Ashfield Classic Preview
Posted 07/10/04

The curtain comes down on this season with the Ashfield Classic on Sunday and the high quality field assembled should hopefully mean a disappointing season at least finishes in style.

The 16 strong field is made up of riders who can all realistically have a chance in the meeting and includes a few who have already shown themselves to be capable of winning on the Glasgow track. Riders are as follows: -

1. Simon Stead - One of the pre-meeting favourites, the Workington rider will certainly be in contention and must be one of the strongest challengers.

2. Carl Stonehewer - Although having to play second fiddle a lot to Stead these days in the Workington publicity, Stoney is still a class act and his liking for the Ashfield track is well known. Probably not the winner but he will be there abouts.

3. Tomas Topinka - Kings Lynn's popular Czech is still to be confirmed. He suffered a bad night in the EL last night for Swindon against Poole but rode not too badly at Glasgow in June. His website, which is normally kept well up to date, has not listed him as appearing yet on Sunday. Should provide good racing but unlikely to be the winner.

4. Josh Larsen - Josh will be a bit of an unknown quantity round Ashfield but has been riding well in the EL with Arena. The track should suit him and he could well be in contention.

5. Jesper Olsen - Always welcome at Glasgow, Jesper made a surprise come back to racing earlier this month. It had been thought his season was over after injuries received in the Glasgow meeting at Brough. He scored poorly in his last visit with Newcastle and realistically is unlikely to win. Always good to see him back at Glasgow though.

6. Tom P Madsen - Many Kings Lynn fans felt he under achieved in his time with them earlier this year. Tom recently moved to Berwick where his form seems to have improved. He only scored 4 points on his last visit to Ashfield though and may find the going a bit tough on Sunday.

7. Paul Thorp - A rider people tend to either love or hate and almost a Tiger a few years back. Has obviously had a good year with Hull winning the league and his recent testimonial but may find the going a bit tough in this strong a field.

8. Magnus Karlsson - The ex-Monarch is also on a high after being in the league title winning side for the second season running. The track should suit him and although probably not a winner he may have a say in who does with wins over other contenders.

9. Shane Parker - No comment needed really on Shane. On his day, he is pretty well unbeatable round his home track and should be in contention.

10. Paul Bentley - Another of the home riders in the field and one who could also be in contention. His recent form has been good and he has quietly gone about picking up points. Could surprise a few people.

11. Mark Lemon - Surprise runner up in the PLRC and can't be ruled out of being a surprise package on Sunday either. However he may be feeling the after effects of a bad spill at Hull last night.

12. Kevin Doolan - there is no doubting Kevin's 'never say die' attitude which made him popular as a Tiger and has also endeared him to the Kings Lynn faithful this year. Only recently back from injury, but sure to entertain. Definitely an outsider for the meeting though.

13. Rory Schlein - in what is almost certainly his last season in the PL Roo is one of the pre-meeting favourites. His recent form at Ashfield saw only George Stancl beat him and it will take some special riding to stop the young Aussie claiming the meeting. Should definitely be one of the top 3.

14. Josef Franc - the second Czech in the field, Pepe hasn't had the best of seasons and is unlikely to feature in Berwick's team next year. His recent form has been poor but you can never tell in individual events. Can't see him challenging however.

15. George Stancl - like Shane, little needs to be said about George. His recent form has been excellent and even the Ef's which have dogged him all year have become fewer. Another expected to be challenging and has the psychological advantage of having been the only rider to beat Rory Schlein last week.

16. Michael Coles - the popular Exeter man is in the twilight of his career in all honesty, having come back this year after an horrific injury at the Isle of Man last season. Always a popular visitor, the ex-Monarch is unlikely to challenge.

Overall the field assembled is a good one especially at this time of year and credit should be given to the promotion for getting such a good field together. Lets just hope that the weather is as good to us this weekend and that we get the entertaining, injury free meeting the line up deserves.