The 16 year old has spent the last few years racing in France, but now the restrictions allow him to he is ready to tear up the British leagues.

A staggering 70+3 points from four meetings for Isle of Wight at the tail end of the season earned him a spot with them for 2013, whilst those performances also persuaded Premier League Ipswich to sign Ellis at reserve.

Having only jumped on a 500cc bike this year, his progress has been spectacular – and the Lakeside asset certainly looks to have a very bright future.

With Adam preparing to embark on an action-packed year, I found out about his racing background and his ambitions for 2013 and beyond.

First of all, just tell us how you got started in speedway?

My Dad used to ride grasstrack, I always went as a kid. I got my first peewee 50cc at the age of 4. I only started grasstrack in 2009 when I was 12 and I built a 125cc grasstrack bike with my Grandad.

You grew up racing in France and I think it’s fair to say most people don’t know an awful lot about the sport across the channel. What racing were you doing whilst you were in France – team or individual? And what are the tracks like over there?

In France there are only 3 speedway tracks, so I was brought up on the grass. It was only when I came over to the UK for a round of the U16 British Championship at Eastbourne that I started speedway. The tracks are a lot bigger than in the UK, and it’s all individual racing, so it’s quite different coming into a team where you can talk to your team mates about set ups and stuff.

The rules in the UK mean you can’t ride in a league until a certain age – is that something you agree with or do you think you should have been allowed to ride earlier?

I think that it’s a good thing, you don’t want to be put in a team before you’re ready. I only moved up to the 500cc class half way through 2012, so I spent a lot of time on the 250cc. There are a lot of up and coming British riders out there, it’s just a shame that PL and EL clubs look abroad for young riders.

You have signed as a Lakeside asset recently. What other clubs were interested and why did you choose Lakeside?

There were a few other clubs interested, but Lakeside were the first team to really take an interest. I had spoken to Neil Vatcher, and they seemed really keen to sign me. Lakeside have always been one of my favourite teams – they have had some of the best riders in the world.

How have they helped you so far?

Lakeside have played a huge part this season, they have helped me find teams in both NL and PL. Neil Vatcher has also been a great help, he comes along to a lot of my meetings, as well as helping a lot behind the scene. He knows I want to be the best, and everyone at Lakeside is willing to help. It was great to ride in the RICO meeting as well as the EL Play off semi-final at Poole, I gained so much experience from those two meetings.

You rode a few National League meetings for Isle Of Wight late on in 2012 and performed exceptionally – did you always expect to do that well or were you a little surprised?

I always expected to do well, but I think the fact that nobody knew me helped a lot. The fans and management didn’t put any pressure on me, so I could just do my thing without any expectations. The support from all the teams, team mates and fans I’ve ridden for has been great.

You will be riding a full season with Isle Of Wight . What are your expectation in the National League?

After a good ending to the season, I obviously want to start next season where I left off. I think by riding in the Premier League, I can only get better. I like the track at Smallbrook, and I’m really looking forward to the start of the season. I’ve got some good kit and good people helping me out, so I guess it’s just up to me now.

And Ipswich have signed you for the Premier League. What are you expecting from the Premier League season in 2013?

I’m really happy to be riding at Ipswich next season, I only did one meeting in the PL and it went pretty well. I’m going to work hard over the winter, to make sure I’m fit enough for all the fixtures. I want to improve during the season, it’s the next step up from the NL and I want to prove to everyone that I’m ready.

How much are you looking forward to riding alongside guys like Ben Barker in England?

I’m really looking forward to riding alongside some top guys. Ben is a great rider, it’s something that I think will help me improve a lot. To be able to train with guys like Mat Tresarrieu and David Bellego this winter is going to be great. I’ll be able to see if I’m on the pace, and if I’m well prepared for 2013.

As a youngster, what riders do you look up to?

I still look up to riders now, I think my idol is Greg Hancock. I remember watching him win the 2002 Sydney SGP, and to see him still winning GPs today is unbelievable. Another rider I looked up to was Lee Richardson, to be able to ride in his Memorial meeting was amazing! I couldn’t believe it when Neil asked me if I wanted to be reserve for the meeting, and to make an amazing night even better, I got to ride against Greg and Jason Crump.

You are qualified to race for both France and UK I believe – do you plan on representing Team GB in the future if you get the opportunity?

If I get the opportunity I would love to, the level is a lot higher in the UK. It would be a great achievement, there have been so many good riders who have ridden for Team GB, and I would love to be part of that list.

There has been a lot of talk about you recently after some eye-catching displays. Does that make you feel under pressure at all?

I guess there is a little bit a pressure, but it doesn’t bother me. I’ve never suffered from nerves, I try to not think about stuff like that. I have great mechanics, where I can come back to the pits and we laugh and joke around, I just treat every heat the same, and it seems to be working so far.

How are things going on the sponsorship front right now? Have you been able to get lots of support in that area ahead of 2013?

I have got a few sponsors, but still need some more for next season. I’ve got 3 bikes, so as you can imagine it’s not cheap. If anyone is interested in sponsoring me, they can contact me on Facebook, twitter or at ellis33@live.fr

Obviously it’s an early stage in your career – but how far do you think you can go in the sport?

Obviously like any young rider, I want to make it to the top. I know it’s not going to be easy, but I’m willing to put the work in to make it. I think if next season goes to plan, it’s going to be a big step up for me. After seeing what Chris Holder has achieved in such a short space of time, makes me want it even more.

For those who haven’t seen Adam Ellis before, what can they expect from you in the 2013 season?

I believe I’m pretty consistent, I’ll always give 100% and won’t give up until it’s over. I think 2013 is going to be a big year, I’m happy to be involved with 3 great clubs and to have a great team around me.

PLEASE FOLLOW ADAM ON TWITTER @ellis299

Images Copyright Jeff Davies (www.jeffdavies.luxipics.com)

Slovenian racer Zagar returns to the World Championship in 2013 after qualifying from the Grand Prix challenge.

And despite not riding in the UK since a stint with Eastbourne 2010, he has opted to sign for the Aces on an 8.04 average.

Having finished bottom of the top flight table in 2012, the Manchester outfit are desperate for better fortunes this time around.

Their side is now almost complete, with Zagar, Kauko Nieminen, Craig Cook, Artur Mroczka and Ales Dryml the men tasked with leading them back to the play-off hunt.

The club have also confirmed that they are in talks with Swedish veteran Magnus Zetterstrom over a possible UK return for the new season, whilst Charlie Gjedde will not race in Britain this campaign after suffering concussion towards the back end of 2012.

Source: www.bellevueaces.co
Images Copyright Wojta Zavril (www.wojta-foto.cz)

Here are how the Elitserien sides will line-up when the tapes rise on the new campaign.

ELIT VETLANDA

Jarek Hampel
David Ruud
Martin Vaculik
Thomas H. Jonasson
Mikael Max
Bartosz Zmarzlik
Janusz Kolodziej
Mikkel B. Jensen
Henric Lindqvist
Johan Jensen
Dennis Jonsson
Michael Sjoeqvist
Kenny Wennerstam
Jacob Thorssell (Guest Rider)
Ricky Kling (Guest Rider)

PIRATERNA MOTALA

Greg Hancock
Przemyslaw Pawlicki
Piotr Pawlicki
Chris Holder
Maciej Janowski
Linus Sundstrom
Anton Rosen
Jonas Davidsson (Guest Rider)
Fredrik Engman (Guest Rider)

INDIANERNA KUMLA

Niels-Kristian Iversen
Piotr Protasiewicz
Emil Sayfutdinov
Antonio Lindback
Rune Holta
Krzysztof Jablonski
Damian Balinski
Joel Andersson
Joonas Kylmakorpi (Guest Rider)
Matthias Thornblom (Guest Rider)

HAMMARBY STOCKHOLM

Leon Madsen
Grzegorz Walasek
Artem Laguta
Rory Schlein
Renat Gafurov
Rafal Okoniewski
Andriej Karpov
Aleksandr Loktaev
Robin Aspegren
Sebastian Alden (Guest Rider)
Alex Edberg (Guest Rider)

VASTERVIK SPEEDWAY

Daniel Nermark
Chris Harris
Peter Ljung
Daniel King
Tomasz Jedrzejak
Hans Andersen
Tobiasz Musielak
Troy Batchelor
Ludvig Lindgren (Guest Rider)
Daniel Davidsson (Guest Rider)

EKILSTUNA SMEDERNA

Andreas Jonsson
Peter Karlsson
Krzysztof Buczkowski
Grigorij Laguta
Magnus Zetterstrom
Kenni Larsen
Szymon Wozniak
Oliver Berntzon
Linus Eklof (Guest Rider)

VARGARNA NORRKOEPING

Nicki Pedersen
Peter Kildemand
Tomasz Gapinski
Adrian Miedzinski
Grzegorz Zengota
Adam Shields
Anders Mellgren
Kim Nilsson (Guest Rider)
Pontus Aspgren (Guest Rider)

DACKARNA MALILLA

Darcy Ward
Michael Jepsen Jensen
Fredrik Lindgren
Patryk Dudek
Dennis Andersson
Mikkel Michelsen
Patrick Hougaard
Joel Larsson
Viktor Lockstroem
Simon Gustafsson (Guest Rider)
Victor Palovaara (Guest Rider)

Source: www.sportowefakty.pl/zuzel
Images Copyright Sandra Davidsson (www.speedway-sasha.se)

Each of the ten Ekstraliga sides have set out their squads for the forthcoming season as they set out for glory.

Here are how each of the clubs will line-up when the new season kicks off in April.

POLONIA BYDGOSZCZ

G Hancock 9.27, K Buczkowski 7.57, A Loktaev 6.28, R Kosciecha 6.18, H Andersen 5.63, S Wozniak 4.67, M Curylo 4.42

WLOKNIARZ CZESTOCHOWA

E Sayfutdinov 9.20, G Laguta 8.78, M J Jensen 7.70, R Holta 6.72, M Jablonski 5.04, M Czaja 3.18, R Szombierski 2.50, H Legowik 2.50, B Miturski 2.50

START GNIEZNO

M Zagar 8.20, S Ulamek 6.77, A Lindback 6.72, B Pedersen 6.49, P Swiderski 4.27, O Fajfer 3.08, M Fajfer 2.50

STAL GORZOW

Niels-Kristian Iversen 9.58, D Nermark 8.00, K Kasprzak 7.14, B Zmarzlik 6.57, T Gapinski 6.06, L Sundstrom 5.66, L Janowski 2,50, A Cyfer 2.50, A Gomolski 2.50, L Cyran 2.50, D Kaczmarek 2.50

UNIA LESZNO

K Bjerre 7.20, F Lindgren 6.95, Prem Pawlicki 6.91, D Balinski 6.89, G Zengota 5.93, Piotr Pawlicki 5,92, T Musielak 4.73, M Michelsen 4.00, K Adamczewski 2.91

PGE MARMA RZESZOW

N Pedersen 10.40, G Walasek 8.71, R Okoniewski 7.51, J Pavlic 6.73, L Sowka 4.00, D Lampart 2.50, M Gaschka 2.50

UNIA TARNOW

J Kolodziej 8.98, M Vaculik 8.56, M Janowski 7.60, L Madsen 7.45, A Laguta 4.34, J Jamrog 3.38, K Gomolski 2,80, M Borowicz 2.50, E Koza 2.50

UNIBAX TORUN

C Holder 9.28, R Sullivan 8.64, D Ward 8.41, A Miedinski 7.49, T Gollob 7.46, E Pulczynski 3.83, K Pulczynski 3.70, L Przedpelski 2.50, P Przedpelski 2.50

SPARTA WROCLAW

T Jedrzejak 8.31, T Woffinden 6.93, P Ljung 6.62, T Batchelor 6.58, N Klindt 6.50, Z Suchecki 4.53, L Bojarski 3.13, P Malitowski 2.53

FALUBAZ ZIELONA GORA

A Jonsson 9.11, J Hampel 8.75, P Protasiewicz 8.18, P Dudek 7.47, M J Bech 6.50, A Strzelec 4.26, J Davidsson 2.95, K Jablonski 2.50, A Zgardzinski 2.50, R Perzyski 2.50

Source: www.sportowefakty.pl/zuzel
Images Copyright www.karenfoto.com

The 23 year old endured a tough year with Eastbourne in 2012 – and he even suggested he was strongly considering quitting the sport due to lack of sponsorship.

Yet in recent weeks that issue appears to have been resolved, and he makes the switch to Essex to compete for the Hammers.

It was Lakeside co-promotor Jon Cook who initially threw Bridger into the top tier as a 16 year old with Eastbourne, and the pair reunite at the tight Arena-Essex Raceway where Bridger has previously starred.

A second place finish there at the Lee Richardson Memorial meeting was the pick of his performances at the venue, and Hammers fans will be hoping he can replicate that form over a full season.

Lakeside have already announced their desire to re-sign Davey Watt and Peter Karlsson, and with Poole and Wolves respectively giving them permission to talk to those riders they are set to sign in the very near future.

source: www.lakesidehammers.co
Images Copyright Jeff Davies (www.jeffdavies.luxipics.com)

Kildemand experienced unprecedented success in 2012, rapidly moving up from reserve and ending on a 6.98 average despite beginning on a mere 4.00 figure.

His daring blasts around the boards and leg trailing style excited Robins fans season long.

As the season progressed ‘PK’ went from strength to strength, culminating in a sensational 14 point haul at Wimborne Road to help his side lift the title.

Swindon management have wasted no time in snapping up the 23 year old for next season, and he is the first confirmed signing for the defending Champions.

source: www.swindonrobins.co
Images Copyright Jeff Davies (www.jeffdavies.luxipics.com)

The 35 year old rode for the Arlington outfit between 2003 and 2006 before joining Lakeside.

Yet 2012 saw him join Belle Vue, and after a tough start to the campaign he quit the sport altogether.

However, he announced his intention to return to the shale by signing a deal with Valsarna in Sweden last month – and Eagles management have persuaded him to return to Sussex.

Shields begins on a 6.32 average, and his vast experience of British tracks is sure to be of great benefit to the Eastbourne side.

source: www.eastbourneeagles.co
Images Copyright Jeff Davies (www.jeffdavies.luxipics.com)

Ryan Douglas has signed for defending champions Scunthorpe – the only new rider from their 2012 side – as he looks to follow in the footsteps of numerous successful Southern Hemisphere compatriots such as Chris Holder, Darcy Ward and close friend Nick Morris.

Having only taken to the shale two years ago, Douglas has made significant progress over a short period, and he has done enough to convince the Scorpions management to offer him a place following a recommendation from Morris.

With a huge 2013 ahead, I got in touch with the youngster and discussed his hopes and ambitions for the next 12 months.

1) First of all, just tell us how you got started in speedway – what inspired you to get on a bike?

I started racing flat track in 2007 and won multiple Queensland and Australian Titles.  In 2010 I started my speedway career with the help of Ivor Harm who also helped Darcy Ward and Nick Morris get started. 

2) Growing up in Australia where there isn’t a league system, how did you rise through the ranks?

Just did as much riding as possible. I had to do a lot of travelling to New South Wales and North Queensland.  Also I compete in the Queensland & NSW Titles each year where I get to compete against the international riders from Australia.

3) And I believe you won the Australian Under 19 Championships this year, how big an honour was that?

This is my second year in a row to win the Australian Under 19 Championships.  It’s always good to win an Aussie title but am concentrating now mainly on speedway.

4) You have signed for Scunthorpe for 2013 – how big is that opportunity for you?

This is a massive opportunity.  It has been my dream since I started riding speedway to go overseas.  I have learnt so much in the last 2 years of riding speedway and can’t wait to see where riding in the UK will take me. 

5) How much are you looking forward to this challenge?

I can’t wait to tackle this challenge.  I know it won’t be easy but will put everything into making it a successful 2013 season. 

6) And how different do you anticipate it will be riding for a team rather than for yourself?

I have done some team racing with my local club North Brisbane and other tournaments which I really enjoyed. 

7) What expectations do you have? How well do you think you can do?

I have pretty high expectations on myself and I never accept failure I will keep giving it my all till I succeed.  With the help I am receiving from Scunthorpe I believe I will come on leaps and bounds in 2013

8 ) Are you looking forward to learning from experienced guys such as David Howe and Josh Auty?

Yes.  I am looking forward to riding with them and will be sure to listen and learn and take as much information as I can from their experience. 

9) Obviously you will be leaving home to come to the UK, how tough was it to make that decision at such a young age?

Not tough at all.  This is my dream and I’m ready to further my ability in premier league racing.  Obviously I will miss my family and friends but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to take. 

10) For those who don’t know much about Ryan Douglas, what can they expect in 2013?

I will always give 100% in every race.  I love riding bikes and have time for anyone who is willing to help me move forward in my career. 

11) Which of the Aussie guys already racing here are you friends with?

I’m friends with most of the Aussie speedway riders.  Nick Morris has been a huge help getting me to the position I’m at today.

12) What are you plans for over the winter?

All the title meets are run in Australia this time of year so have the Queensland U21’s this weekend and Queensland Solo’s coming up.  The Australian Solos and U21’s are in January where I will be aiming to do well in. 

13) Obviously Chris Holder won the world title this season. How much does his success inspire a young Aussie like you to follow in his footsteps?

It means a lot.  Just goes to show anything is possible.  I would love to one day do the same thing. 

14) Who is the best rider you have ridden against?

Rode against Jason Crump last year in a 4 team tournament at North Brisbane. 

15) What are the best and worst moments of your career so far?

The worst moment was my first ever flat track race where I broke my wrist

The best moment so far is signing with Scunthorpe for the 2013 season. 

16) Just how far do you feel you can go in the sport?

I have only been racing speedway for a bit over two years and have improved out of sight so who knows where speedway will take me in the incoming years. I would love to one day compete in the GP’s.

The Hammers made a lightning start to the season, joining Poole and Swindon at the top of the league as predicted in pre-season.

Peter Karlsson, Davey Watt and the late Lee Richardson were leading the side tremendously, with the lower order all chipping in well – especially the revelatory young reserve Richie Worrall.

Yet as we all know, tragedy struck in May and they had to cope with the loss of their inspirational skipper.

As would be expected, their flying form slowed drastically and at one point they looked like missing out on the top four.

However, in true Lee Richardson style the Arena-Essex side battled back from adversity, with a heart-warming late surge pushing them into the top 4.

Karlsson and Watt on the whole scored very well to give the side the required leadership – each adding to their sizeable starting averages – whilst the early season form of Richardson was vital to their final position.

Lower down, Justin Sedgmen, Kim Nilsson and Stuart Robson all increased their averages as well to help give additional strength in depth which was desperately needed as the season progressed.

The mid season capture of Jonas Davidsson did not have the desired effect and they soon switched back to Rider Replacement, but everyone eventually pulled together.

At home Hammers were extremely strong as expected, being defeated only three times and taking maximum points on nine occasions, and away they did manage three pivotal victories.

The year will always be etched in the memory as a tragic one, but in the end their fighting spirit to make the play-offs was a truly great achievement which would have certainly made RICO proud.

TEAM AVERAGES: 

Peter Karlsson – 8.61
The Late Lee Richardson – 8.20
Davey Watt – 8.06
Jonas Davidsson – 5.93
Kim Nilsson – 5.45
Stuart Robson (D/U) – 5.09
Kauko Nieminen (D/U) – 4.90
Robert Mear – 4.44
Justin Sedgmen (D/U) – 3.69

STAR MAN: Lee Richardson (RIP)

VERDICT: 8/10 

source: www.speedwaygb.co
Images Copyright Jeff Davies (www.jeffdavies.luxipics.com)

2012 turned out to be a somewhat subdued season; throughout the Stars were in the hunt, but eventually their top four hopes fizzled out and they ended in a disappointing 7th.

Five defeats out of their opening six meetings gave them an uphill task, before four consecutive August wins placed them in prime position to make the play-offs.

Yet they were winless in their five remaining fixtures, leaving them wondering what could have been.

Danish No.1 Niels-Kristain Iversen really was inspirational throughout, leading the side superbly both home and away.

Yet he seemed to lack any real heat-leader back-up – with Polish hotshot Maciej Janowski relatively inconsistent, especially away from home.

Veteran’s Daniel Nermark and Mads Korneliussen both added invaluable experience, with the latter captaining the side well – yet both dropped their averages somewhat substantially, and that was an issue for the side given their importance.

At reserve, Mateusz Szczepaniak had a tremendous season to average around 5.00 – whilst Kevin Wolbert helped bolster the lower order with a solid campaign.

David Howe had made a blistering start to the season before injury cruelly cut things short for him, and you can’t help but wonder where Kings Lynn may have finished had he remained fully fit.

All in all, it was a season that promised much but delivered little for the Norfolk outfit and they will be hoping to recapture some of that 2011 magic when the winter draws to a close.

TEAM AVERAGES:

Niels-Kristian Iversen – 8.84
Mads Korneliussen – 6.70
Maciej Janowski – 6.13
David Howe – 5.87 (10 matches only)
Kevin Wolbert – 5.40
Daniel Nermark – 5.37
Mateusz Szczepaniak –  4.93
Ulrich Ostergaard –  4.87

STAR MAN: Niels-Kristian Iversen

VERDICT: 5/10

Images Copyright Jeff Davies (www.jeffdavies.luxipics.com)
Source: www.speedwaygb.co