Gladiators all set for KO Cup action

Plymouth Speedway commence what promises to be an action packed 2022 Championship season with the home debut of the 2022 Plymouth Westcolour Gladiators in a Knockout Cup Quarter Final First Leg tie tomorrow night (tapes up 7pm). 

The Westcolour Gladiators have assembled what looks to be a very strong all round septet for 2022. Leading the way are former Speedway GP Star Hans Andersen from Denmark,  a 4 time Speedway GP Round Winner and multi World Team Champion. He is joined by another new Danish acquisition with an outstanding International pedigree in Michael Palm Toft and the very experienced British pairing of Cornish born Ben Barker and Sussex born Edward Kennett.  Barker and Kennett are multi-times British Individual finalists and GB Internationals and have been leading riders at domestic level for the past decade and more.  

The Westcolour Gladiators will augment their all-new top 4 with the rapidly improving crowd favourite Alfie Bowtell, whose fearless racing style thrilled home supporters on many occasions in 2021 and local star Henry Atkins who suffered a season ending injury before taking his place in the 2021 Gladiators Team and whose burgeoning ability and progress were sorely missed. Another exciting newcomer and already a medal winner at Under 19 and 21 Individual level is Midlander Dan Gilkes, one of the most sought after  young talents in British Speedway.

Club Director and Promoter Mark Phillips can’t wait to get the season underway after a winter of team building that has only finally come to fruition in the past 10 days. 

“We have the 7 men we wanted since last Autumn and can’t wait to start. In Hans and Michael we have a pair of top international class riders of terrific pedigree.  With Ben and Edward backing them up we have a couple of the best and most effective British riders of their generation and indeed we feel the strongest top 4 in the league. We have added the depth we sometimes lacked too in 2021 by welcoming back Alfie who impressed us all with his speed and progress, Henry who can’t wait to make up for last time and  Dan who was one of the most sought after of the 2021 Rising Stars. 

Our Team Manager Gary May made a huge difference when he joined us part way through last season and he asked me for a team he could win Titles and Cups with, and I think that’s what we ‘ve delivered him, and all speedway supporters will know, that if you give Gary the ammunition, he’ll fire you to League and Cup wins and silverware”

The reigning Championship League and Cup Holders, the Poole Pirates will provide the stiffest of opposition, featuring leading British Stars Danny King, Steve Worrall and Richard Lawson as heat leaders, the promising Cook brothers (Ben and Zac) together with leading young British prospects, Nathan Ablitt and Drew Kemp.  

Match Tickets are on sale online and are selling fast and whilst there will be cash admission on the night (Gates Open 5.30pm / Tapes Up 7.00pm); Supporters are advised to buy Online, especially if they wish to purchase a Guaranteed Seat in the NHS Stand, and to arrive as early as possible as a big crowd is anticipated. 

The Club wish to emphasise that season tickets are valid for this match, assuring all of the clubs valued Season Ticket Holders guaranteed access.

A further reminder that following the easement of Covid 19 Regulations the club will again be able to offer CASH ADMISSION at ALL MATCHES in 2022 Gates Open at 5.30pm and Tapes Up at 7.00pm. Programmes are available on arrival and Cost £3.00 and Car Parking IS available on-site for an additional Cost of £2.00. There are numerous Food and Drink Outlets around the Stadium. 

Online Ticketing is available from the Club Website or Ticket Agents TryBooking and can be accessed here.

For those who cannot attend in person, the club’s highly regarded Live Streaming Team will be LIVE STREAMING all meetings at Plymouth in 2022, with the recent SMTR Centurions clash against The Kent Royals receiving rave reviews for its quality and accessibility. For more information check out the details here, where live streaming tickets are on sale for £11.99. 

We look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday Evening for some “Speedway heaven, every Tuesday at 7”

Image credit: Jon Sproad