SOMERSET Rebels' speedway stadium at Highbridge is to stage one of the Premier League's big events this year, the Pairs Championship. It will be held on Friday, June 29, the night before the British Speedway Grand Prix in Cardiff.

"This is tremendous news for all associated with Somerset speedway," said co-promoter Mike Golding. "Everyone has known what a fantastic race-track we have here at the Oak Tree Arena, but by awarding the pairs to Somerset, the governing bodies have also taken on board the improvements we are planning in respect of spectator facilities."

He went on: "It promises to be a great weekend of speedway action for fans not only from the UK, but from Europe and the rest of the world, with the Grand Prix the following night. The region as a whole will benefit, as a large number of fans will want to make Burnham and Highbridge their base for the weekend, which can only be good for the economy of the area."

Somerset have an excellent recent record in the Premier Pairs, having been runners-up and fourth in the last two championships, both at Glasgow's Ashfield Stadium.

"After having come so close to winning for the last two years, perhaps 2007 will be when we finally get the name of the Somerset Rebels on that trophy." said Golding. However, with the track at the Oak Tree Arena being one of the best in the country, I do not think that home track advantage will necessarily apply in this case."

The Premier League Pairs is one of seven major domestic championships that have been re-branded by the British Speedway Promoters' Association for 2007 under the heading of The Super 7even and tickets are now on sale for them.