Classic Line Up
(Posted 15/10/07)

Amid all the mayhem on Sunday, the draw for this years Ashfield Classic was made and it has the potential to be a very entertaining meeting.

The full draw was: -

1. Kauko Nieminen
2. David McAllan (if fit)
3. Trent Leverington
4. James Grieves
5. Lee Dicken
6. Lee Complin (if fit)
7. George Stancl
8. Chris Kerr
9. Craig Watson (if fit)
10. Robert Ksiezak (if fit)
11. Jari Makinen
12. Filip Sitera
13. Kenneth Hansen
14. Klaus Jacobsen
15. to be confirmed
16. to be confirmed

Obviously there will be changes to the line up after Sunday's meetings with David McAllan and Lee Complin sadly unlikely to take part. Robert should make the meeting and despite his recent broken shoulder Craig Watson is determined to try and make it.

The two 'to be confirmed' positions are penciled in for Derek Sneddon and Simon Stead but neither have as yet confirmed.

Of the remaining field, Nieminen and Grieves will be amongst most people's favourites, both having proven in recent weeks how hard they are to beat round Ashfield. For the same reason Chris Kerr could well be in contention. Current holder of the title George Stancl will be keen to retain the title he claimed with a superb final ride two seasons ago and on his day it would be foolish to write him off.

Kenneth Hansen made an appearance at Ashfield in his short time with Workington and looked comfortable on the track. It is hard to see him challenging for the title but the points he collects off other riders who perhaps are could prove vital.

There are a few unknowns in the meeting with Jari Makinen of Finland, Filip Sitera of the Czech Republic and Klaus Jacobsen of Denmark making their fist visit. 18 year old Sitera is the current Czech Junior Champion and has been raising eyebrows since he was 15. He tends to be more of a racer than a gater which should add to the afternoons entertainment and he could well be a surprise package. Its not a good idea to let the kids have a look at the forum on his website however! Sitera is keen to consider UK speedway next season.

Jari Makinen is a rider that Kauko Nieminen has identified as a good young Finnish prospect. He is the current Finnish Under-21 champion and some Tigers fans may have seen him earlier in the year when he was part of the Finnish select to ride at Armadale. He struggled that night but it was discovered later that he may have ridden part of the meeting with a broken wrist. King's Lynn apparently had an interest in Makinen for a team slot in 2005 before they discovered he would come in on an assessed 8 point average.

Little is known of 18 year old Danish rider Klaus Jacobsen other than he is rated as a hot prospect in his own country. He does have a Danish Language website at http://www.klausjakobsen.com/profile/

Even taking into account that there will be enforced changes, it looks quite a well balanced meeting, tapes up will be at 4pm

.