Sport In Profile UK Issue 03 | Page 16

COVENTRY BUILDBASE BEES SPEEDWAY Having said that, the historical trend is that generally the same clubs will end up towards the top of the table more often than not – in the last decade, Coventry have won three Elite League titles and Poole, having defeated us in the playoff Final this year, have now won five. We were coming off the back of two below-par seasons so it was important to get back to the right end of the league and with our National League team, the Storm, also making their Final, there’s been plenty of interest on all levels.” “ “ Youth A couple of Elite League titles would be nice – having won it in 2005, 2007 and 2010 we probably feel we are due one again! 16 ISSUE 03 “Throughout my time at Coventry, and despite several changes of promoters and managers, there has always been a policy to add developing British riders to the club’s list of retained riders. We used to sign, on average, one per year and then loan them out elsewhere to gain experience, but last year we took the decision to enter the third tier of the sport, the National League, and that’s been a very positive move. We now have the last two British Under-19 Champions on our books, and this policy has become more important with a shift towards ensuring that young British riders have team places in the Elite League, so we are well placed in view of the regulations there.” Community “One of the things which will surprise nonspeedway regulars is that our senior riders are generally only present at the stadium on match-days. It’s not like football when they will