Dear Tigers fan, welcome to this week’s Red Alert with all the latest news from the Tigers den.
The month of March arrives tomorrow, and that means we are almost in touching distance of opening a brand new season!
Meet Joe Screen
He may well have prepared for more new speedway seasons than most other riders in the sport, but he is again ultra keen to come to tapes for another campaign.
He is fit, he is ready, he is keen, he is our No.1 .. Joe Screen!
Click here to hear Joe speak about his preparations for the coming season, and read on for some of Screenys thoughts on the season past, and hopes for the one ahead.
Q: Looking back at 2012, how do you feel it went for you?
“On a personal form level, it went pretty well, I felt I showed good form on the whole and achieved my own targets; had some big engine troubles mid season then picked up that knee injury which effected my form and eventually led to an early end to my season”
Q: With various uncertainties around the club last year culminating in the change in ownership, did that unsettle you?
“Was obviously aware of things going on during the season, and had a couple of conversations with AB during the year around his intent; things did go a bit quiet towards the end part of the season which did cause some worries; was a bit of a concern too when club was denied the ability to change race nights, however obviously all now settled and focused on year ahead.”
Q: Looking towards the new season, how is your training and preparation going?
“Is a regular part of my pre season regime, so nothing new for me; have made some lifestyle changes in recent years which have helped my fitness generally; have been doing some running and lots of getting out on MX bikes to remain sharp; within the next week or so I’ll be heading out on the speedway bike to blow away those cobwebs.”
Q: You’ve had a chance to look over the new look team; what are your thoughts?
“3 new lads I don’t know anything about really, although do like what I have been hearing as regards their attitude and willingness to learn; as captain (hopefully again this year) I’m very keen to chat to the younger lads and help bring them on; so long as they have the right attitude and desire then I’m sure they will play their part in a winning side; known James W for a while and had many chats with him, on his day he can beat any rider, and has shown that he is a quality rider, just need to get him going as he will be a key man for us.”
Q: You made a recent flying visit to track; what did you think of the changes?
“From the terracing it isn’t easy to see the changes which have been made; however when walking the track, yes, you can see that it looks loads smoother and that the entry to the turns have been greatly improved; am personally pleased that a lot of the banking remains; I expect it will ride better and smoother which must be good; pleased to have Danny G still around as track man, if he can translate rider feedback into the preparation then we will have a great track.”
Q: Any equipment changes for this season?
“Have overhauled my 4 engines and those are good to go, will be good and competetive; have retained the same frame kit too …only changes really are in my racing colour scheme ..to be revealed soon!”
Q: Message to supporters?
“Really excited about the new season, thoroughly looking forward to racing for Tigers again; from what I hear from the new management team they will take the club to a different level – see you all in March!”
Party On
A BIG “thank you” to all our wonderful supporters who have given up some of their own time in recent weeks to make a difference at the stadium.
Already a big difference has been made to the front of stadium car parks, to the back straight terracing, the pits and in preparing to demolish the 4th bend bar.
We may already have achieved a lot, but there remains a lot to do. The stadium gates will be open each and every Sunday morning (and some Saturdays too) from now until the season opens. There are a variety of tasks available, from some lighter painting (e.g. kick boards, crush barriers, main stand areas) to removing stones and debris from the terracing and track perimeter.
Catering, refreshments and materials will be provided, however please bring your own equipment where you can.
Sponsorship opportunities available
Have you had a look recently at our Back the Boys sponsorship page? Given this is a brand new initiative, you may actually be surprised at the level of race jacket, heat and tyre sponsorship pledged to date, have a look here.
With just a month remaining until the season starts, NOW is the time to act in order to secure YOUR preferred sponsorship whether as a business, individual, family or group of supporters.
Backing the riders, and the club, in this way truly does make a difference as well as providing the return benefits to those who sponsor.
Please follow the instructions on the webpage and play your part to Back the Boys!
Supporter Survey Snippet
This weeks survey snippet headline is around the geographical demographic of our core support. So just where do we travel to Ashfield from each week?
The recent supporter survey revealed that:
- Just a 6% contribution from the immediate North Glasgow surrounding area
- Just 26% of supporters live within the City
- 45% contribution from Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire alone
Upcoming News
As we run in towards the new season there will be more exciting news being released for the benefit of all our supporters, so please keep reading Red Alert and make sure you visit the club website regularly to keep up to date with news to your advantage.
As ever, please feel perfectly able to contact us and share any sense of excitement, concern or query. We do listen.
Have a great week.
Alun, Gordon, Colin, Craig, Derek & Ian