(SPEEDWAY 1)
EDWARD Kennett is to make a dramatic return to Rye House in 2018 – after losing his place with the club last season.
Kennett, who started the campaign at No.1, made way in a summer Rockets reshuffle but now returns to Hoddesdon in a second-string berth along with Ben Barker, who was one of the incoming riders at the time.
Co-promoter Steve Jenson said: “Edward’s home form was never an issue – he knows this circuit like the back of his hand and was averaging over ten a match here – and he is determined to prove a point by putting things right on the road.
“He will start the season as our No.4 rider, which will take the pressure off, but his aim is to get back to being one of the best riders in the League. He is back to lead us with points, but also with his strength of character.
“We really enjoyed having Ben with us last season. You know that he will always give you 100 per cent in every race. He really is part of the bulldog breed, and his fire is contagious to the team as well; he is one of the characters that you need in this sport.”
(SPEEDWAY 2)
LEICESTER have completed the signing of James Sarjeant – handing the former Coventry rider a route back into the top flight.
Sarjeant was left without an SGB Premiership place after the withdrawal of the Bees last winter, but now joins the Beaumont Park club in addition to his Championship commitments with Glasgow.
He said: “I’m keen to get back to full-time racing, I want to be on my bike every day if I can as that’s only going to help my progression.
“It looks like I’ll be busy and Leicester is a club I’ve ridden for before, quite a long time ago not long after they first re-opened.
“I know they’ve got a lot of good fans and some great people there, so I’m happy to be back.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
WORKINGTON have sealed the return of Ty Proctor to Derwent Park for the 2018 SGB Championship campaign.
Proctor enjoyed a largely successful return to British racing with the Comets this year and club owner Laura Morgan expects further improvement to come from the Australian.
She said: “Obviously after his time away it took him a little while to get fully back into the swing of things but once he did he was soon picking up good scores both home and away and understandably became stronger as the season progressed.
“So, with that in mind we are very happy that we have been able to agree terms with him to remain a Comet in 2018, where we feel he can only build on his comeback season and increase his average.
“He comes into the side on a 7.15 average, which in our opinion is a bargain figure for such a rider of his ability and experience and his signing has given everyone connected with the club a great lift just before Christmas.”
(SPEEDWAY 4)
NEWCASTLE stalwart Stuart Robson will extend his fourth stint with the club into the 2018 SGB Championship season.
Robson rejoined the Diamonds back in July having first represented the club way back in 1993.
Co-promoter George English said: “Stuart has been a superb servant to the Diamonds and was more than ready to set pen to paper once again for us.
“Robbo is as popular with his fellow riders as he is with the management and supporters alike and only adds positives by the skip-load to any team he races for.
“He is undoubtedly the full speedway package and we're more than delighted to have him back on our pits for 2018 when he will almost certainly play a huge role in what happens on track.”
(SPEEDWAY 5)
THE Isle of Wight have completed their line-up for 2018 with the signing of popular clubman Chris Widman.
The Warriors’ septet will include Widman on a 4.26 average starting from the main body of the side.
He said: “It’s absolutely fantastic for me to be back with the Warriors next season. The place, the people and the atmosphere gives me a feeling that no other track gives me.
“Although last season I was battling against many factors, this year my home and business life will be more organised and knowing where I am riding next season, so early, gives me plenty of time to get ready for 2018.”
