ELITE League title winner Martin Smolinski will make his debut at the Telford ice event later this month.

Smolinski, who has won the top flight title twice in three seasons with Coventry, has been left out of the Bees' plans for 2008 and has missed out on a place in British racing.

Now he's confirmed he will travel to Shropshire for the event on Sunday, February 24, when he will figure in both afternoon and evening sessions.

And the German is joined by Edinburgh's William Lawson, who was Wolverhampton's most entertaining rider last year.

Smolinski was told of his exit from the Coventry team early in the new year and has now decided to give the Elite League a miss.

He said: "I still cannot believe it, to be told two months before the new season starts is disappointing.

"I have many fans and friends at Coventry and look forward to my trip back to England. I intend to go to the Coventry track shop!"

Telford co-promoter Graham Drury said: "Martin was bitterly disappointed about missing out at Coventry and this is likely to be the only chance their fans have to see him this season.

"He's a showman and we're delighted to have him on board, he fits the bill perfectly for Telford. Not only is he coming over to put on a good show, he is determined to do well and win the British Open.

"He's also told me he wants to meet up with Coventry fans to say his farewells and to thank them for all their support."

Lawson, meanwhile, is sure to attract plenty of support from Wolverhampton where he had a good spell last season.

"He's got a great style and I know the Wolves fans liked him down there," said Drury. "He's going to be asking Kevin Little to set his bike up for him and we all know Kevin has a great record on the ice at Telford.

"I never realised William was voted the most entertaining rider for Wolverhampton last season and I'm sure he will come to Telford looking to put on a great show. I'm delighted with the latest two additions to the line-up."

Meanwhile Drury is all set to reveal the details of the interval attractions for this year's event - and he's promising something special.

"It's going to enhance the occasion," said Drury. "And I have no doubt the fans will love it. Watch this space!"

CONFIRMED STARTERS:
Martin Smolinski (Germany, Coventry asset), William Lawson (Edinburgh), Lee Complin (Stoke), Wayne Broadhurst (Shropshire, Unattached), Craig Branney (Workington), John Branney (Workington), Edward Kennett (Eastbourne), Tony Atkin (Newport), Josef Franc (Newcastle), Shaun Tacey (King's Lynn), Phil Morris (Birmingham), Jack Hargreaves (Birmingham), Emiliano Sanchez (Stoke), David Howe (Wolverhampton).

Tickets are available, for both afternoon and evening sessions, from the credit card hotline 08451559966 or by post with cheques payable to World Indoor Ice, Speedway Office, 27 Upper Chirk Bank, Chirk, Wrexham
Ll14 5EB. Please enclose a SAE. Further information is available by visiting