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LEWIS Bridger is to return to Elite League racing this season with Lakeside.Bridger sat out the majority of the 2015 campaign, making a single appearance for Leicester, but now returns to his previous club as a replacement for Bjarne Pedersen who was released due to fixture clashes.Co-promoter Jon Cook said: “Kelvin Tatum (team coach) and I met with Lewis and were very impressed with both his own preparations to return to Speedway and the factory ride he has with Revolution Racing team.“Together they present a terrific package and as Hammers fans know, Lewis is Mr Entertainment around the Arena.“In 2014 he hit top form and we expect him to return to and surpass that level with the support of Revolution and the club.”The Hammers have also confirmed returns to Purfleet for Andreas Jonsson and Kim Nilsson, with Robert Mear back in the sport at reserve – whilst Edward Kennett and Richard Lawson are set to start the season in a shared double-up role to best counter a string of clashes between Elite League and Premier League Cup schedules.(SPEEDWAY 2)
REDCAR have confirmed the signing of Danish rider Jacob Bukhave to complete their 2016 line-up.The 22-year-old joins the Bears on an assessed 7.00 average and will be making his debut in British Speedway.Bukhave said: “I wanted to come before but it never happened, and then Brian (Havelock) heard from another rider that I was still keen so he called me. “We sorted out a deal which was acceptable to both of us and now I want to concentrate on getting everything ready to do a great job by scoring some points.“I have never been to Redcar but spoke with Jonas (B Andersen) who tells me that track is one of the nicest tracks he has ridden on in England.”
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RYE House have announced long-serving team manager John Sampford has left the club.Sampford has held the role since the Rockets returned to Premier League action in 1999, overseeing their Premier League title triumphs of 2005 and 2007.Peter Shroeck, who had initially been expected to share the position with Sampford, will now take sole control of team affairs for the Hoddesdon club.
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BUXTON newcomer Shelby Rutherford is looking to make the most of a second chance in British racing this season.The Australian-based rider lined up for Newport in 2009 but then returned home for personal reasons – and will now link up with Hitmen boss Jason Pipe seven years after initial plans to join him at Redcar fell through when the Cubs left the league.Rutherford said: “I'm finally looking forward to teaming up with Jason all these years later. I was happy with my first UK season back in 2009 after achieving an average of 4.64, but I know I have the potential to score more points and up my average to around the 6.00 mark.“I enjoyed riding the Buxton track in 2009 as it was a challenging track and favoured my style. I'm definitely going to grab this second opportunity with both hands and give my all for the team.”
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SHEFFIELD new-boy Nathan Greaves is counting down the days until the 2016 season gets underway.After seeing a broken leg bring his 2015 campaign due a premature conclusion, the talented young gun says he is more excited than ever to get back in action.Greaves said: “It’s been a long winter and I think every rider is looking forward to it, but it’s been twice as long for me compared to most people. It feels like a long time since I was riding, so I can’t wait to get back on the bike regularly and get back into the swing of things.“I’ve got plenty of practice sessions early in the season. I’m heading out to France soon with some of the British Under-21 riders which should be a great experience.”
