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POOLE'S star Australian duo Chris Holder and Darcy Ward have both signed on to return to the Pirates in 2011.Both riders enjoyed plenty of success last season with Holder winning the British Grand Prix and Ward retaining his World Under-21 crown, and they also helped their club to victory in the Knockout Cup.Poole promoter Matt Ford said: "These two guys were always top of our radar and I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to tie up the deals this side of Christmas."They both have a fantastic future in the sport which we want to part of. Chris demonstrated that with his memorable British GP win at Cardiff and holding his own in the top eight of the Grand Prix, whilst Darcy has proved himself with his back to back world U21 titles."
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JAMES Wright is to return to Workington to take over as the Comets' new No.1 next season.Wright last rode for the Comets in 2007 when he won the Premier League Riders' Championship before moving into the Elite League full-time, and he now hopes to double-up in the top flight.Comets promoter Keith Denham said: "James jumped at the chance to ride for Workington in the Premier League; he's returning to where he started his Premier League career and is really excited about the prospects for next season."This signing puts a firm stamp on Workington's intentions for next season's league and I believe we have built a team that will be up there challenging for the major honours."
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NEWCASTLE have completed their 2011 line-up by confirming the return of Jason King to Brough Park.King will begin his fourth consecutive season on Tyneside and will be fully fit for the start of the campaign as he is currently undergoing the final stages of treatment on the knee injury which curtailed his racing this year.Co-promoter Darryl Illingworth said: "We have always had our most successful seasons when we've finished compiling the team before Christmas, and again we've achieved this excellent goal and I fully believe this team can do even better than the 2010 version which, let's face it was simply superb."It's an excellent mix of experience in Mark Lemon, Stuart Robson and Derek Sneddon, with huge youthful enthusiasm from the two new reserve lads, both aged 19, and then you have the massive power and excitement from Rene Bach plus the very sensible and levelling influence of Jay who was delighted to re-sign this week."
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SHEFFIELD Tigers have unveiled experienced Aussie Shane Parker as their new number one rider for the 2011 season.Parker, 40, has also confirmed it will be his last year in British racing before heading home with his family.Tigers co-promoter David Hoggart said: "I am confident Shane will bring a new dimension to Sheffield, he is the ultimate professional, a team man who will earn us points on and off the track."Twilight of his career? Don't believe it - he's going out on a high, he gave us a hard time as a visitor to Owlerton last season but he's on our side now, this really is an exciting time for Sheffield fans."
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LEICESTER now have five of their seven-man team in place after announcing the return to UK racing of Australian John Oliver.The 23-year-old joins the Lions on loan from King's Lynn, having last ridden for the Stars in 2008 when he scored over 200 points before his campaign ended with a broken collarbone.Promoter David Hemsley said: "During his two spells over here John has demonstrated that he has the correct outlook and application to succeed. In my view he is a great prospect and I have to thank King's Lynn for allowing me to talk to the rider."John has been signed on a loan agreement arrangement with his parent club and he will occupy a second string position in the main body of the team."
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DUDLEY Heathens teenager Ashley Morris will once again double-up with Premier League champions Edinburgh next season.Morris made his Monarchs debut last August and became one of the club's youngest-ever riders at the age of 16, and he is now looking forward to a busy 2011 racing in both Premier and National Leagues.He said: "I am pleased to be back because Edinburgh took the time and gave me the chance to feel the level of the Premier League, and no other club did that, so I'm glad to go back and show my respect for the club."I've spoken to a lot of fans, and to the club itself, and they told me from day one there's no pressure on me as long as I'm gaining experience. I didn't want to have too much pressure first time in the Premier League. But obviously this year we need a strong pair of reserves so I want to be scoring more."
