BRITISH SPEEDWAY DECEMBER 27, 2024

(SPEEDWAY 1)

FIVE GLADIATORS CONFIRMED FOR 2025

PLYMOUTH captain Ben Barker has signed up as the fifth confirmed starter for the Gladiators next season.
Former British No.3 Barker saw his Cab Direct Championship average dip to just under six during an injury-hit 2024, but the club believe he should return to genuine heat-leader status as he resumes full race fitness.

Promoter Mark Phillips said: “Ben will start the season on an average that belies the immense talent he still has.
“He can be a match winner at the Coliseum on any occasion and is still a real asset to the club with his wide experience of all of the away tracks we’ll visit.

“Ben won’t have the added pressure of being our No.1 highest average rider next season, and I think the reduced pressure on him will be a major boost and make him one of the most dangerous riders in the league, with a real opportunity to increase the average he starts on significantly.

“We are well advanced in negotiations to sign our final two riders, and are just waiting for a few logistical factors to fall into place in those pursuits, and we expect to have more news early in the New Year.”

(SPEEDWAY 2)

KENT Eagles have added 16-year-old Charlie Wood to their line-up as they prepare to enter the National Development Trophy at Iwade in 2025.

Wood will be making his debut in official league competition after impressive results in grasstrack, but he has a strong family connection with the sport as his elder brother Georgie is a former Eastbourne rider.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to riding for the Eagles in 2025 as it is a new challenge for me.
“We have set some good targets, and my machinery will be the best to suit me and my team who will be as good as they always are.
“I’m really pleased to have been asked by David (Graveling) and the team and I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity to show them and the fans what I can do.”