BRITISH SPEEDWAY DECEMBER 14, 2023

(SPEEDWAY 1)

AUSSIE ADDITION TO BRUMMIES LINE-UP

BIRMINGHAM have added Australian racer Zach Cook to their line-up as they step up to the Sports Insure Premiership.
Cook becomes the third rider to join the Brummies from Wolverhampton, with Steve Worrall and Leon Flint having both raced for the former Monmore club this year, and Tom Brennan is also making the move to Perry Barr.

Birmingham CEO Nigel Tolley said: “Zach’s signing is one that excites me because of the potential improvement I think we could see from him.
“Many were unsure how he would get on in his first season in the Premiership, but it took him hardly any time whatsoever to adjust and within weeks he looked comfortable at that level.

“I saw him come up with many big performances for Wolverhampton and I’m sure that will be the case for him in Brummies colours also.
“He was a solid choice of guest on more than one occasion for us this season and he’s another signing who will go down well with our supporters I’m sure.”

(SPEEDWAY 2)

BELLE Vue newcomer Connor Mountain has described his move to the Manchester club as the “perfect opportunity.”
Mountain was named as one of two new Aces signings for 2024 last week, taking him back into the Sports Insure Premiership on a regular basis having previously appeared for Sheffield last year – ironically when Belle Vue defeated the Tigers in the Grand Final.

Said Mountain: “I had a few guest bookings for King’s Lynn and Sheffield last season but nothing full-time, so I’m looking forward to, hopefully, having a full season with the Aces under my belt.
“It was pretty much the perfect opportunity for me to join Belle Vue. I am serious about my racing and I want to improve, and what better way to do that than ride for one of the best clubs!

“I’m really grateful to Mark [Lemon] for the opportunity and I want to show that I am capable of stepping up my game, and I can’t wait to get started.”

(SPEEDWAY 3)

JAKE Allen will extend his second spell with Scunthorpe into a third season when he lines up for the club again in 2024.
The Australian first joined the Scorpions in late-2017 before spending two full seasons at the Eddie Wright Raceway, and he returned to the club in 2022 after the Covid break and a season with Redcar.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “Jake has been a very reliable heat-leader for our club and I fully expect him to hold down that position again with Scorpions in 2024.
“He’s very much become a recognisable part of Scunthorpe Speedway and he’s built up a good rapport with our supporters. Jake is an intelligent rider and he can score points anywhere.

“He will be a key part of what I’m convinced is another Scunthorpe team that can push for silverware, following our victory in the Cup in 2023.”

(SPEEDWAY 4)

FORMER British Under-19 Champion Drew Kemp has become the third new signing for Berwick ahead of the 2024 Cab Direct Championship season.
Kemp enjoyed a successful spell with Scunthorpe this year but now makes the move to Shielfield Park to join the Bandits, who are also managed by his top-flight boss at Leicester, Stewart Dickson.
Said Kemp: “I planned to concentrate on the Premiership and Poland, but Stewart was adamant he wanted me at Berwick and the deal was quickly done.

“In addition to Stewart, one of the attractions of Berwick is the opportunity to ride a big, fast track on a regular basis.
“As far as my career development is concerned, I know I ride the small tracks well but I’m really looking forward to the new challenge which I think will benefit me away from Britain.

“One of the things about joining a club like Berwick is that from what I have seen as a visiting rider, as long as you put the effort in, they will back you.
“In the past teams have travelled there expecting to get something, and I know that is something that Stewart is very keen to change.”