keep up to a reasonable standard.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the riders I have been involved with over the past ten years for their trust and support. I would also especially like to thank all the photographers and people who have taken the time to support me in various ways, you are too many to name, but you know who you are anyway, and I am extremely grateful and will be eternally indebted to you all - THANK YOU.
Should I be able to earn enough money to finance it, I should like to undertake a web design course that would give me an official qualification and, hopefully, more confidence to tackle more professional projects in the future. Should that prove possible, it may be that I might be able to help another rider one day. Who knows? Time will tell!
Already racing regularly at both Premier and National League levels, with his recent opportunities at Elite level, and the forthcoming World U21 Qualifier in Gdansk, Poland, the pressure on Kyle's equipment is un-relenting and costly and Kyle is in urgent need of additional sponsorship to help acquire and maintain the quality and standard of equipment necessary to compete at these high levels of racing as he currently has no financial sponsorship at all.
Unfortunately, apart from his initial signing-on fee, which was spent on updating last season's equipment, and a website service sponsorship, Kyle currently has to rely on the points money he earns and his wages from his part-time job to keep his machinery up to scratch.
For the past three seasons Kyle has not been able to fund the purchase of a brand new set of Kevlars due to these financial pressures, relying on second-hand sets. These obviously carry the logos of their former owners sponsors, which gives a misleading impression of the amount of sponsorship Kyle currently enjoys. To help correct that situation and highlight Kyle's plight, I (Phil Spence) am currently trying to help Kyle attract additional sponsorship to help fund his racing budget.
Initially I am determined to help Kyle purchase a brand new set of made to measure kevlars that will not feature the logos of companies that do not now, or ever have, sponsored him. Unfortunately my speedway rider website activities are purely a hobby and I earn my living as a lorry driver, which means that I am not in a position to be able to fund the purchase alone, and would need the help of additional sponsor(s), who would of course be afforded full recognition on the suit, and on this website, to come forward and assist.
Should this appeal prove successful and there is a residue this will go to the Team KHR budget.
If anyone is willing to support this cause, please email: phil@spensites.co.uk
It has certainly been a while since I felt there was anything worthwhile to report, other than on the boys own sites.
Although the season is now underway it is still early days; Troy has continued in the rich vein of form he finished last season in,
and continued into the Australian Championship, and is piling in some big scores for the Peterborough Panthers. Darcy is aclimatising
to his new Elite League surroundings at Poole, and Lewis Bridger is also getting accustomed to his new track at Peterborough.
The East of England circuit is vast in comparison to that of his former club, Eastbourne, and at the moment getting the right set-up
is causing a few problems. However, that is something which will undoubtedly be sorted: form is temporary - class is permanent!
This week, however, has been pretty special for one of our riders; Kyle Hughes. Stepping up into the Premier League at the beginning of a season for the first time, the start he has made with the Rye House Rockets has been sensational, and this week seems to have been full of milestone achievements for the Calne based British U21 rider.
On Monday he made his first live TV appearance in front of the SkySports cameras when the Rockets entertained the Birmingham Brummies in the first Premier League match of the season. A double-figure return of ten, paid twelve, include a heat win in his first ride and two interviews with Charlie Webster.
On Friday he returned to his former track, Plymouth, for a British U21 semi-final. Not only did he win the meeting, he was also presented with his certificate for being voted last season's National League Rider of the Season.
The following evening another milestone was recorded when he notched his first ever paid maximum at Premier level for the Rockets in their home victory over Newport.
The week climaxed in the return meeting between the Wasps and the Rockets in Wales on Sunday afternoon. And it was another cause for celebration in the Team KHR camp, as Kyle recorded his first double figure score away from home at Premier level, with nine, paid ten, in the 45-all draw.
So, 'CONGRATULATIONS, KYLE', and Good Luck to both Kyle and current British U21 Champion, Lewis Bridger, in this year's British U21 Final at Lakeside this Friday.
It has been a very good week for all concerned with 'spensites', as all the riders have feature in live televised meetings. Darcy rode for the
Pirates and Troy and Lewis for the Panthers in Wednesday's meeting between Poole and Peterborough, a meeting sponsored by WESSEX MARINE, who kindly
invited myself and my wife, Sue, to be their guests for the evening. A particular highlight for us both was being present when former World Champion, Gary Havelock,
was presented with his 'Rider of the Night' award. We would like to thank David and Guy Adams, their family, and all at Wessex Marine and Poole Speedway for
their hospitality.
In addition to sponsoring Darcy and Troy, as well as several other riders with Poole connections, WESSEX MARINE have also stepped forward and pledged their support to the Bournemouth Buccaneers, who I am sure will be most grateful for their assistance.
In addition to meeting up with the group at Poole, we also met up with Kyle and his Dad, Rich, at Newport on Sunday. Two other 'spensites'/Team KHR members, Helen and Steve Charlesworth, also managed to meet up with Kyle and Rich when they visited their local track, Plymouth, on Friday.
Last Sunday, at Gillman, Troy Batchelor retained his South Australian title with
an almost flawless performance.
He was headed home only once, in his opening ride, then strung together five consecutive victories in his remaining four heats and the 'A' Final to hold on to his crown for at least another year.
Coming hot on the heels of Darcy Ward's success in retaining his Australian Under 21 title, and their joint success in finishing second and third in the Australian Championship, 2010 has certainly begun brightly for the Australian contingent of 'Team
'
riders and we have every confidence that both will continue their great form for
their new clubs in the Elite League when they arrive back in the UK.
Congratulations to Darcy Ward who successfully defended his Australian Under 21 title in
Mildura yesterday. He overcame an early exclusion for falling whilst leading his second race
to qualify directly into the 'A' Final, which he won comfortably.
Coming closely after the culmination of the Australian senior championship series, which saw Darcy finish in third place in each round and overall, it brings to an end the serious stuff 'down under' and Darcy will now be able to relax before returning to the UK to begin his first season of Elite League racing at his new base, Poole.
We also offer our congratulations to fellow Brisbane-based 'Team
'
rider, Troy Batchelor on his superb performance in the Australian Championships, where he finished second overall.
After winning the two opening rounds of the series Troy missed out on taking the title by a single point, Chris Holder just
managing to retain his title by the narrowest of margins despite Troy beating him in all five of the races they faced
each other in the series.
Also moving to a new club, Peterborough, for the 2010 Elite League season, Troy is hoping to spend a short time in Las Vegas and sight seeing in other parts of the USA before returning to his Norfolk base to finalise his pre-season preparations.
' riders; World U21 Champion,
Darcy Ward, who has received the TOP PREMIER LEAGUE RIDER of 2009 award, and Kyle Hughes, who received
similar recognition in his category as TOP NATIONAL LEAGUE RIDER of 2009.
Both honours are due reward for their achievements over the course of the 2009 season, and we wish both every success as they both move up to higher levels at pastures new in 2010.
We would also like to pass on our wishes for good fortunes in the forthcoming season to our other two sponsored riders, Troy Batchelor and Lewis Bridger, who have also moved on from their 2009 clubs, and will both form part of a formidable looking Peterborough Panthers septet in 2010.
For both of our 'Aussies', Troy and Darcy, the 2010 season begins in earnest tomorrow, when they contest the first round of the Australian Championship, and we wish them both every success in all three rounds, which culminate next Saturday, 9th Jan..
Darcy Ward lifted the New South Wales state championship yesterday, adding another title to his rapidly
expanding list of achievements. He finished ahead of second placed Sam Masters and his 2010 Poole Pirates
team-mate, Chris Holder, who finished third.
We are also happy to confirm that Darcy will again be a
sponsored rider in 2010, which means all four of our 2009 riders remain on board next year and although
each of them have moved to new clubs, the 'Team '
line-up currently remains the same, though we are still willing to undertake a further project for a rider from the National League
should a suitable candidate wish to join us.
With all the riders already fixed up with clubs next season we shall be doing our utmost to assist in the search for new team partners, a project even more essential with all of the lads moving to pastures new. As always, anyone interested in becoming involved with sponsorship of any of the riders can contact us at any time. We are happy to tailor packages to suit individual requirements and budgets and we offer free, no obligation consultations, so please don't hesitate to get in touch if you think marketing your company in the adrenalin filled atmosphere of speedway racing may benefit your business.
We are pleased to announce that Troy Batchelor has now agreed a deal with Peterborough
and joins fellow sponsored rider, Lewis Bridger,
in the 2010 Panthers side.
Troy becomes the fourth of our 2009 sponsored riders to complete a move to a new club in 2010 and although we may not be involved with all of them next year we wish all the riders successful and injury free seasons in their new environments.
Kyle is the third of the four riders sponsored by
last season to
confirm a move to a new club next year. Lewis Bridger has switched Elite League teams with a move
from Eastbourne to Peterborough and Darcy Ward has stepped up into the Elite League
with Poole after just one season of domination in the PL with King's Lynn.
We are not yet in a position to make an announcement on which Elite League club Troy Batchelor will be riding for, although Swindon have made public that they believe he will end up at Peterborough, and have also made him available on a full transfer after he rejected a move back to the Abbey Stadium next term. Nevertheless, it does seem as though promoters are trying to make a concerted effort to conclude their team building plans earlier than ever before, as we are not yet in December and many teams, especially at Premier League level have already announced the majority of their 2010 line-ups, so things are definitely looking up and most riders should be in a position to canvas potential new sponsors from within their new clubs catchment areas before they have to order their racewear and covers.
We currently have in stock a limited number of Lewis Bridger Racing basball caps on sale
at a reduced price. Originally on offer at £11.99, they are now available at £10 each,
inclusive of postage and packing.
For more details, CLICK HERE to visit our 'offers' page.
in 2009 have switched clubs has now been received, and we therefore
wish them both well in their new surroundings.
Current Australian and World U21 Champion, Darcy Ward, moves into the Elite League with a switch from King's Lynn to the Poole Pirates on a full transfer, whilst Lewis Bridger has agreed a deal for 2010 with the Peterborough Panthers. Whether that move will be on a loan or full transfer basis is yet to be established as Eastbourne are keen on a swap of assets, with Lukas Dryml being the most likely Peterborough rider to be involved as he has already agreed terms for another season at Arlington and expressed a desire for a full-time move there.
Lewis will be in Leicester this evening, where he will be one of a number of guests invited to a meeting which will reveal the identities of the promotion behind the re-launch of the Leicester Lions, who were recently accepted into the Premier League for the 2010 season.
Everyone associated with both Team LBR and
congratulate the LSSC on reaching fruition in their campaign to bring speedway back to the city and
wish the club a long and successful future.
For further details please visit the official website of Leicester Speedway by clicking on the banner below.
It now looks likely that all of the riders we sponsored during the 2009 season will
be moving to different clubs. Lewis Bridger has already revealed he has agreed a deal with
the Peterborough Panthers. A move which, if approved, will give him the experience on a larger track
that he has been seeking in order to enhance his chances of regular rides in Poland.
Troy Batchelor will almost certainly be at pastures new next year too. In fact a deal with an Elite League club has been agreed in principle, so we hope that a formal announcement will be forthcoming soon.
Our other two 2009 sponsored riders, Darcy Ward and Kyle Hughes, are both likely to step up to higher leagues next season. Kyle has signed a deal with a Premier League club and although he has yet to decide whether or not he will also continue to ride in the National League as well it will definitely not be with Plymouth, where he enjoyed a very successful 2009.
World U21 Champion, Darcy Ward, following a phenomenal first season, has had to drastically re-think his two year plan, and is now almost certain to step up into the Elite League in 2010.
All of this means that, for the first time ever,
are not, as things stand at the moment, involved with any National League rider. As my initial
intention was to assist riders just embarking on a career in speedway this is something that I
would like to rectify, and would therefore be interested in hearing from any rider that meets that criteria
who would be interested in having us design him a website.
Upon my return one of my first tasks will be to re-enable the guestbook facility on Darcy Ward's website, which unfortunately had to be removed for a period due to misuse.
After their individual successes this season I think it is only fair to give two
of our 2009 sponsored riders, World and Australian U21 Champion Darcy Ward, and
British U21 Champion Lewis Bridger the opportunity to speak to other, more professional
website providers, should they wish to do so.
I have always been very open about the fact that as a self-taught amateur my services are aimed at providing young riders in the lower echelons of the sport with simple, low budget web and graphic design services, and I would not like to feel that my limited capabilities are restricting the impact that the websites of riders at higher levels should have by failing to reflect their professionalism.
Therefore I have temporarily put on hold the launch of the re-designed DarcyWard.com site until a decision is reached on its future. The sites of both riders will of course continue to be updated as usual during the interim period.
Both of our other 2009 sponsored riders, Troy Batchelor and Kyle Hughes, have already been in contact regarding continued support, and will both again be
sponsored riders in 2010.
