We are now in final preparation territory ahead of launching our 2014 campaign next week – we can almost smell that wonderful fragrance of speedway!
The team is now in place and preparing to travel to Glasgow next week, our air fence has been tested, some work has been carried out to the track, the terracing has been tidied and painted, and we’re just about ready to unveil some further spectator enhancements in our catering, merchandise and facilities.
We really are looking forward to a challenging yet thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining season ahead.
Here’s a news roundup and preview of what’s coming up:
Press and Practice – Wednesday 26th March from 2pm
Your very first chance to run your eye over the new look Tigers as they take to the Ashfield shale for the first time this coming Wednesday.
A reminder too that we’re holding a public practice session this year, with the riders practice scheduled to get underway from 2pm – entry is free, with food and drinks available for purchase too.
Meet your Riders – Wednesday 26th March from 7:30pm
We’re excited to stage an opportunity for you to meet your new team, and at a brand new speedway friendly venue.
Whether you were / weren’t able to see the riders go through their practice paces in the afternoon, this evening event gives you the perfect chance to relax amongst fellow Tigers supporters and get to know your new favourites.
Venue is the Eagle Lodge in nearby Bishopbriggs (directly opposite Asda), just 10 minutes drive from Ashfield. Doors open from 7:15pm with the event starting at 7:30pm till 10pm– entry is just £3 adults and £1 for children with all monies going towards our fence fund.
Final Sunday Working Party
Final call this Sunday for volunteer help to finish off a number of smaller tasks around the stadium.
Everyone will be made very welcome, with work getting underway from 10:30am. As usual, by way of thanks, we will look after you with some food and warm drinks.
Sean – update
We are pleased to be able to update that our former rider and team manager Sean Courtney has responded well to his recent surgery and is now recuperating in the Borders General hospital near to his home and family.
Sean, and wife Sue, has asked us to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and wishes during what has been a very tough time. Both have indicated that, once his recovery is complete, they would enjoy paying a visit to Ashfield to see all at Glasgow again.
10 Match Ticket Book
We have been encouraged by early response to our launch of these 10 Match Tickets as a money saving option to a full season ticket. These adult admission tickets enable a maximum of 10 admissions during the 2014 season (excludes air fence fund raiser, benefit and testimonial events).
Cost of this 10 Match Ticket (adults only) is £150. Applications should be made, in the first instance, via email to info@glasgowtigers.co
Help the Tigers get a grip!
With a new programme to be designed and printed early next week we’d be grateful to hear from anyone (business, individual, family or group!) who would be interested in sponsorship, advertising or perhaps hospitality with Glasgow speedway.
We’re also appealing to supporters to consider sponsoring a tyre for a Tigers of your choice – this can be arranged online here
Anders – focused and primed
He’s the only survivor from last season’s line-up and very much looking forward to entertaining Tigers fans in 2014.
In his pre-season interview our dynamic young Dane shares his passion for the club and how he feels he will be much better prepared for the new campaign – see below for his interview.
Next week
A review of Press & Practice and a preview of our opening weekend fixtures.
Hope to see some of you at the track this Sunday else on Wednesday.
Anders Thomsen – Interview
Welcome back to Glasgow, what’s your message to the Glasgow fans?
I am looking forward to the season in Glasgow. The short time I was with you last year has given me a lot, and I’ve met incredibly nice people everywhere and have enjoyed being there, so I am looking forward to coming back.
How are preparations coming along for the new season?
We have spent a lot of time and money preparing for the new season. When I left for Glasgow last year it all went very quickly and we had no time to prepare the bikes well enough. This winter we have done a lot to prepare everything as well as possible, and I’m sure the bikes I bring to the UK in a few weeks, are as good as those we have in Denmark.
How do you look upon your speedway / race career so far?
I started speedway when I was 3 years old, and until now I have won 21 champion titles, 2 times world champion is by far the biggest successes, so my career has been really good. I hope there are more success to come, we’ll see what the future holds.
2014 as a Glasgow Tiger – how does that feel?
I look forward to a full season with the Tigers, I think it will be really good – a good team, super fans who can create a great atmosphere, good people around me – I am looking forward to it.
What can the Glasgow fans expect from you this season?
They can certainly expect that I will do my very best for the Tigers – both on and off the track. I think – now that we have made some good bikes to the UK – I can do just as well as I have been in Denmark.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I am looking forward to the tasks that come with the national team, and a big goal for me is to qualify for the U21 World Cup finals. During last season I have beaten most of the finalists from the final 2013, so it is not an impossible task.
Tell the Glasgow fans one or two things they won’t know about you.
I hate to lose, so I never play games – cards etc, most times is completely random who wins and loses. I’m very bad at playing football.
For you, what’s the best part about being a speedway rider?
The best thing is to get up every morning and must start with what you think is most fun in the world – it’s great to live by his hobby. I love the speed – to feel the power – the excitement – the free life – the many travels around the world – it’s a great life.
How would you describe your riding style?
My style is perhaps a little aggressive and attacking. I never give up until I get the chequered flag.
What is your pre-meeting ritual?
I do not think I have any fixed rituals. But before a race I like to talk with the people I meet, and would like to tell a good story, I’m not the type who needs peace and quiet for myself.
What do you enjoy doing away from the speedway track?
When I have time off from the speedway I spend much time fishing, it’s nice to relax with and I get new energy with it.
What are your best, worst and first speedway memories?
I think the worst experience was a violent crash at the Frit Cup Final 2012. I had won the ordinary race and in the final heat – where the first prize was a new engine, I was pushed into the fence and crashed and was badly injured.
The best experience was of course when I became world champion, but also the Fritte Cup final last year – which I won, and at the same day was become the ‘shooting star of the year’ was great, it felt like a black thing that had followed me all season disappeared.
Where will you be based/living for the 2014 season?
There are many races in the UK this season, so I will probably be based in Scotland, where I live with my mechanic Gary. Since I also run in the Danish league – and what comes with the national team, there will be many trips as I often have to race in different countries several days in a row.
Who’s the best rider you’ve ever beaten?
I do not know. But last year I beat Laguta, Zmarzlik and Milik.
Which rider, or team, do you most want to beat in 2014?
There are no special I want to beat, I race to win every time.
Any plans on how to celebrate heat wins this season?
I have not thought about yet, let’s see what comes up.
What machinery will you be mounted on this season?
I have two super engines from last year that we have not changed on, I used one of those in Tigers final home meeting last year. The rest is new and changed equipment. We took all my bikes recently to the national team camp in France, and thoroughly tested so we are sure everything is ok and ready.
What will you say when a Glasgow fan tells you “Mon big man, gie it sum wellie”?
Think I say no, the last time – a few years ago I did it, I broke both arms!