Robins gear up for Coventry test

11:59am Tuesday 19th August 2008

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Speedway: Swindon continue their Elite league play off charge with vigour as Alun Rossiter's side welcome Coventry to Blunsdon on Thursday.

The meeting against the Bees is the focal point of Swindon's Summer of Speed' family day which in conjunction with inSwindon' aims to raise money for local charities, this year GWR Kids' and Street Safe' are set to benefit.

On track, the competition promises to be fierce with Coventry boasting an array of Blunsdon track specialists including Hans Andersen and Chris Harris who collected victory in Sunday's Elite League Pairs event. The Bees have recently strengthened their squad and the inclusion of Andersen provides the Warwickshire side with increased top end ferocity. Elsewhere, the acquisition of highly rated Czech youngster Filip Sitera at reserve certainly gives the Bees a more powerful look.

Swindon are expected to be at full strength for the meeting with Adams, Korneliussen and Batchelor assuming heat leader roles whilst Wright and McGowan pack the second string department. Manuel Hauzinger and Jurica Pavlic are set to continue at six and seven respectively.

Whilst the on track action promises to enthral, off track a host of activities look set to make the night a truly memorable occasion.

Following the success of last year's spectacular family day Swindon Speedway will be opening the turnstiles at the earlier time of 5.30pm, so that supporters can enjoy an evening packed full of off track entertainment. Firstly, fans' will have the opportunity to meet the Robins' rider at an autograph session that commences at 6pm.

The Swindon Wildcats Ice Hockey team will also be signing autographs from 6.30pm. Pete Russell's side begin their 08/09 campaign in just four weeks times.

Furthermore, International Motocross riders Stephen Sword and Tom Church will also be signing autographs throughout the course of the evening. Stephen Sword is one of Great Britain's best performing motocross racers since the start of the millennium thanks to four top-10 World Championship finishes in the last six years. The Scotsman recently took victory in both MX2 races in round six of the British Motocross Championship at Wiltshire's iconic Foxhill circuit.

Also performing on the night will be the hugely popular Over The Top' motorcycle display team who will performing daring high jumps, wheelies and spectacular stunts using breath-taking skill from 7pm.

Other attractions include, the Swindon Advertiser Bouncy Castle, Swindon Wildcats beat the Goalie and a tapes start speedway track mascot race which is set to include Rocky Robin, Willie the Wildcat, Swindon Advertiser's Alligator and the Pebley Beach's Hippo!

Swindon manager Alun Rossiter is urging fans to be part of the Summer of Speed' family day: 'So many positive things have happened for the club since our last home meeting against Poole. We were victorious at Lakeside on a night when Jurica Pavlic notched an incredible full twenty one point maximum. On the same evening Leigh Adams became the top scorer in the club's history which is a phenomenal achievement.

Then Leigh collected victory in the Scandinavian Speedway GP and on Sunday we came agonisingly close to lifting the Elite League Pairs! My message to the fans is come along on Thursday and celebrate the recent achievements of the club.

It promises to be a spectacular evening with an array of off track entertainment. However, the team must maintain their focus and concerntrate on getting a result against Coventry. The strengthening the Bees have done in the last fortnight certainly means they will pose stern opposition so we need to operate professionally and gate well to ensure we collect the league points on offer.' Teams for Thursday 21st August. Gates Open 5.30pm, Tapes Up 7.30pm Swindon Robins vs Coventry Bees Meeting Sponsor: Morgan Motor Company Normal admission prices apply.

Swindon Robins 1. Leigh Adams, 2. James Wright 3. Mads Korneliussen 4. Travis McGowan 5. Troy Batchelor 6. Manuel Hauzinger 7. Jurica Pavlic Team Manager: Alun Rossiter Coventry Bees 1. Hans Andersen 2.Olly Allen 3. Chris Harris 4. Billy Janniro 5. Simon Stead 6.Filip Sitera 7.Robbie Kessler Team Managers: Colin Pratt & Peter Oakes Referee: Tony Steele