Speedway – Relieved Courtney praises riders and fans

Berwick Bandits racer Claus Vissing won the 50th Birthday Spectacular at his home track in a rain-affected event which was eventually decided on heat wins following heavy rain

Edinburgh Monarchs rider Ricky Wells also scored 12 points in the qualifiers and Glasgow Tigers racer Richie Worrall was third with 11 points.

The semi-finals and final could not be run but ex-riders Jamie and Scott Courtney plus former World Champion Gary Havelock, who now own the club, were delighted with the turn-out.

Co-promoter Scott Courtney, who along with brother Jamie, Gary Havelock and Dennis McCleary have been working non-stop for months.

Scott said: “I have to thank everyone who has worked so hard to get us to where were are right now, and also can, for a very short time, sit back and take it all in, before starting to prepare for Newcastle’s visit next Saturday.

“The crowd for the Spectacular was fantastic and we were delighted to see a really big attendance come along to celebrate our 50th, and cheer our own Claus Vissing on to a fine victory. Early on it looked very much like Steve Worrall’s event winning his first two races with little trouble, including a Heat Five success with his brother Richie in third place!

“Claus won his first race, over Jason Garrity, Dimitri Berge and Adam Skornicki but dipped under the radar after his second when he took a fall on the third bend.

“Thankfully, that fall didn’t dent his confidence at all as he was then unbeaten in his last three races, winning the trophy on 12 points, the same as Ricky Wells, but took the Gold based on his four heat wins against Wells’ two.

“Its a pity the rain intervened late on, but at least we got all 20 of the main event done and dusted which produced some good moments from all 16 riders who put on a good show for our opener, but now we get into the team action. Bring on the Diamonds.”

Scores in programme order:
1. Aaron Summers (Glasgow) 3,0,E,3,1 = 7
2. Lewis Bridger (Berwick) 2,2,3,R,2 = 9
3. James Sarjeant (Unattached) R,0,2,1,R = 3
4. Liam Carr (Berwick) 1,1,0,0,0 = 2
5. Jason Garrity (Redcar) 2,2,Fx,3,3 = 10
6. Dimitri Berge (Berwick) 1,3,1,1,2 = 8
7. Adam Skornicki (Wolverhampton) 0,2,1,0,0 = 3
8. Claus Vissing (Berwick) 3,F,3,3,3 = 12
9. Steve Worrall (Newcastle) 3,3,X,3,1 = 10
10. Kevin Doolan (Berwick) 1,1,2,2,2 = 8
11. Ricky Wells (Edinburgh) 2,3,3,2,2 = 12
12. Dany Gappmaier (Berwick) 0,2,1,1,1 = 5
13. Richie Worrall (Glasgow) 3,1,3,1,3 = 11
14. Ryan Blacklock (Berwick) 0,0,1,2,1 = 4
15. Ulrich Ostergaard (Peterborough) 1,1,2,2,R = 6
16. Josh Grajczonek (Sheffield) 2,3,2,0,3 = 10
Reserve: Paul Cooper 0 = 0
Reserve Kieran Douglas Did not ride