(SPEEDWAY 1)

EDINBURGH have handed 20-year-old Australian Jye Etheridge his first team place in British speedway.Etheridge has been encouraged to make the move to Premier League racing by several of his established countrymen, and he becomes the sixth signing for the Monarchs’ title defence.He said: “I decided I could have a chance of having a crack at the UK after last year’s Boxing night meeting when I beat Doyley (Jason Doyle), Sam (Masters), Josh Grajczonek and all the big names.“I’ve been beating (Ty) Proctor, (Mason) Campton and Taylor Poole this year and they’ve said try and push for a ride, you are not going to get any quicker staying here and riding against the slower guys.“I’ve seen plenty of videos of Armadale - it looks pretty interesting and fun to ride. I’m bringing over a few engines that I’ve got, I just have to get some rolling chassis when I get over there.”   

(SPEEDWAY 2)

BRENDAN Johnson has been named as the Isle of Wight captain for their return to National League racing next year.Johnson previously spent four seasons with the Smallbrook club, who are back in the sport as the Warriors after last competing as the Islanders in 2013.Co-boss Barry Bishop said: “Martin Widman and I have discussed this appointment between ourselves and with our advisors, and it was a unanimous decision to appoint Brendan as our first Warriors team captain. “For the club and our strategy, it is important to have a captain who wants to participate and encourage the team members in activities off the track as well as being the team captain on it, and Brendan has this approach to his speedway.”