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SWEDISH star Freddie Lindgren is on his way back to Wolverhampton – after ending a year in British Speedway exile.Lindgren sat out the Elite League last season but after missing out on qualification for the 2015 Grand Prix he returns to his only British club, rejoining on an 8.94 average as Wolves look to bounce back from a disappointing campaign.He said: “I’m looking forward to being back, and I can’t wait to get started again now. I had the idea of coming back to the Elite League a while ago, and when I decided I wanted to be riding in the UK again the ideal situation was to come back to Wolverhampton.“That was always my first choice – it’s where I’ve been all my career and it’s a club that is really close to my heart. I know everyone there, I have a good relationship with the management and I know the track well, so I’m delighted the opportunity came up to come back.”(SPEEDWAY 2)
COVENTRY have made their first new signing for 2015 with the acquisition of former Eastbourne captain Cameron Woodward.The Australian was seeking a new Elite League base after the Eagles’ decision to switch to the National League racing next year, and he will slot into the Bees’ middle-order after nine years at Arlington.Coventry promoter Mick Horton said: “We’re very pleased to bring Cameron to the club, and I’m sure he will do a great job for us from the No.2, 3 or 4 position depending on our other signings.“Havvy (Gary Havelock) likes him and was very keen to bring him in because of his experience – he’s a nice guy with a good temperament and this is a challenge he’s looking forward to. “We’re also looking to have as many riders as we can who won’t be doubling-up. Cameron is a full-time Elite League rider who can beat anyone on his day, and we’re looking forward to him joining us.”
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REDCAR have confirmed the signing of Jan Graversen for a second season in Bears colours in 2015.The Dane finished the last campaign in style with victory in the club’s South Tees Silver Helmet meeting, and he returns to the Premier League outfit on a 4.14 average.Graversen said: “I had a good start to the season and felt great, but then I had a few tumbles midway through the season and for whatever reason it made me dip a bit. So right towards the end of the season I started to try different engine setups and changing stuff, to try and spark things up a bit.“Next season, I need to be more consistent. I’m really pleased to be back, it was a pretty straightforward decision as it has been working well at Redcar.”(SPEEDWAY 4)
MILDENHALL have re-signed talented youngster Connor Mountain after the 17-year-old proved one of the brightest sparks in the Fen Tigers’ 2014 season.Mountain raised his average from 3.00 to 5.54 although his progress was curtailed by a late-season wrist injury, and will now be looking to continue that improvement in the main body of the team.He said: “I think my first full season in the National League has been a successful one, and going from a 3-point average to nearly six was an achievement which I am proud of and it gives me plenty to build on. I managed some good scores and have learnt a lot this year that I will take on board for next season.“My ambitions for next season are to establish myself as a main body National League rider and push for a Heat Leader berth, increase my average again and progress as a rider. I would really like some guest bookings in higher leagues to gain more experience of racing.”
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BIRMINGHAM have announced their planned return to the sport will be a clash with National League champions Cradley on March 18.The Brummies, who will apply for league membership early next month, will host the Heathens in the first of a two-legged encounter for the Dan McCormick Memorial Trophy, backed by Travel Plus Tours – with the sides to also meet at Perry Barr the following week, as Cradley will be sharing the same venue!Birmingham chief Tony Mole said: “We couldn’t have gone for a tougher start against the reigning champions, but Cradley will be a good benchmark because I have no doubt they will be putting together a competitive team once again.”Cradley manager Will Pottinger said: “This is a good way for us to start the season and it gives us two early meetings on our new home track. There will be no home track advantage but I’m sure they will be two good meetings for the fans to enjoy and naturally we would love to start with a win.”
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WOLVERHAMPTON boss Peter Adams says he fully understands Tai Woffinden’s decision to sit out the 2015 Elite League.The 2013 World Champion has confirmed he won’t be returning to Monmore for the new season despite efforts from club bosses to reduce commitments.Adams said: “It’s naturally disappointing for British fans but we have to understand and respect Tai’s decision.“If Tai was to be back with Wolverhampton in 2015 we would want the 2013 version and not the 2014 version.“Tai has given me his assurance that he has no interest in riding for any other club in the UK and he still regards Wolverhampton very much as his club. Whilst that is the case I am happy to continue supporting him in his Grand Prix career – but with a strong emphasis on the fact that he doesn’t crop up riding for another club.”
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DAVID Bellego has agreed a deal to join Sheffield for the 2015 Premier League season.The French star moves to Owlerton after spending the last three years with Berwick, and he joins Ashley Birks in the Tigers’ line-up.Co-promoter Damien Bates said: “He made it clear he wanted to join Sheffield if at all possible and now we’ve made it happen, he’s delighted and so are we. The Sheffield track suits him down to the ground, he will be able to enjoy his speedway and he also has the opportunity to pass riders on this track – he will be a crowd pleaser, I’m sure of that!“The attitude shown to us was impressive. You get some riders who just say all the right things because they want a team place, but in this case David has proved to us he is a genuine character who has joined us because he wants to be with us.”
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WORKINGTON have announced the signing of Rene Bach for a fourth successive season at Derwent Park.The 24-year-old Dane was purchased from Peterborough last winter to become a fully-fledged Comets asset, and has scored well over 1,000 points for the club.Manager Tony Jackson said: “Obviously it is great to have Rene back with us for next season – it really wouldn’t have felt the same without him to be honest.“What I really like about Rene is that once he goes onto the track you know that you are going to get 100 per cent commitment from him in every single race. Then, when in the pits, he is always willing to help the other team members if there is a problem and suggest things that we can try, which shows that he wants the same success for the club as we do – and that means a lot to us all.“He is still very ambitious to do as well as he can in the sport and if Rene has a great season then I’m sure that we will too. Additionally, having a fellow Dane, Kenneth Hansen, in the side will be good for Rene and good for Kenneth too. They are already good friends off the track and hopefully that friendship will pay dividends for us next season.”
