Stars race in Ashley's memory
TOMORROW night (18) the Lynn Stars take a break from regular league racing, for a special night of racing in memory of Ashley Jones.
Jones was a young Australian who spent the majority of the 2005 season riding for the Money Centre Stars and winning many fans' hearts.
He unfortunately died just after returning back to his native land on November 13, 2005 while racing speedway.
The Lynn promotion have decide to hold a team meeting rather than an individual and have put the Young Lions up against the Young Roos.
"Ashley would have loved to have been part of a meeting like this," said Stars promoter, Jonathan Chapman on this England v Australia clash.
"He came over to England with hardly any money and had to work his way up, he is reminiscent of most of the young Brits and Aussies in this meeting.
"It gives these young guys a chance to shine against riders of their own calibre rather than against established heat leaders that they race against every week in the Premier League.
"Add on top of that the traditional rivalry and pride between the two countries and it will be a fantastic meeting.
A controversial inclusion in the Young Roos line up is 17-year-old British Under 21 champion, Tai Woffinden.
Team manager, Rob Lyon, explains the reason: "Basically I felt the Lions were looking a bit too strong so I asked Tai to race for the Roos.
"It doesn't mean anything because the meeting is not official, but he does have an Aussie accent!"
The Roos have a solid line up with James Holder making his 2008 debut at the circuit plus the return of Ty Proctor and Arlo Bugeja from last week.
Needing no introduction are Lynn's Kozza Smith and John Oliver.
Mitchell Davey is the final man. He actually resided and practised at Lynn for a few weeks in 2007 before signing for the Glasgow Tigers in 2008.
The Young Lions will be led by local hero, Simon Lambert, who will be joined by Eastbourne's Lewis Bridger and Stow Bridge ace James Brundle, who returns to his home track after riding alongside Bridger in the Elite League this season.
The talented Jerran Hart returns after his excellent showing for Newcastle two weeks back, and the much-loved ex-Stars rider, Darren Mallett also appears.
The Lions team is completed by Josh Auty from Redcar and Sam Martin (subject to fitness) from Sheffield.
A donation from the Ashley Jones Memorial will be made to the Association for Blind Dogs which is a registered charity and was something Ashley supported himself.
The full article contains 442 words and appears in Lynn News Tuesday newspaper.
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Last Updated:
17 June 2008 5:25 PM
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Source:
Lynn News Tuesday
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Location:
King's Lynn