WILDCATS ADD MORE MISSERY TO THE COUGARS
By Tim Helm from Brandon Stadium Monday 27th September 2004
The Haven Wildcats pulled together after Sundays defeat at Buxton to take a single point victory and the bonus point over the Coventry ‘Cougars’ at Brandon Stadium last night. Set in a stadium steeped in Speedway history the Cougars found the going tough against a Wildcats side firing on all cylinders. The bonus point was easily won in the first half of the meeting following on from the Wildcats drubbing of the Cougars at home back in July 64-29.

The Wildcats again had to call on a junior to fill the number two position due to Nick Simmons unavailability whilst riding at Exeter in a previous engagement. This time it was the turn of Leicester based 22 year old Scott Chester to be thrown in at the deep end. After only riding for a year the eager Chester took three rides unfortunately failing to score. On this occasion the rest of the team picked up only one retirement and just two last places during the meeting so were able to cover for his in-experience on shale.

Giffard led the way with 10+1 backed up by Chris Courage and Jack Gledhill both on 9+1 David Mason on 8, Wayne Barrett 7+1 and finally Chris Ferguson with 4+3 to sneak the meeting points and victory 47-46.

The Cougars were operating rider replacement for promising injured youngster Ben Barker, taking the advantage in the opening heat. Mason denied the home pair a maximum heat advantage by relegating latest Coventry signing Ben Powell to third position. The Wildcats levelled the scores in heat two, Gledhill and Ferguson being split by Harland Cook, then the first of only two maximum heat advantages for the Wildcats by Giffard and Barrett to give the visitors a four point lead.

Six shared heats followed first in heat 4 Tom Brown took Courage on the last bend in a closely contested race. Heat 5 it was Mason all the way from the tapes with Ben Powell pushing hard. Courage had a panic just as the two minute time allowance was sounded discovering a punctured rear wheel, a very quick change spurred Courage on to victory over Coventry pairing Karl Mason and Tom Brown.

The best ride of the evening had to go to Tom Brown in heat 7 forcing his way from third place to snatch victory over Barrett and Giffard. Karl Mason led the way over Gledhill and Ferguson in heat 8 with Ben Powell doing likewise over a hard pressing Gledhill and Courage in heat 9.

Deadlock was broken in heat 10 with Giffard storming away from the tapes for the win over Karl Mason and Barrett tucking in for third to stretch the Wildcats advantage to 6 points. David Mason inflicted a rare defeat over Tom Brown in heat 11 then Giffard and Gledhill combined for the Wildcats second maximum heat advantage in the twelfth taking the Wildcats into a 10 point lead.

Cougars team manager acted quickly by giving Tom Brown a tactical ride which he duly won from Courage to bring the Wildcats lead down to 5 points. Barrett and Ferguson held on to the minor place in the penultimate heat 14 leaving the visitors needing a single point for victory on the night. The final heat saw Tom Brown storm away to take the flag backed up by team mate Karl Mason. Chris Courage grabbing the vital third place to secure a single point victory 47-46 for the Wildcats in the midlands along with the bonus point 111-75.
 

HITMEN ON FIRE
by Tim Helm from the Buxton Axe Edge Circuit - Sunday 26th September 2004
A faultless five ride maximum from Premier League bound James Wright with back up by Carl Belfield’s four wins from seven starts sunk the Wildcats in the Derbyshire countryside at Buxton yesterday. With the Wildcats battling hard for every point the victory and the bonus point went to Buxton after controversy pits side brought a temporary halt to the meeting.

James Wright took the spoils in heat 1 in the fastest time of the afternoon with Dave Mason splitting the home pair. Heat 2 was re-run after Jack Gledhill slide off in very damp track conditions following an enormous amount of rain over the proceeding days although Chris Ferguson took the win. Heat 3 was stopped after Wayne Barrett and Paul Burnett collided heavily on the third turn, Barrett being excluded as the primary cause of the stoppage. In the re-run Burnett fell again causing the race to be awarded to Dan Giffard, just a single point separating the sides.

Chris Ferguson split the home pair of Carl Belfield and Benji Compton in heat 4, with Lee Derbyshire doing likewise splitting the Wildcats pair of Dave mason and Thomas Hill who was drafted in at the last minute to complete the Wildcats side. Wright and Bethell combined for maximum points keeping Ferguson at bay who was in as reserve replacement after Gledhill failed to meet the two minute time allowance and Chris Courage sliding off on the first turn. A share of the points in heat 7 Giffard fast from the tapes and untroubled held the deficit to five points. Heat 8 went the way of the Hitmen and maximum points for Belfield who proved to be a real thorn in the side. This heat was held up at the start tapes as the machine examiner together with the clerk of the course raced from pits side to inspect Gledhill’s engine cut out which passed inspection.

A shared heat 9, Courage keeping the Hitmen at bay then controversy broke out pits side all centered on Geldhill’s cut out which had previously been passed as ok. The clerk of the course with the machine examiner, and the referee Craig Ackroyd took part in a heated exchange with the Wildcats and Gledhill camp. The Wildcats claiming that Gledhill was being victimised throughout the meeting by the officials with inspections being carried out either on track or when the rider was under the two minute time allowance rather than pits side. The bike had already been passed as ok yet Gledhill was still persecuted. With the Gledhill camp demanding that their bike would not be re-examined unless all riders’ bikes were also checked for infringements. This resulted with Gledhill packing up before his final ride was due in heat 12 and a bad taste being left in the Wildcats mouths for something that was totally unnecessary.

Racing then re-commenced with heat 10 and Giffard split the home pair of Wright and Bethell, the Hitmen edged out an eleven points lead on the day and by two on aggregate. Wildcats boss Brian White brought in Mason for a tactical ride in the eleventh but after drifting wide on the second turn could make no impression on Belfield and Compton. Giffard came in for a tactical ride in the next heat and with Ferguson replacing Gledhill who by now had packed his bags, Belfield again hit the front Ferguson letting his team mate through for the chase but to no avail and the Hitmen took a lead of 12 points.

Shared heats in 13 and 14 first Wright held off the challenge of Courage and Mason then Barrett held on over Derbyshire and Reynolds after Ferguson slipped a chain on the first lap. Wright completed his five ride maximum in style in the last heat from Giffard giving the victory on the day to the Hitmen 53-39 who also took the bonus point on aggregate 96-91.

After an eventful afternoon when tempers had cooled down Wildcats skipper Dave Mason said, “We took a bit of a lead into the meeting, track conditions were not brilliant and according to James Wright it’s been really slick lately. Today it was really wet and greasy with a lot of dirt on it made it really hard. It’s the worst it has been here all year they were telling me so it shows we put on a bit of a fight but it didn’t pay off.” Dave continued on the Wildcats performance, “Dan Giffard was the man of the day riding quite well, Chris Courage and Wayne Barrett didn’t have the luck going their way but got stuck in and some good points at the end. Chris Ferguson plugged away and Jack went home early after a bit of fuss about his cut out. Apart from that we lost again and the best team won and we’ve just got to try and put it into practice for tomorrow and get back to winning again.”
 

WILDCATS FIRE A WARNING AT THE HITMEN
By Paul Baker Friday 24th September 2004
WEYMOUTH will take a nine-point advantage to Dale Head Lane tomorrow for the second leg of their Conference Trophy battle with Buxton. The Wildcats set themselves up for the bonus point with a 52-43 success over the Hitmen at the Wessex Stadium last night. The victory owed much to the efforts of skipper David Mason and reserve Jack Gledhill who returned scores of 13 and 12+2 respectively with Dan Giffard (9) and Chris Courage (7+1) making useful contributions.

But while the Wildcats were carving out their 12th home victory of the season, it was visitor James Wright who really caught the eye. The Buxton number one showed why he was crowned Conference League Riders champion earlier in the year with a stunning 17 points from six outings. Wildcats manager Brian White said: "James is an exceptional talent and I think we’ve seen a future Elite League star in action. The six races he won he did so in really good times and you can see why he won the league championship. "The trouble was he didn’t get a great deal of support from his team mates other than Carl Belfield who scored 13+1. "In contrast, we had four riders scoring seven points or more and it was that team effort that proved the difference on a night of excellent racing."

The visitors appealed to be getting off to a perfect start with James Wright leading partner Jon Bethall to an easy 5-1 in the opener. But just as supporters were beginning to fill in their programmes, down went Bethall twice on the final circuit to hand the Haven Wildcats a share of the spoils. Heat two saw a nasty crash involving Hitmen reserves Charles Wright and Carl Belfield, who clattered into each other when chasing Gledhill and Chris Ferguson into the fourth bend on lap one. Wright, who suffered a wrist injury and was forced to withdraw from the meeting, was excluded by international referee Tony Steele leaving Gledhill and Ferguson to pick up where they left off in the re-run with a fine 5-1 maximum.

Dan Giffard and Wayne Barrett then repeated the dose to put the hosts 13-5 ahead and they increased that by a further four points after Courage and Ferguson were split by Benji Compton in heat four. Buxton hit back in style when James Wright roared over the line in a super quick time of 55.7 seconds as the Hitmen scored their first heat advantage of the evening in the fifth. Mason then took the chequered flag or Weymouth in a shared sixth encounter and the hosts moved into a 12-point lead after Courage and Gledhill showed the way home in the next.

Buxton needed something special to get them back into contention and they got exactly that in heat eight. Out came Belfield as a double tactical ride and his second place behind captain Bethall brought a 7-1 success for the Derbyshire outfit. That closed the gap to five points but the Wildcats put more daylight between themselves and their opponents with a cracking 4-2 success in the next. Courage sped away from the grid and was never troubled out front, but the action was behind him where Belfield fought off a gutsy challenge from Giffard to take the runners up spot.

Mason and Gledhill then cruised to a comfortable full house over Paul Burnett and Lee Derbyshire but the visitors made the most of the tactical ride rule in the 11th. This time it was the brilliant James Wright who doubled his tally in another lightning time of 55.5 seconds with Bethall following him home for an 8-1. Wright went even quicker with a 54.4 seconds victory in a shared heat 13, but not before Giffard and Gledhill had notched up a 4-2 for the hosts.

The Wildcats wrapped up the win in the penultimate contest in which Gledhill and Barrett secured another 4-2 after Derbyshire had been excluded following a heavy fall. And just to prove that James Wright isn't totally invincible, Mason used all his home track knowledge to deny him a seven-race maximum in heat 15.
 

DEFEAT FOR WILDCATS AT SWINDON
By Tim Helm Thursday 23rd September 2004
Wildcats plans were rocked by the late withdrawal of Nick Simmons late Thursday morning leaving Brian White with no option other than use local Swindon junior Billy Legg as replacement. Digging deep the Wildcats trio of Giffard, Barrett and Courage battled hard but it wasn’t to be, the team were under pressure from the off against no less than three ex Wildcats in the Swindon ranks. Swindon finally came out on top 55-39 also taking the bonus point 102-87 on aggregate.

Heat 1 after an unsatisfactory start veteran Malcolm Holloway took the honours. Heat 2 from the tapes Nathan Irwin won with Gledhill & Ferguson packing in. Trevor Harding won from the tapes in the third with Giffard and Barrett filling the minor places. Next followed two maximum heat advantages for the Sprockets, Irwin kept Courage at bay in heat 4, Mark Thompson and Trevor Harding blocking out David Mason in heat 5. A further advantage for the Sprockets in heat 6, Holloway and Danny Warwick being split by Courage saw the Wildcats trail by 12 points, (24-12) as Gledhill lost his steel shoe on the first lap.

Giffard showing real grit taking a tactical ride in heat 7 trying everything but could not make an impact on Simon Walker with Barrett taking third the deficit was reduced to 10 points. The smiles were short lived as Warwick and Irwin teamed up to stretch their lead to 14 points over Ferguson. A share of the points in heat 9, Trevor Harding fended off the challenge of Courage and Gledhill.

Giffard and Barrett taking a tactical ride teamed up for an advantage in heat 10. Holloway sped away for the win, first Barrett was unable to catch the Sprocket, then Giffard took up the challenge until the final straight where he allowed Barrett through for double points making it 38-26 to the Sprockets. Mason took the chequered flag in heat 11, the first win of the night for a Wildcat, sharing the points. Giffard again split the Sprockets in heat 12 with a great pass on Irwin with Trevor Harding away for the win. Second heat win on the night for the Wildcats was slipped in by Courage keeping the previously unbeaten Holloway pegged back to second spot. With Mason pulling up on the third lap points were shared. 48-34 in the Sprockets favour going into the penultimate heat stretched their lead further, Thompson ahead of Barrett.

Drama before heat 15 started, Courage lost his steel shoe ending up excluded by meeting referee Ronnie Allan for exceeding the two minute time allowance. Gledhill stepped in as replacement combining with Barrett for a share of the points after the heat was rerun for an unsatisfactory.

After starting the year at Stoke, which didn’t work out financially for mid season Wildcat’s signing Dan Giffard, who stressed “It’s been a positive move for me moving to Weymouth. My form has picked up very well the last few weeks, scoring some good points from the back has been helping me regain my confidence which is what this season has been all about for me. Hopefully I can stay safe for the rest of this season and finish on a high for the Weymouth fans.

Swindon tonight is a lot different for the lads, you have to go in hard into the turns. It’s all in the head really. You need to ride big tracks like this every week to keep on top, Weymouth is a little different you can adapt to the track a bit quicker. Everyone tried hard tonight, it was a good meeting for me personally apart from the final result.”

When asked what the future holds Dan spoke openly “It would be a positive move for me to return to Weymouth for a full season next year. If anyone could help with sponsorship it would be a major boost with the high running costs of the sport needing to be covered as well as keeping my equipment immaculate. With the right set up and people behind me I would also aim at doubling up in the Premier league.”
 

WELSH DRAGONS SLAYED
By Tim Helm Sunday 19th September 2004
The Wildcats continued their winning ways from one side of the country to the other within the space of 24 hours. Carmarthen was the setting for their second win this weekend and 2 more valuable points which was very nearly 3. “I couldn’t do anything in the run off which is a shame, at least we came away with the win, all the boys worked really hard and deserved this one” said an ever smiling Wildcats skipper David Mason.

The day didn’t start off on the right foot with Wayne Barrett withdrawing due to a family commitment and Wildcats covering with the rider replacement facility. Matt Bates stepped up into the team in the difficult number 2 position covering for the absent Nick Simmons. The Dragons defeated the Wildcats way back in April 48-42, with the bonus point up for grabs it was a tense meeting which went one way then the other.

Heat 1 saw Steve Bishop show his back to the following Wildcats David Mason and Matt Bates to give the Dragons the advantage. Jack Gledhill scorched from the tapes and dived under Darren Hatton for the win and was backed up by Chris Ferguson in third to level the scores. Bishop set the fastest time of the day in heat 3 taking a rider replacement outing over Daniel Giffard and Dean Felton, the Dragons 2 points up again but not for long as Chris Courage stormed away with heat 4 making it all level again.

With Felton taking a win over Mason who split the Dragons pairing nipping inside Hunt in heat 5, and Bishop taking his third win in heat 6 this time by taking Courage on the inside. The Dragons found themselves in a slender 4 point lead until lightening starting Giffard and Mason entered onto the track. Mason, taking a rider replacement ride pegged the Dragons pairing to the minor places taking maximum points again levelling the scores 21 points each.

The following four heats were tapes to tapes wins first for Hunt, Courage, Bishop and Mason keeping the sides deadlocked at 33 each. Heat 12 saw the breakthrough the Wildcats needed with Giffard taking the honours and the Wildcats into a 2 point advantage. Heat 13 Bishop again showed his is the master of the South Wales circuit fending off the challenge of Mason and Courage. Giffard was brought in as rider replacement in the penultimate heat 14 supplying the much needed win to give the Wildcats a 4 point margin going into the final heat.

The calculators came out revealing the Wildcats needed a maximum heat advantage to not only win the meeting but gain the bonus point over the two legs. It was a tough call with Bishop out for the Dragons who had been unbeaten all afternoon. Step up skipper Mason who provided the win with Giffard tucked in for third after a shoulder to shoulder battle with Felton for four laps. The meeting was won and two points safely in the bag, there was then the question of the bonus point. After 30 heats of Speedway between the two sides all scores were even at 90 points each.

A match race run off between Bishop and Mason who had just been beaten the Dragon for the first time in the last heat. The pressure was on as Mason was left at the start by Bishop who stormed into the lead taking the bonus point to South Wales from the hard chasing Mason. “That was so close for us today” commented Wildcats boss Brian White adding “This was a cracking meeting which if we had been at full strength we would of won earlier in the meeting taking the bonus point as well. It’s a shame Carmarthen don’t get more support, they deserve to, it’s a great little venue.”
 

YOUNG GUNS GO FOR IT - British U 15 Championship - Round 5 at Carmarthen
By Tim Helm Saturday 19th September 2004
Regular second half riders at the Wessex Stadium Sam Hurst and Tim Webster joined mascot George Piper and Wildcat Matt Bates in South Wales going head to head. Weymouth staged the first round of the under 15’s championship earlier this season with an exciting Joshua Auty coming out on top. Today was a different story. These young riders have been packing in track craft and knowledge during the last few months. Gone were the tentative corners bring on the full throttle no fear dives into the smallest of gaps.

Several riders took tumbles during the meeting thankfully no one was injured although plenty of machinery was damaged. Several first team riders stayed on lending their advice to these stars of the future, Dean Felton, Daniel Giffard, David Mason, Gordon Meakins and Chris Courage kept busy pits side.

After 20 heats and plenty of action with race times very close to the first team meeting earlier in the afternoon Shane Waldron took the honour of winning this round from Joshua Auty and Simon Lambert who both battled hard. The result came about after the last heat such were the tightness between the scores.

Tim Webster had a nightmare of a meeting finishing in 14th position and even being taken out by George Piper who spotted a small gap having the speed to go through but Webster slowed causing the pair to clash.

Sam Hurst finished the day equal 10th, suffering two exclusions after taking Auty out in one race and taking a tumble in another.

George Piper finished equal 7th helped by a last ride win after the heat was stopped with the coming together with Joe Reynolds and their bikes becoming tangled. George jumped up dusted himself down and won the re-run heat.

Matt Bates finished equal 5th with a very steady performance after riding in the earlier Conference League meeting for Weymouth.

The series finishes at Mildenhall in two weeks time (Sunday 3rd October) with the new British Under 15 Champion being crowned. Several of these exciting young riders will be moving into full time roles with Conference League sides next season and a whole new crop of youngsters will replace them in next years Championship. The future of British Speedway looks bright going by the performances shown today.
 

STARLETS SPARKLE FADES
By Tim Helm Saturday 18th September 2004
After the disappointment of a rained off meeting on Friday night the Wildcats travelled to Saddlebow Road Norfolk to take on the King’s Lynn ‘Starlets’ in their own back yard. The Wildcats emerging victorious with a 4 point margin after a last heat decider. “The standard in the Conference League is getting harder and harder all the time” commented Wildcats skipper David Mason, “Tonight’s win is really good, just what we needed. I blew an engine, don’t know why or the cause as yet, thanks to Wayne (Barrett) who lent me a bike although we did manage to put a new engine in.”

Heat 1 started with Mason in the lead until Darren Rolph passed him on the second lap. Wildcats were left short handed with Nick Simmons being unavailable and had to draft in Dean Wilson to cover the number 2 position. Heat 2 and reserves Gledhill and Ferguson made it maximum points with Giffard and Barrett combining for a 4-2 in heat 3. The heat was re-run after Barrett took a tumble at the first turn, Rolph split the Wildcats pair but Giffard was well gone.

Courage and Ferguson took the minor places in heat 4 to share the points and keep a 6 point advantage with Branney taking the chequered flag. King’s Lynn hit back in the next two heats with wins from Thompson and Rolph cutting the Wildcats lead to a slender 2 points. Branney took the win again in heat 7 from Barrett and Giffard after the tapes malfunctioned resulting in green light starts.

Heat 8 saw King’s Lynn level the scores 24 each with Garrod and Harding being split by Ferguson with light rain now falling. Heat 9 Branney again tied up the win, Gledhill and Courage packing in keeping it all level. Barrett and Rolph battled it out before the Wildcat took the win with Giffard in 3rd to give give the Wildcats a 2 point lead. The lead was short lived with Mason splitting that man Branney and Dunworth, 33 each in heat 11.

Giffard was gone into the distance in heat 12 backed up all the way by Gledhill giving maximum points with the Wildcats now leading by 4. Mason led heat 13 briefly until Branney passed him, Rolph then passed Courage to narrow the deficit to 2 points. The penultimate heat saw Harding dive under Ferguson going into the second lap for 3rd place. Ferguson fell with Harding excluded for unfair riding and the Wildcats stretched their lead back to 4 points.

It was all down to a last heat decider again for the Wildcats. Barrett took the lead until the third lap when Branney forced his way past while Mason who was left at the back took Rolph on the final bend giving a 43-47 victory to the Wildcats. “That was a tough last heat, we got the shared heat and 2 points so the bonus looks good when we have King’s Lynn at the Wessex Stadium with another 2 points as well” chirped Mason clearly happy with his weakened teams performance this evening.
 

STABILITY FOR THE WILDCATS
By Paul Baker Saturday 11th September 2004
AT A time when speedway is under threat in a number of towns and cities across Britain, the future of racing in Weymouth is secure. With the Haven Wildcats heading towards the end of their first competitive season for more than 20 years, boss Brian White is already busy planning for next year and beyond.

He said: "A lot of clubs are facing an anxious winter not knowing whether they’ll be around next season but that’s certainly not the case at Weymouth. We’ve had a terrific summer both on and off the track and the future looks really healthy. "Bringing speedway back to the town was a major task and it’s definitely been a case of having to learn very quickly. We’ve had our teething problems which is understandable but it’s a case of learning your lessons and putting things right the next time."

He added: "Two years ago Weymouth speedway was just a pipe dream and so to have this far in such a short time is incredible. With hindsight there are obviously things I would have done differently both on and off the track but, on the whole, I’m delighted with the way things are going. "Our future looks very bright and I seriously believe we’ll be up there challenging for Conference League honours next year. Also we are part of the plans for the redevelopment of the Wessex Stadium site and so that should secure our future for many decades to come."

Among the clubs facing an uncertain future are Wildcats’ Conference League rivals Carmarthen and Wimbledon. Elite League Oxford are also under threat while Exeter’s move to a new stadium may have to be put on hold following a planning application hitch. "A lot of the problems these sort of clubs are experiencing are because of proposed changes by their landlords", explained White. "In both Oxford and Wimbledon’s cases it’s about the owners wanting to run greyhound racing on traditional speedway nights.

"In comparison, we’re very lucky at the Wessex Stadium because our landlords Weymouth Football Club have been really supportive. They have helped us no end since we re-opened last summer and I’d like to thank them for their support. "It would great shame if we were to lose any clubs during the winter and hopefully all of them will get their various problems sorted. Fortunately at Weymouth everything is going well and we’ll be back ready for action next spring."

Last night’s Conference Trophy clash between the Wildcats and Sheffield Prowlers was abandoned because of a waterlogged track. Torrential rain arrived at the Wessex Stadium after just one heat with the home leading 5-1 thanks to a David Mason and Nick Simmons maximum. After a delay of 30 minutes, referee Robbie Perks inspected the track and deemed it unsafe for racing. Fans holding admission tickets from yesterday’s meeting can now use them at any of Weymouth’s next three home fixtures.

WEYMOUTH’S travelling fans are in for a bumper night at Swindon on Wednesday September 23. The Havens Wildcats Conference League clash with the Sprockets that night will now form the second leg of a mouth-watering double header. Kicking off the action at 7.15pm will be an Elite League Knockout Cup clash between Swindons Robins and Belle Vue or Coventry. This will then be followed by the Sprockets versus Wildcats fixture. Weymouth boss Brian White said: "I know a lot of our fans are planning to go to Swindon that night and it should be a cracking evening’s speedway. The Swindon management have put just a £1 on the admission fee of a normal one fixture meeting which means it will be only £12 to watch both. "That represents great value for money and it also gives our riders a chance to shine in front of a big crowd."
 

WILDCATS HAMMER DEPLETED STARLETS
By Paul Baker Sunday 31st October 2004
WEYMOUTH ended the 2004 speedway season in style at the Wessex Stadium last night. The Haven Wildcats brought the curtain down on their first competitive campaign for 20 years by hammering King's Lynn Starlets 62-31. With the massive success came a creditable third place finish in the Conference Trophy behind winners Mildenhall and runners up Sheffield. Delighted boss Brian White said: "We went into the meeting needing to win by 23 points to take the bonus and finish third in the competition and I was always confident we could do it.

"It's been a tough few weeks with the weather and the floodlight failure on Friday night but this result has made up for all that. All the riders were outstanding tonight and finishing third in the Trophy and eighth in the Conference League is a great effort in our first year back. My thanks go to all our staff, supporters, helpers and sponsors and we look forward to an even more successful 2005."

Skipper David Mason got the Wildcats off to a fine start by winning the opener in a super quick time of 54.7 seconds while team mate and debutant Wayne Parker picked up his first point for the club in third. Jack Gledhill and Matt Bates were split by Sam Hurst in heat two with former Weymouth favourite Danny Warwick doing likewise to Dan Giffard and Gledhill as the hosts recorded their third successive 4-2 victory in the third. Race four was shared with Hurst and Warwick following the dominant Chris Courage home but normal service resumed in the next with Giffard and Gledhill recording an easy 5-1 maximum for the Wildcats to stretch their lead to 20-10.

Starlets youngster Jordan Frampton had a miracle escape in heat six when he went cart wheeling into the first bend fence after losing control of his machine. The visiting number two somehow walked away unscathed and it was left to Mason and Parker to nail another Weymouth full house in the three man re-run. Wildcats eased 30-14 in front courtesy of Courage and Gledhill who held off tactical ride Warwick in an awarded heat seven while Gledhill and Bates put four more points on the board in the eighth.

An on-fire Giffard made it three wins out of three in race nine ahead of tactical Hurst with Mason notching his hat trick in heat 10 in front of new boy Parker. Courage, riding in a Weymouth jacket for the last time, also took the chequered flag for the third consecutive time in the next and the 5-1 gained along with Gledhill gave the hosts that all-important 23-point advantage.

And it was gap they were determined to maintain as Giffard demonstrated by completing his maximum in heat 12 while Courage pipped Mason to the line in the clash of the unbeaten Wildcats in race 13. Third spot in the Conference Trophy table was eventually secured by Gledhill and Bates in the penultimate contest, which made the Starlets only 5-1 maximum in the final race of the season purely academic.

A minute’s silence was held before racing in memory of popular Exeter Falcons promoter Colin Hill who died suddenly at the weekend. Wildcats youngster Matt Bates was given special permission by speedway’s ruling authority to wear his Falcons race jacket during the meeting as tribute to Mr Hill.
 

Wildcats and Starlets beaten by the Light!
By Tim Helm Friday 29th October from the Wessex Stadium
Beaten by the light! Words cannot describe how dejected the Haven Wildcats boss Brian White and his staff are feeling after working frantically all day getting the track fit for a full evenings racing only for the floodlight decide to have a mind of their own.

The floodlights were only staying on for a matter of minutes which was far too great a risk to take with the riders racing at high speed with no brakes on the confined circuit. A serious accident could have ruined the season, common sense prevailed with top referee Graham Reeve being very understanding of the problem and allowing as much time as possible to rectify the situation.

Meanwhile the fans were given a firework display and a chance for the Wildcats to say their thank you messages to fans and sponsors alike. The re-staging will now take place this Sunday with a 7.30pm start time, tickets issued last night are valid for this re-staging or they may be used at one of the first two meetings of the 2005 season.

Haven Wildcats had the news that Chris Courage has decided to move to a larger track next season. After returning to the sport this year he feels that a larger track will improve his all round performance. Courage will be a tough rider to replace for reliability, but the good news for Wildcats fans was the news that skipper David Mason along with Daniel Giffard both said they would like to return for 2005.

“I’ve had a fairly good season, but could have been better. We have struggled with the team a little this year with illness and unavailability but look to return next season depending on the outcome of the promoter’s conference” said Mason.

Giffard added “Changing clubs a quarter of the way through the season was hard but I am please how it has gone for me. Of course I want to return, the fans have turned out to watch us, it’s wet and horrible their great”.

Matt Bates who joined the Wildcats part way through the season said “I’m definitely looking for a team spot next year with the Wildcats,” Matt worked hard through last winters training schools at Weymouth and this year has shown a big jump in progress with encouraging results in the under 15 Championship rounds.

Jack Gledhill echoed his team mates “The track has got better through the season and is really smooth now, probably one of the smoothest around and is a good race track. Next year I want to keep on improving and try to get a heat leader status by adding a couple of points onto my average with Weymouth.”

After an absence of twenty years from the sport, the Haven Wildcats finished the Conference League campaign in a credible eighth position. The South Coast side need to beat Sunday evening’s opponents King’s Lynn on the last day of the season by a margin of 29 points to secure third place in the Conference Trophy table. In addition the stars of tomorrow in the shape of Weymouth under 15 junior’s take on Wolverhampton juniors in a seven heat challenge fixture which follows the main meeting.

Supporters are also reminded that kids go free if accompanied by a paying adult on Sunday evening and tickets for the end of season presentation evening which is being held at team sponsors Haven Littlesea are also available from the track shop.
 

WHITE'S RALLY CALL FOR FINALE
by Matt Pitman Friday 29th October 2004
HAVEN Wildcats round off their competitive season tonight when King's Lynn Starlets visit the Wessex Stadium in the Conference Trophy. And Weymouth boss Brian White is urging dirt-tracks fans to get to the Radipole Lane circuit in big numbers to help his side round off the campaign in style, start 7.30pm.

He explained: "Tonight is our last competitive meeting of the season, which officially ends on Sunday, and it would be great to round it off with a big win in front of a bumper crowd. "We need a 29-point victory to secure a third-placed finish in the Conference Trophy and while that will be a hard task against King's Lynn, there's obviously a chance we can do it. "The fact we're about to end our first full season of competitive speedway in Weymouth in countless years is a great feeling.

"We finished eighth in the Conference League which is lower than I ideally would have liked but it is still a tremendous achievement. "The last few months have been a huge learning curve for me personally what with all the work that goes on behind the scenes. "But this season has made us stronger as a club and really set us up for another good go next year. "A good win tonight will be an excellent way to finish and then we can sit back and reflect on the last few months."

Debuting for Wildcats tonight will be former Swindon rider Wayne Parker at number two. "Wayne used to ride up at Swindon about ten years ago but he gave up the sport," said White. "But he recently got his appetite for speedway back and has been riding at our training schools where he has looked like he has never been away. "His licence came through this week so tonight is the ideal opportunity to give him a go." Weymouth will operate rider replacement at number four for the unavailable Wayne Barrett. If the clash is postponed, the meet will be rescheduled at the Wessex on Sunday at 7.30pm.

Meanwhile a Wildcats side will travel to Sittingbourne on Sunday for a charity fund-raising event for Kent Air Ambulance, start midday. "We've promised to send a team down there," said White, "but obviously if tonight's meeting is off the rescheduled meeting will take priority."
 

WILDCATS IN DOMINANT MOOD
By Tim Helm Sunday 24th October 2004 from the Wessex Stadium
Sunday afternoon the track staff worked miracles to enable this Conference Trophy meeting to finally go ahead after several failed attempts due to the bad British summer weather. With both sides missing two riders it was the Haven Wildcats who came out on top to eventually win the fixture 56-39. The rain came as if to order at the start of the meeting but relented allowing the watching faithful a chance to witness 15 year old’s Matt Bates and Sam Hurst who have progressed through the winter training schools to being thrown in at the deep end of team racing. They responded in style, scoring match winning scores of 8+1 and 10+3 respectfully.

Reflecting on the afternoons meeting Haven Wildcats skipper David Mason commented “We were anxious to get this meeting on, as well as the atrocious weather that we have encountered this season, today we were missing Jack Gledhill through work commitments, Carl Warwick with a broken thumb, Chris Ferguson now back in Australia and Wayne Barrett. Sam Hurst and Matt Bates did a tremendous job, both have only raced a handful of Conference meetings and they won the meeting for us today from the reserve berths.”

“Considering Chris Courage was suffering with a flu bug he rode well with three wins and a second. Dan Giffard and I went out and tried to pile in as many points as we could. We lost the bonus point by nine points, although if we had been at full strength we would have won that as well.” Looking ahead to next Friday evening’s meeting against King’s Lynn which brings the curtain down on the 2004 season for the Haven Wildcats David continued, “We should win this one, we have a slender lead in hand, hopefully they will bring down a stronger side for us to race and we’ll get that bonus point as well”.

Six heats had to be run with three riders only due to missing riders from either side. The first of these heats was heat one, Mason showing the way to Prowlers top gun Ben Wilson who proved during the afternoon session to be the one to watch. The young reserves nervously edged the Wildcats in-front in the second heat by two points. Mason took a rider replacement ride in heat three backing Giffard all the way to the tapes for the first of only three maximum heat advantages. Heat four Courage and Bates combined for another maximum heat, followed by Giffard holding off a charging Wilson in heat five with Hurst taking the single point in a three man race. The Wildcats were now in a commanding 21-9 lead.

The next three heats were shared, just three riders in heat six which was won by Mason, then heat seven Sheffield introduced Luke Priest as a tactical ride who could make no impact upon race winner Courage with Hurst in third after Frampton took a fall on the first lap, four points each. Heat eight saw the visitors gain their first of three heat victories thanks to Michael Mitchell’s win over Bates and Hurst.

With the Wildcats a clear twelve points up tactical ride for Ben Wilson in heat nine produced the best race of the afternoon. Courage took the initiative from the start until the final straight where a very impressive Ben Wilson just powered around the outside of the Wildcat to give the Prowlers their only heat advantage of the meeting narrowing the scores to 34-25. Three riders only again in heats ten and eleven, Mason taking the flag in ten and Courage in eleven.

Heat twelve saw the visitors secure the bonus point with Priests second place splitting the Wildcats pair Giffard and Bates who in the same heat secured the meeting victory. Heat thirteen points were shared with Mason again first past the flag. The penultimate heat was the final maximum heat advantage for the Wildcats, Giffard and Hurst combining to stretch the lead to seventeen points.

The final heat saw Wildcats boss Brian White reward youngsters Hurst and Bates with an extra outing after their tremendous effort. A nasty looking tumble for Wilson on the third turn on the second lap saw the remaining three riders lay down their machines taking avoiding action. Meeting referee Rod Smith ruled that the race be awarded as a shared heat giving the final result 56-39 in the Haven Wildcats favour.

Fifteen year old Matt Bates who signed for the Wildcats earlier this season said “I thought the track was good and held up well considering all the recent rain, although a little bumpy towards the end, the track staff did a good job and at least I didn’t slide off! I enjoyed it today, it was good to help the team scoring a few points and I hope to be back next year, but could do with a few sponsors to help”.

The other youngster who made his debut in the Wildcats side, who has been riding for Newport in the Conference League this season was Sam Hurst. Sam was all smiles after the meeting “Since the winter training schools I feel I have improved quite a lot, I’m turning the bike earlier and the track is better. I had a few bad rounds in the under fifteens but that has helped me, as far as next year goes Weymouth would be good, I enjoy it here”.
 

JOSH Auty has been crowned British Under 15 Champion
By Paul Baker Monday 11th October 2004
The Yorkshire schoolboy, who won the opening round of this year’s competition at Weymouth, ended the series by claiming victory in the final event at Mildenhall last weekend. Auty blazed to a superb 15-point maximum and is now being tipped as a future international star by many of the sports leading pundits.

Weymouth’s trio of riders all performed well at West Row with Matt Bates (8pts) leading the way in sixth. Wildcats mascot George Piper (7pts) finished seventh while Sam Hurst (6pts) came in eighth. Sturminster Newton-based George said "I rode okay but had trouble with my clutch and was not getting out of the starts very well. "I need to make decent starts and was talking to Wildcats captain David Mason who is going to help me out next season. "Thanks to David and Chris Courage for all their help during the year and I know what I have to do for 2005."
 

WEYMOUTH return to Conference League action
with a visit to Boston tonight (7.30pm) - By Paul Baker Monday 11th October 2004
And Haven Wildcats boss Brian White admits his men will find it tough going against the Baracuda Braves at the Norfolk Arena. Definitely missing from the Dorset side are Nick Simmons and Chris Courage who are both unavailable, as is Carl Warwick who is still nursing a broken thumb. Chris Ferguson moves up the order to ride at number three while his place at reserve goes to schoolboy Matt Bates. Dan Giffard will wear Courage’s number five jacket but there remains an unfilled space at number two. White said: "We’re struggling for numbers this evening and it may well be that we have to borrow a Boston youngster for the night. It’s not an ideal situation but it’s one that’s unavoidable. "Nick is committed elsewhere while Chris has got a long-standing family commitment. Carl is still out injured and so our options are limited. "It’s a shame because with a full strength side I’d fancy our chances up there. But as it is they are putting out a really strong team of seven and so we could struggle a little."

The Wildcats first objective tonight will be to secure the aggregate bonus point. They beat the Barracuda Braves 55-40 at Radipole Lane in August and their manager expects them to defend that advantage. "Winning the meeting will be hard," added White, "but we’ve got a 15-point aggregate advantage and so we should come home with the bonus. "A big finish to the season is what I’m looking for and so we’ll be giving it everything this evening regardless of being without a couple of regulars."
 

LIGHT WORK FOR GB UNDER 21’s
By Paul Baker Sunday 10th October 2004
GREAT Britain’s crop of talented under- 21 riders made light work of a Rest of the World Select outfit at the Wessex Stadium on Saturday. The young Lions cruised to an easy 54-39 success in this special challenge international match to celebrate Weymouth speedway’s Golden Jubilee. But their victory was marred by a horrific crash in the final heat of the meeting, which left World heat leader Tom Brown with back, neck and leg injuries. The 21-year-old Welshman came to grief with Britain’s Ritchie Hawkins as the pair vied for the lead coming out of the last bend. Having been narrowly avoided by third place Chris Schramm who took evasive action, a pole-axed Brown was then struck by Chris Ferguson who had no where to go back in fourth.

While British Under-21 champion Hawkins somehow managed to walk away unscathed from the accident, Brown lay motionless on the track for more than 30 minutes while paramedics administered treatment. Eventually he was taken to hospital by ambulance although not before being excluded as the primary cause of the crash with the Brits |handed a 5-1 heat advantage by referee Margaret Vardy.

Rest of the World manager Neil Street said: "It was a horrible looking spill and I felt sorry for Chris Ferguson because there was nothing he could do to avoid hitting Tom. "At first it looked like Tom was very seriously injured but once he got his breath back he was talking and smiling and so hopefully it’s nothing more than bruising. "He’s gone to hospital to get things checked but I reckon he’ll be okay in a day or two."

The meeting, which was full of frustrating delays caused by tapes failures, exclusions and mechanical problems, had got off to a spectacular start with Britain’s Ben Barker hitting the fence after battling with opponent Justin Elkins going into the first bend of heat one. Referee Vardy’s verdict was to call all four riders back for the re-run and second time round it was Elkins who roared from the gate, only to be headed by team mate Brown and Hawkins in a 4-2 victory for the visitors.The home side hit back in heat two with a comfortable 5-1 courtesy of Lee Smart and Wildcat Jack Gledhill, and it was a similar story in the third thanks to Richard Hall and Weymouth star Dan Giffard after Troy Batchelor fell on the last bend of his first ever competitive ride outside Australia.

Ex-Wessex Stadium skipper Elkins put the World challengers back into contention by taking the chequered flag in race four ahead of Brit Chris Scramm and teenager Matt Bates, but the hosts responded with a 4-2 advantage of their own in heat five with Hall and Giffard split by Batchelor. Heat six was a cracker with Elkins again blazing the way early on only to be caught superbly by Hawkins on the back straight of the last circuit. Elkins responded with a big blast of his own but his engine packed up allowing Barker through to score a maximum haul for the Lions and stretch their advantage to 23-13.

Rest of the World reserve replacement Karlis Ezergailis showed his class by winning the afternoon’s first shared affair in race seven and he repeated the dose in heat nine with colleague Bates coming in third. In between those two victories World boss Street deployed a tactical ride in the shape of Brown and he repaid the faith shown in him by collecting six points for the visitors. That made it 31-26 to the Lions who then widened the gap with a 4-2 success in race ten which was followed by a couple more shared encounters. Rest of the World were then robbed of the services of flu-suffering Elkins in the 13th and Hawkins and Schramm made the most of his absence by nailing another full house for the under 21s.

The outstanding Ezergailis took his personal tally to 14 points with a win a drawn penultimate contest and it looked like the honours would be shared again until Brown hit the dirt and took Hawkins and Ferguson with him in heat 15. Unavailibities meant that Eastbourne were unable to fulfil their second hal junior date with the Young Wildcats. Instead, a Youth individual competition was held which was won by Sam Hurst who picked up £50 and a trophy from event sponsor Ray Collins.
 

INTERNATIONAL TIME CHANGE Friday 8th October 2004
TOMORROW’S international showdown between Great Britain Under-21 and Young Australia at the Wessex Stadium will now get underway at noon. The prestigious meeting, to celebrate Weymouth’s Golden Jubilee, has been brought forward due to the threat of rain at its original start time of 6pm. But despite the move, speedway fans are still guaranteed an afternoon of top racing and entertainment for all the family. Wildcats boss Brian White said: “We’ve been in touch with the weather forecasters at both Exeter and Bournemouth Airports and it’s looking pretty grim around tea time. We are desperate to get this meeting on because it’s our Golden Jubilee and so we’ve decided to move it forward to midday when the forecast is good. “Obviously a few people will be disappointed with the news and I can only apologise to anyone who now can’t make the meeting. But I think it’s better to be safe than sorry and it does give others who have never been to speedway the chance to come along.”

Great Britain manager Peter Oakes has named a strong line-up for the encounter which features British Under-21 champion Ritchie Hawkins and Conference League Riders Championship bronze medallist Richard Hall. Wildcats Dan Giffard and Jack Gledhill are also included along with Ben Barker, Lee Smart and Chris Schramm. Meanwhile Aussie boss Neil Street has a number of availability problems which have so far prevented him naming his starting seven although it is expected to include Troy Bachelor who is being tipped as the next Jason Crump.

White added: “Troy is a lad I tried to get to come to Weymouth at the start of this season but work permits and other issues stopped him coming over. They say he’s going to be as good as Jason Crump one day and this will be his first competitive meeting in Britain. “The GB team is really strong with guys like Richard Hall, Ritchie Hawkins and Chris Schramm who will all be riding in the Premier League next year. There’s also local interest in the shape of Dan Giffard and Jack Gledhill and we’re all set for a cracker.”

Aside from the international fixture, there will be a junior meeting between the Wildcats and Eastbourne Eagles, a vintage speedway bike display and a parade of former Weymouth riders.
 

WHITE HAILS HAVEN'S FINANCIAL BACKING By PAUL BAKER
WEYMOUTH'S speedway boss Brian White has paid tribute to main sponsors Haven Littlesea Holiday Park following a successfull partnership between the two parties in 2004. And the Wildcats chairman, has revealed that the sport might not have run in the resort last summer had it not been for the firm's support. He explained: "The club is indebted to Haven Holidays management Steve Potts and David Bennett for their generous support. I'm delighted they have expressed an interest in backing us again next year and it would go a long way to securing the future of speedway in the town. Without them there may have been no speedway team in Weymouth at all last season, or at least it would have been a very tough struggle financially. But once they came on board things began to take off in terms of support from the business community and we ended up with more than 100 companies getting involved in sponsorship." He added: "Having a big name like Haven was a real boost and I think once other firms saw us attracting somebody like that, they too became interested in the club. "My thanks go to Steve, Dave and all their staff and we look forward to many more successful years working together."

Aside from their financial input Haven are believed to have sponsored the club to the tune of more than £20,000 last term, the holiday giants have also helped the Wildcats in many other ways. These include rider of the night awards, admission discounts for holidaymakers, hosting the club's presentation dinner and providing free accommodation for visiting riders and officials.

"It's been a real partnership," said White. "Not only have Haven supported us with money but they've also got involved in all sorts of other promotions and activities. Haven have done so much for the club and we are lucky to have them on our side. Also I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the other firms and individuals who have got behind the Wildcats and we look forward to welcoming you all back to the Wessex Stadium in March."
 

EIGHTH PLACE FINISH IS JUST CHAMPION By PAUL BAKER
AN EIGHTH place finish in the Conference League and third spot in the Trophy table might not be everyone's idea of a successful season. But for Wildcats boss Brian White it was as good as winning both titles and the Knockout Cup to boot. Not that the Weymouth supremo lacks ambition, far from it. It's just that if you'd offered him those finishing positions two years ago he would have bitten your hand off. Back then, the prospects of speedway returning to the resort after a break of almost 20 years looked unlikely White's plans to build a track at Buckland Ripers on the edge of the town had been met with fierce opposition by residents and with no other suitable site available, hopes of hearing the Wildcats roar once more appeared remote.

However, a change of leadership at Weymouth Football Club provided the boost White needed and within days of lan Ridley  taking over, a deal had been done to lay a track on the Terras training pitch just yards from the original circuit at the Wessex Stadium. After running a handful of challenge meetings in front of big crowds at the end of last year, White and his newly re-formed Wildcats were ready for competitive speedway when the tapes rose on the 2005 Conference League campaign in April. He said: "Just to have a speedway club in the town again was amazing so it really didn't matter where we finished in the competitions we entered. We felt like champions before the first heat of the summer was raced and so to finish eighth in the league and third in the Trophy was a fantastic effort."

Having been given the green light to enter the Conference, White's first move was to acquire the services of the experienced Shane Colvin. However, he threw a spanner in the works by quitting on the eve of the season following a bust-up over expenses. Things went from bad to worse after the Wildcats' opening league draw at Newport. Captain Justin Elkins was sacked due to persistent mechanical failures while squad members Paul Candy, Danny Warwick and Nathan Irwin all departed in search of new challenges.

Fans started to raise a few eye-brows in the direction of the Wessex Stadium pits but the capture of ex-Rye House favourite David Mason as Elkins' replacement soon had them smiling again. He proved his worth with 14 paid 15 on his debut at home to Carmarthen although he still managed to end up on the losing side. The Wildcats first victory of the summer came at home to Stoke in the Knockout Cup and one of their finest hours was a superb 47-42 success in the second leg at Loomer Road. But despite those two excellent showings, their league form continued to suffer and they entered June with just two successes under their belts and that despite securing the services of veteran Wayne Barrett to bolster the middle order.

However, things picked up following the arrival of Dan Giffard from Stoke with Weymouth winning eight of their next ten fixtures in all competitions - the pair of defeats were at the hands of Wimbledon in the knockout Cup. August was a totally different story with a 55-40 victory over Boston in the league on the south coast being the only bright spot of a wet and miserable month. Injuries, unavailability’s and mechanical problems and manager Mike Vernam's resignation due to work commitments all contributed the slump and if that wasn't enough, the club's prestigious 50th anniversary meeting between Great Britain Under-21’s and Young Australia was cancelled by the BSPA because it fell during the week of the World Cup at Poole. The fixture was then twice lost the weather and proved a bit of damp squib when it was finally hosted in freezing conditions in October with a hastily put together Rest of the World team providing the opposition for the hosts.

Like a yo-yo, the Wildcats were on the up again in September with supporters celebrating another four successes, three of  which came in the Trophy. In all, Weymouth were involved in 18 rain off’s and abandonment’s and so there was a big sigh of relief from White and his team when the campaign finally ended on the last day of the season proper on Sunday October 31. And the Wildcats signed off in style that night by hammering King's Lynn 62-31 in the Trophy to bring the curtain down on an indifferent, but historic summer at the Wessex Stadium.

White added: "It's been great fun but very hard work. Team wise we've competed brilliantly at times and been a bit disappointing at others. "Personnel   changes   haven't helped. We've lost quite a few riders over the months like Shane Colvin, Justin Elkins, Corey Blackman, Nick Simmons, Danny Warwick, Mark Thompson and Nathan Irwin and replacements like Wayne Barrett,  David Mason and Dan Giffard took time to settle in which is understandable. But we've also blooded a lot of youngsters such as Jack Gledhill, Chris Ferguson, Matt Bates and Carl Warwick and overall I'm delighted with the season we've had."

He added: "We've come an awful long way in two years and obviously we've made some mistakes along the way. But what's important is that we learn from these and improve next summer. I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped in any way, especially our main sponsors Haven Holidays and our landlords Weymouth Football Club. Already we're hard at work making improvements to the track and stadium in general and to the team and I've every confidence we'll come back bigger and better in 2005."

He added: "Already riders like David Mason, Dan Giffard and Jack Gledhill have committed to the club next season and on top of that we've also picked up 15-year-old Lewis Bridger who is an excellent prospect. There we have the backbone of a very strong side and I reckon we might just spring a few surprises when the summer comes round again."
 

HOW THEY FARED
PAUL BAKER assesses the Wildcats performances this season
David Mason: The former Rye House man arrived at the Wessex Stadium as an early season replacement for sacked skipper Justin Elkins. And what a coup his signing proved for Wildcats boss Brian White. With an average of over nine in all competitions, Mason led by example and quickly became a big favourite among the Dorset club's faithful. May well have figured on the rostrum at the Conference League Riders' Championship meeting had it not been for a nasty fall a few days earlier at Wimbledon but deservedly scooped the Dorset Echo Wildcat Rider of the Year Trophy.

Dan Giffard: Started the season at Stoke where he struggled to hold down a place in the Potters Premier League line-up. Was on the verge of quitting the sport when Weymouth offered him the chance to resurrect his career on the south coast. And the Sussex-based rider, who broke both his ankles in a horrific fall at Loomer Road in 2003, seized the opportunity with aplomb. An excellent season was capped by a recall to the Great Britain under-21 side in October.

Wayne Barrett: Barrett's arrival at the Wessex Stadium saw the popular veteran's career turn full circle. It was where he began his career as a 15-year-old back in the early 80s. A steady performer throughout 2004 although injury and illness forced him to miss a number of key away meetings.

Jason Prynne: Looked good on his return to the sport following a serious hand injury and returned a couple of decent scores at home. Lost his place following a groin injury and failed to win it back following the arrival of Corey Blackman.

Corey Blackman: Drafted in halfway through the season to plug a hole in the Wildcats' middle order but lack of finances and decent equipment forced him to return to Australia in the search for work.

Chris Courage: Came out of retirement to ride for Weymouth and it proved an excellent decision by the Poole-based man. A model of consistency throughout, returning an impressive 7.44 average. Unlikely to return to Wessex Stadium next year after announcing his desire to further is experience on bigger tracks.

Jack Gledhill: If Gledhill can match his away form with that of his efforts at home, he'll be a rider to be reckoned with next summer when he moves up from reserve to the main body of the Weymouth side. A gritty, determined rider who proved a big hit with the fans and there's certainly lore to come from the Coventry teenager. Highlight was is selection for the Great Britain under-21 team who hammered the Rest of the World at Weymouth last month.

Chris Ferguson: The young Aussie promised much following after flying in from Down Under but failed to live up to expectations. Brilliant at times, naive at others. Widely accepted that his machinery wasn't quite up to the rigours of  life the Conference League.

Carl Warwick: Undoubtedly the success story of the season at the Wessex Stadium. Enjoyed a decent enough start but then lost his place following a dip in form and persistent engine problems. Bided his time and then took his chance when it came along later in the summer and kept improving with every ride. His season ended in disappointment when he was forced to miss the final month after breaking his thumb while riding motocross

Matt Bates: Weymouth's big hope for the future. Signed on by boss Brian White a day after his 15th birthday in August and is tipped to take one of the reserves spots in 2005.

Nick Simmons: Looked the part when his commitments elsewhere allowed him the time to ride for the Wildcats t that wasn't very often.

Mark Thompson: Never looked happy on Weymouth's tight Radipole Lane circuit and it was no surprise when left for Swindon early in the campaign.
 

MAGIC MASON TOPS ECHO POLL By PAUL BAKER
DAVID "Magic" Mason has been crowned Dorset Echo Weymouth rider of the year. The Wildcats skipper scooped the award at the club's end-of-season presentation night held at main sponsors Haven Holidays Littlesea. Mason picked up more than 60 per cent of the readers' votes in a telephone poll conducted by Echosport. He said: "It's a great honour to win the award and I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me. The Dorset Echo has given the club great coverage throughout the season and being the readers' choice for rider of the year is very special. I'm fairly pleased with the season I've had although there is still room for improvement. Dropping down to the Conference League from the Premier has proved a lot harder than I expected and there are certainly some very talented riders at this level. But I've enjoyed my time at Weymouth and I definitely want to come back next year. With a couple of additions to the side I think we can be a forced to be reckoned with and I'm really looking forward to 2005."

Other awards handed out at the packed event included most improved rider of the year, which went to reserve Carl Warwick. Jack Gledhill landed the most exciting rider title and the bonus point cup while Chris Courage was named team rider of the year. Schoolboy George Piper claimed the second half championship trophy other junior prizes went to Matt Bates, Tim Webster and Sam Hurst.

Wildcats chairman Brian White added: "Two years ago speedway in Weymouth was just a pipe dream and yet here we are celebrating our first competitive season in 20 years. So much hard work has been put in by so many during that time and finishing eighth in the Conference League and third in the Conference Trophy is just reward for their efforts. I'd like to thank everyone who has contributed to our success, especially the riders. They've all been magnificent this year and I couldn't have wished for a better set of lads to work with.

"Next year we'll be looking to improve further and I'm confident we will. The back- bone of the team is in place with riders like David Mason, Dan Giffard and Jack Gledhill all returning and we've already made an exciting signing in young Lewis Bridger. With a couple more additions we'll be in very good shape and ready for the challenge 2005 will bring."
 
WILDCATS AWARDS 2004
    * Dorset Echo Rider of the year 2004 - David Mason
    * Team Man of the year - Chris Courage
    * Most Exciting Rider of the year - Jack Gledhill
    * Most Improved Rider of the year - Carl Warwick
    * Bonus Point King - Jack Gledhill

 

BRAVE DAN'S THE MAN FOR WILDCATS By Paul Baker
DAN Giffard is the latest rider to pledge his future to the Haven Wildcats. The Great Britain Under-21 regular says he has no regrets about moving from Stoke to the Wessex Stadium midway through the season. Giffard was struggling for form at Loomer Road when Weymouth boss Brian White offered him the chance to re-launch his career on the south coast. And it was an opportunity the Sussex-based man grasped with both hands.

"It's proved a great move for me," said Giffard, "and I've certainly no regrets. I've enjoyed everything about riding for Weymouth from the track to the fantastic supporters. I wasn't quite sure where my career was going when I left Stoke but Brian White showed faith in me and hopefully I've repaid him with my performances. Things have improved week by week and getting my Great Britain place back was a real bonus. In terms of next season I want to be a Weymouth rider and I'm confident I can come to a satisfactory agreement with Brian over the coming weeks. The potential here is tremendous and I want to be part of the club's future."

Having broken both his ankles in a horror crash at Stoke in 2003, there were obvious question marks hanging over Giffard's  confidence once he recovered from those injuries. But the ex-Rye House star has battled against the odds and is now riding better than ever according to Wildcats manager Brian White. "That crash really should have ended Dan's career and no one would have blamed him for packing it in," explained White. "But he's shown real courage and determination and is now rider better and faster than ever. "Having Dan alongside captain David Mason in the side is a real bonus because they are good friends who live almost next door to each other in Sussex. The pair work so well together on and off the track and that rubs off on the rest of the team. "I'm delighted Dan wants to stay at Weymouth because he's a key member of the side and a lad with a big future ahead of him."
 

GLEDHILL LOOKS TO IMPROVE AWAY FORM By Paul Baker
JACK Gledhill will be out to improve his away form when he moves into the main body of the Haven Wildcats side next season. The 19-year-old Coventry-based rider is determined to match his impressive Wessex Stadium form on the road in 2005. He explained: "It's been a mixed season for me really. I've been really pleased with the ways things have gone at home but my away form has been a bit disappointing. I definitely want to come back and ride for Weymouth next year and if I get a place in the team then that's something I'll working hard on to improve. Stepping up from reserve is going to be tough and I'm certainly under no illusions. But if I work hard and the luck goes my way then I'm confident of holding my own. I had a real dip in form in the middle of the summer when nothing seemed to go right but I've ended the season in good shape and hopefully that bodes well for next year."

The highlight of Gledhill's season came last month when he won his first Great Britain Under-21 cap against the Rest of the World at the Wessex Stadium. And adding to that tally is another goal for the gritty ex-Swindon rider. "It was a great honour to ride for my country," he added, "and it's something I'd like to do on a regular basis. If I do the business for Weymouth then my chance will come again and so that's another target for 2005. The way the Weymouth track has improved over the past six months I think my form can only get better at home and I really believe we could be a real force in the Conference League next season. Certainly I can't wait to get going again and I'd just like to thank everyone who supported and helped me in 2004."
 

MASON TO STAY
Skipper set to sign and lead Wildcats next season By Paul Baker
CAPTAIN David Mason has committed his future to the Haven Wildcats. The popular number one has told manager Brian White he wants to return to the Wessex Stadium next season. Mason, who joined Weymouth two weeks into the 2004 campaign following the sacking of predecessor Justin Elkins, told Echo sport: "I've had a terrific time at the club this year and I certainly want to come back in 2005. "Obviously there's a lot of work to be done between now and then in terms of coming to an agreement with Brian, but I'm sure we'll be able to sort things out on that score. The plan is to sit down and talk to him in a few weeks time and hopefully we'll have something confirmed shortly after that."

If Mason does extend his association with the Dorset into next season, he's determined to be leading a Wildcats outfit challenging for Conference League and Cup honours. He explained: "If I had to write a report on 2004 I'd say we've done well but could have done a lot better. There have been occasions when we've looked as good as anyone at Conference level but others when we've not been at the races. Admittedly the luck has not been with us for much of the summer and it's been very difficult at times with riders coming and going at regular intervals. Having said that, there have also been plenty of positives such as the track itself which has improved greatly as the season has gone on and the better it's got, the better we've become as a team. Weymouth are now a tough side to beat at home and that's something we need to build on and turn to our advantage next year. With a couple of additions we could be a real force to be reckoned with and hopefully we can be challenging for some silver-ware in 2005."

With an average of more than nine, Mason has undoubtedly been Weymouth's star of the campaign. However, the Sussex-based heat leader feels there's plenty of improvement to come. "I've been fairly pleased with my form," he added, "although there have been a few niggles with machinery and the odd injury or two. "There's definitely more to come and hopefully next year will be the season it all comes good for me."
 

COURAGE LEAVES FOR BIGGER STAGE
Wildcats star exits Wessex in search of larger track By Paul Baker
CHRIS Courage has ridden his last race for the Haven Wildcats. The 22-year-old Poole-based star has quit the Wessex Stadium in search of a bigger track to ride on. Courage, who came out of retirement to join Weymouth last spring, said: "It's been a tough decision to make but I think it's the right one. I have really  enjoyed  riding for Weymouth but I need to move to a club with a bigger circuit. The Wessex Stadium is a superb set-up and it's been great being part of the Wildcats' first season back in competitive speedway But it's a small, tight track like so many I've ridden in my career and so I think it's time 1 was riding regularly at a larger venue. I still have ambitions in the sport and to achieve them, I need to be making a move sooner rather than later. I need the experience on bigger tracks and that's my only reason for wanting to leave."

He added: "What makes it so hard is all the help and support I've received from Weymouth manager Brian White. He was the one who gave me a chance after I'd taken a year off and I'll always be grateful for that. Also I'd like to thank all the Wildcats supporters who have been superb this season and all my sponsors and helpers."

Courage, who signed off with a 12-point maximum in the Wildcats' Trophy victory over King's Lynn last Sunday, began his career riding for a combined Exeter and Newport development side in 1997 before turning out for a mixed Ipswich and King's Lynn team a year later. He moved on to Newport where also gained Premier League experience with Exeter, Isle of Wight and Arena Essex. In 2001 Courage joined Rye House and after competing in both their Conference and Premier sides he retired from speedway due to financial restraints.

A one-off spin at a Weymouth training school last winter saw his appetite return and he's not looked back since. "It was a chance ride at the training school on a borrowed bike," he added, "and it's all started up again from there. I've been fairly pleased with my form for Weymouth this year and I'm determined to keep improving and go as far as I can in speedway"

A disappointed White said: "Chris came in at the last minute to replace Shane Colvin and has been fantastic. He's a good rider who has never let me down and I wish him all the best in the future." Courage remained tight-lipped about his plans for next term although Swindon and Wimbledon are expected to head a list of outfits interested in his signature. However, as an Exeter asset it's likely he may return to the County Ground as part of the Falcons' Premier League seven.

A limited number of tickets are still available for Weymouth Haven Wildcats end of season presentation night tomorrow night. The event takes place at Haven Littlesea in Lynch Lane and includes a buffet, presentations and a disco.
 

FRUSTRATED WILDCATS POUNCE FOR THIRD PLACE
By Howard Milton  Western Gazette 04 November 2004
With Weymouth Wildcats having called off or abandoned 11 home fixtures this season, their final meeting - a home Conference Trophy clash with the King's Lynn Starlets - fell victim not to the weather but to a floodlight failure on Friday, a situation which left club chairman Brian White tearing out his hair. The meeting with the Norfolk side had already fallen victim to the rain twice this season and eventually got under way at the fourth time of asking on Sunday.

It was well worth the wait as the 2004 season - the Wildcats' first competitive campaign in more than 20 years - finished with a 62-31 home win over the Starlets and brought with it a third-placed finish in the final Conference Trophy table. Following a minute's silence held for Exeter Falcons' promoter Colin Hill who died at the weekend, skipper David Mason got matters off to a fine start with an opening-heat win in a pacy time of 54.7 seconds before Jack Gledhill and Matt Bates were split by Sam Hurst (11) in the next race and former Wildcat Danny Warwick (11+1) did likewise in race three.

By heat six, the hosts had stretched their lead to ten points. The visitors' Jordan Frampton (5+1) escaped with just a few bruises after cartwheeling into the first-bend fence when he lost control of his machine. Mason and debutant Wayne Parker produced a 5-1 in the re-run while Chris Courage and Gledhill held off tactical ride Warwick in an awarded heat seven and Gledhill and Bates posted four more points in heat eight. Daniel Giffard produced his third win in an eventual unbeaten performance when he took the chequered flag in the ninth race ahead of tactical man Hurst before two more maximum heat wins continued pushed the Weymouth points advantage to 25 points.

That was enough to give the Wildcats the all-important bonus point - but the home side had to retain that margin in the final races to hold on to the third-placed finish, which was confirmed when Gledhill and Bates posted a penultimate race 5-1. Despite Weymouth's fine finish to the campaign, attention is already slowly focusing on the 2005 campaign - and the Wildcats will be without one integral member of this year's team. Courage has already decided to move on but Mason has expressed a wish to make a return to the Dorset track.

"I am looking to come back," said the Wildcats' captain. "It depends on what happens over the winter at the promoters' conference. This year has been a good one, although we have struggled with the team a little because of illness and unavailability and that made things difficult at times." White has already made one signing for 2005, having persuaded Eastbourne-based youngster Lewis Bridger to commit himself to the Wildcats. The 15-year-old finished eighth in the British Under-15 Championship this year.
 

LEWIS JOINS WILDCATS By David Swain
HAVEN Wildcats new signing Lewis Bridger is looking forward to riding regularly at his favourite Wessex Stadium track next season - but it wasn't always that way. "The first time I rode there in an under-15 meeting at the beginning of the season I only picked up three points," recalled the teenager from Sussex  who  signed  his Wildcats contract after his 15th birthday this week. "The track was very rough, I had a terrible time with mechanical problems and I never wanted to ride there again. "But when I guested down there for Wolverhampton Juniors against Weymouth, I won both my first two heats and finished second in the third after going out on a borrowed bike, and now I think it's great. "The track is now a lot better than it was and I'm really excited to have signed a contract with Weymouth for next season."

Bridger, who has ridden for the Great Britain youth squad, had another excuse for not doing too well on his first visit to the Wessex Stadium. He explained: "It was the day after I had my leg out of plaster after breaking it when I came off a BMX bike. It had been in plaster for 14 weeks so I suppose I was expecting a bit too much."

Bridger, who excelled at moto-cross and 125cc road racing before taking up speedway two and a half years ago, has learnt a lot from Wildcats other two Eastbourne-based men skipper David Mason and Dan Giffard. "Dan has helped me out a lot and is helping me maintain my bikes for next season," he said. "I know I will have to start off at six or seven but I want to work myself up to number two or four in the Conference League and then go on from there."

Wildcats boss Brian White said he was delighted when Bridger telephoned him out of the blue and asked for a contract at Weymouth next season. "I've seen him three or four times in the under-15s and he has impressed me a lot," he said. "When he rode in the second half down here a few weeks ago his times were faster than a lot of those in the main meeting and I'm sure he is going to be a big asset."
 

SMART MOVE IS TO BACK WILDCATS
Ace Lee signs for Weymouth and tips them for glory By Paul Baker
LEE Smart is backing Weymouth to lift some speedway silverware next season. And the new Wildcats signing is well qualified to judge the Wessex Stadium outfit's Conference League credentials. The flying 16-year-old, who last night penned a one-year deal with the Dorset club, helped Mildenhall to an amazing league, knockout cup and trophy treble last summer. He said: "I very nearly joined Weymouth last winter and it was only the fact that they rode on Fridays that stopped me. Premier League Somerset Rebels had offered me a few rides and that was the same day they raced on. "In the end I went to Mildenhall and had a fantastic season although the travelling from my home in Wiltshire was really tough. But now that Weymouth are switching to a Tuesday it's ideal for me and I really think the Wildcats can win a trophy or two in 2005.

"On paper, we've got a really good team with Gary Phelps, David Mason and Dan Giffard leading the way. Youngsters Lewis Bridger, Matt Bates are very hot prospects down at reserve and hopefully I can come in and do my bit as well. If we ride to our potential and stay injury-free, we've got a really good chance of having a successful year."

Smart, who many pundits believe is destined to be a Grand Prix rider in the future, will be doubling down for the Wildcats after also signing a contract to ride on a permanent basis for Somerset. "Next season promises to be a big one for me and I'm really looking forward to it," he added. "I'm delighted to have been offered team places with both Somerset and Weymouth and I'm determined to do well for both clubs. "I love riding at the Wessex Stadium and I don't think I've scored less than double figures there on my previous visits. I've had a couple of spins at the training schools there this winter and I think I'm going to love it down there as a Wildcat's  rider."

Based in Calne, Smart began his career in grass track before attending speedway training schools all over the country. Following a spell at the famous Louis Carr/Michael School, he was picked to represent Great Britain in a series of under-16 internationals against Germany in 2002 and 2003. At 15 he joined Swindon Sprockets in the Conference League and turned out for Stoke Spitfires in the Conference Trophy. Then came the move to Mildenhall last winter and he has since cemented a regular spot the Great Britain Under-21 squad. By the end of last term, Smart had attained an average of 7.46, scoring a total of 401 points from his 42 matches with Mildenhall.

Weymouth boss Brian White said: "Lee really is one of the sport's most talented youngsters and getting him is a great bit of business for the club. Last season was a fantastic one for the lad and he's only going to get better as time goes on."

Meanwhile Smart is on the look out for sponsorship in the Weymouth area and anyone wanting to support him should call 07810 485759.
 

MAGIC’S CELEBRATION By PAUL BAKER
WEYMOUTH'S track record will be on the line when David Mason stages his testimonial next season. The Wildcats' skipper is due to celebrate ten years in speedway with an all-star individual meeting in August. Among those already confirmed for the occasion are Great Britain internationals David Norris and Dean Barker with more big names expected. Wildcats' boss Brian White said: "David Mason is a great ambassador for Weymouth speedway and we were happy to grant him a testimonial meeting at the Wessex Stadium. This will be run sometime in August and promises to be a great night out for supporters.”

"Having grown up in Sussex, David started riding speedway down at Eastbourne where he now lives. Obviously he's got to know their riders really well over the years and David Norris and Dean Barker has already agreed to come down and help him celebrate. "Seeing them in action at Weymouth will be quite something and I wonder what the track record will be by the time they leave town. At the moment it's held by Paul Lee who went round in 53.5 seconds for Mildenhall last season but I think it will go during David's testimonial."

Mason, who became a father for the first time last month when partner Natalie gave birth to son Harley, made his dirt track debut for Sittingbourne against Berwick in the Conference League in 1995. Since then he has enjoyed spells at Arena Essex, Mildenhall, Rye House and Swindon, and has ridden in the Elite League for a number of clubs including Reading and Poole. His career highlights include an England Under-21 international cap and the Conference League Riders' Championship title in 2001. Mason joined the Wildcats in April following former captain Justin Elkins' move to Stoke and the 28-year-old returned an average of over nine in his first season at Radipole Lane.

White added: "David is one of those riders who I feel should have gone further in the sport although I'm delighted that he is with us at Weymouth. He's a great points scorer and fantastic with the youngsters and thoroughly deserves a big night out."

Full details of Mason's testimonial will be announced in the new year although already there are plans for a motocross demonstration and a parade of Harley Davidson machines.
 

UNDER-21's FOR THE WESSEX?  By PAUL BAKER
WEYMOUTH'S Wessex Stadium could play host to one of speedway's biggest meetings next season. Wildcats supremo Brian White has applied to run one of the two British Under-21 Championship semi-finals at Radipole Lane. And if he gets the green light, fans will see some of the country's top young riders in action on their doorstep. "The BSPA have written to all the Conference League clubs asking if any of us are interested in hosting a semi-final," he explained.  "Obviously my answer to that is yes we are because it would be a fantastic opportunity for us to show the sport what we can do. There are two semi-finals which will feature some of speedway's very hottest young talent - lads such as Edward Kennett who has been riding for Eastbourne in the Elite League. It's not often small clubs like us get that sort of opportunity and it would be a wonderful opportunity for our supporters. "The top six finishers in the actual final at Rye House then go on to compete in the World Under-21 qualifiers and so it could be that we see a future world champion in action if we do stage one of the semis." If one of the British Under-21 Championship semi-finals is held at the Wessex Stadium, White says it will further enhance the Wildcats youth development programme.

Already Weymouth has been the venue for a British Under-15 Championship round and a Great Britain Under-21 international against the Rest of the World. Also, the Dorset club runs one of the sport's most successful and well attended training schools with young riders learning their trade under the watchful eye of Wildcats trainer Steve Piper. "Youth development is a big part of what Weymouth speedway is all about," added White, "an under-21 semi-final would fit in nicely with the other things we do at the track. Youngsters need to be given the opportunity to have a go in a friendly and encouraging environment and that's what we we've worked hard at creating at the Wessex Stadium. We're a club that will give young boys and girls a chance and hopefully one of them will go on to great things in the future. Already we have the likes of Matt Bates, Lewis Bridger and George Piper and they've all got every chance of making it to the top of the sport."
 

PHELPS COUP FOR WHITE By PAUL BAKER
WILDCATS boss Brian White has continued his 2005 team building by snapping up Gary Phelps from Conference League treble winners Mildenhall. The 27-year-old Swindon-based rider has signed a one-year deal with the Wessex Stadium club and is expected to wear the number three jacket next season. White described Phelps' arrival a real boost for the Wildcats and it comes a week after Dan Giffard put pen to paper. "It's been a good few days,” said White. "First Dan Giffard committed to the club for another year and now Gary's agreed to join us as well. Jack Gledhill and Lewis Bridger are already on board and it's just a case of meeting up sometime with captain David Mason for him to sign his contract as well. Gary's a rider I tried to bring to Weymouth last year after he left Edinburgh but he'd already promised Mildenhall be would sign for them. He suffered a bad elbow injury last year, which cut his season short, but he has fully recovered and is fighting fit once more. He's off to America soon to compete in their ice speedway championships which is run over a number of rounds and then he'll be back preparing for the 2005 speedway season with us."

Phelps began his career with Swindon back in 1996 -and has since enjoyed successful spells at a number of tracks including Isle of Wight, and Somerset, where he averaged over 10 points in 2002. He also has Premier and Conference League Knock Out Cup winners' medals to his name and is a regular on the British grasstrack scene.

"He's a real character," added White, "and a bit of a showman. He's one of those who will give it everything and I think the fans will love him. It's a big signing for us and will make up for the loss of Chris Courage. On paper we're now beginning to look strong for next year although there's still a lot of work to be done."
 

GREAT NEWS FOR THE WILDCATS By Paul Baker
MARTYN Harrison has delivered the news that Weymouth speedway fans have been waiting for. The Terras chief executive says the sport will have a home at the Wessex Stadium for as long as it's needed. Wildcats followers had been nervous about the future following Harrison's take over of the football club but the multi-millionaire businessman today allayed their fears. He said: "I admire the hard work and effort that's been put in by speedway promoter Brian White and the football club is pleased with the way things are going. I'm not particularly a speedway fan myself but I recognise that the sport has a good following in the town and I think we are good for each other. Running speedway around our training pitch has proved very successful and Brian pays a fair price in rent and that income has become important to the football club. I want the relationship to continue and grow from here and we'll be doing all we can to help things run smoothly next season. There was an incident last season when the Wildcats had to postpone a meeting because the floodlights failed and we must ensure that things like that don't happen again. As far as I'm concerned speedway is good for the area and they'll be a home at the Wessex Stadium as long as it's required."

And Harrison revealed that speedway is a major part of the plans to redevelop the Wessex Stadium once the site is sold to supermarket giants Asda. "The plan includes a new track," he said, "and that will be located around a new all-weather training pitch. The new football ground will probably be a 4,000 capacity with the option to add to that as the club grows and there's also proposals to build an accommodation block where our young footballers can live. One thing that certainly won't be built, contrary to speculation, is a hotel. I'm in the hotel business and all I can say is why would anyone want to build a hotel on an industrial estate next to a police station? But speedway is definitely included and I wish Brian White and his team every success and the very best of luck"
 

WILDCATS TO MAKE SMART MOVE By PAUL BAKER
LEE Smart's appearance at Weymouth's training school last week has fuelled speculation he is on the verge of joining the Wildcats. The flying 16-year-old is one of the most highly rated riders in the Conference League and a move to the Wessex Stadium would be considered a massive coup for the Dorset club. Wiltshire-based  Smart was part of the all-conquering Mildenhall set-up last summer which scooped the Conference League, Trophy and Knock Out Cup. But with Fen Tigers' boss Graham Dury having quit last month for Premier League Workington, a mass exodus of riders is now expected at West Row.

Smart was high on Wildcats' manager Brian White's shopping list a year ago and those watching at the Wessex Stadium last Friday night will know why. "Lee's a fantastic talent," said White. "He's got guts, determination and a wonderful style and I'm certain he's going to be a big name in the sport. He was a major player in Mildenhall's success last year and I make no secret of the fact that I'd like to have him in my side. Being a free agent Lee is able to make a move if he wants to and we have had a chat to that effect. I spoke to him just after the season finished and he told me he was keen to come and ride for the Wildcats. I've not taken it any further at this stage although I have talked to his dad a couple of times since then. What's encouraging is that he was down at the training school last Friday night and was absolutely flying." He added: "Getting Lee on board would be a great bit of business and we'll just keep our fingers crossed and see what happens."

Swindon-born Smart began his career with his home town's Conference League side in 2003 before moving to Mildenhall last winter. In between times he rode for Stoke in the Conference Trophy and has represented Great Britain at under-16 and under-21 level.
 

WILDCATS RE-SIGN GIFFARD By PAUL BAKER
DAN Giffard has signed a new contract with the Weymouth Haven Wildcats. The Great Britain Under-21 international put pen to paper this week, much to the delight of Wessex Stadium team boss Brian White. He said: "It's great news for the club and great news for the supporters. Anyone who watched Dan race last season will  know why I was so keen to get him back in 2005 and I'm thrilled that he has committed his future to Weymouth by signing a one-year contract. "Dan always said he was keen to return and it was just a case of discussing terms and sorting out the finances. I travelled up to Eastbourne to see him at the weekend and after about a five minute chat, the deal was done."

Giffard, who joined the Wildcats from Stoke in the middle of last season, ended the campaign with an average of 8.61, which was only bettered by captain and number one David Mason (9.02). Impressive both home and away in a Weymouth jacket, the 19-year-old's efforts were rewarded at the end of the season with a recall to the Great Britain Under-21 set up. "Dan's summer didn't start well," explained White, "and he really struggled for form early on at Stoke. In fact things were so bad he lost his team place and had virtually decided to quit the sport come the end of May. A lot of his problems stemmed from that horrific crash he had the year before when he broke both his ankles and so it was hardly surprising he was a little off the pace. But when I knew he was available I didn't hesitate in bringing him to the Wessex Stadium and he just got better and better with every race he rode. Having him in the side is vitally important because I'd always planned to build the 2005 team around him, David Mason and Jack Gledhill and I can know get on and do just that."

Giffard, who is spending the winter training in Sussex with new Wildcats signing 15-year-old Lewis Bridger, said he was pleased to have got his place back at Radipole Lane next term. He added: "I'm delighted to be coming back to Weymouth. It's a great club with great supporters and I'm looking forward to bringing them some success."
 

TANDOORI ARE REAL SPORTS
WEYMOUTH Tandoori has been shortlisted for a major sports award. The Indian restaurant in Maiden Street is one of six finalists in a national competition to find the most sporting curry house. Tandoori are renowned for their support of local clubs and organisations with their sponsorship portfolio including cricket, volleyball, windsurfing, football, speedway and motor racing. Owner Jamal Qudal explained: "A competition is being run among all Indian restaurants in Britain to find the one, which does the most for sport in their area. I'm delighted to say that we have made the short-list of six and have a good chance of winning it overall.

"Since opening the restaurant 20 years ago or so, it's always been our policy to support sport in the area. Probably our best known sponsorship is that of the cricket team who play in the Dorchester Evening League. Cricket is obviously huge back in Bangladesh where we come from and so we're delighted to be involved in the game over here. Over the years we've supported lots of teams and events including the big windsurfing championships at Bowleaze. We also sponsor the volley-ball leagues, a five-a-side football team and one of the area's top racing drivers. On top of that we do what we can for Weymouth Football Club and the Weymouth Wildcats Speedway team and we're currently looking into other ways we can help with youth sport in the borough."

The winner will be announced early next year and part of the prize will be £500 to purchase kit and equipment for a team of the restaurant's choice. "It would be a nice award to win," added Mr Qudal, "especially as part of the prize is the chance to donate some kit to a local team. "But whatever happens we'll continue to support sport in the area and I think it's important that all businesses do a little bit to help teams survive."
 

ANSELL CALLS TIME AFTER 22 YEARS By RUSSELL DAVIDSSON
AFTER 42 years of marriage, Roz Ansell is going to see a lot more of her husband in the coming years. For at the age of 64, Pete Ansell has decided to call time on his involvement in speedway, ending a 22-year association with the sport that started in a commercial capacity at Weymouth and finished as Poole Pirates management rock in the sensational 2004 season that culminated with the club retaining the Skybet Elite League and Cup double. Ansell said: "I decided mid-way through the year that this was going to be my last season. I've had 22 enjoyable years in speedway promotion, but I'm 65 next year and I believe it's time I started getting into the retirement game!

Ansell's name has been synonymous with Poole Speedway for nearly 20 years. Ansell's double act with Mervyn Stewkesbury in speedway became legendary in a 15-year marriage of success between 1982 and 1998. The two men re-shaped the Dorset venue and laid the foundation stones to a new pair of speedway promoting giants to emerge in the shape of current Pirates management duo Matt Ford and Mike Golding. Yet it all started for Ansell back in 1982, a year in which Hollywood-bound Bruce Penhall was retaining the world championship in Los Angeles after a controversial on-track contretemp with England's late Kenny Carter. At Radipole Lane, Weymouth, the speedway rookie Ansell was cutting his teeth on the commercial scene.

Pete recalled: "Phil Lock was the promoter at the time and Simon Wigg the star rider. A friend suggested I get involved on the sponsorship side and it blossomed from there. Phil became disenchanted and it was at that point that Mervyn Stewkesbury asked whether I would be interested in getting involved with him. We had a couple of great seasons at Radipole with the emergence of Wiggy and Steve Schofield being the highlights. Then at the end of the 1984 season we heard rumours about the site being bought by Asda and the stadium turned into a supermarket. When this news was confirmed both Mervyn and myself were devastated. We were left with no stadium and our future as speedway promoters looked to be over before it had even begun. We asked Weymouth Football Club about the possibility of linking with them, but they completed shunned us. It looked a dead duck.

Then the financial problems with Poole Speedway transpired at the end of the 1984 season. The promoter at the time, Reg  Fearman, placed the business into liquidation and a chap called Derek Block took over the running of the stadium. Both Mervyn and I had a meeting with Block about the possibility of continuing to run speedway at Poole. Mervyn came to an agreement. We purchased some of the existing Poole assets like Stan Bear and Kevin Smith and together with our own Weymouth riders that included Martin Yeates and David Biles, the name Poole Wildcats was born and we started life in the National League in 1985. Unfortunately, we received a lot of flack from Weymouth supporters accusing us of being blacklegs for switching venues.

It still upsets me today at the thought we would have turned our backs on Weymouth. We were left with keeping speedway alive in the county. At one stage both Weymouth and Poole looked like disappearing off the map."
 

CHANGE OF NIGHTS?  By PAUL BAKER
SPEEDWAY racing in Weymouth is set to switch to Tuesdays next season. Wildcats boss Brian White will seek permission from the sport’s governing body to move fixtures from Friday nights. The request is expected to be granted by the British Speedway Promoters Association (BSPA), which means a return to the club’s traditional race day. White explained: “Friday nights have proved fairly successful for us with steady crowds throughout the summer. The only time we’ve really struggled is when the weather’s been dodgy and that’s just something we obviously have no control over. “We raced a couple of times on a Tuesday last season and it went well and I’m now going to ask the BSPA if we can switch on a permanent basis. The main reason for doing so is to attract more holidaymakers to the track. I have had talks with our main sponsors Haven Holidays and feel that we’d probably be better off on a Tuesday because Friday is traditionally a change over day for visitors. Haven know the holiday trade better than most and so I’ve taken their advice on board.”

He added: “On top of that, Tuesday was always speedway day in the town and there must have been a reason why former club owners ran in midweek. Crowds were always very good back in the 70s and 80s and so it’s certainly worth considering. I think the trouble with Fridays is that there is so many other things going on such as thrift clubs and bands playing whereas there’s not quite so much competition for us in midweek.”

Despite wanting to switch to Tuesdays, White revealed that some meetings would still have to be run on a reserve day, which is likely to be a Friday. He said: “Because we share our facilities with Weymouth Football Club we obviously can’t run when they have a home game at the Wessex Stadium. Their midweek night is a Tuesday and so there’ll be occasions at both ends of the summer when we’ll have to move. It seems sensible to make Friday our reserve day and that’s what I’ll be putting to the BSPA when I talk to them about the proposals. At this stage it is just a request and nothing is set in stone. The BSPA will have to consider the effect on other tracks who race on Tuesdays such as Isle of Wight although we raced on Fridays alongside Somerset last year and that didn't cause a problem."
 

CUT PRICE SEASON TICKETS  By PAUL BAKER
WEYMOUTH speedway fans are being offered cut-price season tickets if they purchase before Christmas. Supporters can get a £20 discount if they order their 2005 tickets before December 25. Wildcats boss Brian White said: "We have had a lot of enquires about season tickets and they are now available to buy. It sounds like a fair few people will be getting them as Christmas presents so we’ve arranged a discount for anyone who gets them over the next couple of weeks."

Tickets are priced at adults £225.00 (£205, if ordered before Christmas) and OAP's £175 (£155). Prices include admission to all Weymouth home fixtures, plus any Open and Challenge meetings during the 2005 season, but do not include any BSPA shared events held at the Wessex Stadium or programmes and stand seats.

White added: "We have calculated figures over a season of 25 meetings minimum and are in line with many other clubs 2005 season tickets. That represents great value for money and big saving for regular supporters."

Two passport size photos are required with every application and more details are available by calling Brian on 01305 769358 or 07793 838787 or by writing to: Weymouth Speedway, Wessex Stadium, Radipole Lane, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9XJ

Pay-on-the-day prices at the Wessex Stadium next season have been set at adults - £9, OAP's - £7 and Children - £3.