BRITISH SPEEDWAY JANUARY 2, 2024

(SPEEDWAY 1)

COMETS WANT BATCHELOR

WORKINGTON have moved for former Grand Prix star Troy Batchelor as they prepare to move up to the Cab Direct Championship this season.
Batchelor, who rode for Birmingham in the second half of 2023, enjoyed team success at this level with King’s Lynn in the early stages of his career back in 2006 before heading into a lengthy spell in the top-flight.

Comets promoter Andrew Bain said: “Troy along with Cookie (Craig Cook) will bring a huge amount of experience to our team, and we’re delighted Troy is Comet for 2024.
“I can only see him kicking onto the rider everyone knows he is capable of at Northside.

“We have three riders in the team so far who have yet to have any knowledge of the tracks in the UK, so Troy’s experience in the team is our trump card. He and Craig will be able to pass on their knowledge and experience to the younger and newer members of the league.
“Troy has seen on social media the exciting things happening here at Workington and he is thrilled to be involved in our new era of speedway.”
 
(SPEEDWAY 2)

MATT Marson is heading back to Belle Vue in the WSRA National Development League this season and will be joined by speedway returnee Chad Wirtzfeld.
Marson rode for the Colts in 2022 whilst Wirtzfeld is back in the sport after previous spells with the Isle of Wight and Eastbourne before he concentrated on the Grasstrack and Long Track scene.

Club CEO Mark Lemon said: “Matt was one of those who we were very keen to see return to Manchester this year, and with a full year of racing the NSS under his belt I’m sure we can count on even bigger things from him.
“Although Chad has not ridden Speedway much in the last two seasons, the skills he has picked up from Grasstrack and Long Track will transfer very nicely onto the shale.

“He’s a young man with a lot of potential and talent and more importantly for us, he wanted to join the Colts. This year will be a big test for him on his return to the shale, but Chad has all the right ingredients to do well.
“The emphasis in this league is very much on development and we’re excited to have such a spirited bunch of lads racing in our colours in 2024.”

BELLE VUE COLTS 2024 (Subject to approval): Sam Hagon, Freddy Hodder, Matt Marson, Luke Muff, Chad Wirtzfeld, Harry McGurk, Jack Shimelt.