GRAHAM Drury is predicting a wide open race for the British Open Ice Speedway title at Telford this Sunday.
Drury, who like many supporters will spend the weekend in Shropshire, insists predicting a winner for the prestigious championship is almost impossible.
Wayne Broadhurst will be aiming for a record breaking fifth crown in his farewell meeting - he will quit the sport immediately after Sunday night's action - but all 16 competitors have experience on the ice.
Said Telford co-promoter Drury: "There will be plenty of Coventry fans there to see Martin Smolinski in what could be his one and only UK appearance of the year and I was impressed by his display in a recent indoor ice meeting in Poland.
"My own club, Birmingham, will also be bringing lots of supporters backing both Phil Morris and Jack Hargreaves and both riders are up for the challenge without a doubt.
"David Howe is fit and raring to go for Wolverhampton next month and I expect him to be a serious challenger for the title on Sunday as well.
"Normally at Telford we have some riders who have never ridden on ice before but this year is different. I'm looking forward to the competition, I'm sure we're in for a great day out."
England take on a Rest of the World team at 3pm followed by the Speedway Star Best pairs and in the evening the British Open starts at 7.30pm.
Speedway's own version of 'Dancing on Ice' will take place during the interval at both sessions when fans will get the chance to vote for their favourite rider on skates.
"I've tried to contact Jack Hargreaves during the evening four times in the last week with no success," said Drury. "I since discovered that he's been at Telford brushing up on his skating skills, he wants to win the interval competition for sure!
"The TV programme is a massive success and it seems nice and topical for us to have our own competition at Telford. The lads are up for it!"
Scotland's William Lawson has been ruled out of the Rest of the World side in the afternoon session and has been replaced by new Weymouth signing Luke Priest.
Meanwhile, Telford ticket holders will have a chance to watch an Ice-Hockey match at a discount price to make it a weekend to remember.
Anyone producing their Telford Ice Speedway tickets will be allowed reduced admission to the Telford Tigers v Romford Raiders clash on Saturday 23rd February. Special entry price will be: Adults £5, Children £2. Face off is 5.30pm.
TEAM LINE-UPS: ENGLAND: David Howe, Shaun Tacey, Eddie Kennett, Tony Atkin (C), Wayne Broadhurst, Jack Hargreaves, Craig Branney. Stand-by: John Branney.
REST OF THE WORLD: Phil Morris (C), Marcin Sekula, Marek Morz, Josef Franc, Martin Smolnski, Luke Priest, Matyas Hlavacek. Stand-by: Tom Brown. *ADMISSION for both the 3pm and 7.30pm speedway events will be available on the day.
