BIRMINGHAM riders will be fighting for their futures when the Brummies take on patched-up ROWE Motor Oil Premiership leaders Ipswich at Perry Barr tonight.
Having pulled off a sensational coup by signing Swedish Grand Prix star Freddie Lindgren the next decision for the Brummies management is who to drop for the 38-year-old who finished second in last year’s GP.
Lindgren is due to make his return to British racing after a seven-year absence in the Knockout Cup semi-final against either Leicester or Ipswich on 3 June, live on BSN.
And Birmingham CEO Nigel Tolley revealed that a decision on who will make way for the former Wolves legend will be made after Thursday’s trip to Sheffield.
“Let’s just say we’ll be monitoring performances very carefully in both Monday and Thursday’s meetings,” Tolley said.
“I think it is fair to say that this is one of Birmingham speedway’s biggest signings – what a coup.
“Freddie’s CV speaks for itself and he is one of the most consistent, high-level performers on the World stage.
“He has topped the league averages on numerous occasions and the thought of seeing him strutting his stuff around Perry Barr is something that will surely get everyone very excited indeed.”
Lindgren spent 14 seasons with Wolverhampton, his only British club, but has not raced in this country since 2017.
Justin Sedgmen will make a somewhat more low-key debut for the Brummies at Perry Barr tonight having been signed to replace Czech Vaclav Milik.
Ipswich have named ex-GP man Troy Batchelor in their side, the 36-year-old, who has led Workington’s rise to the Championship summit, replaces Adam Ellis who suffered a dislocated shoulder in France on Sunday.
King’s Lynn’s Nikolai Klindt guests for long-term injury victim Danny King and will operate rider-replacement for Jason Doyle who suffered cracked ribs and shoulder damage in their win against the Stars on Thursday.
They look to make it three successive Premiership away wins against a Birmingham side with only one win and a losing draw to show on their return to top-flight racing.
The aggregate bonus is also up for grabs, Ipswich bringing an eight-point advantage after the sides met at Foxhall back in March.
Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins said: “We are depleted but we are still looking to win as we always do.”
Birmingham: Piotr Pawlicki, Steve Worrall, Zach Cook, Justin Sedgmen, Tom Brennan, Wiktor Lampart, Leon Flint.
Ipswich: Emil Sayfutdinov, Nicolai Klindt, R/R for Jason Doyle, Dan Thompson, Troy Batchelor, Keynan Rew, Jordan Jenkins.
Words by George Dodds.
Images by Taylor Lanning.